Registration Statement No. 333-217200

Filed Pursuant to Rule 433

Subject to Completion, dated November 19, 2018

 

Pricing Supplement to the Prospectus dated April 27, 2017,
the Prospectus Supplement dated September 23, 2018, and the Product Supplement dated May 1, 2017

 

 

Senior Medium-Term Notes, Series E

Autocallable Barrier Notes with Contingent Coupons due December 13, 2022

Linked to iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

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The notes are designed for investors who are seeking quarterly contingent periodic interest payments (as described in more detail below), as well as a return of principal if the closing price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (the “Reference Stock”) on any quarterly Observation Date beginning in June 2020 is greater than or equal to 110% of its Initial Stock Price (the “Call Level”). Investors should be willing to have their notes automatically redeemed prior to maturity and be willing to lose some or all of their principal at maturity.

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The notes will pay a Contingent Interest Payment on each quarterly Interest Payment Date at the rate set forth below if the closing price of the Reference Stock on the applicable quarterly Observation Date is greater than or equal to the Coupon Barrier. However, if the closing price of the Reference Stock is less than the Coupon Barrier on an Observation Date, the notes will not pay the Contingent Interest Payment for that Observation Date.

·

If on any quarterly Observation Date beginning in June 2020, the closing price of the Reference Stock is greater than or equal to the Call Level, the notes will be automatically called. On the Call Settlement Date, for each $1,000 principal amount, investors will receive the principal amount plus the Contingent Interest Payment.

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The notes do not guarantee any return of principal at maturity. Instead, if the notes are not automatically called, the payment at maturity will be based on the Final Stock Price of the Reference Stock and whether the closing price of that Reference Stock has declined from the Initial Stock Price to a Final Stock Price that is less than the Trigger Price (a "Trigger Event"), as described below.

·

If the notes are not automatically redeemed, and a Trigger Event has occurred, investors will be subject to one-for-one loss of the principal amount of the notes for any percentage decrease from the Initial Stock Price to the Final Stock Price. In such a case, you will receive a cash amount at maturity that is less than the principal amount.

·

The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange.

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All payments on the notes are subject to the credit risk of Bank of Montreal.

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The notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

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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:

Pricing Date:	On or about December 10, 2018	Maturity Date:	On or about December 13, 2022
Settlement Date:	On or about December 13, 2018	Call Level:	110% of the Initial Stock Price
Valuation Date:	On or about December 8, 2022

Specific Terms of the Notes:

Autocallable Note Number

Reference Stock Issuer

Ticker Symbol

Initial Stock Price

Coupon Barrier and Trigger Price

Contingent Interest Rate

CUSIP

Principal Amount

Price to Public

Agent’s Commission

Proceeds to Bank of Montreal

ARC465

iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

EEM

●

70% of the Initial Price

8.25% (2.0625% per quarter)

06367WFA6

●

100%

0.00% US$0

100% US$●

 

BMO CAPITAL MARKETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Terms of the Notes

 

You should read this pricing supplement together with the product supplement dated May 1, 2017, the prospectus supplement dated September 23, 2018 and the prospectus dated April 27, 2017. This pricing supplement, 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):

 

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Product supplement dated May 1, 2017: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/927971/000121465917002873/j427172424b5.htm

 

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Prospectus supplement dated September 23, 2018: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/927971/000119312518280416/d624491d424b5.htm

 

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Prospectus dated April 27, 2017: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/927971/000119312517142728/d254784d424b2.htm

 

Please note that references in the product supplement to the prospectus supplement will be deemed to refer to the prospectus supplement dated September 23, 2018.

 

Our Central Index Key, or CIK, on the SEC website is 927971. As used in this pricing supplement, “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.

 

 

Selected Risk Considerations

 

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

 

·

Your investment in the notes may result in a loss. — The notes do not guarantee any return of principal. If the notes are not automatically redeemed, the payment at maturity will be based on the Final Stock Price and whether a Trigger Event has occurred. If the Final Stock Price is less than the Trigger Price, you will be subject to a one-for-one loss of the principal amount of the notes for any Percentage Change from the Initial Stock Price. 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 up to the entire principal amount of your notes, and your payments on the notes could be limited to the Contingent Interest Payments, if any.

