See “Summary” in this pricing supplement. The Notes will have the terms specified in the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus, as supplemented by this pricing supplement. 

None of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), any state securities commission, or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these Notes or the guarantee, or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this pricing supplement, or the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement or prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. The Notes and the related guarantee of the Notes by the Guarantor are unsecured and are not savings accounts, deposits, or other obligations of a bank. The Notes are not guaranteed by Bank of America, N.A. or any other bank, are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency and involve investment risks.  

⁽¹⁾ The underwriting discount is $0.10 per Note. BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”), acting as principal, has agreed to purchase from BofA Finance, and BofA Finance has agreed to sell to BofAS, the aggregate principal amount of the Notes set forth above for $9.90 per Note. UBS Financial Services Inc. (“UBS”), acting as a selling agent for sales of the Notes, has agreed to purchase from BofAS, and BofAS has agreed to sell to UBS, all of the Notes for $9.90 per Note. UBS will receive an underwriting discount of $0.10 per Note for each Note it sells in this offering. UBS proposes to offer the Notes to the public at a price of $10.00 per Note. For additional information on the distribution of the Notes, see “Supplement to the Plan of Distribution; Role of BofAS and Conflicts of Interest” in this pricing supplement.  

The initial estimated value of the Notes is less than the public offering price. The initial estimated value of the Notes as of the Trade Date is $9.869 per $10 in Stated Principal Amount. See “Summary” on page PS-4 of this pricing supplement, “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-7 of this pricing supplement and “Structuring the Notes” on page PS-22 of this pricing supplement for additional information.  The actual value of your Notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy.

PS-2

PS-3

Summary
Issuer	BofA Finance
Guarantor	BAC
Public Offering Price	100% of the Stated Principal Amount
Stated Principal Amount	$10.00 per Note
Minimum Investment	$1,000 (100 Notes)
Term	Approximately 15 months, unless earlier called
Strike Date	March 15, 2023
Trade Date1	March 16, 2023
Issue Date1	March 21, 2023
Final Observation Date	June 17, 2024, subject to postponement as described under “Description of the Notes—Certain Terms of the Notes—Events Relating to Calculation Days” in the accompanying product supplement.
Maturity Date	June 21, 2024
Underlyings	Dow Jones Industrial Average® (Ticker: INDU)  The Russell 2000® Index (Ticker: RTY)
Issuer Call Feature	Beginning in June 2023, the issuer may, in its sole discretion, call the Notes in whole, but not in part, on any Call Date upon not less than five (5) business days’ but not more than 60 calendar days’ notice prior to such Call Date. If the Notes are called, on the applicable Call Date we will pay you a cash payment per $10.00 Stated Principal Amount equal to the Stated Principal Amount plus the Coupon Payment otherwise due on such Call Date. If the Notes are called, no further payments will be made on the Notes.
Coupon Payment Dates	See “Coupon Payment Dates” on page PS-6.
Coupon Payment/Coupon Rate	We will pay a Coupon Payment on each monthly Coupon Payment Date. Each Coupon Payment will be in the amount of $0.08458 for each $10.00 Stated Principal Amount (based on the per annum Coupon Rate of 10.15%) and will be payable on the related Coupon Payment Date.
Call Dates	The monthly Coupon Payment Dates beginning on June 20, 2023 and ending on May 17, 2024, as indicated on page PS-6.
Payment At Maturity (per $10.00 Stated Principal Amount)	If the Notes are not called prior to maturity and the Final Value of the Least Performing Underlying on the Final Observation Date is greater than or equal to its Downside Threshold, on the Maturity Date we will pay you the Stated Principal Amount.  If the Notes are not called prior to maturity and the Final Value of the Least Performing Underlying on the Final Observation Date is less than its Downside Threshold, we will pay you a cash payment on the Maturity Date that is less than your Stated Principal Amount and may be zero, resulting in a loss that is proportionate to the negative Underlying Return of the Least Performing Underlying, equal to:  $10.00 × (1 + Underlying Return of the Least Performing Underlying)

	Accordingly, you may lose all or a substantial portion of your Stated Principal Amount at maturity, depending on how significantly the Least Performing Underlying declines, even if the Final Value of the other Underlying is above its Downside Threshold.  In each case described above you will also receive the final Coupon Payment.
Least Performing Underlying	The Underlying with the lowest Underlying Return as of the Final Observation Date.
Underlying Return	For any Underlying, Final Value — Initial Value Initial Value
Downside Threshold	For any Underlying, 70% of its Initial Value, as specified on the cover page of this pricing supplement.
Initial Value	For any Underlying, its closing level on the Strike Date, as specified on the cover page of this pricing supplement. The closing level of an Underlying on the Strike Date is lower than its closing level on the Trade Date.
Final Value	For any Underlying, its closing level on the Final Observation Date.
Calculation Agent	BofAS, an affiliate of BofA Finance.
Selling Agents	BofAS and UBS.
Events of Default and Acceleration	If an Event of Default, as defined in the senior indenture relating to the Notes and in the section entitled “Description of Debt Securities of BofA Finance LLC—Events of Default and Rights of Acceleration; Covenant Breaches” on page 54 of the accompanying prospectus, with respect to the Notes occurs and is continuing, the amount payable to a holder of the Notes upon any acceleration permitted under the senior indenture will be equal to the amount described under the caption “—Payment at Maturity” above, calculated as though the date of acceleration were the Maturity Date of the Notes and as though the Final Observation Date were the third trading day prior to the date of acceleration. The final Coupon Payment will be prorated by the calculation agent to reflect the length of the final coupon payment period.  In case of a default in the payment of the Notes, whether at their maturity or upon acceleration, the Notes will not bear a default interest rate.

¹ See "Supplement to the Plan of Distribution; Role of BofAS and Conflicts of Interest" in this pricing supplement for additional information.

PS-4

Investment Timeline
	Strike Date		The closing level of each Underlying (its Initial Value) is observed and the Downside Threshold for each Underlying is determined.
	Monthly (callable by the issuer in its sole discretion beginning in June 2023)		We will pay a Coupon Payment on each Coupon Payment Date. Beginning in June 2023, the issuer may, in its sole discretion, call the Notes in whole, but not in part, on any Call Date upon not less than five (5) business days’ but not more than 60 calendar days’ notice prior to such Call Date. If the Notes are called, on the applicable Call Date we will pay you a cash payment per $10.00 Stated Principal Amount equal to the Stated Principal Amount plus the Coupon Payment otherwise due on such Call Date. If the Notes are called, no further payments will be made on the Notes.
	Maturity Date (if not previously called)		If the Notes are not called prior to maturity, the Final Value of each Underlying will be observed on the Final Observation Date. If the Final Value of the Least Performing Underlying on the Final Observation Date is greater than or equal to its Downside Threshold, on the Maturity Date we will pay you the Stated Principal Amount. If the Final Value of the Least Performing Underlying on the Final Observation Date is less than its Downside Threshold, on the Maturity Date we will pay you a cash payment that is less than your Stated Principal Amount and may be zero, resulting in a loss that is proportionate to the negative Underlying Return of the Least Performing Underlying, equal to:  $10.00 × (1 + Underlying Return of the Least Performing Underlying) In each case described above you will also receive the final Coupon Payment.

