Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration Nos. 333-221324 and 333-221324-01

 

Product Supplement No. STOCK ARN-1
(To Series A Prospectus Supplement dated May 18, 2018

and Prospectus dated April 5, 2019, as may be amended)

April 26, 2019

Wells Fargo Finance LLC

Accelerated Return Notes® “ARNs®” Linked to One or More Equity Securities

Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by Wells Fargo & Company

     ARNs are senior unsecured debt securities issued by Wells Fargo Finance LLC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company. Wells Fargo & Company will fully and unconditionally guarantee all amounts payable on ARNs. Any payments due on ARNs, including any repayment of principal, will be subject to credit risk. If Wells Fargo Finance LLC, as issuer, and Wells Fargo & Company, as guarantor, default on their obligations, you could lose some or all of your investment.

     ARNs do not guarantee the return of principal at maturity, and we will not pay interest on ARNs. Instead, the return on ARNs will be based on the performance of an underlying “Market Measure,” which will be either the common equity securities or American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) of a company other than us, the Guarantor, the agents, and our respective affiliates (the “Underlying Stock”). The Market Measure may also consist of a “Basket” of two or more Underlying Stocks.

     ARNs provide an opportunity to earn a multiple (which will be 3 times, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet) of the positive performance of the Market Measure, up to a specified cap (the “Capped Value”), while exposing you to any negative performance of the Market Measure on a 1-to-1 basis.

     If the value of the Market Measure increases from its Starting Value to its Ending Value (each as defined below), you will receive at maturity a cash payment per unit (the “Redemption Amount”) that equals the principal amount plus a multiple of that increase, up to the Capped Value. If the value of the Market Measure does not change from its Starting Value to its Ending Value, you will receive a Redemption Amount that equals the principal amount.

     If the value of the Market Measure decreases from its Starting Value to its Ending Value, you will be subject to 1-to-1 downside exposure to that decrease. In such a case, you may lose all or a significant portion of the principal amount of your ARNs.

     This product supplement describes the general terms of ARNs, the risk factors to consider before investing, the general manner in which they may be offered and sold, and other relevant information.

     For each offering of ARNs, we will provide you with a pricing supplement (which we refer to as a “term sheet”) that will describe the specific terms of that offering, including the specific Market Measure, the Capped Value, the Participation Rate (as defined below) and certain risk factors. The term sheet will identify, if applicable, any additions or changes to the terms specified in this product supplement.

     ARNs will be issued in denominations of whole units. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, each unit will have a principal amount of $10. The term sheet may also set forth a minimum number of units that you must purchase.

    Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, ARNs will not be listed on a securities exchange or quotation system.

    Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”) and one or more of its affiliates may act as our agents to offer ARNs and will act in a principal capacity in such role.

The ARNs and the related guarantee of the ARNs by the Guarantor are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of a depository institution and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Deposit Insurance Fund or any other governmental agency.

The ARNs have complex features and investing in the ARNs involves risks not associated with an investment in conventional debt securities. Potential purchasers of ARNs should consider the information in “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-6 of this product supplement. You may lose all or a significant portion of your investment in ARNs.

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 passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this product supplement, the prospectus supplement, or the prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Merrill Lynch & Co.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Page
  
SUMMARYPS-3
RISK FACTORSPS-6
USE OF PROCEEDS AND HEDGINGPS-18
DESCRIPTION OF ARNSPS-19
SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTIONPS-32
UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONSPS-36
ERISA CONSIDERATIONSPS-43

 

 

ARNs® and “Accelerated Return Notes®” are registered service marks of Bank of America Corporation, the parent corporation of MLPF&S.

PS-2

 

SUMMARY

The information in this “Summary” section is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed explanation set forth elsewhere in this product supplement, the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus, as well as the applicable term sheet. None of the Issuer, the Guarantor or MLPF&S has authorized any other person to provide you with any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this product supplement, the accompanying prospectus supplement or prospectus or in the applicable term sheet. We, the guarantor and MLPF&S take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you.

Key Terms:

General:

ARNs are senior debt securities issued by Wells Fargo Finance LLC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, and are not guaranteed or insured by the FDIC or secured by collateral. Wells Fargo & Company will fully and unconditionally guarantee all payments of principal and other amounts payable on ARNs. ARNs rank equally with all of our other unsecured senior debt from time to time outstanding. The guarantee of ARNs will rank pari passu with all other unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of the Guarantor. Any payments due on ARNs, including any repayment of principal, are subject to credit risk. If Wells Fargo Finance LLC, as issuer, and Wells Fargo & Company, as guarantor, default on their obligations, you could lose some or all of your investment.

The return on ARNs will be based on the performance of a Market Measure and there is no guaranteed return of principal at maturity. Therefore, you may lose all or a significant portion of your investment if the value of the Market Measure decreases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.

Each issue of ARNs will mature on the date set forth in the applicable term sheet. We cannot redeem ARNs at any earlier date, except under the limited circumstances as set forth in the section “Description of ARNs—Anti Dilution Adjustments—Reorganization Events.” We will not make any payments on ARNs until maturity, and you will not receive any interest payments.

Market Measure:

The Underlying Stock of a company (the “Underlying Company”) represented either by a class of equity securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or by ADRs registered under the Exchange Act, which will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

 

The Market Measure may consist of a group, or “Basket,” of Underlying Stocks. We refer to each Underlying Stock included in any Basket as a “Basket Stock.” If the Market Measure to which your ARNs are linked is a Basket, the Basket Stocks will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

Market Measure Performance:

The performance of the Market Measure will be measured according to the percentage change of the Market Measure from its Starting Value to its Ending Value.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet:

The “Starting Value” will be the price of the Underlying Stock on the date when ARNs are priced for initial sale to the public (the “pricing date”), determined as set forth in the applicable term sheet.

If the Market Measure consists of a Basket, the Starting Value will be equal to 100. See “Description of ARNs—Basket Market Measures.”

PS-3

 

The “Ending Value” will equal the Closing Market Price (as defined below) of the Underlying Stock on the calculation day multiplied by its Price Multiplier (as defined below) on that day.

If a Market Disruption Event (as defined below) occurs and is continuing on the scheduled calculation day, or if certain other events occur, the calculation agent will determine the Ending Value as set forth in the section “Description of ARNs—The Starting Value and the Ending Value—Ending Value.”

If the Market Measure consists of a Basket, the Ending Value will be determined as described in “Description of ARNs—Basket Market Measures—Ending Value of the Basket.”

Participation Rate: The rate at which investors participate in any increase in the value of the Market Measure, as calculated below.  The Participation Rate will be 300% for ARNs, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet.
Capped Value: The maximum Redemption Amount.  Any positive return is limited to the return represented by the Capped Value specified in the applicable term sheet.  We will determine the applicable Capped Value on the pricing date of each issue of ARNs.
Price Multiplier: Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, the “Price Multiplier” for an Underlying Stock will be 1, and will be subject to adjustment for certain corporate events relating to such Underlying Stock described below under “Description of ARNs—Anti-Dilution Adjustments.”  
Redemption Amount at Maturity:

At maturity, you will receive a Redemption Amount that is greater than the principal amount if the value of the Market Measure increases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value. However, in no event will the Redemption Amount exceed the Capped Value. If the value of the Market Measure does not change from the Starting Value to the Ending Value, you will receive a Redemption Amount that equals the principal amount. If the value of the Market Measure decreases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value, you will be subject to 1-to-1 downside exposure to that decrease, and will receive a Redemption Amount that is less than the principal amount.

Any payments due on ARNs, including repayment of principal, are subject to credit risk. If Wells Fargo Finance LLC, as issuer, and Wells Fargo & Company, as guarantor, default on their obligations, you could lose some or all of your investment.

The Redemption Amount, denominated in U.S. dollars, will be calculated as follows:

You will receive per unit:

PS-4

 

Principal at
Risk:
You may lose all or a significant portion of the principal amount of ARNs.  Further, if you sell your ARNs prior to maturity, you may find that the market value per ARN is less than the price that you paid for ARNs.

 

Calculation Agents: The calculation agents will make all determinations associated with ARNs. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, we or one of our affiliates may act as the calculation agent, or we may appoint MLPF&S or one of its affiliates to act as calculation agent for ARNs.  Alternatively, we (or one of our affiliates) and MLPF&S (or one of its affiliates) may act as joint calculation agents for ARNs.  See the section entitled “Description of ARNs—Role of the Calculation Agent.”
Agents: MLPF&S and one or more of its affiliates will act as our agents in connection with each offering of ARNs and will receive an underwriting discount based on the number of units of ARNs sold.  None of the agents is your fiduciary or adviser solely as a result of the making of any offering of ARNs, and you should not rely upon this product supplement, the term sheet, or the accompanying prospectus or prospectus supplement as investment advice or a recommendation to purchase ARNs.
Listing: Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, ARNs will not be listed on a securities exchange or quotation system.

This product supplement relates only to ARNs and does not relate to any Underlying Stock described in any term sheet. You should read carefully the entire prospectus, prospectus supplement, and product supplement, together with the applicable term sheet, to understand fully the terms of your ARNs, as well as the tax and other considerations important to you in making a decision about whether to invest in any ARNs. In particular, you should review carefully the section in this product supplement entitled “Risk Factors,” which highlights a number of risks of an investment in ARNs, to determine whether an investment in ARNs is appropriate for you. If information in this product supplement is inconsistent with the prospectus or prospectus supplement, this product supplement will supersede those documents. However, if information in any term sheet is inconsistent with this product supplement, that term sheet will supersede this product supplement.

Neither we, the Guarantor, nor any agent is making an offer to sell ARNs in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. This product supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus are not an offer to sell ARNs to anyone, and are not soliciting an offer to buy ARNs from anyone, in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Certain capitalized terms used and not defined in this product supplement have the meanings ascribed to them in the prospectus supplement and prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this product supplement to “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Issuer” or similar references are to Wells Fargo Finance LLC and not to any of its affiliates, including Wells Fargo & Company. All references to “Wells Fargo & Company” or “Guarantor” in this product supplement, are only to Wells Fargo & Company, and not Wells Fargo & Company together with any of its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

You are urged to consult with your own attorneys and business and tax advisers before making a decision to purchase any ARNs.

PS-5

 

RISK FACTORS

Your investment in ARNs is subject to investment risks, many of which differ from those of a conventional debt security. Your decision to purchase ARNs should be made only after carefully considering the risks, including those discussed below, together with the risk information in the applicable term sheet, in light of your particular circumstances. ARNs are not an appropriate investment for you if you are not knowledgeable about the material terms of ARNs or investments in equity or equity-based securities in general.

General Risks Relating to ARNs

Your investment may result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal. There is no fixed principal repayment amount on ARNs at maturity. The return on ARNs will be based on the performance of the Market Measure. If the Ending Value is less than the Starting Value, then you will receive a Redemption Amount at maturity that will be less than, and possibly significantly less than, the principal amount of your ARNs. The Redemption Amount could be zero.

Your return on the ARNs may be less than the yield on a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity. There will be no periodic interest payments on ARNs as there would be on a conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt security having the same maturity. Any return that you receive on ARNs may be less than the return you would earn if you purchased a conventional debt security with the same maturity date. As a result, your investment in ARNs may not reflect the full opportunity cost to you when you consider factors, such as inflation, that affect the time value of money.

Any positive return on your investment is limited to the return represented by the Capped Value and may be less than a comparable investment directly in the Market Measure. The appreciation potential of ARNs is limited to the Capped Value. You will not receive a Redemption Amount greater than the Capped Value, regardless of the appreciation of the Market Measure. In contrast, a direct investment in the Market Measure would allow you to receive the full benefit of any appreciation in the value of the Market Measure.

In addition, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet or in the event of an adjustment as described in this product supplement under “Description of ARNs—Anti-Dilution Adjustments,” the Ending Value will not reflect the value of dividends paid, or distributions made, on any Underlying Stock or any other rights associated with any Underlying Stock. Thus, any return on ARNs will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned shares of any Underlying Stock.

The ARNs are subject to credit risk. ARNs are our obligations, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantor and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of any other third party. Any amounts payable under ARNs are subject to creditworthiness, and you will have no ability to pursue the issuers of any Underlying Stock for payment. As a result, our and the Guarantor’s actual and perceived creditworthiness may affect the value of ARNs and, in the event we and the Guarantor were to default on the obligations under ARNs and the guarantee, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the terms of ARNs.

