424B2 1 d617798d424b2.htm 424B2 424B2

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount

to be

Registered

 

Proposed
Maximum

Offering

Price Per

Unit

  Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price
 

Amount of

Registration

Fee(1)

Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

  2,929,092   $10.00   $29,290,920   $3,772.67

 

 

(1) 

Calculated in accordance with Rule 457(r) of the Securities Act of 1933.


Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration No. 333-180488

(To Prospectus dated March 30, 2012, Prospectus

Supplement dated March 30, 2012 and Product

Supplement SUN-2 dated April 2, 2012)

 

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The notes are being issued by Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”). There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security, including different investment risks and certain additional costs. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-6 of this term sheet and beginning on page S-8 of product supplement SUN-2.

The initial estimated value of the notes as of the pricing date is $9.38 per unit, which is less than the public offering price listed below. See “Summary” on the following page, “Risk Factors” on page TS-6 of this term sheet and “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-15 of this term sheet for additional information. The actual value of your notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy.

None of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), any state securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Note Prospectus (as defined below) is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

    

Per Unit

      

Total

        

Public offering price

   $ 10.00         $ 29,290,920.00        

Underwriting discount

   $ 0.25         $ 732,273.00        

Proceeds, before expenses, to BAC

   $ 9.75         $ 28,558,647.00        

The notes:

 

        Are Not FDIC Insured    Are Not Bank Guaranteed    May Lose Value  

Merrill Lynch & Co.

October 24, 2013

 

2,929,092 Units Pricing Date October 24, 2013 $10 principal amount per unit Settlement Date October 31, 2013 CUSIP No. 06053G123 Maturity Date October 26, 2018 Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to an International Equity Basket Maturity of approximately five years If the Basket is flat or increases up to the Step Up Value, a return of 14.90% If the Basket increases above the Step Up Value, a return equal to the percentage increase in the Basket The Basket is comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The MSCI EAFE Index was given an initial weight of 80%, and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index was given an initial weight of 20% 1-to-1 downside exposure to decreases in the Basket beyond a 25% decline, with up to 75% of your principal at risk All payments occur at maturity and are subject to the credit risk of Bank of America Corporation No periodic interest payments Limited secondary market liquidity, with no exchange listing Enhanced Return


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

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Summary

The Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018 (the “notes”) are our senior unsecured debt securities. The notes are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or secured by collateral. The notes will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. Any payments due on the notes, including any repayment of principal, will be subject to the credit risk of BAC. The notes provide you with a Step Up Payment if the Ending Value of the Market Measure, which is the International Equity Basket described below (the “Basket”), is equal to or greater than its Starting Value, but is not greater than the Step Up Value. If the Ending Value is greater than the Step Up Value, you will participate on a 1-for-1 basis in the increase in the level of the Basket above the Starting Value. If the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value, you will lose a portion, which could be significant, of the principal amount of your notes. Payments on the notes, including the amount you receive at maturity, will be calculated based on the $10 Original Offering Price per unit and will depend on our credit risk and the performance of the Basket. See “Terms of the Notes” below.

The Basket is comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (each, a “Basket Component”). On the pricing date, the MSCI EAFE Index was given an initial weight of 80%, and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index was given an initial weight of 20%.

The economic terms of the notes (including the Step Up Payment) are based on the rate we would pay to borrow funds through the issuance of market-linked notes and the economic terms of certain related hedging arrangements. The implied borrowing rate for market-linked notes is typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities. This difference in borrowing rate, as well as the underwriting discount and the hedging related charge described below, reduced the economic terms of the notes to you and the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date. Due to these factors, the public offering price you pay to purchase the notes is greater than the initial estimated value of the notes.

On the cover page of this term sheet, we have provided the initial estimated value for the notes. This initial estimated value was determined based on our and our affiliates’ pricing models, which take into consideration our implied borrowing costs and the market prices for the hedging arrangements related to the notes. For more information about the initial estimated value and the structuring of the notes, see “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-15.

 

Terms of the Notes

 

 

Issuer:

 

 

Bank of America Corporation (“BAC”)

 

Original Offering Price:

 

 

$10.00 per unit

 

Term:

 

 

Approximately five years

 

Market Measure:

 

 

An international equity basket comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index (Bloomberg symbol: “MXEA”), and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Bloomberg symbol: “MXEF”). Each Basket Component is a price return index.

 

Starting Value:

 

 

100.00

 

Ending Value:

 

 

The value of the Market Measure on the scheduled calculation day. The calculation day is subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described beginning on page S-22 of product supplement SUN-2.

 

Step Up Value:

 

 

114.90 (114.90% of the Starting Value, rounded to two decimal places).

 

Step Up Payment:

 

 

$1.49 per unit, which represents a return of 14.90% over the Original Offering Price.

 

Threshold Value:

 

 

75.00 (75% of the Starting Value, rounded to two decimal places).

 

Calculation Day:

 

 

October 19, 2018

 

Fees and Charges:

 

 

The underwriting discount of $0.25 per unit listed on the cover page and the hedging related charge of $0.075 per unit described in “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-15.

