Form FWP CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK Filed by: CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE /CAN/

 

Subject to Completion Preliminary Term Sheet dated April 8, 2021

Filed Pursuant to Rule 433 Registration Statement No. 333-233663 (To Prospectus dated December 16, 2019, Prospectus Supplement dated December 16, 2019 and Product Supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1 dated December 16, 2019)

 

Units $10 principal amount per unit CUSIP No.	Pricing Date* Settlement Date* Maturity Date*	April    , 2021 May    , 2021 April    , 2026
	*Subject to change based on the actual date the notes are priced for initial sale to the public (the “pricing date”)

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index §   Maturity of approximately five years, if not called prior to maturity §   Automatic call of the notes per unit at $10 plus the applicable Call Premium ([$0.45 to $0.55] on the first Observation Date, [$0.90 to $1.10] on the second Observation Date, [$1.35 to $1.65] on the third Observation Date, and [$1.80 to $2.20] on the final Observation Date) if the Index is flat or increases above 100.00% of the Starting Value on the relevant Observation Date §   The Observation Dates will occur approximately one year, two years, three years, and four years after the pricing date §   If the notes are not called, at maturity: §   a return of 35.00% if the Index is flat or increases up to the Step Up Value §   a return equal to the percentage increase in the Index if the Index increases above the Step Up Value §   1-to-1 downside exposure to decreases in the Index beyond a 15% decline, with up to 85% of your principal at risk §   All payments are subject to the credit risk of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce §   No periodic interest payments §   In addition to the underwriting discount set forth below, the notes include a hedging-related charge of $0.05 per unit. See “Structuring the Notes” §   Limited secondary market liquidity, with no exchange listing §   The notes are unsecured debt securities and are not savings accounts or insured deposits of a bank. The notes are not insured or guaranteed by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States, Canada, or any other jurisdiction

The notes are being issued by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (“CIBC”). There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security, including different investment risks and certain additional costs. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-7 of this term sheet and beginning on page PS-7 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.

 

The initial estimated value of the notes as of the pricing date is expected to be between $9.469 and $9.768 per unit, which is less than the public offering price listed below. See “Summary” on the following page, “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-7 of this term sheet and “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-12 of this term sheet for additional information. The actual value of your notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy.

 

 

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

 

 

		Per Unit				Total
Public offering price(1)		$	10.00				$
Underwriting discount(1)		$	0.20				$
Proceeds, before expenses, to CIBC		$	9.80				$

 

 

(1)

For any purchase of 300,000 units or more in a single transaction by an individual investor or in combined transactions with the investor's household in this offering, the public offering price and the underwriting discount will be $9.95 per unit and $0.15 per unit, respectively. See “Supplement to the Plan of Distribution” below.

 

The notes:

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

 

BofA Securities

April , 2021

 

 

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due April  , 2026

 

Summary

 

The Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50^® Index, due April , 2026 (the “notes”) are our senior unsecured debt securities. The notes are not guaranteed or insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States, Canada or any other jurisdiction or secured by collateral. The notes are not bail-inable debt securities (as defined on page 6 of the prospectus). The notes will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. Any payments due on the notes, including any repayment of principal, will be subject to the credit risk of CIBC. The notes will be automatically called at the applicable Call Amount if the Observation Level of the Market Measure, which is the EURO STOXX 50^® Index (the ^“Index^”), is equal to or greater than the Call Level on the relevant Observation Date. You will not receive any notice from us if the notes are automatically called. If the notes are not called, at maturity, the notes provide you with a Step Up Payment if the Ending Value of the Index is equal to or greater than the Starting Value, but is not greater than the Step Up Value. If the Ending Value is greater than the Step Up Value, you will participate on a 1-for-1 basis in the increase in the level of the Index above the Starting Value. If the Ending Value is less than the Starting Value but greater than or equal to the Threshold Value, you will receive the principal amount of your notes. If the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value, you will lose a portion, which could be significant, of the principal amount of your notes. Any payments on the notes will be calculated based on the $10 principal amount per unit and will depend on the performance of the Index, subject to our credit risk. See ^“Terms of the Notes^” below.

