Bank of Nova Scotia FWP: High-yield UNH-linked structured note with 60% barrier
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
The Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) is marketing Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities linked to UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH) common stock. Each $1,000 note offers a contingent quarterly coupon of $32.50 (13.0% p.a.) provided UNH’s closing price on the relevant determination date is at or above a 60% downside threshold. Missed coupons can be recovered later through a memory feature. If, on any quarterly determination date before maturity, UNH closes at or above its initial price, the note is auto-called and the investor receives the principal plus any due coupons.
Maturity profile: Pricing is scheduled for 18 Jul 2025 with maturity (or last call opportunity) on 21 Jul 2028. At maturity, investors receive: (i) principal plus due coupons if UNH is ≥60% of the initial price, or (ii) principal multiplied by UNH price performance if below the threshold—potentially as low as zero. Investors do not participate in any upside beyond coupon payments.
The notes are senior unsecured debt of BNS; all payments are subject to BNS credit risk. They are unlisted, non-transferable on exchanges and include a 2.25% selling commission. BNS’ estimated value on the pricing date is expected to range between $932 and $962 per $1,000 note, underscoring an initial value discount versus issue price. Extensive risk factors highlight price volatility of UNH, liquidity constraints, potential conflicts from BNS/SCUSA hedging, and uncertain tax treatment.
Positive
- High headline income: 13.0% annual contingent coupon with memory feature provides potential cash flow significantly above current fixed-income yields.
- Auto-call at par: Investors can receive full principal plus coupons early if UNH closes at or above the initial price on any quarterly observation date.
Negative
- Principal at risk: A decline in UNH below 60% of initial price at final observation results in dollar-for-dollar loss of principal, down to zero.
- No upside participation: Investors do not benefit from UNH appreciation beyond coupon receipts.
- Issuer credit risk: Payments rely on BNS as senior unsecured debt; deterioration in BNS credit could impair returns.
- Liquidity discount: Notes are unlisted and expected to trade below issue price; BNS’ estimated value is $932–$962 per $1,000.
- Uncertain tax treatment: U.S. and Canadian tax consequences are not fully defined, requiring individual consultation.
Insights
TL;DR: 13% contingent coupon, 60% barrier, full downside risk; attractive income but capital-at-risk and no upside participation.
The note offers a high headline coupon relative to prevailing rates, supported by UNH’s historically lower volatility. However, investors accept a 40% first-loss position: any decline below the 60% barrier converts losses one-for-one, potentially wiping out principal. The automatic call at 100% initial price introduces reinvestment risk; investors could be cashed out early if UNH remains flat or rises. With an issue price premium over BNS’ internal value (≈3.8%–6.8%), secondary liquidity will likely open at a discount. Because coupon eligibility depends only on quarterly closes, interim price spikes provide no benefit. Overall, risk/return is appropriate for yield-seeking investors tolerant of equity and credit risk, but is neutral to BNS shareholders given the issuance’s small size.
TL;DR: Principal risk, issuer credit exposure, limited liquidity and uncertain tax classification offset headline 13% yield.
The structure embeds a short put on UNH with a 60% strike plus an autocall feature, effectively monetising downside tail risk for coupons. Because the notes are unsecured, deterioration in BNS’ credit quality could impair repayment regardless of UNH performance. The unlisted nature and single-dealer market mean exit pricing will be heavily model-based and likely illiquid. Investors face gap risk around determination dates and cannot hedge efficiently due to bespoke terms. Tax treatment remains unclear for both U.S. and Canadian holders, adding after-tax uncertainty. On balance, the deal is not materially impactful at the corporate level but is high-risk for end buyers.
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ISSUER FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS |
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 433 |
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Registration Statement No. 333-282565 |
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Dated July 8, 2025 |
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities due on or about July 21, 2028
Based on the Performance of the Common Stock of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
Principal at Risk Securities
This document provides a summary of the terms of the Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities (the “securities”). Investors should carefully review the accompanying preliminary pricing supplement for the securities, the accompanying product supplement, the prospectus supplement and the prospectus, as well as the “Risk Considerations” section below, before making an investment decision.
