FWP 1 j531247fwp.htm ELN 2616

 

Registration Statement No.333-264388
Filed Pursuant to Rule 433

 

Subject to Completion, dated May 31, 2024
Pricing Supplement to the Prospectus dated May 26, 2022,
the Prospectus Supplement dated May 26, 2022 and the Product Supplement dated September 22, 2022

 

 

 

US$ [ ]
Senior Medium-Term Notes, Series I
Contingent Risk Absolute Return Notes due December 31, 2026
Linked to the shares of iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF

 

·The notes are designed for investors who are seeking 200.00% leveraged positive return based on any appreciation in the level of the shares of iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF (the “Reference Asset”), subject to the Maximum Redemption Amount of $1,270.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of the notes (a 27.00% return on the notes). In addition, if a Barrier Event (as defined below) does not occur and the Final Level of the Reference Asset is less than the Initial Level, you will receive a positive return on your notes equal to the percentage by which that price declines up to the Maximum Downside Redemption Amount of $1,250.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of the notes (a 25.00% return on the notes).
·If the Reference Asset decreases by more than 25.00% from its Initial Level (a “Barrier Event”), investors will lose 1% of the principal amount for each 1% decrease in the level of the Reference Asset from its Initial Level to its Final Level. In such a case, you will receive a cash amount at maturity that is less than the principal amount, and may lose up to 100% of your principal amount at maturity.
·Investing in the notes is not equivalent to a direct investment in the Reference Asset.
·The notes do not bear interest. The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange.
·All payments on the notes are subject to the credit risk of Bank of Montreal.
·The notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.
·The CUSIP number of the notes is 06376ARH5.
·Our subsidiary, BMO Capital Markets Corp. (“BMOCM”), is the agent for this offering. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” below.
·The notes will not be subject to conversion into our common shares or the common shares of any of our affiliates under subsection 39.2(2.3) of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act (the “CDIC Act”).

 

Terms of the Notes:1

 

 Pricing Date:  June 25, 2024    Valuation Date:  December 28, 2026
 Settlement Date:  June 28, 2024    Maturity Date:  December 31, 2026

1Expected. See “Key Terms of the Notes” below for additional details.

 

  Price to Public1 Agent’s Commission1 Proceeds to Bank of Montreal1

Per Note

Total

100%

[ ]

2.75%

[ ]

97.25%

[ ]

1 The total “Agent’s Commission” and “Proceeds to Bank of Montreal” to be specified above will reflect the aggregate amounts at the time Bank of Montreal establishes its hedge positions on or prior to the Pricing Date, which may be variable and fluctuate depending on market conditions at such times. Certain dealers who purchased the notes for sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts may forego some or all of their selling concessions, fees or commissions. The public offering price for investors purchasing the notes in these accounts may be between $972.50 and $1,000 per $1,000 in principal amount. We or one of our affiliates may also pay a referral fee to certain dealers in connection with the distribution of the notes.

 

Investing in the notes involves risks, including those described in the “Selected Risk Considerations” section beginning on page P-5 hereof, the “Additional Risk Factors Relating to the Notes” section beginning on page PS-5 of the product supplement, and the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page S-1 of the prospectus supplement and on page 8 of the prospectus.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these notes or passed upon the accuracy of this document, the product supplement, the prospectus supplement or the prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. The notes will be our unsecured obligations and will not be savings accounts or deposits that are insured by the United States Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Deposit Insurance Fund, the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency or instrumentality or other entity.

 

On the date hereof, based on the terms set forth above, the estimated initial value of the notes is $971.30 per $1,000 in principal amount. The estimated initial value of the notes on the Pricing Date may differ from this value but will not be less than $925.00 per $1,000 in principal amount. However, as discussed in more detail below, the actual value of the notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy.

 

BMO CAPITAL MARKETS

 

  
 

 

Key Terms of the Notes:

 

Reference Asset: The shares of iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF (ticker symbol "EFA"). See "The Reference Asset" below for additional information.
   
Underlying Index: The MSCI EAFE Index
   
Payment at Maturity:

If the Percentage Change is positive and the Percentage Change multiplied by the Upside Leverage Factor is greater than or equal to the Maximum Return, then the amount that investors will receive at maturity for each $1,000 in principal amount of the notes will equal the Maximum Redemption Amount.

 

If the Percentage Change is positive and the Percentage Change multiplied by the Upside Leverage Factor is less than the Maximum Return, then the amount that investors will receive at maturity for each $1,000 in principal amount of the notes will equal:

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × Percentage Change × Upside Leverage Factor)

 

If the Percentage Change is less than or equal to zero, and a Barrier Event has not occurred, then the amount that investors will receive at maturity for each $1,000 in principal amount of the notes will equal:

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × -1 × Percentage Change)

 

In this case, subject to our credit risk, investors will receive a positive return on the notes up to the Maximum Downside Redemption Amount, even though the price of the Reference Asset has declined since the Pricing Date.

 

If the Percentage Change is less than or equal to zero, and a Barrier Event has occurred, then the amount that investors will receive at maturity for each $1,000 in principal amount of the notes will equal:

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × Percentage Change)

 

In this case, investors will lose 1% of their principal for each 1% that the Final Level of the Reference Asset declines from its Initial Level. You may lose all of the principal amount of your notes.

   
Upside Leverage Factor: 200.00%
   
Maximum Return: 27.00%
   
Maximum Redemption Amount: The payment at maturity will not exceed the Maximum Redemption Amount of $1,270.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of the notes.
   
Percentage Change:

The quotient, expressed as a percentage, of the following formula:

 

(Final Level - Initial Level )
Initial Level

   
Initial Level:2 The closing level of the Reference Asset on the Pricing Date.
   
