Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration No. 333-216286
The information in this preliminary pricing supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary pricing supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion, Dated December 17, 2018 PRICING SUPPLEMENT No. WF-63 dated , 2018 (To Prospectus Supplement dated November 6, 2018 and Prospectus dated March 28, 2017) |
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce | ||
Senior Global Medium-Term Notes | ||
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside | ||
Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020
| ||
| ||
|
| |
¢ |
Linked to the Russell 2000® Index | |
|
| |
¢ |
Unlike ordinary debt securities, the securities do not pay interest at a specified rate or repay a fixed amount of principal at maturity. Instead, the securities provide for a payment at maturity that may be greater than, equal to or less than the principal amount of the securities, depending on the performance of the Index from its starting level to its ending level. The payment at maturity will reflect the following terms: | |
|
|
|
|
¢ |
If the level of the Index increases, you will receive the principal amount plus 200% participation in the upside performance of the Index, subject to a maximum total return at maturity of 11.50% to 15.50% (to be determined on the pricing date) of the principal amount |
|
|
|
|
¢ |
If the level of the Index does not change or decreases but the decrease is not more than 7.50%, you will be repaid the principal amount |
|
|
|
|
¢ |
If the level of the Index decreases by more than 7.50%, you will receive less than the principal amount and have 1-to-1 downside exposure to the decrease in the level of the Index in excess of 7.50% |
|
| |
¢ |
Investors may lose up to 92.50% of the principal amount | |
|
| |
¢ |
All payments on the securities are subject to the credit risk of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and you will have no ability to pursue any securities included in the Index for payment; if Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce defaults on its obligations, you could lose all or some of your investment | |
|
| |
¢ |
No periodic interest payments or dividends | |
|
| |
¢ |
No exchange listing; designed to be held to maturity |
The securities have complex features and investing in the securities involves risks not associated with an investment in conventional debt securities. See Risk Factors herein on page PRS-10.
The securities are unsecured obligations of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and all payments on the securities are subject to the credit risk of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. The securities will not constitute deposits insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency or instrumentality of Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities are not bail-inable notes (as defined on page S-2 of the prospectus supplement).
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) nor any state or provincial securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this pricing supplement or the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
|
|
Principal amount(1) |
|
|
Maximum Underwriting Discount and |
|
|
Minimum Proceeds to Canadian |
Per Security |
|
$1,000.00 |
|
|
$2.40 |
|
|
$997.60 |
Total |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
(1) |
Our estimated value of the securities on the pricing date, based on our internal pricing models, is expected to be between $967.70 and $995.00 per security. The estimated value is expected to be less than the principal amount of the securities. See The Estimated Value of the Securities in this pricing supplement. |
(2) |
The agent, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (Wells Fargo Securities), will receive an underwriting discount of up to $2.40 per security. The agent may resell the securities to other securities dealers at the principal amount less a concession not in excess of $1.40 per security. Such securities dealers may include Wells Fargo Advisors (WFA) (the trade name of the retail brokerage business of Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, each an affiliate of Wells Fargo Securities). See Use of Proceeds and Hedging and Supplemental Plan of Distribution in this pricing supplement for information regarding how we may hedge our obligations under the securities. |
Wells Fargo Securities
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
ABOUT THIS PRICING SUPPLEMENT
You should read this pricing supplement together with the prospectus dated March 28, 2017 and the prospectus supplement dated November 6, 2018, relating to our Senior Global Medium-Term Notes, of which these securities are a part, for additional information about the securities. Information included in this pricing supplement supersedes information in the prospectus supplement and prospectus to the extent it is different from that information. Certain defined terms used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the prospectus supplement and prospectus.
You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this pricing supplement, the accompanying prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This pricing supplement may be used only for the purpose for which it has been prepared. No one is authorized to give information other than that contained in this pricing supplement, the accompanying prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and in the documents referred to in this pricing supplement, the prospectus supplement and the prospectus and which are made available to the public. We have not, and Wells Fargo Securities has not, authorized any other person to provide you with different or additional information. If anyone provides you with different or additional information, you should not rely on it.
We are not, and Wells Fargo Securities is not, making an offer to sell the securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this pricing supplement, the accompanying prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of the applicable document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. Neither this pricing supplement, nor the accompanying prospectus supplement, nor the accompanying prospectus constitutes an offer, or an invitation on our behalf or on behalf of Wells Fargo Securities, to subscribe for and purchase any of the securities and may not be used for or in connection with an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation.
References to CIBC, the Issuer, the Bank, we, us and our in this pricing supplement are references to Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and not to any of our subsidiaries, unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires.
You may access the prospectus supplement and prospectus on the SEC website www.sec.gov as follows (or if such address has changed, by reviewing our filing for the relevant date on the SEC website):
· Prospectus Supplement dated November 6, 2018 and Prospectus dated March 28, 2017:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1045520/000110465918066166/a18-37094_1424b2.htm
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION
The Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 (the securities) are senior unsecured debt securities of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce that do not pay interest at a specified rate or repay a fixed amount of principal at maturity. Instead, the securities provide for a payment at maturity that may be greater than, equal to or less than the principal amount of the securities depending on the performance of the Russell 2000® Index (the Index) from its starting level on the pricing date to its ending level on the calculation date. The securities provide:
(i) the possibility of a 200% leveraged return at maturity if the level of the Index increases from its starting level to its ending level, provided that the total return at maturity of the securities will not exceed the maximum total return of 11.50% to 15.50% (to be determined on the pricing date) of the principal amount;
(ii) repayment of principal if, and only if, the ending level of the Index is not less than the starting level by more than 7.50%; and
(iii) 1-to-1 downside exposure to decreases in the level of the Index if and to the extent the ending level is less than the starting level by more than 7.50%.
If the ending level is less than the starting level by more than 7.50%, you will receive at maturity less, and up to 92.50% less, than the principal amount of your securities. All payments on the securities are subject to the credit risk of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
The Index is designed to track the performance of the small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market.
The Index was developed by Russell Investments and is calculated, maintained and published by FTSE Russell (the Index Sponsor). Russell 2000® Index is a trademark of FTSE Russell and has been licensed for use by CIBC. The securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by FTSE Russell and FTSE Russell makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the securities. See The Russell 2000® Index in this pricing supplement for additional information.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
INVESTOR CONSIDERATIONS
We have designed the securities for investors who:
· seek 200% leveraged exposure to any upside performance of the Index if the ending level is greater than the starting level, subject to the maximum total return at maturity of 11.50% to 15.50% (to be determined on the pricing date) of the principal amount;
· desire to limit downside exposure to the Index through the 7.50% buffer;
· understand that if the ending level is less than the starting level by more than 7.50%, they will receive at maturity less, and up to 92.50% less, than the principal amount per security;
· are willing to forgo periodic interest payments on the securities and dividends on securities included in the Index; and
· are willing to hold the securities until maturity.
The securities are not designed for, and may not be a suitable investment for, investors who:
· seek a liquid investment or are unable or unwilling to hold the securities to maturity;
· are unwilling to accept the risk that the ending level of the Index may decrease by more than 7.50% from the starting level;
· seek uncapped exposure to the upside performance of the Index;
· seek full return at maturity of the principal amount of the securities;
· are unwilling to purchase securities with an estimated value as of the pricing date that is lower than the principal amount, and may be as low as the lower estimate set forth on the cover page;
· seek current income (including income in the form of periodic interest payments);
· are unwilling to accept the risk of exposure to the small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market;
· seek exposure to the Index but are unwilling to accept the risk/return trade-offs inherent in the payment at stated maturity for the securities;
· are unwilling to accept the credit risk of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce to obtain exposure to the Index generally, or to the exposure to the Index that the securities provide specifically; or
· prefer the lower risk of fixed income investments with comparable maturities issued by companies with comparable credit ratings.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
TERMS OF THE SECURITIES
The information in this Terms of the Securities section is only a summary and is qualified by the more detailed information set forth in this pricing supplement, the prospectus supplement dated November 6, 2018 and the prospectus dated March 28, 2017, each filed with the SEC. See About This Pricing Supplement in this pricing supplement.
Market Measure:
|
Russell 2000® Index (Bloomberg ticker symbol RTY)
|
|
|
Pricing Date:
|
Expected to be December 28, 2018
|
|
|
Issue Date:
|
Expected to be January 4, 2019 (to be determined on the pricing date and expected to be the 4th scheduled business day after the pricing date)
|
|
|
Principal Amount:
|
$1,000 per security. References in this pricing supplement to a security are to a security with a face amount of $1,000.
|
|
|
Redemption Amount: |
On the stated maturity date, you will be entitled to receive a cash payment per security in U.S. dollars equal to the redemption amount. The redemption amount per security will equal:
· if the ending level is greater than the starting level: the lesser of:
(i) $1,000 plus:
(ii) the capped value;
· if the ending level is less than or equal to the starting level, but greater than or equal to the threshold level: $1,000; or
· if the ending level is less than the threshold level: $1,000 minus:
If the ending level is less than the threshold level, you will receive at stated maturity less, and up to 92.50% less, than the principal amount of your securities. |
|
|
Stated Maturity Date: |
January 2, 2020. If a market disruption event occurs and is continuing on the calculation date, the stated maturity date will be postponed until the later of (i) January 2, 2020 and (ii) three business days after the ending level is determined. See Additional Terms of the SecuritiesMarket Disruption Events in this pricing supplement. The securities are not subject to redemption at the option of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce or repayment at the option of any holder of the securities prior to the stated maturity date.
|
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
|
|
Starting Level: |
, the closing level of the Index on the pricing date. The closing level of the Index on any trading day means the official closing level of the Index as reported by the Index sponsor on such trading day.
|
|
|
Ending Level: |
The ending level will be the closing level of the Index on the calculation date.
|
|
|
Capped Value: |
The capped value will be determined on the pricing date and will be within the range of 111.50% to 115.50% of the principal amount per security ($1,115 to $1,155 per security). As a result of the capped value, the maximum total return at maturity of the securities will be 11.50% to 15.50% of the principal amount.
|
|
|
Threshold Level: |
, which is equal to 92.50% of the starting level.
|
|
|
Participation Rate: |
200%
|
|
|
Calculation Date: |
Expected to be December 27, 2019 or, if such day is not a trading day, the next succeeding trading day. The calculation date is subject to postponement due to the occurrence of a market disruption event. See Additional Terms of the SecuritiesMarket Disruption Events. A trading day means a day, as determined by the calculation agent, on which (i) the Index sponsor is scheduled to publish the level of the Index and (ii) each related futures or options exchange is scheduled to be open for trading for its regular trading session. The relevant stock exchange for any security underlying the Index means the primary exchange or quotation system on which such security is traded, as determined by the calculation agent. The related futures or options exchange for the Index means an exchange or quotation system where trading has a material effect (as determined by the calculation agent) on the overall market for futures or options contracts relating to the Index.
|
|
|
Calculation Agent: |
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. We may appoint a different calculation agent without your consent and without notifying you.