 

·

You may not receive any Contingent Interest Payments with respect to your notes. — We will not necessarily make periodic interest payments on the notes. If the closing price of the Reference Stock on an Observation Date is less than the Coupon Barrier, we will not pay you the Contingent Interest Payment applicable to that Observation Date. If the closing price of the Reference Stock is less than the Coupon Barrier on each of the Observation Dates, we will not pay you any Contingent Interest Payments during the term of the notes, and you will not receive a positive return on the notes. Furthermore, the non-payment of the Contingent Interest Payment as to the final Observation Date will coincide with a loss of principal on the notes, because in such a case, the Final Stock Price will be less than the Trigger Price.

 

·

Your notes are subject to automatic early redemption. — We will redeem the notes if the closing price of the Reference Stock on any Observation Date beginning in June 2020 is greater than or equal to the Call Level. Following an automatic redemption, you will not receive any additional Conditional Interest Payments on the notes, and you may not be able to reinvest your proceeds in an investment with returns that are comparable to the notes.

 

·

Your return on the notes is limited to the Contingent Interest Payments, if any, regardless of any appreciation in the value of the Reference Stock. — You will not receive a payment at maturity with a value greater than your principal amount plus the final Contingent Interest Payment, if payable. In addition, if the notes are automatically called, you will not receive a payment greater than the principal amount plus the applicable Contingent Interest Payment, even if the Final Stock Price exceeds the Call Level by a substantial amount. Accordingly, your maximum return on the notes is limited to the potential return represented by the Contingent Interest Payments.

 

·

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.

 

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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 Stock or the securities held by the Reference Stock 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 price of the Reference Stock 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 Stock. 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.

 

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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 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 of this pricing supplement.

 

 

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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 of this preliminary pricing supplement 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 Stock, 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 in this pricing supplement and 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.

 

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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 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.

 

·

Owning the notes is not the same as owning shares of the Reference Stock or a security directly linked to the Reference Stock. — The return on your notes will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned shares of the Reference Stock or a security directly linked to the performance of the Reference Stock and held that investment for a similar period.  Your notes may trade quite differently from the Reference Stock.  Changes in the price of the Reference Stock may not result in comparable changes in the market value of your notes.  Even if the price of the Reference Stock 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 price of the Reference Stock increases. In addition, any dividends or other distributions paid on the Reference Stock will not be reflected in the amount payable on the notes. The return on the notes may be less than the return on an investment in the Reference Stock.

 

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You will not have any shareholder rights and will have no right to receive any shares of the Reference Stock at maturity. — Investing in your notes will not make you a holder of any shares of the Reference Stock, or any securities held by the Reference Stock. 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 those securities.

 

·

No Delivery of Shares of the Reference Stock. — 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 Stock delivered to you at maturity.

 

·

Changes that affect the Underlying Index will affect the market value of the notes, whether the notes will be automatically called, and the amount you will receive at maturity. — The policies of the index sponsor of the Underlying Index, concerning the calculation of the Underlying Index, additions, deletions or substitutions of the components of the Underlying Index and the manner in which changes affecting those components, such as stock dividends, reorganizations or mergers, may be reflected in the Underlying Index and, therefore, could affect the share price of the Reference Stock, the amounts payable on the notes, whether the notes are automatically called, and the market value of the notes prior to maturity. The amounts payable on the notes and their market value could also be affected if the index sponsor changes these policies, for example, by changing the manner in which it calculates the Underlying Index, or if the index sponsor discontinues or suspends the calculation or publication of the Underlying Index.

 

 

·

We have no affiliation with the index sponsor of the Underlying Index and will not be responsible for its actions. — The sponsor of the 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 Underlying Index, including any actions of the type that would require the calculation agent to adjust the payment to you at maturity. The index sponsor of the Underlying Index has no obligation of any sort with respect to the notes. Thus, the index sponsor of the Underlying Index 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 Underlying Index.