Barrier Level:2 75.00% of the Initial Level.
   
Final Level: The closing level of the Reference Asset on the Valuation Date.
   
Maximum Downside Redemption
Amount:		 $1,250.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of the notes.
   
Barrier Event: A “Barrier Event” will occur if the Final Level of the Reference Asset is less than the Barrier Level.
   
Pricing Date:1 June 25, 2024
   
Settlement Date:1 June 28, 2024
   
Valuation Date:1 December 28, 2026
   
Maturity Date:1 December 31, 2026
   
Physical Delivery Amount: We will only pay cash on the Maturity Date, and you will have no right to receive any shares of the Reference Asset.
   
Calculation Agent: BMOCM

 

 2 
 

 

Selling Agent: BMOCM
   

1 Expected and subject to the occurrence of a market disruption event, as described in the accompanying product supplement. If we make any change to the expected Pricing Date and Settlement Date, the Valuation Date and Maturity Date will be changed so that the stated term of the notes remains approximately the same.

 

2As determined by the calculation agent and subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. See "General Terms of the Notes — Anti-dilution Adjustments to a Reference Asset that is an Equity Security (Including Any ETF)" and "— Adjustments to an ETF" in the product supplement for additional information.

 

 3 
 

 

Payoff Example

 

The following table shows the hypothetical payout profile of an investment in the notes based on various hypothetical Final Levels (and the corresponding Percentage Change) of the Reference Asset, reflecting the 200.00% Upside Leverage Factor, Maximum Return of 27.00%, a Barrier Level of 75.00% of the Initial Level and a hypothetical Maximum Downside Redemption Amount of $1,250.00. Please see “Examples of the Hypothetical Payment at Maturity for a $1,000 Investment in the Notes” below for more detailed examples.

 

 Hypothetical Percentage Change
of the Reference Asset 		 Participation in Percentage
Change 		 Hypothetical Return of the
Notes

16.00%

 

13.50%

 200% Upside Exposure, subject to the Maximum Return

27.00%

 

27.00%

9.00%

 

5.00%

 200% Upside Exposure

18.00%

 

10.00%

-10%

 

-25%

 If no Barrier Event has occurred, a positive absolute return, subject to the Maximum Downside Redemption Amount

10%

 

25%

-35%

 

-45%

 1x Loss Beyond Barrier Level

-35%

 

-45%

 

 4 
 

 

Additional Terms of the Notes

 

You should read this document together with the product supplement dated September 22, 2022, the prospectus supplement dated May 26, 2022 and the prospectus dated May 26, 2022. This document, together with the documents listed below, contains the terms of the notes and supersedes all other prior or contemporaneous oral statements as well as any other written materials including preliminary or indicative pricing terms, correspondence, trade ideas, structures for implementation, sample structures, fact sheets, brochures or other educational materials of ours or the agent. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in Additional Risk Factors Relating to the Notes in the product supplement, as the notes involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisers before you invest in the notes.

 

You may access these documents on the SEC website at www.sec.gov as follows (or if such address has changed, by reviewing our filings for the relevant date on the SEC website):

 

Product supplement dated September 22, 2022:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/927971/000121465922011396/j922220424b2.htm

 

Prospectus supplement dated May 26, 2022 and prospectus dated May 26, 2022:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000927971/000119312522160519/d269549d424b5.htm

 

Our Central Index Key, or CIK, on the SEC website is 927971. As used in this document, "we", "us" or "our" refers to Bank of Montreal.

 

We have filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this document relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and the other documents that we have filed with the SEC for more complete information about us and this offering. You may obtain these documents free of charge by visiting the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Alternatively, we will arrange to send to you the prospectus (as supplemented by the prospectus supplement and product supplement) if you request it by calling our agent toll-free at 1-877-369-5412.

 

 5 
 

 

Selected Risk Considerations

 

An investment in the notes involves significant risks. Investing in the notes is not equivalent to investing directly in the Reference Asset. These risks are explained in more detail in the “Additional Risk Factors Relating to the Notes” section of the product supplement.

 

Risks Related to the Structure or Features of the Notes

 

·Your investment in the notes may result in a loss. — The notes do not guarantee any return of principal. If the Final Level is less than its Barrier Level, you will lose 1% of the principal amount for each 1% that the Final Level is less than the Initial Level. In such a case, you will receive at maturity a cash payment that is less than the principal amount of the notes and may be zero. Accordingly, you could lose your entire investment in the notes.
·Your participation in any positive performance of the Reference Asset is limited to the Maximum Redemption Amount, regardless of any appreciation in the levels of the Reference Asset. — If the Reference Asset performs positively over the term of the notes, the return on your notes will not be greater than the Maximum Redemption Amount. This will be the case even if the Percentage Change of the Reference Asset multiplied by the Upside Leverage Factor exceeds the Maximum Return.
·Your participation in any negative performance of the Reference Asset is limited by the Maximum Downside Redemption Amount. — If the Reference Asset performs negatively over the term of the notes, your payment at maturity will not exceed the Maximum Downside Redemption Amount and may be negative if the Final Level is less than the Barrier Level. If the Final Level is less than the Initial Level, you will only receive a positive return on the notes if the Final Level is greater than or equal to the Barrier Level.
·Your return on the notes may be lower than the return on a conventional debt security of comparable maturity. — The return that you will receive on your notes, which could be negative, may be less than the return you could earn on other investments. The notes do not provide for interest payments and the payment you receive at maturity, if any, may be less than the principal amount of the notes. Even if your return on the notes is positive, your return may be less than the return you would earn if you bought a conventional senior interest bearing debt security of ours with the same maturity or if you invested directly in the Reference Asset. Your investment may not reflect the full opportunity cost to you when you take into account factors that affect the time value of money.