All determinations made by the calculation agent will be at the sole discretion of it, and, in the absence of manifest error, will be conclusive for all purposes and binding on us and you. All percentages and other amounts resulting from any calculation with respect to the securities will be rounded at the calculation agents discretion. The calculation agent will have no liability for its determinations. |
|
|
Business Day:
|
A Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or order to close in New York or Toronto.
|
|
|
No Listing:
|
The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange or quoted on any automated quotation system.
|
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
Clearance and Settlement:
|
The Depository Trust Company (DTC) |
|
|
Material U.S. Tax Consequences: |
By purchasing the securities, each holder agrees to treat them as pre-paid cash-settled derivative contracts for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Assuming this treatment is respected, gain or loss recognized on the securities should be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, if the Internal Revenue Service were successful in asserting an alternative treatment of the securities, the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the securities might be materially and adversely affected. As described below under Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations, in 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service released a notice requesting comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of prepaid forward contracts and similar instruments. Future Treasury regulations or other guidance could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the securities, including the character and timing of income or loss and the degree, if any, to which income realized by non-U.S. persons should be subject to withholding tax, possibly with retroactive effect. Both U.S. and non-U.S. persons considering an investment in the securities should review carefully the section of this pricing supplement entitled Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations and consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities (including possible alternative treatments and the issues presented by the notice), as well as tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.
|
|
|
Benefit Plan Investor Considerations:
|
For a discussion of benefit plan investor considerations, please see Certain U.S. Benefit Plan Investor Considerations in the accompanying prospectus. |
|
|
Agent: |
Wells Fargo Securities. The agent may resell the securities to other securities dealers, including securities dealers acting as custodians, at the principal amount of the securities less a concession of not in excess of $1.40 per security. Such securities dealers may include WFA (the trade name of the retail brokerage business of Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, each an affiliate of Wells Fargo Securities).
|
|
|
Denominations: |
$1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000.
|
|
|
CUSIP / ISIN:
|
13605WNW7 / US13605WNW72
|
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
DETERMINING PAYMENT AT MATURITY
On the stated maturity date, you will receive a cash payment per security (the redemption amount) calculated as follows:
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
HYPOTHETICAL PAYOUT PROFILE
The following profile is based on a hypothetical capped value of 113.50% or $1,135.00 per security (the midpoint of the specified range for the capped value), a participation rate of 200% and a threshold level equal to 92.50% of the starting level. This graph has been prepared for purposes of illustration only. Your actual return will depend on the actual starting level, the actual ending level, the actual capped value and whether you hold your securities to maturity.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
RISK FACTORS
The securities have complex features and investing in the securities will involve risks not associated with an investment in conventional debt securities or in the Index. You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below as well as the other information contained in this pricing supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus, including the documents they incorporate by reference. As described in more detail below, the value of the securities may vary considerably before the stated maturity date due to events that are difficult to predict and are beyond our control. You should reach an investment decision only after you have carefully considered with your advisors the suitability of an investment in the securities in light of your particular circumstances.
If The Ending Level Is Less Than The Threshold Level, You Will Receive At Maturity Less, And Up To 92.50% Less, Than The Principal Amount Of Your Securities.
We will not repay you a fixed amount on the securities on the stated maturity date. The redemption amount will depend on the direction of and percentage change in the ending level of the Index relative to the starting level and the other terms of the securities. Because the level of the Index will be subject to market fluctuations, the redemption amount you receive may be more or less, and possibly significantly less, than the principal amount of your securities.
If the ending level is less than the threshold level, the redemption amount that you receive at stated maturity will be reduced by an amount equal to the decline in the level of the Index to the extent it is below the threshold level (expressed as a percentage of the starting level). The threshold level is 92.50% of the starting level. As a result, you may receive less, and up to 92.50% less, than the principal amount per security at maturity even if the level of the Index is greater than or equal to the starting level or the threshold level at certain times during the term of the securities.
Even if the ending level is greater than the starting level, the amount you receive at stated maturity may only be slightly greater than the principal amount, and your yield on the securities may be less than the yield you would earn if you bought a traditional interest-bearing debt security of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce or another issuer with a similar credit rating with the same stated maturity date.
Your Return Will Be Limited By The Capped Value And May Be Lower Than The Return On A Direct Investment In The Index.
The opportunity to participate in the possible increases in the level of the Index through an investment in the securities will be limited because the redemption amount will not exceed the capped value. Furthermore, the effect of the participation rate will be progressively reduced for all ending levels exceeding the ending level at which the capped value is reached.
Your Return On The Securities Could Be Less Than If You Owned Securities Included In The Index.
Your return on the securities will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the securities included in the Index and received the dividends and other payments paid on those securities. This is in part because the redemption amount payable at stated maturity will be determined by reference to the ending level of the Index, which will be calculated by reference to the prices of the securities in the Index without taking into consideration the value of dividends and other payments paid on those securities. In addition, the redemption amount will not be greater than the capped value.
No Periodic Interest Will Be Paid On The Securities.
No periodic interest will be paid on the securities. However, if the securities were classified for U.S. federal income tax purposes as contingent payment debt instruments rather than prepaid forward contracts, you would be required to accrue interest income over the term of your securities. See Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations in this pricing supplement.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
The Securities Are Subject To The Credit Risk Of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
The securities are our obligations exclusively and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of any third party. Any amounts payable under the securities are subject to our creditworthiness, and you will have no ability to pursue any securities included in the Index for payment. As a result, our actual and perceived creditworthiness and actual or anticipated decreases in our credit ratings may affect the value of the securities and, in the event we were to default on our obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the terms of the securities.
The Estimated Value Of The Securities Will Not Be An Indication Of The Price, If Any, At Which Wells Fargo Securities Or Any Other Person May Be Willing To Buy The Securities From You In The Secondary Market.
The price, if any, at which Wells Fargo Securities or any of its affiliates may purchase the securities in the secondary market will be based on Wells Fargo Securities proprietary pricing models and will fluctuate over the term of the securities as a result of changes in the market and other factors described in the next risk factor. Any such secondary market price for the securities will also be reduced by a bid-offer spread, which may vary depending on the aggregate principal amount of the securities to be purchased in the secondary market transaction, and the expected cost of unwinding any related hedging transactions. Unless the factors described in the next risk factor change significantly in your favor, any such secondary market price for the securities will likely be less than the principal amount.
If Wells Fargo Securities or any of its affiliates makes a secondary market in the securities at any time up to the issue date or during the three-month period following the issue date, the secondary market price offered by Wells Fargo Securities or any of its affiliates will be increased by an amount reflecting a portion of the costs associated with selling, structuring, hedging and issuing the securities that are included in the principal amount. Because this portion of the costs is not fully deducted upon issuance, any secondary market price offered by Wells Fargo Securities or any of its affiliates during this period will be higher than it would be if it were based solely on Wells Fargo Securities proprietary pricing models less the bid-offer spread and hedging unwind costs described above. The amount of this increase in the secondary market price will decline steadily to zero over this three-month period. If you hold the securities through an account at Wells Fargo Securities or one of its affiliates, we expect that this increase will also be reflected in the value indicated for the securities on your brokerage account statement. If you hold your securities through an account at a broker-dealer other than Wells Fargo Securities or any of its affiliates, the value of the securities on your brokerage account statement may be different than if you held your securities at Wells Fargo Securities or any of its affiliates.
The Value Of The Securities Prior To Stated Maturity Will Be Affected By Numerous Factors, Some Of Which Are Related In Complex Ways.
The value of the securities prior to stated maturity will be affected by the level of the Index at that time, interest rates at that time and a number of other factors, some of which are interrelated in complex ways. The effect of any one factor may be offset or magnified by the effect of another factor. The following factors, among others, are expected to affect the value of the securities. When we refer to the value of your security, we mean the value you could receive for your security if you are able to sell it in the open market before the stated maturity date.
· Index Performance. The value of the securities prior to maturity will depend substantially on the level of the Index. The price at which you may be able to sell the securities before stated maturity may be at a discount, which could be substantial, from their principal amount, if the level of the Index at such time is less than, equal to or not sufficiently above its starting level.
· Capped Value. We anticipate that the value of the securities will always be at a discount to the capped value.
· Interest Rates. The value of the securities may be affected by changes in the interest rates in the U.S. markets.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
· Volatility Of The Index. Volatility is the term used to describe the size and frequency of market fluctuations. The value of the securities may be affected if the volatility of the Index changes.
