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SQID Technologies Limited — Capital/Financing Update 2020
Feb 8, 2020
47843_rns_2020-02-07_56b05714-1a8b-49e7-a1a3-613eaf8e8a30.PDF
Capital/Financing Update
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This pricing supplement and the short form base shelf prospectus dated June 1, 2018 to which it relates, as amended or supplemented (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") and each document incorporated by reference into the Base Shelf Prospectus, constitutes a public offering of securities only in those jurisdictions where they may be lawfully offered for sale and therein only by persons permitted to sell such securities. No securities regulatory authority has expressed an opinion about these securities and it is an offence to claim otherwise.
The Notes to be offered hereunder have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and, except as stated under "Plan of Distribution", may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction or to, or for the account or benefit of, a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act).
Information has been incorporated by reference in this pricing supplement from documents filed with the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada. Copies of the documents incorporated herein by reference may be obtained on request without charge from the Corporate Secretary, Bank of Montreal, 100 King St. West, 1 First Canadian Place, 21st Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1A1, telephone: (416) 867-6785 and are also available electronically at www.sedar.com.
Pricing Supplement No. 1377 dated February 7, 2020 (to the short form base shelf prospectus dated June 1, 2018)

BMO Callable Equity Income Notes, Series 1284 (CAD), Due February 26, 2027
Linked to Exxon Mobil Corporation
(Unsecured – Principal at Risk Notes)
Maximum \$5,000,000
This pricing supplement qualifies the distribution of BMO Callable Equity Income Notes, Series 1284 (CAD) (the "Notes") issued by Bank of Montreal (the "Bank") and scheduled to mature on February 26, 2027 ("Maturity" or "Maturity Date"). The Notes offer semi-annual coupon payments for investors while providing contingent protection against a slight to moderate decline in the price performance of the common shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation (the "Reference Share") over the term of the Notes, as further described in this pricing supplement under "The Reference Share". Subject to the Notes being automatically called, Holders will be entitled to receive a semi-annual coupon payment equal to 4.25% (equivalent to 8.50% per annum) (the "Coupon"), so long as the Share Return is equal to or above the Coupon Knock-Out Level on the relevant Observation Date. The "Coupon Knock-Out Level" will be a Share Return equal to -30%. If the Share Return is equal to or above the AutoCall Level on any Observation Date, the Notes will be automatically called by the Bank and Holders will receive the Principal Amount plus the applicable Coupon on the corresponding Coupon Payment Date (in this case, the Call Date). If the Share Return is never equal to or above the AutoCall Level on any Observation Date, the Notes will not be automatically called by the Bank. The "AutoCall Level" will be a Share Return equal to 5%.
If the Notes are not automatically called before Maturity, a Holder will be entitled to receive a Maturity Payment based on the Share Return equal to: (i) the Principal Amount of the Notes, plus the final Coupon payment, if the Share Return is equal to or above the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date, or (ii) the Principal Amount of the Notes, reduced by an amount equal to the Share Return (which will be a negative amount reflecting the decline in the Closing Price), if the Share Return closes below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date, subject to a minimum principal repayment of \$1.00 per Note. The "Barrier Level" will be a Share Return equal to -30%. The Notes provide contingent protection only and, as such, investors should be comfortable with the risk of losing some or substantially all of their principal investment in the Notes. The maximum return that a Holder may receive on the Notes is 59.50%, assuming the payment of a Coupon on each Coupon Payment Date as well as the repayment of the Principal Amount of \$100.00 per Note at Maturity. There will be no participation in any price appreciation of the Reference Share over the term of the Notes.
Amounts paid to Holders will depend on the price performance of the Reference Share. The Notes are not designed to be alternatives to fixed income or money market investments. Bank of Montreal does not guarantee that Holders will receive any return or repayment of their principal investment in the Notes at Maturity, subject to a minimum principal repayment of \$1.00 per Note. The Notes provide contingent protection only, meaning that a Holder could lose some or substantially all of his or her principal investment in the Notes if the Share Return is below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date. See "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes".
The Notes are denominated in Canadian dollars and all payments owing under the Notes will be made in Canadian dollars. See "Description of the Notes" for additional details and examples on the calculation and timing of Coupon payments, the automatic call feature and the contingent protection at Maturity. In certain special circumstances, it may be necessary to substitute the Reference Share with a Replacement Share or adjust the calculation and timing for payments under the Notes. See "Special Circumstances".
An investment in the Notes does not represent a direct or indirect investment in the Reference Share. Holders do not have an ownership interest or other interest (including, without limitation, voting rights or rights to receive dividends or distributions) in the Reference Share. Holders only have a right against the Bank to be paid any amounts due under the Notes. The Share Return is used as a reference to determine whether a Coupon will be payable following an Observation Date, whether the Notes will be automatically called by the Bank and the amount of principal repayment under the Notes. The Share Return reflects only the applicable price changes of the Reference Share and does not reflect the payment of dividends, distributions or other income or amounts accruing on the Reference Share.
| Price: \$100.00 Per Note Minimum Subscription: \$2,000.00 (20 Notes) |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Price to the Public | Dealers' Fee(2) | Proceeds to the Bank | |
| Per Note | \$100.00 | \$3.00 | \$97.00 |
(1) Reflects the maximum Offering size. The Bank reserves the right to change the maximum Offering size in its sole and absolute discretion. There is no minimum amount of funds that must be raised under the Offering. This means that the Bank could complete the Offering after raising only a small proportion of the Offering amount set out above.
Total Notes(1) \$5,000,000.00 \$150,000.00 \$4,850,000.00
(2) A selling concession fee of \$3.00 per Note sold is payable to the Dealers for further payment to representatives, including representatives employed by the Dealers, whose clients purchase the Notes. An additional fee of up to \$0.20 per Note will be payable by the Bank to Raymond James Ltd. at closing for acting as independent agent.
This pricing supplement has been prepared for the sole purpose of assisting prospective purchasers in making an investment decision with respect to the Notes offered hereby, and does not relate to the Reference Share or the issuer of the Reference Share ( the "Company"). Information contained in this pricing supplement relating to the Reference Share and the Company has been derived from and is based solely upon publicly available information, and its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. None of the Bank, BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., Raymond James Ltd. or any of their respective affiliates or associates has any obligation or responsibility for the provision of any future information in respect of the Reference Share or the Company. Investors shall have no recourse against the Bank, the Dealers or any of their respective affiliates or associates in connection with any information relating to the Reference Share or the Company that is not contained in this pricing supplement. The Company has not participated in the preparation of this pricing supplement and the Notes are not in any way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Company. See "Description of the Notes" and "The Reference Share".
BMO Capital Markets will use reasonable efforts under normal market conditions to provide a daily secondary market for the sale of the Notes by Holders through the order entry system operated by Fundserv Inc., but reserves the right to elect not to do so in the future, in its sole and absolute discretion, without prior notice to Holders. Except in certain special circumstances described under "Secondary Market", a Note may be sold to BMO Capital Markets through Fundserv on a daily basis at a price equal to the Bid Price for a Note determined by BMO Capital Markets in its sole and absolute discretion, minus any applicable Early Trading Charge (see "Secondary Market — Early Trading Charge"). BMO Capital Markets reserves the right to suspend the secondary market, if any, at any time in its sole and absolute discretion, including in the event that the Calculation Agent is unable to fairly and accurately determine a Bid Price for the Notes. A Holder will not be able to sell a Note prior to Maturity other than through a secondary market, if any, provided by BMO Capital Markets. See "Secondary Market". Holders choosing to sell their Notes prior to Maturity may receive a price at a discount, which could be substantial, from the Maturity Payment that would be payable if the Notes were maturing on such date. See "Secondary Market" for factors affecting the Bid Price for the Notes. Holders are not entitled to redeem their Notes prior to Maturity and there is no guarantee that any secondary market which may develop will be liquid or sustainable.
BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and Raymond James Ltd., as agents of the Bank (the "Dealers"), have agreed to solicit offers to purchase the Notes, on a reasonable best efforts basis, if, as and when such Notes are issued by the Bank pursuant to the terms and conditions contained in the Dealer Agreement and subject to the approval of certain legal matters by Torys LLP, as counsel to the Bank, and Stikeman Elliott LLP, as counsel to the Dealers. While the Dealers have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to sell the Notes offered hereby, they will not be obligated to purchase the Notes which are not sold.
BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., one of the Dealers, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank. As a result, the Bank is a "related issuer" of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. for the purposes of National Instrument 33-105 - Underwriting Conflicts. See "Plan of Distribution".
The closing of this offering (the "Offering") is scheduled to occur on or about February 26, 2020 or on such other date as the Bank and the Dealers may agree (the "Issue Date"). Subscriptions for the Notes will be received subject to rejection or allotment in whole or in part and the right is reserved to close the subscription books at any time without prior notice to investors. Funds in respect of all subscriptions shall be payable at the time of subscription. Subscriptions for the Notes will be made through Fundserv's transaction processing system under the code "JHN13064", which will result in funds being accumulated in a non-interest bearing account of BMO Capital Markets pending execution of all documents required for the Offering and satisfaction of closing conditions. If for any reason the closing of the Offering does not occur, all subscription funds will be returned to subscribers without interest or deduction.
The Notes are not a suitable investment for a prospective purchaser who does not understand their terms or the risks involved in holding the Notes. It is possible that no Coupon payments will be made on the Notes and Holders could lose some or substantially all of their principal investment in the Notes. Therefore, the Notes are not suitable investments for any Holder who needs or expects to receive any return or a specific return on investment or needs or expects to have the Principal Amount repaid at Maturity or otherwise. The Notes are designed for investors with a medium-term investment horizon who are comfortable with the possibility of the Notes being automatically called by the Bank prior to Maturity and who are prepared to assume the risks associated with receiving payments based on the Share Return on the Observation Dates and the potential for a loss of principal and non-payment of Coupons. There can be no assurance that the Notes will generate positive returns or avoid losses for Holders.
The Bank expects the estimated value of the Notes on the Issue Date, based on its internal pricing models, will be \$93.64 per \$100.00 principal amount, which is less than the issue price. The estimated value is not an indication of actual profit to the Bank or any of its affiliates, nor is it an indication of the price at which BMO Capital Markets or any other person may be willing to purchase the Notes. See "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes – General Risks Relating to Principal At Risk Notes – Estimated Value of the Notes".
Holders will not receive any dividends or any other distributions that they might otherwise receive if they directly owned the Reference Share and Holders could lose some or substantially all of their principal investment in the Notes if the Share Return is below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date. Prospective purchasers should also take into account additional risk factors associated with the Offering. See "Suitability for Investment" and "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes".
The Notes will constitute direct, unconditional obligations of the Bank to the extent the Bank is obligated to make payments to Holders under the Notes. The Notes will be issued on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis and will rank equally, as among themselves, and with all other outstanding direct, unsecured and unsubordinated, present and future obligations of the Bank (except as otherwise prescribed by law), and will be payable ratably without any preference or priority. The Notes will not be deposits that are insured under the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act or any other deposit insurance regime designed to ensure the payment of all or a portion of a deposit upon the insolvency of the deposit taking financial institution. See "Description of the Notes — Rank; No Deposit Insurance".
"BMO (M-bar roundel symbol)", "BMO" and "BMO Capital Markets" are registered trademarks of the Bank used under license.
| Prospectus for Notes PS1377-5 | |
|---|---|
| Documents Incorporated by Reference PS1377-5 | |
| Forward-Looking Statements PS1377-5 | |
| Information Relating to the Notes PS1377-6 | |
| Suitability for Investment PS1377-6 | |
| Eligibility for Investment PS1377-6 | |
| Summary of the Offering PS1377-7 | |
| Summary of Fees and Expenses PS1377-15 | |
| Glossary of Terms PS1377-16 | |
| Description of the Notes PS1377-20 | |
| The Reference Share PS1377-27 | |
| Secondary Market PS1377-29 | |
| Special Circumstances PS1377-30 | |
| Additional Details of the Offering PS1377-35 | |
| Plan of Distribution PS1377-38 | |
| Use of Proceeds PS1377-39 | |
| Calculation Agent PS1377-39 | |
| Appointment of Independent Calculation Experts PS1377-39 | |
| Fees and Expenses PS1377-39 | |
| Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations PS1377-40 | |
| Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes PS1377-41 | |
| Legal Matters PS1377-46 | |
| About this Base Shelf Prospectus 4 |
|---|
| Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 4 |
| Documents Incorporated by Reference 5 |
| Bank of Montreal 6 |
| Changes to Share Capital and Subordinated Indebtedness 7 |
| Earnings Coverage Ratio 7 |
| Description of the Notes 8 |
| Plan of Distribution 18 |
| Certain Risk Factors 19 |
| Use of Proceeds 21 |
| Tax Consequences 21 |
| Legal Matters 22 |
| Purchasers' Statutory Rights 22 |
| Certificate of the Bank C-1 |
| Certificate of the Dealers C-2 |
PROSPECTUS FOR NOTES
The Notes will be issued under the Note Program and will be direct, unsubordinated and unsecured debt obligations of the Bank. The Notes are described in two separate documents: (1) the Base Shelf Prospectus, and (2) this pricing supplement, which collectively constitute the "prospectus" for the Notes.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
This pricing supplement is deemed to be incorporated by reference into the Base Shelf Prospectus solely for the purpose of the Note Program and the Notes issued hereunder.
The following documents, filed by the Bank with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and/or the various securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada, are specifically incorporated by reference into and form an integral part of this pricing supplement:
- (i) the Bank's Annual Information Form dated December 3, 2019;
- (ii) the Bank's audited consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended October 31, 2019 with comparative consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended October 31, 2018, together with the auditors' report thereon and the auditors' report on internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2019 under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States);
- (iii) the Bank's Management's Discussion and Analysis as contained in the Bank's Annual Report as of October 31, 2019;
- (iv) the Bank's Management Proxy Circular dated February 7, 2019 in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders of the Bank held on April 2, 2019; and
- (v) the Bank's marketing materials titled "BMO Callable Equity Income Notes, Series 1284 (CAD), Due February 26, 2027" dated the date hereof.
Any statement contained in the Base Shelf Prospectus, this pricing supplement or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein or in the Base Shelf Prospectus for the purposes of the Offering shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this pricing supplement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein or in the Base Shelf Prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. The modifying or superseding statement need not state that it has modified or superseded a prior statement nor include any other information set forth in the document that it modifies or supersedes. The making of a modifying or superseding statement is not to be deemed an admission for any purposes that the modified or superseded statement, when made, constituted a misrepresentation, an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact that was required to be stated or that was necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances in which it was made. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this pricing supplement.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements included in this pricing supplement constitute forward-looking statements, including those identified by the expressions "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Bank or the Reference Share. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the Bank's current expectations regarding future results or events and are based on information currently available to management. Reference is also made to the disclosure relating to forward-looking statements contained in the Bank's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations or a forecast, projection or conclusion in such forward-looking statements, including the matters discussed under "Certain Risk Factors" in the Base Shelf Prospectus and "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes" in this pricing supplement.
INFORMATION RELATING TO THE NOTES
This pricing supplement has been prepared for the sole purpose of assisting prospective purchasers in making an investment decision with respect to the Notes offered hereby and does not relate to the Reference Share or the Company. The Bank has taken reasonable care to ensure that the facts stated in this pricing supplement with respect to the Notes are true and accurate in all material respects. All information contained in this pricing supplement regarding the Reference Share and the Company is derived from and is based solely upon publicly available information and its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. In addition, certain information contained in this pricing supplement was obtained from public sources. None of the Bank, the Dealers or any of their respective affiliates or associates has any obligation or responsibility for the provision of future information in respect of the Reference Share or the Company.
Information about the Company can be found at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml or other publicly available sources, including the Company's website. During the term of the Notes, the Bank will identify on its structured products website (www.bmonotes.com) the daily Bid Price of the Notes and the Share Return used by the Calculation Agent to make its determinations and calculations on each Observation Date. The content of any website referred to in this pricing supplement is not incorporated by reference in, and does not form part of, this pricing supplement.