PS-5

PS-6

Your investment in the Notes entails significant risks, many of which differ from those of a conventional debt security. Your decision to purchase the Notes should be made only after carefully considering the risks of an investment in the Notes, including those discussed below, with your advisors in light of your particular circumstances. The Notes are not an appropriate investment for you if you are not knowledgeable about significant elements of the Notes or financial matters in general. You should carefully review the more detailed explanation of risks relating to the Notes in the “Risk Factors” sections beginning on page PS-5 of the accompanying product supplement, page S-6 of the accompanying prospectus supplement and page 7 of the accompanying prospectus identified on page PS-2 above.

Structure-related Risks

It is more likely that we will call the Notes in our sole discretion prior to maturity to the extent that the expected Coupon Payments payable on the Notes are greater than the coupon that would be payable on other instruments issued by us of comparable maturity, terms and credit rating trading in the market. The greater likelihood of us calling the Notes in that environment increases the risk that you will not be able to reinvest the proceeds from the called Notes in another investment that provides a similar yield with a similar level of risk. We are less likely to call the Notes prior to maturity when the expected Coupon Payments payable on the Notes are less than the coupon that would be payable on other comparable instruments issued by us. Therefore, the Notes are more likely to remain outstanding when the expected Coupon Payments payable on the Notes are less than what would be payable on other comparable instruments and when your risk of not receiving a coupon is relatively higher.

In addition, our credit ratings and the credit ratings of the Guarantor are assessments by ratings agencies of our respective abilities to pay our obligations. Consequently, our or the Guarantor’s perceived creditworthiness and actual or anticipated decreases in our or the Guarantor’s credit ratings or increases in the spread between the yield on our respective securities and the yield on U.S. Treasury securities (the “credit spread”) prior to the Maturity Date of your Notes may adversely affect the market value of the Notes. However, because your return on the Notes depends upon factors in addition to our ability and the ability of the Guarantor to pay our respective 

PS-7

obligations, such as the values of the Underlyings, an improvement in our or the Guarantor’s credit ratings will not reduce the other investment risks related to the Notes.

Valuation and Market-related Risks

The development of a trading market for the Notes will depend on the Guarantor’s financial performance and other factors, including changes in the level of the Underlyings. The number of potential buyers of your Notes in any secondary market may be limited. We anticipate that BofAS will act as a market-maker for the Notes, but none of us, the Guarantor or BofAS is required to do so. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your Notes at any price in any secondary market. BofAS may discontinue its market-

PS-8

making activities as to the Notes at any time. To the extent that BofAS engages in any market-making activities, it may bid for or offer the Notes. Any price at which BofAS may bid for, offer, purchase, or sell any Notes may differ from the values determined by pricing models that it may use, whether as a result of dealer discounts, mark-ups, or other transaction costs. These bids, offers, or completed transactions may affect the prices, if any, at which the Notes might otherwise trade in the market. In addition, if at any time BofAS were to cease acting as a market-maker as to the Notes, it is likely that there would be significantly less liquidity in the secondary market. In such a case, the price at which the Notes could be sold likely would be lower than if an active market existed.

Conflict-related Risks

The transactions described above may affect the value of the Underlyings in a manner that could be adverse to your investment in the Notes. On or before the Strike Date, any purchases or sales by us, the Guarantor or our other affiliates, including BofAS or others on its behalf, and UBS and its affiliates (including for the purpose of hedging some or all of our anticipated exposure in connection with the Notes) may have affected the value of the Underlyings. Consequently, the value of the Underlyings may change subsequent to the Strike Date, which may adversely affect the market value of the Notes. In addition, these activities may decrease the market value of your Notes prior to maturity, and may affect the amounts to be paid on the Notes. We, the Guarantor or one or more of our other affiliates, including BofAS, and UBS and its affiliates may purchase or otherwise acquire a long or short position in the Notes and may hold or resell the Notes. For example, BofAS may enter into these transactions in connection with any market making activities in which it engages. We cannot assure you that these activities will not adversely affect the value of the Underlyings, the market value of your Notes prior to maturity or the amounts payable on the Notes.

Underlying-related Risks

PS-9

issuers of such securities, such as stock price volatility, earnings and financial conditions, corporate, industry and regulatory developments, management changes and decisions and other events, as well as general market factors, such as general stock market or commodity market volatility and levels, interest rates and economic and political conditions.

Tax-related Risks

PS-10

Hypothetical terms only. Actual terms may vary. See the cover page for actual offering terms.

The examples below illustrate the hypothetical payment upon a call or at maturity for a $10.00 Stated Principal Amount Note with the following assumptions* (amounts may have been rounded for ease of reference and do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the Notes):

*The hypothetical Initial Values and Downside Thresholds do not represent the actual Initial Values and Downside Thresholds, respectively, applicable to the Underlyings. The actual Initial Values and Downside Thresholds are specified on the cover page of this pricing supplement. All payments on the Notes are subject to issuer and Guarantor credit risk.

Example 1 — Notes are called by us in our sole discretion on the third Coupon Payment Date (which is also the first Call Date).

A Coupon Payment is paid on each of the first and second Coupon Payment Dates. Since the Notes are called by us in our sole discretion on the third Coupon Payment Date, which is also the first Call Date, we will pay you a total of $10.08458 per Note (equal to the Stated Principal Amount plus the Coupon Payment) on that Call Date. When added to the $0.16916 in Coupon Payments received in respect of the first two Coupon Payment Dates, you would have been paid a total of $10.25374 per Note, representing a 2.5374% total return on the Notes over the approximately three months the Notes were outstanding before they were called by us in our sole discretion. You will not receive any further payments on the Notes.

Example 2 — Notes are NOT called prior to the Maturity Date and the Final Value of the Least Performing Underlying on the Final Observation Date is at or above its Downside Threshold.