 

Risks Related to the Reference Asset

 

·Owning the notes is not the same as owning shares of the Reference Asset or a security directly linked to the Reference Asset. — The return on your notes will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned shares of the Reference Asset or a security directly linked to the performance of the Reference Asset and held that investment for a similar period. Your notes may trade quite differently from the Reference Asset. Changes in the level of the Reference Asset may not result in comparable changes in the market value of your notes. Even if the level of the Reference Asset increases during the term of the notes, the market value of the notes prior to maturity may not increase to the same extent. It is also possible for the market value of the notes to decrease while the level of the Reference Asset increases. In addition, any dividends or other distributions paid on the Reference Asset will not be reflected in the amount payable on the notes.
·You will not have any shareholder rights and will have no right to receive any shares of the Reference Asset (or any company included in the Reference Asset) at maturity. — Investing in your notes will not make you a holder of any shares of the Reference Asset or any securities held by the Reference Asset. Neither you nor any other holder or owner of the notes will have any voting rights, any right to receive dividends or other distributions, or any other rights with respect to the Reference Asset or such underlying securities.
·No delivery of shares of the Reference Asset. — The notes will be payable only in cash. You should not invest in the notes if you seek to have the shares of the Reference Asset delivered to you at maturity.
·Changes that affect the applicable Underlying Index will affect the market value of the notes and the amount you will receive at maturity. — The policies of the applicable index sponsor concerning the calculation of the applicable Underlying Index, additions, deletions or substitutions of the components of the applicable Underlying Index and the manner in which changes affecting those components, such as stock dividends, reorganizations or mergers, may be reflected in the applicable Reference Asset and, therefore, could affect the share price of the Reference Asset, the amounts payable on the notes, and the market value of the notes prior to maturity. The amount payable on the notes and their market value could also be affected if the applicable index sponsor changes these policies, for example, by changing the manner in which it calculates the applicable Underlying Index, or if the applicable index sponsor discontinues or suspends the calculation or publication of the applicable Underlying Index.
·We have no affiliation with the index sponsor of the applicable Underlying Index and will not be responsible for its actions. — The sponsor of the applicable Underlying Index is not our affiliate and will not be involved in the offering of the notes in any way. Consequently, we have no control over the actions of the index sponsor of the applicable Underlying Index, including any actions of the type that would require the calculation agent to adjust the payment to you at maturity. The index sponsors have no obligation of any sort with respect to the notes. Thus, the applicable index sponsor has no obligation to take your interests into consideration for any reason, including in taking any actions that might affect the value of the notes. None of our proceeds from the issuance of the notes will be delivered to the index sponsor of the applicable Underlying Index.
·Adjustments to the Reference Asset could adversely affect the notes. — The sponsor and advisor of the Reference Asset is responsible for calculating and maintaining the Reference Asset. The sponsor and advisor of the Reference Asset can add, delete or substitute the stocks comprising the Reference Asset or make other methodological changes that could change the share price of the Reference Asset at any time. If one or more of these events occurs, the calculation of the amount payable at maturity may be adjusted to reflect such event or events. Consequently, any of these actions could adversely affect the amount payable at maturity and/or the market value of the notes.
·We and our affiliates do not have any affiliation with the applicable investment advisor or the Reference Asset Issuer and are not responsible for their public disclosure of information. — The investment advisor of the Reference Asset advises the issuer of the Reference Asset (the “Reference Asset Issuer” ) on various matters, including matters relating to the policies, maintenance and calculation of the Reference Asset. We and our affiliates are not affiliated with the applicable investment advisor or the Reference Asset Issuer in any way and have no ability to control or predict its actions, including any errors in or discontinuance of disclosure regarding the methods or policies relating to the Reference Asset. Neither the applicable investment advisor nor the Reference Asset Issuer is involved in the offerings of the notes in any way and has no obligation to consider your interests as an owner of the notes in taking any actions relating to the Reference Asset that might affect the value of the notes. Neither we nor any of our affiliates has independently verified the adequacy or accuracy of the information about the applicable investment advisor or the Reference Asset contained in any public disclosure of information. You, as an investor in the notes, should make your own investigation into the Reference Asset Issuer.

 

 6 
 

 

·The correlation between the performance of the Reference Asset and the performance of the applicable Underlying Index may be imperfect. — The performance of the Reference Asset is linked principally to the performance of the applicable Underlying Index. However, because of the potential discrepancies identified in more detail in the product supplement, the return on the Reference Asset may correlate imperfectly with the return on the applicable Underlying Index.
·The Reference Asset is subject to management risks. — The Reference Asset is subject to management risk, which is the risk that the applicable investment advisor’s investment strategy, the implementation of which is subject to a number of constraints, may not produce the intended results. For example, the applicable investment advisor may invest a portion of the Reference Asset Issuer’s assets in securities not included in the relevant industry or sector but which the applicable investment advisor believes will help the Reference Asset track the relevant industry or sector.
·You must rely on your own evaluation of the merits of an investment linked to the Reference Asset. — In the ordinary course of their businesses, our affiliates from time to time may express views on expected movements in the prices of the Reference Asset or the prices of the securities held by the Reference Asset. One or more of our affiliates have published, and in the future may publish, research reports that express views on the Reference Asset or these securities. However, these views are subject to change from time to time. Moreover, other professionals who deal in the markets relating to the Reference Asset at any time may have significantly different views from those of our affiliates. You are encouraged to derive information concerning the Reference Asset from multiple sources, and you should not rely on the views expressed by our affiliates.
Neither the offering of the notes nor any views which our affiliates from time to time may express in the ordinary course of their businesses constitutes a recommendation as to the merits of an investment in the notes.