 

Calculation Agent:

 

 

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”), a subsidiary of BAC.

 

Redemption Amount Determination

On the maturity date, you will receive a cash payment per unit determined as follows:

 

 

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Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-2


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

    LOGO        

 

The terms and risks of the notes are contained in this term sheet and in the following:

 

  §  

Product supplement SUN-2 dated April 2, 2012:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/70858/000119312512146583/d324730d424b5.htm

 

  §  

Series L MTN prospectus supplement dated March 30, 2012 and prospectus dated March 30, 2012:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/70858/000119312512143855/d323958d424b5.htm

These documents (together, the “Note Prospectus”) have been filed as part of a registration statement with the SEC, which may, without cost, be accessed on the SEC website as indicated above or obtained from MLPF&S by calling 1-866-500-5408.

Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, for information about us and this offering. Any prior or contemporaneous oral statements and any other written materials you may have received are superseded by the Note Prospectus. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this term sheet have the meanings set forth in product supplement SUN-2. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this document to “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references are to BAC.

Investor Considerations

 

You may wish to consider an investment in the notes if:

 

§  

You anticipate that the Basket will increase from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.

 

§  

You are willing to risk a loss of principal and return if the Basket decreases from the Starting Value to an Ending Value that is below the Threshold Value.

 

§  

You are willing to forgo the interest payments that are paid on conventional interest bearing debt securities.

 

§  

You are willing to forgo dividends or other benefits of owning the stocks included in the Basket Components.

 

§  

You are willing to accept a limited market for sales prior to maturity, and understand that the market prices for the notes, if any, will be affected by various factors, including our actual and perceived creditworthiness, the implied borrowing rate and fees and charges on the notes.

 

§  

You are willing to assume our credit risk, as issuer of the notes, for all payments under the notes, including the Redemption Amount.

The notes may not be an appropriate investment for you if:

 

§  

You believe that the Basket will decrease from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.

 

§  

You seek 100% principal protection or preservation of capital.

 

§  

You seek interest payments or other current income on your investment.

 

§  

You want to receive dividends or other distributions paid on the stocks included in the Basket Components.

 

§  

You seek an investment for which there will be a liquid secondary market.

 

§  

You are unwilling or are unable to take market risk on the notes or to take our credit risk as issuer of the notes.

 

 

We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-3


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

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Hypothetical Payout Profile and Examples of Payments at Maturity

 

LOGO  

 

 

 

This graph reflects the returns on the notes, based on the Step Up Payment of $1.49, the Step Up Value of 114.90% of the Starting Value and the Threshold Value of 75% of the Starting Value. The green line reflects the returns on the notes, while the dotted gray line reflects the returns of a direct investment in the stocks included in the Basket Components, excluding dividends.

 

This graph has been prepared for purposes of illustration only.

The following table and examples are for purposes of illustration only. They are based on hypothetical values and show hypothetical returns on the notes. They illustrate the calculation of the Redemption Amount and total rate of return based on the Starting Value of 100, the Threshold Value of 75, the Step Up Value of 114.90, the Step Up Payment of $1.49 per unit and a range of hypothetical Ending Values. The actual amount you receive and the resulting total rate of return will depend on the actual Ending Value and whether you hold the notes to maturity. The following examples do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the notes.

For recent actual levels of the Market Measure, see “The International Equity Basket” section below. Each Basket Component is a price return index, and as such, the Ending Value will not include any income generated by dividends paid on the stocks included in either of the Basket Components, which you would otherwise be entitled to receive if you invested in those stocks directly. In addition, all payments on the notes are subject to issuer credit risk.

 

Ending Value

 

Percentage Change from
the Starting

Value to the

Ending Value

 

Redemption

Amount per Unit

 

Total Rate

of Return on

the Notes

    0.00         -100.00 %       $2.50         -75.00 %
    50.00         -50.00 %       $7.50         -25.00 %
    65.00         -35.00 %       $9.00         -10.00 %
    75.00  (1)       -25.00 %       $10.00         0.00 %
    80.00         -20.00 %       $10.00         0.00 %
    90.00         -10.00 %       $10.00         0.00 %
    94.00         -6.00 %       $10.00         0.00 %
    97.00         -3.00 %       $10.00         0.00 %
    100.00  (2)       0.00 %       $11.49  (3)       14.90 %
    102.00         2.00 %       $11.49         14.90 %
    105.00         5.00 %       $11.49         14.90 %
    110.00         10.00 %       $11.49         14.90 %
    114.90  (4)       14.90 %       $11.49         14.90 %
    120.00         20.00 %       $12.00         20.00 %
    130.00         30.00 %       $13.00         30.00 %
    140.00         40.00 %       $14.00         40.00 %
    150.00         50.00 %       $15.00         50.00 %
    160.00         60.00 %       $16.00         60.00 %

 

(1) 

This is the Threshold Value.

 

(2) 

The Starting Value was set to 100.00 on the pricing date.

 

(3) 

This amount represents the sum of the Original Offering Price and the Step Up Payment of $1.49.

 

(4) 

This is the Step Up Value.