SUITABILITY FOR INVESTMENT
An investment in the Notes is suitable only for investors prepared to assume risks associated with an investment product with exposure to the common shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation. There is no guarantee that any Coupons will be paid to Holders or that a Holder's principal investment will be protected under the Notes, other than the payment of \$1.00 per Note (the "Minimum Payment Amount"). The Notes may be automatically called by the Bank prior to Maturity. The Notes differ from conventional debt and fixed income investments because they do not guarantee Holders a return or any income stream prior to Maturity and the return at Maturity is not calculated by reference to a fixed or floating rate of interest that is determinable prior to Maturity. It is possible that the Share Return could be below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date, in which case Holders would lose some or substantially all of their principal investment in the Notes. Accordingly, the Notes may not be suitable investments for investors requiring or expecting certainty of yield or guaranteed principal repayment at Maturity or otherwise. There is no assurance that the Notes will be able to meet the investment objectives of Holders or avoid losses to Holders. Investors could lose some or substantially all of their principal investment in the Notes. Prospective purchasers should take into account additional risk factors associated with the Offering. See "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes". Neither the Bank nor the Dealers make any recommendation as to whether the Notes are a suitable investment for any person or the suitability of investing in securities generally or in securities the return on which is linked to the common shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation in particular. Prospective purchasers should only make a decision to invest in the Notes after carefully considering, with their advisors, the suitability of an investment in the Notes in light of their objectives and the information in this pricing supplement.
ELIGIBILITY FOR INVESTMENT
In the opinion of Torys LLP, counsel to the Bank, the Notes offered hereby will, at the date of issue, be qualified investments under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations thereunder (collectively, the "Tax Act") for trusts governed by registered retirement savings plans, registered retirement income funds, registered education savings plans, registered disability savings plans, tax-free savings accounts and deferred profit sharing plans (other than a trust governed by a deferred profit sharing plan to which contributions are made by the Bank or by an employer with which the Bank does not deal at arm's length within the meaning of the Tax Act).
SUMMARY OF THE OFFERING
This is a summary of the Offering of Notes under this pricing supplement. Because this is a summary, it does not contain all of the information that may be important to investors, and investors should read the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this pricing supplement. In this summary, unless otherwise specified, the "Bank" refers to Bank of Montreal and "BMO Capital Markets" refers to a company owned by the Bank called BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and any of its affiliates. Capitalized terms that are used but not defined in this summary are defined in "Glossary of Terms" and elsewhere in this pricing supplement. The Notes are denominated in Canadian dollars and in this pricing supplement "\$" refers to Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified.
| Issue: | BMO Callable Equity Income Notes, Series 1284 (CAD), Due February 26, 2027. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuer: | Bank of Montreal. | ||
| Subscription Price: | \$100.00 per Note. | ||
| Minimum Subscription: | A Holder must invest a minimum of \$2,000.00 (20 Notes). The Bank reserves the right to change the minimum subscription in its sole and absolute discretion. |
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| Issue Size: | The maximum issue size for the Notes will be \$5,000,000.00. The Bank reserves the right to change the maximum issue size in its sole and absolute discretion. |
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| Issue Date: | The Notes will be issued on or about February 26, 2020. | ||
| Maturity Date: | The Notes will mature on February 26, 2027. The term to Maturity is approximately seven (7) years, subject to the Notes being automatically called by the Bank. The Notes are not redeemable at the option of a Holder. An Early Payment Amount may be paid on the occurrence of an Extraordinary Event. See "Special Circumstances — Extraordinary Event". |
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| Objective of the Notes: | The objective of the Notes is to generate semi-annual coupon payments for investors while providing contingent protection against a slight to moderate decline in the price performance of the Reference Share over the term of the Notes. |
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| Reference Share: | The Reference Share is the common shares of the following Company: | ||
| Company Name Ticker Symbol Exchange |
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| Exxon Mobil Corporation XOM NYSE |
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| The dividend yield of the Reference Share on February 3, 2020 was 5.73%, representing an aggregate dividend yield of approximately 47.76% compounded annually over the term of the Notes (assuming the dividend yield remains constant). Additional information about the Reference Share and the Company can be found on www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml or on the Company's public website. The content of any website referred to in this pricing supplement is not incorporated by reference in, and does not form part of, this pricing supplement. |
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| An investment in the Notes does not represent a direct or indirect investment in the Reference Share. Holders have no right or entitlement to the dividends or distributions paid on the Reference Share and will only have a right against the Bank to be paid any amounts due under the Notes. All actions (e.g., purchases, sales, and liquidations, etc.) taken in connection with the Reference Share are notional actions only. See "The Reference Share". |
| Coupon Payments: | Subject to the occurrence of an Extraordinary Event or the Notes being automatically called by the Bank, a Holder will be entitled to receive for each Note a semi-annual coupon payment on each Coupon Payment Date equal to 4.25% (equivalent to 8.50% per annum), provided that the Share Return is equal to or above the Coupon Knock-Out Level on the applicable Observation Date. If the Share Return is below the Coupon Knock-Out Level on an Observation Date, then no Coupon will be payable to a Holder on the related Coupon Payment Date. If the Share Return is below the Coupon Knock-Out Level on all Observation Dates, there will be no Coupons paid to Holders during the term of the Notes. See "Description of the Notes — Coupon Payments" and "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes". |
|---|---|
| Coupon Knock-Out Level: |
A Share Return equal to -30%. |
| AutoCall Feature: | The Notes will be automatically called by the Bank if the Share Return is equal to or above the AutoCall Level on any Observation Date. If the automatic call feature is triggered, Holders will receive the Principal Amount plus the applicable Coupon on the corresponding Coupon Payment Date (in this case, the Call Date). If the Share Return is never equal to or above the AutoCall Level on any Observation Date, the Notes will not be automatically called by the Bank. If the Notes are automatically called by the Bank before Maturity, the Notes will be cancelled and Holders will not be entitled to receive any subsequent payments in respect of the Notes. |
| AutoCall Level: | A Share Return equal to 5%, triggering the Notes to be automatically called by the Bank if the Share Return is equal to or above the AutoCall Level on any Observation Date. |
| Barrier Level: | A Share Return equal to -30%, resulting in full principal protection against a negative Share Return of up to -30% on the Final Valuation Date. |
| Barrier Event: | A "Barrier Event" will have occurred only if the Share Return is below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date. The Notes will be subject to "Final Valuation Date Monitoring", meaning that the Share Return relative to the Barrier Level will only be observed on the Final Valuation Date to determine whether a Barrier Event has occurred. |
| Contingent Protection: | If the Share Return is negative, the Principal Amount will be protected so long as the Share Return is equal to or above the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date. If the Share Return is below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date, the Maturity Payment will be equal to the Principal Amount reduced by an amount equal to the Share Return (which will be a negative amount reflecting the decline in the Closing Price), subject to the Minimum Payment Amount. The calculation and timing of the payments at Maturity may be adjusted upon the occurrence of certain special circumstances. See "Special Circumstances". |
| Maturity Payment: | Subject to the occurrence of an Extraordinary Event or the Notes being automatically called by the Bank, a Holder will receive repayment of some or all of the Principal Amount at Maturity based on the Share Return on the Final Valuation Date. There will be no participation in any price appreciation of the Reference Share over the term of the Notes and Holders have no right or entitlement to the dividends or distributions paid on the Reference Share. |
| The Maturity Payment will be determined as follows: | |
| (i) If the Share Return is equal to or above the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date, a Holder will receive a Maturity Payment equal to the Principal Amount. In this case, the Share Return would be equal to or above the Coupon Knock-Out Level on the Final Valuation Date, so a Holder will also be entitled to receive the Coupon that would be due and payable in respect of the Final Valuation Date. |
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| (ii) If the Share Return is below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date, a Holder will |
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| PS1377-8 |
receive a Maturity Payment that is less than the Principal Amount, as the Principal Amount will be reduced by an amount equal to the Share Return (which will be a negative amount reflecting the decline in the Closing Price), subject to the Minimum Payment Amount, calculated using the following formula:
Principal Amount + (Principal Amount × Share Return)
In this case, the Share Return would be below the Coupon Knock-Out Level on the Final Valuation Date, so there would be no Coupon payable in respect of the Final Valuation Date.
Observation Dates and Coupon Payment Dates: The Share Return will be observed on each Observation Date, subject to the occurrence of any special circumstances (see "Special Circumstances") or the Notes being automatically called by the Bank. The specific Observation Dates, Coupon Payment Dates and potential Call Dates for the Notes will be as follows:
| Period | Observation Date | Coupon Payment Date/Call Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 19, 2020 | August 26, 2020 |
| 2 | February 19, 2021 | February 26, 2021 |
| 3 | August 19, 2021 | August 26, 2021 |
| 4 | February 18, 2022 | February 28, 2022 |
| 5 | August 19, 2022 | August 26, 2022 |
| 6 | February 17, 2023 | February 27, 2023 |
| 7 | August 21, 2023 | August 28, 2023 |
| 8 | February 16, 2024 | February 26, 2024 |
| 9 | August 19, 2024 | August 26, 2024 |
| 10 | February 19, 2025 | February 26, 2025 |
| 11 | August 19, 2025 | August 26, 2025 |
| 12 | February 19, 2026 | February 26, 2026 |
| 13 | August 19, 2026 | August 26, 2026 |
| 14 | February 19, 2027 | February 26, 2027 |
In the event that a scheduled Observation Date is not an Exchange Day for any reason, then the Observation Date will be the immediately preceding Exchange Day. In the event that any Coupon Payment Date or the Call/Maturity Date is not a Business Day, then the related payment the Bank is obligated to make on such day, if any, will be paid to the Holder on the immediately following Business Day and no interest will be paid in respect of such delay. If the Notes are automatically called by the Bank before Maturity, the Notes will be cancelled and Holders will not be entitled to receive any subsequent payments in respect of the Notes.
- Currency: The Notes are denominated in Canadian dollars and all payments owing under the Notes will be made in Canadian dollars. Although the market price of the Reference Share is quoted in U.S. dollars, whether or not a Note is called or a Coupon is paid, as well as the calculation of the Maturity Payment, will be determined based on the Share Return on the relevant date, which will not be affected by fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar.
- Calculation Agent: BMO Capital Markets. See "Calculation Agent".
Dealers: BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and Raymond James Ltd.
Secondary Market: The Notes will not be listed on any exchange or marketplace. BMO Capital Markets will use reasonable efforts under normal market conditions to provide for a daily secondary market for the sale of the Notes through the order entry system operated by Fundserv Inc. but reserves the right to elect not to do so in the future, in its sole and absolute discretion, without prior notice to Holders. The sale of Notes using the Fundserv network carries certain restrictions, including selling procedures that require an irrevocable sale order to be initiated at a price that will not be known prior to placing such sale order. See "Description of the Notes — Fundserv — Sale of Fundserv Notes" in the Base Shelf Prospectus. Except in certain special circumstances described under "Secondary Market", a Note may be sold to BMO Capital Markets through the Fundserv network on a daily basis at a price equal to the Bid Price for a Note, determined by BMO Capital Markets in its sole and absolute discretion, minus any applicable Early Trading Charge. See "Secondary Market" for factors affecting the Bid Price for the Notes.
BMO Capital Markets reserves the right to suspend the secondary market, if any, at any time, in its sole and absolute discretion, including in the event that the Calculation Agent is unable to fairly and accurately determine a Bid Price for the Notes. A Holder will not be able to redeem or sell a Note prior to Maturity other than through a secondary market, if any, provided by BMO Capital Markets. Holders choosing to sell their Notes prior to Maturity may receive a price at a discount, which could be substantial, from the Maturity Payment that would be payable if the Notes were maturing on such date. There is no provision for the early redemption of the Notes by Holders and there is no guarantee that any secondary market which may develop will be liquid or sustainable.
If a Note is sold within the first 180 days after the Issue Date, the posted Bid Price will be reduced by an Early Trading Charge equal to a percentage of the Subscription Price determined as set out below.
| If Notes sold within: | Early Trading Charge |
|---|---|
| 0 - 60 days |
4.00% |
| 61 - 120 days |
2.65% |
| 121 - 180 days |
1.35% |
| Thereafter | Nil |
The Calculation Agent may suspend the determination of the Bid Price during the existence of any state of affairs that makes the determination of the Bid Price impossible, impractical or prejudicial to Holders, including, without limitation, the interruption, breakdown or suspension of the trading in the Reference Share. In the event the Bid Price is not available, the secondary market may be suspended by BMO Capital Markets as it will not be able to fairly and accurately determine the price of the Notes. No other secondary market for the Notes will be available.
Holders choosing to sell their Notes prior to the Maturity Date will receive an amount which (i) may be substantially less than the Subscription Price, and (ii) may not necessarily reflect the price performance of the Reference Share up to the date of such sale. A Holder wishing to sell a Note prior to Maturity should consult his or her investment advisor on whether a sale of the Note will be subject to an Early Trading Charge and, if so, the amount of the Early Trading Charge. A Holder should be aware that any valuation price for the Notes appearing in his or her periodic investment account statements within the first 180 days after the Issue Date is not what a Holder would receive on disposition. Any Bid Price quoted to the Holder to sell his or her Notes within the first 180 days after the Issue Date will exclude the application of any applicable Early Trading Charge. See "Secondary Market — Early Trading Charge" and "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes — General Risks Relating to Principal At Risk Notes — Secondary Trading of the Notes".
A Holder should consult his or her investment advisor as to whether it would be more favourable in the circumstances at any time to sell the Notes (assuming the availability of a secondary market) or hold the Notes until the Maturity Date.
BMO Capital Markets or the Bank, or any of their respective affiliates, may at any time, subject to applicable laws, purchase the Notes at any price in the open market or by private agreement. See "Secondary Market".
Special Circumstances: If a Market Disruption Event occurs on a day on which the Closing Price of the Reference Share is to be determined for calculating the Share Return, the determination of that price (and possibly the subsequent payment of the Maturity Payment) may be postponed. Fluctuations in the Closing Price may occur in the interim. In certain special circumstances such as a Merger Event, Tender Offer or Potential Adjustment Event that may have a diluting, concentrating or other effect on the value of the Reference Share, it may be necessary for the Calculation Agent to make certain adjustments to one or more of the Initial Price, the formula for calculating the Share Return for the Reference Share, or any other component or variable relevant to the determination of the Maturity Payment and/or choose a Replacement Share as a substitute for the Reference Share if the Calculation Agent determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that a Substitution Event has occurred. If an appropriate Replacement Share is not available or some other Extraordinary Event has occurred, then the Bank may elect to pay an Early Payment Amount to Holders. In certain circumstances, the Bank may appoint an independent calculation expert to confirm calculations, valuations or determinations of the Calculation Agent. See "Special Circumstances" and "Appointment of Independent Calculation Experts".
Use of Proceeds: The Bank will use the net proceeds of the Offering for general banking purposes. The Bank and/or its affiliates may use all or any portion of the proceeds in transactions intended to hedge the Bank's obligations under the Notes, including forward and option contracts. The Bank may benefit from any difference between the amount it is obligated to pay under the Notes, net of related fees and expenses, and the returns it may generate in hedging such obligation.
Rank: The Notes will constitute direct, unconditional obligations of the Bank to the extent the Bank is obligated to make payments to Holders under the Notes. The Notes will be issued on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis and will rank equally, as among themselves, and with all other outstanding direct, unsecured and unsubordinated, present and future obligations of the Bank (except as otherwise prescribed by law), and will be payable ratably without any preference or priority. The Notes will not be deposits that are insured under the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act or any other deposit insurance regime designed to ensure the payment of all or a portion of a deposit upon the insolvency of the deposit taking financial institution. See "Description of the Notes — Rank; No Deposit Insurance".
Book-Entry Only System: Book-entry only through CDS. See "Description of the Notes — Form of Notes and Transfer" in the Base Shelf Prospectus.