 

Risks related to iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF

 

·The iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, and therefore an investment in the notes, is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk. - The share price of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF will fluctuate based upon its net asset value, which will in turn depend in part upon changes in the value of the currencies in which the stocks held by the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF are traded. Accordingly, investors in the notes will be exposed to currency exchange rate risk with respect to each of these currencies. An investor’s net exposure will depend on the extent to which these currencies strengthen or weaken against the U.S. dollar. If the dollar strengthens against these currencies, the net asset value of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF will be adversely affected and the price of its shares may decrease.
·The iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, and therefore an investment in the notes, is subject to risks associated with foreign securities markets. - The Underlying Index of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF tracks the value of certain foreign equity securities. You should be aware that investments in securities linked to the value of foreign equity securities involve particular risks. The foreign securities markets comprising the Underlying Index of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF may have less liquidity and may be more volatile than U.S. or other securities markets and market developments may affect foreign markets differently from U.S. or other securities markets. Direct or indirect government intervention to stabilize these foreign securities markets, as well as cross-shareholdings in foreign companies, may affect trading prices and volumes in these markets. Also, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies than about those U.S. companies that are subject to the reporting requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and foreign companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements that differ from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies.
Prices of securities in foreign countries are subject to political, economic, financial and social factors that apply in those geographical regions. These factors, which could negatively affect those securities markets, include the possibility of recent or future changes in a foreign government’s economic and fiscal policies, the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange laws or other laws or restrictions applicable to foreign companies or investments in foreign equity securities and the possibility of fluctuations in the rate of exchange between currencies, the possibility of outbreaks of hostility and political instability and the possibility of natural disaster or adverse public health developments in the region. Moreover, foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in important respects such as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources and self-sufficiency.

 

General Risk Factors

 

·Your investment is subject to the credit risk of Bank of Montreal. — Our credit ratings and credit spreads may adversely affect the market value of the notes. Investors are dependent on our ability to pay any amounts due on the notes, and therefore investors are subject to our credit risk and to changes in the market’s view of our creditworthiness. Any decline in our credit ratings or increase in the credit spreads charged by the market for taking our credit risk is likely to adversely affect the value of the notes.
·Potential conflicts. — We and our affiliates play a variety of roles in connection with the issuance of the notes, including acting as calculation agent. In performing these duties, the economic interests of the calculation agent and other affiliates of ours are potentially adverse to your interests as an investor in the notes. We or one or more of our affiliates may also engage in trading of shares of the Reference Asset or the securities held by the Reference Asset on a regular basis as part of our general broker-dealer and other businesses, for proprietary accounts, for other accounts under management or to facilitate transactions for our customers. Any of these activities could adversely affect the level of the Reference Asset and, therefore, the market value of, and the payments on, the notes. We or one or more of our affiliates may also issue or underwrite other securities or financial or derivative instruments with returns linked or related to changes in the performance of the Reference Asset. By introducing competing products into the marketplace in this manner, we or one or more of our affiliates could adversely affect the market value of the notes.
·Our initial estimated value of the notes will be lower than the price to public. — Our initial estimated value of the notes is only an estimate, and is based on a number of factors. The price to public of the notes will exceed our initial estimated value, because costs associated with offering, structuring and hedging the notes are included in the price to public, but are not included in the estimated value. These costs include any underwriting discount and selling concessions, the profits that we and our affiliates expect to realize for assuming the risks in hedging our obligations under the notes and the estimated cost of hedging these obligations. The initial estimated value of the notes may be as low as the amount indicated on the cover page hereof.

 

 7 
 

 