 

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Adjustments to the Reference Stock could adversely affect the notes. — The sponsor and advisor of the Reference Stock, BlackRock, Inc. (together with its affiliates, “BlackRock”), is responsible for calculating and maintaining the Reference Stock. The sponsor and advisor of the Reference Stock can add, delete or substitute the stocks comprising the Reference Stock or make other methodological changes that could change the share price of the Reference Stock 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 amounts payable on the notes and/or the market value of the notes.

 

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We and our affiliates do not have any affiliation with the investment advisor or the Reference Stock Issuer and are not responsible for its public disclosure of information. — The investment advisor of the Reference Stock Issuer advises the Reference Stock Issuer on various matters, including matters relating to the policies, maintenance and calculation of the Reference Stock. We and our affiliates are not affiliated with the investment advisor or the Reference Stock 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 Stock. Neither the investment advisor nor the Reference Stock Issuer is involved in the offering of the notes in any way or has any obligation to consider your interests as an owner of the notes in taking any actions relating to the Reference Stock Issuer 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 investment advisor, the Reference Stock Issuer or the Reference Stock contained in any public disclosure of information. You, as an investor in the notes, should make your own investigation into the Reference Stock Issuer.

 

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The correlation between the performance of the Reference Stock and the performance of the Underlying Index may be imperfect. — The performance of the Reference Stock is linked principally to the performance of the Underlying Index. However, because of the potential discrepancies identified in more detail in the product supplement, the return on the Reference Stock may correlate imperfectly with the return on the Underlying Index.

 

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The Reference Stock is subject to management risks. — The Reference Stock is subject to management risk, which is the risk that the 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 investment advisor may invest a portion of the Reference Stock Issuer’s assets in securities not included in the relevant industry or sector but which the investment advisor believes will help the Reference Stock track the relevant industry or sector.

 

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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.

 

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Hedging and trading activities. — We or any of our affiliates may carry out hedging activities related to the notes, including in the Reference Stock, the securities that it holds, or instruments related to the Reference Stock. We or our affiliates may also trade in the Reference Stock, such securities, or instruments related to the Reference Stock 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.

 

 

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Many economic and market factors will influence the value of the notes. — In addition to the price of the Reference Stock 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.

 

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You must rely on your own evaluation of the merits of an investment linked to the Reference Stock. — In the ordinary course of their businesses, our affiliates from time to time may express views on expected movements in the price of the Reference Stock or the securities held by the Reference Stock. One or more of our affiliates have published, and in the future may publish, research reports that express views on the Reference Stock or these securities. However, these views are subject to change from time to time. Moreover, other professionals who deal in the markets relating to Reference Stock at any time may have significantly different views from those of our affiliates. You are encouraged to derive information concerning the Reference Stock 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.

 

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An investment in the notes is subject to risks associated with foreign securities markets. — The Underlying Index 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 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.

 

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An investment in the notes is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk. — The share price of the Reference Stock 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 Reference Stock are traded. Accordingly, investors in the notes will be exposed to currency exchange rate risk with respect to each of the currencies in which the stocks held by the Reference Stock are traded. 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 Reference Stock will be adversely affected and the price of the Reference Stock may decrease.

 

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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 in this pricing supplement.

 

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 “Supplemental U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in this pricing 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.

 

 

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, assuming that the notes are not automatically called. The hypothetical payments are based on a $1,000 investment in the note, a hypothetical Initial Stock Price of $100.00, a hypothetical Trigger Price of $70.00 (70% of the hypothetical Initial Stock Price), a hypothetical Call Level of $110.00 (110% of the hypothetical Initial Stock Price), and a range of hypothetical Final Stock Prices.