Credit Rating: The Notes have not been and will not be rated. As at the date of this pricing supplement, the deposit liabilities of the Bank with a term to maturity of more than one year were rated AA by DBRS, A+ by S&P and Aa2 by Moody's. There can be no assurance that, if the Notes were rated by these rating agencies, they would have the same rating as the other unsubordinated indebtedness of the Bank. A rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold investments, and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the relevant rating agency. See "Description of the Notes — Credit Rating".
Fundserv: Notes may be purchased through Fundserv. The Fundserv code for the Notes is "JHN13064". No interest will be paid on account of funds deposited through Fundserv pending closing of the Offering or return of such funds if subscriptions are rejected or not fully allotted. See "Additional Details of the Offering" in this pricing supplement, and "Description of the Notes — Fundserv" in the Base Shelf Prospectus.
Eligibility: In the opinion of Torys LLP, counsel to the Bank, the Notes offered hereby will, at the date of issue, be qualified investments for trusts governed by registered retirement savings plans, registered retirement income funds, registered education savings plans, registered disability
| savings plans, tax-free savings accounts and deferred profit sharing plans (other than a trust governed by a deferred profit sharing plan to which contributions are made by the Bank or by an employer with which the Bank does not deal at arm's length within the meaning of the Tax Act). |
||
|---|---|---|
| Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations: |
This income tax summary applies to an Initial Holder who is resident in Canada and is subject to the limitations and qualifications set out under the heading "Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the body of this pricing supplement. |
|
| In the opinion of Torys LLP, counsel to the Bank, an Initial Holder will be required to include a Coupon as interest on the Notes in income for the taxation year in which the Coupon is received or became receivable (depending on the method regularly followed by the Initial Holder in computing income) to the extent such amount was not included in computing the Initial Holder's income for a preceding taxation year. |
||
| Where an Initial Holder assigns or transfers a Note, the Initial Holder will be required to include in income as accrued interest the amount, if any, by which the price for which the Note was assigned or transferred exceeds the Principal Amount. |
||
| At the Maturity Date (or an Early Payment Date) an Initial Holder will be considered to have disposed of the Note and therefore may realize a capital loss to the extent the Subscription Price exceeds the Maturity Payment (or the Early Payment Amount). In the event that the Early Payment Amount exceeds the Subscription Price, the excess may be deemed to be interest. |
||
| See "Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations". | ||
| Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes: |
Prospective purchasers should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this pricing supplement and the Base Shelf Prospectus and, in particular, should evaluate the specific risk factors set forth herein under "Suitability for Investment" and "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes". |
|
| Risk factors relating to the Notes include but are not limited to the following: | ||
| an investment in the Notes is uncertain and differs from conventional debt securities in that they are not principal protected and Holders could lose some or substantially all of their principal investment in the Notes; |
||
| the return on the Notes, if any, will depend on the price performance of the Reference Share over the term of the Notes and there is no assurance that Holders will receive any Coupons during the term of the Notes; |
||
| there is no assurance of a secondary market and any such secondary market may be illiquid or offer prices that may not reflect the price performance of the Reference Share; |
||
| special circumstances could adversely affect the Observation Dates and/or the Reference Share and/or calculations of amounts paid to Holders; |
||
| subsidiaries of the Bank (including BMO Capital Markets) and the Dealers have published, and in the future expect to publish, research reports with respect to the Reference Share, which research may express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding the Notes, and the Bank (including BMO Capital Markets) and the Dealers may engage in transactions that affect the price performance of the Reference Share; |
||
| conflicts of interest may affect the Calculation Agent or the Bank and an independent calculation expert will only be appointed in limited circumstances; |
||
| the Notes have not been rated and will not be insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance |
Corporation or any other entity and therefore the payments to Holders will be dependent upon the financial health and creditworthiness of the Bank;
- upon the occurrence of an Extraordinary Event, the Bank may elect to pay an Early Payment Amount to discharge its obligations in respect of the Maturity Payment and Coupons that may be payable and extinguish any future payment obligations; and
- changes in laws, regulations or administrative practices, including with respect to taxation, could have an impact on Holders.
Risk factors relating to the Offering and the Reference Share include but are not limited to the following:
- the Notes will be automatically called by the Bank if the Share Return is equal to or above the AutoCall Level on any Observation Date. If the Notes are automatically called by the Bank, Holders will receive the Principal Amount plus the applicable Coupon on the Call Date, and the Notes will be cancelled and Holders will not be entitled to receive any subsequent payments in respect of the Notes;
- Coupon payments are dependent upon the Share Return on only two Observation Dates per year in which the Notes are outstanding; if the Share Return is below the Coupon Knock-Out Level on all Observation Dates (including the Final Valuation Date), Holders will receive no Coupons and will not be repaid the full value of their principal investment at Maturity;
- subject to the Notes being automatically called by the Bank, repayment of principal will be dependent upon the Share Return on the Final Valuation Date only; if the Share Return declines below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date, Holders will receive a Maturity Payment that is less than the Principal Amount, as the Principal Amount will be reduced by an amount equal to the Share Return (which will be a negative amount reflecting the decline in the Closing Price);
- the historical Closing Prices of the Reference Share should not be interpreted as an indication of future price performance and the return on the Notes will not reflect a direct or indirect investment in the Reference Share;
- certain risk factors applicable to investors who invest directly in the Reference Share are also applicable to an investment in the Notes to the extent that such risk factors could adversely affect the Share Return; for a full description of these risk factors, you should consult the disclosure documents of the Company at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml;
- Holders will not participate in any price appreciation of the Reference Share over the term of the Notes;
- the market price of the Reference Share may fluctuate in accordance with changes in the financial condition of the Company, general market conditions in the U.S. and globally and factors affecting the energy sector;
- the Reference Share may be replaced with a Replacement Share in certain circumstances;
- the Share Return will be affected by changes in the market price of the Reference Share;
- the Notes are linked only to the Reference Share, which is limited to the common shares of the Company. As a result, an investment in the Notes offers exposure to a single company in the energy sector, and therefore does not offer any diversification, unlike an investment in a larger portfolio comprising a broader range of equities or securities in the same industry or a broader range of industries, and may, as a result, be subject to greater volatility. The profitability of the Company can fluctuate
significantly from changes in the cost of fuel, operating costs, and the cost of financing capital construction and the price of electricity and oil and gas. If a natural disaster or other event with a significant economic impact occurs in a region where the Company operates, such disaster or event could negatively affect the profitability of the Company. The return on the Notes could be adversely affected by a variety of factors that could impact the energy sector and which are beyond the control of the Bank and the Dealers, including a variety of worldwide economic, financial and political factors, including, without limitation, changes in exchange rates, interest rates, economic conditions, tax treatment, governmental regulation and intervention and world events in the region in which the Company operates;
- none of the Bank, the Dealers or any of their respective affiliates or associates has any obligation or responsibility for the provision of future information in respect of the Company or the Reference Share, and investors shall have no recourse against the Bank, the Dealers or any of their respective affiliates or associates in connection with any information relating to the Company and/or the Reference Share that is not contained in this pricing supplement; and
- risks relating to the Reference Share are also applicable to an investment in the Notes.
Prospective purchasers should take into account additional risk factors associated with the Offering. See "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes".
Additional Information: Ongoing information about the performance of the Notes will be available to Holders on the Bank's structured products website (www.bmonotes.com), including the daily Bid Price of the Notes (and any applicable Early Trading Charge) and the Share Return used by the Calculation Agent in its calculations and determinations on each Observation Date. Information relating to the Company can be obtained from www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml or other publicly available sources, including its website. The content of any website referred to in this pricing supplement is not incorporated by reference in, and does not form part of, this pricing supplement. None of the Bank, the Dealers or any of their respective affiliates or associates has any obligation or responsibility for the provision of future information in respect of the Company or the Reference Share. See "Description of the Notes — Continuous Disclosure".
SUMMARY OF FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table contains a summary of the fees and expenses in respect of the Notes. For further particulars, see "Fees and Expenses".
| Type of Charge | Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees payable to the Dealers: | A selling concession fee of \$3.00 per Note (3.00% of the Subscription Price) will be payable to the Dealers from the proceeds of the Offering. Some or all of these fees may be paid to sales representatives, including representatives employed by the Dealers, whose clients purchase the Notes. |
||
| A fee of up to \$0.20 per Note will be payable directly by the Bank to Raymond James Ltd. at closing from its own funds for acting as independent agent. |
|||
| payable on the Notes. | The payment of these fees will not reduce or have any effect on the amount of any Coupons, the amount payable upon Notes being automatically called or the Maturity Payment |
||
| Early Trading Charge: | Holders wishing to sell Notes within the first 180 days after the Issue Date will be subject to an Early Trading Charge equal to a percentage of the Subscription Price determined as set out below: |
||
| If Notes sold within: | Early Trading Charge | ||
| 0 - 60 days |
4.00% | ||
| 61 - 120 days |
2.65% |
See "Secondary Market — Early Trading Charge" for a description of the Early Trading Charge. The Bid Price quoted in the secondary market will be before the deduction of any applicable Early Trading Charge.
121 - 180 days 1.35%
Thereafter Nil
The Bank will not charge any other fee or seek reimbursement of any other expense in connection with the Notes. For certainty, all expenses of the Offering (other than the selling concession described above) will be borne by the Bank.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
In addition to the terms defined in the Base Shelf Prospectus and elsewhere in this pricing supplement, unless the context otherwise requires, terms not otherwise defined in this pricing supplement will have the following meanings:
"\$" or "CAD" means Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified.
"AutoCall Level" means a Share Return of 5%.
"Bank" means Bank of Montreal.
"Barrier Event" means the event that will have occurred if the Share Return is below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date.
"Barrier Level" means a Share Return of -30%.
"Base Shelf Prospectus" means the short form base shelf prospectus of the Bank dated June 1, 2018.
"Bid Price" means, for any Business Day, the price at which a Holder will be able to sell the Notes prior to the Maturity Date, which may be at a discount from the Maturity Payment that would be payable if the Notes were maturing on such date and may be based on one or more factors described under "Secondary Market".
"BMO Capital Markets" means BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc.
"Book-Entry Only System" means the record entry securities transfer and pledge system established and governed by one or more agreements between CDS and CDS Participants pursuant to which the operating rules and procedures for such system are established and administered by CDS, including in relation to CDS.
"Business Day" means any day (other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a statutory holiday) on which commercial banks are open for business in Toronto, Ontario. Unless specified otherwise, if any day on which an action is specified to be taken in this pricing supplement in respect of the Notes falls on a day that is not a Business Day, such action will be postponed to the following Business Day.
"Calculation Agent" means BMO Capital Markets or a person appointed by BMO Capital Markets to act as calculation agent for the Notes.
"Call Date" means the Coupon Payment Date immediately following an Observation Date that triggers the Notes to be automatically called by the Bank, on which Holders will receive the Principal Amount plus the applicable Coupon and the Notes will be cancelled, thus terminating any further payment obligations of the Bank. See "Description of the Notes — Objective of the Notes" and "Description of the Notes — Coupon Payments" for the potential Call Dates for the Notes.
"CDS" means CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc., or its nominee.
"CDS Participant" means a broker, dealer, bank or other financial institution or other person for whom CDS effects bookentry transfers and pledges of the Notes through its Book-Entry Only System.
"Closing Price" means, in respect of the Reference Share on any day, the closing price, in the official currency used by the relevant Exchange, for the Reference Share as announced by the relevant Exchange, provided that, if on or after the Issue Date such Exchange changes the time of day at which such closing price is determined or no longer announces such closing price, the Calculation Agent may thereafter deem the Closing Price to be the price of the Reference Share as of the time of day used by such Exchange to determine the closing price prior to such change or failure to announce.
"Company" means the issuer of the Reference Share.
"Coupon" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Description of the Notes — Coupon Payments".
"Coupon Knock-Out Level" means a Share Return of -30%.
"Coupon Payment Date" means each date upon which the Bank will pay to a Holder the Coupon that is due and payable, if any, following each Observation Date where the Share Return on such Observation Date is equal to or above the Coupon Knock-Out Level. See "Description of the Notes — Coupon Payments" for the specific Coupon Payment Dates for the Notes.
"CRA" means Canada Revenue Agency.
"DBRS" means DBRS Limited.
"Dealer Agreement" means the dealer agreement dated June 1, 2018 between a syndicate of dealers, including the Dealers and the Bank, as amended and supplemented from time to time.
"Dealers" means BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and Raymond James Ltd.
"Delisting" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances — Substitution Event".
"Early Closure" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances — Market Disruption Event".
"Early Payment Amount" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances — Extraordinary Event".
"Early Payment Date" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances — Extraordinary Event".
"Early Trading Charge" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Secondary Market — Early Trading Charge".
"Exchange" means (i) in respect of the Reference Share, NYSE, and (ii) in respect of a Replacement Share, the primary exchange or trading system on which such Replacement Share is listed as determined by the Calculation Agent; provided in each case that if the Calculation Agent, acting in its sole and absolute discretion, determines that NYSE or such exchange or trading system is no longer the primary exchange for the trading of the Reference Share or Replacement Share, the Calculation Agent may designate another exchange or trading system as the Exchange for the Reference Share or Replacement Share.
"Exchange Day" means, in respect of the Reference Share, any day on which the Exchange and each Related Exchange are open for trading, notwithstanding the Exchange or any Related Exchange closing prior to its scheduled closing time.
"Extraordinary Event" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances — Extraordinary Event".
"Extraordinary Event Notification Date" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances — Extraordinary Event".
"Final Valuation Date" means the final Observation Date.
"Final Valuation Date Monitoring" means that the Share Return relative to the Barrier Level will only be observed on the Final Valuation Date to determine whether a Barrier Event has occurred under the Notes.
"Fundserv" means the order entry system operated by Fundserv Inc.
"Fundserv Notes" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Additional Details of the Offering — Purchase of Fundserv Notes".
"Global Note" means the global note that represents the total aggregate amount of Notes issued on the closing of the Offering.
"Holder" means any holder of the Notes from time to time.
"Initial Holder" means a Holder who purchases the Notes only at the time of their issuance.
"Initial Price" means, in respect of the Reference Share, the Closing Price on the Issue Date.
"Insolvency" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances — Substitution Event".
"Issue Date" means the day the Notes are issued, which shall be a day on or about February 26, 2020 or such other date as the Bank and the Dealers may agree.
"Market Disruption Event" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances — Market Disruption Event".
"Maturity" or "Maturity Date" means February 26, 2027.
"Maturity Payment" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Description of the Notes — Maturity Payment".
"Merger Date" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances — Merger Event and Tender Offer".
"Merger Event" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances — Merger Event and Tender Offer".
"Minimum Payment Amount" means a principal repayment of \$1.00 per Note at Maturity.
"Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
"Nationalization" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances — Substitution Event".
"Note Program" means the Bank of Montreal Medium Term Notes (Principal At Risk Notes) Program administered by the Note Program Manager.
"Note Program Manager" means BMO Capital Markets or a person appointed by the Bank in its sole discretion.
"Notes" means BMO Callable Equity Income Notes, Series 1284 (CAD), Due February 26, 2027, offered to prospective purchasers under this pricing supplement.
"NYSE" means the New York Stock Exchange.
"Observation Date" means each date upon which the Share Return will be observed by the Calculation Agent to determine whether a Coupon will be paid on the corresponding Coupon Payment Date and whether the Notes will be automatically called by the Bank, provided that if any such day is not an Exchange Day then that Observation Date will be the immediately preceding Exchange Day, subject to the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event or Extraordinary Event. See "Description of the Notes — Coupon Payments" for the specific Observation Dates for the Notes.
"Offering" means the offering of the Notes to prospective purchasers under this pricing supplement.
"Potential Adjustment Event" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances — Potential Adjustment Event".
"Principal Amount" means the \$100.00 principal amount of each Note purchased by any Holder.
"Reference Share" means the common shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation.
"Related Exchange" means any exchange or trading system on which futures or options on the Reference Share are listed from time to time.
"Replacement Share" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances — Substitution Event".
"S&P" means Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC.