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-4


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

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Redemption Amount Calculation Examples

Example 1

The Ending Value is 65.00, or 65.00% of the Starting Value:

 

Starting Value:        100.00     
Threshold Value:        75.00     
Ending Value:        65.00     

 

 

$10 –

  [   $10 ×   (   75 –  65   )   ]   = $9.00 Redemption Amount per unit  
          100        

Example 2

The Ending Value is 90.00, or 90.00% of the Starting Value:

 

Starting Value:        100.00     
Threshold Value:        75.00     
Ending Value:        90.00     

Redemption Amount per unit = $10.00, the Original Offering Price, since the Ending Value is less than the Starting Value, but is equal to or greater than the Threshold Value.

Example 3

The Ending Value is 110.00, or 110.00% of the Starting Value:

 

Starting Value:        100.00     
Step Up Value:        114.90     
Ending Value:        110.00     

 

$10.000 + $1.490 = $11.490    Redemption Amount per unit, the Original Offering Price plus the Step Up Payment, since the Ending Value is equal to or greater than the Starting Value, but less than the Step Up Value.

Example 4

The Ending Value is 140.00, or 140.00% of the Starting Value:

 

Starting Value:        100.00     
Step Up Value:        114.90     
Ending Value:        140.00     

 

 

$10 +

  [   $10 ×   (   140 –  100   )   ]   = $14.00 Redemption Amount per unit  
          100        

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-5


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

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Risk Factors

There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security. An investment in the notes involves significant risks, including those listed below. You should carefully review the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the notes in the “Risk Factors” sections beginning on page S-8 of product supplement SUN-2, page S-5 of the MTN prospectus supplement, and page 8 of the prospectus identified above. We also urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.

 

  §  

Depending on the performance of the Basket as measured shortly before the maturity date, your investment may result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal.

 

  §  

Your return on the notes may be less than the yield you could earn by owning a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity.

 

  §  

Payments on the notes are subject to our credit risk, and actual or perceived changes in our creditworthiness are expected to affect the value of the notes. If we become insolvent or are unable to pay our obligations, you may lose your entire investment.

 

  §  

The initial estimated value of the notes is an estimate only, determined as of a particular point in time by reference to our and our affiliates’ pricing models. These pricing models consider certain assumptions and variables, including our credit spreads, our implied borrowing rate on the pricing date, mid-market terms on hedging transactions, expectations on interest rates and volatility, price-sensitivity analysis, and the expected term of the notes. These pricing models rely in part on certain forecasts about future events, which may prove to be incorrect.

 

  §  

The public offering price you pay for the notes exceeds the initial estimated value. If you attempt to sell the notes prior to maturity, their market value may be lower than the price you paid for them and lower than the initial estimated value. This is due to, among other things, changes in the level of the Basket, the implied borrowing rate we pay to issue market-linked notes, and the inclusion in the public offering price of the underwriting discount and the hedging related charge, all as further described in “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-15. These factors, together with various credit, market and economic factors over the term of the notes, are expected to reduce the price at which you may be able to sell the notes in any secondary market and will affect the value of the notes in complex and unpredictable ways.

 

  §  

The initial estimated value does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which we, MLPF&S or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your notes in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time. The value of your notes at any time after issuance will vary based on many factors that cannot be predicted with accuracy, including the performance of the Basket, our creditworthiness and changes in market conditions.

 

  §  

A trading market is not expected to develop for the notes. Neither we nor MLPF&S is obligated to make a market for, or to repurchase, the notes. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your notes at any price in any secondary market.

 

  §  

Our business activities as a full service financial institution, including our commercial and investment banking activities, our hedging and trading activities (including trades in shares of companies included in the Basket Components) and any hedging and trading activities we engage in for our clients’ accounts, may affect the market value of the notes and their return and may create conflicts of interest with you.

 

  §  

Changes in the value of one Basket Component may be offset by changes in the value of the other Basket Component.

 

  §  

The index sponsor may adjust each Basket Component in a way that affects its level, and the index sponsor has no obligation to consider your interests.

 

  §  

You will have no rights of a holder of the securities included in the Basket Components, and you will not be entitled to receive securities or dividends or other distributions by the issuers of those securities.

 

  §  

While we or our affiliates may from time to time own shares of the companies included in the Basket Components, we do not control any company included in either Basket Component, and are not responsible for any disclosure made by any other company.

 

  §  

Your return on the notes and the value of the notes may be affected by exchange rate movements and factors affecting the international securities markets.

 

  §  

There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent. We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent.

 

  §  

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the notes are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes. See “Summary Tax Consequences” below and “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” beginning on page S-32 of product supplement SUN-2.

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-6


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

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Other Terms of the Notes

Market Measure Business Day

The following definition shall supersede and replace the definition of a “Market Measure Business Day” set forth in product supplement SUN-2 dated April 2, 2012.

A “Market Measure Business Day” means a day on which:

(A) each of the London Stock Exchange, Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Paris Bourse, Tokyo Stock Exchange (as to the MSCI EAFE Index), and the London Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, São Paulo Stock Exchange and Korea Stock Exchange (as to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index) (or any successor to the foregoing exchanges) are open for trading; and

(B) the Basket Components or any successors thereto are calculated and published.