PS-11

* Represents Least Performing Underlying

A Coupon Payment is paid on each of the first fourteen Coupon Payment Dates, but the Notes are not called prior to maturity. On the Final Observation Date, the Final Value of the Least Performing Underlying is above its Downside Threshold. At maturity, we will pay you $10.08458 per Note (equal to the Stated Principal Amount plus the final Coupon Payment). When added to the Coupon Payments of $1.18412 received in respect of the first fourteen Coupon Payment Dates, you would have been paid a total of $11.26870 per Note, representing an 12.6870% total return on the Notes over 15 months.

Example 3 — Notes are NOT called prior to the Maturity Date and the Final Value of the Least Performing Underlying on the Final Observation Date is below its Downside Threshold.

* Represents Least Performing Underlying

A Coupon Payment is paid on each of the first fourteen Coupon Payment Dates, but the Notes are not called. On the Final Observation Date, the Least Performing Underlying closes below its Downside Threshold. At maturity, investors are exposed to the proportionate downside performance of the Least Performing Underlying and you will receive $4.50 per Note, which reflects the percentage decrease of the closing level of the Least Performing Underlying from the Strike Date to the Final Observation Date, plus the final Coupon Payment of $0.08458, for a Payment at Maturity of $4.58458. When added to the $1.18412 in Coupon Payments received in respect of the first fourteen Coupon Payment Dates, you would have been paid a total of $5.76870 per Note, representing a -42.3130% total return over 15 months.

PS-12

All disclosures contained in this pricing supplement regarding the Underlyings, including, without limitation, their make-up, method of calculation, and changes in their components, have been derived from publicly available sources. The information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by each of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“SPDJI”), the sponsor of the INDU, and FTSE Russell, the sponsor of the RTY. We refer to SPDJI and FTSE Russell as the “Underlying Sponsors.” The Underlying Sponsors, which license the copyright and all other rights to the Underlyings, have no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the Underlyings. The consequences of either Underlying Sponsor discontinuing publication of the applicable Underlying are discussed in “Description of the Notes—Discontinuance of an Index” in the accompanying product supplement.  None of us, the Guarantor, the calculation agent, or either Selling Agent accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of either Underlying or any successor index.

None of us, the Guarantor, the Selling Agents or any of our or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the future performance of the Underlyings.

You should make your own investigation into the Underlyings.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average^® 

Unless otherwise stated, all information on the INDU provided in this pricing supplement is derived from Dow Jones Indexes, the marketing name and a licensed trademark of SPDJI. The INDU is a price-weighted index, which means an underlying stock’s weight in the INDU is based on its price per share rather than the total market capitalization of the issuer. The INDU is designed to provide an indication of the composite performance of 30 common stocks of corporations representing a broad cross-section of U.S. industry. The corporations represented in the INDU tend to be market leaders in their respective industries and their stocks are typically widely held by individuals and institutional investors.

The INDU is maintained by an Averages Committee comprised of three representatives of SPDJI and two representatives of The Wall Street Journal (the “WSJ”). Generally, composition changes occur only after mergers, corporate acquisitions or other dramatic shifts in a component's core business. When such an event necessitates that one component be replaced, the entire INDU is reviewed. As a result, when changes are made they typically involve more than one component. While there are no rules for component selection, a stock typically is added only if it has an excellent reputation, demonstrates sustained growth, is of interest to a large number of investors and accurately represents the sector(s) covered by the average.

Changes in the composition of the INDU are made entirely by the Averages Committee without consultation with the corporations represented in the INDU, any stock exchange, any official agency or us. Unlike most other indices, which are reconstituted according to a fixed review schedule, constituents of the INDU are reviewed on an as-needed basis. Changes to the common stocks included in the INDU tend to be made infrequently, and the underlying stocks of the INDU may be changed at any time for any reason. The companies currently represented in the INDU are incorporated in the United States and its territories and their stocks are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and The Nasdaq Stock Market.

The INDU initially consisted of 12 common stocks and was first published in the WSJ in 1896. The INDU was increased to include 20 common stocks in 1916 and to include 30 common stocks in 1928. The number of common stocks in the INDU has remained at 30 since 1928, and, in an effort to maintain continuity, the constituent corporations represented in the INDU have been changed on a relatively infrequent basis. The INDU includes companies from nine main groups: Basic Materials; Consumer Goods; Consumer Services; Financials; Healthcare; Industrials; Oil & Gas; Technology; and Telecommunications.

Computation of the INDU

The level of the INDU is the sum of the primary exchange prices of each of the 30 component stocks included in the INDU, divided by a divisor that is designed to provide a meaningful continuity in the level of the INDU. Because the INDU is price-weighted, stock splits or changes in the component stocks could result in distortions in the INDU level. In order to prevent these distortions related to extrinsic factors, the divisor is periodically changed in accordance with a mathematical formula that reflects adjusted proportions within the INDU. The current divisor of the INDU is published daily in the WSJ and other publications. In addition, other statistics based on the INDU may be found in a variety of publicly available sources.

PS-13

Historical Performance of the INDU 

The following graph sets forth the daily historical performance of the INDU in the period from January 2, 2018 through the Strike Date. We obtained this historical data from Bloomberg L.P. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg L.P. The horizontal line in the graph represents the INDU’s Downside Threshold of 22,312.20 (rounded to two decimal places), which is 70% of the INDU’s Initial Value of 31,874.57, which was the INDU’s closing level on the Strike Date. 

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

Before investing in the Notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels of the INDU.

PS-14

License Agreement

S&P^® is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) and Dow Jones^® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”).  These trademarks have been licensed for use by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. “Standard & Poor’s^®,” “Dow Jones Industrial Average^®” and “S&P^®” are trademarks of S&P. These trademarks have been sublicensed for certain purposes by our affiliate, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. The INDU is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.

The Notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, S&P or any of their respective affiliates (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices”). S&P Dow Jones Indices make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the holders of the Notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Notes particularly or the ability of the INDU to track general market performance. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ only relationship to Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated with respect to the INDU is the licensing of the INDU and certain trademarks, service marks and/or trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices and/or its third party licensors. The INDU is determined, composed and calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices without regard to us, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, or the Notes. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation to take our needs, BAC’s needs or the needs of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated or holders of the Notes into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the INDU. S&P Dow Jones Indices are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the prices, and amount of the Notes or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Notes or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Notes are to be converted into cash. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Notes. There is no assurance that investment products based on the INDU will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and its subsidiaries are not investment advisors. Inclusion of a security or futures contract within an index is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices to buy, sell, or hold such security or futures contract, nor is it considered to be investment advice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, SPDJI and its affiliates may independently issue and/or sponsor financial products unrelated to the Notes currently being issued by us, but which may be similar to and competitive with the Notes. In addition, SPDJI and its affiliates may trade financial products which are linked to the performance of the INDU.  It is possible that this trading activity will affect the value of the Notes.