 

The hypothetical examples shown below are intended to help you understand the terms of the notes. If the notes are not automatically called, the actual cash amount that you will receive at maturity will depend upon the Final Stock Price of the Reference Stock. If the notes are automatically called prior to maturity, the hypothetical examples below will not be relevant, and you will receive on the applicable Call Settlement Date, for each $1,000 principal amount, the principal amount plus the applicable Contingent Interest Payment.

 

As discussed in more detail above, your total return on the notes will depend on the number of Contingent Interest Payment Dates on which the Contingent Interest Payment is payable. It is possible that the only payments on your notes will be the payment, if any, due at maturity. The payment at maturity will not exceed the principal amount, and may be significantly less.

 

 

 

Hypothetical Final Stock Price	Hypothetical Final Stock Price Expressed as a Percentage of the Initial Stock Price	Payment at Maturity (Excluding Interest Payments)
$150.00	150.00%	$1,000.00
$125.00	125.00%	$1,000.00
$110.00	110.00%	$1,000.00
$100.00	100.00%	$1,000.00
$90.00	90.00%	$1,000.00
$80.00	80.00%	$1,000.00
$70.00	70.00%	$1,000.00
$65.00	65.00%	$650.00
$50.00	50.00%	$500.00
$25.00	25.00%	$250.00
$0.00	0.00%	$0.00

 

 

Supplemental U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

 

The following, together with the discussion of U.S. federal income taxation in the accompanying prospectus and prospectus supplement, is a general description of the material U.S. tax considerations relating to the notes. It does not purport to be a complete analysis of all tax considerations relating to the notes. Prospective purchasers of the notes should consult their tax advisors as to the consequences under the tax laws of the country of which they are resident for tax purposes and the tax laws of Canada and the U.S. of acquiring, holding and disposing of the notes and receiving payments under the notes. This summary is based upon the law as in effect on the date of this pricing supplement and is subject to any change in law that may take effect after such date.

 

The following section supplements the discussion of U.S. federal income taxation in the accompanying prospectus and prospectus supplement with respect to United States holders (as defined in the accompanying prospectus). It applies only to those holders who are not excluded from the discussion of U.S. federal income taxation in the accompanying prospectus. It does not apply to holders subject to special rules including holders subject to Section 451(b) of the Code. In addition, the discussion below assumes that an investor in the notes will be subject to a significant risk that it will lose a significant amount of its investment in the notes. Bank of Montreal intends to treat Contingent Interest Payments with respect to the notes as U.S. source income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

You should consult your tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax and other tax consequences of your investment in the notes in your particular circumstances, including the application of state, local or other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in federal or other tax laws.

 

NO STATUTORY, JUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY DIRECTLY DISCUSSES HOW THE NOTES SHOULD BE TREATED FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. AS A RESULT, THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES ARE UNCERTAIN. BECAUSE OF THE UNCERTAINTY, YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR IN DETERMINING THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS.

 

We will not attempt to ascertain whether the Reference Stock or any of the entities whose stock is owned by the Reference Stock would be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code or a “U.S. real property holding corporation” within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code. If a Reference Stock or any of the entities whose stock is owned by the Reference Stock were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could possibly apply. You should refer to any available information filed with the SEC by the Reference Stock or any of the entities whose stock is owned by the Reference Stock and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you in this regard.

 

In the opinion of our counsel, Morrison & Foerster LLP, it would generally be reasonable to treat a note with terms described in this pricing supplement as a pre-paid cash-settled contingent income-bearing derivative contract in respect of the Reference Stock for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the terms of the notes require a holder and us (in the absence of a change in law or an administrative or judicial ruling to the contrary) to treat the notes for all tax purposes in accordance with such characterization. Although the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Contingent Interest Payments is uncertain, we intend to take the position, and the following discussion assumes, that such Contingent Interest Payments (including any interest payment on or with respect to the maturity date) constitute taxable ordinary income to a United States holder at the time received or accrued in accordance with the holder’s regular method of accounting. If the notes are treated as described above, it would be reasonable for a United States holder to take the position that it will recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale or maturity of the notes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount a United States holder receives at such time (other than amounts properly attributable to any interest payments, which would be treated, as described above, as ordinary income) and the United States holder’s tax basis in the notes. In general, a United States holder’s tax basis in the notes will be equal to the price the holder paid for the notes. Capital gain recognized by an individual United States holder is generally taxed at ordinary income rates where the property is held for one year or less. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