· Time Remaining To Maturity. The value of the securities at any given time prior to maturity will likely be different from that which would be expected based on the then-current level of the Index. This difference will most likely reflect a discount due to expectations and uncertainty concerning the level of the Index during the period of time still remaining to the maturity date. In general, as the time remaining to maturity decreases, the value of the securities will approach the amount that could be payable at maturity based on the then-current level of the Index.
· Dividend Yields On Securities Included In The Index. The value of the securities may be affected by the dividend yields on securities included in the Index.
· Events Involving Companies Included In The Index. General economic conditions and earnings results of the companies whose stocks are included in the Index and real or anticipated changes in those conditions or results may affect the value of the securities. Additionally, as a result of a merger or acquisition, one or more of the stocks in the Index may be replaced with a surviving or acquiring entitys securities. The surviving or acquiring entitys securities may not have the same characteristics as the stock originally included in the Index.
· Our Credit Ratings, Financial Condition And Results Of Operation. Actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings, financial condition or results of operation may affect the value of the securities. However, because the return on the securities is dependent upon factors in addition to our ability to pay our obligations under the securities, such as the level of the Index, an improvement in our credit ratings, financial condition or results of operation will not reduce the other investment risks related to the securities.
You should understand that the impact of one of the factors specified above, such as a change in interest rates, may offset some or all of any change in the value of the securities attributable to another factor, such as a change in the level of the Index.
Our Estimated Value Of The Securities Will Be Lower Than The Principal Amount Of The Securities.
Our estimated value is only an estimate using several factors. The principal amount of the securities will exceed our estimated value because costs associated with selling and structuring the securities, as well as hedging the securities, are included in the principal amount of the securities. See The Estimated Value of the Securities in this pricing supplement.
Our Estimated Value Does Not Represent Future Values Of The Securities And May Differ From Others Estimates.
Our estimated value of the securities is determined by reference to our internal pricing models when the terms of the securities are set. This estimated value is based on market conditions and other relevant factors existing at that time and our assumptions about market parameters, which can include volatility, dividend rates, interest rates and other factors. Different pricing models and assumptions could provide valuations for the securities that are greater than or less than our estimated value. In addition, market conditions and other relevant factors in the future may change, and any assumptions may prove to be incorrect. On future dates, the value of the securities could change significantly based on, among other things, changes in market conditions, our creditworthiness, interest rate movements and other relevant factors, which may impact the price, if any, at which Wells Fargo Securities or any other person would be willing to buy securities from you in secondary market transactions. See The Estimated Value of the Securities in this pricing supplement.
Our Estimated Value Is Not Determined By Reference To Credit Spreads For Our Conventional Fixed-Rate Debt.
The internal funding rate used in the determination of our estimated value generally represents a discount from the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt. If we were to use the interest rate implied by our conventional fixed-rate credit spreads, we would expect the economic terms of the securities to be more favorable to you. Consequently, our use of an internal funding rate would have an adverse effect on the terms of the securities and any secondary market prices of the securities. See The Estimated Value of the Securities in this pricing supplement.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
The Securities Will Not Be Listed On Any Securities Exchange And We Do Not Expect A Trading Market For The Securities To Develop.
The securities will not be listed or displayed on any securities exchange or any automated quotation system. Although Wells Fargo Securities and/or its affiliates may purchase the securities from holders, they are not obligated to do so and are not required to make a market for the securities. There can be no assurance that a secondary market will develop. Because we do not expect that any market makers will participate in a secondary market for the securities, the price at which you may be able to sell your securities is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which Wells Fargo Securities and/or its affiliates are willing to buy your securities.
If a secondary market does exist, it may be limited. Accordingly, there may be a limited number of buyers if you decide to sell your securities prior to stated maturity. This may affect the price you receive upon such sale. Consequently, you should be willing to hold the securities to stated maturity.
Historical Levels Of The Index Should Not Be Taken As An Indication Of The Future Performance Of The Index During The Term Of The Securities.
The trading prices of the securities included in the Index will determine the redemption amount payable at maturity to you. As a result, it is impossible to predict whether the ending level of the Index will fall or rise compared to its starting level. Trading prices of the securities included in the Index will be influenced by complex and interrelated political, economic, financial and other factors that can affect the markets in which those securities are traded and the values of those securities themselves. Accordingly, any historical levels of the Index do not provide an indication of the future performance of the Index.
Changes That Affect The Index May Adversely Affect The Value Of The Securities And The Amount You Will Receive At Stated Maturity.
The policies of the Index sponsor concerning the calculation of the Index and the addition, deletion or substitution of securities comprising the Index and the manner in which the Index sponsor takes account of certain changes affecting such securities may affect the level of the Index and, therefore, may affect the value of the securities and the redemption amount payable at maturity. The Index sponsor may discontinue or suspend calculation or dissemination of the Index or materially alter the methodology by which it calculates the Index. Any such actions could adversely affect the value of the securities.
We Cannot Control Actions By Any Of The Unaffiliated Companies Whose Securities Are Included In The Index.
Actions by any company whose securities are included in the Index may have an adverse effect on the price of its security, the ending level and the value of the securities. These companies will not be involved in the offering of the securities and will have no obligations with respect to the securities, including any obligation to take our or your interests into consideration for any reason. These companies will not receive any of the proceeds of the offering of the securities and will not be responsible for, and will not have participated in, the determination of the timing of, prices for, or quantities of, the securities to be issued. These companies will not be involved with the administration, marketing or trading of the securities and will have no obligations with respect to the redemption amount to be paid to you at maturity.
We, Wells Fargo Securities, And Our Respective Affiliates Have No Affiliation With The Index Sponsor And Have Not Independently Verified Its Public Disclosure Of Information.
We, Wells Fargo Securities, and our respective affiliates are not affiliated in any way with the Index sponsor and have no ability to control or predict its actions, including any errors in or discontinuation of disclosure regarding the methods or policies relating to the calculation of the Index. We have derived the information about the Index sponsor and the Index contained herein from publicly available information, without independent verification. You, as an investor in the securities, should make your own investigation into the Index and the Index sponsor. The Index sponsor is not involved in the offering of the securities made hereby in any way and has no obligation to consider your interest as an owner of securities in taking any actions that might affect the value of the securities.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
An Investment In The Securities Is Subject To Risks Associated With Investing In U.S. Stocks With A Small Market Capitalization.
The stocks that constitute the Index are issued by companies with relatively small market capitalization. These companies often have greater stock price volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than large capitalization companies. As a result, the Index may be more volatile than that of an equity index that does not track solely small capitalization stocks. Stock prices of small capitalization companies are also generally more vulnerable than those of large capitalization companies to adverse business and economic developments, and the stocks of small capitalization companies may be thinly traded, and be less attractive to many investors if they do not pay dividends. In addition, small capitalization companies are typically less well-established and less stable financially than large capitalization companies and may depend on a small number of key personnel, making them more vulnerable to loss of those individuals. Small capitalization companies tend to have lower revenues, less diverse product lines, smaller shares of their target markets, fewer financial resources and fewer competitive strengths than large capitalization companies. These companies may also be more susceptible to adverse developments related to their products or services.
The Stated Maturity Date May Be Postponed In Certain Circumstances.
The determination of the ending level will be postponed if the originally scheduled calculation date is not a trading day or if the calculation agent determines that a market disruption event has occurred or is continuing on that day. If such a postponement occurs, the stated maturity date will be postponed until the later of (i) three business days after the ending level is determined and (ii) the initial stated maturity date.
We Or One Of Our Affiliates Will Be The Calculation Agent And, As A Result, Potential Conflicts Of Interest Could Arise.
We or one of our affiliates will be the calculation agent for purposes of determining, among other things, the starting level and the ending level, calculating the redemption amount, determining whether adjustments should be made to the ending level, determining whether a market disruption event has occurred and, if publication of the Index is discontinued, selecting a successor or, if no successor is available, determining the closing level. Although the calculation agent will exercise its judgment in good faith when performing its functions, potential conflicts of interest may exist between the calculation agent and you.
Our Economic Interests And Those Of Any Dealer Participating In The Offering Of Securities Will Potentially Be Adverse To Your Interests.
You should be aware of the following ways in which our economic interests and those of any dealer participating in the distribution of the securities, which we refer to as a participating dealer, will potentially be adverse to your interests as an investor in the securities. In engaging in certain of the activities described below, our affiliates or any participating dealer or its affiliates may take actions that may adversely affect the value of and your return on the securities, and in so doing they will have no obligation to consider your interests as an investor in the securities. Our affiliates or any participating dealer or its affiliates may realize a profit from these activities even if investors do not receive a favorable investment return on the securities.
· Research reports by our affiliates or any participating dealer or its affiliates may be inconsistent with an investment in the securities and may adversely affect the level of the Index. Our affiliates or any dealer participating in the offering of the securities or its affiliates may, at present or in the future, publish research reports on the Index or the companies whose securities are included in the Index. This research will be modified from time to time without notice and may, at present or in the future, express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding the securities. Any research reports on the Index or the companies whose securities are included in the Index could adversely affect the level of the Index and, therefore, adversely affect the value of and your return on the securities. You are encouraged to derive information concerning the Index from multiple sources and should not rely on the views expressed by us or our affiliates or any participating dealer or its affiliates. In addition, any research reports on the Index or the companies whose securities are included in the Index published on or prior to the pricing date could result in an increase in the level of the Index on the pricing date, which would adversely affect investors in the securities by increasing the level at which the Index must close on the calculation date in order for investors in the securities to receive a favorable return.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
· Business activities of our affiliates or any participating dealer or its affiliates with the companies whose securities are included in the Index may adversely affect the level of the Index. Our affiliates or any participating dealer or its affiliates may, at present or in the future, engage in business with the companies whose securities are included in the Index, including making loans to those companies (including exercising creditors remedies with respect to such loans), making equity investments in those companies or providing investment banking, asset management or other advisory services to those companies. These business activities could adversely affect the level of the Index and, therefore, adversely affect the value of and your return on the securities. In addition, in the course of these business activities, our affiliates or any participating dealer or its affiliates may acquire non-public information about one or more of the companies whose securities are included in the Index. If our affiliates or any participating dealer or its affiliates do acquire such non-public information, we and they are not obligated to disclose such non-public information to you.