 

The economic terms of the notes (including the Call Premiums and the Call Amounts) are based on our internal funding rate, which is the rate we would pay to borrow funds through the issuance of market-linked notes, and the economic terms of certain related hedging arrangements. Our internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue conventional fixed rate debt securities. This difference in funding rate, as well as the underwriting discount and the hedging related charge described below, will reduce the economic terms of the notes to you and the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date. Due to these factors, the public offering price you pay to purchase the notes will be greater than the initial estimated value of the notes.

 

On the cover page of this term sheet, we have provided the initial estimated value range for the notes. This initial estimated value range was determined based on our pricing models. The initial estimated value as of the pricing date will be based on our internal funding rate on the pricing date, market conditions and other relevant factors existing at that time, and our assumptions about market parameters. For more information about the initial estimated value and the structuring of the notes, see “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-12.

 

Terms of the Notes
Issuer:	Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (“CIBC”)	Call Settlement Dates:	Approximately the fifth business day following the applicable Observation Date, subject to postponement if the related Observation Date is postponed, as described on page PS-19 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
Principal Amount:	$10.00 per unit	Call Premiums:	[$0.45 to $0.55] per unit if called on the first Observation Date (which represents a return of [4.50% to 5.50%] over the principal amount), [$0.90 to $1.10] per unit if called on the second Observation Date (which represents a return of [9.00% to 11.00%] over the principal amount), [$1.35 to $1.65] per unit if called on the third Observation Date (which represents a return of [13.50% to 16.50%] over the principal amount), and [$1.80 to $2.20] per unit if called on the final Observation Date (which represents a return of [18.00% to 22.00%] over the principal amount). The actual Call Premiums will be determined on the pricing date.
Term:	Approximately five years, if not called	Ending Value:	The closing level of the Index on the calculation day. The scheduled calculation day is subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described beginning on page PS-20 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
Market Measure:	The EURO STOXX 50® Index (Bloomberg symbol: “SX5E”), a price return index	Step Up Value:	135.00% of the Starting Value, rounded to two decimal places.
Starting Value:	The closing level of the Index on the pricing date.	Step Up Payment:	$3.50 per unit, which represents a return of 35.00% over the principal amount.
Observation Level:	The closing level of the Index on the applicable Observation Date.	Threshold Value:	85.00% of the Starting Value, rounded to two decimal places.
Observation Dates:	On or about May  , 2022, April  , 2023, April  , 2024, and April  , 2025, approximately one, two, three and four years after the pricing date. The scheduled Observation Dates are subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described on page PS-19 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.	Calculation Day:	Approximately the fifth scheduled Market Measure Business Day immediately preceding the maturity date.
Call Level:	100.00% of the Starting Value	Fees and Charges:	The underwriting discount of $0.20 per unit listed on the cover page and the hedging related charge of $0.05 per unit described in “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-12.
Call Amounts (per Unit):	[$10.45 to $10.55] if called on the first Observation Date, [$10.90 to $11.10] if called on the second Observation Date, [$11.35 to $11.65] if called on the third Observation Date, and [$11.80 to $12.20] if called on the final Observation Date. The actual Call Amounts will be determined on the pricing date.	Calculation Agent:	BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”).

 

 

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due April  , 2026

 

Determining Payment on the Notes

 

Automatic Call Provision

 

The notes will be called automatically on an Observation Date if the Observation Level on that Observation Date is equal to or greater than the Call Level. If the notes are called, you will receive $10 per unit plus the applicable Call Premium.

 

Redemption Amount Determination

 

If the notes are not automatically called, on the maturity date, you will receive a cash payment per unit determined as follows:

 

 

 

 

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due April  , 2026

 

 

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

 

§

Product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1 dated December 16, 2019: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1045520/000110465919073348/a19-25016_5424b5.htm

 

§

Prospectus supplement dated December 16, 2019: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1045520/000110465919073058/a19-24965_3424b2.htm

 

§

Prospectus dated December 16, 2019: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1045520/000110465919073027/a19-24965_1424b3.htm

 

These documents (together, the “Note Prospectus”) have been filed as part of a registration statement with the SEC, which may, without cost, be accessed on the SEC website as indicated above or obtained from Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”) or BofAS by calling 1-800-294-1322. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, for information about us and this offering. Any prior or contemporaneous oral statements and any other written materials you may have received are superseded by the Note Prospectus. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this term sheet have the meanings set forth in product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this document to “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references are to CIBC.