S&P DOW JONES INDICES DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDU OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P DOW JONES INDICES SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P DOW JONES INDICES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY US, BAC, MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED, HOLDERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDU OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE.  THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED, OTHER THAN THE LICENSORS OF S&P DOW JONES INDICES.

PS-15

The Russell 2000^® Index

The RTY was developed by Russell Investments (“Russell”) before FTSE International Limited and Russell combined in 2015 to create FTSE Russell, which is wholly owned by London Stock Exchange Group. Additional information on the RTY is available at the following website: http://www.ftserussell.com. No information on that website is deemed to be included or incorporated by reference in this pricing supplement.

Russell began dissemination of the RTY on January 1, 1984. FTSE Russell calculates and publishes the RTY. The RTY was set to 135 as of the close of business on December 31, 1986. The RTY is designed to track the performance of the small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market. As a subset of the Russell 3000^® Index, the RTY consists of the smallest 2,000 companies included in the Russell 3000^® Index. The Russell 3000^® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies, representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. The RTY is determined, comprised, and calculated by FTSE Russell without regard to the Notes.

Selection of Stocks Comprising the RTY

All companies eligible for inclusion in the RTY must be classified as a U.S. company under FTSE Russell’s country-assignment methodology. If a company is incorporated, has a stated headquarters location, and trades in the same country (American Depositary Receipts and American Depositary Shares are not eligible), then the company is assigned to its country of incorporation. If any of the three factors are not the same, FTSE Russell defines three Home Country Indicators (“HCIs”): country of incorporation, country of headquarters, and country of the most liquid exchange (as defined by a two-year average daily dollar trading volume) from all exchanges within a country. Using the HCIs, FTSE Russell compares the primary location of the company’s assets with the three HCIs. If the primary location of its assets matches any of the HCIs, then the company is assigned to the primary location of its assets. If there is insufficient information to determine the country in which the company’s assets are primarily located, FTSE Russell will use the country from which the company’s revenues are primarily derived for the comparison with the three HCIs in a similar manner. FTSE Russell uses the average of two years of assets or revenues data to reduce potential turnover. If conclusive country details cannot be derived from assets or revenues data, FTSE Russell will assign the company to the country of its headquarters, which is defined as the address of the company’s principal executive offices, unless that country is a Benefit Driven Incorporation (“BDI”) country, in which case the company will be assigned to the country of its most liquid stock exchange. BDI countries include: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Cook Islands, Curacao, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Panama, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, and Turks and Caicos Islands. For any companies incorporated or headquartered in a U.S. territory, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands, a U.S. HCI is assigned.

All securities eligible for inclusion in the RTY must trade on a major U.S. exchange. Stocks must have a closing price at or above $1.00 on their primary exchange on the last trading day in May to be eligible for inclusion during annual reconstitution. However, in order to reduce unnecessary turnover, if an existing member’s closing price is less than $1.00 on the last day of May, it will be considered eligible if the average of the daily closing prices (from its primary exchange) during the month of May is equal to or greater than $1.00. Initial public offerings are added each quarter and must have a closing price at or above $1.00 on the last day of their eligibility period in order to qualify for index inclusion. If an existing stock does not trade on the “rank day” (typically the last trading day in May but a confirmed timetable is announced each spring) but does have a closing price at or above $1.00 on another eligible U.S. exchange, that stock will be eligible for inclusion. 

An important criterion used to determine the list of securities eligible for the RTY is total market capitalization, which is defined as the market price as of the last trading day in May for those securities being considered at annual reconstitution times the total number of shares outstanding. Where applicable, common stock, non-restricted exchangeable shares and partnership units/membership interests are used to determine market capitalization. Any other form of shares such as preferred stock, convertible preferred stock, redeemable shares, participating preferred stock, warrants and rights, installment receipts or trust receipts, are excluded from the calculation. If multiple share classes of common stock exist, they are combined. In cases where the common stock share classes act independently of each other (e.g., tracking stocks), each class is considered for inclusion separately. If multiple share classes exist, the pricing vehicle will be designated as the share class with the highest two-year trading volume as of the rank day in May.

Companies with a total market capitalization of less than $30 million are not eligible for the RTY. Similarly, companies with only 5% or less of their shares available in the marketplace are not eligible for the RTY. Royalty trusts, limited liability companies, closed-end investment companies (companies that are required to report Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, as defined by the SEC, including business development companies), blank check companies, special purpose acquisition companies, and limited partnerships are also ineligible for inclusion. Bulletin board, pink sheets, and over-the-counter traded securities are not eligible for inclusion. Exchange traded funds and mutual funds are also excluded. 

Annual reconstitution is a process by which the RTY is completely rebuilt. Based on closing levels of the company’s common stock on its primary exchange on the rank day of May of each year, FTSE Russell reconstitutes the composition of the RTY using the then existing market capitalizations of eligible companies. Reconstitution of the RTY occurs on the last Friday in June or, when the last Friday in June is the 29th or 30th, reconstitution occurs on the prior Friday. In addition, FTSE Russell adds initial public offerings to the RTY on a quarterly basis based on total market capitalization ranking within the market-adjusted capitalization breaks established during the most recent reconstitution. After membership is determined, a security’s shares are adjusted to include only those shares available to the public. This is often referred to as “free float.” The purpose of the adjustment is to exclude from market calculations the capitalization that is not available for purchase and is not part of the investable opportunity set.

PS-16

Historical Performance of the RTY 

The following graph sets forth the daily historical performance of the RTY in the period from January 2, 2018 through the Strike Date. We obtained this historical data from Bloomberg L.P. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg L.P. The horizontal line in the graph represents the RTY’s Downside Threshold of 1,222.162 (rounded to three decimal places), which is 70% of the RTY’s Initial Value of 1,745.945, which was the RTY’s closing level on the Strike Date. 

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

Before investing in the Notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels of the RTY.

PS-17

License Agreement

“Russell 2000^®” and “Russell 3000^®” are trademarks of FTSE Russell and have been licensed for use by our affiliate, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. The Notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by FTSE Russell, and FTSE Russell makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Notes.