The securities do not guarantee any return of principal at maturity. Investors will not participate in any appreciation of the underlying stock and must be willing to accept the risk of not receiving any contingent quarterly coupons over the term of the securities. The securities are senior unsecured debt securities issued by The Bank of Nova Scotia (“BNS”), and all payments on the securities are subject to the credit risk of BNS. As used in this document, “we,” “us,” or “our” refers to BNS.
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SUMMARY TERMS |
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Issuer: |
The Bank of Nova Scotia |
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Issue: |
Senior Note Program, Series A |
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Underlying stock: |
Common stock of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (Bloomberg Ticker: “UNH UN”) |
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Stated principal amount: |
$1,000.00 per security |
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Minimum investment: |
$1,000 (1 security) |
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Pricing date: |
July 18, 2025 |
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Original issue date: |
July 23, 2025 (3 business days after the pricing date; see preliminary pricing supplement). |
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Final determination date: |
July 18, 2028, subject to postponement for certain market disruption events and as described in the accompanying product supplement. |
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Maturity date: |
July 21, 2028, subject to postponement for certain market disruption events and as described in the accompanying product supplement. |
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Early redemption: |
If the closing price of the underlying stock on any determination date other than the final determination date is greater than or equal to the call threshold price, the securities will be automatically redeemed for an amount per security equal to the early redemption payment on the first contingent coupon payment date immediately following the related determination date. No further payments will be made on the securities once they have been redeemed. |
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Early redemption payment: |
The early redemption payment will be an amount equal to (i) the stated principal amount plus (ii) the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the applicable determination date and any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons with respect to any previous determination dates pursuant to the memory coupon feature. |
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Contingent quarterly coupon: |
▪If the closing price on any determination date is greater than or equal to the downside threshold price, we will pay on the related contingent coupon payment date a contingent quarterly coupon of $32.50 (equivalent to 13.00% per annum of the stated principal amount) per security, plus any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons with respect to any previous determination dates pursuant to the memory coupon feature. ▪If the closing price on any determination date is less than the downside threshold price, we will not pay a contingent quarterly coupon on the related contingent coupon payment date. |
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Memory coupon feature: |
If a contingent quarterly coupon is not paid on a contingent coupon payment date (other than the maturity date) because the closing price of the underlying stock on the related determination date is less than the downside threshold price, such contingent quarterly coupon will be paid on a later contingent coupon payment date if the closing price of the underlying stock on the determination date corresponding to such later contingent coupon payment date is greater than or equal to the downside threshold price. For the avoidance of doubt, once a previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupon has been paid on a later contingent coupon payment date, it will not be made again on any subsequent contingent coupon payment date. If the closing price of the underlying stock on each of the determination dates is less than the downside threshold price, you will receive no contingent quarterly coupons during the term of, and will not receive a positive return on, the securities. |
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Determination dates: |
Quarterly (as set forth on the cover of the preliminary pricing supplement), subject to postponement for non-trading days and certain market disruption events as described in the accompanying product supplement. |
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Contingent coupon payment dates: |
Quarterly (as set forth on the cover of the preliminary pricing supplement), subject to postponement for non-business days and certain market disruption events as described in the accompanying product supplement. |
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Payment at maturity: |
▪If the final share price is greater than or equal to the downside threshold price: (i) the stated principal amount plus (ii) the contingent quarterly coupon with respect to the final determination date and any previously unpaid contingent quarterly coupons with respect to any previous determination dates pursuant to the memory coupon feature ▪If the final share price is less than the downside threshold price: (i) the stated principal amount multiplied by (ii) the share performance factor If the final share price is less than the downside threshold price, the payment at maturity will be less than 60.00% of the stated principal amount and could be as low as zero. |
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Share performance factor: |
Final share price divided by the initial share price |
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Call threshold price: |
100.00% of the initial share price, as may be adjusted in the case of certain adjustment events as described in the accompanying product supplement |
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Downside threshold price: |
60.00% of the initial share price, as may be adjusted in the case of certain adjustment events as described in the accompanying product supplement |
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Initial share price: |
The closing price of the underlying stock on the pricing date, as may be adjusted in the case of certain adjustment events as described in the accompanying product supplement. |
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Final share price: |
The closing price of the underlying stock on the final determination date, as may be adjusted in the case of certain adjustment events as described in the accompanying product supplement |
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CUSIP / ISIN: |
06419DAP8 / US06419DAP87 |
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Listing: |
The securities will not be listed or displayed on any securities exchange or any electronic communications network. |
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Commission: |
$22.50 per stated principal amount. |
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Estimated value on the pricing date: |
Expected to be between $932.00 and $962.00 per security. See “Risk Factors” in the preliminary pricing supplement. |
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Preliminary pricing supplement: |
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/9631/000183988225037551/bns_424b2-20432.htm |
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HYPOTHETICAL PAYOUT |
The below figures are based on a hypothetical downside threshold price of 60.00% of a hypothetical initial share price and are purely hypothetical (the actual terms of your securities will be determined on the pricing date and will be specified in the final pricing supplement).