 

Investor Considerations

 

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

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

§    You are willing to receive a return on your investment capped at the applicable Call Premium if the relevant Observation Level is equal to or greater than the Call Level. §    You anticipate that the notes will be automatically called or that the Index will not decrease from the Starting Value to the Ending Value. §    You are willing to risk a loss of principal and return if the notes are not automatically called and the Index decreases from the Starting Value to an Ending Value that is less than the Threshold Value. §    You are willing to forgo the interest payments that are paid on conventional interest bearing debt securities. §    You are willing to forgo dividends or other benefits of owning the stocks included in the Index. §    You are willing to accept a limited or no market for sales prior to maturity, and understand that the market prices for the notes, if any, will be affected by various factors, including our actual and perceived creditworthiness, our internal funding rate and fees and charges on the notes. §    You are willing to assume our credit risk, as issuer of the notes, for all payments under the notes, including the Call Amount or the Redemption Amount.

§    You want to hold your notes for the full term. §    You believe that the notes will not be automatically called and the Index will decrease from the Starting Value to the Ending Value. §    You seek 100% principal repayment or preservation of capital. §    You seek interest payments or other current income on your investment. §    You want to receive dividends or other distributions paid on the stocks included in the Index. §    You seek an investment for which there will be a liquid secondary market. §    You are unwilling or are unable to take market risk on the notes or to take our credit risk as issuer of the notes.

 

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

 

 

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due April  , 2026

 

Hypothetical Payout Profile and Examples of Payments at Maturity

 

The graph below is based on hypothetical numbers and values. The graph below shows a payout profile at maturity, which would only apply if the notes are not called on any Observation Date.

 

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes

This graph reflects the returns on the notes, based on the Threshold Value of 85.00% of the Starting Value, the Step Up Value of 135.00% of the Starting Value and the Step Up Payment of $3.50 per unit. The green line reflects the returns on the notes, while the dotted gray line reflects the returns of a direct investment in the stocks included in the Index, excluding dividends.   This graph has been prepared for purposes of illustration only.

 

The following table and examples are for purposes of illustration only. They are based on hypothetical values and show hypothetical returns on the notes, assuming the notes are not called on any Observation Date. They illustrate the calculation of the Redemption Amount and total rate of return based on a hypothetical Starting Value of 100.00, a hypothetical Threshold Value of 85.00, a hypothetical Step Up Value of 135.00, the Step Up Payment of $3.50 per unit and a range of hypothetical Ending Values. The actual amount you receive and the resulting total rate of return will depend on the actual Starting Value, Threshold Value, Step Up Value and Ending Value, whether the notes are called on an Observation Date, and whether you hold the notes to maturity. The following examples do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the notes.

 

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

 

Ending Value	Percentage Change from the Starting Value to the Ending Value	Redemption Amount per Unit	Total Rate of Return on the Notes
0.00	-100.00%	$1.50	-85.00%
50.00	-50.00%	$6.50	-35.00%
75.00	-25.00%	$9.00	-10.00%
80.00	-20.00%	$9.50	-5.00%
85.00(1)	-15.00%	$10.00	0.00%
90.00 95.00	-10.00% -5.00%	$10.00 $10.00	0.00% 0.00%
100.00(2)	0.00%	$13.50(3)	35.00%
105.00 110.00	5.00% 10.00%	$13.50 $13.50	35.00% 35.00%
120.00	20.00%	$13.50	35.00%
135.00(4)	35.00%	$13.50	35.00%
140.00	40.00%	$14.00	40.00%
150.00	50.00%	$15.00	50.00%
200.00	100.00%	$20.00	100.00%

	(1)	This is the hypothetical Threshold Value.
	(2)	The hypothetical Starting Value of 100.00 used in these examples has been chosen for illustrative purposes only, and does not represent a likely actual Starting Value for the Index.
	(3)	This amount represents the sum of the principal amount and the Step Up Payment of $3.50.
	(4)	This is the hypothetical Step Up Value.