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-7


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

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The International Equity Basket

The Basket is designed to allow investors to participate in the percentage changes in the levels of the Basket Components from the Starting Value to the Ending Value of the Basket. The Basket Components are described in the section “The Basket Components” below. Each Basket Component will be assigned an initial weight on the pricing date, as set forth in the table below.

For more information on the calculation of the value of the Basket, please see the section entitled “Description of the Notes — Basket Market Measures” beginning on page S-26 of product supplement SUN-2.

On the pricing date, for each Basket Component, the Initial Component Weight, the closing level, the Component Ratio and the initial contribution to the Basket value were as follows:

 

Basket Component   

Bloomberg

Symbol

  

Initial

Component

Weight

  

Closing

Level(1)

  

Component

Ratio(2)

  

Initial Basket

Value

Contribution

MSCI EAFE Index

   MXEA    80.00    1,896.55        0.04218186      80.00

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

   MXEF    20.00    1,030.82        0.01940203      20.00
                Starting Value      100.00

 

(1) 

These were the closing levels of the Basket Components on the pricing date.

 

(2) 

Each Component Ratio equals the Initial Component Weight of the relevant Basket Component (as a percentage) multiplied by 100, and then divided by the closing level of that Basket Component on the pricing date and rounded to eight decimal places.

The calculation agent will calculate the value of the Basket by summing the products of the closing level for each Basket Component on the calculation day and the Component Ratio applicable to such Basket Component. If a Market Disruption Event occurs as to either Basket Component on the scheduled calculation day, the closing level of that Basket Component will be determined as more fully described beginning on page S-22 of product supplement SUN-2 in the section “Description of the Notes — The Starting Value and the Ending Value — Ending Value — Equity-Based Basket Market Measures.”

While actual historical information on the Basket did not exist before the pricing date, the following graph sets forth the hypothetical historical performance of the Basket from January 2008 through September 2013. The graph is based upon actual month-end historical levels of the Basket Components, hypothetical Component Ratios determined as of December 31, 2007, and a Basket value of 100.00 as of that date. This hypothetical historical data on the Basket is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the Basket or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the value of the Basket during any period set forth below is not an indication that the value of the Basket is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes.

 

LOGO

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-8


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

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The Basket Components

All disclosures contained in this term sheet regarding the Basket Components, including, without limitation, their make-up, method of calculation, and changes in their components, have been derived from publicly available sources. The information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, the applicable index sponsor. The index sponsor has no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, any Basket Component. The consequences of an index sponsor discontinuing publication of a Basket Component are discussed in the section of product supplement SUN-2 entitled “Description of the Notes — Discontinuance of a Market Measure” beginning on page S-25 of product supplement SUN-2. None of us, the calculation agent, or the selling agent accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of any Basket Component or any successor index.

The MSCI EAFE Index

The MSCI EAFE Index is intended to measure equity market performance in developed market countries, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization equity index with a base date of December 31, 1969 and an initial value of 100.00. The MSCI EAFE Index is calculated daily in U.S. dollars and published in real time every 60 seconds during market trading hours. The MSCI EAFE Index currently consists of companies from the following 22 developed countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. As of September 30, 2013, the five largest country weights were the United Kingdom (21.7%), Japan (21.6%), France (9.8%), Switzerland (9.0%), and Germany (8.7%), and the five largest sector weights were Financials (25.4%), Industrials (13.0%), Consumer Discretionary (11.8%), Consumer Staples (11.2%), and Health Care (9.9%).

The MSCI EAFE Index is part of the MSCI Regional Equity Indices series and is an MSCI Global Investable Market Index, which is a family within the MSCI International Equity Indices.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is intended to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index with a base date of December 31, 1987 and an initial value of 100.00. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is calculated daily in U.S. dollars and published in real time every 60 seconds during market trading hours. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index currently consists of the following 21 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey. As of September 30, 2013, the five largest country weights were China (19.4%), South Korea (15.9%), Brazil (11.6%), Taiwan (11.5%), and South Africa (7.5%), and the five largest sector weights were Financials (27.0%), Information Technology (15.1%), Energy (11.9%), Materials (9.8%), and Consumer Discretionary (8.8%).

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is part of the MSCI Regional Equity Indices series and is an MSCI Global Investable Market Index, which is a family within the MSCI International Equity Indices.

General - MSCI Indices

MSCI provides global equity indices intended to measure equity performance in international markets and the MSCI International Equity Indices are designed to serve as global equity performance benchmarks. In constructing these indices, MSCI applies its index construction and maintenance methodology across developed, emerging, and frontier markets.

MSCI enhanced the methodology used in its MSCI International Equity Indices. The MSCI Standard and MSCI Small Cap Indices, along with the other MSCI equity indices based on them, transitioned to the global investable market indices methodology described below. The transition was completed at the end of May 2008. The Enhanced MSCI Standard Indices are composed of the MSCI Large Cap and Mid Cap Indices. The MSCI Global Small Cap Index transitioned to the MSCI Small Cap Index resulting from the Global Investable Market Indices methodology and contains no overlap with constituents of the transitioned MSCI Standard Indices. Together, the relevant MSCI Large Cap, Mid Cap, and Small Cap Indices will make up the MSCI investable market index for each country, composite, sector, and style index that MSCI offers.