FTSE Russell and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated have entered into a non-exclusive license agreement providing for the license to Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and its affiliates, including us, in exchange for a fee, of the right to use indices owned and published by FTSE Russell in connection with some securities, including the Notes. The license agreement provides that the following language must be stated in this pricing supplement: 

The Notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by FTSE Russell. FTSE Russell makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the holders of the Notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Notes particularly or the ability of the RTY to track general stock market performance or a segment of the same. FTSE Russell’s publication of the RTY in no way suggests or implies an opinion by FTSE Russell as to the advisability of investment in any or all of the securities upon which the RTY is based. FTSE Russell’s only relationship to Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and to us is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of FTSE Russell and of the RTY, which is determined, composed, and calculated by FTSE Russell without regard to Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, us, or the Notes. FTSE Russell is not responsible for and has not reviewed the Notes nor any associated literature or publications and FTSE Russell makes no representation or warranty express or implied as to their accuracy or completeness, or otherwise. FTSE Russell reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to alter, amend, terminate, or in any way change the RTY. FTSE Russell has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing, or trading of the Notes.

FTSE RUSSELL DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE RTY OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND FTSE RUSSELL SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. FTSE RUSSELL MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED, US, HOLDERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE RTY OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. FTSE RUSSELL MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE RTY OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL FTSE RUSSELL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

PS-18

Correlation of the Underlyings

The graph below illustrates the daily performance of the INDU and the RTY from January 2, 2018 through the Strike Date. For comparison purposes, each Underlying has been “normalized” to have a closing level of 100 on January 2, 2018 by dividing the closing level of that Underlying on each trading day by the closing level of that Underlying on January 2, 2018 and multiplying by 100. We obtained the closing levels used to determine the normalized closing levels set forth below from Bloomberg L.P., without independent verification.

The correlation of a pair of Underlyings represents a statistical measurement of the degree to which the returns of those Underlyings were similar to each other over a given period in terms of timing and direction. The correlation between a pair of Underlyings is scaled from 1.0 to -1.0, with 1.0 indicating perfect positive correlation (i.e., the value of both Underlyings are increasing together or decreasing together and the ratio of their returns has been constant), 0 indicating no correlation (i.e., there is no statistical relationship between the returns of that pair of Underlyings) and -1.0 indicating perfect negative correlation (i.e., as the value of one Underlying increases, the value of the other Underlying decreases and the ratio of their returns has been constant).

The graph below illustrates the historical performance of each Underlying relative to each other over the time period shown and provides an indication of how close the relative performance of each Underlying has historically been to the other Underlying. A closer relationship between the daily returns of two or more underlying assets over a given period indicates that such underlying assets have been more positively correlated. Lower (or more-negative) correlation among two or more underlying assets over a given period may indicate that it is less likely that those underlying assets will subsequently move in the same direction. Therefore, lower correlation among the Underlyings may indicate a greater potential for one of the Underlyings to close below its Downside Threshold on the Final Observation Date, because there may be a greater likelihood that at least one of the Underlyings will decrease in value significantly. However, even if the Underlyings have a higher positive correlation, one or both of the Underlyings may close below the respective Downside Threshold(s) on the Final Observation Date, as the Underlyings may both decrease in value. Moreover, the actual correlation among the Underlyings may differ, perhaps significantly, from their historical correlation. Although the correlation of the Underlyings’ performance may change over the term of the Notes, the economic terms of the Notes, including the Coupon Rate and Downside Threshold are determined, in part, based on the correlation of the Underlyings’ performance calculated using our and our affiliates' pricing models at the time when the terms of the Notes are finalized. All other things being equal, a higher Coupon Rate and lower Downside Threshold is generally associated with lower correlation among the Underlyings, which may indicate a greater potential for a significant loss on your investment at maturity. See “You are exposed to the market risk of both Underlyings”, “Because the Notes are linked to the performance of the least performing between the INDU and the RTY, you are exposed to greater risk of sustaining a significant loss on your investment than if the Notes were linked to just the INDU or just the RTY” and “Greater expected volatility generally indicates an increased risk of loss” in the Risk Factors section herein.

Past performance and correlation of the Underlyings are not indicative of the future performance or correlation of the Underlyings.

 

PS-19

BofAS, an affiliate of BofA Finance and the lead selling agent for the sale of the Notes, will receive an underwriting discount of $0.10 for any Note sold in this offering. UBS, as selling agent for sales of the Notes, has agreed to purchase from BofAS, and BofAS has agreed to sell to UBS, all of the Notes sold in this offering for $9.90 per Note. UBS proposes to offer the Notes to the public at a price of $10.00 per Note. UBS will receive an underwriting discount of $0.10 for each Note it sells to the public. The underwriting discount will be received by UBS and its financial advisors collectively.  If all of the Notes are not sold at the initial offering price, BofAS may change the public offering price and other selling terms.

BofAS, a broker-dealer affiliate of ours, is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and will participate as lead selling agent in the distribution of the Notes. Accordingly, the offering of the Notes will conform to the requirements of FINRA Rule 5121.  BofAS may not make sales in this offering to any of its discretionary accounts without the prior written approval of the account holder.

We will deliver the Notes against payment therefor in New York, New York on a date that is greater than two business days following the Trade Date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Notes more than two business days prior to the Issue Date will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

BofAS and any of our other broker-dealer affiliates may use this pricing supplement, and the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus, for offers and sales in secondary market transactions and market-making transactions in the Notes. However, they are not obligated to engage in such secondary market transactions and/or market-making transactions.  These broker-dealer affiliates may act as principal or agent in these transactions, and any such sales will be made at prices related to prevailing market conditions at the time of the sale.

As agreed by BofAS and UBS, for approximately a three-month period after the Trade Date, to the extent BofAS offers to buy the Notes in the secondary market, it will do so at a price that will exceed the estimated value of the Notes at that time. The amount of this excess will decline on a straight line basis over that period. Thereafter, if BofAS buys or sells your Notes, it will do so at prices that reflect the estimated value determined by reference to its pricing models at that time. Any price at any time after the Trade Date will be based on then-prevailing market conditions and other considerations, including the performance of the Underlyings and the remaining term of the Notes. However, none of us, the Guarantor, BofAS, UBS or any other party is obligated to purchase your Notes at any price or at any time, and we cannot assure you that any party will purchase your Notes at a price that equals or exceeds the initial estimated value of the Notes.

Any price that BofAS may pay to repurchase the Notes will depend upon then prevailing market conditions, the creditworthiness of us and the Guarantor, and transaction costs.  At certain times, this price may be higher than or lower than the initial estimated value of the Notes.