As a finance subsidiary, we have no independent operations and will have no independent assets. As a finance subsidiary, we have no independent operations beyond the issuance and administration of our securities and will have no independent assets available for distributions to the holders of our securities if they make claims in respect of such securities in a bankruptcy, resolution or similar proceeding. Accordingly, any recoveries by such holders

PS-6

 

will be limited to those available under the related guarantee by the Guarantor and that guarantee will rank pari passu with all other unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of the Guarantor. Holders will have recourse only to a single claim against the Guarantor and its assets under the guarantee. Holders of ARNs should accordingly assume that in any such proceedings they would not have any priority over and should be treated pari passu with the claims of other unsecured, unsubordinated creditors of the Guarantor, including holders of unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities issued by the Guarantor.

Holders of the ARNs have limited rights of acceleration. Payment of principal on the ARNs may be accelerated only in the case of payment defaults that continue for a period of 30 days, certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency relating to Wells Fargo Finance LLC only, whether voluntary or involuntary, certain situations under which the guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect or if the Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under the guarantee. If you purchase ARNs, you will have no right to accelerate the payment of principal on ARNs if we fail in the performance of any of our obligations under ARNs, other than the obligations to pay principal and interest on ARNs. See “Description of Debt Securities of Wells Fargo Finance LLC—Events of Default and Covenant Breaches” in the accompanying prospectus.

Holders of ARNs could be at greater risk for being structurally subordinated if either we or the Guarantor convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our or its assets to one or more of the Guarantor’s subsidiaries. Under the indenture, we may convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our assets to one or more of the Guarantor’s subsidiaries. Similarly, the Guarantor may convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its assets to one or more of its subsidiaries. In either case, third-party creditors of the Guarantor’s subsidiaries would have additional assets from which to recover on their claims while holders of ARNs would be structurally subordinated to creditors of the Guarantor’s subsidiaries with respect to such assets. See “Description of Debt Securities of Wells Fargo Finance LLC—Consolidation, Merger or Sale” in the accompanying prospectus.

The ARNs will not have the benefit of any cross-default or cross-acceleration with other indebtedness of the Guarantor; events of bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or liquidation relating to the Guarantor and failure by the Guarantor to perform any of its covenants or warranties (other than a payment default under the guarantee) will not constitute an event of default with respect to ARNs. The ARNs will not have the benefit of any cross-default or cross-acceleration with other indebtedness of the Guarantor. In addition, events of bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or liquidation relating to the Guarantor and failure by the Guarantor to perform any of its covenants or warranties (other than a payment default under the guarantee) will not constitute an event of default with respect to ARNs.

The estimated value of ARNs will be determined by our affiliate’s pricing models, which may differ from those of MLPF&S or other dealers. The estimated value of ARNs will be set forth in the applicable term sheet and will be determined for us by our affiliate, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (“WFS”), using its proprietary pricing models and related market inputs and assumptions. Based on these pricing models and related market inputs and assumptions, WFS will determine an estimated value for ARNs by estimating the value of the combination of hypothetical financial instruments that would replicate the payout on ARNs, which combination will consist of a non-interest bearing, fixed-income bond (the “debt component”) and one or more derivative instruments underlying the economic terms of ARNs (the “derivative component”).

The estimated value of the debt component will be based on an internal funding rate that reflects, among other things, our and our affiliates’ view of the funding value of ARNs. This rate will be used for purposes of determining the estimated value of ARNs since we expect secondary market prices, if any, for ARNs that are provided by WFS or any of its affiliates to

PS-7

 

generally reflect such rate. WFS will determine the estimated value of ARNs based on this internal funding rate, rather than the assumed rate that is used to determine the economic terms of ARNs, for the same reason.

WFS will calculate the estimated value of the derivative component based on a proprietary derivative-pricing model, which will generate a theoretical price for the derivative instruments that constitute the derivative component based on various inputs including, but not limited to, Market Measure performance; interest rates; volatility of the Market Measure; correlation among Basket Stocks (if applicable); time remaining to maturity; dividend yields on the Underlying Stocks. These inputs may be market-observable or may be based on assumptions made by WFS in its discretion.

The estimated value of ARNs will not be an independent third-party valuation and certain inputs to these models may be determined by WFS in its discretion. WFS’s views on these inputs may differ from those of MLPF&S and other dealers, and WFS’s estimated value of ARNs may be higher, and perhaps materially higher, than the estimated value of ARNs that would be determined by MLPF&S or other dealers in the market. WFS’s models and its inputs and related assumptions may prove to be wrong and therefore not an accurate reflection of the value of ARNs.

The estimated value of ARNs on the pricing date, based on WFS’s proprietary pricing models, will be less than the public offering price. The public offering price of ARNs will include certain costs that are borne by you. Because of these costs, the estimated value of ARNs on the pricing date will be less than the public offering price. The costs included in the public offering price will relate to selling, structuring, hedging and issuing ARNs, as well as to our funding considerations for debt of this type. The costs related to selling, structuring, hedging and issuing ARNs will include the underwriting discount, the projected profit that our hedge counterparty (which may be MLPF&S or one of its affiliates) will expect to realize for assuming risks inherent in hedging our obligations under ARNs and hedging and other costs relating to the offering of ARNs. Our funding considerations will be reflected in the fact that we will determine the economic terms of ARNs based on an assumed rate that will generally be lower than our internal funding rate, which is described in the preceding risk factor. If the costs relating to selling, structuring, hedging and issuing ARNs were lower, or if the assumed rate we will use to determine the economic terms of the securities were higher, the economic terms of ARNs would be more favorable to you and the estimated value would be higher.

The public offering price you pay for ARNs will exceed the initial estimated value. If you attempt to sell ARNs prior to maturity, their market value may be lower than the price you paid for them and lower than the initial estimated value. This is due to, among other things, the assumed rate used to determine the economic terms of ARNs, and the inclusion in the public offering price of the underwriting discount and the estimated cost of hedging our obligations under ARNs (which includes a hedging related charge as described in the applicable term sheet). These factors, together with customary bid ask spreads, other transaction costs and various credit, market and economic factors over the term of ARNs, including changes in the value of the Market Measure, are expected to reduce the price at which you may be able to sell ARNs in any secondary market and will affect the value of ARNs in complex and unpredictable ways.

The initial estimated value does not represent the price at which we, the Guarantor, MLPF&S or any of our respective affiliates would be willing to purchase your ARNs in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time. The value of your ARNs at any time after issuance will vary based on many factors that cannot be predicted with accuracy, including the performance of the Market Measure, our creditworthiness and the Guarantor’s creditworthiness and changes in market conditions. MLPF&S has advised us that any repurchases by them or their affiliates are expected to be made at prices determined by

PS-8

 

reference to their pricing models and at their discretion, and these prices will include MLPF&S’s trading commissions and mark-ups. If you sell your ARNs to a dealer other than MLPF&S in a secondary market transaction, the dealer may impose its own discount or commission.

We cannot assure you that there will be a trading market for your ARNs. If a secondary market exists, we cannot predict how ARNs will trade, or whether that market will be liquid or illiquid. The development of a trading market for ARNs will depend on various factors, including the Guarantor’s financial performance and changes in the value of the Market Measure. The number of potential buyers of your ARNs in any secondary market may be limited. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your ARNs at any price in any secondary market.

We anticipate that one or more of the agents will act as a market-maker for ARNs, but none of them is required to do so and may cease to do so at any time. Any price at which an agent may bid for, offer, purchase, or sell any ARNs may be higher or lower than the applicable public offering price, and that price may differ from the values determined by pricing models that it may use, whether as a result of dealer discounts, mark-ups, or other transaction costs. These bids, offers, or transactions may affect the prices, if any, at which ARNs might otherwise trade in the market. In addition, if at any time any agent were to cease acting as a market-maker for any issue of ARNs, it is likely that there would be significantly less liquidity in that secondary market. In such a case, the price at which those ARNs could be sold likely would be lower than if an active market existed.

Unless otherwise stated in the term sheet, we will not list ARNs on any securities exchange or quotation system. Even if an application were made to list your ARNs, we cannot assure you that the application will be approved or that your ARNs will be listed and, if listed, that they will remain listed for their entire term. The listing of ARNs on any securities exchange or quotation system will not necessarily ensure that a trading market will develop, and if a trading market does develop, that there will be liquidity in the trading market.

The Redemption Amount will not reflect changes in the value of the Market Measure that occur other than on the calculation day. Changes in the value of the Market Measure during the term of ARNs other than on the calculation day will not be reflected in the calculation of the Redemption Amount. To calculate the Redemption Amount, the calculation agent will compare only the Ending Value to the Starting Value. No other values of the Market Measure will be taken into account. As a result, even if the value of the Market Measure has increased at certain times during the term of ARNs, you will receive a Redemption Amount that is less than the principal amount if the Ending Value is less than the Starting Value.

If your ARNs are linked to a Basket, changes in the prices of one or more of the Basket Stocks may be offset by changes in the prices of one or more of the other Basket Stocks. The Market Measure of your ARNs may be a Basket. In such a case, changes in the prices of one or more of the Basket Stocks may not correlate with changes in the prices of one or more of the other Basket Stocks. The prices of one or more Basket Stocks may increase, while the prices of one or more of the other Basket Stocks may decrease or not increase as much. Therefore, in calculating the value of the Market Measure at any time, increases in the price of one Basket Stock may be moderated or wholly offset by decreases or lesser increases in the prices of one or more of the other Basket Stocks. If the weightings of the applicable Basket Stocks are not equal, adverse changes in the prices of the Basket Stocks which are more heavily weighted could have a greater impact upon your ARNs.

PS-9

 

If you attempt to sell ARNs prior to maturity, their market value, if any, will be affected by various factors that interrelate in complex ways, and their market value may be less than the principal amount. The ARNs are not designed to be short-term trading instruments. You have no right to have your ARNs redeemed prior to maturity. If you wish to liquidate your investment in ARNs prior to maturity, your only option would be to sell them. At that time, there may be an illiquid market for your ARNs or no market at all. Even if you were able to sell your ARNs, there are many factors outside of our control that may affect their market value, some of which, but not all, are stated below. The impact of any one factor may be offset or magnified by the effect of another factor. These factors may interact with each other in complex and unpredictable ways. The following paragraphs describe a specific factor’s expected impact on the market value of ARNs, assuming all other conditions remain constant.

Value of the Market Measure. We anticipate that the market value of ARNs prior to maturity generally will depend to a significant extent on the value of the Market Measure. In general, it is expected that the market value of ARNs will decrease as the value of the Market Measure decreases, and increase as the value of the Market Measure increases. However, as the value of the Market Measure increases or decreases, the market value of ARNs is not expected to increase or decrease at the same rate. If you sell your ARNs when the value of the Market Measure is less than, or not sufficiently above, the applicable Starting Value, then you may receive less than the principal amount of your ARNs.

In addition, because the Redemption Amount will not exceed the applicable Capped Value, we do not expect that ARNs will trade in any secondary market at a price that is greater than the Capped Value.

Volatility of the Market Measure. Volatility is the term used to describe the size and frequency of market fluctuations. Increases or decreases in the volatility of the Market Measure may have an adverse impact on the market value of ARNs. Even if the value of the Market Measure increases after the applicable pricing date, if you are able to sell your ARNs before their maturity date, you may receive substantially less than the amount that would be payable at maturity based on that value because of the anticipation that the value of the Market Measure will continue to fluctuate until the Ending Value is determined.
Economic and Other Conditions Generally. The general economic conditions of the capital markets in the United States, as well as geopolitical conditions and other financial, political, regulatory, and judicial events and related uncertainties that affect stock markets generally, may adversely affect the value of the Market Measure and the market value of ARNs. If an Underlying Stock is an ADR, the value of your ARNs may also be adversely affected by similar events in the markets of the relevant foreign country.
Interest Rates. We expect that changes in interest rates will affect the market value of ARNs. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, we expect that the market value of ARNs will decrease, and conversely, if U.S. interest rates decrease, we expect that the market value of ARNs will increase. In general, we expect that the longer the amount of time that remains until maturity, the more significant the impact of these changes will be on the value of ARNs. The level of interest rates also may affect the U.S. economy and any applicable market outside of the U.S., and, in turn, the value of the Market Measure, and, thus, the market value of ARNs may be adversely affected. If any Underlying Stock is an ADR, the level of interest rates in the relevant foreign country may affect the economy of that foreign country and, in turn, the value of the ADR, and, thus, the market value of ARNs may be adversely affected.
Dividend Yields. In general, if the cumulative dividend yield on any Underlying Stock increases, we anticipate that the market value of ARNs will decrease.

PS-10

 

Our and the Guarantor’s Creditworthiness. Our and the Guarantor’s actual and perceived creditworthiness may affect the value of ARNs.
Time to Maturity. There may be a disparity between the market value of ARNs prior to maturity and their value at maturity. This disparity is often called a time “value,” “premium,” or “discount,” and reflects expectations concerning the value of the Market Measure prior to the maturity date. As the time to maturity decreases, this disparity may decrease, such that the value of ARNs will approach the expected Redemption Amount to be paid at maturity.