Constructing the MSCI Global Investable Market Indices. MSCI undertakes an index construction process, which involves:

 

  §  

defining the equity universe;

 

  §  

determining the market investable equity universe for each market;

 

  §  

determining market capitalization size segments for each market;

 

  §  

applying index continuity rules for the MSCI Standard Index;

 

  §  

creating style segments within each size segment within each market; and

 

  §  

classifying securities under the Global Industry Classification Standard (the “GICS”).

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-9


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

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Defining the Equity Universe. The equity universe is defined by:

 

  §  

Identifying Eligible Equity Securities: the equity universe initially looks at securities listed in any of the countries in the MSCI Global Index Series, which will be classified as either Developed Markets (“DM”) or Emerging Markets (“EM”). All listed equity securities, or listed securities that exhibit characteristics of equity securities, except mutual funds, ETFs, equity derivatives, limited partnerships, and most investment trusts, are eligible for inclusion in the equity universe. Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) in some countries and certain income trusts in Canada are also eligible for inclusion.

 

  §  

Classifying Eligible Securities into the Appropriate Country: each company and its securities (i.e., share classes) are classified in only one country.

Determining the Market Investable Equity Universes. A market investable equity universe for a market is derived by applying investability screens to individual companies and securities in the equity universe that are classified in that market. A market is equivalent to a single country, except in DM Europe, where all DM countries in Europe are aggregated into a single market for index construction purposes. Subsequently, individual DM Europe country indices within the MSCI Europe Index are derived from the constituents of the MSCI Europe Index under the global investable market indices methodology.

The investability screens used to determine the investable equity universe in each market are as follows:

 

  §  

Equity Universe Minimum Size Requirement: this investability screen is applied at the company level. In order to be included in a market investable equity universe, a company must have the required minimum full market capitalization.

 

  §  

Equity Universe Minimum Free Float-Adjusted Market Capitalization Requirement: this investability screen is applied at the individual security level. To be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, a security must have a free float-adjusted market capitalization equal to or higher than 50% of the equity universe minimum size requirement.

 

  §  

DM and EM Minimum Liquidity Requirement: this investability screen is applied at the individual security level. To be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, a security must have adequate liquidity. The twelve-month and three-month Annual Traded Value Ratio (“ATVR”), a measure that screens out extreme daily trading volumes and takes into account the free float-adjusted market capitalization size of securities, together with the three-month frequency of trading are used to measure liquidity. In the calculation of the ATVR, the trading volumes in depository receipts associated with that security, such as ADRs or GDRs, are also considered. A minimum liquidity level of 20% of three- and twelve-month ATVR and 90% of three-month frequency of trading over the last four consecutive quarters are required for inclusion of a security in a market investable equity universe of a DM, and a minimum liquidity level of 15% of three- and twelve-month ATVR and 80% of three-month frequency of trading over the last four consecutive quarters are required for inclusion of a security in a market investable equity universe of an EM.

 

  §  

Global Minimum Foreign Inclusion Factor Requirement: this investability screen is applied at the individual security level. To be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, a security’s Foreign Inclusion Factor (“FIF”) must reach a certain threshold. The FIF of a security is defined as the proportion of shares outstanding that is available for purchase in the public equity markets by international investors. This proportion accounts for the available free float of and/or the foreign ownership limits applicable to a specific security (or company). In general, a security must have an FIF equal to or larger than 0.15 to be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe.

 

  §  

Minimum Length of Trading Requirement: this investability screen is applied at the individual security level. For an initial public offering (“IPO”) to be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, the new issue must have started trading at least four months before the implementation of the initial construction of the index or at least three months before the implementation of a semi–annual index review (as described below). This requirement is applicable to small new issues in all markets. Large IPOs are not subject to the minimum length of trading requirement and may be included in a market investable equity universe and the MSCI Standard Index outside of a Quarterly or Semi–Annual Index Review (as defined below).

Defining Market Capitalization Size Segments for Each Market. Once a market investable equity universe is defined, it is segmented into the following size–based indices:

 

  §  

Investable Market Index (Large + Mid + Small);

 

  §  

Standard Index (Large + Mid);

 

  §  

Large Cap Index;

 

  §  

Mid Cap Index; or

 

  §  

Small Cap Index.

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-10


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

    LOGO        

 

Creating the size segment indices in each market involves the following steps:

 

  §  

defining the market coverage target range for each size segment;

 

  §  

determining the global minimum size range for each size segment;

 

  §  

determining the market size–segment cutoffs and associated segment number of companies;

 

  §  

assigning companies to the size segments; and

 

  §  

applying final size–segment investability requirements.