·Our initial estimated value does not represent any future value of the notes, and may also differ from the estimated value of any other party. — Our initial estimated value of the notes as of the date hereof is, and our estimated value as determined on the Pricing Date will be, derived using our internal pricing models. This value is based on market conditions and other relevant factors, which include volatility of the Reference Asset, dividend rates and interest rates. Different pricing models and assumptions could provide values for the notes that are greater than or less than our initial estimated value. In addition, market conditions and other relevant factors after the Pricing Date are expected to change, possibly rapidly, and our assumptions may prove to be incorrect. After the Pricing Date, the value of the notes could change dramatically due to changes in market conditions, our creditworthiness, and the other factors set forth herein and in the product supplement. These changes are likely to impact the price, if any, at which we or BMOCM would be willing to purchase the notes from you in any secondary market transactions. Our initial estimated value does not represent a minimum price at which we or our affiliates would be willing to buy your notes in any secondary market at any time.
·The terms of the notes are not determined by reference to the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt. — To determine the terms of the notes, we will use an internal funding rate that represents a discount from the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt. As a result, the terms of the notes are less favorable to you than if we had used a higher funding rate.
·Certain costs are likely to adversely affect the value of the notes. — Absent any changes in market conditions, any secondary market prices of the notes will likely be lower than the price to public. This is because any secondary market prices will likely take into account our then-current market credit spreads, and because any secondary market prices are likely to exclude all or a portion of any underwriting discount and selling concessions, and the hedging profits and estimated hedging costs that are included in the price to public of the notes and that may be reflected on your account statements. In addition, any such price is also likely to reflect a discount to account for costs associated with establishing or unwinding any related hedge transaction, such as dealer discounts, mark-ups and other transaction costs. As a result, the price, if any, at which BMOCM or any other party may be willing to purchase the notes from you in secondary market transactions, if at all, will likely be lower than the price to public. Any sale that you make prior to the Maturity Date could result in a substantial loss to you.
·Lack of liquidity. — The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. BMOCM may offer to purchase the notes in the secondary market, but is not required to do so. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the notes easily. Because other dealers are not likely to make a secondary market for the notes, the price at which you may be able to trade the notes is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which BMOCM is willing to buy the notes.
·Hedging and trading activities. — We or any of our affiliates have carried out or may carry out hedging activities related to the notes, including purchasing or selling shares of the Reference Asset or securities held by the Reference Asset, futures or options relating to the Reference Asset or securities held by the Reference Asset or other derivative instruments with returns linked or related to changes in the performance on the Reference Asset or securities held by the Reference Asset. We or our affiliates may also trade in the Reference Asset, such securities, or instruments related to the Reference Asset or such securities from time to time. Any of these hedging or trading activities on or prior to the Pricing Date and during the term of the notes could adversely affect the payments on the notes.
·Many economic and market factors will influence the value of the notes. — In addition to the level of the Reference Asset and interest rates on any trading day, the value of the notes will be affected by a number of economic and market factors that may either offset or magnify each other, and which are described in more detail in the product supplement.
·Significant aspects of the tax treatment of the notes are uncertain. — The tax treatment of the notes is uncertain. We do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or from any Canadian authorities regarding the tax treatment of the notes, and the Internal Revenue Service or a court may not agree with the tax treatment described herein.
The Internal Revenue Service has released a notice that may affect the taxation of holders of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments. According to the notice, the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Treasury are actively considering whether the holder of such instruments should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis. While it is not clear whether the notes would be viewed as similar to such instruments, it is possible that any future guidance could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the notes, possibly with retroactive effect.
Please read carefully the section entitled "U.S. Federal Tax Information" herein, the section entitled "Supplemental Tax Considerations–Supplemental U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the accompanying product supplement, the section entitled "United States Federal Income Taxation" in the accompanying prospectus and the section entitled "Certain Income Tax Consequences" in the accompanying prospectus supplement. You should consult your tax advisor about your own tax situation.

 

 8 
 

 

Examples of the Hypothetical Payment at Maturity for a $1,000 Investment in the Notes

 

The following table illustrates the hypothetical payments on a note at maturity. The hypothetical payments are based on a $1,000 investment in the note, a hypothetical Initial Level of $100.00, a hypothetical Barrier Level of $75.00 (75.00% of the hypothetical Initial Level), the Maximum Return of 27.00%, the Maximum Redemption Amount of $1,270.00, and a range of hypothetical Final Levels and the effect on the payment at maturity.

 

The hypothetical examples shown below are intended to help you understand the terms of the notes. The actual cash amount that you will receive at maturity will depend upon the Final Level of the Reference Asset. You may lose some or all of the principal amount at maturity.

 

Hypothetical Final Level Hypothetical Final Level
Expressed as a Percentage of the
Initial Level 		Hypothetical Payment at
Maturity		 Hypothetical Return on the
Notes
$200.00 200.00% $1,270.00 27.00%
$180.00 180.00% $1,270.00 27.00%
$160.00 160.00% $1,270.00 27.00%
$140.00 140.00% $1,270.00 27.00%
$120.00 120.00% $1,270.00 27.00%
$113.50 113.50% $1,270.00 27.00%
$110.00 110.00% $1,200.00 20.00%
$105.00 105.00% $1,100.00 10.00%
$100.00 100.00% $1,000.00 0.00%
$95.00 95.00% $1,050.00 5.00%
$90.00 90.00% $1,100.00 10.00%
$85.00 85.00% $1,150.00 15.00%
$80.00 80.00% $1,200.00 20.00%
$75.00 75.00% $1,250.00 25.00%
$74.99 74.99% $749.90 -25.01%
$60.00 60.00% $600.00 -40.00%
$40.00 40.00% $400.00 -60.00%
$20.00 20.00% $200.00 -80.00%
$0.00 0.00% $0.00 -100.00%

The following examples illustrate how the returns set forth in the table above are calculated.

 

Example 1: The level of the Reference Asset decreases from the hypothetical Initial Level of $100.00 to a hypothetical Final Level of $60.00, representing a Percentage Change of –40.00%. Because the Percentage Change of the Reference Asset is negative and its hypothetical Final Level is less than its Barrier Level, the investor receives a payment at maturity of $600.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of the notes, calculated as follows:

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 x –40.00%) = $600.00

 

Example 2: The level of the Reference Asset decreases from the hypothetical Initial Level of $100.00 to a hypothetical Final Level of $90.00, representing a Percentage Change of –10.00%. Although the Percentage Change of the Reference Asset is negative, because its hypothetical Final Level is greater than its Barrier Level, the investor receives a payment at maturity of $1,100.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of the notes, calculated as follows:

 

$1,000 + [$1,000 x –1 x (–10.00%)] = $1,100.00

 

Example 3: The level of the Reference Asset increases from the hypothetical Initial Level of 100.00 to a hypothetical Final Level of 110.00, representing a Percentage Change of 10.00%. Because the hypothetical Final Level of the Reference Asset is greater than its hypothetical Initial Level and the Percentage Change multiplied by the Upside Leverage Factor does not exceed the Maximum Return, the investor receives a payment at maturity of $1,200.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of the notes, calculated as follows:

 

$1,000 + $1,000 x (10.00% x 200.00%) = $1,200.00

 

Example 4: The level of the Reference Asset increases from the hypothetical Initial Level of 100.00 to a hypothetical Final Level of 120.00, representing a Percentage Change of 20.00%. Because the hypothetical Final Level of the Reference Asset is greater than its hypothetical Initial Level, and the Percentage Change multiplied by the Upside Leverage Factor exceeds the Maximum Return, the investor receives a payment at maturity of $1,270.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of the notes (the Maximum Redemption Amount). The return on the notes in this example is less than the Percentage Change of the Reference Asset.