"Share Return" means, in respect of the Reference Share on any Observation Date, the percentage change in the Closing Price for the Reference Share measured from the Issue Date to that Observation Date, and calculated using the following formula:
Closing Price - Initial Price Initial Price
"Special Circumstances" means the events described in "Special Circumstances".
PS1377-18
"Subscription Price" means \$100.00 per Note.
"Substitution Date" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances — Substitution Event".
- "Substitution Event" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances Substitution Event".
- "Tax Act" means the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations thereunder, as amended from time to time.
"Tender Offer" has the meaning ascribed thereto under "Special Circumstances – Merger Event and Tender Offer".
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
The following is a summary of the material attributes and characteristics relating to the Notes offered hereby. Reference is made to the certificate representing the Global Note, which contains the full text of such attributes and characteristics.
Objective of the Notes
The Notes offer semi-annual coupon payments for investors while providing contingent protection against a slight to moderate decline in the price performance of the Reference Share over the term of the Notes.
Subject to the Notes being automatically called, the Notes will pay a semi-annual coupon equal to 4.25% (equivalent to 8.50% per annum), so long as the Share Return is equal to or above the Coupon Knock-Out Level on the relevant Observation Date. If the Share Return is equal to or above the AutoCall Level on any Observation Date, the Notes will be automatically called by the Bank and Holders will receive the Principal Amount plus the applicable Coupon on the corresponding Coupon Payment Date (in this case, the Call Date). If the Share Return is never equal to or above the AutoCall Level on any Observation Date, the Notes will not be automatically called by the Bank.
If the Notes are not automatically called before Maturity, a Holder will be entitled to receive a Maturity Payment based on the Share Return equal to the Principal Amount of the Notes, plus the final Coupon payment, if the Share Return is equal to or above the Coupon Knock-Out Level on the Final Valuation Date. Otherwise, the Maturity Payment will equal the Principal Amount of the Notes reduced by an amount equal to the Share Return (which will be a negative amount reflecting the decline in the Closing Price) if the Share Return is below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date (subject to the Minimum Payment Amount). The Notes provide contingent protection only, meaning that a Holder could lose some or substantially all of his or her principal investment in the Notes.
The Reference Share
The Reference Share is the common shares of the following Company:
| Company Name | Ticker Symbol | Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| Exxon Mobil Corporation | XOM | NYSE |
An investment in the Notes does not represent a direct or indirect investment in the Reference Share. Holders have no right or entitlement to the dividends or distributions paid on the Reference Share and have rights against the Bank to be paid any amounts due under the Notes. All actions (e.g., purchases, sales and liquidations, etc.) taken in connection with the Reference Share are notional actions only.
Coupon Payments
Subject to the occurrence of an Extraordinary Event or the Notes being automatically called by the Bank, a Holder will be entitled to receive for each Note a semi-annual coupon payment (a "Coupon") on each Coupon Payment Date equal to 4.25% (equivalent to 8.50% per annum), so long as the Share Return is equal to or above the Coupon Knock-Out Level on the applicable Observation Date. If the Share Return is below the Coupon Knock-Out Level on an Observation Date, then no Coupon will be payable to a Holder on the related Coupon Payment Date. If the Share Return is below the Coupon Knock-Out Level on all Observation Dates, there will be no Coupons paid to Holders during the term of the Notes. See "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes".
The specific Observation Dates, Coupon Payment Dates and potential Call Dates for the Notes will be as follows:
| Period | Observation Date | Coupon Payment Date/Call Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 19, 2020 | August 26, 2020 |
| 2 | February 19, 2021 | February 26, 2021 |
| 3 | August 19, 2021 | August 26, 2021 |
| 4 | February 18, 2022 | February 28, 2022 |
| 5 | August 19, 2022 | August 26, 2022 |
| 6 | February 17, 2023 | February 27, 2023 |
| 7 | August 21, 2023 | August 28, 2023 |
| 8 | February 16, 2024 | February 26, 2024 |
| 9 | August 19, 2024 | August 26, 2024 |
| 10 | February 19, 2025 | February 26, 2025 |
| 11 | August 19, 2025 | August 26, 2025 |
| 12 | February 19, 2026 | February 26, 2026 |
| 13 | August 19, 2026 | August 26, 2026 |
| 14 | February 19, 2027 | February 26, 2027 |
In the event that a scheduled Observation Date is not an Exchange Day for any reason, then the Observation Date will be the immediately preceding Exchange Day. In the event that any Coupon Payment Date or the Call/Maturity Date is not a Business Day, then the related payment the Bank is obligated to make on such day, if any, will be paid to the Holder on the immediately following Business Day and no interest will be paid in respect of such delay. If the Notes are automatically called by the Bank before Maturity, the Notes will be cancelled and Holders will not be entitled to receive any subsequent payments in respect of the Notes.
Maturity Payment
Subject to the occurrence of an Extraordinary Event or the Notes being automatically called by the Bank, a Holder will receive repayment of some or all of the Principal Amount at Maturity (the "Maturity Payment") based on the Share Return on the Final Valuation Date. Holders will not participate in any price appreciation of the Reference Share over the term of the Notes, and Holders have no right or entitlement to the dividends or distributions paid on the Reference Share.
(1) Share Return equal to or above the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date
If the Share Return is equal to or above the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date, a Holder will receive a Maturity Payment equal to the Principal Amount.
In this case, the Share Return would be equal to or above the Coupon Knock-Out Level on the Final Valuation Date, so a Holder will also be entitled to receive the Coupon that would be due and payable in respect of the Final Valuation Date.
(2) Share Return below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date
If the Share Return is below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date, a Holder will receive a Maturity Payment that is less than the Principal Amount, as the Principal Amount will be reduced by an amount equal to the Share Return (which will be a negative amount reflecting the decline in the Closing Price), subject to the Minimum Payment Amount, calculated using the following formula:
Principal Amount + (Principal Amount × Share Return)
In this case, the Share Return would be below the Coupon Knock-Out Level on the Final Valuation Date, so there would be no Coupon payable in respect of the Final Valuation Date.
Currency
The Notes are denominated in Canadian dollars and all payments owing under the Notes will be made in Canadian dollars. Although the market price of the Reference Share is quoted in U.S. dollars, whether or not a Note is called or a Coupon is paid, as well as the calculation of the Maturity Payment, will be determined based on the Share Return on the relevant date, which will not be affected by fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar.
Illustrative Examples
The following hypothetical examples demonstrate how the Coupons and Maturity Payment will be calculated and determined under three different scenarios. In each scenario below, it has been assumed that an investor purchased and continues to hold \$10,000.00 worth of Notes (or 100 Notes). The hypothetical Share Returns used in these examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed in any way as estimates or forecasts of the future price performance of the Reference Share or the Notes. All hypothetical examples assume that no events described under "Special Circumstances" have occurred during the term.
Example 1: Negative Scenario
Initial Price = \$61.00
AutoCall Level = Share Return of 5% (105% of the Initial Price = \$64.05)
Barrier Level/Coupon Knock-Out Level = Share Return of -30% (70% of the Initial Price = \$42.70)
The Share Return declines significantly over the term of the Notes. The Share Return is equal to or above the Coupon Knock-Out Level on the 2nd, 6th, 12th and 13th Observation Dates only and below the Coupon Knock-Out Level on all other Observation Dates. The Share Return is below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date. The Share Return is below the AutoCall Level on all Observation Dates, so the Notes are not automatically called by the Bank.

In this hypothetical scenario, a Holder will receive 4 Coupons only (on the 2nd, 6th, 12th and 13th Coupon Payment Dates) as the Share Return is below the Coupon Knock-Out Level on all other Observation Dates. As the Share Return was below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date, a Holder will receive a Maturity Payment equal to the Principal Amount reduced by an amount equal to the Share Return (which will be a negative amount reflecting the decline in the Closing Price), subject to the Minimum Payment Amount.
The following chart summarizes the payments that would be made to a Holder for each \$100.00 Note.
| Observation | Share Return | Coupon |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Payment | |
| 1 | -33.00% | - |
| 2 | -26.00% | \$4.25 |
| 3 | -34.00% | - |
| 4 | -38.00% | - |
| 5 | -33.00% | - |
| 6 | -28.00% | \$4.25 |
| 7 | -37.00% | - |
| 8 | -34.00% | - |
| 9 | -43.00% | - |
| 10 | -37.00% | - |
| 11 | -50.00% | - |
| 12 | -27.00% | \$4.25 |
| 13 | -23.00% | \$4.25 |
| 14 | -50.00% | - |
| TOTAL | \$17.00 |
On the Final Valuation Date, the Share Return was -50.00%, which is below the Barrier Level, so a Holder will receive a Maturity Payment calculated as follows:
Maturity Payment = \$100.00 + (\$100.00 × Share Return)
= \$100.00 + (\$100.00 × -50.00%)
= \$50.00 per Note
Assuming a principal investment of \$10,000.00 (or 100 Notes), a Holder will receive a Maturity Payment of \$5,000.00 at Maturity (equal to a 50.00% loss on the initial \$10,000.00 investment) together with Coupons totaling \$1,700.00 over the term of the Notes (or an annualized loss of 5.56%).
Example 2: Neutral Scenario
Initial Price = \$61.00
AutoCall Level = Share Return of 5% (105% of the Initial Price = \$64.05)
Barrier Level/Coupon Knock-Out Level = Share Return of -30% (70% of the Initial Price = \$42.70)
The Share Return is positive and negative during the term of the Notes. The Share Return is below the Coupon Knock-Out Level on the 4th and 10th Observation Dates, resulting in no Coupon being paid on the corresponding Coupon Payment Dates. The Share Return is above the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date. The Share Return is below the AutoCall Level on all Observation Dates, so the Notes are not automatically called by the Bank.

In this hypothetical scenario, a Holder will receive a Coupon on each Coupon Payment Date except for the 4th and 10th Coupon Payment Dates, which were "knocked-out" because the Share Return was below the Coupon Knock-Out Level on the 4th and 10th Observation Dates. The Share Return was above the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date, so a Holder will receive a Maturity Payment equal to the Principal Amount.
| Observation | Share Return | Coupon |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Payment | |
| 1 | -2.00% | \$4.25 |
| 2 | -18.00% | \$4.25 |
| 3 | -11.00% | \$4.25 |
| 4 | -52.00% | - |
| 5 | -24.00% | \$4.25 |
| 6 | -17.00% | \$4.25 |
| 7 | -23.00% | \$4.25 |
| 8 | -25.00% | \$4.25 |
| 9 | -26.00% | \$4.25 |
| 10 | -35.00% | - |
| 11 | -24.00% | \$4.25 |
| 12 | -10.00% | \$4.25 |
| 13 | 0.00% | \$4.25 |
| 14 | -8.00% | \$4.25 |
| TOTAL | \$51.00 |
The following chart summarizes the payments that would be made to a Holder for each \$100.00 Note.
On the Final Valuation Date, the Share Return was -8.00%, which is above the Barrier Level, so a Holder will receive a Maturity Payment equal to the Principal Amount.
Assuming a principal investment of \$10,000.00 (or 100 Notes), a Holder will receive a Maturity Payment of \$10,000.00 at Maturity together with Coupons totaling \$5,100.00 over the term of the Notes (or an annualized return of 6.06%).
Example 3: Note Automatically Called
Initial Price = \$61.00
AutoCall Level = Share Return of 5% (105% of the Initial Price = \$64.05)
Barrier Level/Coupon Knock-Out Level = Share Return of -30% (70% of the Initial Price = \$42.70)
The Share Return is equal to or above the Coupon Knock-Out Level on each of the first 6 Observation Dates, resulting in Coupons being paid on each corresponding Coupon Payment Date. The Share Return is above the AutoCall Level on the 6th Observation Date.

In this hypothetical scenario, a Holder will receive a Coupon on the first 6 Coupon Payment Dates. The Share Return is above the AutoCall Level on the 6th Observation Date, resulting in the Notes being automatically called by the Bank on the 6 th Coupon Payment Date (in this case, the Call Date). Upon being automatically called by the Bank, Holders receive the Principal Amount plus the applicable Coupon on the Call Date. In addition, the Notes are cancelled and Holders are not entitled to receive any subsequent payments in respect of the Notes.
The following chart summarizes the payments that would be made to a Holder for each \$100.00 Note.
| Observation | Share Return | Coupon | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Payment | |||
| 1 | -19.00% | \$4.25 | ||
| 2 | -22.00% | \$4.25 | ||
| 3 | -25.00% | \$4.25 | ||
| 4 | -22.00% | \$4.25 | ||
| 5 | -17.00% | \$4.25 | ||
| 6 | 22.00% | \$4.25 | ||
| 7 | ||||
| 8 | ||||
| 9 | ||||
| 10 | ||||
| 11 | Automatically Called | |||
| 12 | ||||
| 13 | ||||
| 14 | ||||
| TOTAL | \$25.50 |
On the 6th Observation Date, the Share Return was 22.00%, which is above the Autocall Level, so a Holder will receive the Principal Amount on the Call Date.
Assuming a principal investment of \$10,000.00 (or 100 Notes), a Holder will receive a payment of \$10,000.00 on the Call Date together with Coupons totaling \$2,550.00 over the term of the Notes (or an annualized return of 7.85%).
If the Share Return is below the Coupon Knock-Out Level on each Observation Date including the Final Valuation Date and below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date, a Holder would not receive any Coupons during the term of the Notes and the Maturity Payment would be less than the Principal Amount invested in the Notes. In such a case, a Holder would receive no return on the Notes and sustain a capital loss on the principal investment in the Notes.
No Rights of Redemption
The Notes are not redeemable at the option of a Holder. An Early Payment Amount may be paid on the occurrence of an Extraordinary Event. See "Special Circumstances — Extraordinary Event".
Rank; No Deposit Insurance
The Notes will constitute direct, unconditional obligations of the Bank to the extent the Bank is obligated to make payments to Holders under the Notes. The Notes will be issued on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis and will rank equally, as among themselves, and with all other outstanding direct, unsecured and unsubordinated, present and future obligations of the Bank (except as otherwise prescribed by law), and will be payable ratably without any preference or priority. The Notes will not be deposits that are insured under the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act or any other deposit insurance regime designed to ensure the payment of all or a portion of a deposit upon the insolvency of the deposit taking financial institution.
Credit Rating
The Notes have not been and will not be rated. As at the date of this pricing supplement, the deposit liabilities of the Bank with a term to maturity of more than one year were rated AA by DBRS, A+ by S&P and Aa2 by Moody's. There can be no assurance that, if the Notes were rated by these rating agencies, they would have the same rating as the other unsubordinated indebtedness of the Bank. Additional information concerning these ratings is included in the Base Shelf Prospectus and the Bank's continuous disclosure filings that are incorporated by reference in the Base Shelf Prospectus. A rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold investments, and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the relevant rating agency.
Continuous Disclosure
Ongoing information about the performance of the Notes will be available to Holders on the Bank's structured products website (www.bmonotes.com), including the daily Bid Price of the Notes (and any applicable Early Trading Charge) and Share Return used by the Calculation Agent in its calculations and determinations on each Observation Date. A Holder may obtain additional information about the Company by consulting www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml or other publicly available sources, including the Company's website. The content of any website referred to in this pricing supplement is not incorporated by reference in, and does not form part of, this pricing supplement. None of the Bank, the Dealers or any of their respective affiliates or associates has any obligation or responsibility for the provision of future information in respect of the Company or the Reference Share.
THE REFERENCE SHARE
The Reference Share is initially the common shares of the following Company listed by name, ticker symbol, and primary stock exchange, subject to any adjustments that may be made upon the occurrence of certain special circumstances described under "Special Circumstances". If the Reference Share changes upon the occurrence of a Special Circumstance, details of any such changes will be available at www.bmonotes.com.
| Company Name | Ticker Symbol | Exchange | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exxon Mobil Corp | XOM | NYSE |
This pricing supplement relates only to the Notes offered hereby and does not relate to the Reference Share or other securities of the Company.