Trading and hedging activities by the Guarantor, any of our other affiliates and the agents and their affiliates may affect your return on ARNs and their market value. The Guarantor, any of our other affiliates and the agents and their affiliates may buy or sell shares of an Underlying Stock, futures or options contracts or exchange-traded instruments on an Underlying Stock, or other listed or over the counter derivative instruments linked to an Underlying Stock. The Guarantor, any of our other affiliates and the agents and their affiliates may execute such purchases or sales for their own accounts, for business reasons, or in connection with hedging our obligations under ARNs. These transactions could adversely affect the value of an Underlying Stock in a manner that could be adverse to your investment in ARNs. On or before the applicable pricing date, any purchases or sales by the Guarantor, any of our other affiliates and the agents and their affiliates, or others on our or their behalf (including for the purpose of hedging anticipated exposure) may increase the value of an Underlying Stock. Consequently, the value of that Underlying Stock may decrease subsequent to the pricing date of an issue of ARNs, adversely affecting the market value of ARNs.

The Guarantor, any of our other affiliates and the agents and their affiliates may also engage in hedging activities that could increase the value of an Underlying Stock on the applicable pricing date. In addition, these activities, including the unwinding of a hedge, may decrease the market value of your ARNs prior to maturity, including on the calculation day, and may reduce the Redemption Amount. The agents, or one or more of their respective affiliates may purchase or otherwise acquire a long or short position in ARNs, and may hold or resell ARNs. For example, the agents may enter into these transactions in connection with any market making activities in which they engage. We cannot assure you that these activities will not adversely affect the value of any Underlying Stock or the market value of your ARNs prior to maturity or the Redemption Amount.

Trading, hedging and other business activities of the Guarantor or any of our other affiliates, and those of the agents or one or more of their affiliates, may create conflicts of interest with you. The Guarantor and any of our other affiliates and the agents and their affiliates may engage in trading activities related to an Underlying Stock that are not for your account or on your behalf. The Guarantor and any of our other affiliates and the agents and their affiliates also may issue or underwrite other financial instruments with returns based upon an Underlying Stock. These trading and other business activities may present a conflict of interest between your interest in ARNs and the interests the Guarantor and any of our other affiliates and the agents and their affiliates may have in their proprietary accounts, in facilitating transactions, including block trades, for their other customers, and in accounts under their management. These trading and other business activities, if they influence the value of an Underlying Stock or secondary trading in your ARNs, could be adverse to your interests as a beneficial owner of ARNs.

The Guarantor and any of our other affiliates and the agents and their affiliates expect to enter into arrangements or adjust or close out existing transactions to hedge our obligations under ARNs. The Guarantor and any of our other affiliates and the agents and their affiliates also may enter into hedging transactions relating to other securities or instruments that we or they issue, some of which may have returns calculated in a manner related to that of a

PS-11

 

particular issue of ARNs. We may enter into such hedging arrangements with the Guarantor and one or more of our other affiliates, or with one or more of the agents or their affiliates. Such a party may enter into additional hedging transactions with other parties relating to ARNs and an Underlying Stock. This hedging activity is expected to result in a profit to those engaging in the hedging activity, which could be more or less than initially expected, or the hedging activity could also result in a loss. The Guarantor and any of our other affiliates and the agents and their affiliates will price these hedging transactions with the intent to realize a profit, regardless of whether the value of ARNs increases or decreases, or whether the Redemption Amount on ARNs is more or less than the principal amount of ARNs. Any profit in connection with such hedging activities will be in addition to any other compensation that the Guarantor and any of our other affiliates and the agents and their affiliates receive for the sale of ARNs, which creates an additional incentive to sell ARNs to you.

There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent. We may appoint and remove the calculation agent. We or one of our affiliates may be the calculation agent or act as joint calculation agent for ARNs and, as such, will determine the Starting Value, the Ending Value, and the Redemption Amount. Under some circumstances, these duties could result in a conflict of interest between our status as issuer and our responsibilities as calculation agent. These conflicts could occur, for instance, in connection with the calculation agent’s determination as to whether a Market Disruption Event has occurred, or in connection with judgments that the calculation agent would be required to make if certain corporate events occur with respect to an Underlying Stock. See the sections entitled “Description of ARNs—Market Disruption Events” and “—Anti-Dilution Adjustments.” The calculation agent will be required to carry out its duties in good faith and using its reasonable judgment. However, because we or one of our affiliates may serve as the calculation agent, potential conflicts of interest could arise. In addition, we may appoint MLPF&S or one of its affiliates to act as the calculation agent or as joint calculation agent for ARNs. As the calculation agent or joint calculation agent, MLPF&S or one of its affiliates will have discretion in making various determinations that affect your ARNs. The exercise of this discretion by the calculation agent could adversely affect the value of your ARNs and may present the calculation agent with a conflict of interest of the kind described under “—Trading and hedging activities by our affiliates and the agents and their affiliates may affect your return on ARNs and their market value” and “—Our affiliates’ trading, hedging and other business activities, and those of the agents or one or more of their affiliates, may create conflicts of interest with you” above.

The U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the ARNs are unclear. There is no direct legal authority regarding the proper U.S. federal tax treatment of the ARNs, and we do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). Consequently, significant aspects of the tax treatment of the ARNs are uncertain, and the IRS or a court might not agree with the treatment of the ARNs as prepaid derivative contracts that are “open transactions” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the IRS were successful in asserting an alternative treatment of the ARNs, the tax consequences of ownership and disposition of the ARNs might be materially and adversely affected. Even if the treatment of the ARNs as prepaid derivative contracts that are “open transactions” is respected, an ARN that is linked to an Underlying Stock that constitutes an equity interest in one of a specified list of entities (including exchange-traded funds, real estate investment trusts and partnerships) may be subject to adverse treatment under the “constructive ownership” rules.

Section 871(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), imposes a withholding tax of up to 30% on “dividend equivalents” paid or deemed paid to non-U.S. investors with respect to certain financial instruments linked to U.S. equities.  This withholding regime generally applies to financial instruments that substantially replicate the economic performance of one or more U.S. equities, as determined based on tests set forth in the applicable regulations.  The Section 871(m) regime requires complex calculations to be made

PS-12

 

with respect to financial instruments linked to U.S. equities, and its application to a specific issue of ARNs may be uncertain.  Accordingly, even if we determine that certain ARNs are not subject to Section 871(m), the IRS could challenge our determination and assert that withholding is required in respect of those ARNs.  Moreover, the application of Section 871(m) to an ARN may be affected if a non-U.S. investor enters into other transactions relating to an Underlying Stock.  Non-U.S. investors should consult their tax advisers regarding the application of Section 871(m) in their particular circumstances. If withholding applies to the ARNs, neither we nor our agents (including MLPF&S) will be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld.

 

The U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS have requested comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar financial instruments and have indicated that such transactions may be the subject of future regulations or other guidance. In addition, members of Congress have proposed legislative changes to the tax treatment of derivative contracts. Any legislation, Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the ARNs, possibly with retroactive effect.

 

Both U.S. and non-U.S. investors should read carefully the section of this product supplement entitled “United States Federal Tax Considerations” and consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the ARNs, as well as tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.

 

Risks Relating to an Underlying Stock

You must rely on your own evaluation of the merits of an investment linked to any applicable Underlying Stock. In the ordinary course of business, our affiliates and the agents and their affiliates may have expressed views on expected movements in an Underlying Stock, and may do so in the future. These views or reports may be communicated to clients of these entities. However, these views are subject to change from time to time. Moreover, other professionals who deal in markets relating to an Underlying Stock may at any time have significantly different views from our views and the views of these entities. For these reasons, you are encouraged to derive information concerning an Underlying Stock from multiple sources, and you should not rely on our views or the views expressed by these entities.

You will have no rights as a security holder, you will have no rights to receive any shares of any Underlying Stock, and you will not be entitled to dividends or other distributions by any Underlying Company. ARNs are our debt securities. They are not equity instruments, shares of stock, or securities of any other issuer, other than the related guarantees, which are securities of the Guarantor. Investing in ARNs will not make you a holder of any Underlying Stock. You will not have any voting rights, any rights to receive dividends or other distributions, or any other rights with respect to any Underlying Stock. As a result, the return on your ARNs may not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned shares of an Underlying Stock and received the dividends paid or other distributions made in connection with them. Your ARNs will be paid in cash and you have no right to receive shares of any Underlying Stock.

If shares of an Underlying Company are also listed on a foreign exchange, your return may be affected by factors affecting international securities markets. The value of securities traded outside of the U.S. may be adversely affected by a variety of factors relating to the relevant securities markets. Factors which could affect those markets, and therefore the return on your ARNs, include:

PS-13

 

Market Liquidity and Volatility. The relevant foreign securities markets may be less liquid and/or more volatile than U.S. or other securities markets and may be affected by market developments in different ways than U.S. or other securities markets.
Political, Economic, and Other Factors. The prices and performance of securities of companies in foreign countries may be affected by political, economic, financial, and social factors in those regions. Direct or indirect government intervention to stabilize a particular securities market and cross-shareholdings in companies in the relevant foreign markets may affect prices and the volume of trading in those markets. In addition, recent or future changes in government, economic, and fiscal policies in the relevant jurisdictions, the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange laws, or other laws or restrictions, and possible fluctuations in the rate of exchange between currencies, are factors that could adversely affect the relevant securities markets. The relevant foreign economies may differ from the U.S. economy in economic factors such as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, and self-sufficiency.

In particular, many emerging nations are undergoing rapid change, involving the restructuring of economic, political, financial and legal systems. Regulatory and tax environments may be subject to change without review or appeal, and many emerging markets suffer from underdevelopment of capital markets and tax systems. In addition, in some of these nations, issuers of the relevant securities face the threat of expropriation of their assets, and/or nationalization of their businesses. The economic and financial data about some of these countries may be unreliable. Additionally, the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements applicable to companies in foreign countries may differ from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies.

We, the Guarantor and the agents do not control any Underlying Company and have not verified any disclosure made by any Underlying Company. The Guarantor or our other affiliates and the agents and their affiliates currently, or in the future, may engage in business with any Underlying Company, and our affiliates and the agents and their affiliates may from time to time own any Underlying Stock. However, none of us, the Guarantor, the agents, or any of our respective affiliates has the ability to control any actions of any Underlying Company or has undertaken any independent review of, or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to, any Underlying Company. Unless otherwise specified therein, any information in the applicable term sheet regarding an Underlying Company is derived from publicly available information. You should make your own investigation into an Underlying Stock.

Business activities of the Guarantor or any of our other affiliates and those of the agents and their affiliates relating to an Underlying Company or ARNs may create conflicts of interest with you. The Guarantor or any of our other affiliates and the agents and their affiliates, at the time of any offering of ARNs or in the future, may engage in business with any Underlying Company, including making loans to, equity investments in, or providing investment banking, asset management, or other services to such company, its affiliates, and its competitors.

PS-14

 

In connection with these activities, any of these entities may receive information about those companies that we will not divulge to you or other third parties. Our affiliates and the agents and their affiliates have published, and in the future may publish, research reports on one or more of these companies. The agents may also publish research reports relating to our or our affiliates’ securities, including ARNs. This research is modified from time to time without notice and may express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding your ARNs. Any of these activities may adversely affect the price of any Underlying Stock and, consequently, the market value of your ARNs. None of us, the Guarantor, the agents, or our respective affiliates makes any representation to any purchasers of ARNs regarding any matters whatsoever relating to any Underlying Company. Any prospective purchaser of ARNs should undertake an independent investigation of any Underlying Stock and any Underlying Company that, in its judgment, is appropriate to make an informed decision regarding an investment in ARNs. The selection of an Underlying Stock does not reflect any investment recommendations from us, the Guarantor, the agents, or our respective affiliates.

An Underlying Company will have no obligations relating to ARNs and we will not perform any due diligence procedures with respect to any Underlying Company. An Underlying Company will not have any financial or legal obligation with respect to ARNs or the amounts to be paid to you, including any obligation to take our needs or the needs of noteholders into consideration for any reason, including taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of an Underlying Stock or the value of ARNs. An Underlying Company will not receive any of the proceeds from any offering of ARNs, and will not be responsible for, or participate in, the offering of ARNs. No Underlying Company will be responsible for, or participate in, the determination or calculation of any payments on ARNs.

 

None of us, the Guarantor, the agents, or any of our respective affiliates will conduct any due diligence inquiry with respect to any Underlying Stock in connection with an offering of ARNs. None of us, the Guarantor, the agents, or any of our respective affiliates has made any independent investigation as to the completeness or accuracy of publicly available information regarding any Underlying Stock or any Underlying Company or as to the future performance of any Underlying Stock. Any prospective purchaser of ARNs should undertake such independent investigation of any Underlying Company as in its judgment is appropriate to make an informed decision with respect to an investment in ARNs.