 

 9 
 

 

U.S. Federal Tax Information

 

By purchasing the notes, each holder agrees (in the absence of a change in law, an administrative determination or a judicial ruling to the contrary) to treat each note as a pre-paid derivative contract for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the opinion of our counsel, Mayer Brown LLP, it would generally be reasonable to treat the notes as pre-paid derivative contracts in respect of the Reference Asset for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the notes are uncertain and the Internal Revenue Service could assert that the notes should be taxed in a manner that is different from that described in the preceding sentence. Please see the discussion in the product supplement dated September 22, 2022 under “Supplemental Tax Considerations—Supplemental U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Notes Treated as Pre-Paid Derivative Contracts,” which applies to the notes.

 

 10 
 

 

Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)

 

BMOCM will purchase the notes from us at a purchase price reflecting the commission set forth on the cover hereof. BMOCM has informed us that, as part of its distribution of the notes, it will reoffer the notes to other dealers who will sell them. Each such dealer, or each additional dealer engaged by a dealer to whom BMOCM reoffers the notes, will receive a commission from BMOCM, which will not exceed the commission set forth on the cover page. We or one of our affiliates may also pay a referral fee to certain dealers in connection with the distribution of the notes. 

 

Certain dealers who purchase the notes for sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts may forego some or all of their selling concessions, fees or commissions. The public offering price for investors purchasing the notes in these accounts may be less than 100% of the principal amount, as set forth on the cover page of this document. Investors that hold their notes in these accounts may be charged fees by the investment advisor or manager of that account based on the amount of assets held in those accounts, including the notes. 

 

We will deliver the notes on a date that is greater than one business day following the pricing date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in one business day, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than one business day prior to the issue date will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement. 

 

We own, directly or indirectly, all of the outstanding equity securities of BMOCM, the agent for this offering. In accordance with FINRA Rule 5121, BMOCM may not make sales in this offering to any of its discretionary accounts without the prior written approval of the customer. 

 

We reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify the offering of the notes and to reject orders in whole or in part. You may cancel any order for the notes prior to its acceptance. 

 

You should not construe the offering of the notes as a recommendation of the merits of acquiring an investment linked to the Reference Asset or as to the suitability of an investment in the notes. 

 

BMOCM may, but is not obligated to, make a market in the notes. BMOCM will determine any secondary market prices that it is prepared to offer in its sole discretion. 

 

We may use the final pricing supplement relating to the notes in the initial sale of the notes. In addition, BMOCM or another of our affiliates may use the final pricing supplement in market-making transactions in any notes after their initial sale. Unless BMOCM or we inform you otherwise in the confirmation of sale, the final pricing supplement is being used by BMOCM in a market-making transaction.

 

For a period of approximately three months following issuance of the notes, the price, if any, at which we or our affiliates would be willing to buy the notes from investors, and the value that BMOCM may also publish for the notes through one or more financial information vendors and which could be indicated for the notes on any brokerage account statements, will reflect a temporary upward adjustment from our estimated value of the notes that would otherwise be determined and applicable at that time. This temporary upward adjustment represents a portion of (a) the hedging profit that we or our affiliates expect to realize over the term of the notes and (b) any underwriting discount and the selling concessions paid in connection with this offering. The amount of this temporary upward adjustment will decline to zero on a straight-line basis over the three-month period. 

 

The notes and the related offer to purchase notes and sale of notes under the terms and conditions provided herein do not constitute a public offering in any non-U.S. jurisdiction, and are being made available only to individually identified investors pursuant to a private offering as permitted in the relevant jurisdiction. The notes are not, and will not be, registered with any securities exchange or registry located outside of the United States and have not been registered with any non-U.S. securities or banking regulatory authority. The contents of this document have not been reviewed or approved by any non-U.S. securities or banking regulatory authority. Any person who wishes to acquire the notes from outside the United States should seek the advice or legal counsel as to the relevant requirements to acquire these notes.

 

British Virgin Islands. The notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the laws and regulations of the British Virgin Islands, nor has any regulatory authority in the British Virgin Islands passed comment upon or approved the accuracy or adequacy of this document. This pricing supplement and the related documents shall not constitute an offer, invitation or solicitation to any member of the public in the British Virgin Islands for the purposes of the Securities and Investment Business Act, 2010, of the British Virgin Islands.

 

Cayman Islands. Pursuant to the Companies Law (as amended) of the Cayman Islands, no invitation may be made to the public in the Cayman Islands to subscribe for the notes by or on behalf of the issuer unless at the time of such invitation the issuer is listed on the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange. The issuer is not presently listed on the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange and, accordingly, no invitation to the public in the Cayman Islands is to be made by the issuer (or by any dealer on its behalf). No such invitation is made to the public in the Cayman Islands hereby.

 

Dominican Republic. Nothing in this pricing supplement constitutes an offer of securities for sale in the Dominican Republic. The notes have not been, and will not be, registered with the Superintendence of Securities Market of the Dominican Republic (Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores), under Dominican Securities Market Law No. 249-17 (“Securities Law 249-17”), and the notes may not be offered or sold within the Dominican Republic or to, or for the account or benefit of, Dominican persons (as defined under Securities Law 249-17 and its regulations). Failure to comply with these directives may result in a violation of Securities Law 249-17 and its regulations.