Brief Description of the Reference Share
The following is a brief description of the Company and a graph illustrating the price performance of the Reference Share for the periods indicated. Past performance of the Reference Share is not indicative of future performance. Closing Prices of the Reference Share could vary significantly from the last Closing Price indicated in the historical price performance graph.
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Exxon Mobil Corporation ("Exxon") is engaged in energy business. Exxon is engaged in the exploration, production, transportation and sale of crude oil and natural gas, and the manufacture, transportation and sale of petroleum products. Exxon also manufactures and markets commodity petrochemicals, including olefins, aromatics, polyethylene and polypropylene plastics, and a range of specialty products. Exxon's segments include Upstream, Downstream, Chemical, and Corporate and Financing. The Upstream segment operates to explore for and produce crude oil and natural gas. The Downstream operates to manufacture and sell petroleum products. The Chemical segment operates to manufacture and sell petrochemicals. Exxon has exploration and development activities in projects located in the United States, Canada/South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia/Oceania. Additional information about Exxon and the Reference Share can be found at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml, or on its public website at www.Exxon.com.
The following graph illustrates the price performance of the Reference Share for the period beginning on February 3, 2010 and ending on February 3, 2020. During this period, the lowest Closing Price was US\$56.54 and the highest Closing Price was US\$104.37. As of February 3, 2020, the Closing Price was US\$60.72 and the 12-month dividend yield of the Reference Share was 5.73%.

Exxon Mobil Corporation Historical Prices February 3, 2010 - February 3, 2020
Source: Thomson Reuters
About the Company
The Company is a reporting issuer or the equivalent in the U.S. and is required to file periodically certain financial and other information specified by securities legislation. The information provided to or filed electronically with the securities regulatory authorities can be accessed through EDGAR's website at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml. Furthermore, information may be available at the Company's website, as listed above. The content of any website referred to in this pricing supplement is not incorporated by reference in, and does not form part of, this pricing supplement.
All information in this pricing supplement relating to the Company and/or the Reference Share is derived from and based solely upon publicly available sources and is presented in this pricing supplement in summary form only. In connection with the offering of Notes, none of the Bank, the Dealers or any of their respective affiliates or associates (i) have participated in the preparation of such documents or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to the Company, (ii) makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding the Company is current, accurate or complete, or (iii) has any obligation or responsibility for the provision of future information in respect of the Company or the Reference Share.
Investors shall have no recourse against the Bank, the Dealers or any of their respective affiliates or associates in connection with any information about and/or relating to the Company and/or the Reference Share that is not contained in this pricing supplement. The Company has not participated in the preparation of this pricing supplement and the Notes are not in any way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Company.
The decision to offer the Notes pursuant to this pricing supplement will have been taken independently of any decision by the Bank to purchase the Reference Share in the primary or secondary market. Except with respect to any hedging activities in which the Bank engages with respect to its obligations under the Notes, any decision by the Bank to purchase the Reference Share in the primary or the secondary market will have been taken independently of the Bank's decision to offer the Notes pursuant to this pricing supplement. The Bank's employees involved in the structuring of, and the decision to offer, the Notes are not privy to any non-public information regarding either primary or secondary market purchases of the Reference Share made by the Bank in connection with any primary distribution made by the Company.
SECONDARY MARKET
Sale Prior to Maturity
BMO Capital Markets will use reasonable efforts under normal market conditions to provide for a daily secondary market for the sale of the Notes through the order entry system operated by Fundserv Inc., but reserves the right to elect not to do so in the future, in its sole and absolute discretion, without prior notice to Holders. Except in certain special circumstances described herein, a Note may be sold to BMO Capital Markets through Fundserv on a daily basis at the posted Bid Price, minus any applicable Early Trading Charge. In order to sell a Note, a Holder must arrange through his or her investment broker to give notice to BMO Capital Markets either in writing or electronically through Fundserv's investment fund transaction processing system. BMO Capital Markets may suspend the secondary market at any time in its sole and absolute discretion, including in the event that the Calculation Agent suspends the determination of the Bid Price as BMO Capital Markets would not be able to fairly and accurately determine the price of the Notes.
A sale of the Notes in such secondary market may occur at a price that is less than the Subscription Price. The Bid Price at which a Holder will be able to sell the Notes prior to the Maturity Date may be at a discount, which could be substantial, from the Maturity Payment that would be payable if the Notes were maturing on such date. The Bid Price for a Note at any time will be dependent upon, among other things, (i) changes in the Share Return since the Issue Date and the price performance of the Reference Share concluded up to such time, and (ii) a number of other interrelated factors, including, without limitation, supply and demand for the Notes, inventory positions with market makers, the volatility of the Reference Share, the prevailing level of interest rates, market expectations of the future levels of interest rates, the time remaining to a Coupon Payment Date, the time remaining to the Final Valuation Date, the dividend yields of the Reference Share, the recognition over time by the Bank of its estimated revenue from the Notes (which may or may not be realized) net of the Bank's cost of hedging the Notes, the amortization by the Bank of the upfront costs incurred by the Bank in creating, distributing and issuing the Notes and the creditworthiness of the Bank. The relationship among these factors is complex and may also be influenced by various political, economic, regulatory and other factors that can affect the Bid Price for a Note. In particular, Holders should understand that the Bid Price (a) might have a non-linear sensitivity to rises and falls in the price performance of the Reference Share (i.e., the trading price of a Note might increase and decrease at a different rate compared to the percentage increases and decreases in the Share Return) and (b) may be substantially affected by changes in the level of interest rates independent of the price performance of the Reference Share. See "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes — General Risks Relating to Principal At Risk Notes — Conflicts of Interest" and "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes — Risks Relating to the Reference Share".
A Holder should consult his or her investment advisor on whether it would be more favourable in the circumstances at any time to sell the Notes or hold the Notes until the Maturity Date and in order to understand the timing and other procedural requirements and limitations of selling the Notes prior to Maturity. For information about selling the Notes through the Fundserv system, see "Description of the Notes — Fundserv" in the Base Shelf Prospectus.
A Holder will not be able to redeem or sell a Note prior to Maturity other than through the secondary market, if any, that may be provided by BMO Capital Markets. Holders choosing to sell their Notes prior to the Maturity Date will receive an amount which may be substantially less than the Subscription Price particularly if (a) Coupons have not been payable in respect of Observation Dates prior to the date of such sale and (b) the Share Return is substantially below the Barrier Level. There is no guarantee that any secondary market which may develop will be liquid or sustainable. See "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes — General Risks Relating to Principal At Risk Notes — Secondary Trading of the Notes".
BMO Capital Markets or the Bank, or any of their respective affiliates, may at any time, subject to applicable laws, purchase or sell Notes at any price in the open market or by private agreement.
Early Trading Charge
A sale of a Note to BMO Capital Markets prior to Maturity may be subject to an early trading charge ("Early Trading Charge"). If a Holder sells a Note within the first 180 days after the Issue Date, the posted Bid Price will be reduced by an Early Trading Charge equal to a percentage of the Subscription Price determined as set out below.
| If Notes sold within: | Early Trading Charge |
|---|---|
| 0 - 60 days |
4.00% |
| 61 - 120 days |
2.65% |
| 121 - 180 days |
1.35% |
| Thereafter | Nil |
A Holder should be aware that any valuation price for the Notes appearing on his or her periodic investment account statements within the first 180 days after the Issue Date is not what a Holder would receive on disposition. Any Bid Price quoted to the Holder to sell his or her Notes within the first 180 days after the Issue Date will exclude the application of any applicable Early Trading Charge. A Holder wishing to sell a Note prior to Maturity should consult his or her investment advisor on whether a sale of the Note will be subject to an Early Trading Charge and, if so, the amount of the Early Trading Charge.
Temporary Suspension of Calculation of the Bid Price
The Calculation Agent may suspend the determination of the Bid Price during the existence of any state of affairs that makes the determination of the Bid Price impossible, impractical or prejudicial to Holders, including, without limitation, the interruption, breakdown or suspension of the trading in the Reference Share. See "Special Circumstances".
Consequences of Suspension of Calculation of the Bid Price
If the Calculation Agent suspends the calculation of the Bid Price, BMO Capital Markets will not be able to fairly and accurately determine the price of the Notes in order to facilitate a secondary market. BMO Capital Markets may suspend the secondary market (assuming the availability of a secondary market) for the Notes if the Calculation Agent suspends the calculation of the Bid Price.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Determinations of the Calculation Agent
All calculations, valuations and determinations in respect of the Notes made by the Calculation Agent will, absent manifest error, be final and binding on the Holders and will be made in the Calculation Agent's sole and absolute discretion. In certain circumstances, if a calculation, valuation or determination 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, the Bank will appoint one or more independent calculation experts to confirm such calculations, valuations or determinations. The Calculation Agent will not be responsible for its errors or omissions if made in good faith. See "Calculation Agent" and "Appointment of Independent Calculation Experts".
Potential Adjustment Event
Following the declaration by the Company of a Potential Adjustment Event (as defined below) in respect of the Reference Share, at the time of such declaration, the Calculation Agent, acting in its sole and absolute discretion, will determine whether such Potential Adjustment Event has a diluting or concentrative effect on the theoretical value of the Reference Share and, if so, will (i) make the corresponding adjustments, if any, to any one or more of the Initial Price, the formula for calculating the Share Return of the Reference Share, or any other component or variable relevant to the determination of the Share Return and the Maturity Payment as the Calculation Agent, acting in its sole and absolute discretion, determines appropriate to account for the diluting or concentrative effect and (ii) determine the effective date of the adjustments. The Calculation Agent may, but need not, determine any appropriate adjustments by reference to the adjustments in respect of such Potential Adjustment Event made by an options exchange to options on the Reference Share traded on such options exchange. Unless expressly provided below, the Calculation Agent will make no adjustment in respect of any distribution of cash.
"Potential Adjustment Event" means, in respect of the Reference Share, the occurrence of any of the following events, as determined by the Calculation Agent, acting in its sole and absolute discretion:
- (i) a subdivision, consolidation or reclassification of common shares of the Company (unless resulting in a Merger Event, as defined below), or a free distribution or dividend of common shares of the Company to existing holders of such common shares by way of bonus, capitalization or similar issue;
- (ii) a distribution, issue or dividend to existing holders of the Reference Share of (a) such common shares, (b) other share capital or securities granting the right to payment of dividends, distributions and/or the proceeds of liquidation of the Company equally or proportionately with such payments to holders of the Reference Share, (c) share capital or other securities of another issuer acquired or owned (directly or indirectly) by the Company as a result of a spin off or other similar transaction, or (d) any other type of securities, rights or warrants or other assets, in any case for payment (cash or other consideration) at less than the prevailing market price as determined by the Calculation Agent;
- (iii) an extraordinary dividend or distribution paid by the Company in respect of the Reference Share (where the characterization of a dividend or distribution as "extraordinary" will be determined by the Calculation Agent);
- (iv) a call by the Company in respect of the Reference Share that is not fully paid;
- (v) a repurchase by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of such common shares whether out of profits or capital and whether the consideration for such repurchase is cash, securities or a combination of cash and securities (other than a repurchase which constitutes a Tender Offer (as defined below));
- (vi) any event that results in any shareholder rights being distributed or becoming separated from such common shares or other securities of the capital stock of the Company pursuant to a shareholder rights plan or arrangement directed against hostile takeovers that provides upon the occurrence of certain events for a distribution of preferred shares, warrants, debt instruments or share rights at a price below their market value, as determined by the Calculation Agent, provided that any adjustment effected as a result of such an event will be readjusted upon any redemption or exercise of such rights; or
- (vii) any other event that the Calculation Agent determines in its sole and absolute discretion may have a diluting or concentrative effect on the theoretical value of the Reference Share.
Merger Event and Tender Offer
On or after a Merger Date or Tender Offer Date (each as defined below), the Calculation Agent, acting in its sole and absolute discretion, (i) will (A) make adjustment(s), if any, to any one or more of the Initial Price, the formula for calculating the Share Return for the Reference Share, or any other component or variable relevant to the determination of the Share Return and the Maturity Payment as the Calculation Agent determines appropriate to account for the economic effect on the Notes of the relevant Merger Event or Tender Offer, which may, but need not, be determined by reference to the adjustments made in respect of such Merger Event or Tender Offer by an options exchange to options on the Reference Share traded on such options exchange, and (B) determine the effective date of the adjustments, or (ii) if the Calculation Agent determines that no adjustments that it could make under (i) will produce a commercially reasonable result, may deem the relevant Merger Event or Tender Offer to be a Substitution Event subject to the provisions of "Substitution Event" below.
"Merger Event" means, in respect of the Reference Share, any (i) reclassification, reorganization, consolidation or change of common shares of the Company that results in a transfer of, or an irrevocable commitment to transfer, all such common shares outstanding to another entity or person, (ii) statutory arrangement, consolidation, amalgamation, merger or binding security exchange of the Company with or into another entity or person (other than a statutory arrangement, consolidation, amalgamation, merger or binding security exchange in which the Company is the continuing entity and which does not result in a reclassification, reorganization, consolidation or change of all such common shares outstanding), (iii) takeover bid (within the meaning of applicable securities laws), tender offer, exchange offer, solicitation, proposal or other event by any entity or person to purchase or otherwise obtain 100% of such outstanding common shares of the Company that results in a transfer of, or an irrevocable commitment to transfer, all such common shares (other than the common shares of the Company owned or controlled by such other entity or person), (iv) statutory arrangement, consolidation, amalgamation, merger or binding security exchange of the Company with or into another entity in which the Company is the continuing entity and which does not result in a reclassification, reorganization, consolidation or change of all the common shares of the Company outstanding but results in the common shares of the Company (other than the common shares of the Company owned or controlled by such other entity) immediately prior to such event collectively representing less than 50% of the outstanding common shares of the Company immediately following such event (commonly referred to as a "reverse merger"), or (v) sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the relevant Company (or any lease, long term supply agreement or other arrangement having the same economic effect as a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company) in each case if the Merger Date is on or before the date on which the Share Return in respect of the Reference Share is determined.
"Merger Date" means the closing date of a Merger Event or, where a closing date cannot be determined under the local law applicable to such Merger Event, such other date as determined by the Calculation Agent.
"Tender Offer" means, in respect of the Reference Share, a takeover bid (within the meaning of applicable securities laws), tender offer, exchange offer, solicitation, proposal or other event by any entity or person (including, for greater certainty, an issuer bid) that results in such entity or person, directly or indirectly, acquiring or otherwise obtaining or having the right to acquire, by conversion or other means, together with such entity's or person's common shares of the Company, greater than 20% and less than 100% of the outstanding relevant common shares of the Company, as determined by the Calculation Agent, based upon the making of filings with governmental or self-regulatory agencies or such other information as the Calculation Agent deems relevant.
"Tender Offer Date" means, in respect of a Tender Offer, the date on which the Reference Share in the amount of the applicable percentage threshold are actually purchased or otherwise obtained (as determined by the Calculation Agent).
Substitution Event
Upon the Calculation Agent becoming aware of the occurrence of a Substitution Event (as defined below) in respect of the Reference Share, the following will apply in respect of those shares, effective on a date (the "Substitution Date") as determined by the Calculation Agent, acting in its sole and absolute discretion:
- (i) any adjustments set out under "Potential Adjustment Event" above in respect of the Reference Share will not apply;
- (ii) the Calculation Agent may, in its sole and absolute discretion, choose another appropriate share (the "Replacement Share") as a substitute for the Reference Share;
- (iii) the Reference Share will not be used for purposes of determining the Share Return or the Maturity Payment on or after the Substitution Date;
- (iv) the Replacement Share will be considered to be the Reference Share, the issuer of such Replacement Share will be considered to be the Company, and the primary exchange or market quotation system on which such Replacement Share is listed or quoted will be considered the Exchange in respect of such Replacement Share; and
- (v) the Calculation Agent, acting in its sole and absolute discretion, will determine the Initial Price of such Replacement Share by taking into account all relevant market circumstances, including the Initial Price and the Closing Price or estimated value on the Substitution Date of the affected Reference Share and the Closing Price on the Substitution Date of the Replacement Share, and will make adjustments, if any, to any one or more of the formula for calculating the Share Return of such Replacement Share, or any other component or variable relevant to the determination of the Maturity Payment as the Calculation Agent, acting in its sole and absolute discretion, determines appropriate to account for the economic effect on the Notes of the relevant Substitution Event (including adjustments to account for changes in volatility, expected dividends or distributions, stock loan rate or liquidity relevant to the applicable substitution).