 

The Redemption Amount will not be adjusted for all corporate events that could affect an Underlying Company. The Price Multiplier, the Ending Value, the Redemption Amount and other terms of ARNs may be adjusted for the specified corporate events affecting an Underlying Stock, as described in the section entitled “Description of ARNs—Anti-Dilution Adjustments.” However, these adjustments do not cover all corporate events that could affect the market price of an Underlying Stock, such as offerings of common shares for cash or in connection with certain acquisition transactions. The occurrence of any event that does not require the calculation agent to adjust the applicable Price Multiplier or the amount payable to you at maturity may adversely affect the Closing Market Price of that Underlying Stock, the Ending Value and the Redemption Amount, and, as a result, the market value of ARNs.

 

Historical prices of an Underlying Stock should not be taken as an indication of the future performance of an Underlying Stock during the term of ARNs. Accordingly, any historical or hypothetical prices of an Underlying Stock do not provide an indication of the future performance of an Underlying Stock.

PS-15

 

Risks Relating to Underlying Stocks That Are ADRs

 

The value of an ADR may not accurately track the value of the common shares of the related Underlying Company. If an Underlying Stock is an ADR, each ADR will represent shares of the relevant Underlying Company. Generally, ADRs are issued under a deposit agreement that sets forth the rights and responsibilities of the depositary, the Underlying Company and the holders of the ADRs. The trading patterns of the ADRs will generally reflect the characteristics and valuations of the underlying common shares; however, the value of the ADRs may not completely track the value of those shares. There are important differences between the rights of holders of ADRs and the rights of holders of the underlying common shares. In addition, trading volume and pricing on the applicable non-U.S. exchange may, but will not necessarily, have similar characteristics as the ADRs. For example, certain factors may increase or decrease the public float of the ADRs and, as a result, the ADRs may have less liquidity or lower market value than the underlying common shares.

Exchange rate movements may adversely impact the value of an Underlying Stock that is an ADR. If an Underlying Stock is an ADR, its market price will generally track the U.S. dollar value of the market price of the underlying common shares. Therefore, if the value of the related foreign currency in which the underlying common shares are traded decreases relative to the U.S. dollar, the market price of the Underlying Stock may decrease while the market price of the underlying common shares remains stable or increases, or does not decrease to the same extent. As a result, changes in, and the volatility of, the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the relevant non-U.S. currency could have an adverse impact on the value of the Underlying Stock and consequently, the value of your ARNs and the Redemption Amount.

Adverse trading conditions in the applicable non-U.S. market may negatively affect the value of an Underlying Stock that is an ADR. Holders of an Underlying Company’s ADRs may usually surrender the ADRs in order to receive and trade the underlying common shares. This provision permits investors in the ADRs to take advantage of price differentials between markets. However, this provision may also cause the market prices of the applicable Underlying Stock to more closely correspond with the values of the common shares in the applicable non-U.S. markets. As a result, a market outside of the United States for the underlying common shares that is not liquid may also result in an illiquid market for the ADRs, which may negatively impact the value of such ADRs and, consequently, the value of your ARNs.

Delisting of an Underlying Stock that is an ADR may adversely affect the value of ARNs. If an Underlying Stock that is an ADR is no longer listed or admitted to trading on a U.S. securities exchange registered under the Exchange Act or included in the OTC Bulletin Board Service operated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), or if the ADR facility between the Underlying Company and the ADR depositary is terminated for any reason, the Underlying Stock will be deemed to be the Underlying Company’s common equity securities rather than the ADRs, and the calculation agent will determine the price of the Underlying Stock by reference to those common shares, as described below under “Description of ARNs—Delisting of ADRs or Termination of ADR Facility.” Replacing the original ADRs with the underlying common shares may adversely affect the value of ARNs and the Redemption Amount.

One of our affiliates may serve as the depositary for ADRs. One of our affiliates may serve as depositary for some foreign companies that issue ADRs. If an Underlying Stock is an ADR, and one of our affiliates serves as depositary for such ADRs, the interests of our affiliate, as depositary for the ADRs, may be adverse to your interests as a holder of ARNs.

PS-16

 

Other Risk Factors Relating to an Underlying Stock

The applicable term sheet may set forth additional risk factors as to an Underlying Stock that you should review prior to purchasing ARNs.

PS-17

 

USE OF PROCEEDS and hedging

We intend to lend the net proceeds from the sales of ARNs to Wells Fargo & Company and/or its affiliates. We expect that Wells Fargo & Company and/or its affiliates will use the proceeds from these loans for general corporate purposes as more fully described in the accompanying prospectus under “Use of Proceeds” and the prospectus supplement under “Supplemental Use of Proceeds.” In addition, we expect that we or our affiliates may use a portion of the net proceeds to hedge our obligations under ARNs.

PS-18

 

DESCRIPTION OF ARNs

General

Each issue of ARNs will be part of a series of medium-term notes entitled “Medium-Term Notes, Series A” that will be issued under the indenture, as amended and supplemented from time to time. The indenture is described more fully in the prospectus and prospectus supplement. The following description of ARNs supplements and, to the extent it is inconsistent with, supersedes the description of the general terms and provisions of the notes and debt securities set forth under the headings “Description of Notes” in the prospectus supplement. These documents should be read in connection with the applicable term sheet.

ARNs are senior unsecured debt securities issued by Wells Fargo Finance LLC, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company. Wells Fargo & Company will fully and unconditionally guarantee all payments of principal and other amounts payable on ARNs. ARNs will rank equally with all of our other unsecured senior debt from time to time outstanding. The guarantee of ARNs will rank pari passu with all other unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of the Guarantor. Any payments due on ARNs, including any repayment of principal, will be subject to credit risk. If Wells Fargo Finance LLC, as issuer, and Wells Fargo & Company, as guarantor, default on their obligations, you could lose some or all of your investment.

The maturity date of ARNs and the aggregate principal amount of each issue of ARNs will be stated in the term sheet. If the scheduled maturity date is not a business day, we will make the required payment on the next business day, and no interest will accrue as a result of such delay.

We will not pay interest on ARNs. ARNs do not guarantee the return of principal at maturity. ARNs will be payable only in U.S. dollars.

Prior to the maturity date, ARNs are not redeemable by us, except under the limited circumstances as set forth in the section “Description of ARNs—Anti-Dilution Adjustments—Reorganization Events,” or repayable at the option of any holder. ARNs are not subject to any sinking fund.

We will issue ARNs in denominations of whole units. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, each unit will have a principal amount of $10. The CUSIP number for each issue of ARNs will be set forth in the applicable term sheet. You may transfer ARNs only in whole units.

PS-19

 

Payment at Maturity

At maturity, subject to our credit risk, as issuer of ARNs, and the credit risk of the Guarantor, as guarantor of ARNs, you will receive a Redemption Amount, denominated in U.S. dollars. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, the “Redemption Amount” will be calculated as follows:

If the Ending Value is greater than the Starting Value, then the Redemption Amount will equal:

The Redemption Amount will not exceed a “Capped Value” set forth in the term sheet.

If the Ending Value is equal to or less than the Starting Value, then the Redemption Amount will equal:

The Redemption Amount will not be less than zero.

Your participation in any upside performance of the Market Measure underlying your ARNs will also be impacted by the Participation Rate. The “Participation Rate” will be 300% for ARNs unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet.

Each term sheet will provide examples of Redemption Amounts based on a range of hypothetical Ending Values.

The term sheet will set forth information as to the specific Market Measure, including information as to the historical prices of the Underlying Stock or Underlying Stocks. However, historical prices of any Underlying Stock are not indicative of its future performance or the performance of your ARNs.

An investment in ARNs does not entitle you to any ownership interest, including any voting rights, in an Underlying Stock, nor dividends paid, or other distributions made, by any Underlying Company.

The Starting Value and the Ending Value

Starting Value

Unless otherwise specified in the term sheet, the “Starting Value” will be the price of the Underlying Stock on the pricing date, determined as set forth in the term sheet.

If the Market Measure consists of a Basket, the Starting Value will be equal to 100. See “—Basket Market Measures.”

PS-20

 

Ending Value

Unless otherwise specified in the term sheet, the “Ending Value” will equal the Closing Market Price of the Underlying Stock on the calculation day multiplied by the Price Multiplier on that day.

If the Market Measure consists of a Basket, the Ending Value of the Basket will be determined as described in “—Basket Market Measures—Ending Value of the Basket.”

Unless otherwise specified in the term sheet, the following definitions will apply:

The “calculation day” means a trading day shortly before the maturity date. The calculation day will be set forth in the term sheet.

A “trading day” means a day on which trading is generally conducted (or was scheduled to have been generally conducted, but for the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event) on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), the Nasdaq Stock Market, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, and in the over-the-counter market for equity securities in the United States, or any successor exchange or market, or in the case of a security traded on one or more non-U.S. securities exchanges or markets, on the principal non-U.S. securities exchange or market for such security.

The “Closing Market Price” for one share of any Underlying Stock (or one unit of any other security for which a Closing Market Price must be determined) on any trading day means any of the following:

if the Underlying Stock (or such other security) is listed or admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the last reported sale price, regular way (or, in the case of The Nasdaq Stock Market, the official closing price), of the principal trading session on that day on the principal U.S. securities exchange registered under the Exchange Act on which the Underlying Stock (or such other security) is listed or admitted to trading;
if the Underlying Stock (or such other security) is not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange but is included in the OTC Bulletin Board, the last reported sale price of the principal trading session on the OTC Bulletin Board on that day;
if the Underlying Stock (or such other security) is issued by a foreign issuer and its closing price cannot be determined as set forth in the two bullet points above, and the Underlying Stock (or such other security) is listed or admitted to trading on a non-U.S. securities exchange or market, the last reported sale price, regular way, of the principal trading session on that day on the primary non-U.S. securities exchange or market on which the Underlying Stock (or such other security) is listed or admitted to trading (converted to U.S. dollars using such exchange rate as the calculation agent, in its sole discretion, determines to be commercially reasonable); or
if the Closing Market Price cannot be determined as set forth in the prior bullets, the mean, as determined by the calculation agent, of the bid prices for the Underlying Stock (or such other security) obtained from as many dealers in that security (which may include us, MLPF&S and/or any of our respective affiliates), but not exceeding three, as will make the bid prices available to the calculation agent. If no such bid price can be obtained, the Closing Market Price will be determined (or, if not determinable, estimated) by the calculation agent in its sole discretion in a commercially reasonable manner.

PS-21

 

If the scheduled calculation day is not a trading day or if there is a Market Disruption Event on the scheduled calculation day with respect to an Underlying Stock, the calculation day will be the immediately succeeding trading day during which no Market Disruption Event occurs or is continuing; provided that the Closing Market Price of that Underlying Stock will be determined (or, if not determinable, estimated) by the calculation agent in a commercially reasonable manner on a date no later than the second scheduled trading day prior to the maturity date, regardless of the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event on that day.

The initial “Price Multiplier” for an Underlying Stock will be 1, unless otherwise set forth in the term sheet. The Price Multiplier for each Underlying Stock will be subject to adjustment for certain corporate events relating to that Underlying Stock described below under “—Anti-Dilution Adjustments.”

Market Disruption Events

As to any Underlying Stock (or any “successor Underlying Stock,” which is the common equity securities or the ADRs of a Successor Entity (as defined below)), a “Market Disruption Event” means any of the following events, as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion:

  (A) the suspension of or material limitation on trading, in each case, for more than two consecutive hours of trading, or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of trading, of the shares of the Underlying Stock (or the successor to the Underlying Stock) on the primary exchange where such shares trade, as determined by the calculation agent (without taking into account any extended or after-hours trading session);
 

(B)

 

 

 

the suspension of or material limitation on trading, in each case, for more than two consecutive hours of trading, or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of trading, on the primary exchange that trades options contracts or futures contracts related to the shares of the Underlying Stock (or successor to the Underlying Stock) as determined by the calculation agent (without taking into account any extended or after-hours trading session), in options contracts or futures contracts related to the shares of the Underlying Stock (or successor to the Underlying Stock); or
  (C) the determination that the scheduled calculation day is not a trading day by reason of an extraordinary event, occurrence, declaration, or otherwise.