 

 

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due April  , 2026

 

Redemption Amount Calculation Examples

 

Example 1
The Ending Value is 50.00, or 50.00% of the Starting Value:
Starting Value: 100.00
Threshold Value: 85.00
Ending Value: 50.00
	Redemption Amount per unit

 

Example 2

The Ending Value is 95.00, or 95.00% of the Starting Value:

Starting Value: 100.00

Threshold Value: 85.00

Ending Value: 95.00

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

 

Example 3
The Ending Value is 110.00, or 110.00% of the Starting Value:
Starting Value: 100.00
Step Up Value: 135.00
Ending Value: 110.00
	Redemption Amount per unit, the principal amount plus the Step Up Payment, since the Ending Value is equal to or greater than the Starting Value, but less than the Step Up Value.

 

Example 4
The Ending Value is 150.00, or 150.00% of the Starting Value:
Starting Value: 100.00
Step Up Value: 135.00
Ending Value: 150.00
	Redemption Amount per unit

 

 

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due April  , 2026

 

Risk Factors

 

There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security. An investment in the notes involves significant risks, including those listed below. You should carefully review the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the notes in the “Risk Factors” sections beginning on page PS-7 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1, page S-1 of the prospectus supplement, and page 1 of the prospectus identified above. We also urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.

 

Structure-related Risks

 

§

If the notes are not automatically called, depending on the performance of the Index as measured shortly before the maturity date, you may lose up to 85% of the principal amount.

§

If the notes are called, your investment return is limited to the return represented by the applicable Call Premium.

§

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

§

Your investment return may be less than a comparable investment directly in the stocks included in the Index.

§

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

 

Valuation- and Market-related Risks

 

§

Our initial estimated value of the notes will be lower than the public offering price of the notes. The public offering price of the notes will exceed our initial estimated value because costs associated with selling and structuring the notes, as well as hedging the notes, all as further described in “Structuring the Notes” on page TS-12, are included in the public offering price of the notes.

§

Our initial estimated value does not represent future values of the notes and may differ from others’ estimates. Our initial estimated value is only an estimate, which will be determined by reference to our internal pricing models when the terms of the notes are set. This estimated value will be based on market conditions and other relevant factors existing at that time, our internal funding rate on the pricing date and our assumptions about market parameters, which can include volatility, dividend rates, interest rates and other factors. Different pricing models and assumptions could provide valuations for the notes that are greater or less than our initial estimated value. In addition, market conditions and other relevant factors in the future may change, and any assumptions may prove to be incorrect. On future dates, the market value of the notes could change significantly based on, among other things, changes in market conditions, including the level of the Index, our creditworthiness, interest rate movements and other relevant factors, which may impact the price at which MLPF&S, BofAS or any other party would be willing to buy notes from you in any secondary market transactions. Our estimated value does not represent a minimum price at which MLPF&S, BofAS or any other party would be willing to buy your notes in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time.

§

Our initial estimated value of the notes will not be determined by reference to credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt. The internal funding rate to be used in the determination of our initial estimated value of the notes generally represents a discount from the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt. The discount is based on, among other things, our view of the funding value of the notes as well as the higher issuance, operational and ongoing liability management costs of the notes in comparison to those costs for our conventional fixed-rate debt. If we were to use the interest rate implied by our conventional fixed-rate debt, we would expect the economic terms of the notes to be more favorable to you. Consequently, our use of an internal funding rate for market-linked notes would have an adverse effect on the economic terms of the notes, the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date, and any secondary market prices of the notes.

§

A trading market is not expected to develop for the notes. None of us, MLPF&S or BofAS is obligated to make a market for, or to repurchase, the notes. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your notes at any price in any secondary market.

 

Conflict-related Risks

 

§

Our business, hedging and trading activities, and those of MLPF&S, BofAS and our respective affiliates (including trades in shares of companies included in the Index), and any hedging and trading activities we, MLPF&S, BofAS or our respective affiliates engage in for our clients’ accounts, may affect the market value and return of the notes and may create conflicts of interest with you.

§

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

 

Market Measure-related Risks

 

§

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

§

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

§

While we, MLPF&S, BofAS or our respective affiliates may from time to time own securities of the companies included in the Index, we, MLPF&S, BofAS and our respective affiliates do not control any company included in the Index, and have not verified any disclosure made by any other company.