Upon selection of a Replacement Share by the Calculation Agent, the Bank will promptly give details of such substitution and brief details of the Substitution Event to Holders by posting such details at www.bmonotes.com. For greater certainty, the Replacement Share chosen by the Calculation Agent may be any security of an issuer that is the continuing entity in respect of a Merger Event. The Calculation Agent may decide not to choose a Replacement Share as a substitute for the Reference Share, if the Calculation Agent, acting in its sole and absolute discretion, determines that there is no appropriate security which offers sufficient liquidity in order for a party to acquire, place, establish, re-establish, substitute, maintain, modify or unwind or dispose of any hedge transaction in respect of such security or to realize, recover or remit the proceeds of any such hedge transaction. See "– Extraordinary Event".
"Substitution Event" means, in respect of the Reference Share, any actual or proposed Nationalization, Insolvency or Delisting (each as defined below), or any Merger Event or Tender Offer that has been announced that is deemed by the Calculation Agent to be a Substitution Event, in its sole and absolute discretion, or the occurrence and continuation for at least four consecutive applicable Exchange Days of a Market Disruption Event (as defined below).
"Nationalization" means, in respect of the Reference Share, that all or substantially all of common shares of the Company, or all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, are nationalized, expropriated or otherwise required to be transferred to any governmental agency, authority or entity.
"Insolvency" means, in respect of the Company, that by reason of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, bankruptcy, insolvency, dissolution or winding up of or any analogous proceeding affecting the Company, (i) all common shares of the Company are required to be transferred to a trustee, liquidator or other similar official or (ii) holders of such common shares become legally prohibited from transferring them.
"Delisting" means, in respect of the Reference Share, that the Exchange announces that pursuant to the rules of the Exchange, such shares cease (or will cease) to be listed, traded or publicly quoted on such Exchange for any reason (other than a Merger Event or Tender Offer) and are not immediately relisted, re-traded or re-quoted on an exchange or marketplace located in the same country as such Exchange.
Market Disruption Event
If the Calculation Agent, acting in its sole and absolute discretion, determines that a Market Disruption Event in respect of the Reference Share has occurred and is continuing on any day that but for that event would be an Observation Date, then that Observation Date will be postponed to the next Exchange Day on which there is no Market Disruption Event in effect in respect of the Reference Share.
However, there will be a limit for postponement of that Observation Date. If on the eighth (8th) Exchange Day following the date originally scheduled as the Observation Date, the Observation Date has not occurred, then despite the occurrence of any Market Disruption Event in respect of the Reference Share on or after such eighth (8th) Exchange Day:
- (i) such eighth (8th) Exchange Day will be the Observation Date in respect of the Reference Share; and
- (ii) the Closing Price for the Reference Share to be used for any calculations or determinations on that Observation Date will be a price estimated by the Calculation Agent as at such Observation Date taking into account all relevant market circumstances.
A Market Disruption Event may delay the determination of a Closing Price and the Share Return, and consequently the calculation of any Coupon or the Maturity Payment that may be payable under the Notes. Where there has been a Market Disruption Event, payment of any Coupon or the Maturity Payment will be made on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the Closing Price and the Share Return have been determined.
"Market Disruption Event" means, in respect of the Reference Share, any event, circumstance or cause (whether or not reasonably foreseeable) beyond the reasonable control of the Bank or any person that does not deal at arm's length with the Bank which has or will have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Bank and/or its affiliates generally to acquire, place, establish, re-establish, substitute, maintain, modify or unwind or dispose of any hedge transaction in respect of the Notes and the Reference Share or to realize, recover or remit the proceeds of any such hedge transaction. A Market Disruption Event may include, without limitation, any of the following events:
- (i) any suspension of or limitation imposed on trading by the Exchange or Related Exchange or otherwise and whether by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the Exchange or Related Exchange or otherwise relating to (a) the Reference Share, or (b) futures or options contracts relating to the Reference Share;
- (ii) the closure ("Early Closure") on any Exchange Day of the Exchange or the Related Exchange after it has opened for trading but prior to its scheduled closing time unless such earlier closing time is
announced by the Exchange or Related Exchange at least one hour prior to the earlier of (a) the actual closing time for the regular trading session on such Exchange or Related Exchange on such Exchange Day and (b) the submission deadline for orders to be entered into the Exchange or Related Exchange system for execution at the close of trading on such Exchange Day;
- (iii) any event (other than an Early Closure) that disrupts or impairs (as determined by the Calculation Agent) the ability of market participants in general (a) to effect transactions in, or obtain market values for, the Reference Share on the Exchange, or (b) to effect transactions in, or obtain market values for, futures or options contracts relating to the Reference Share on the Related Exchange;
- (iv) the failure on any Exchange Day of the Exchange or the Related Exchange to open for trading during its regular trading session;
- (v) the adoption, change, enactment, publication, decree or other promulgation of any statute, regulation, rule or notice, howsoever described, or any order of any court or other governmental or regulatory authority, or any issuance of any directive or promulgation of, or any change in the interpretation, whether formal or informal, by any court, tribunal, regulatory authority or similar administrative or judicial body of any law, order, regulation, decree or notice, howsoever described or any other event that makes or would make it unlawful or impracticable for the Bank to perform its obligations under the Notes or for dealers to generally acquire, place, establish, re-establish, substitute, maintain, modify or unwind or dispose of any hedge transaction in respect of the Reference Share or to realize, recover or remit the proceeds of any such hedge transaction in respect of the Reference Share or has or would have a material adverse effect on the economy or the trading of securities generally on any relevant Exchange or Related Exchange;
- (vi) the taking of any action by any governmental, administrative, legislative or judicial authority or power of Canada or any other country, or any political subdivision thereof, that has a material adverse effect on the financial markets of Canada, the United States or a country in which the Exchange or Related Exchange is located;
- (vii) any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or other national or international calamity or crisis (including, without limitation, natural calamities) that has or would have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Bank to perform its obligations under the Notes or of dealers generally to acquire, place, establish, reestablish, substitute, maintain, modify or unwind or dispose of any hedge transaction in respect of the Reference Share or to realize, recover or remit the proceeds of any such hedge transaction in respect of the Reference Share or has or would have a material adverse effect on the economy or the trading of securities generally on any relevant Exchange or Related Exchange; or
- (viii) an increase in the cost of acquiring, placing, establishing, re-establishing, substituting, maintaining, modifying or unwinding or disposing of any hedge transaction in connection with the Reference Share, or in the cost of realizing, recovering or remitting the proceeds of any such hedge transaction.
Extraordinary Event
If one of the events listed in the definition of "Extraordinary Event" below occurs in respect of the Reference Share, then the Bank may, upon notice to the Holders posted at www.bmonotes.com to be given effective on an Exchange Day (the date of such notification being the "Extraordinary Event Notification Date"), elect to discharge its obligations in respect of the Maturity Payment and any Coupon that may have been payable by making an accelerated payment to Holders prior to the Maturity Date (an "Early Payment Amount"). The Early Payment Amount will be determined by the Calculation Agent acting in good faith in accordance with industry-accepted methods and based on all relevant market circumstances. Upon such election, the following consequences will arise as of the Extraordinary Event Notification Date:
- (i) any payment on the Notes that may otherwise be payable by the Bank will not be calculated in accordance with the provisions set out in "Description of the Notes" above;
- (ii) the Early Payment Amount will be determined as of the Extraordinary Event Notification Date, whether or not any Extraordinary Event is continuing on such date; and
(iii) the Bank shall be discharged of all its obligations in respect of any further payments on the Notes.
Payment of the Early Payment Amount, if any, will be made on the tenth (10th) Business Day after the Extraordinary Event Notification Date (the "Early Payment Date"). Upon such payment, the Holder's right to receive any further payments on the Notes will be extinguished.
It is possible that the Early Payment Amount may be less than the Maturity Payment and any Coupons that might have been payable absent the occurrence of the Extraordinary Event and an election by the Bank to pay the Early Payment Amount.
"Extraordinary Event" means:
- (i) the Calculation Agent determines in its sole and absolute discretion that a Market Disruption Event in respect of the Reference Share has occurred and has continued for at least eight (8) consecutive Exchange Days, or that any other Substitution Event in respect of the Reference Share has occurred, and the Calculation Agent has decided not to choose a Replacement Share as a substitute for the Reference Share on the grounds the Calculation Agent has determined that there is no other appropriate security which offers sufficient liquidity in order for the Calculation Agent to acquire, place, establish, re-establish, substitute, maintain, modify, unwind or dispose of any hedge transaction in respect of such security or to realize, recover or remit the proceeds of any hedge transaction; or
- (ii) there is any change or proposed change in applicable law (or the interpretation or administration thereof) that, in the opinion of the Calculation Agent, acting reasonably, would have a significant adverse effect on the market price, value, marketability or return payable with respect to the Notes.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS OF THE OFFERING
The Bank is offering the Notes through Fundserv's transaction processing system. Subscriptions for the Notes will be made using the Fundserv network under the code "JHN13064", which will result in funds being accumulated in a non-interest bearing account of BMO Capital Markets pending execution of all documents required for this transaction and satisfaction of closing conditions, if any. Funds in respect of all subscriptions shall be payable at the time of subscription. For more information about the issuance, settlement and resale of the Notes, see "Description of the Notes" in the Base Shelf Prospectus.
Fundserv
Purchases of the Notes will be effected through dealers and other firms that facilitate purchase and related settlement through the order entry system operated by Fundserv Inc.
Fundserv is owned and operated by both fund sponsors and distributors and provides distributors of funds and certain other financial products with an online transaction processing system for such financial products, including the Notes. Fundserv's network facilitates the matching of orders to settlement instructions, facilitates reconciliation, aggregates and reports net settlement amounts and distributes settlement instruction information to the financial product distribution channel. Holders should consult with their financial advisors as to whether their Notes have been purchased through Fundserv and to obtain further information on Fundserv procedures applicable to those Holders.
Where a Holder's purchase order for the Notes is effected by a dealer or other firm using the Fundserv network, such dealer or other firm may not be able to accommodate a purchase of the Notes through certain registered plans for purposes of the Tax Act. Holders should consult their financial advisors as to whether their orders for the Notes will be made using the Fundserv network and any limitation on their ability to purchase the Notes through registered plans.
Purchase of Fundserv Notes
In order to purchase Notes using the Fundserv network ("Fundserv Notes"), the full aggregate Subscription Price must be delivered to BMO Capital Markets, as agent, in immediately available funds prior to the Issue Date. Despite delivery of such funds, BMO Capital Markets reserves the right not to accept any offer to purchase Fundserv Notes. If the Fundserv Notes are not issued to the subscriber for any reason, such funds will be returned forthwith to the subscriber. In any case, whether or not the Fundserv Notes are issued, no interest or other compensation will be paid to the subscriber on such funds.
Sale of Fundserv Notes
A Holder wishing to sell Fundserv Notes prior to Maturity is subject to certain procedures and limitations. Any Holder wishing to sell a Fundserv Note should consult with his or her financial advisor in advance in order to understand the timing and other procedural requirements and limitations of selling. A Holder must sell Fundserv Notes by using the sale procedures of Fundserv's transaction processing system; any other sale is not possible. Accordingly, a Holder will not be able to negotiate a sale price for Fundserv Notes. Instead, the financial advisor for the Holder will need to initiate an irrevocable request to sell the Fundserv Note in accordance with then established procedures of Fundserv. Generally, this will mean that the financial advisor will need to initiate the sale request by 1:00 p.m. (Toronto time, or such other time as may hereafter be established by Fundserv) on a Business Day. Any request received after such time will be deemed to be a request sent and received in respect of the next following Business Day. Sale of a Fundserv Note will be effected at a price equal to the Bid Price for the Note, determined by BMO Capital Markets in its sole and absolute discretion, minus any applicable Early Trading Charge. The Holder should be aware of the limitations and restrictions surrounding the secondary market. See "Secondary Market".
The Holder should also be aware that, although the "redemption" procedures of Fundserv's transaction marketing system would be utilized, the Fundserv Notes of the Holder will actually be sold in the secondary market (assuming the availability of a secondary market) to BMO Capital Markets. In turn, BMO Capital Markets will be able to deal with such Fundserv Notes in its discretion, including, without limitation, selling those Fundserv Notes to other parties at any price or holding them in its inventory or having them cancelled.
Holders should also be aware that from time to time such sale mechanism to sell Fundserv Notes may be suspended for any reason without notice, thus effectively preventing Holders from selling their Fundserv Notes. Prospective purchasers requiring liquidity should carefully consider this possibility before purchasing Fundserv Notes.
The Calculation Agent is required to post (or arrange to be posted) the Bid Price on each Business Day, subject to a suspension of the calculation of the Bid Price described under "Secondary Market — Temporary Suspension of Calculation of the Bid Price". The posted Bid Price may also be used for valuation purposes in any statement sent to Holders.
In certain circumstances Fundserv Notes may not be transferable to another dealer, if the Holder were to decide to move his or her investment accounts to such other dealer. In that event, the Holder would have to sell the Fundserv Notes pursuant to the procedures outlined above.
Settlement of Payments
The Bank will be required to make available to CDS, no later than 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on each Coupon Payment Date, the Call Date and the Maturity Date, funds in an amount sufficient to pay the amounts then due, if any, under the Notes.
All amounts payable in respect of the Notes will be made available by the Bank through CDS or its nominee. CDS or its nominee will, upon receipt of any such amount, facilitate payment to the applicable CDS Participants or credit the account of such CDS Participants, in amounts proportionate to their respective interests as shown on the records of CDS. BMO Capital Markets will facilitate payment through Fundserv's transaction processing system to non-CDS Participants or credit the account of such non-CDS Participants, in amounts proportionate to their respective interests.
The Bank expects that payments by CDS Participants and non-CDS Participants to Holders will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities or instruments held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in street name, and will be the responsibility of such CDS Participants or non-CDS Participants. The responsibility and liability of the Bank in respect of the registered Notes that it issues in the form of a Global Note is limited to making payment of the amounts due in respect of the Global Note to CDS or its nominee. Neither the Bank nor the Calculation Agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of ownership of the Notes represented by the Global Note or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing records relating to any such ownership.
The Bank retains the right, as a condition to payment of amounts due at Maturity, to require the surrender for cancellation of any certificate evidencing the Notes.
Neither the Bank nor CDS will be bound to see to the execution of any trust affecting the ownership of any Note or be affected by notice of any equity that may be subsisting with respect to any Note.
Book-Entry Only System
The Notes will be issued in book-entry form and will be represented by a registered Global Note certificate. The Global Note will name a depository or its nominee as the owner of the Notes, which shall initially be CDS. (All references to the Notes and a Note contained in this pricing supplement will include the Global Note unless the context otherwise requires.) The Bank will issue the Notes evidenced by certificates in definitive form to a particular Holder only in limited circumstances. For further information about the Notes held through a depository, see "Description of the Notes — Form of Notes and Transfer" in the Base Shelf Prospectus.
Global Note
The Global Note issued by the Bank will be deposited with a depository (initially being CDS) and registered in the name of such depository or its nominee in denominations equal to the aggregate Principal Amount of the Notes. Fundserv Notes will also be evidenced by the Global Note. Holders holding Fundserv Notes will have a beneficial interest in the Global Note held by CDS. The Notes will be recorded by CDS as being held by BMO Capital Markets, as a direct participant in CDS on behalf of the Holders. BMO Capital Markets will in turn record or cause to be recorded the respective interests of Holders in the Fundserv Notes which recordings will be made as instructed by Fundserv. Unless and until the registered Global Note is exchanged in whole for the Notes in definitive registered form, the registered Global Note may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depository, its nominee or any successors of such depository or nominee. Each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered Global Note must rely on the procedures of the depository for that registered Global Note and if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a Holder.