For the purpose of determining whether a Market Disruption Event has occurred:

  (1) a limitation on the hours in a trading day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of the relevant exchange;
  (2) a decision to permanently discontinue trading in the shares of the Underlying Stock (or successor Underlying Stock) or the relevant futures or options contracts relating to such shares will not constitute a Market Disruption Event;
  (3) a suspension in trading in a futures or options contract on the shares of the Underlying Stock (or successor Underlying Stock), by a major securities market by reason of (a) a price change violating limits set by that securities market, (b) an imbalance of orders relating to those contracts, or (c) a disparity in bid and ask quotes relating to those contracts, will each constitute a suspension of or material limitation on trading in futures or options contracts relating to the Underlying Stock;

 

PS-22

 

  (4) subject to paragraph (3) above, a suspension of or material limitation on trading on the relevant exchange will not include any time when that exchange is closed for trading under ordinary circumstances; and
  (5) for the purpose of clause (A) above, any limitations on trading during significant market fluctuations under NYSE Rule 80B, or any applicable rule or regulation enacted or promulgated by the NYSE or any other self-regulatory organization or the SEC of similar scope as determined by the calculation agent, will be considered “material.”

Anti-Dilution Adjustments

As to any Underlying Stock (or successor Underlying Stock), the calculation agent, in its sole discretion, may adjust the Price Multiplier (and as a result, the Ending Value), and any other terms of ARNs (such as the Starting Value), if an event described below occurs after the pricing date and on or before the calculation day and if the calculation agent determines that such an event has a diluting or concentrative effect on the theoretical value of the shares of the Underlying Stock (or successor Underlying Stock).

 

The Price Multiplier resulting from any of the adjustments specified below will be rounded to the eighth decimal place with five one-billionths being rounded upward. No adjustments to the Price Multiplier will be required unless the adjustment would require a change of at least 0.1% in the Price Multiplier then in effect. Any adjustment that would require a change of less than 0.1% in the Price Multiplier which is not applied at the time of the event may be reflected at the time of any subsequent adjustment that would require a change of the Price Multiplier. The required adjustments specified below do not cover all events that could affect any Underlying Stock.

 

No adjustments to the Price Multiplier for any Underlying Stock or any other terms of

ARNs will be required other than those specified below. However, the calculation agent may, at its sole discretion, make additional adjustments or adjustments that differ from those described herein to the Price Multiplier or any other terms of ARNs to reflect changes to any Underlying Stock if the calculation agent determines that the adjustment is appropriate to ensure an equitable result.

 

The calculation agent will be solely responsible for the determination of any adjustments to the Price Multiplier for any Underlying Stock or any other terms of ARNs and of any related determinations with respect to any distributions of stock, other securities or other property or assets, including cash, in connection with any corporate event described below; its determinations and calculations will be conclusive absent a determination of a manifest error.

No adjustments are required to be made for certain other events, such as offerings of common equity securities by any Underlying Company for cash or in connection with the occurrence of a partial tender or exchange offer for any Underlying Stock by the Underlying Company.

Following certain corporate events relating to an Underlying Stock, where the Underlying Company is not the surviving entity, any payment you receive on ARNs may be based on the equity securities of a successor to the Underlying Company or any cash or any other assets distributed to holders of the Underlying Stock in such corporate event.

Following an event that results in an adjustment to the Price Multiplier for any Underlying Stock or any of the other terms of ARNs, the calculation agent may (but is not required to) provide holders of ARNs with information about that adjustment as it deems appropriate, depending on the nature of the adjustment. Upon written request by any holder

PS-23

 

of ARNs, the calculation agent will provide that holder with information about such adjustment.

Anti-Dilution Adjustments to Underlying Stocks that Are Common Equity

The calculation agent, in its sole discretion and as it deems reasonable, may adjust the Price Multiplier for an Underlying Stock and other terms of ARNs, and hence the Ending Value, as a result of certain events related to an Underlying Stock, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

Stock Splits and Reverse Stock Splits. If an Underlying Stock is subject to a stock split or reverse stock split, then once such split has become effective, the Price Multiplier will be adjusted such that the new Price Multiplier will equal the product of:

the prior Price Multiplier; and

 

the number of shares that a holder of one share of the Underlying Stock before the effective date of the stock split or reverse stock split would have owned immediately following the applicable effective date.

For example, a two-for-one stock split would ordinarily change a Price Multiplier of one into a Price Multiplier of two. In contrast, a one-for-two reverse stock split would ordinarily change a Price Multiplier of one into a Price Multiplier of one-half.

Stock Dividends. If an Underlying Stock is subject to (i) a stock dividend (i.e., an issuance of additional shares of Underlying Stock) that is given ratably to all holders of the Underlying Stock or (ii) a distribution of additional shares of the Underlying Stock as a result of the triggering of any provision of the organizational documents of the Underlying Company, then, once the dividend has become effective and the Underlying Stock is trading ex-dividend, the Price Multiplier will be adjusted on the ex-dividend date such that the new Price Multiplier will equal the prior Price Multiplier plus the product of:

the prior Price Multiplier; and
the number of additional shares issued in the stock dividend with respect to one share of the Underlying Stock;

provided that no adjustment will be made for a stock dividend for which the number of shares of the Underlying Stock paid or distributed is based on a fixed cash equivalent value, unless such distribution is an Extraordinary Dividend (as defined below).

For example, a stock dividend of one new share for each share held would ordinarily change a Price Multiplier of one into a Price Multiplier of two.

Extraordinary Dividends. There will be no adjustments to the Price Multiplier to reflect any cash dividends or cash distributions paid with respect to an Underlying Stock other than Extraordinary Dividends, as described below, and distributions described under the section entitled “—Reorganization Events” below.

An “Extraordinary Dividend” means, with respect to a cash dividend or other distribution with respect to an Underlying Stock, a dividend or other distribution that the

PS-24

 

calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, is not declared or otherwise made according to the Underlying Company’s then existing policy or practice of paying such dividends on a quarterly or other regular basis. If an Extraordinary Dividend occurs, the Price Multiplier will be adjusted on the ex-dividend date so that the new Price Multiplier will equal the product of:

the prior Price Multiplier; and
a fraction, the numerator of which is the Closing Market Price per share of the Underlying Stock on the trading day preceding the ex-dividend date and the denominator of which is the amount by which the Closing Market Price per share of the Underlying Stock on that preceding trading day exceeds the Extraordinary Dividend Amount.

The “Extraordinary Dividend Amount” with respect to an Extraordinary Dividend will equal:

in the case of cash dividends or other distributions that constitute regular dividends, the amount per share of the Underlying Stock of that Extraordinary Dividend minus the amount per share of the immediately preceding non-Extraordinary Dividend for that share; or
in the case of cash dividends or other distributions that do not constitute regular dividends, the amount per share of the Underlying Stock of that Extraordinary Dividend.

To the extent an Extraordinary Dividend is not paid in cash, the value of the non-cash component will be determined by the calculation agent, whose determination will be conclusive. A distribution on the Underlying Stock described in the section “—Issuance of Transferable Rights or Warrants” or clause (a), (d) or (e) of the section entitled “—Reorganization Events” below that also constitutes an Extraordinary Dividend will only cause an adjustment under those respective sections.

Issuance of Transferable Rights or Warrants. If an Underlying Company issues transferable rights or warrants to all holders of record of the Underlying Stock to subscribe for or purchase the Underlying Stock, including new or existing rights to purchase the Underlying Stock under a shareholder rights plan or arrangement, then the Price Multiplier will be adjusted on the trading day immediately following the issuance of those transferable rights or warrants so that the new Price Multiplier will equal the prior Price Multiplier plus the product of:

the prior Price Multiplier; and
the number of shares of the Underlying Stock that can be purchased with the cash value of those warrants or rights distributed on one share of the Underlying Stock.

The number of shares that can be purchased will be based on the Closing Market Price of the Underlying Stock on the date the new Price Multiplier is determined. The cash value of those warrants or rights, if the warrants or rights are traded on a registered national securities exchange, will equal the closing price of that warrant or right. If the warrants or rights are not traded on a registered national securities exchange, the cash value will be determined by the calculation agent and will equal the average of the bid prices obtained from three dealers at 3:00 p.m., New York time on the date the new Price Multiplier is determined, provided that if only two of those bid prices are available, then the cash value of those warrants or rights will equal the average of those bids and if only one of those bids is available, then the cash value of those warrants or rights will equal that bid.

PS-25

 

Reorganization Events

If after the pricing date and on or prior to the calculation day of ARNs, as to any Underlying Stock:

  (a) there occurs any reclassification or change of the Underlying Stock, including, without limitation, as a result of the issuance of tracking stock by the Underlying Company;
  (b) the Underlying Company, or any surviving entity or subsequent surviving entity of the Underlying Company (a “Successor Entity”), has been subject to a merger, combination, or consolidation and is not the surviving entity;
  (c) any statutory exchange of securities of the Underlying Company or any Successor Entity with another corporation occurs, other than under clause (b) above;
  (d) the Underlying Company is liquidated or is subject to a proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or other similar law;

(e)

the Underlying Company issues to all of its shareholders securities of an issuer other than the Underlying Company, including equity securities of an affiliate of the Underlying Company, other than in a transaction described in clauses (b), (c), or (d) above;

(f)

a tender or exchange offer or going-private transaction is consummated for all the outstanding shares of the Underlying Company;
 

(g)

there occurs any reclassification or change of the Underlying Stock that results in a transfer or an irrevocable commitment to transfer all such outstanding shares of the Underlying Stock to another entity or person;
 

(h)

the Underlying Company or any Successor Entity is the surviving entity of a merger, combination, or consolidation, that results in the outstanding Underlying Stock (other than Underlying Stock owned or controlled by the other party to such transaction) immediately prior to such event collectively representing less than 50% of the outstanding Underlying Stock immediately following such event; or

(i)

the Underlying Company ceases to file the financial and other information with the SEC in accordance with Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act (an event in clauses (a) through (i), a “Reorganization Event”),

then, on or after the date of the occurrence of a Reorganization Event, the calculation agent shall, in its sole discretion, make an adjustment to the Price Multiplier or to the method of determining the Redemption Amount or any other terms of ARNs as the calculation agent, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate to account for the economic effect on ARNs of that Reorganization Event (including adjustments to account for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate, or liquidity relevant to the Underlying Stock or to ARNs), which may, but need not, be determined by reference to the adjustment(s) made in respect of such Reorganization Event by an options exchange to options on the relevant Underlying Stock traded on that options exchange and determine the effective date of that adjustment. If the calculation agent determines that no adjustment that it could make will produce a commercially reasonable result, then the calculation agent may cause the maturity date of ARNs to be accelerated to the fifth business day following the date of that determination and the Redemption Amount payable to you will be calculated as though the date of early

PS-26

 

repayment were the stated maturity date of ARNs and as though the calculation day were the fifth trading day prior to the date of acceleration.

If the Underlying Company ceases to file the financial and other information with the SEC in accordance with Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act, as contemplated by clause (i) above, and the calculation agent determines in its sole discretion that sufficiently similar information is not otherwise available to you, then the calculation agent may cause the maturity date of ARNs to be accelerated to the fifth business day following the date of that determination and the Redemption Amount payable to you will be calculated as though the date of early repayment were the stated maturity date of ARNs, and as though the calculation day were the fifth trading day prior to the date of acceleration. If the calculation agent determines that sufficiently similar information is available to you, the Reorganization Event will be deemed to have not occurred.

Alternative Anti-Dilution and Reorganization Adjustments

The calculation agent may elect at its discretion to not make any of the adjustments to the Price Multiplier for any Underlying Stock or to the other terms of ARNs, including the method of determining the Redemption Amount, described in this section, but may instead make adjustments, in its discretion, to the Price Multiplier for any Underlying Stock or any other terms of ARNs (such as the Starting Value) that will reflect the adjustments to the extent practicable made by the Options Clearing Corporation on options contracts on an Underlying Stock or any successor common stock. For example, if an Underlying Stock is subject to a two-for-one stock split, and the Options Clearing Corporation adjusts the strike prices of the options contract on that Underlying Stock by dividing the strike price by two, then the calculation agent may also elect to divide the Starting Value by two. In this case, the Price Multiplier will remain one. This adjustment would have the same economic effect on holders of ARNs as if the Price Multiplier had been adjusted.

Anti-Dilution Adjustments to Underlying Stocks that Are ADRs

For purposes of the anti-dilution adjustments set forth above, if an Underlying Stock is an ADR (an “Underlying ADR”), the calculation agent will consider the effect of any of the relevant events on the Underlying ADR, and adjustments will be made as if the Underlying ADR was the Underlying Stock described above. For example, if the stock represented by the Underlying ADR is subject to a two-for-one stock split, and assuming an initial Price Multiplier of 1, the Price Multiplier for the Underlying ADR would be adjusted so that it equals two. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, with respect to ARNs linked to an Underlying ADR (or an Underlying Stock issued by a non-U.S. Underlying Company), the term “dividend” means the dividends paid to holders of the Underlying ADR (or the Underlying Stock issued by the non-U.S. Underlying Company), and such dividends may reflect the netting of any applicable foreign withholding or similar taxes that may be due on dividends paid to a U.S. person.