 

 

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due April  , 2026

 

§

Your return on the notes may be affected by factors affecting the international securities markets, specifically changes within the Eurozone. The Eurozone is and has been undergoing severe financial stress and the political, legal, and regulatory ramifications are impossible to predict. Changes within the Eurozone could adversely affect the performance of the Index and, consequently, the value of the notes. In addition, you will not obtain the benefit of any increase in the value of the euro against the U.S. dollar, which you would have received if you had owned the securities in the Index during the term of your notes, although the level of the Index may be adversely affected by general exchange rate movements in the market.

 

Tax-related Risks

 

§

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the notes are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes. See “Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” below and “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” beginning on page PS-28 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1. For a discussion of the Canadian federal income tax consequences of investing in the notes, see “Material Income Tax Consequences—Canadian Taxation” in the prospectus, as supplemented by the discussion under “Summary of Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations” herein

 

Other Terms of the Notes

The provisions of this section supersede and replace the definition of “Market Measure Business Day” set forth in product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.

 

Market Measure Business Day

 

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

 

(A) the Eurex (or any successor) is open for trading; and

 

(B) the Index or any successor thereto is calculated and published.

 

 

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due April  , 2026

 

The Index

 

All disclosures contained in this term sheet regarding the Index, including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation, and changes in its components, have been derived from publicly available sources, which we have not independently verified. The information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, STOXX Limited (“STOXX” or the “Index sponsor”). The Index sponsor, which licenses the copyright and all other rights to the Index, has no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the Index. The consequences of the Index sponsor discontinuing publication of the Index are discussed in the section entitled “Description of the Notes—Discontinuance of an Index” beginning on page PS-21 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1. None of us, the calculation agent, MLPF&S or BofAS accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the Index or any successor index.

 

The Index was created by STOXX, a wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Börse AG. Publication of the Index began in February 1998, based on an initial index level of 1,000 at December 31, 1991. The Index is derived from the EURO STOXX Total Market Index (“TMI”) and covers 50 blue-chip stocks from 11 Eurozone countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. The Index is reported by Bloomberg under the ticker symbol “SX5E.”

 

Index Composition and Maintenance

 

The stocks in the represented Eurozone countries are ranked in terms of free-float market capitalization. The largest stocks are added to the selection list until the coverage is close to, but still less than, 60% of the free-float market capitalization of the corresponding EURO STOXX TMI, which covers 95% of the free-float market capitalization of the represented Eurozone countries. If the next highest-ranked stock brings the coverage closer to 60% in absolute terms, then it is also added to the selection list. All current stocks in the Index are added to the selection list. All of the stocks on the selection list are then ranked in terms of free-float market capitalization to produce the final index selection list. The largest 40 stocks on the selection list are selected; the remaining 10 stocks are selected from the largest remaining current stocks ranked between 41 and 60; if the number of stocks selected is still below 50, then the largest remaining stocks are selected until there are 50 stocks. The minimum liquidity criteria of the EURO STOXX TMI also applies to the selection of index components.

 

The index components are subject to a capped maximum index weight of 10%, which is applied on a quarterly basis.

 

The composition of the Index is reviewed annually in September. The review cut-off date is the last trading day of August.

 

The free-float factors for each component stock used to calculate the Index, as described below, are reviewed, calculated, and implemented on a quarterly basis and are fixed until the next quarterly review.

 

The Index is subject to a “fast exit rule.” The index components are monitored for any changes based on the monthly selection list ranking (i.e., on an ongoing monthly basis). A component is deleted from the Index if: (a) it ranks 75 or below on the monthly selection list and (b) it ranked 75 or below on the selection list of the previous month. The highest-ranked stock that is not an index component will replace it. Changes will be implemented on the close of the fifth trading day of the month, and are effective the next trading day.

 

The Index is also subject to a “fast entry rule.” All stocks on the latest selection lists and initial public offering (“IPO”) stocks are reviewed for a fast-track addition on a quarterly basis. A stock is added, if (a) it qualifies for the latest STOXX blue-chip selection list generated at the end of February, May, August or November and (b) it ranks within the “lower buffer” (ranks 1-25) on this selection list. If the stock is added, it replaces the smallest component stock in the Index.

 

The Index is also reviewed on an ongoing basis. Corporate actions (including IPOs, mergers and takeovers, spin-offs, delistings, and bankruptcy) that affect the index composition are immediately reviewed. Any changes are announced, implemented, and effective in line with the type of corporate action and the magnitude of the effect.