Index Continuity Rules for the Standard Indices. In order to achieve index continuity, as well as to provide some basic level of diversification within a market index, and notwithstanding the effect of other index construction rules described in this section, a minimum number of five constituents will be maintained for a DM Standard Index and a minimum number of three constituents will be maintained for an EM Standard Index.

Creating Style Indices within Each Size Segment. All securities in the investable equity universe are classified into value or growth segments using the MSCI Global Value and Growth methodology.

Classifying Securities under the Global Industry Classification Standard. All securities in the global investable equity universe are assigned to the industry that best describes their business activities. To this end, MSCI has designed, in conjunction with Standard & Poor’s, the GICS. Under the GICS, each company is assigned to one sub–industry according to its principal business activity. Therefore, a company can belong to only one industry grouping at each of the four levels of the GICS.

Index Maintenance

The MSCI global investable market indices are maintained with the objective of reflecting the evolution of the underlying equity markets and segments on a timely basis, while seeking to achieve index continuity, continuous investability of constituents and replicability of the indices, and index stability, and low index turnover. In particular, index maintenance involves:

(i) Semi–Annual Index Reviews (“SAIRs”) in May and November of the Size Segment and Global Value and Growth Indices which include:

 

  §  

updating the indices on the basis of a fully refreshed equity universe;

 

  §  

taking buffer rules into consideration for migration of securities across size and style segments; and

 

  §  

updating FIFs and Number of Shares (“NOS”).

(ii) Quarterly Index Reviews (“QIRs”) in February and August of the Size Segment Indices aimed at:

 

  §  

including significant new eligible securities (such as IPOs that were not eligible for earlier inclusion) in the index;

 

  §  

allowing for significant moves of companies within the Size Segment Indices, using wider buffers than in the SAIR; and

 

  §  

reflecting the impact of significant market events on FIFs and updating NOS.

(iii) Ongoing Event–Related Changes: changes of this type are generally implemented in the indices as they occur. Significantly large IPOs are included in the indices after the close of the company’s tenth day of trading.

Neither we nor any of our affiliates, including MLPF&S, accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance, or publication of, or for any error, omission, or disruption in, the MSCI EAFE Index, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, or any successor to these indices. MSCI does not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI Emerging Markets Index, or any data included in these indices. MSCI assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or disruption in the calculation and dissemination of the MSCI EAFE Index or the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. MSCI disclaims all responsibility for any errors or omissions in the calculation and dissemination of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI Emerging Markets Index, or the manner in which these indices are applied in determining the amount payable on the notes at maturity.

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-11


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

    LOGO        

 

The following graph sets forth the historical performance of the MSCI EAFE Index in the period from January 2008 through September 2013. We obtained this historical data from Bloomberg L.P. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg L.P. On the pricing date, the closing level of the MSCI EAFE Index was 1,896.55.

 

LOGO

This historical data on the MSCI EAFE Index is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the MSCI EAFE Index or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the MSCI EAFE Index during any period set forth below is not an indication that the level of the MSCI EAFE Index is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes.

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-12


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

    LOGO        

 

The following graph sets forth the historical performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index in the period from January 2008 through September 2013. We obtained this historical data from Bloomberg L.P. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg L.P. On the pricing date, the closing level of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index was 1,030.82.

 

LOGO

This historical data on the MSCI Emerging Markets Index is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index during any period set forth below is not an indication that the level of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes.

Before investing in the notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels and trading pattern of the MSCI EAFE Index and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-13


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

    LOGO        

 

License Agreement

“MSCI EAFE IndexSM” and “MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM” are service marks of MSCI and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by us. Notes based on the MSCI EAFE IndexSM and the MSCI Emerging Markets IndexSM are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by MSCI, and MSCI makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the notes.

Our right to use the MSCI EAFE Index and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index in connection with the notes is subject to a license agreement between us and MSCI. In connection with that license, please note the following:

THE NOTES ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD, OR PROMOTED BY MSCI, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, ANY OF ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS, OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, COMPILING, COMPUTING, OR CREATING THE MSCI EAFE INDEX OR THE MSCI EMERGING MARKETS INDEX (COLLECTIVELY, THE “MSCI PARTIES”). THE MSCI EAFE INDEX AND THE MSCI EMERGING MARKETS INDEX ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF MSCI. MSCI, THE MSCI EAFE INDEX AND THE MSCI EMERGING MARKETS INDEX ARE SERVICE MARKS OF MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED TO US FOR USE FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES. THE NOTES HAVE NOT BEEN PASSED ON BY ANY OF THE MSCI PARTIES AS TO THEIR LEGALITY OR SUITABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY PERSON OR ENTITY AND NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY WARRANTIES OR BEARS ANY LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE NOTES. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO US OR OWNERS OF THE NOTES OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN ANY SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN THIS OFFERING PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF THE MSCI EAFE INDEX OR THE MSCI EMERGING MARKETS INDEX TO TRACK CORRESPONDING STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE. MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES ARE THE LICENSORS OF CERTAIN TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS, AND TRADE NAMES AND OF THE MSCI EAFE INDEX AND THE MSCI EMERGING MARKETS INDEX, WHICH ARE DETERMINED, COMPOSED, AND CALCULATED BY MSCI WITHOUT REGARD TO THE NOTES, TO US, TO THE OWNERS OF THE NOTES, OR TO ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAS ANY OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF US OR OWNERS OF THE NOTES OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY INTO CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING, COMPOSING, OR CALCULATING THE MSCI EAFE INDEX OR THE MSCI EMERGING MARKETS INDEX. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OR HAS PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF THE NOTES TO BE ISSUED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE AMOUNT THAT MAY BE PAID AT MATURITY ON THE NOTES. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAS ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO US OR TO OWNERS OF THE NOTES OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR, OFFERING OF THE NOTES.