The calculation agent may determine not to make an adjustment if:

(A)holders of the Underlying ADR are not eligible to participate in any of the events that would otherwise require anti-dilution adjustments as set forth above if ARNs had been linked directly to the common shares of the Underlying Company represented by the Underlying ADR; or
(B)to the extent that the calculation agent determines that the Underlying Company or the depositary for the ADRs has adjusted the number of common shares of the Underlying Company represented by each share of the Underlying ADR, so that the market price of the Underlying ADR would not be affected by the corporate event.

PS-27

 

If the Underlying Company or the depositary for the ADRs, in the absence of any of the events described above, elects to adjust the number of common shares of the Underlying Company represented by each share of the Underlying ADR, then the calculation agent may make the appropriate anti-dilution adjustments to reflect such change. The depositary for the ADRs may also make adjustments in respect of the ADRs for share distributions, rights distributions, cash distributions and distributions other than shares, rights, and cash. Upon any such adjustment by the depositary, the calculation agent may adjust the Price Multiplier or other terms of ARNs as the calculation agent determines commercially reasonable to account for that event.

Delisting of ADRs or Termination of ADR Facility

If an Underlying ADR is no longer listed or admitted to trading on a U.S. securities exchange registered under the Exchange Act or included in the OTC Bulletin Board Service operated by FINRA, or if the ADR facility between the Underlying Company and the ADR depositary is terminated for any reason, then, on and after the date that the Underlying ADR is no longer so listed or admitted to trading or the date of such termination, as applicable (the “termination date”), the Underlying Stock will be deemed to be the Underlying Company’s common equity securities rather than the Underlying ADR. The calculation agent will determine the price of the Underlying Stock by reference to those common shares. Under such circumstances, the calculation agent may modify any terms of ARNs as it deems necessary, in its sole discretion, to ensure an equitable result. On and after the termination date, for all purposes, the Closing Market Price of the Underlying Company’s common shares on their primary exchange will be converted to U.S. dollars using such exchange rate as the calculation agent, in its sole discretion, determines to be commercially reasonable.

Underlying Stock

Any information regarding any Underlying Stock or any Underlying Company will be derived from publicly available documents. Any Underlying Stock will be registered under the Exchange Act. Information provided to or filed with the SEC by any Underlying Company can be located at the SEC’s facilities or through the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. None of us, the Guarantor, the agents, or any of our respective affiliates will have independently verified the accuracy or completeness of any of the information or reports of an Underlying Company.

The selection of an Underlying Stock is not a recommendation to buy or sell the Underlying Stock. None of us, the Guarantor, the agents, or any of our respective subsidiaries or affiliates makes any representation to any purchaser of ARNs as to the performance of the Underlying Stock.

Basket Market Measures

If the Market Measure to which your ARNs are linked is a Basket, the Basket Stocks will be set forth in the applicable term sheet. We will assign each Basket Stock a weighting (the “Initial Component Weight”) so that each Basket Stock represents a percentage of the Starting Value of the Basket on the pricing date. We may assign the Basket Stocks equal Initial Component Weights, or we may assign the Basket Stocks unequal Initial Component Weights. The Initial Component Weight for each Basket Stock will be stated in the term sheet.

Determination of the Component Ratio for Each Basket Stock

The “Starting Value” of the Basket will be equal to 100. We will set a fixed factor (the “Component Ratio”) for each Basket Stock on the pricing date, based upon the weighting of that Basket Stock. The Component Ratio for each Basket Stock will equal:

PS-28

 

the Initial Component Weight (expressed as a percentage) for that Basket Stock, multiplied by 100; divided by
the Closing Market Price of that Basket Stock on the pricing date.

Each Component Ratio will be rounded to eight decimal places.

The Component Ratios will be calculated in this way so that the Starting Value of the Basket will equal 100 on the pricing date. The Component Ratios will not be revised subsequent to their determination on the pricing date, except that the calculation agent may in its good faith judgment adjust the Component Ratio of any Basket Stock in the event that Basket Stock is materially changed or modified in a manner that does not, in the opinion of the calculation agent, fairly represent the value of that Basket Stock had those material changes or modifications not been made.

The following table is for illustration purposes only, and does not reflect the actual composition, Initial Component Weights, or Component Ratios, which will be set forth in the term sheet.

Example: The hypothetical Basket Stocks are Stock ABC, Stock XYZ, and Stock RST, with their Initial Component Weights being 50.00%, 25.00% and 25.00%, respectively, on a hypothetical pricing date:

Basket Stock

Initial Component
Weight

Hypothetical Closing
Market Price(1)

Hypothetical
Component Ratio(2)

Initial Basket
Value
Contribution

Stock ABC 50.00% 50.00 1.00000000 50.00
Stock XYZ 25.00% 24.00 1.04166667 25.00
Stock RST 25.00% 10.00 2.50000000 25.00
Starting Value 100.00
 
(1) This column sets forth the hypothetical Closing Market Price of each Basket Stock on the hypothetical pricing date.
(2) The hypothetical Component Ratio for each Basket Stock equals its Initial Component Weight (expressed as a percentage) multiplied by 100, and then divided by the hypothetical Closing Market Price of that Basket Stock on the hypothetical pricing date, with the result rounded to eight decimal places.

PS-29

 

Ending Value of the Basket

The “Ending Value” of the Basket will be the value of the Basket on the calculation day. The value of the Basket will equal the sum of the products of the Closing Market Price of each Basket Stock on a trading day multiplied by its Price Multiplier on that day, and the Component Ratio for each Basket Stock. The value of the Basket will vary based on the increase or decrease in the price of each Basket Stock. Any increase in the price of a Basket Stock (assuming no change in the price of the other Basket Stock or Basket Stocks) will result in an increase in the value of the Basket. Conversely, any decrease in the price of a Basket Stock (assuming no change in the price of the other Basket Stock or Basket Stocks) will result in a decrease in the value of the Basket.

Unless otherwise specified in the term sheet, if, for any Basket Stock (an “Affected Basket Stock”), a Market Disruption Event occurs on the scheduled calculation day (such day being a “non-calculation day”), the calculation agent will determine the prices of the Basket Stocks for such non-calculation day, and as a result, the Ending Value, as follows:

The Closing Market Price of each Basket Stock that is not an Affected Basket Stock will be its Closing Market Price on that non-calculation day.
The Closing Market Price of each Basket Stock that is an Affected Basket Stock for the non-calculation day will be determined in the same manner as described in the second to last paragraph of subsection “—The Starting Value and the Ending Value—Ending Value,” provided that references to “Underlying Stock” will be references to “Basket Stock.”

For purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event has occurred as to any Basket Stock, “Market Disruption Event” will have the meaning stated above in “—Market Disruption Events.”

 

Role of the Calculation Agent

The calculation agent has the sole discretion to make all determinations regarding ARNs as described in this product supplement, including determinations regarding the Starting Value, the Ending Value, the Price Multiplier, the Closing Market Price, the Redemption Amount, any Market Disruption Events, any anti-dilution adjustments, a successor Underlying Stock, business days trading days and non-calculation days. Absent manifest error, all determinations of the calculation agent will be conclusive for all purposes and final and binding on you, the Guarantor and us, without any liability on the part of the calculation agent.

We or one of our affiliates may act as the calculation agent, or we may appoint MLPF&S or one of its affiliates as the calculation agent for each issue of ARNs. Alternatively, we (or one of our affiliates) and MLPF&S (or one of its affiliates) may act as joint calculation agents for ARNs. When we refer to a “calculation agent” in this product supplement or in any term sheet, we are referring to the applicable calculation agent or joint calculation agents, as the case may be. However, we may change the calculation agent at any time without notifying you. The identity of the calculation agent will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

Same-Day Settlement and Payment

ARNs will be delivered in book-entry form only through The Depository Trust Company against payment by purchasers of ARNs in immediately available funds. We will pay the Redemption Amount in immediately available funds so long as ARNs are maintained in book-entry form.

PS-30

 

Events of Default and Acceleration

Events of default are defined in the indenture. If such an event occurs and is continuing, unless otherwise stated in the term sheet, the amount payable to a holder of ARNs upon any acceleration permitted under the indenture will be equal to the Redemption Amount described under the caption “—Payment at Maturity,” determined as if the date of acceleration were the calculation day. If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of us, your claim may be limited under applicable bankruptcy law. In case of a default in payment of ARNs, whether at their maturity or upon acceleration, they will not bear a default interest rate. For additional discussion of these matters, please see the discussion under the headings “Description of Debt Securities of Wells Fargo Finance LLC—Modification and Waiver” beginning on page 22 and “—Events of Default and Covenant Breaches” beginning on page 23 of the accompanying prospectus.

Listing

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, ARNs will not be listed on a securities exchange or quotation system.

 

PS-31

 

SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

MLPF&S and one or more of its affiliates may act as our agents for any offering of ARNs. The agents may act on either a principal basis or an agency basis, as set forth in the applicable term sheet. Each agent will be a party to the distribution agreement described in the “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on page S-26 of the accompanying prospectus supplement.

Each agent will receive an underwriting discount that is a percentage of the aggregate principal amount of ARNs sold through its efforts, which will be set forth in the applicable term sheet. You must have an account with the applicable agent in order to purchase ARNs.

None of the agents is acting as your fiduciary or adviser solely as a result of the making of any offering of ARNs, and you should not rely upon this product supplement, the term sheet, or the accompanying prospectus or prospectus supplement as investment advice or a recommendation to purchase any ARNs. You should make your own investment decision regarding ARNs after consulting with your legal, tax, and other advisers.

MLPF&S and its affiliates may use this product supplement, the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus, together with the applicable term sheet, in market-making transactions for any ARNs after their initial sale solely for the purpose of providing investors with the description of the terms of ARNs that were made available to investors in connection with the initial distribution of ARNs. Secondary market investors should not, and will not be authorized to rely on these documents for information regarding Wells Fargo Finance LLC or Wells Fargo & Company or for any purpose other than that described in the immediately preceding sentence.

Neither we nor any agent is making an offer to sell ARNs in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. This product supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus are not an offer to sell ARNs to anyone, and are not soliciting an offer to buy these ARNs from anyone, in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Selling Restrictions

Prohibition of Sales to EEA Retail Investors

ARNs may not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area. 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 (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”); or
(ii)a customer within the meaning of Directive 2002/92/EC, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or
(iii)not a qualified investor as defined in Directive 2003/71/EC; 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 ARNs offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe ARNs.

 

PS-32

 

United Kingdom

MLPF&S has represented and agreed that:

(a)in relation to any ARNs which have a maturity of less than one year, (i) it is a person whose ordinary activities involve it in acquiring, holding, managing, or disposing of investments (as principal or as agent) for the purposes of its business and (ii) it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell any ARNs other than to persons whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing, or disposing of investments (as principal or as agent) for the purposes of their businesses or who it is reasonable to expect will acquire, hold, manage, or dispose of investments (as principal or as agent) for the purposes of their businesses where the issue of ARNs would otherwise constitute a contravention of section 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”) by the issuer;
(b)it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the FSMA) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of any ARNs in circumstances in which section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the issuer; and
(c)it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to ARNs in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

Argentina

ARNs are not and will not be marketed in Argentina by means of a public offer of securities, as such term is defined under Sections 2 and 83 of the Argentine Capital Markets Law No. 26,831, as securities. No application has been or will be made with the Argentine Comisión Nacional de Valores, the Argentine securities governmental authority, to offer ARNs in Argentina.

Brazil

The information contained in this product supplement and in the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus does not constitute a public offering or distribution of securities in Brazil and no registration or filing with respect to any securities or financial products described in these documents has been made with the Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (the “CVM”). No public offer of securities or financial products described in this product supplement or in the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus should be made in Brazil without the applicable registration at the CVM.

Chile

 

ARNs have not been registered with the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance of Chile, and ARNs may not be offered or sold to persons in Chile, except in circumstances which do not result in an offer to the public in Chile, within the meaning of Chilean Law.