 

A deleted stock is replaced immediately to maintain the fixed number of 50 component stocks. If a stock is deleted in between regular review dates but is still a component of the EURO STOXX TMI, then the stock will remain in the Index until the next regular review.

 

Index Calculation

 

The Index is calculated with the “Laspeyres formula,” which measures the aggregate price changes in the component stocks against a fixed base quantity weight. The formula for calculating the index level can be expressed as follows:

 

Index =	Free float market capitalization of the Index
	Divisor of the Index

 

The “free float market capitalization of the Index” is equal to the sum of the product of the price, number of shares outstanding, free float factor, weighting cap factor and exchange rate from local currency to index currency, for each component stock as of the time the Index is being calculated.

 

The Index is also subject to a divisor, which is adjusted to maintain the continuity of the index levels across changes due to corporate actions, such as the deletion and addition of stocks, the substitution of stocks, stock dividends, and stock splits.

 

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

 

 

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due April  , 2026

 

The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the Index in the period from January 1, 2011 through April 7, 2021. We obtained this historical data from Bloomberg L.P. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg L.P. On April 7, 2021, the closing level of the Index was 3,956.77.

 

 

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

 

Before investing in the notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels of the Index.

 

License Agreement

 

We have entered into an agreement with STOXX providing us and certain of our affiliates or subsidiaries identified in that agreement with a non-exclusive license and, for a fee, with the right to use the Index, which is owned and published by STOXX, in connection with certain securities, including the notes.

 

STOXX and its licensors (the “Licensors”) have no relationship to us, other than the licensing of the Index and the related trademarks for use in connection with the notes.

 

STOXX and its Licensors do not sponsor, endorse, sell or promote the notes; recommend that any person invest in the notes; have any responsibility or liability for or make any decisions about the timing, amount or pricing of the notes; have any responsibility or liability for the administration, management or marketing of the notes; or consider the needs of the notes or the owners of the notes in determining, composing or calculating the Index or have any obligation to do so.

 

STOXX and its Licensors will not have any liability in connection with the notes. Specifically, STOXX and its Licensors do not make any warranty, express or implied and disclaim any and all warranty about: the results to be obtained by the notes, the owners of the notes or any other person in connection with the use of the Index and the data included in the Index; the accuracy or completeness of the Index and its data; and the merchantability and the fitness for a particular purpose or use of the Index and its data. STOXX and its Licensors will have no liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions in the Index or its data. Under no circumstances will STOXX or its Licensors be liable for any lost profits or indirect, punitive, special or consequential damages or losses, even if STOXX or its Licensors knows that they might occur. The licensing agreement between us and STOXX is solely for our benefit and the benefit of STOXX and not for the benefit of the owners of the notes or any other third parties.

 

 

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due April  , 2026

 

Supplement to the Plan of Distribution

 

Under our distribution agreement with BofAS, BofAS will purchase the notes from us as principal at the public offering price indicated on the cover of this term sheet, less the indicated underwriting discount. MLPF&S will in turn purchase the notes from BofAS for resale, and it will receive a selling concession in connection with the sale of the notes in an amount up to the full amount of the underwriting discount set forth on the cover of this term sheet.

 

We may deliver the notes against payment therefor in New York, New York 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, 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, if the initial settlement of the notes occurs more than two business days from the pricing date, purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than two business days prior to the original issue date will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

 

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

 

MLPF&S and BofAS may repurchase and resell the notes, with repurchases and resales being made at prices related to then-prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices, and these prices will include MLPF&S’s and BofAS’s trading commissions and mark-ups or mark-downs. MLPF&S and BofAS may act as principal or agent in these market-making transactions; however, neither is obligated to engage in any such transactions. At their discretion, for a short, undetermined initial period after the issuance of the notes, MLPF&S and BofAS may offer to buy the notes in the secondary market at a price that may exceed the initial estimated value of the notes. Any price offered by MLPF&S or BofAS for the notes will be based on then-prevailing market conditions and other considerations, including the performance of the Index and the remaining term of the notes. However, none of us, MLPF&S, BofAS or any of our respective affiliates is obligated to purchase your notes at any price or at any time, and we cannot assure you that we, MLPF&S, BofAS or any of our respective affiliates will purchase your notes at a price that equals or exceeds the initial estimated value of the notes.