Sales Outside of the United States     

The Notes have not been approved for public sale in any jurisdiction outside of the United States. There has been no registration or filing as to the Notes with any regulatory, securities, banking, or local authority outside of the United States and no action has been taken by BofA Finance, BAC, BofAS or any other affiliate of BAC, or by UBS or any of its affiliates, to offer the Notes in any jurisdiction other than the United States. As such, these Notes are made available to investors outside of the United States only in jurisdictions where it is lawful to make such offer or sale and only under circumstances that will result in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including private placement requirements.  

Further, no offer or sale of the Notes is being made to residents of:

PS-20

You are urged to carefully review the selling restrictions that may be applicable to your jurisdiction beginning on page S-56 of the accompanying prospectus supplement.

European Economic Area and United Kingdom

None of this pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement is a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation (as defined below). This pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement have been prepared on the basis that any offer of Notes in any Member State of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”) or in the United Kingdom (each, a “Relevant State”) will only be made to a legal entity which is a qualified investor under the Prospectus Regulation (“Qualified Investors”). Accordingly any person making or intending to make an offer in that Relevant State of Notes which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement may only do so with respect to Qualified Investors. Neither BofA Finance nor BAC has authorized, nor does it authorize, the making of any offer of Notes other than to Qualified Investors. The expression “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.

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

United Kingdom

The communication of this pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement, the accompanying prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any other document or materials relating to the issue of the Notes offered hereby is not being made, and such documents and/or materials have not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the United Kingdom’s Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the “FSMA”). Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials as a financial promotion is only being made to those persons in the United Kingdom who have professional experience in matters relating to investments and who fall within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Financial Promotion Order”)), or who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Financial Promotion Order, or who are any other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). In the United Kingdom, the Notes offered hereby are only available to, and any investment or investment activity to which this pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement, the accompanying prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relates will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this pricing supplement, the accompanying product supplement, the accompanying prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or any of their contents.

Any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) in connection with the issue or sale of the Notes may only be communicated or caused to be communicated in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the issuer or the Guarantor.

All applicable provisions of the FSMA must be complied with in respect to anything done by any person in relation to the Notes in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

PS-21

The Notes are our debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Underlyings. The related guarantees are BAC’s obligations. Any payments on the Notes, including any Coupon Payments, depend on the credit risk of BofA Finance and BAC and on the performance of each of the Underlyings. The economic terms of the Notes reflect our and BAC’s actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing and are based on BAC’s internal funding rate, which is the rate it would pay to borrow funds through the issuance of market-linked Notes, and the economic terms of certain related hedging arrangements it enters into. BAC’s internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate it would pay when it issues conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities. This difference in funding rate, as well as the underwriting discount and the hedging related charges described elsewhere in this pricing supplement, reduced the economic terms of the Notes to you and the initial estimated value of the Notes. Due to these factors, the public offering price you are paying to purchase the Notes is greater than the initial estimated value of the Notes as of the Trade Date.  

On the cover page of this pricing supplement, we have provided the initial estimated value of the Notes as of the Trade Date.  

In order to meet our payment obligations on the Notes, at the time we issue the Notes, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives) with BofAS or one of our other affiliates. The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined based upon terms provided by BofAS and its affiliates, and take into account a number of factors, including our and BAC’s creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the volatility of the Underlyings, the tenor of the Notes and the hedging arrangements. The economic terms of the Notes and their initial estimated value depend in part on the terms of these hedging arrangements.  

BofAS has advised us that the hedging arrangements will include hedging related charges, reflecting the costs associated with, and our affiliates’ profit earned from, these hedging arrangements. Since hedging entails risk and may be influenced by unpredictable market forces, actual profits or losses from these hedging transactions may be more or less than any expected amounts.  

For further information, see “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-7 above and “Supplemental Use of Proceeds” on page PS-20 of the accompanying product supplement.

In the opinion of McGuireWoods LLP, as counsel to BofA Finance, as issuer, and BAC, as guarantor, when the trustee has made the appropriate entries or notations on Schedule 1 to the master global note that represents the Notes (the “Master Note”) identifying the Notes offered hereby as supplemental obligations thereunder in accordance with the instructions of BofA Finance, and the Notes have been delivered against payment therefor as contemplated in this pricing supplement and the related prospectus, prospectus supplement and product supplement, all in accordance with the provisions of the indenture governing the Notes and the related guarantee, such Notes will be the legal, valid and binding obligations of BofA Finance, and the related guarantee will be the legal, valid and binding obligation of BAC, subject, in each case, to the effects of applicable bankruptcy, insolvency (including laws relating to preferences, fraudulent transfers and equitable subordination), reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, and to general principles of equity. This opinion is given as of the date of this pricing supplement and is limited to the Delaware General Corporation Law and the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (including the statutory provisions, all applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and reported judicial decisions interpreting either of the foregoing) and the laws of the State of New York as in effect on the date hereof. In addition, this opinion is subject to customary assumptions about the trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the indenture governing the Notes and due authentication of the Master Note, the validity, binding nature and enforceability of the indenture governing the Notes and the related guarantee with respect to the trustee, the legal capacity of individuals, the genuineness of signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to McGuireWoods LLP as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to McGuireWoods LLP as copies thereof, the authenticity of the originals of such copies and certain factual matters, all as stated in the opinion letter of McGuireWoods LLP dated December 8, 2022, which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (File Nos. 333-268718 and 333-268718-01) of BAC and BofA Finance, filed with the SEC on December 8, 2022.

PS-22

The following summary of the material U.S. federal income tax and estate tax considerations of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of the Notes supplements, and to the extent inconsistent supersedes, the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus and is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations. This summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), regulations promulgated under the Code by the U.S. Treasury Department (“Treasury”) (including proposed and temporary regulations), rulings, current administrative interpretations and official pronouncements of the IRS, and judicial decisions, all as currently in effect and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences described below. This summary does not include any description of the tax laws of any state or local governments, or of any foreign government, that may be applicable to a particular holder.

Although the Notes are issued by us, they will be treated as if they were issued by BAC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly throughout this tax discussion, references to “we,” “our” or “us” are generally to BAC unless the context requires otherwise.     

This summary is directed solely to U.S. Holders and Non-U.S. Holders that, except as otherwise specifically noted, will purchase the Notes upon original issuance and will hold the Notes as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, which generally means property held for investment, and that are not excluded from the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus. 

You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of acquiring, owning, and disposing of the Notes, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local, foreign, or other tax jurisdiction and the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal or other tax laws.