· Hedging activities by our affiliates or any participating dealer or its affiliates may adversely affect the level of the Index. We expect to hedge our obligations under the securities through one or more hedge counterparties, which may include our affiliates or any participating dealer or its affiliates. Pursuant to such hedging activities, our hedge counterparty may acquire securities included in the Index or listed or over-the-counter derivative or synthetic instruments related to the Index or such securities. Depending on, among other things, future market conditions, the aggregate amount and the composition of such positions are likely to vary over time. To the extent that our hedge counterparty has a long hedge position in any of the securities included in the Index, or derivative or synthetic instruments related to the Index or such securities, they may liquidate a portion of such holdings at or about the time of the calculation date or at or about the time of a change in the securities included in the Index. These hedging activities could potentially adversely affect the level of the Index and, therefore, adversely affect the value of and your return on the securities.
· Trading activities by our affiliates or any participating dealer or its affiliates may adversely affect the level of the Index. Our affiliates or any participating dealer or its affiliates may engage in trading in the securities included in the Index and other instruments relating to the Index or such securities on a regular basis as part of their general broker-dealer and other businesses. Any of these trading activities could potentially adversely affect the prices of the securities included in the Index and, therefore, adversely affect the value of and your return on the securities.
· A participating dealer or its affiliates may realize hedging profits projected by its proprietary pricing models in addition to any selling concession or any distribution expense fee, creating a further incentive for the participating dealer to sell the securities to you. If any participating dealer or any of its affiliates conducts hedging activities for us in connection with the securities, that participating dealer or its affiliates expect to realize a projected profit from such hedging activities, and this projected profit will be in addition to any concession or distribution expense fee that the participating dealer receives for the sale of the securities to you. This additional projected profit may create a further incentive for the participating dealer to sell the securities to you.
The U.S. Federal Tax Consequences Of An Investment In The Securities Are Unclear.
There is no direct legal authority regarding the proper U.S. federal tax treatment of the securities, and we do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service. Consequently, significant aspects of the tax treatment of the securities are uncertain, and the Internal Revenue Service or a court might not agree with the treatment of the securities as pre-paid cash-settled derivative contracts. If the Internal Revenue Service were successful in asserting an alternative treatment of the securities, the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the securities might be materially and adversely affected. As described below under Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations, in 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service released a notice requesting comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of prepaid forward contracts and similar instruments. Any Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the securities, including the character and timing of income or loss and the degree, if any, to which income realized by non-U.S. persons should be subject to withholding tax, possibly with retroactive effect.
Furthermore, Section 871(m) of the Internal Revenue Code imposes a withholding tax of up to 30% on dividend equivalents paid to non-U.S. investors in respect of certain financial instruments linked to U.S. equities. Since the Russell 2000® Index should constitute a qualified index, as of the date of this preliminary pricing supplement the securities should not be subject to withholding under Section 871(m).
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
Both U.S. and non-U.S. persons considering an investment in the securities should review carefully the section of this pricing supplement entitled Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations and consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities (including possible alternative treatments and the issues presented by the notice), as well as tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.
There Can Be No Assurance That The Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences Of An Investment In The Securities Will Not Change In The Future.
There can be no assurance that Canadian federal income tax laws, the judicial interpretation thereof, or the administrative policies and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue Agency will not be changed in a manner that adversely affects investors. For a discussion of the Canadian federal income tax consequences of investing in the securities, please read the section entitled Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations in this pricing supplement as well as the section entitled Material Income Tax ConsequencesCanadian Taxation in the accompanying prospectus dated March 28, 2017. You should consult your tax advisor with respect to your own particular situation.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS
The following table illustrates, for a hypothetical capped value of 113.50% or $1,135.00 per security (the midpoint of the specified range of the capped value), a hypothetical starting level of 100.00, a hypothetical threshold level of 92.50, a participation rate of 200%, a term to maturity of approximately 1 year and a range of hypothetical ending levels of the Index:
· the hypothetical percentage change from the hypothetical starting level to the hypothetical ending level;
· the hypothetical redemption amount payable at stated maturity per security; and
· the hypothetical pre-tax total rate of return.
Hypothetical |
|
Hypothetical |
|
Hypothetical Redemption |
|
Hypothetical |
175.00 |
|
75.00% |
|
$1,135.00 |
|
13.50% |
150.00 |
|
50.00% |
|
$1,135.00 |
|
13.50% |
130.00 |
|
30.00% |
|
$1,135.00 |
|
13.50% |
120.00 |
|
20.00% |
|
$1,135.00 |
|
13.50% |
106.75 |
|
6.75% |
|
$1,135.00 |
|
13.50% |
105.00 |
|
5.00% |
|
$1,100.00 |
|
10.00% |
100.00(1) |
|
0.00% |
|
$1,000.00 |
|
0.00% |
95.00 |
|
-5.00% |
|
$1,000.00 |
|
0.00% |
92.50 |
|
-7.50% |
|
$1,000.00 |
|
0.00% |
90.00 |
|
-10.00% |
|
$975.00 |
|
-2.50% |
85.00 |
|
-15.00% |
|
$925.00 |
|
-7.50% |
80.00 |
|
-20.00% |
|
$875.00 |
|
-12.50% |
75.00 |
|
-25.00% |
|
$825.00 |
|
-17.50% |
50.00 |
|
-50.00% |
|
$575.00 |
|
-42.50% |
25.00 |
|
-75.00% |
|
$325.00 |
|
-67.50% |
0.00 |
|
-100.00% |
|
$75.00 |
|
-92.50% |
(1) |
The hypothetical starting level of 100.00 has been chosen for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual starting level. The actual starting level will be determined on the pricing date. For historical data regarding the actual closing levels of the Index, see the historical information set forth under the section titled The Russell 2000® Index below. |
The above figures are for purposes of illustration only and may have been rounded for ease of analysis. The actual amount you receive at stated maturity and the resulting pre-tax rates of return will depend on the actual starting level, ending level and capped value.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
HYPOTHETICAL PAYMENTS AT STATED MATURITY
Set forth below are four examples of payment at stated maturity calculations (rounded to two decimal places), reflecting a hypothetical capped value of 113.50% or $1,135.00 per security (the midpoint of the specified range for the capped value), a participation rate of 200%, a hypothetical threshold level of 92.50% of the hypothetical starting level, and assuming hypothetical starting and ending levels as indicated in the examples. The terms used for purposes of these hypothetical examples do not represent the actual starting level or threshold level. The hypothetical starting level of 100.00 has been chosen for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual starting level. The actual starting level and threshold level will be determined on the pricing date. For historical data regarding the actual closing levels of the Index, see the historical information set forth under the section titled The Russell 2000® Index below. These examples are for purposes of illustration only and the values used in the examples may have been rounded for ease of analysis.
Example 1. Redemption amount is greater than the principal amount but less than the capped value:
Hypothetical starting level: 100.00
Hypothetical ending level: 105.00
Since the hypothetical ending level is greater than the hypothetical starting level, the redemption amount would equal:
On the stated maturity date you would receive $1,100.00 per security.
Example 2. Redemption amount is equal to the capped value:
Hypothetical starting level: 100.00
Hypothetical ending level: 135.00
The redemption amount would be equal to the capped value since the capped value is less than:
On the stated maturity date you would receive $1,135.00 per security.
In addition to limiting your return on the securities, the capped value limits the positive effect of the participation rate. If the ending level is greater than the starting level, you will participate in the performance of the Index at a rate of 200% up to a certain point. However, the effect of the participation rate will be progressively reduced for ending levels that are greater than 106.75% of the starting level (assuming a capped value of 113.50% or $1,135.00 per security, the midpoint of the specified range for the capped value) since your return on the securities for any ending level greater than 106.75% of the starting level will be limited to the capped value.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
Example 3. Redemption amount is equal to the principal amount:
Hypothetical starting level: 100.00
Hypothetical ending level: 95.00
Hypothetical threshold level: 92.50, which is 92.50% of the hypothetical starting level
Since the hypothetical ending level is less than the hypothetical starting level, but not by more than 7.50%, you would not lose any of the principal amount of your securities.
On the stated maturity date you would receive $1,000.00 per security.
Example 4. Redemption amount is less than the principal amount:
Hypothetical starting level: 100.00
Hypothetical ending level: 50.00
Hypothetical threshold level: 92.50, which is 92.50% of the hypothetical starting level
Since the hypothetical ending level is less than the hypothetical starting level by more than 7.50%, you would lose a portion of the principal amount of your securities and receive the redemption amount equal to:
On the stated maturity date you would receive $575.00 per security.
To the extent that the actual starting level, ending level and capped value differ from the values assumed above, the results indicated above would be different.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
ADDITIONAL TERMS OF THE SECURITIES
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will issue the securities as part of a series of senior unsecured debt securities entitled Senior Global Medium-Term Notes, which is more fully described in the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus. Information included in this pricing supplement supersedes information in the prospectus supplement and prospectus to the extent that it is different from that information.
Payment of Redemption Amount
In the event that the stated maturity date is not a business day, then the redemption amount will be paid on the next business day.
