Bank of Nova Scotia FWP: High-Yield Callable Securities on PLTR Stock
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
The Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) is marketing Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities (senior unsecured notes) linked to the common stock of Palantir Technologies Inc. (ticker: PLTR UW). Each $1,000 note may be automatically called quarterly if PLTR’s closing price on a determination date is at least its initial price. Upon an early call, investors receive the stated principal plus the applicable contingent coupon and any previously unpaid coupons.
Income mechanics: The note pays a contingent coupon of $47.875 per quarter (19.15% p.a.) only when PLTR closes on or above the 50 % downside threshold; missed coupons can be recovered later through a “memory” feature if the threshold is met on a subsequent date.
Maturity outcomes (July 7 2028):
- If PLTR’s final price is ≥ 50 % of its initial price, investors receive full principal plus any due coupons.
- If the final price is < 50 %, repayment is proportional to share performance, exposing investors to losses of more than 50 % and potentially total loss.
Key structural terms: Pricing date July 3 2025; issue date July 9 2025; CUSIP 06418VZW7; not exchange-listed. Estimated value at pricing is $934.70–$964.70, below the $1,000 issue price, reflecting built-in fees (including a $22.50 commission).
Principal risks outlined: loss of principal if PLTR drops below the 50 % threshold; possibility of receiving no coupons; reinvestment risk upon early call; limited liquidity and secondary pricing based on Scotia Capital (USA)’s valuations; payments subject to BNS credit risk; complex tax treatment; potential conflicts from hedging and market-making activities by BNS and its affiliates.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insights
TL;DR (23 words): 19.15% headline coupon looks attractive, but limited upside and 50 % barrier expose buyers to deep equity risk and BNS credit risk.
These Auto-Callable notes fit yield-seeking strategies that can tolerate equity-like downside. The high coupon stems from PLTR’s volatility and the 50 % buffer; if volatility subsides or shares rally, early call is likely, capping returns and introducing reinvestment risk. Conversely, a sustained drop below 50 % erodes principal dollar-for-dollar. Estimated value (≈94–96 % of par) shows a 4–6 % upfront cost, in line with comparable U.S. retail notes. Because the securities are not listed, liquidity will depend on the issuer’s bid, typically at a meaningful discount. Overall, product economics are standard for equity-linked yield notes, offering income but no participation in PLTR upside.
TL;DR (24 words): Investors face three stacked risks—PLTR drawdown, early call reinvestment, and BNS default—yet receive no more than coupon income and par.
The 50 % downside threshold is relatively shallow for a single, high-beta tech name, heightening probability of principal loss over a three-year horizon. Memory coupons soften short-term volatility but do not mitigate terminal risk. Credit-spread widening at BNS would also pressure secondary prices. The product is unlikely to move BNS’s financials materially, implying negligible impact on the issuer’s shares. From a portfolio standpoint, the note resembles a short put plus premium strategy; sophisticated investors may replicate more efficiently in listed markets.