General

There is no statutory, judicial, or administrative authority directly addressing the characterization of the Notes or instruments substantially similar to the Notes.  We intend to treat the Notes for all tax purposes as a unit (a “Unit”) consisting of the following:

Based on the treatment of each Note as a Unit consisting of the Put Option and the Deposit, it would be reasonable to allocate each Coupon Payment between the Deposit and the Put Option and treat 46% of each Coupon Payment as Deposit Interest and 54% of each Coupon Payment as Put Option premium. Under this approach, it would be reasonable to allocate 100% of the issue price of a Note to the Deposit and none to the Put Option.

No statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly addresses the proper treatment of the Notes or instruments substantially similar to the Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and no ruling is being requested from the IRS with respect to the Notes. Significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Notes are uncertain, and no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court will agree with the tax treatment described herein. In the opinion of our counsel, Sidley Austin LLP, the treatment of the Notes described above is reasonable under current law; however, our counsel has advised us that it is unable to conclude affirmatively that this treatment is more likely than not to be upheld, and that alternative treatments are possible. Accordingly, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Notes (including alternative treatments of the notes). Unless otherwise expressly stated, the remainder of this discussion is based upon, and assumes, the treatment of each Note as a Unit consisting of the Put Option and the Deposit, as well as the allocation of the Coupon Payments and issue price of the Note described above.

Unless otherwise stated, the following discussion is based on the characterization described above.  The discussion in this section assumes that there is a significant possibility of a significant loss of principal on an investment in the Notes.

We will not attempt to ascertain whether the issuer of any component stocks included in the Underlyings would be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”), within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code, or a United States real property holding corporation, within the meaning of Section 897(c) of the Code.  If the issuer of one or more stocks included in the Underlyings were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could possibly apply to a holder of the Notes. You should refer to information filed with the SEC by the issuers of the component stocks included in the Underlyings and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you, if any, if any issuer of a component stock included in the Underlyings is or becomes a PFIC or is or becomes a United States real property holding corporation.

U.S. Holders

The Deposit Interest payments will be included in the income of a U.S. Holder as interest at the time that such interest is accrued or received in accordance with such U.S. Holder’s regular method of tax accounting. The Put Option premium will not be included in the income of a U.S. 

PS-23

Holder until the sale, exchange, redemption or maturity of the Notes. Accordingly, all of the Put Option premium payments on the Notes (except for the last Put Option premium payment) generally will not be included in the income of a U.S. Holder when they are received.

If at maturity the U.S. Holder receives cash equal to the full principal amount plus the last Deposit Interest payment and the last Put Option premium payment, then such U.S. Holder (i) would include the last Deposit Interest payment in income as interest in the manner described above and (ii) would recognize short-term capital gain equal to the entire amount of Put Option premium, which amount is equal to the sum of all of the Put Option premium payments received.

If at maturity the U.S. Holder receives an amount of cash that is less than the full principal amount and receives the last Deposit Interest payment and the last Put Option premium payment, then such U.S. Holder (i) will include the last Deposit Interest payment in income as interest in the manner described above and (ii) will recognize long-term capital gain or loss with respect to the remaining cash received at maturity (other than the last Put Option premium payment) in an amount equal to the difference between (1) the sum of all of the Put Option premiums received (including the last Put Option premium payment) and (2) the excess of the principal amount of the Note over the amount of such cash received.

Upon a redemption of the Notes prior to maturity, a U.S. Holder (i) would include the last Deposit Interest payment in income as interest in the manner described above and (ii) would recognize short-term capital gain equal to the sum of all the Put Option premium payments received.

Upon a sale or exchange of a Note prior to maturity (except upon redemption of the Notes prior to maturity, which is described above), a U.S. Holder will generally recognize short-term or long-term capital gain or loss with respect to the Deposit (depending upon the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Notes). The U.S. Holder will also generally recognize short-term capital gain or loss with respect to the Put Option. For purposes of determining the amount of such gain or loss, a U.S. Holder should apportion the amount realized on the sale or exchange (other than amounts attributable to accrued but unpaid Deposit Interest payments, which would be taxed as described above) between the Deposit and the Put Option based upon their respective fair market values on the date of such sale or exchange. In general, the amount of capital gain or loss on the Deposit will equal the amount realized that is attributable to the Deposit, less the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Deposit. The amount realized that is attributable to the Put Option plus the total Put Option premiums previously received by the U.S. Holder should be treated as short-term capital gain. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the fair market value of the Deposit on the date of such sale or exchange exceeds the total amount realized on the sale or exchange (other than amounts attributable to accrued but unpaid Deposit Interest payments), the U.S. Holder should be treated as having (i) sold or exchanged the Deposit for an amount equal to its fair market value on such date and (ii) made a payment (the “Put Option Assumption Payment”) equal to the amount of such excess in exchange for the purchaser’s assumption of the U.S. Holder’s rights and obligations under the Put Option.  In such event, the U.S. Holder should recognize short-term capital gain or loss in respect of the Put Option in an amount equal to the difference between the total Put Option premiums previously received by the U.S. Holder and the Put Option Assumption Payment.

Alternative Tax Treatments. Due to the absence of authorities that directly address the proper tax treatment of the Notes, prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding all possible alternative tax treatments of an investment in the Notes. In particular, the IRS could seek to subject the Notes to the Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments. If the IRS were successful in that regard, the timing and character of income on the Notes would be affected significantly. Among other things, a U.S. Holder would be required to accrue original issue discount every year at a “comparable yield” determined at the time of issuance. In addition, any gain realized by a U.S. Holder at maturity or upon a sale, exchange, or redemption of the Notes generally would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss realized at maturity or upon a sale, exchange, or redemption of the Notes generally would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s prior accruals of original issue discount, and as capital loss thereafter. Alternatively, under an alternative characterization of the Notes as income-bearing single financial contracts, the entire Coupon Payments could be required to be included in income as ordinary income by a U.S. holder at the time received accrued. Other alternative characterizations are possible and prospective investors should consult with their tax advisors regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Notes.

The IRS released Notice 2008-2 (the “Notice”), which sought comments from the public on the taxation of financial instruments currently taxed as “prepaid forward contracts.” This Notice addresses instruments such as the Notes. According to the Notice, the IRS and Treasury are considering whether a holder of an instrument such as the Notes should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis, regardless of whether any payments are made prior to maturity. It is not possible to determine what guidance the IRS and Treasury will ultimately issue, if any.  Any such future guidance may affect the amount, timing and character of income, gain, or loss in respect of the Notes, possibly with retroactive effect.

The IRS and Treasury are also considering additional issues, including whether additional gain or loss from such instruments should be treated as ordinary or capital, whether foreign holders of such instruments should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accruals, whether Section 1260 of the Code, concerning certain “constructive ownership transactions,” generally applies or should generally apply to such instruments, and whether any of these determinations depend on the nature of the underlying asset.