The People’s Republic of China

These offering documents have not been filed with or approved by the People’s Republic of China (for such purposes, not including Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions or Taiwan) authorities, and is not an offer of securities (whether public offering or private placement) within the meaning of the Securities Law or other pertinent laws and

PS-33

 

regulations of the People’s Republic of China. These offering documents shall not be offered to the general public if used within the People’s Republic of China, and ARNs so offered cannot be sold to anyone that is not a qualified purchaser of the People’s Republic of China. MLPF&S has represented, warranted and agreed that ARNs are not being offered or sold and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in the People’s Republic of China, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

France

This product supplement and accompanying prospectus have not been approved by the Autorité des marchés financiers (“AMF”). Each of the selling agents has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, ARNs to the public in France, and has not distributed or caused to be distributed and will not distribute or cause to be distributed to the public in France this product supplement, the accompanying prospectus supplement or prospectus, or any other offering material relating to ARNs, and that such offers, sales and distributions have been and will be made in France only to (a) providers of the investment service of portfolio management for the account of third parties, (b) qualified investors (investisseurs qualifiés) acting for their own account, (c) a restricted group of investors (cercle restreint d’investisseurs) acting for their own account and/or (d) other investors in circumstances which do not require the publication by the offeror of a prospectus pursuant to the French Code monétaire et financier and the Règlement général of the AMF all as defined in, and in accordance with, Articles L.411-2, D.411-1, D.411-4, D.744-1, D.754-1 and D.764-1 of the French Code monétaire et financier and other applicable regulations. The direct or indirect resale of ARNs to the public in France may be made only as provided by, and in accordance with, Articles L.411-1, L.411-2, L.412-1 and L.621-8 to L.621-8-3 of the French Code monétaire et financier.

Mexico

The ARNs have not been and will not be registered in the National Securities Registry (Registro Nacional de Valores). Therefore, ARNs may not be offered or sold in the United Mexican States (“Mexico”) by any means except in circumstances which constitute a private offering (oferta privada) pursuant to Article 8 of the Securities Market Law (Ley del Mercado de Valores) and its regulations. All applicable provisions of the Securities Market Law must be complied with in respect to anything done in relation to ARNs in, from or otherwise involving Mexico.

New Zealand

No offeree of ARNs shall directly or indirectly offer, sell or deliver any ARNs, or distribute the offering documents or any advertisement in relation to any offer of ARNs, in New Zealand other than to persons whose principal business is the investment of money or who, in the course of and for the purposes of their business, habitually invest money, or who are each required to pay a minimum subscription price of at least NZ$500,000 for ARNs (excluding any amounts lent by the issuer or any of its affiliates) before the allotment of those ARNs, or who in all the circumstances can properly be regarded as having been selected otherwise than as members of the public, or in other circumstances where there is no contravention of the Securities Act 1978 of New Zealand.

Philippines

ARNs BEING OFFERED OR SOLD HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE PHILIPPINES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION UNDER THE SECURITIES

PS-34

 

REGULATION CODE. ANY FUTURE OFFER OR SALE THEREOF IS SUBJECT TO REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE SECURITIES REGULATION CODE UNLESS SUCH OFFER OR SALE QUALIFIES AS AN EXEMPT TRANSACTION.

Switzerland

ARNs may not be offered, sold or advertised directly or indirectly into or in Switzerland except in a manner which will not result in a public offering within the meaning of article 652a or 1156 of the Swiss Federal Code of Obligations (“CO”). Neither this product supplement or the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus nor any other offering or marketing materials relating to ARNs have been prepared with regard to the disclosure standards for prospectuses under article 652a or 1156 CO, and therefore do not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of article 652a or 1156 CO. Neither this product supplement nor the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus nor any other offering or marketing materials relating to ARNs may be distributed, published or otherwise made available in Switzerland except in a manner which will not constitute a public offering of ARNs into or in Switzerland.

Taiwan

ARNs may be made available for purchase outside Taiwan by investors residing in Taiwan (either directly or through properly licensed Taiwan intermediaries acting on behalf of such investors) but may not be offered or sold in Taiwan.

Uruguay

ARNs have not been registered under the Uruguayan Securities Market Law or recorded in the Uruguayan Central Bank. ARNs are not available publicly in Uruguay and are offered only on a private basis. No action may be taken in Uruguay that would render any offering of ARNs a public offering in Uruguay. No Uruguayan regulatory authority has approved ARNs or passed on our solvency. In addition, any resale of ARNs must be made in a manner that will not constitute a public offering in Uruguay.

Los valores no han sido registrados bajo la Ley de Mercado de Valores de la República Oriental del Uruguay o registrados ante el Banco Central del Uruguay. Los valores no son ofrecidos en forma pública en Uruguay y lo son únicamente en forma privada. Ninguna acción puede ser adoptada en Uruguay en relación a estos valores que resulte en que esta oferta de valores sea una oferta pública de valores en Uruguay. Ninguna autoridad regulatoria del Uruguay ha aprobado estos valores o se ha manifestado sobre nuestra solvencia. Adicionalmente, cualquier reventa de estos valores debe ser realizada en forma tal que no constituya oferta pública de valores en el Uruguay.

Venezuela

ARNs have not been registered with the Comision Nacional de Valores de Venezuela and are not being publicly offered in Venezuela. No document related to the offering of ARNs, including this product supplement and the accompanying prospectus, shall be interpreted to constitute an offer of securities or an offer or the rendering of any investment advice, securities brokerage, and/or banking services in Venezuela. Investors wishing to acquire ARNs may use only funds located outside of Venezuela.

PS-35

 

UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income and certain estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the ARNs.

It applies to you only if you purchase an ARN for cash in the initial offering at the original offering price as stated in the applicable term sheet and hold the ARN as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. It does not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, including alternative minimum tax consequences, or if you are an investor subject to special rules, such as:

a financial institution;
a “regulated investment company”;
a tax-exempt entity, including an “individual retirement account” or “Roth IRA”;
a dealer or trader subject to a mark-to-market method of tax accounting with respect to the ARNs;
a person holding an ARN as part of a “straddle” or conversion transaction or who has entered into a “constructive sale” with respect to an ARN;
a U.S. holder (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; or
an entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds the ARNs, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partnership holding the ARNs or a partner in such a partnership, you should consult your tax adviser as to the particular U.S. federal tax consequences of holding and disposing of the ARNs to you.

We will not attempt to ascertain whether any Underlying Stock issuer should be treated as a “U.S. real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code or a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code. If an Underlying Stock issuer were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply to you, in the case of a USRPHC if you are a non-U.S. holder (as defined below), and in the case of a PFIC if you are a U.S. holder (as defined below), upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of the ARNs. You should refer to information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or another governmental authority by any Underlying Stock issuer and consult your tax adviser regarding the possible consequences to you if an Underlying Stock issuer is or becomes a USRPHC or PFIC.

This discussion is based on the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, all as of the date of this product supplement, changes to any of which subsequent to the date of this product supplement may affect the tax consequences described herein, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion does not address the effects of any applicable state, local or non-U.S. tax laws or the potential application of the Medicare tax on net investment income. You should consult your tax adviser concerning the application of U.S. federal income and estate tax laws to your particular situation (including the possibility of alternative treatments of the ARNs), as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. jurisdiction.

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This discussion is subject to any additional discussion regarding U.S. federal taxation contained in the applicable term sheet. Accordingly, you should also consult the applicable term sheet for any additional discussion of U.S. federal taxation with respect to the specific ARNs offered thereunder.

Tax Treatment of the ARNs

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable term sheet, under current law, we intend to treat the ARNs as prepaid derivative contracts that are “open transactions” for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Due to the absence of statutory, judicial or administrative authorities that directly address the U.S. federal tax treatment of the ARNs or similar instruments, significant aspects of the treatment of an investment in the ARNs are uncertain. We do not plan to request a ruling from the IRS, and the IRS or a court might not agree with this treatment. Accordingly, you should consult your tax adviser regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences of an investment in the ARNs. Unless otherwise indicated, the following discussion is based on the treatment of the ARNs as prepaid derivative contracts that are “open transactions.”

Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders

This section applies only to U.S. holders. You are a “U.S. holder” if you are a beneficial owner of an ARN that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

a citizen or individual resident of the United States;
a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state therein or the District of Columbia; or
an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.

Legislation enacted in 2017 modified the rules regarding the timing of income to be recognized by accrual method taxpayers. Under this legislation, if you are an accrual method taxpayer, notwithstanding the discussion below, you may be required to include income on an ARN no later than the relevant item is taken into account as revenue in an applicable financial statement. You should consult your tax adviser concerning the application of these rules in your particular situation.

Tax Treatment Prior to Maturity. You generally should not be required to recognize income over the term of the ARNs prior to maturity, other than pursuant to a sale, exchange or retirement as described below.

Sale, Exchange or Retirement of the ARNs. Upon a sale, exchange or retirement of the ARNs, you should recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange or retirement and your tax basis in the ARNs that are sold, exchanged or retired. Your tax basis in the ARNs generally should equal the amount you paid to acquire them. Subject to the discussion in “—Potential Application of Section 1260 of the Code” below, this gain or loss generally should be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of the sale, exchange or retirement you held the ARNs for more than one year, and short-term capital gain or loss otherwise. Long-term capital gains recognized by non-corporate U.S. holders are generally subject to taxation at reduced rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.

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Possible Taxable Event

If a Reorganization Event occurs and the calculation agent selects a successor Underlying Stock, it is possible that the ARNs could be treated, in whole or part, as terminated and reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In such a case, you might be required to recognize gain or loss (subject to the possible application of the wash sale rules) with respect to the ARNs, and the treatment of the ARNs after the deemed reissuance could differ from that described herein.

Potential Application of Section 1260 of the Code

If any Underlying Stock constitutes an equity interest in one of a specified list of entities, including an exchange-traded fund or other regulated investment company, a real estate investment trust, partnership or PFIC, depending upon the specific terms of the ARNs it is possible that an investment in the ARNs will be treated as a “constructive ownership transaction” within the meaning of Section 1260 of the Code. In that case, all or a portion of any long-term capital gain you would otherwise recognize in respect of an ARN would be recharacterized as ordinary income to the extent such gain exceeded the “net underlying long-term capital gain.” Any long-term capital gain recharacterized as ordinary income under Section 1260 would be treated as accruing at a constant rate over the period you held an ARN, and you would be subject to an interest charge in respect of the deemed tax liability on the income treated as accruing in prior tax years. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable term sheet, due to the lack of governing authority under Section 1260 we do not expect that our counsel will be able to opine as to whether or how these rules will apply to the ARNs if the ARNs are linked to an Underlying Stock of the type described above.

Possible Alternative Tax Treatments of an Investment in the ARNs

Alternative U.S. federal income tax treatments of the ARNs are possible that, if applied, could materially and adversely affect the timing and/or character of income, gain or loss with respect to the ARNs. It is possible, for example, that the ARNs could be treated as debt instruments issued by us. Under this treatment, “long-term” ARNs (i.e., ARNs that mature, after taking into account the last possible date that the ARNs could be outstanding under their terms, more than one year from the date of their issuance) would be subject to Treasury regulations relating to the taxation of contingent payment debt instruments. In that case, regardless of your method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you would generally be required to accrue income based on our comparable yield for similar non-contingent debt, determined as of the time of issuance of the ARNs, in each year that you held the ARNs, even though we are not required to make any payment with respect to the ARNs prior to maturity. In addition, any gain recognized on the sale, exchange or retirement of the ARNs would be treated as ordinary income. If ARNs that are not “long-term” ARNs were treated as debt instruments, all or a portion of the gain you recognize on a sale, exchange or retirement of the ARNs could be treated as ordinary income.

Other possible U.S. federal income tax treatments of the ARNs could also affect the timing and character of income or loss with respect to the ARNs. Moreover, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS have requested comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar financial instruments and have indicated that such transactions may be the subject of future regulations or other guidance. In addition, members of Congress have proposed legislative changes to the tax treatment of derivative contracts. Any legislation, Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the ARNs, possibly with retroactive effect. You should consult your tax adviser regarding possible alternative tax treatments of the ARNs and potential changes in applicable law.

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Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders

This section applies only to non-U.S. holders. You are a “non-U.S. holder” if you are a beneficial owner of an ARN that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

an individual who is classified as a nonresident alien;
a foreign corporation; or
a foreign estate or trust.

You are not a non-U.S. holder for purposes of this discussion if you are (i) an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition of the ARNs, (ii) a former citizen or resident of the United States or (iii) a person for whom income or gain in respect of the ARNs is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States. If you are or may become such a person during the period in which you hold an ARN, you should consult your tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the ARNs.

Sale, Exchange or Retirement of the ARNs. Subject to the possible application of Section 897 of the Code and the discussions below regarding Section 871(m), FATCA and backup withholding, you generally should not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax in respect of amounts paid to you upon the sale, exchange or retirement of the ARNs.

Tax Consequences Under Possible Alternative Treatments. If all or any portion of an ARN were recharacterized as a debt instrument, subject to the possible application of Section 897 of the Code and the discussions below regarding Section 871(m) and FATCA, any payment made to you with respect to the ARN generally should not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax, provided that you provide an appropriate IRS Form W-8 certifying under penalties of perjury that you are not a United States person.

Other U.S. federal income tax treatments of the ARNs are also possible. Moreover, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS have requested comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar financial instruments and have indicated that such transactions may be the subject of future regulations or other guidance. In addition, members of Congress have proposed legislative changes to the tax treatment of derivative contracts. Any legislation, Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the ARNs, possibly with retroactive effect. If withholding applies to the ARNs, neither we nor our agents (including MLPF&S) will be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld.