Market Disruption Events
A market disruption event means any of the following events as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion:
(A) The occurrence or existence of a material suspension of or limitation imposed on trading by the relevant stock exchanges or otherwise relating to securities which then comprise 20% or more of the level of the Index or any successor equity index at any time during the one-hour period that ends at the close of trading on that day, whether by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by those relevant stock exchanges or otherwise.
(B) The occurrence or existence of a material suspension of or limitation imposed on trading by any related futures or options exchange or otherwise in futures or options contracts relating to the Index or any successor equity index on any related futures or options exchange at any time during the one-hour period that ends at the close of trading on that day, whether by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the related futures or options exchange or otherwise.
(C) The occurrence or existence of any event, other than an early closure, that materially disrupts or impairs the ability of market participants in general to effect transactions in, or obtain market values for, securities that then comprise 20% or more of the level of the Index or any successor equity index on their relevant stock exchanges at any time during the one-hour period that ends at the close of trading on that day.
(D) The occurrence or existence of any event, other than an early closure, that materially disrupts or impairs the ability of market participants in general to effect transactions in, or obtain market values for, futures or options contracts relating to the Index or any successor equity index on any related futures or options exchange at any time during the one-hour period that ends at the close of trading on that day.
(E) The closure on any exchange business day of the relevant stock exchanges on which securities that then comprise 20% or more of the level of the Index or any successor equity index are traded or any related futures or options exchange prior to its scheduled closing time unless the earlier closing time is announced by the relevant stock exchange or related futures or options exchange, as applicable, at least one hour prior to the earlier of (1) the actual closing time for the regular trading session on such relevant stock exchange or related futures or options exchange, as applicable, and (2) the submission deadline for orders to be entered into the relevant stock exchange or related futures or options exchange, as applicable, system for execution at such actual closing time on that day.
(F) The relevant stock exchange for any security underlying the Index or successor equity index or any related futures or options exchange fails to open for trading during its regular trading session.
For purposes of determining whether a market disruption event has occurred:
(1) the relevant percentage contribution of a security to the level of the Index or any successor equity index will be based on a comparison of (x) the portion of the level of such index attributable to that security and (y) the overall level of the Index or successor equity index, in each case immediately before the occurrence of the market disruption event;
(2) the close of trading on any trading day for the Index or any successor equity index means the scheduled closing time of the relevant stock exchanges with respect to the securities underlying the Index or successor equity index on such trading day; provided that, if the actual closing time of the regular trading session of any such relevant stock exchange is earlier than its scheduled closing time on such trading day, then (x) for purposes of clauses (A) and (C) of the definition of market disruption event above, with respect to any security underlying the Index or successor equity index for which such relevant stock exchange is its relevant stock exchange, the close of trading means such actual closing time and (y) for purposes of clauses (B) and (D) of the definition of market disruption event above, with respect to any futures or options contract relating to the Index or successor equity index, the close of trading means the latest actual closing time of the regular trading session of any of the relevant stock exchanges, but in no event later than the scheduled closing time of the relevant stock exchanges;
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
(3) the scheduled closing time of any relevant stock exchange or related futures or options exchange on any trading day for the Index or any successor equity index means the scheduled weekday closing time of such relevant stock exchange or related futures or options exchange on such trading day, without regard to after hours or any other trading outside the regular trading session hours; and
(4) an exchange business day means any trading day for the Index or any successor equity index on which each relevant stock exchange for the securities underlying the Index or any successor equity index and each related futures or options exchange are open for trading during their respective regular trading sessions, notwithstanding any such relevant stock exchange or related futures or options exchange closing prior to its scheduled closing time.
If a market disruption event occurs or is continuing on the calculation date, then the calculation date will be postponed to the first succeeding trading day on which a market disruption event has not occurred and is not continuing; however, if such first succeeding trading day has not occurred as of the eighth trading day after the originally scheduled calculation date, that eighth trading day shall be deemed to be the calculation date. If the calculation date has been postponed eight trading days after the originally scheduled calculation date and a market disruption event occurs or is continuing on such eighth trading day, the calculation agent will determine the closing level of the Index on such eighth trading day in accordance with the formula for and method of calculating the closing level of the Index last in effect prior to commencement of the market disruption event, using the closing price (or, with respect to any relevant security, if a market disruption event has occurred with respect to such security, its good faith estimate of the value of such security at the scheduled closing time of the relevant stock exchange for such security or, if earlier, the actual closing time of the regular trading session of such relevant stock exchange) on such date of each security included in the Index. As used herein, closing price means, with respect to any security on any date, the relevant stock exchange traded or quoted price of such security as of the scheduled closing time of the relevant stock exchange for such security or, if earlier, the actual closing time of the regular trading session of such relevant stock exchange.
Adjustments to the Index
If at any time the Index sponsor makes a material change in the formula for or the method of calculating the Index, or in any other way materially modifies the Index (other than a modification prescribed in that formula or method to maintain the Index in the event of changes in constituent stock and capitalization and other routine events), then, from and after that time, the calculation agent will, at the close of business in New York, New York, on each date that the closing level of the Index is to be calculated, calculate a substitute closing level of the Index in accordance with the formula for and method of calculating the Index last in effect prior to the change, but using only those securities that comprised the Index immediately prior to that change. Accordingly, if the method of calculating the Index is modified so that the level of the Index is a fraction or a multiple of what it would have been if it had not been modified, then the calculation agent will adjust the Index in order to arrive at a level of the Index as if it had not been modified.
Discontinuance of the Index
If the Index sponsor discontinues publication of the Index, and such Index sponsor or another entity publishes a successor or substitute equity index that the calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to the Index (a successor equity index), then, upon the calculation agents notification of that determination to the trustee and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, the calculation agent will substitute the successor equity index as calculated by the relevant Index sponsor or any other entity and calculate the ending level as described above. Upon any selection by the calculation agent of a successor equity index, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will cause notice to be given to holders of the securities.
In the event that the Index sponsor discontinues publication of the Index prior to, and the discontinuance is continuing on, the calculation date and the calculation agent determines that no successor equity index is available at such time, the calculation agent will calculate a substitute closing level for the Index in accordance with the formula for and method of calculating the Index last in effect prior to the discontinuance, but using only those securities that comprised the Index immediately prior to that discontinuance. If a successor equity index is selected or the calculation agent calculates a level as a substitute for the Index, the successor equity index or level will be used as a substitute for the Index for all purposes, including the purpose of determining whether a market disruption event exists.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
If on the calculation date the Index sponsor fails to calculate and announce the level of the Index, the calculation agent will calculate a substitute closing level of the Index in accordance with the formula for and method of calculating the Index last in effect prior to the failure, but using only those securities that comprised the Index immediately prior to that failure; provided that, if a market disruption event occurs or is continuing on such day, then the provisions set forth above under Market Disruption Events shall apply in lieu of the foregoing.
Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements, discontinuance of the publication of, or the failure by the Index sponsor to calculate and announce the level of, the Index may adversely affect the value of the securities.
Calculation Agent
We or one of our affiliates will act as calculation agent for the securities and may appoint agents to assist it in the performance of its duties. See Risk FactorsWe Or One Of Our Affiliates Will Be The Calculation Agent And, As A Result, Potential Conflicts Of Interest Could Arise in this pricing supplement. We may appoint a different calculation agent without your consent and without notifying you.
The calculation agent will determine the redemption amount you receive at stated maturity. In addition, the calculation agent will, among other things:
· determine whether a market disruption event has occurred;
· determine if adjustments are required to the closing level of the Index under various circumstances; and
· if publication of the Index is discontinued, select a successor equity index or, if no successor equity index is available, determine the closing level of the Index.
All determinations made by the calculation agent will be at the sole discretion of the calculation agent and, in the absence of manifest error, will be conclusive for all purposes and binding on us and you. All percentages and other amounts resulting from any calculation with respect to the securities will be rounded at the calculation agents discretion. The calculation agent will have no liability for its determinations.
Appointment of Independent Calculation Experts
If a calculation or valuation described above under Market Disruption Events or Discontinuance of the Index contemplated to be made by the calculation agent involves the application of material discretion and is not based on information or calculation methodologies compiled or utilized by, or derived from, independent third party sources, we will appoint one or more calculation experts to confirm such calculation or valuation. Such calculation experts will be independent from us and active participants in the financial markets in the relevant jurisdiction in which futures or options contracts on the Index are traded. Calculation experts will not assume any obligation or duty to, or any relationship of agency or trust for or with, the holders of the securities or us. Holders of the securities will be entitled to rely on any valuation or calculations made by such calculation experts and such valuations or calculations will (except in the case of manifest error) be final and binding on us, the calculation agent and the holders of the securities. Calculation experts will not be responsible for good faith errors or omissions in the making of any such valuations or calculations. Calculation experts may, with the consent of us, delegate any of their obligations and functions to a third party as they deem appropriate, but acting honestly and reasonably at all times. The valuations and calculations of calculation experts will be made available to the holders of the securities upon request.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
Events of Default and Acceleration
If the securities have become immediately due and payable following an event of default (as defined in the section Description of Senior Debt Securities Events of Default in the accompanying prospectus) with respect to the securities, the amount payable on the securities will be equal to the redemption amount, calculated as though the date of acceleration were the calculation date.
If the securities have become immediately due and payable following an event of default, you will not be entitled to any payments with respect to the securities in addition to the redemption amount, calculated as set forth in the preceding paragraph. For more information, see Description of Senior Debt SecuritiesEvents of Default beginning on page 7 of the accompanying prospectus.
Withholding
We or the applicable paying agent will deduct or withhold from a payment on a security any present or future tax, duty, assessment or other governmental charge that we determine is required by law or the interpretation or administration thereof to be deducted or withheld. Payments on a security will not be increased by any amount to offset such deduction or withholding.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
THE RUSSELL 2000® INDEX
All disclosures contained in this pricing supplement regarding the Index, including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation, and changes in its components, have been derived from publicly available sources. The information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by the Index sponsor. The Index sponsor, which licenses the copyright and all other rights to the Index, has no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the Index. The consequences of the Index sponsor discontinuing publication of the Index are discussed in the section entitled Discontinuance of the Index in this pricing supplement. None of us, the calculation agent, or Wells Fargo Securities accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the Index or any successor index.