In addition, proposed Treasury regulations require the accrual of income on a current basis for contingent payments made under certain notional principal contracts. The preamble to the regulations states that the “wait and see” method of accounting does not properly reflect the economic accrual of income on those contracts, and requires current accrual of income for some contracts already in existence. While the proposed regulations do not apply to prepaid forward contracts, the preamble to the proposed regulations expresses the view that similar timing issues exist in the case of prepaid forward contracts. If the IRS or Treasury publishes future guidance requiring current economic accrual for contingent payments on prepaid forward contracts, it is possible that you could be required to accrue income over the term of the Notes. 

PS-24

Because of the absence of authority regarding the appropriate tax characterization of the Notes, it is also possible that the IRS could seek to characterize the Notes in a manner that results in tax consequences that are different from those described above. For example, the IRS could possibly assert that any gain or loss that a holder may recognize at maturity or upon the sale, exchange, or redemption of the Notes should be treated as ordinary gain or loss.

Because each Underlying is an index that periodically rebalances, it is possible that the Notes could be treated as a series of income-bearing single financial contracts, each of which matures on the next rebalancing date.  If the Notes were properly characterized in such a manner, a U.S. Holder would be treated as disposing of the Notes on each rebalancing date in return for new Notes that mature on the next rebalancing date, and a U.S. Holder would accordingly likely recognize capital gain or loss on each rebalancing date equal to the difference between the holder’s tax basis in the Notes (which would be adjusted to take into account any prior recognition of gain or loss) and the fair market value of the Notes on such date.

Non-U.S. Holders

Assuming the treatment of the Notes as set forth above is respected and subject to the discussions below regarding the potential application of Section 871(m) of the Code and the discussions in the accompanying prospectus regarding FATCA, Coupon Payments with respect to a Note, and gain realized on the sale, exchange or redemption of such Note, should not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax under current law, provided that:

Certification Requirement. The certification requirement referred to in the preceding paragraph will be fulfilled if the beneficial owner of a Note (or a financial institution holding a Note on behalf of the beneficial owner) furnishes to the applicable withholding agent an IRS Form W-8BEN (or other appropriate form), on which the beneficial owner certifies under penalties of perjury that it is not a U.S. person.

Alternative Tax Treatments. As described above under “— U.S. Holders — Alternative Tax Treatments,” the IRS may seek to apply a different characterization and tax treatment from the treatment described herein. While the U.S. federal income and withholding tax consequences to a Non-U.S. Holder of ownership and disposition of a Note under current law should generally be the same as those described immediately above, it is possible that a Non-U.S. Holder could be subject to withholding tax under certain recharacterizations of the Notes.

Moreover, among the issues addressed in the Notice described in “— U.S. Holders — Alternative Tax Treatments” is the degree, if any, to which income realized by Non-U.S. Holders should be subject to withholding tax. It is possible that any Treasury regulations or other guidance issued after consideration of this issue could materially and adversely affect the withholding tax consequences of ownership and disposition of the Notes, possibly with retroactive effect. Accordingly, prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding all aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Notes, including the possible implications of the Notice discussed above. Prospective investors should note that we currently do not intend to withhold on any of the payments made with respect to the Notes to Non-U.S. Holders (subject to compliance by such holders with the certification requirement described above and to the discussion regarding FATCA in the accompanying prospectus). However, in the event of a change of law or any formal or informal guidance by the IRS, the Treasury or Congress, we (or the applicable paying agent) may decide to withhold on payments made with  respect to the Notes to Non-U.S. Holders and we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, gain from the sale, exchange, or redemption of the Notes or their settlement at maturity may be subject to U.S. federal income tax if that Non-U.S. Holder is a non-resident alien individual and is present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the sale, exchange, redemption, or settlement and certain other conditions are satisfied.

If a Non-U.S. Holder of the Notes is engaged in the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. and if any Coupon Payment and gain realized on the settlement at maturity, or upon sale, exchange or redemption of the Notes, is effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business (and, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the U.S.), the Non-U.S. Holder, although exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax, generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such Coupon Payment and gain on a net income basis in the same manner as if it were a U.S. Holder. Such Non-U.S. Holders should read the material under the heading “—U.S. Holders,” for a description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning, and disposing of the Notes.  In addition, if such Non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation, it may also be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate provided by any applicable tax treaty) of a portion of its earnings and profits for the taxable year that are effectively connected with its conduct of a trade or business in the U.S., subject to certain adjustments.

A “dividend equivalent” payment is treated as a dividend from sources within the United States and such payments generally would be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax if paid to a Non-U.S. Holder. Under Treasury regulations, payments (including deemed payments) with respect to equity-linked instruments (“ELIs”) that are “specified ELIs” may be treated as dividend equivalents if such specified ELIs reference an interest in an “underlying security,” which is generally any interest in an entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if a payment with respect to such interest could give rise to a U.S. source dividend. However, IRS guidance provides that withholding on dividend 

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equivalent payments will not apply to specified ELIs that are not delta-one instruments and that are issued before January 1, 2025. Based on our determination that the Notes are not delta-one instruments, Non-U.S. Holders should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments, if any, under the Notes. However, it is possible that the Notes could be treated as deemed reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the Underlyings or the Notes, and following such occurrence the Notes could be treated as subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments. Non-U.S. Holders that enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of the Underlyings or the Notes should consult their tax advisors as to the application of the dividend equivalent withholding tax in the context of the Notes and their other transactions. If any payments are treated as dividend equivalents subject to withholding, we (or the applicable paying agent) would be entitled to withhold taxes without being required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts so withheld.

 

As discussed above, alternative characterizations of the Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes are possible. Should an alternative characterization, by reason of change or clarification of the law, by regulation or otherwise, cause payments as to the Notes to become subject to withholding tax in addition to the withholding tax described above, tax will be withheld at the applicable statutory rate.  Prospective Non-U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of such alternative characterizations.

U.S. Federal Estate Tax. Under current law, while the matter is not entirely clear, individual Non-U.S. Holders, and entities whose property is potentially includible in those individuals’ gross estates for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example, a trust funded by such an individual and with respect to which the individual has retained certain interests or powers), should note that, absent an applicable treaty benefit, a Note is likely to be treated as U.S. situs property, subject to U.S. federal estate tax. These individuals and entities should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of investing in a Note.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Please see the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — General — Backup Withholding and Information Reporting” in the accompanying prospectus for a description of the applicability of the backup withholding and information reporting rules to payments made on the Notes.

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