ALTHOUGH MSCI SHALL OBTAIN INFORMATION FOR INCLUSION IN OR FOR USE IN THE CALCULATION OF THE MSCI EAFE INDEX OR THE MSCI EMERGING MARKETS INDEX FROM SOURCES THAT MSCI CONSIDERS RELIABLE, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES WARRANTS OR GUARANTEES THE ORIGINALITY, ACCURACY, AND/OR COMPLETENESS OF THE MSCI EAFE INDEX, THE MSCI EMERGING MARKETS INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY US, OWNERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, FROM THE USE OF THE MSCI EAFE INDEX, THE MSCI EMERGING MARKETS INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE MSCI EAFE INDEX, THE MSCI EMERGING MARKETS INDEX, OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. FURTHER, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND AND THE MSCI PARTIES HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION AND FOR PURPOSES OF EXAMPLE ONLY, ALL WARRANTIES OF TITLE, SEQUENCE, AVAILABILITY, ORIGINALITY, ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, TIMELINESS, NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARISING FROM TRADE USAGE, COURSE OF DEALING, AND COURSE OF PERFORMANCE) WITH RESPECT TO THE MSCI EAFE INDEX, THE MSCI EMERGING MARKETS INDEX, AND ALL DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY DAMAGES, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, OR OTHER ECONOMIC LOSS), AND WHETHER IN TORT (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, STRICT LIABILITY, AND NEGLIGENCE), CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF IT MIGHT HAVE ANTICIPATED, OR WAS ADVISED OF, THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

No purchaser, seller, or holder of the notes, or any other person or entity, should use or refer to any MSCI trade name, trademark, or service mark to sponsor, endorse, market, or promote the notes without first contacting MSCI to determine whether MSCI’s permission is required. Under no circumstances may any person or entity claim any affiliation with MSCI without the prior written permission of MSCI.

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-14


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

    LOGO        

 

Supplement to the Plan of Distribution; Conflicts of Interest

Under our distribution agreement with MLPF&S, MLPF&S will purchase the notes from us as principal at the public offering price indicated on the cover of this term sheet, less the indicated underwriting discount.

MLPF&S, a broker-dealer subsidiary of BAC, is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and will participate as selling agent in the distribution of the notes. Accordingly, offerings of the notes will conform to the requirements of Rule 5121 applicable to FINRA members. MLPF&S may not make sales in this offering to any of its discretionary accounts without the prior written approval of the account holder.

We will deliver the notes against payment therefor in New York, New York on a date that is greater than three business days following the pricing date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than three business days prior to the original issue date will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. In the original offering of the notes, the notes will be sold in minimum investment amounts of 100 units. If you place an order to purchase the notes, you are consenting to MLPF&S acting as a principal in effecting the transaction for your account.

MLPF&S may repurchase and resell the notes, with repurchases and resales being made at prices related to then-prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices, and these will include MLPF&S’s trading commissions and mark-ups. MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in these market-making transactions; however, it is not obligated to engage in any such transactions. At MLPF&S’s discretion, for a short, undetermined initial period after the issuance of the notes, any purchase price paid by MLPF&S in the secondary market may be, in certain circumstances, closer to the amount that you paid for the notes than to the initial estimated value. However, neither we nor any of our affiliates is obligated to purchase your notes at any price, or at a price that exceeds the initial estimated value.

The value of the notes shown on your account statement will be based on MLPF&S’s estimate of the value of the notes if MLPF&S or another of our affiliates were to make a market in the notes, which it is not obligated to do. That estimate will be based upon the price that MLPF&S may pay for the notes in light of then-prevailing market conditions, our creditworthiness and transaction costs. At certain times, this price may be higher than or lower than the initial estimated value of the notes.

Structuring the Notes

The notes are our debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Basket. As is the case for all of our debt securities, including our market-linked notes, the economic terms of the notes reflect our actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. In addition, because market-linked notes result in increased operational, funding and liability management costs to us, we typically borrow the funds under these notes at a rate that is more favorable to us than the rate that we might pay for a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security. This rate is generally lower by an amount that we do not expect to exceed 0.50% per annum (equivalent to not more than $0.25 per unit). This generally relatively lower implied borrowing rate, which is reflected in the economic terms of the notes, along with the fees and charges associated with market-linked notes, resulted in the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date being less than their public offering price.