General
The Index was developed by Russell Investments (Russell) before FTSE International Limited and Russell combined in 2015 to create FTSE Russell, which is wholly owned by London Stock Exchange Group. Russell began dissemination of the Index (Bloomberg L.P. index symbol RTY) on January 1, 1984. The Index was set to 135 as of the close of business on December 31, 1986. FTSE Russell calculates and publishes the Index. The Index is designed to track the performance of the small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market. As a subset of the Russell 3000® Index (the Russell 3000 Index), the Index consists of the smallest 2,000 companies included in the Russell 3000 Index. The Russell 3000 Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies, representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. The Index is determined, comprised, and calculated by FTSE Russell without regard to the securities.
Index Composition
All companies eligible for inclusion in the Index must be classified as a U.S. company under FTSE Russells country-assignment methodology. If a company is incorporated, has a stated headquarters location, and trades in the same country (American Depositary Receipts and American Depositary Shares are not eligible), then the company is assigned to its country of incorporation. If any of the three factors are not the same, FTSE Russell defines three Home Country Indicators (HCIs): country of incorporation, country of headquarters, and country of the most liquid exchange (as defined by a two-year average daily dollar trading volume) (ADDTV) from all exchanges within a country. Using the HCIs, FTSE Russell cross-compares the primary location of the companys assets with the three HCIs. If the primary location of its assets matches any of the HCIs, then the company is assigned to the primary location of its assets. If there is insufficient information to determine the country in which the companys assets are primarily located, FTSE Russell will use the primary country from which the companys revenues are primarily derived for the cross-comparison with the three HCIs in a similar manner. FTSE Russell uses the average of two years of assets or revenues data to reduce potential turnover. If conclusive country details cannot be derived from assets or revenues data, FTSE Russell will assign the company to the country of its headquarters, which is defined as the address of the companys principal executive offices, unless that country is a Benefit Driven Incorporation (BDI) country, in which case the company will be assigned to the country of its most liquid stock exchange. BDI countries include: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Cook Islands, Curacao, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Panama, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, and Turks and Caicos Islands. For any companies incorporated or headquartered in a U.S. territory, including countries such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands, a U.S. HCI is assigned.
All securities eligible for inclusion in the Index must trade on a major U.S. exchange. Stocks must have a closing price at or above $1.00 on their primary exchange on the rank day (typically the last trading day in May but a confirmed timetable is announced each spring) in May to be eligible for inclusion during annual reconstitution. However, in order to reduce unnecessary turnover, if an existing members closing price is less than $1.00 on the rank day in May, it will be considered eligible if the average of the daily closing prices (from its primary exchange) during the month of May is equal to or greater than $1.00. Initial public offerings are added each quarter and must have a closing price at or above $1.00 on the last day of their eligibility period in order to qualify for index inclusion. If an existing stock does not trade on the rank day, but does have a closing price at or above $1.00 on another eligible U.S. exchange, that stock will be eligible for inclusion.
An important criterion used to determine the list of securities eligible for the Index is total market capitalization, which is defined as the market price as of the rank day in May for those securities being considered at annual reconstitution times the total number of shares outstanding. Where applicable, common stock, non-restricted exchangeable shares and partnership units/membership interests are used to determine market capitalization. Any other form of shares such as preferred stock, convertible preferred stock, redeemable shares, participating preferred stock, warrants and rights, installment receipts or trust receipts, are excluded from the calculation. If multiple share classes of common stock exist, they are combined. In cases where the common stock share classes act independently of each other (e.g., tracking stocks), each class is considered for inclusion separately.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
If multiple share classes exist, the pricing vehicle will be designated as the share class with the highest two-year trading volume as of the rank day in May.
Companies with a total market capitalization of less than $30 million are not eligible for the Index. Similarly, companies with only 5% or less of their shares available in the marketplace are not eligible for the Index. Royalty trusts, limited liability companies, closed-end investment companies (companies that are required to report Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, as defined by the SEC, including business development companies), blank check companies, special purpose acquisition companies, and limited partnerships are also ineligible for inclusion. Exchange traded funds and mutual funds are also excluded. Bulletin board, pink sheets, and over-the-counter (OTC) traded securities are not eligible for inclusion.
Annual reconstitution is a process by which the Index is completely rebuilt. Based on closing levels of the companys common stock on its primary exchange on the rank day of May of each year, FTSE Russell reconstitutes the composition of the Index using the then existing market capitalizations of eligible companies. Reconstitution of the Index occurs on the last Friday in June or, when the last Friday in June is the 29th or 30th, reconstitution occurs on the prior Friday. In addition, FTSE Russell adds initial public offerings to the Index on a quarterly basis based on total market capitalization ranking within the market-adjusted capitalization breaks established during the most recent reconstitution. After membership is determined, a securitys shares are adjusted to include only those shares available to the public. This is often referred to as free float. The purpose of the adjustment is to exclude from market calculations the capitalization that is not available for purchase and is not part of the investable opportunity set.
License Agreement
We have entered into a nonexclusive license agreement providing for the license to us, in exchange for a fee, of the right to use indices owned and published by FTSE Russell whereby we, in exchange for a fee, are permitted to use the Index and its related trademarks in connection with certain securities, including the securities. We are not affiliated with FTSE Russell; the only relationship between FTSE Russell and us is any licensing of the use of FTSE Russells indices and trademarks relating to them.
The license agreement between FTSE Russell and us provides that the following language must be set forth when referring to any FTSE Russell Indexes or the FTSE Russell trademarks in this pricing supplement:
Russell 2000® Index and Russell 3000® Index are trademarks of FTSE Russell and have been licensed for use by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. The securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by FTSE Russell and FTSE Russell makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the securities.
The securities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by FTSE Russell. FTSE Russell makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the securities or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in these securities particularly or the ability of the Index to track general stock market performance or a segment of the same. FTSE Russells publication of the Index in no way suggests or implies an opinion by FTSE Russell as to the advisability of investment in any or all of the securities upon which the Index is based.
FTSE Russells only relationship to Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and its affiliates is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of FTSE Russell and of the Index which is determined, composed and calculated by FTSE Russell without regard to Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and its affiliates or the securities. FTSE Russell is not responsible for and has not reviewed the securities nor any associated literature or publications and FTSE Russell makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to their accuracy or completeness, or otherwise. FTSE Russell reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to alter, amend, terminate or in any way change the Index. FTSE Russell has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the securities.
FTSE RUSSELL DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE RUSSELL 2000 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND FTSE RUSSELL SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. FTSE RUSSELL MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES, INVESTORS, OWNERS OF THE SECURITIES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE RUSSELL 2000 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. FTSE RUSSELL MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE RUSSELL 2000 INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL FTSE RUSSELL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
Historical Data
We obtained the closing levels listed below from Bloomberg Professional® Service (Bloomberg) without independent verification. You can obtain the level of the Index at any time from Bloomberg under the ticker symbol RTY.
We have not undertaken an independent review or due diligence of the information obtained from Bloomberg. The historical performance of the Index should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurances can be given as to the ending level of the Index. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the Index will result in any positive return on your initial investment.
The following graph sets forth daily closing levels of the Index for the period from January 1, 2013 to December 13, 2018. The closing level on December 13, 2018 was 1,432.700.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
USE OF PROCEEDS AND HEDGING
The net proceeds from the sale of the securities will be used as described under Use of Proceeds in the accompanying prospectus supplement and the prospectus and to hedge our market risks associated with our obligation to pay at maturity the redemption amount of the securities.
We may hedge our obligations under the securities by, among other things, purchasing securities, futures, options or other derivative instruments with returns linked or related to changes in the value of the Index and/or securities included in the Index, and we may adjust these hedges by, among other things, purchasing or selling securities, futures, options or other derivative instruments at any time. Our cost of hedging will include the projected profit that our counterparty expects to realize in consideration for assuming the risks inherent in hedging our obligations under the securities. Because hedging our obligations entails risk and may be influenced by market forces beyond our or our counterpartys control, such hedging may result in a profit that is more or less than expected, or could result in a loss. It is possible that we could receive substantial returns from these hedging activities while the value of the securities declines.
We expect to hedge our obligations under the securities through one of our affiliates and/or another unaffiliated counterparty.
We have no obligation to engage in any manner of hedging activity and we will do so solely at our discretion and for our own account. No holder of the securities will have any rights or interest in our hedging activity or any positions we or any unaffiliated counterparty may take in connection with our hedging activity. The hedging activity discussed above may adversely affect the value of the securities from time to time. See Risk FactorsThe Estimated Value of the Securities Will Not Be An Indication Of The Price, If Any, At Which Wells Fargo Securities Or Any Other Person May Be Willing To Buy The Securities From You In The Secondary Market and Our Economic Interests And Those of Any Dealer Participating In The Offering Of Securities Will Potentially Be Adverse To Your Interests in this pricing supplement for a discussion of these adverse effects.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
THE ESTIMATED VALUE OF THE SECURITIES
The estimated value of the securities set forth on the cover of this pricing supplement is equal to the sum of the values of the following hypothetical components: (1) a fixed-income debt component with the same maturity as the securities, valued using our internal funding rate for structured debt described below, and (2) the derivative or derivatives underlying the economic terms of the securities. The estimated value does not represent a minimum price at which Wells Fargo Securities or any other person would be willing to buy your securities in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time. The internal funding rate used in the determination of the Banks estimated value generally represents a discount from the credit spreads for our conventional fixed-rate debt. The discount is based on, among other things, our view of the funding value of the securities as well as the higher issuance, operational and ongoing liability management costs of the securities in comparison to those costs for our conventional fixed-rate debt. For additional information, see Risk FactorsOur Estimated Value Is Not Determined By Reference To Credit Spreads For Our Conventional Fixed-Rate Debt in this pricing supplement. The value of the derivative or derivatives underlying the economic terms of the securities is derived from the Banks or a third party hedge providers internal pricing models. These models are dependent on inputs such as the traded market prices of comparable derivative instruments and on various other inputs, some of which are market-observable, and which can include volatility, dividend rates, interest rates and other factors, as well as assumptions about future market events and/or environments. Accordingly, the Banks estimated value of the securities is determined when the terms of the securities are set based on market conditions and other relevant factors and assumptions existing at that time. See Risk FactorsOur Estimated Value Does Not Represent Future Values Of The Securities And May Differ From Others Estimates in this pricing supplement.