 

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

 

The distribution of the Note Prospectus in connection with these offers or sales will be solely for the purpose of providing investors with the description of the terms of the notes that was made available to investors in connection with their initial offering. Secondary market investors should not, and will not be authorized to, rely on the Note Prospectus for information regarding CIBC or for any purpose other than that described in the immediately preceding sentence.

 

The notes may not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (the “UK”). For the purposes of this provision:

 

(a)

the expression "retail investor" means a person who is one (or more) of the following:

 

(i)

a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”); or

 

(ii)

a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended, “FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or

 

(iii)

not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended) as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; and

 

(b)

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 offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the notes.

 

An investor’s household, as referenced on the cover of this term sheet, will generally include accounts held by any of the following, as determined by MLPF&S in its discretion and acting in good faith based upon information then available to MLPF&S:

 

•

the investor’s spouse (including a domestic partner), siblings, parents, grandparents, spouse’s parents, children and grandchildren, but excluding accounts held by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews or any other family relationship not directly above or below the individual investor;

 

•

a family investment vehicle, including foundations, limited partnerships and personal holding companies, but only if the beneficial owners of the vehicle consist solely of the investor or members of the investor’s household as described above; and

 

•

a trust where the grantors and/or beneficiaries of the trust consist solely of the investor or members of the investor’s household as described above; provided that, purchases of the notes by a trust generally cannot be aggregated together with any purchases made by a trustee’s personal account.

 

 

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due April  , 2026

 

Purchases in retirement accounts will not be considered part of the same household as an individual investor’s personal or other non-retirement account, except for individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), simplified employee pension plans (“SEPs”), savings incentive match plan for employees (“SIMPLEs”), and single-participant or owners only accounts (i.e., retirement accounts held by self-employed individuals, business owners or partners with no employees other than their spouses).

 

Please contact your Merrill financial advisor if you have any questions about the application of these provisions to your specific circumstances or think you are eligible.

 

Structuring the Notes

 

The notes are our debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Index. As is the case for all of our debt securities, including our market-linked notes, the economic terms of the notes reflect our actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. The internal funding rate we use in pricing the market-linked notes is typically lower than the rate we would pay when we issue conventional fixed-rate debt securities of comparable maturity. This difference is based on, among other things, our view of the funding value of the notes as well as the higher issuance, operational and ongoing liability management costs of the notes in comparison to those costs for our conventional fixed-rate debt. This generally relatively lower internal funding rate, which is reflected in the economic terms of the notes, along with the fees and charges associated with market-linked notes, typically results in the initial estimated value of the notes on the pricing date being less than their public offering price.

 

Payments on the notes, including the amount you receive at maturity or upon an automatic call, will be calculated based on the performance of the Index and the $10 per unit principal amount. In order to meet these payment obligations, at the time we issue the notes, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives) with BofAS or one of its affiliates. The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined by seeking bids from market participants, including BofAS and its affiliates, and take into account a number of factors, including our creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the volatility of the Index, the tenor of the notes and the tenor of the hedging arrangements. The economic terms of the notes and their initial estimated value depend in part on the terms of these hedging arrangements.

 

BofAS has advised us that the hedging arrangements will include a hedging-related charge of approximately $0.05 per unit, reflecting an estimated profit to be credited to BofAS from these transactions. Since hedging entails risk and may be influenced by unpredictable market forces, additional profits and losses from these hedging arrangements may be realized by BofAS or any third party hedge providers.

 

For further information, see “Risk Factors—General Risks Relating to the Notes” beginning on page PS-7 and “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” on page PS-16 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.

 

 

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due April  , 2026

 

Summary of Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations

 

In the opinion of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, our Canadian tax counsel, the following summary describes the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Canadian Tax Act”) generally applicable at the date hereof to a purchaser who acquires beneficial ownership of a note pursuant to this term sheet and who for the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and the regulations thereto and at all relevant times: (a) is neither resident nor deemed to be resident in Canada; (b) deals at arm’s length with CIBC and any transferee resident (or deemed to be resident) in Canada to whom the purchaser disposes of the note; (c) does not use or hold and is not deemed to use or hold the note in, or in the course of, carrying on a business in Canada; (d) is entitled to receive all payments (including any interest and principal) made on the note; and (e) is not a, and deals at arm’s length with any, “specified shareholder” of CIBC for purposes of the thin capitalization rules in the Canadian Tax Act (a “Non-Resident Holder”). A “specified shareholder” for these purposes generally includes a person who (either alone or together with persons with whom that person is not dealing at arm’s length for the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act) owns or has the right to acquire or control or is otherwise deemed to own 25% or more of CIBC’s shares determined on a votes or fair market value basis. Special rules which apply to non-resident insurers carrying on business in Canada and elsewhere are not discussed in this summary.