Possible Withholding under Section 871(m) of the Code

Section 871(m) of the Code and the Treasury regulations thereunder (“Section 871(m)”) impose a 30% (or lower treaty rate) withholding tax on “dividend equivalents” paid or deemed paid to non-U.S. holders with respect to certain financial instruments linked to U.S. equities (“underlying securities”), as defined under the applicable Treasury regulations, or indices that include underlying securities. Section 871(m) generally applies to “specified equity linked instruments” (“specified ELIs”), which are financial instruments that substantially replicate the economic performance of one or more underlying securities, as determined based on tests set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations and discussed further below. Section 871(m) provides certain exceptions to this withholding regime, in particular for instruments linked to certain broad-based indices that meet requirements set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations (“qualified indices”) as well as securities that track such indices (“qualified index securities”).

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Although the Section 871(m) regime became effective in 2017, the regulations and IRS Notice 2018-72 phase in the application of Section 871(m) as follows:

For financial instruments issued prior to January 1, 2021, Section 871(m) will generally apply only to financial instruments that have a “delta” of one.
For financial instruments issued in 2021 and thereafter, Section 871(m) will apply if either (i) the “delta” of the relevant financial instrument is at least 0.80, if it is a “simple” contract, or (ii) the financial instrument meets a “substantial equivalence” test, if it is a “complex” contract.

Delta is generally defined as the ratio of the change in the fair market value of a financial instrument to a small change in the fair market value of the number of shares of the underlying security. The “substantial equivalence” test measures whether a complex contract tracks its “initial hedge” (shares of the underlying security that would fully hedge the contract) more closely than would a “benchmark” simple contract with a delta of 0.80.

The calculations are generally made at the “calculation date,” which is the earlier of (i) the time of pricing of the ARN, i.e., when all material terms have been agreed on, and (ii) the issuance of the ARN. However, if the time of pricing is more than 14 calendar days before the issuance of the ARN, the calculation date is the date of the issuance of the ARN. In those circumstances, information regarding our final determinations for purposes of Section 871(m) may be available only after you agree to purchase the ARN. As a result, you should acquire such an ARN only if you are willing to accept the risk that the ARN is treated as a specified ELI subject to withholding.

If the terms of an ARN are subject to a “significant modification” (for example, upon an event discussed above under “Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders—Possible Taxable Event”), the ARN generally will be treated as reissued for this purpose at the time of the significant modification, in which case the ARNs could become specified ELIs at that time.

If an ARN is a specified ELI, withholding in respect of dividend equivalents will, depending on the applicable withholding agent’s circumstances, generally be required either (i) on the underlying dividend payment date or (ii) when cash payments are made on the ARN or upon the date of maturity, lapse or other disposition of the ARN by you, or possibly upon certain other events. Depending on the circumstances, the applicable withholding agent may withhold the required amounts from payments on the ARN, from proceeds of the retirement or other disposition of the ARN, or from your other cash or property held by the withholding agent.

The dividend equivalent amount will include the amount of any actual or, under certain circumstances, estimated dividend. If the dividend equivalent amount is based on the actual dividend, it will be equal to the product of: (i) in the case of a “simple” contract, the per-share dividend amount, the number of shares of an underlying security and the delta; or (ii) in the case of a “complex” contract, the per-share dividend amount and the initial hedge. The dividend equivalent amount for a specified ELI issued prior to January 1, 2021 that has a “delta” of one will be calculated in the same manner as (i) above, using a “delta” of one. The per-share dividend amount will be the actual dividend (including any special dividends) paid with respect to a share of the underlying security.

Neither we nor our agents (including MLPF&S) will be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld.

Depending on the terms of an ARN and whether or not it is issued on or after January 1, 2021, the term sheet may contain additional information relevant to Section 871(m), such as

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whether the ARN references a qualified index or qualified index security; whether it is a “simple” contract; the “delta” and the number of shares multiplied by delta (for a simple contract); and whether the “substantial equivalence test” is met and the initial hedge (for a complex contract).

Prospective purchasers of the ARNs should consult their tax advisers regarding the potential application of Section 871(m) to a particular ARN. Our determination is binding on non-U.S. holders, but it is not binding on the IRS. The Section 871(m) regulations require complex calculations to be made with respect to ARNs linked to underlying securities and their application to a specific issue of ARNs may be uncertain. Accordingly, even if we determine that certain ARNs are not specified ELIs, the IRS could challenge our determination and assert that withholding is required in respect of those ARNs. Moreover, your consequences under Section 871(m) may depend on your particular circumstances. For example, if you enter into other transactions relating to an Underlying Stock, you could be subject to withholding tax or income tax liability under Section 871(m) even if the ARNs are not specified ELIs subject to Section 871(m) as a general matter. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the application of Section 871(m) in their particular circumstances.

U.S. Federal Estate Tax

If you are an individual non-U.S. holder or an entity the property of which is potentially includible in such an individual’s gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example, a trust funded by such an individual and with respect to which the individual has retained certain interests or powers), you should note that, absent an applicable treaty exemption, an ARN may be treated as U.S.-situs property subject to U.S. federal estate tax. If you are such an individual or entity, you should consult your tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of investing in the ARNs.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Amounts paid on the ARNs, and the proceeds of a sale, exchange or other disposition of the ARNs, may be subject to information reporting and, if you fail to provide certain identifying information (such as an accurate taxpayer identification number if you are a U.S. holder) or meet certain other conditions, may also be subject to backup withholding at the rate specified in the Code. If you are a non-U.S. holder that provides an appropriate IRS Form W-8, you will generally establish an exemption from backup withholding. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are not additional taxes and may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the relevant information is timely furnished to the IRS.

FATCA

Legislation commonly referred to as “FATCA” generally imposes a withholding tax of 30% on payments to certain non-U.S. entities (including financial intermediaries) with respect to certain financial instruments, unless various U.S. information reporting and due diligence requirements have been satisfied. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and the non-U.S. entity’s jurisdiction may modify these requirements. This legislation applies to certain financial instruments that are treated as paying U.S.-source interest, dividends or dividend equivalents or other U.S.-source “fixed or determinable annual or periodical” income (“FDAP income”). Withholding (if applicable) applies to payments of U.S.-source FDAP income. While existing Treasury regulations would also require withholding on payments of gross proceeds of the disposition (including upon retirement) of certain financial instruments treated as paying U.S.-source interest, dividends or dividend equivalents, the U.S. Treasury Department has indicated in subsequent proposed regulations its intent to eliminate this requirement. The U.S. Treasury Department has indicated that taxpayers may rely on these proposed regulations pending their finalization. If the ARNs were recharacterized as debt

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instruments or are subject to Section 871(m), the withholding regime under FATCA would generally apply to the ARNs. If withholding applies to the ARNs, neither we nor our agents (including MLPF&S) will be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld. If you are a non-U.S. holder, or a U.S. holder holding ARNs through a non-U.S. intermediary, you should consult your tax adviser regarding the potential application of FATCA to the ARNs.

THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HOLDERS OF OWNING AND DISPOSING OF ARNS ARE UNCLEAR. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISER REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNING AND DISPOSING OF THE ARNS, INCLUDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN U.S. FEDERAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS.

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ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

Each fiduciary of a pension, profit-sharing, or other employee benefit plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) (a “Plan”), should consider the fiduciary standards of ERISA in the context of the Plan’s particular circumstances before authorizing an investment in ARNs. Accordingly, among other factors, the fiduciary should consider whether the investment would satisfy the prudence and diversification requirements of ERISA and would be consistent with the documents and instruments governing the Plan.

In addition, we, the agents, and certain of our respective subsidiaries and affiliates may be each considered a party in interest within the meaning of ERISA, or a disqualified person (within the meaning of the Code), with respect to many Plans, as well as many individual retirement accounts and Keogh plans (also “Plans”). Prohibited transactions within the meaning of ERISA or the Code would likely arise, for example, if ARNs are acquired by or with the assets of a Plan with respect to which we or any of our affiliates is a party in interest, unless ARNs are acquired under an exemption from the prohibited transaction rules. A violation of these prohibited transaction rules could result in an excise tax or other liabilities under ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Code for such persons, unless exemptive relief is available under an applicable statutory or administrative exemption.

Under ERISA and various prohibited transaction class exemptions (“PTCEs”) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, exemptive relief may be available for direct or indirect prohibited transactions resulting from the purchase, holding, or disposition of ARNs. Those exemptions are PTCE 96-23 (for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), PTCE 95-60 (for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTCE 91-38 (for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds), PTCE 90-1 (for certain transactions involving insurance company separate accounts), PTCE 84-14 (for certain transactions determined by independent qualified asset managers), and the exemption under Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code for certain arm’s-length transactions with a person that is a party in interest solely by reason of providing services to Plans or being an affiliate of such a service provider (the “Service Provider Exemption”).

Because we may be considered a party in interest with respect to many Plans, the ARNs may not be purchased, held, or disposed of by any Plan, any entity whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason of any Plan’s investment in the entity (a “Plan Asset Entity”) or any person investing plan assets of any Plan, unless such purchase, holding, or disposition is eligible for exemptive relief, including relief available under PTCE 96-23, 95-60, 91-38, 90-1, or 84-14 or the Service Provider Exemption, or such purchase, holding, or disposition is otherwise not prohibited. Any purchaser, including any fiduciary purchasing on behalf of a Plan, transferee or holder of ARNs will be deemed to have represented, in its corporate and its fiduciary capacity, by its purchase and holding of ARNs that either (a) it is not a Plan or a Plan Asset Entity and is not purchasing such ARNs on behalf of or with plan assets of any Plan or any plan subject to similar laws or (b) its purchase, holding, and disposition are eligible for exemptive relief or such purchase, holding, and disposition are not prohibited by ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or similar laws.

Further, any person acquiring or holding ARNs on behalf of any plan or with any plan assets shall be deemed to represent on behalf of itself and such plan that (x) the plan is paying no more than, and is receiving no less than, adequate consideration within the meaning of Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA in connection with the transaction or any redemption of ARNs, (y) none of us, MLPF&S, or any other agent directly or indirectly exercises any discretionary authority or control or renders investment advice or otherwise acts in a fiduciary capacity with respect to the assets of the plan within the meaning of ERISA and (z) in making the foregoing representations and warranties, such person has applied sound business principles in

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determining whether fair market value will be paid, and has made such determination acting in good faith.

The fiduciary investment considerations summarized above generally apply to employee benefit plans maintained by private-sector employers and to individual retirement accounts and other arrangements subject to Section 4975 of the Code, but generally do not apply to governmental plans (as defined in Section 3(32) of ERISA), certain church plans (as defined in Section 3(33) of ERISA), and foreign plans (as described in Section 4(b)(4) of ERISA). However, these other plans may be subject to similar provisions under applicable federal, state, local, foreign, or other regulations, rules, or laws (“similar laws”). The fiduciaries of plans subject to similar laws should also consider the foregoing issues in general terms as well as any further issues arising under the applicable similar laws.

Each purchaser or holder of ARNs acknowledges and agrees that:

(i)the purchaser or holder or its fiduciary has made and shall make all investment decisions for the purchaser or holder and the purchaser or holder has not relied and shall not rely in any way upon us or our affiliates to act as a fiduciary or adviser of the purchaser or holder with respect to (a) the design and terms of ARNs, (b) the purchaser or holder’s investment in ARNs, or (c) the exercise of or failure to exercise any rights we have under or with respect to ARNs;
(ii)we and our affiliates have acted and will act solely for our own account in connection with (a) all transactions relating to ARNs and (b) all hedging transactions in connection with our obligations under ARNs;
(iii)any and all assets and positions relating to hedging transactions by us or our affiliates are assets and positions of those entities and are not assets and positions held for the benefit of the purchaser or holder;
(iv)our interests may be adverse to the interests of the purchaser or holder; and
(v)neither we nor any of our affiliates is a fiduciary or adviser of the purchaser or holder in connection with any such assets, positions or transactions, and any information that we or any of our affiliates may provide is not intended to be impartial investment advice.

Purchasers of ARNs have exclusive responsibility for ensuring that their purchase, holding, and disposition of ARNs do not violate the prohibited transaction rules of ERISA or the Code or any similar regulations applicable to governmental or church plans, as described above.

This discussion is a general summary of some of the rules which apply to benefit plans and their related investment vehicles. This summary does not include all of the investment considerations relevant to Plans and other benefit plan investors such as governmental, church, and foreign plans and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion. Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt prohibited transactions, it is particularly important that fiduciaries or other persons considering purchasing ARNs on behalf of or with “plan assets” of any Plan or other benefit plan investor consult with their legal counsel prior to directing any such purchase.

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