 

Alternative Treatments

 

Alternative tax treatments of the notes are also possible and the Internal Revenue Service might assert that a treatment other than that described above is more appropriate. For example, it would be possible to treat the notes, and the Internal Revenue Service might assert that the notes should be treated, as a single debt instrument. Such a debt instrument would be subject to the tax rules governing short-term debt instruments. If the notes are so treated, a United States holder would generally be required to accrue interest currently over the term of the notes irrespective of the Contingent Interest Payments, if any, paid on the notes. In addition, any gain a United States holder might recognize upon the sale or maturity of the notes would be ordinary income and any loss recognized by a holder at such time would be ordinary loss to the extent of interest that same holder included in income in the current or previous taxable years in respect of the notes, and thereafter, would be capital loss.

 

Because of the absence of authority regarding the appropriate tax characterization of the notes, it is also possible that the Internal Revenue Service could seek to characterize the notes in a manner that results in other tax consequences that are different from those described above.

 

The Internal Revenue Service has released a notice that may affect the taxation of holders of the notes. According to the notice, the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department are actively considering whether the holder of an instrument such as the notes should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis irrespective of any interest payments, and they sought taxpayer comments on the subject. It is not possible to determine what guidance they will ultimately issue, if any. It is possible, however, that under such guidance, holders of the notes will ultimately be required to accrue income currently and this could be applied on a retroactive basis. The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department are also considering other relevant issues, including whether additional gain or loss from such instruments should be treated as ordinary or capital and whether the special “constructive ownership rules” of Section 1260 of the Code might be applied to such instruments. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the significance, and the potential impact, of the above considerations. We intend to treat the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes in accordance with the treatment described in this pricing supplement unless and until such time as the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service determine that some other treatment is more appropriate.

 

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

 

Please see the discussion under “United States Federal Income Taxation—Other Considerations—Backup Withholding and Information Reporting” in the accompanying prospectus for a description of the applicability of the backup withholding and information reporting rules to payments made on your notes.

 

Non-United States Holders

 

The following discussion applies to non-United States holders of the notes. A non-United States holder is a beneficial owner of a note that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a non-resident alien individual, a foreign corporation, or a foreign estate or trust.

 

While the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the notes (including proper characterization of the Contingent Interest Payments for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is uncertain, U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or at a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) will be withheld in respect of the Contingent Interest Payments paid to a non-United States holder unless such payments are effectively connected with the conduct by the non-United States holder of a trade or business in the U.S. (in which case, to avoid withholding, the non-United States holder will be required to provide a Form W-8ECI). We will not pay any additional amounts in respect of such withholding. To claim benefits under an income tax treaty, a non-United States holder must obtain a taxpayer identification number and certify as to its eligibility under the appropriate treaty’s limitations on benefits article, if applicable (which certification may generally be made on a Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, or a substitute or successor form). In addition, special rules may apply to claims for treaty benefits made by corporate non-United States holders. A non-United States holder that is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service. The availability of a lower rate of withholding or an exemption from withholding under an applicable income tax treaty will depend on the proper characterization of the Contingent Interest Payments under U.S. federal income tax laws and whether such treaty rate or exemption applies to such payments. No assurance can be provided on the proper characterization of the Contingent Interest Payments for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, accordingly, no assurance can be provided on the availability of benefits under any income tax treaty. Non-United States holders must consult their tax advisors in this regard.