This summary is supplemental to and should be read together with the description of material Canadian federal income tax considerations relevant to a Non-Resident Holder owning notes under “Material Income Tax Consequences—Canadian Taxation” in the accompanying prospectus and a Non-Resident Holder should carefully read that description as well.

 

This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any particular Non-Resident Holder. Non-Resident Holders are advised to consult with their own tax advisors with respect to their particular circumstances.

 

Based on Canadian tax counsel’s understanding of the Canada Revenue Agency’s administrative policies and having regard to the terms of the notes, interest payable on the notes should not be considered to be “participating debt interest” as defined in the Canadian Tax Act and accordingly, a Non-Resident Holder should not be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding tax in respect of amounts paid or credited or deemed to have been paid or credited by CIBC on a note as, on account of or in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of, interest.

 

Non-Resident Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the consequences to them of a disposition of the notes to a person with whom they are not dealing at arm’s length for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act.

 

Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

 

The following discussion is a brief summary of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to an investment in the notes. The following summary is not complete and is both qualified and supplemented by, or in some cases supplements, the discussion entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” in product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1, which you should carefully review prior to investing in the notes.

 

The U.S. federal income tax considerations of your investment in the notes are uncertain. No statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly discusses how the notes should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the opinion of our tax counsel, Mayer Brown LLP, it would generally be reasonable to treat the notes as prepaid cash-settled derivative contracts. Pursuant to the terms of the notes, you agree to treat the notes in this manner for all U.S. federal income tax purposes. If this treatment is respected, you should generally recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale, exchange, redemption or payment on maturity in an amount equal to the difference between the amount you receive at such time and the amount that you paid for your notes. Such gain or loss should generally be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your notes for more than one year. Non-U.S. holders should consult the section entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary—Non-U.S. Holders” in product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.

 

The expected characterization of the notes is not binding on the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) or the courts. Thus, it is possible that the IRS would seek to characterize your notes in a manner that results in tax consequences to you that are different from those described above or in the accompanying product supplement. Such alternate treatments could include a requirement that a holder accrue ordinary income over the life of the notes or treat all gain or loss at maturity as ordinary gain or loss. For a more detailed discussion of certain alternative characterizations with respect to your notes and certain other considerations with respect to your investment in the notes, you should consider the discussion set forth in “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” of the product supplement. We are not responsible for any adverse consequences that you may experience as a result of any alternative characterization of the notes for U.S. federal income tax or other tax purposes.

 

We will not attempt to ascertain whether any of the entities whose stock is included in the Market Measure would be treated as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) or United States real property holding corporation (“USRPHC”), both as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If one or more of the entities whose stock is included in the Market Measure were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply. You should refer to information filed with the SEC and other authorities by the entities whose stock is included in the Market Measure and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you if one or more of the entities whose stock is included in the Market Measure is or becomes a PFIC or a USRPHC.

 

A “dividend equivalent” payment is treated as a dividend from sources within the United States and such payments generally would be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax if paid to a non-U.S. 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

 

 

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the EURO STOXX 50® Index, due April  , 2026

 

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, IRS 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, 2023. Based on our determination that the notes are not “delta-one” instruments, non-U.S. 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 Market Measure or the notes, and following such occurrence the notes could be treated as subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments. Non-U.S. holders that enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of the Market Measure 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.

 

You should consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of such characterization and any possible alternative characterizations of the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes. You should also 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.

 

Where You Can Find More Information

 

We have filed a registration statement (including a product supplement, a prospectus supplement, and a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this term sheet relates. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, and the other documents that we have filed with the SEC, for more complete information about us and this offering. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, we, any agent, or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you these documents if you so request by calling MLPF&S or BofAS toll-free at 1-800-294-1322.

 

 

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