Definitive Notes
If the depository for any of the Notes represented by the registered Global Note is at any time unwilling or unable to continue to properly discharge its responsibilities as depository, and a successor depository is not appointed by the Bank within 90 days, the Bank will issue the Notes in definitive form in exchange for the registered Global Note that had been held by the depository.
In addition, the Bank may at any time and in its sole and absolute discretion decide not to have any of the Notes represented by one or more registered Global Notes. If the Bank makes that decision, the Bank will issue the Notes in definitive form in exchange for the registered Global Note representing the Notes.
Except in the circumstances described above and in the Base Shelf Prospectus, beneficial owners of the Notes will not be entitled to have any portions of such Notes registered in their name, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the Notes in certificated, definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of a Global Note.
Notices to Holders
All notices to Holders regarding the Notes will be validly given if published once in a French language Canadian newspaper and in the national edition of an English language Canadian newspaper, or if communicated to Holders or their agents by mail, electronic and/or any other means. Unless stated otherwise, the Calculation Agent will give notice as aforesaid to the Holders or their agents of any material change or material fact relating to the Notes.
Amendments to the Notes
The Global Note and the terms and conditions thereunder may be amended without the consent of the Holders by agreement between the Bank and the Calculation Agent if, in the reasonable opinion of the Bank and the Calculation Agent, the amendment would not materially and adversely affect the interests of the Holders. In all other cases, the Global Note may be amended if the amendment is approved by a resolution passed by the favourable votes of the Holders representing not less than 66⅔% of the outstanding aggregate Notes represented at a meeting convened for the purpose of considering the resolution or by written resolution signed by the Holders of not less than 66⅔% of the outstanding principal amount of Notes.
Each Holder is entitled to one vote per \$100.00 principal amount of Note held for the purpose of approving such a resolution at a meeting. The Notes do not carry the right to vote in any other circumstances.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Notes are being issued by the Bank with a subscription price of \$100.00 per Note (the "Subscription Price") and a minimum subscription of \$2,000.00 (20 Notes). The Notes are denominated in Canadian dollars and all payments owing under the Notes will be made in Canadian dollars. The maximum issue size will be \$5,000,000.00 of Notes for the Offering. The Bank reserves the right to change the minimum subscription amount and/or the maximum issue size in its sole and absolute discretion.
Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Dealer Agreement, the Dealers, as agents of the Bank, have agreed to solicit offers to purchase the Notes, on a reasonable best efforts basis, if, as and when such Notes are issued by the Bank. The Notes will be offered at a price of \$100.00 per Note. The Dealers will be entitled to receive an upfront selling concession fee equal to \$3.00 per Note sold (or 3.00% of the Principal Amount per Note). While the Dealers have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to sell the Notes offered hereby, they will not be obligated to purchase the Notes which are not sold. A fee of up to \$0.20 per Note will be payable directly by the Bank to Raymond James Ltd. at closing from its own funds for acting as independent agent. Raymond James Ltd., as the independent agent, has performed due diligence in connection with the Offering but has not participated in the structuring or the pricing of the Offering.
The Notes are being offered through Fundserv's investment fund transaction processing system. Subscriptions for the Notes will be made on the Fundserv network under the code "JHN13064", which will result in funds being accumulated in a noninterest bearing account of BMO Capital Markets pending execution of all documents required for this transaction and satisfaction of closing conditions if any. Holders should recognize that, unless they have purchased the Notes directly through a representative of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., they do not have an account with BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. Funds in respect of all subscriptions shall be payable at the time of subscription. The Bank will have the sole right to accept offers to purchase the Notes and may reject any proposed purchase of the Notes in whole or in part, and the Bank reserves the right to allot the Notes to investors in an amount less than that subscribed for by the investor. The Bank reserves the right to close the subscription book at any time and may discontinue accepting subscriptions at any time without notice. The Bank may at any time prior to the Issue Date, in its discretion, elect whether or not to proceed in whole or in part with the issue of the Notes.
It is expected that the closing of the Offering will take place on or about February 26, 2020 or on such other date as the Bank and the Dealers may agree, and that the Global Note representing the Notes will be available for delivery through the facilities of CDS on or about the Issue Date. Except in certain limited circumstances, subscribers for the Notes will not have the right to receive physical certificates evidencing their ownership of the Notes. If for any reason the closing of the Offering does not occur, all subscription funds will be returned forthwith to the subscriber's financial advisor without interest or deduction using the Fundserv network.
The Bank may from time to time issue any additional series of the Notes or any other Notes or other debt instruments (which may or may not resemble the Notes) which may be offered by the Bank concurrently with the Offering.
BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. As a result, the Bank is a "related issuer" of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. for the purposes of National Instrument 33-105 — Underwriting Conflicts. The decision to offer the Notes and the determination of the terms of the Notes was based on a number of factors including the direction and advice of officers of BMO Capital Markets. The terms of the Notes were based on negotiations between BMO Capital Markets, as agent of the Bank, and the Dealers. The Bank or BMO Capital Markets, as agent on behalf of the Bank, may enter into arrangements to hedge the Bank's risks associated with the Notes. The Bank has agreed that BMO Capital Markets may retain a portion of any profits, and may be required to compensate the Bank for a portion of any losses, resulting from such hedging arrangements. In addition, BMO Capital Markets will serve as Calculation Agent and facilitate payment of amounts payable, if any, in respect of the Notes. BMO Capital Markets will also use commercially reasonable efforts under normal market conditions to provide for a daily secondary market for the sale of the Notes, as described herein, but reserves the right to elect not to do so in the future, in its sole and absolute discretion, without prior notice to Holders, and may earn a profit in connection with the acquisition or subsequent disposition of the Notes acting as principal. BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. will receive its share of the Dealers' fee as described under "Fees and Expenses".
The Bank reserves the right to purchase for cancellation at its discretion any amount of Notes in the secondary market, without notice to Holders.
In connection with the issue and sale of the Notes by the Bank, no person is authorized to give any information or to make any representation not expressly contained in this pricing supplement or the Global Note and the Bank does not accept responsibility for any information not contained herein. This pricing supplement does not constitute, and may not be used for the purposes of, an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation and no action is being taken to permit an offering of the Notes in any jurisdiction outside Canada where any action is required.
The Notes to be issued hereunder are being offered to residents of each of the provinces and territories of Canada. The Notes to be issued hereunder have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction or to, or for the account or benefit of, a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) except in certain transactions exempt from the requirements of the U.S. Securities Act.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The maximum issue size will be \$5,000,000.00 for the Offering. The Bank reserves the right to change the maximum issue size in its sole and absolute discretion. The Bank will use the net proceeds of the Offering for general banking purposes. The Bank and/or its affiliates may use all or any portion of the proceeds in transactions intended to hedge the Bank's obligations under the Notes, including forward and option contracts. The Bank may benefit from any difference between the amount it is obligated to pay under the Notes, net of related fees and expenses, and the returns it may generate in hedging such obligation.
CALCULATION AGENT
BMO Capital Markets or a person appointed by BMO Capital Markets will act as Calculation Agent for the Notes. Except in circumstances described in "Appointment of Independent Calculation Experts", all calculations and determinations to be made in connection with the Notes will be made by the Calculation Agent and will be made at the sole and absolute discretion of the Calculation Agent. Whenever the Calculation Agent is required to act, it will do so in good faith using its reasonable judgment and its determinations will be binding in the absence of manifest error. The Calculation Agent does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or completeness of information made available with respect to a Company or of calculations made by it in connection with the Notes. The Calculation Agent receives no fees for acting in such capacity. Conflicts that may arise as a result of BMO Capital Markets or an affiliate of the Bank acting as the Calculation Agent are disclosed in "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes — General Risks Relating to Principal At Risk Notes — Conflicts of Interest".
APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT CALCULATION EXPERTS
If a calculation, valuation or determination described in "Special Circumstances" contemplated to be made by the Calculation Agent in respect of the Notes following an Extraordinary Event 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, the Bank will appoint one or more calculation experts to confirm such calculation, valuation or determination. Such calculation experts will be independent from the Bank and the Calculation Agent and will be active participants in the financial markets in Canada. Calculation experts will not assume any obligation or duty to, or any relationship of agency or trust for or with, the Holders or the Bank. Holders will be entitled to rely on any valuations, calculations, determinations or confirmations made by such calculation experts and such valuations, calculations, determinations and confirmations will (except in the case of manifest error) be final and binding on the Bank, the Calculation Agent and the Holders. Calculation experts will not be responsible for good faith errors or omissions in the making of any such valuations, calculations, determinations and confirmations. Calculation experts may, with the consent of the Bank, 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, calculations, determinations and confirmations of calculation experts will be made available to a Holder at the principal executive offices of the Bank.
FEES AND EXPENSES
Fees Payable to the Dealers
The selling concession fee of \$3.00 per Note (3.00% of the Subscription Price) will be payable to the Dealers from the proceeds of the Offering and some or all of these fees may be paid to sales representatives, including representatives employed by the Dealers, whose clients purchase the Notes. An additional fee of up to \$0.20 per Note will be payable by the Bank to Raymond James Ltd. at closing for acting as independent agent. The payment of these fees will not reduce or have any effect on the amount of any Coupons, the amount payable upon Notes being automatically called or the Maturity Payment payable on the Notes.
Early Trading Charge
Holders wishing to sell their Notes within the first 180 days after the Issue Date will be subject to an Early Trading Charge of up to \$4.00 per Note. See "Secondary Market — Early Trading Charge" for a description of the Early Trading Charge. The Bid Price quoted in the daily secondary market will be before deduction of any applicable Early Trading Charge. See "Secondary Market – Early Trading Charge".
The Bank will not charge any other fee or seek reimbursement of any other expense in connection with the Notes. For certainty, all expenses of the Offering (other than the selling concession described above) will be borne by the Bank.
CERTAIN CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
In the opinion of Torys LLP, counsel to the Bank, the following is, as of the date hereof, a summary of the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable to the acquisition, holding and disposition of the Notes by an Initial Holder. This summary is applicable only to an Initial Holder who is an individual (other than a trust) and, for the purposes of the Tax Act, is, or is deemed to be, a resident of Canada, deals at arm's length with and is not affiliated with the Bank and holds the Notes as capital property. The Notes will generally be considered to be capital property to an Initial Holder unless: (i) the Initial Holder holds the Notes in the course of carrying on or otherwise as part of a business of trading or dealing in or buying and selling securities; or (ii) the Initial Holder acquired such Notes as an adventure in the nature of trade. Certain Initial Holders resident in Canada whose Notes might not otherwise be considered to be capital property or who desire certainty with respect to the treatment of the Notes as capital property may be entitled to make an irrevocable election to have the Notes and all of the Initial Holder's other "Canadian securities" (as defined in the Tax Act) deemed to be capital property pursuant to subsection 39(4) of the Tax Act.
This summary is based on the current provisions of the Tax Act as in force on the date hereof, counsel's understanding of the current published administrative policies and assessing practices of the CRA and all specific proposals to amend the Tax Act publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof. No assurance can be given that any proposal to amend the Tax Act will be enacted as proposed or at all. This summary does not otherwise take into account or anticipate any changes in law or in the CRA's administrative or assessing practices, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action. This summary is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations applicable to an investment in the Notes and does not take into account provincial, territorial or foreign income tax legislation or considerations.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be relied upon or construed as, legal or tax advice to any particular Holder. Holders should consult their own tax advisors for advice with respect to the income tax consequences of an investment in the Notes, based on their particular circumstances.
Interest
An Initial Holder will be required to include a Coupon, if any, as interest on the Notes in income for the taxation year in which the Coupon is received or became receivable (depending on the method regularly followed by the Initial Holder in computing income) to the extent such amount was not included in computing the Initial Holder's income for a preceding taxation year.
A Note is a "prescribed debt obligation" within the meaning of the Tax Act. The rules (the "prescribed debt obligations rules") in the Tax Act applicable to a prescribed debt obligation generally require a taxpayer to accrue the amount of any interest, bonus or premium receivable in respect of the obligation over the term of the obligation, based on the maximum amount of interest, bonus or premium receivable on the obligation. Based in part on counsel's understanding of the CRA's administrative practice with regard to "prescribed debt obligations", there should be no deemed accrual of interest on the Notes under the prescribed debt obligations rules.
The Bank will file an information return with the CRA in respect of any interest to be included in an Initial Holder's income as and when required by law and will provide the Initial Holder with a copy of such return.
Disposition of Notes
Where an Initial Holder assigns or transfers a Note, the Initial Holder will be required to include in income as accrued interest the amount, if any, by which the price for which the Note was assigned or transferred exceeds the Principal Amount. An Initial Holder may realize a capital loss on such disposition to the extent that the price for which the Note was assigned or transferred is less than the Principal Amount.
At the Maturity Date (or an Early Payment Date) an Initial Holder will be considered to have disposed of a Note and may realize a capital loss to the extent the Subscription Price exceeds the Maturity Payment (or the Early Payment Amount). In the event that an Early Payment Amount is paid and the Early Payment Amount exceeds the Subscription Price of the Note, the excess may be deemed to be interest.
One-half of a capital loss (an "allowable capital loss") realized by an Initial Holder is deductible against one-half of any capital gain (a "taxable capital gain") realized by an Initial Holder in the taxation year. Allowable capital losses in excess of taxable capital gains may be carried back and deducted against net taxable capital gains realized in the three preceding taxation years or carried forward and deducted against net taxable capital gains realized in subsequent years, subject to the detailed rules in the Tax Act.
ADDITIONAL RISK FACTORS SPECIFIC TO THE NOTES
An investment in the Notes is subject to certain risk factors that prospective purchasers should carefully consider before acquiring the Notes, including but not limited to the risks described below. In addition to the risks described herein and in the Base Shelf Prospectus, reference is made to the disclosure relating to risk factors on pages 14 and 68 to 106 of the Bank's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended October 31, 2019, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. The information in the Base Shelf Prospectus is supplemented by, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaced and superseded by, the information in this pricing supplement. This section describes the most significant risks relating to the terms of the Notes. The Bank urges prospective purchasers to read the following information about these risks, together with the other information in the Base Shelf Prospectus and this pricing supplement, before investing in the Notes.
General Risks Relating to Principal At Risk Notes
Suitability of Notes for Investment
An investor should decide to invest in the Notes only after carefully considering with an advisor, whether the Notes are a suitable investment in light of the information set out in this pricing supplement. Neither the Bank nor BMO Capital Markets makes any recommendation as to whether the Notes are a suitable investment for any person.
Investments in the Notes are uncertain in nature in that they could produce no return and Holders could lose some or substantially all of their principal investment in the Notes. An investment in the Notes is only suitable for investors with a medium-term investment horizon and who are prepared to assume risk with an investment whose return and repayment of principal is dependent upon the Share Return on the Observation Dates. It is possible that a Holder will receive no Coupons during the term of the Notes. The Notes are not a suitable investment for a prospective purchaser who requires a guaranteed return or who cannot withstand a loss of some or substantially all of his or her principal investment.
The Notes are not conventional notes or debt securities in that they do not provide Holders with a guaranteed return or income stream prior to Maturity and the return at Maturity is not calculated by reference to a fixed or floating rate of interest that is determinable prior to Maturity nor do they provide Holders with any assurance that the Principal Amount will be paid at or prior to Maturity (other than the Minimum Payment Amount). The return a Holder receives on his or her principal investment could be less than the return that could be earned on other investments. An investment in the Notes may not reflect the full opportunity cost to a Holder when the factors that affect the time value of money are considered. The Notes are not a suitable investment for a prospective purchaser who does not understand their terms or the risks involved in holding the Notes.
Secondary Trading of the Notes
There is currently no market through which Notes may be sold. The Bank does not intend to apply to have the Notes listed on any securities exchange or marketplace. Holders are not entitled to redeem their Notes prior to Maturity and there is no guarantee that any secondary market which may develop will be liquid or sustainable. Consequently, the Notes should not be viewed as trading instruments.