At maturity, we are required to pay the Redemption Amount to holders of the notes, which will be calculated based on the performance of the Basket and the $10 per unit Original Offering Price . In order to meet these payment obligations, at the time we issue the notes, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives) with MLPF&S or one of its affiliates. The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined by seeking bids from market participants, including MLPF&S and its affiliates, and take into account a number of factors, including our creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the volatility of the Basket, the tenor of the note and the tenor of the hedging arrangements. The economic terms of the notes and their initial estimated value depend in part on the terms of these hedging arrangements.

MLPF&S has advised us that the hedging arrangements will include a hedging related charge of approximately $0.075 per unit, reflecting an estimated profit to be credited to MLPF&S from these transactions. Since hedging entails risk and may be influenced by unpredictable market forces, additional profits and losses from these hedging arrangements may be realized by MLPF&S or any third party hedge providers.

For further information, see “Risk Factors — General Risks Relating to the Notes” beginning on page S-8 and “Use of Proceeds” on page S-18 of product supplement SUN-2.

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-15


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

    LOGO        

 

Summary Tax Consequences

You should consider the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes, including the following:

 

   

There is no statutory, judicial, or administrative authority directly addressing the characterization of the notes.

 

   

You agree with us (in the absence of an administrative determination, or judicial ruling to the contrary) to characterize and treat the notes for all tax purposes as a single financial contract with respect to the Basket.

 

   

Under this characterization and tax treatment of the notes, a U.S. Holder (as defined beginning on page 62 of the prospectus) generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon maturity or upon a sale or exchange of the notes prior to maturity. This capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if you held the notes for more than one year.

 

   

No assurance can be given that the IRS or any court will agree with this characterization and tax treatment.

 

   

Withholding and reporting requirements under the legislation enacted on March 18, 2010 (as discussed beginning on page 85 of the prospectus), will generally apply to payments made after June 30, 2014. However, this withholding tax will not be imposed on payments pursuant to obligations outstanding on July 1, 2014. Holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this recently enacted legislation on their investment in the notes.

You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of acquiring, owning, and disposing of the notes, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local, foreign, or other tax jurisdiction and the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal or other tax laws. You should review carefully the discussion under the section entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” beginning on page S-32 of product supplement SUN-2.

Validity of the Notes

In the opinion of McGuireWoods LLP, as counsel to BAC, when the trustee has made an appropriate entry on Schedule 1 to the Master Registered Global Senior Note, dated March 30, 2012 (the “Master Note”) identifying the notes offered hereby as supplemental obligations thereunder in accordance with the instructions of BAC, and the notes have been delivered against payment therefor as contemplated in this Note Prospectus, all in accordance with the provisions of the Senior Indenture, such notes will be legal, valid and binding obligations of BAC, subject to applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws affecting the rights of creditors now or hereafter in effect, and to equitable principles that may limit the right to specific enforcement of remedies, and further subject to 12 U.S.C. §1818(b)(6)(D) (or any successor statute) and any bank regulatory powers now or hereafter in effect and to the application of principles of public policy. This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is limited to the federal laws of the United States, the laws of the State of New York and the Delaware General Corporation Law (including the statutory provisions, all applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and reported judicial decisions interpreting the foregoing). In addition, this opinion is subject to the assumption that the trustee’s certificate of authentication of the Master Note has been manually signed by one of the trustee’s authorized officers and to customary assumptions about the trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the Senior Indenture, the validity, binding nature and enforceability of the Senior Indenture with respect to the trustee, the legal capacity of natural persons, the genuineness of signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to McGuireWoods LLP as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to McGuireWoods LLP as photocopies thereof, the authenticity of the originals of such copies and certain factual matters, all as stated in the letter of McGuireWoods LLP dated March 30, 2012, which has been filed as an exhibit to BAC’s Registration Statement relating to the notes filed with the SEC on March 30, 2012.

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-16


Market-Linked Step Up Notes

Linked to an International Equity Basket, due October 26, 2018

    LOGO        

 

Where You Can Find More Information

We have filed a registration statement (including a product supplement, a prospectus supplement, and a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this term sheet relates. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, and the other documents that we have filed with the SEC, for more complete information about us and this offering. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, we, any agent, or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you these documents if you so request by calling MLPF&S toll-free at 1-866-500-5408.

Market-Linked Investments Classification

 

LOGO

MLPF&S classifies certain market-linked investments (the “Market-Linked Investments”) into categories, each with different investment characteristics. The following description is meant solely for informational purposes and is not intended to represent any particular Enhanced Return Market-Linked Investment or guarantee any performance.

Enhanced Return Market-Linked Investments are short- to medium-term investments that offer you a way to enhance exposure to a particular market view without taking on a similarly enhanced level of market downside risk. They can be especially effective in a flat to moderately positive market (or, in the case of bearish investments, a flat to moderately negative market). In exchange for the potential to receive better-than market returns on the linked asset, you must generally accept market downside risk and capped upside potential. As these investments are not market downside protected, and do not assure full repayment of principal at maturity, you need to be prepared for the possibility that you may lose all or part of your investment.

 

 

Market-Linked Step Up Notes    TS-17