 

Except as discussed below, a non-United States holder will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain (not including for the avoidance of doubt any amounts properly attributable to any interest which would be subject to the rules discussed in the previous paragraph) upon the sale or maturity of the notes, provided that (i) the holder complies with any applicable certification requirements (which certification may generally be made on a Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, or a substitute or successor form), (ii) the payment is not effectively connected with the conduct by the holder of a U.S. trade or business, and (iii) if the holder is a non-resident alien individual, such holder is not present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the sale or maturity of the notes. In the case of (ii) above, the holder generally would be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to any income or gain in the same manner as if the holder were a United States holder and, in the case of a holder that is a corporation, the holder may also be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate provided by an applicable U.S. income tax treaty) of a portion of its earnings and profits for the taxable year that are effectively connected with its conduct of a trade or business in the U.S., subject to certain adjustments. Payments made to a non-United States holder may be subject to information reporting and to backup withholding unless the holder complies with applicable certification and identification requirements as to its foreign status.

 

 

A “dividend equivalent” payment is treated as a dividend from sources within the U.S. and such payments generally would be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax if paid to a non-United States holder.  Under U.S. Treasury Department regulations, payments (including deemed payments) with respect to equity-linked instruments (“ELIs”) that are “specified ELIs” may be treated as dividend equivalents if such specified ELIs reference an interest in an “underlying security,” which is generally any interest in an entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if a payment with respect to such interest could give rise to a U.S. source dividend. However, Internal Revenue Service guidance provides that withholding on dividend equivalent payments will not apply to specified ELIs that are not delta-one instruments and that are issued before January 1, 2021. Based on our determination that the notes are not “delta-one” instruments, non-United States holders should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments, if any, under the notes. However, it is possible that the notes could be treated as deemed reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the Reference Stock or the notes, and following such occurrence the notes could be treated as delta-one specified ELIs that are subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments. Non-United States holders that enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of the Reference Stock or the notes should consult their tax advisors as to the application of the dividend equivalent withholding tax in the context of the notes and their other transactions. If any payments are treated as dividend equivalents subject to withholding, we (or the applicable paying agent) would be entitled to withhold taxes without being required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts so withheld.

 

As discussed above, alternative characterizations of the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes are possible. Should an alternative characterization, by reason of change or clarification of the law, by regulation or otherwise, cause payments as to the notes to become subject to withholding tax in addition to the withholding tax described above, we will withhold tax at the applicable statutory rate. The Internal Revenue Service has also indicated that it is considering whether income in respect of instruments such as the notes should be subject to withholding tax. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors in this regard.

 

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

 

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act imposes a 30% U.S. withholding tax on certain U.S. source payments, including interest (and OID), dividends, other fixed or determinable annual or periodical gain, profits, and income, and on the gross proceeds from a disposition of property of a type which can produce U.S. source interest or dividends (“Withholdable Payments”), if paid to a foreign financial institution (including amounts paid to a foreign financial institution on behalf of a holder), unless such institution enters into an agreement with the Treasury Department to collect and provide to the Treasury Department substantial information regarding U.S. account holders, including certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners, with such institution. A note may constitute an account for these purposes. The legislation also generally imposes a withholding tax of 30% on Withholdable Payments made to a non-financial foreign entity unless such entity provides the withholding agent with a certification that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or a certification identifying the direct and indirect substantial U.S. owners of the entity.

 

The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service have announced that withholding on payments of gross proceeds from a sale or redemption of the notes will only apply to payments made after December 31, 2018. If we determine withholding is appropriate with respect to the notes, we will withhold tax at the applicable statutory rate, and we will not pay any additional amounts in respect of such withholding. Account holders subject to information reporting requirements pursuant to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act may include holders of the notes. Foreign financial institutions and non-financial foreign entities located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act may be subject to different rules. Holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this legislation on their investment in the notes.

 

 

Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)

 

BMOCM will purchase the notes from us at the purchase price set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement, and will not receive a commission in connection with such sales. 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 is expected to purchase the notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount.

 

We will deliver the notes on a date that is greater than two business days 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 two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than two business days 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 Stock 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 relating to the notes 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 the hedging profit that we or our affiliates expect to realize over the term of the notes. The amount of this temporary upward adjustment will decline to zero on a straight-line basis over the three-month period.