BMO Capital Markets will use reasonable efforts under normal market conditions to provide for a daily secondary market for the sale of the Notes through Fundserv, but reserves the right to elect not to do so in the future, in its sole and absolute discretion, without prior notice to Holders and may earn a profit in connection with the acquisition or subsequent disposition of the Notes acting as principal. The Calculation Agent may suspend the determination of the Bid Price per Note during the existence of any state of affairs that makes those determinations impossible, impractical or prejudicial to Holders. If the Calculation Agent suspends these calculations, BMO Capital Markets will not be able to fairly and accurately determine the price for the Notes in order to facilitate a secondary market and, consequently, may suspend the secondary market for the Notes.
A Holder who sells the Notes in the secondary market (assuming the availability of a secondary market) prior to the Maturity Date may receive a price substantially less than the Subscription Price, particularly if (a) Coupons have not been payable in respect of Coupon Payment Dates prior to the date of such sale and (b) the Share Return is substantially below the Barrier Level. The price at which a Holder will be able to sell the Notes prior to the Maturity Date may be at a discount, which could be substantial, from the Maturity Payment that might otherwise be payable if the Notes were maturing on such day.
The value of the Notes in the secondary market will be affected by a number of complex and inter-related factors, which are described in "Secondary Market — Sale Prior to Maturity". A Holder should consult his or her respective investment advisors on whether it would be more favourable in the circumstances at any time to sell or to hold their Notes until Maturity.
Estimated Value of the Notes
The Bank's estimated value of the Notes on the Issue Date is only an estimate, and based on a number of factors. The estimated value was determined on the pricing date using the Bank's internal pricing models, which take into account a number of variables and assumptions about future events that may prove to be incorrect, including expectations as to dividends and distributions, volatility, interest rates and the Bank's internal funding rates. The Bank's internal funding rates may differ from the market rates for the Bank's conventional debt securities. The use of different pricing models and assumptions could result in materially different values as compared to the Bank's estimated value. An estimated value calculated on the Issue Date may differ from the current estimate, and the actual value of the Notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy.
The initial offering price of the Notes exceeds the estimated value of the Notes. The difference between the initial offering price and the estimated value of the Notes results from several factors, including any fees to be paid to the Dealers, the estimated profit that the Bank and its affiliates expect to earn (which may or may not be realized) for assuming the risks in hedging the Bank's obligations under the Notes, and the estimated cost of hedging these obligations.
The estimated value of the Notes is not an indication or prediction of the price at which BMO Capital Markets or any other person may be willing to purchase or sell the Notes in the secondary market. The value of the Notes after the date of this pricing supplement will vary based on many factors, including changes in market conditions, and cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual value that a Holder would receive upon selling the Notes in the secondary market, if any, should be expected to differ materially from the initial estimated value of the Notes. See "– Secondary Trading of the Notes" and "Secondary Market – Sale Prior to Maturity" for more information concerning the value of the Notes in the daily secondary market.
The Bank has adopted written policies and procedures for determining the estimated value of the Notes which include: (i) the methodologies used for valuing each type of component embedded in the Notes, (ii) the methods by which the Bank will review and test valuations to assess the quality of the prices obtained as well as the general functioning of the valuation process, and (iii) conflicts of interest. The independent agent will not participate in the preparation of, or review the calculation of, the estimated value of the Notes.
Special Circumstances
If a Market Disruption Event occurs on an Observation Date, then that Observation Date will be postponed to the next Exchange Day on which there is no Market Disruption Event in effect. Fluctuations in the Closing Price of the Reference Share may occur in the interim. In certain circumstances, such as a Substitution Event, Merger Event, Tender Offer or the Nationalization or Insolvency of the Company, the Calculation Agent may replace the Reference Share with a Replacement Share. In other circumstances, the Calculation Agent may adjust the Initial Price, the formula for calculating the Share Return of the Reference Share, or any other component or variable relevant to the determination of the Share Return to account for those circumstances. Adjustments made to a component or variable relevant to the determination of the amount of the Share Return may have a negative effect on the Share Return or on the amount of the Maturity Payment payable. In addition, if an Extraordinary Event has occurred, the Bank may elect to pay an Early Payment Amount to Holders. In that case, a Holder would not be entitled to any additional payments on the Notes. See "Special Circumstances".
Conflicts of Interest
Each of the Bank and BMO Capital Markets, whether in its capacity as Dealer, Calculation Agent or otherwise, and any of their respective affiliates, may from time to time, in the course of its normal business operations, hold interests linked to the Reference Share or hold securities of, extend credit to or enter into other business with the Company, including under hedging arrangements relating to the Notes. Conflicts may also arise because the Bank and/or its affiliates expect to engage in trading activities related to the Company and/or the Reference Share that are not for the account of Holders or on their behalf. These trading activities may present a conflict between the Holders' interest in the Notes and the interests of the Bank and/or its affiliates will have in their proprietary accounts in facilitating transactions, including block trades and options and other derivatives transactions, for their customers and in accounts under their management. These trading activities, if they influence the Reference Share, could be adverse to the interests of the Holders. Moreover, subsidiaries of the Bank (including BMO Capital Markets) and the Dealers have published, and in the future expect to publish, research reports with respect to the Reference Share. This research is modified from time to time and may express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding the Notes. Each of the Bank and BMO Capital Markets has agreed that all such actions taken by it or its affiliates shall be taken based on normal commercial criteria in the particular circumstances, which may include payment of trailer fees. The foregoing actions by any of the Bank, BMO Capital Markets and their respective affiliates may not take into account the effect, if any, of such actions on the amount payable at Maturity of the Notes.
BMO Capital Markets, an indirect subsidiary of the Bank, is the Calculation Agent and is responsible for, among other things, calculating the Bid Price per Note, Coupon, Maturity Payment and Early Payment Amount, and facilitating sales of Notes, as described under "Secondary Market", and may enter into derivative transactions or other arrangements with the Bank in respect of the Bank's investment of the net proceeds of the Offering. BMO Capital Markets may have economic interests adverse to those of Holders, including with respect to certain determinations that the Calculation Agent must make with respect to the Notes. Any of these activities by the Bank and/or other affiliates thereof may affect the market price of the Reference Share and, therefore, the market value of the Notes.
Credit Rating
The Notes have not been and will not be rated. As at the date of this pricing supplement, the deposit liabilities of the Bank with a term to maturity of more than one year were rated AA by DBRS, A+ by S&P and Aa2 by Moody's. There can be no assurance that, if the Notes were rated by these rating agencies, they would have the same rating as the other unsubordinated indebtedness of the Bank. Additional information concerning these ratings is included in the Base Shelf Prospectus and the Bank's continuous disclosure filings that are incorporated by reference in the Base Shelf Prospectus. A rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold investments, and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the relevant rating agency.
Credit Risk
Because the obligation to make payments to Holders is an obligation of the Bank, the likelihood that such Holders will receive the payments owing to them in connection with the Notes will be dependent upon the financial health and creditworthiness of the Bank.
Rank; No Deposit Insurance
The Notes will constitute direct, unconditional obligations of the Bank to the extent the Bank is obligated to make payments to Holders under the Notes. The Notes will be issued on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis and will rank equally, as among themselves, and with all other outstanding direct, unsecured and unsubordinated, present and future obligations of the Bank (except as otherwise prescribed by law), and will be payable ratably without any preference or priority. The Notes will not constitute deposits that are insured under the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act or any other deposit insurance regime designed to ensure the payment of all or a portion of a deposit upon the insolvency of the deposit taking financial institution. Therefore, a Holder will not be entitled to Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation protection.
Extraordinary Event May Trigger Early Payment Amount
Upon the occurrence of an Extraordinary Event, the Bank may elect to pay an Early Payment Amount to discharge its obligations in respect of the Maturity Payment and any Coupons that may have been payable under the Notes. Upon such payment, the Holder's right to receive any further payments on the Notes will be extinguished.
Legislative, Regulatory and Administrative Changes
Changes in laws, regulations or administrative practices, including with respect to taxation, could have an impact on Holders.
Risks Relating to the Offering
Risk of Loss of Principal Investment
The Bank does not guarantee the repayment of any principal at Maturity (other than the Minimum Payment Amount). At Maturity, each Holder will receive a Maturity Payment that will depend on the Share Return on the Final Valuation Date, which may be affected by a number of factors beyond the control of the Bank. A Holder will receive the Principal Amount at Maturity only if the Share Return is equal to or above the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date. If the Share Return is below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date, then Holders will receive less than the Principal Amount and could lose some or substantially all of their principal investment in the Notes.
The Notes are Subject to Being Automatically Called by the Bank
If the Share Return is equal to or above the AutoCall Level on any Observation Date, the Notes will be automatically called by the Bank. If the Notes are automatically called by the Bank, Holders will receive the Principal Amount plus the applicable Coupon on the Call Date, and the Notes will be cancelled and Holders will not be entitled to receive any subsequent payments in respect of the Notes.
Uncertain Return Until Maturity
The return, if any, on the Notes will be uncertain until the Call Date or Maturity. Whether there is a return on the Notes will depend on the price performance of the Reference Share. There can be no assurance that the objectives of the Holders will be achieved by an investment in the Notes. Depending on the price performance of the Reference Share, Holders may not receive any Coupons and may not be repaid the amount of their principal investment in the Notes (other than the Minimum Payment Amount). Historical price performance of the Reference Share should not be considered as an indication of the future price performance of the Reference Share or the Notes. Investors should understand that the risk involved in this type of investment is greater than that normally associated with other types of fixed income investments.
Coupon Payments Depend on the Share Return
The Share Return is used as a reference to determine whether a Coupon will be payable on any Coupon Payment Date. If the Share Return is below the Coupon Knock-Out Level on any Observation Date, Holders will not receive a Coupon on the related Coupon Payment Date. There is no guarantee that the price performance of the Reference Share will result in the payment of any Coupons to a Holder.
The Return on the Notes will not Reflect a Direct Investment in the Reference Share
The Share Return is used solely as a reference to determine whether a Coupon will be payable on any Coupon Payment Date, whether the Notes will be automatically called by the Bank and the amount of principal to be repaid under the Notes. The amount of the Coupon payable to Holders will be a fixed amount that will not be based on the price performance of the Reference Share. The amount of principal repaid at Maturity will depend on the Share Return relative to the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date. Holders will not participate in any positive price performance of the Reference Share. If the Share Return is below the Barrier Level on the Final Valuation Date, then the Maturity Payment will equal the Principal Amount reduced by an amount equal to the Share Return (which will be a negative amount reflecting the decline in the Closing Price). Accordingly, the return on the Notes will be different than a direct investment in the Reference Share.
Owning the Notes Is Not the Same as Owning the Reference Share
A Holder will not have, and the Notes will not represent, any direct or indirect investment in the Reference Share and the Notes do not represent a substitute for such an investment. A Holder will not have the same rights and benefits as a direct holder of the Reference Share, including the rights to vote and receive dividends or other distributions that may be made by the Company. Holders only have a right against the Bank to be paid any amounts due and payable under the Notes.
The Notes may trade quite differently from the Reference Share. Changes in the Closing Price of the Reference Share may not result in comparable changes in the market value of the Notes. Even if the Share Return is positive during the term of the Notes, the market value of the Notes prior to Maturity may not increase to the same extent. It is also possible for the market value of the Notes prior to Maturity to decrease while the Share Return increases. The return on the Notes will not reflect the return that may be realized by investing in the Reference Share directly.
The Maturity Payment May Not Be Affected by All Developments Relating to the Reference Share
Changes in the Share Return during the term of the Notes before the Final Valuation Date may not be reflected in the calculation of the Maturity Payment due to the impact of various features incorporated into the Note structure. The Calculation Agent will calculate the return on the Notes, if any, by determining the Share Return on the applicable Observation Date. No other Share Returns will be taken into account. As a result, a Holder may receive less than the Principal Amount, even if the Share Return has increased at certain times during the term of the Notes before decreasing to a Share Return below the Barrier Level as of the Final Valuation Date.
Risks Relating to the Reference Share
Issuer and Equity Markets Risks
An investment in the Notes offers exposure to the price performance of the Reference Share. The value of most investments, in particular equity securities, is affected by the outlook for the company that issued the security. Corporate developments, changes in interest rates, changes in the level of inflation, general economic, industry and market trends and other various circumstances can influence the values of the securities in a specific market segment or a particular type of security. Further, these changes can have varying impacts across different issuers, depending on their operations, strategies, outlook and particular circumstances. These changes, which are beyond the control of the Bank or the Dealers, can affect the Company, and thereby the price of the Reference Share, without any predictability. Accordingly, certain risk factors applicable to investors who invest directly in the Reference Share are also applicable to an investment in the Notes to the extent that such risk factors could adversely affect the price performance of the Reference Share.
Concentration Risk
The Notes are linked only to the Reference Share, which is limited to the common shares of the Company. As a result, an investment in the Notes offers exposure to a single company in the energy sector, and therefore does not offer any diversification, unlike an investment in a larger portfolio comprising a broader range of equities or securities in the same industry or a broader range of industries, and may, as a result, be subject to greater volatility.
The Company's operations are concentrated primarily in the energy sector, including oil, gas & consumable fuels and energy equipment & services,
The profitability of the Company can fluctuate significantly from change in the cost of fuel, operating costs, and the cost of financing capital construction and the price of electricity and oil and gas. Electricity prices can fluctuate significantly in short time periods, and can change as a result of a number of factors including supply and demand, government and regulatory matters, speculation, international monetary and political factors, central bank activity and changes in interest rates and currency values. If a natural disaster or other event with a significant economic impact occurs in a region where the Company operates, such disaster or event could negatively affect the profitability of the Company. The return on the Notes could be adversely affected by a variety of factors that could impact the energy sector and which are beyond the control of the Bank and the Dealers, including a variety of worldwide economic, financial and political factors, including, without limitation, changes in exchange rates, interest rates, economic conditions, tax treatment, governmental regulation and intervention and world events in the region in which the Company operates.
Future Results
Historical price performance of the Reference Share should not be taken as an indication of their future price performance. The Closing Price of the Reference Share at any time will fluctuate. It is impossible to predict whether the Closing Price will increase or decrease. The Closing Price from time to time will be influenced by both the complex and interrelated political, economic, financial and other factors that can affect equity trading markets and the capital markets generally.
Independent Investigation Required
The Bank and the Dealers have not performed any due diligence investigation or review of the Company or the Reference Share. Any information relating to the Company or the Reference Share was derived from and is based solely upon publicly available sources and its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. None of the Bank, the Dealers, or any of their respective affiliates or associates has any obligation or responsibility for the provision of future information in respect of the Company or the Reference Share. Investors shall have no recourse against the Bank, the Dealers or any of their respective affiliates or associates in connection with any information relating to the Company or the Reference Share that is not contained in this pricing supplement. Prospective purchasers should undertake an independent investigation to determine if an investment in the Notes is suitable for them. The Company has not participated in the preparation of this pricing supplement and the Notes are not in any way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Company.
Potential Replacement of the Reference Share
In certain circumstances, such as the occurrence of a Merger Event, Tender Offer or Substitution Event, the shares of another issuer may become a Replacement Share for purposes of the Notes, in place of the Reference Share of the original Company. The Calculation Agent will have the discretion to designate a Replacement Share in connection with a Substitution Event. See "Special Circumstances". The potential return on the Notes may be affected by changes in the circumstances of the Company following a Merger Event or Tender Offer, or by the designation of a Replacement Share in place of the original Reference Share.
LEGAL MATTERS
Legal matters in connection with the Offering will be passed upon on behalf of the Bank by Torys LLP and on behalf of the Dealers by Stikeman Elliott LLP. As of February 6, 2020, the partners and associates of Torys LLP and Stikeman Elliott LLP beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate, less than 1% of the outstanding securities of the Bank and its affiliates and associates. Robert Prichard, the non-executive chair of Torys LLP, is the non-executive chairman of the board of directors of the Bank.