The Banks estimated value of the securities will be lower than the principal amount of the securities because costs associated with selling, structuring and hedging the securities are included in the principal amount of the securities. These costs include the selling commissions paid to affiliated or unaffiliated dealers, the projected profits that our hedge counterparties, which may include our affiliates, expect to realize for assuming risks inherent in hedging our obligations under the securities and the estimated cost of hedging our obligations under the securities. Because hedging our obligations entails risk and may be influenced by market forces beyond our control, this hedging may result in a profit that is more or less than expected, or it may result in a loss. We or one or more of our affiliates will retain any profits realized in hedging our obligations under the securities. See Risk FactorsOur Estimated Value of the Securities Will Be Lower Than The Principal Amount Of The Securities in this pricing supplement.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The securities are being purchased by Wells Fargo Securities as principal, pursuant to a distribution agreement between Wells Fargo Securities and us. We have agreed to pay certain of Wells Fargo Securities expenses in connection with the offering of the securities.
From time to time, Wells Fargo Securities and its affiliates have engaged, and in the future may engage, in transactions with and performance of services for us for which they have been, and may be, paid customary fees. In particular, Wells Fargo Securities or one of its affiliates may be our swap counterparty for a hedge relating to our obligations under the securities.
In the future, Wells Fargo Securities and its affiliates may repurchase and resell the offered securities in market-making transactions, with resales being made at prices related to prevailing market prices at the time of resale or otherwise. Unless you are informed otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this pricing supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus are being used in connection with the initial distribution of the securities and not in a market-making transaction.
Wells Fargo Securities has committed to purchase all of these securities in the initial public offering of the securities if any are purchased.
Wells Fargo Securities proposes to offer the securities to certain securities dealers, including securities dealers acting as custodians, at the principal amount of the securities less a concession not in excess of $1.40 per security. Such securities dealers may include WFA (the trade name of the retail brokerage business of Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, each an affiliate of Wells Fargo Securities).
The principal amount of the securities includes the underwriting discount received by Wells Fargo Securities and the projected profit that our hedge counterparties expect to realize in consideration for assuming the risks inherent in hedging our obligations under the securities. We expect to hedge our obligations through an affiliate of Wells Fargo Securities, one of our affiliates and/or another unaffiliated counterparty. Because hedging our obligations entails risks and may be influenced by market forces beyond the counterparties control, such hedging may result in a profit that is more or less than expected, or could result in a loss. The underwriting discount and projected profit of our hedge counterparties reduce the economic terms of the securities. In addition, the fact that the principal amount includes these items is expected to adversely affect the secondary market prices of the securities. These secondary market prices are also likely to be reduced by the cost of unwinding the related hedging transaction. See Use of Proceeds and Hedging in this pricing supplement.
The securities are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. The securities will not be listed on a national securities exchange. Wells Fargo Securities may make a market for the securities, as applicable laws and regulations permit, but is not obligated to do so and may discontinue making a market at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of any trading market for the securities.
We expect to deliver the securities against payment therefor in New York, New York on January 4, 2019, which is expected to be the fourth scheduled business day following the pricing date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade securities on any date prior to two business days before delivery will be required, by virtue of the fact that the securities are expected to settle in four business days (T + 4), to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
Settlement for the securities will be made in immediately available funds. The securities will be in the Same Day Funds Settlement System at DTC and, to the extent any secondary market trading in the securities is effected through the facilities of such depositary, such trades will be settled in immediately available funds.
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has agreed to indemnify Wells Fargo Securities against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
No action has been or will be taken by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Wells Fargo Securities or any broker-dealer affiliates of either Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce or Wells Fargo Securities that would permit a public offering of the securities or possession or distribution of this pricing supplement or the accompanying prospectus and prospectus supplement in any jurisdiction, other than the United States, where action for that purpose is required.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
No offers, sales or deliveries of the securities, or distribution of this pricing supplement or the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus, may be made in or from any jurisdiction except in circumstances which will result in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations and will not impose any obligations on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Wells Fargo Securities or any broker-dealer affiliates of either Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce or Wells Fargo Securities.
For the following jurisdictions, please note specifically:
Argentina
CIBCs Senior Global Medium-Term Notes program and the related offer of securities and the sale of securities under the terms and conditions provided herein does not constitute a public offering in Argentina. Consequently, no public offering approval has been requested or granted by the Comisión Nacional de Valores, nor has any listing authorization of the securities been requested on any stock market in Argentina.
Brazil
The securities may not be offered or sold to the public in Brazil. Accordingly, this pricing supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus have not been submitted to the Comissão de Valores Mobiliáros for approval. Documents relating to this offering may not be supplied to the public as a public offering in Brazil or be used in connection with any offer for subscription or sale to the public in Brazil.
Chile
The securities have not been registered with the Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros in Chile and may not be offered or sold publicly in Chile. No offer, sales or deliveries of the securities, or distribution of this pricing supplement or the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus, may be made in or from Chile except in circumstances that will result in compliance with any applicable Chilean laws and regulations.
China
Neither this pricing supplement nor the accompanying prospectus constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the Peoples Republic of China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, the PRC) to any person to whom it is unlawful to make the offer or solicitation in the PRC. The Issuer does not represent that this document may be lawfully distributed, or that any securities may be lawfully offered, in compliance with any applicable registration or other requirements in the PRC, or pursuant to an exemption available thereunder, or assume any responsibility for facilitating any such distribution or offering. Neither this document nor any advertisement or other offering material may be distributed or published in the PRC, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.
European Economic Area
The securities 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);
(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 the securities offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the securities.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
Mexico
The securities have not been registered with the National Registry of Securities maintained by the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission and may not be offered or sold publicly in Mexico. This pricing supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus may not be publicly distributed in Mexico.
Paraguay
This is a private and personal offering. The securities offered have not been approved by or registered with the National Securities Commission (Comisión Nacional de Valores) and are not part of a public offering as defined by the Paraguayan Securities Law. The information contained herein is for informational and marketing purposes only and should not be taken as an investment advice.
Peru
The securities have not been and will not be registered with the Capital Markets Public Registry of the Capital Markets Superintendence (SMV) nor the Lima Stock Exchange Registry (RBVL) for their public offering in Peru under the Peruvian Capital Markets Law (Law N°861/ Supreme Decree N°093-2002) and the decrees and regulations thereunder.
Consequently, the securities may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this pricing supplement, the accompanying supplements or any other offering material relating to the securities be distributed or caused to be distributed in Peru to the general public. The securities may only be offered in a private offering without using mass marketing, which is defined as a marketing strategy utilising mass distribution and mass media to offer, negotiate or distribute securities to the whole market. Mass media includes newspapers, magazines, radio, television, mail, meetings, social networks, Internet servers located in Peru, and other media or technology platforms.
Taiwan
The securities may be made available outside Taiwan for purchase by Taiwan residents outside Taiwan but may not be offered or sold in Taiwan.
Uruguay
The sale of the securities qualifies as a private placement pursuant to section 2 of Uruguayan law 18,627. The securities must not be offered or sold to the public in Uruguay, except in circumstances which do not constitute a public offering or distribution under Uruguayan laws and regulations. The securities are not and will not be registered with the Financial Services Superintendency of the Central Bank of Uruguay.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion supplements the discussion in the section called Material Income Tax ConsequencesUnited States Taxation in the accompanying prospectus, and is subject to the limitations and exceptions set forth therein. Capitalized terms used in this section without definition shall have the respective meanings given such terms in the accompanying prospectus.
The following summary describes certain U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to the purchase, ownership, and disposition of the securities. This summary applies only to holders that acquire their securities in this offering for a price equal to the initial offering price, which we understand will be at par, and hold such securities as capital assets, within the meaning of Section 1221 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). This summary does not apply to any holder that is subject to special rules, such as:
· a dealer in securities,
· a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of tax accounting for its securities holdings,
· a bank,
· a life insurance company,
· a tax-exempt organization,
· a person that owns the securities as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction for tax purposes,
· a person that purchases or sells the securities as part of a wash sale for tax purposes,
· a regulated investment company or real estate investment trust,
· a U.S. holder (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar,
· a U.S. holder subject to the alternative minimum tax, or
· U.S. expatriates.
This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Code, existing and proposed Treasury Regulations thereunder, current administrative rulings, judicial decisions and other applicable authorities. All of the foregoing are subject to change, which change may apply retroactively and could affect the continued validity of this summary. This summary does not describe any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, locality or taxing jurisdiction other than the U.S. federal government. This discussion also does not purport to be a complete analysis of all tax considerations relating to the securities.
You should consult your tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax and other tax consequences of your investment in the securities in your particular circumstances, including the application of state, local or other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in federal or other tax laws.