 

Israel. This pricing supplement is intended solely for investors listed in the First Supplement of the Israeli Securities Law of 1968, as amended. A prospectus has not been prepared or filed, and will not be prepared or filed, in Israel relating to the notes offered hereunder. The notes cannot be resold in Israel other than to investors listed in the First Supplement of the Israeli Securities Law of 1968, as amended.

 

 11 
 

 

No action will be taken in Israel that would permit an offering of the notes or the distribution of any offering document or any other material to the public in Israel. In particular, no offering document or other material has been reviewed or approved by the Israel Securities Authority. Any material provided to an offeree in Israel may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose, nor be furnished to any other person other than those to whom copies have been provided directly by us or the selling agents.

 

Nothing in this pricing supplement or any other offering material relating to the notes, should be considered as the rendering of a recommendation or advice, including investment advice or investment marketing under the Law For Regulation of Investment Advice, Investment Marketing and Investment Portfolio Management, 1995, to purchase any note. The purchase of any note will be based on an investor’s own understanding, for the investor’s own benefit and for the investor’s own account and not with the aim or intention of distributing or offering to other parties. In purchasing the notes, each investor declares that it has the knowledge, expertise and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the risks and merits of an investment in the notes, without relying on any of the materials provided.

 

Mexico. The notes have not been registered with the National Registry of Securities maintained by the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission and may not be offered or sold publicly in Mexico. This pricing supplement and the related documents may not be publicly distributed in Mexico. The notes may only be offered in a private offering pursuant to Article 8 of the Securities Market Law.

 

Switzerland. This pricing supplement is not intended to constitute an offer or solicitation to purchase or invest in any notes. Neither this pricing supplement nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the notes constitutes a prospectus compliant with the requirements of articles 35 et seq. of the Swiss Financial Services Act ("FinSA")) for a public offering of the notes in Switzerland and no such prospectus has been or will be prepared for or in connection with the offering of the notes in Switzerland.

 

Neither this pricing supplement nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the notes has been or will be filed with or approved by a Swiss review body (Prüfstelle). No application has been or is intended to be made to admit the notes to trading on any trading venue (SIX Swiss Exchange or on any other exchange or any multilateral trading facility) in Switzerland. Neither this pricing supplement nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the notes may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

 

The notes may not be publicly offered, directly or indirectly, in Switzerland within the meaning of FinSA except (i) in any circumstances falling within the exemptions to prepare a prospectus listed in article 36 para. 1 FinSA or (ii) where such offer does not qualify as a public offer in Switzerland, provided always that no offer of notes shall require the Issuer or any offeror to publish a prospectus pursuant to article 35 FinSA in respect to such offer and that such offer shall comply with the additional restrictions set out below (if applicable). The Issuer has not authorised and does not authorise any offer of notes which would require the Issuer or any offeror to publish a prospectus pursuant to article 35 FinSA in respect of such offer. For purposes of this provision "public offer" shall have the meaning as such term is understood pursuant to article 3 lit. g and h FinSA and the Swiss Financial Services Ordinance ("FinSO").

 

The notes do not constitute participations in a collective investment scheme within the meaning of the Swiss Collective Investment Schemes Act. They are not subject to the approval of, or supervision by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority ("FINMA"), and investors in the notes will not benefit from protection under CISA or supervision by FINMA.

 

Prohibition of Offer to Private Clients in Switzerland - No Key Information Document pursuant to article 58 FinSA (Basisinformationsblatt für Finanzinstrumente) or equivalent document under foreign law pursuant to article 59 para. 2 FinSA has been or will be prepared in relation to the notes. Therefore, the following additional restriction applies: Notes qualifying as "debt securities with a derivative character" pursuant to article 86 para. 2 FinSO may not be offered within the meaning of article 58 para. 1 FinSA, and neither this pricing supplement nor any other offering or marketing material relating to such notes may be made available, to any retail client (Privatkunde) within the meaning of FinSA in Switzerland.

 

The notes may also be sold in the following jurisdictions, provided, in each case, any sales are made in accordance with all applicable laws in such jurisdiction:

 

·Barbados
·Bermuda

 

 12 
 

 

Additional Information Relating to the Estimated Initial Value of the Notes

 

Our estimated initial value of the notes on the date hereof, and that will be set forth on the cover page of the final pricing supplement relating to the notes, equals the sum of the values of the following hypothetical components:

 

·a fixed-income debt component with the same tenor as the notes, valued using our internal funding rate for structured notes; and 
·one or more derivative transactions relating to the economic terms of the notes. 

 

The internal funding rate used in the determination of the initial estimated value generally represents a discount from the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt. The value of these derivative transactions is derived from our internal pricing models. These models are based on factors such as the traded market prices of comparable derivative instruments and on other inputs, which include volatility, dividend rates, interest rates and other factors. As a result, the estimated initial value of the notes on the Pricing Date will be determined based on the market conditions on the Pricing Date. 

 

 13 
 

 

The Reference Asset

 

We have derived the following information from publicly available documents. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the following information. We are not affiliated with the Reference Asset Issuer and the Reference Asset Issuer will have no obligations with respect to the notes. This document relates only to the notes and does not relate to the shares of the Reference Asset or any securities included in the Underlying Index. Neither we nor any of our affiliates participates in the preparation of the publicly available documents described below. Neither we nor any of our affiliates has made any due diligence inquiry with respect to the Reference Asset in connection with the offering of the notes. There can be no assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof, including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described below and that would affect the trading price of the shares of the Reference Asset, have been or will be publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning the Reference Asset could affect the price of the shares of the Reference Asset on the Valuation Date, and therefore could affect the payments on the notes.