 

No Prospectus (as defined in Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended (the “Prospectus Directive”)) will be prepared in connection with the notes. Accordingly, the notes may not be offered to the public in any member state of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”), and any purchaser of the notes who subsequently sells any of the notes in any EEA member state must do so only in accordance with the requirements of the Prospectus Directive, as implemented in that member state.

 

The notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, any retail investor in the EEA. For these purposes, the expression “offer” includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the notes, and a “retail investor” means a person who is one (or more) of: (a) a retail client, as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU, as amended (“MiFID II”); or (b) a customer, within the meaning of Insurance Distribution Directive 2016/97/EU, as amended, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (c) not a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014, as amended (the “PRIIPs Regulation”), for offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared, and therefore, offering or selling the notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

 

 

Additional Information Relating to the Estimated Initial Value of the Notes

 

Our estimated initial value of the notes on the date of this preliminary pricing supplement, 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 are 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 market conditions at that time.

 

 

The Reference Stock

 

We have derived the following information regarding the iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF from publicly available documents. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the following information. We are not affiliated with the EEM and the EEM will have no obligation with respect to the notes. This pricing supplement relates only to the notes and does not relate to the shares of the EEM or any securities included in the Underlying Index. Neither we nor our affiliates participate in the preparation of the publicly available documents described below. Neither we nor our affiliates have made any due diligence inquiry with respect to the Reference Stock in connection with the offering of the notes. There can be no assurance that all events occurring prior to the date of this pricing supplement, including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described below, that would affect the trading price of the shares of the Reference Stock 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 Stock could affect the price of the shares of the Reference Stock after the Pricing Date, and therefore could affect the payment at maturity.

 

The selection of the Reference Stock is not a recommendation to buy or sell the shares of the Reference Stock. Neither we nor any of our affiliates make any representation to you as to the performance of the shares of the Reference Stock. Information provided to or filed with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 relating to the Reference Stock may be obtained through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. None of that information is included or incorporated by reference in this pricing supplement.

 

We encourage potential investors in the notes to review recent closing prices of the Reference Stock prior to making an investment decision.

 

iShares consists of numerous separate investment portfolios (the “iShares Funds”), including the Reference Stock. The EEM seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Underlying Index. The EEM typically earns income from dividends from securities held by the EEM. These amounts, net of expenses and taxes (if applicable), are passed along to the EEM’s shareholders as “ordinary income.” In addition, the EEM realizes capital gains or losses whenever it sells securities. Net long-term capital gains are distributed to its shareholders as “capital gain distributions.” However, because the notes are linked only to the share price of the Reference Stock, you will not be entitled to receive income, dividend, or capital gain distributions from the EEM or any equivalent payments.

 

“iShares^®” and “BlackRock^®” are registered trademarks of BlackRock^®. The notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by BlackRock^®, or by any of the iShares^® Funds. Neither BlackRock^® nor the iShares^® Funds make any representations or warranties to the owners of the notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in the notes. Neither BlackRock^® nor the iShares^® Funds shall have any obligation or liability in connection with the registration, operation, marketing, trading, or sale of the notes or in connection with our use of information about the EEM or any of the iShares^® Funds.

 

The EEM is intended to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The EEM trades on NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol “EEM.”

 

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. 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 24 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Qatar, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

 

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. MSCI is the Index Sponsor of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

 

 

General – MSCI Global Investable Market 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”).

 

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.

 

·

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 Standard Index outside of a Quarterly or Semi−Annual Index Review.

 

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.

 

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 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.

 

Through this maintenance process, MSCI may make structural changes to the indices by adding or deleting component country indices. Consequently, the composition of the Underlying Index may change over the term of the notes.

 

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 Underlying Index, or any successor to the index. MSCI does not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of the Underlying 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 Underlying Index. MSCI disclaims all responsibility for any errors or omissions in the calculation and dissemination of the Underlying Index, or the manner in which the index is applied in determining the amount payable on the notes at maturity.

 

 

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