If a partnership holds the securities, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. You should consult your tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax and other tax consequences of your investment in the securities if you are a partner in a partnership holding the securities.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
General
As the law applicable to the U.S. federal taxation of instruments such as the securities is technical and complex, the discussion below necessarily represents only a general summary. The U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the securities are uncertain. No statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly discusses how the securities should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
In the opinion of our counsel, Mayer Brown LLP, it would be generally reasonable to treat the securities as pre-paid cash-settled derivative contracts. The terms of the securities will provide that you agree to treat the securities in this manner for all U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Unless otherwise stated, the following discussion is based on the characterization described above. The discussion in this section reflects the opinion of Mayer Brown that there is a significant possibility of a significant loss of principal on an investment in the securities.
Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders
Subject to the discussion below of Section 1260 of the Code, if you are a U.S. holder, you should generally recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale, exchange or payment on maturity in an amount equal to the difference between the amount you receive at such time and your tax basis in the securities. In general, your tax basis in the securities will be equal to the price you paid for them. Such gain or loss should generally be short-term capital gain or loss. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Possible Alternative Tax Treatments of an Investment in the Securities
As noted above, there is no judicial or administrative authority discussing how the securities should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Therefore, other treatments would also be reasonable and the Internal Revenue Service might assert that treatment other than that described above is more appropriate.
The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service released a notice in 2007 that may affect the taxation of holders of the securities. According to the notice, the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Treasury Department are considering whether the holder of an instrument such as the securities should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis, and they are seeking taxpayer comments on the subject. The notice also states that the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Treasury Department are also considering other relevant issues, including whether gain or loss from such instruments should be treated as ordinary or capital and whether the special constructive ownership rules of Section 1260 of the Code might be applied to such instruments. While it is not clear whether the securities would be viewed as similar to instruments discussed in such notice, it is possible that future guidance could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the securities, possibly with retroactive effect.
Similarly, the Internal Revenue Service might assert, and a possible alternative treatment with respect to the securities would be, to treat the securities as a single debt instrument. Such a debt instrument may be subject to the special tax rules governing contingent payment debt instruments.
If the securities are subject to such special rules applicable to contingent payment debt instruments, the amount of interest U.S. holders are required to take into account for each accrual period will be determined by constructing a projected payment schedule for the securities and applying rules similar to those for accruing original issue discount or OID on a hypothetical noncontingent debt instrument with that projected payment schedule. In addition to accruing interest income in accordance with the comparable yield, a U.S. holder will be required to make adjustments if the actual amount that holder receives in any taxable year differs from the projected payment schedule. These rules could possibly have the effect of requiring U.S. holders to include amounts in income in respect of the securities prior to receipt of cash attributable to that income.
If the securities are subject to such special rules applicable to contingent payment debt instruments, U.S. holders will recognize gain or loss on the sale, redemption or maturity of securities in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of cash received at that time and their adjusted basis in the securities. In general, a U.S. holders adjusted basis in such securities will equal the amount the holder paid for the securities, increased by the amount of interest that was previously accrued with respect to the securities.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
Any such gain will generally be ordinary income and any such loss that will generally be ordinary loss to the extent the interest included as income in the current or previous taxable years, and thereafter will be capital loss.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
The proceeds received from a sale, exchange or retirement of the securities may be subject to information reporting and, if the holder fails to provide certain identifying information (such as an accurate taxpayer identification number in the case of a U.S. holder) or meet certain other conditions, may also be subject to backup withholding at the rate specified in the Code. A non-U.S. holder (or financial institution holding the securities on behalf of the non-U.S. holder) that provides the applicable withholding agent with the appropriate Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 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 the holders U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the relevant information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
You are urged to consult your tax advisor concerning the significance, and the potential impact, of the above considerations.
Additional Information for U.S. Holders.
For information regarding backup withholding and information reporting considerations with respect to the securities, please see the discussion under Material Income Tax ConsequencesUnited States TaxationU.S. Backup Withholding and Information Reporting in the accompanying prospectus.
Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders
For purposes of this discussion, the term non-U.S. holder means a beneficial owner of a security that is not a partnership or other entity treated as a partnership and is not a U.S. holder. If you are a non-U.S. holder, you generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax for amounts paid in respect of the securities, provided that the payment is not effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business. Notwithstanding the foregoing, gain from the sale or exchange of the securities or their settlement at maturity may be subject to U.S. federal income tax if you are a nonresident alien individual and are present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the settlement at maturity, sale or exchange and certain other conditions are satisfied.
If you are engaged in the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S., and if gain realized on the settlement at maturity, sale or exchange of the securities is effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business (and, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by you in the U.S.), you generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such gain on a net income basis in the same manner as if you were a U.S. holder as described under the heading Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders, above. In addition, non-U.S. holders that are foreign corporations, may also be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate provided by any applicable tax treaty) of a portion of their earnings and profits that are withdrawn from the U.S. for the taxable year that are effectively connected with their conduct of a trade or business in the U.S., subject to certain adjustments.
Notwithstanding the above, if we determine that there is a material risk that we will be required to withhold on any payments on the securities, we may withhold on any such payment to a non-U.S. holder at a 30% rate, unless such non-U.S. holder has provided to us (i) a valid Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI or (ii) a valid Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN-E claiming tax treaty benefits that reduce or eliminate withholding. If we elect to withhold and such non-U.S. holder has provided us with a valid Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN-E claiming tax treaty benefits that reduce or eliminate withholding, we may nevertheless withhold up to 30% on any payments if there is any possible characterization of the payments that would not be exempt from withholding under the treaty.
Section 871(m) of the Code and Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder (Section 871(m)) generally impose a 30% 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 or indices that include U.S. equities (such equities and indices, U.S. Underlying Equities). Section 871(m) generally applies to instruments that substantially replicate the economic performance of one or more U.S. Underlying Equities, as determined upon issuance, based on tests set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations (a Specified Security). Specifically, and subject to a pre-2021 exemption for non-delta one instruments, Section 871(m) will apply if, at issuance, a financial instrument either meets (i) a delta test, if it is a simple contract, or (ii) a substantial equivalence test, if it is a complex contract. 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 as well as securities that track such indices.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
The securities should not be subject to Section 871(m) because the Index should constitute a qualified index.
As discussed above, alternative characterizations of the securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes are possible. Should an alternative characterization, by reason of change or clarification of the law, by regulation or otherwise, cause payments as to the securities to become subject to withholding tax, we will withhold tax at the applicable statutory rate. Additionally, as discussed above, the Internal Revenue Service has indicated that it is considering whether income in respect of instruments such as the securities should be subject to withholding tax. Prospective non-U.S. holders of the securities should consult their own tax advisors in this regard.
The gross estate of a non-U.S. holder domiciled outside the United States includes only property situated in the United States. A security may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax if an individual non-U.S. holder holds the security at the time of his or her death. Individual non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of holding the securities at death.
Additional Information for Investors
For information regarding the applicability of FATCA to the securities, please see the discussion under Material Income Tax ConsequencesUnited States TaxationFATCA Withholding in the accompanying prospectus. FATCA may impose a 30% withholding tax on payments of gross proceeds from the sale, exchange or redemption of property that gives rise to U.S.-source dividends or interest. The Internal Revenue Service recently issued Proposed Treasury Regulations that eliminate withholding on payments of gross proceeds. Pursuant to the Proposed Regulations, the issuer and any withholding agent may rely on this change to FATCA withholding until the final regulations are issued. The Internal Revenue Service also announced its intention to delay the effective date of withholding tax on foreign passthru payments to the later of 1 January 2019 or the date of publication of final U.S. Treasury regulations defining such term.
Market Linked SecuritiesLeveraged Upside Participation to a Cap and Fixed Percentage Buffered Downside Principal at Risk Securities Linked to the Russell 2000® Index due January 2, 2020 |
CERTAIN CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
In the opinion of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, our Canadian tax counsel, the following summary describes the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the Canadian Tax Act) generally applicable at the date hereof to an investor who acquires beneficial ownership of a security pursuant to this pricing supplement and who for the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and at all relevant times: (a) is neither resident nor deemed to be resident in Canada; (b) deals at arms length with the Issuer and any transferee resident (or deemed to be resident) in Canada to whom the investor disposes of the security; (c) does not use or hold and is not deemed to use or hold the security in, or in the course of, carrying on a business in Canada; (d) is entitled to receive all payments (including any interest and principal) made on the security, and (e) is not a, and deals at arms length with any, specified shareholder of the Issuer for purposes of the thin capitalization rules in the Canadian Tax Act (a Non-Resident Holder). A specified shareholder for these purposes generally includes a person who (either alone or together with persons with whom that person is not dealing at arms length for the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act) owns or has the right to acquire or control or is otherwise deemed to own 25% or more of the Issuers shares determined on a votes or fair market value basis. Special rules which apply to non-resident insurers carrying on business in Canada and elsewhere are not discussed in this summary.
This summary is supplemental to and should be read together with the description of material Canadian federal income tax considerations relevant to a Non-Resident Holder owning securities under Material Income Tax ConsequencesCanadian Taxation in the accompanying prospectus and a Non-Resident Holder should carefully read that description as well.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any particular Non-Resident Holder. Non-Resident Holders are advised to consult with their own tax advisors with respect to their particular circumstances.
Based on Canadian tax counsels understanding of the Canada Revenue Agencys administrative policies, and having regard to the terms of the securities, interest payable on the securities should not be considered to be participating debt interest as defined in the Canadian Tax Act and accordingly, a Non-Resident Holder should not be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding tax in respect of amounts paid or credited or deemed to have been paid or credited by the Issuer on a security as, on account of or in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of, interest.
Non-Resident Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the consequences to them of a disposition of the securities to a person with whom they are not dealing at arms length for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act.