 

The selection of the Reference Asset is not a recommendation to buy or sell the shares of the Reference Asset. Neither we nor any of our affiliates make any representation to you as to the performance of the shares of the Reference Asset. Information provided to or filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act and the Investment Company Act of 1940 relating to the Reference Asset may be obtained through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF

 

The iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF is an investment portfolio maintained and managed by iShares, Trust. and advised by BlackRock Fund Advisors. iShares is a registered investment company that consists of numerous separate investment portfolios, including the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF. The iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Index. Information about the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF filed with the SEC can be found by reference to its SEC file numbers: 333-92935 and 811-09729 or its CIK Code: 0001100663. Shares of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF are listed on the NYSE Arca under ticker symbol "EFA."

 

The MSCI EAFE Index

 

All information in this document regarding the MSCI EAFE Index, including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its components, is derived from publicly available information. Such information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”). Neither we nor any of our affiliates has undertaken any independent review or due diligence of such information. MSCI owns the copyright and all other rights to the MSCI EAFE Index. MSCI has no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, 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. The MSCI EAFE Index currently consists of the following 21 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

 

The MSCI Global Investable Market Indices

 

The MSCI EAFE Index is an MSCI Global Investable Market Index

 

Constructing the MSCI Global Investable Market Indices.

 

MSCI undertakes an index construction process, which involves:

 

·defining the equity universe for each market;

 

·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;

 

·classifying securities under the Global Industry Classification Standard (the “GICS”); and

 

·using a building block approach, regional and composite Indexes can be created from the individual market indexes for each size-segment

 

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, exchange traded funds, 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.

 

 14 
 

 

·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 (i) identifying eligible listings for each security in the equity universe; and (ii) applying investability screens to individual companies and securities in the equity universe that are classified in that market. A market is generally equivalent to a single country.

 

A security may have a listing in the country where it is classified (a “local listing”) and/or in a different country (a “foreign listing”). A security may be represented by either a local listing or a foreign listing (including a depositary receipt) in the global investable equity universe. A security may be represented by a foreign listing only if the security is classified in a country that meets the foreign listing materiality requirement (as described below), and the security’s foreign listing is traded on an eligible stock exchange of a developed market country if the security is classified in a developed market country or, if the security is classified in an emerging market country, an eligible stock exchange of a developed market country or an emerging market country.

 

In order for a country to meet the foreign listing materiality requirement, MSCI determines all securities represented by a foreign listing that would be included in the country’s MSCI Country Investable Market Index if foreign listings were eligible from that country. The aggregate free-float adjusted market capitalization for all such securities should represent at least (i) 5% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization of the relevant MSCI Country Investable Market Index and (ii) 0.05% of the free-float adjusted market capitalization of the MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index. If a country does not meet the foreign listing materiality requirement, then securities in that country may not be represented by a foreign listing in the global investable equity universe.

 

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 at least one eligible listing with 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. 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, as well as 20% of 12-month ATVR 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, as well as 15% of 12-month ATVR 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 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 Standard Index outside of a Quarterly or Semi−Annual Index Review.

 

·Minimum Foreign Room Requirement: this investability screen is applied at the individual security level. For a security that is subject to a foreign ownership limit to be eligible for inclusion in a market investable equity universe, the proportion of shares still available to foreign investors relative to the maximum allowed (referred to as “foreign room”) must be at least 15%.

 

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);

 

 15 
 

 

·Standard Index (Large + Mid);

 

·Large Cap Index;

 

·Mid Cap Index; or

 

·Small Cap Index.

 

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.

 

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 S&P Dow Jones Indices, the GICS. The GICS currently consists of 11 Sectors, 24 Industry Groups, 69 Industries and 158 Sub-Industries. 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 grouping at each of the four levels of the GICS.

 

Calculation Methodology for the MSCI® EAFE Index.

 

The performance of the underlying index is a free-float weighted average of the U.S. dollar values of its component securities.

 

Prices used to calculate the component securities are the official exchange closing prices or prices accepted as such in the relevant market. In the case of a market closure, or if a security does not trade on a specific day or during a specific period, MSCI carries forward the previous day’s price (or latest available closing price). In the event of a market outage resulting in any component security price to be unavailable, MSCI will generally use the last reported price for such component security for the purpose of performance calculation unless MSCI determines that another price is more appropriate based on the circumstances. Closing prices are converted into U.S. dollars, as applicable, using the closing exchange rates calculated by WM/Reuters at 4:00PM London Time.

 

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:

 

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”).

 

Quarterly Index Reviews 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

 

 16 
 

 

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

 

 

 

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.

 

MSCI’s semi-annual index review is designed to systematically reassess the component securities of the index. During each semi-annual index review, the universe of component securities is updated and the global minimum size range for the index is recalculated.Then, the following index maintenance activities, among others, are undertaken: the eligible equity securities are reviewed, minimum size requirements are reevaluated, and size-segment requirements are reassessed. The results of the semi-annual index reviews are announced at least two weeks in advance of their effective implementation date as of the close of the last business day of May and November.

 

MSCI’s quarterly index review process is designed to ensure that the country indices continue to be an accurate reflection of evolving equity markets. This goal is achieved by timely reflecting significant market driven changes that were not captured in each index at the time of their actual occurrence and that should not wait until the semi-annual index review due to their importance. These quarterly index reviews may result in additions and deletions of component securities from a country index (or a security being removed from one country listing and represented by a different country listing) and changes in FIFs and in NOS.

 

These guidelines and the policies implementing the guidelines are the responsibility of, and, ultimately, subject to adjustment by, MSCI.

 

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

 

 

17