Hypothetical Payment at Maturity if No Early Redemption Occurs
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Change in Underlying Stock |
Payment at Maturity (excluding any contingent quarterly coupon payable at maturity) |
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+50.00% |
$1,000.00 |
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+40.00% |
$1,000.00 |
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+30.00% |
$1,000.00 |
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+20.00% |
$1,000.00 |
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+10.00% |
$1,000.00 |
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0.00% |
$1,000.00 |
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-10.00% |
$1,000.00 |
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-20.00% |
$1,000.00 |
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-30.00% |
$1,000.00 |
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-40.00% |
$1,000.00 |
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-41.00% |
$590.00 |
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-50.00% |
$500.00 |
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-60.00% |
$400.00 |
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-70.00% |
$300.00 |
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-80.00% |
$200.00 |
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-90.00% |
$100.00 |
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-100.00% |
$0.00 |
A-1
You will find a link to the accompanying preliminary pricing supplement for the securities above and links to the accompanying product supplement and accompanying prospectus for the securities under “Additional Information About BNS and the Securities” in the preliminary pricing supplement, which you should read and understand prior to investing in the securities.
The issuer has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus as supplemented by a prospectus supplement, product supplement and the preliminary pricing supplement) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the accompanying prospectus in that registration statement and the other documents the issuer has filed with the SEC, including the accompanying preliminary pricing supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and product supplement, for more complete information about the issuer and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the issuer, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by calling (212) 225-5678. Our Central Index Key, or CIK, on the SEC web site is 0000009631.
Risk Considerations
The risks set forth below are discussed in more detail in the “Risk Factors” section in the preliminary pricing supplement. Please review those risk factors carefully prior to making an investment decision.
Risks Relating to Return Characteristics
▪Risk of loss at maturity.
▪Contingent repayment of stated principal amount only at maturity.
▪You may not receive any contingent quarterly coupons.
▪Greater expected volatility with respect to the underlying stock generally reflects a higher contingent quarterly coupon and a higher expectation as of the pricing date that the final share price of the underlying stock could be less than the downside threshold price on the final determination date.
▪The securities are subject to reinvestment risk in the event of an early redemption.
▪The contingent quarterly coupon, if any, is based solely on the closing price or the final share price, as applicable.
▪Your potential return on the securities is limited, you will not participate in any appreciation of the underlying stock and you will not realize a return beyond the returns represented by the contingent quarterly coupons received, if any, during the term of the securities.
Risks Relating to Characteristics of the Underlying Stock
▪The securities are subject to risks associated with investments in single equity securities.
▪There can be no assurance that the investment view implicit in the securities will be successful.
▪There is no affiliation between BNS and the underlying stock issuer.
Risks Relating to Estimated Value and Liquidity
▪BNS’ initial estimated value of the securities at the time of pricing (when the terms of your securities are set on the pricing date) will be lower than the issue price of the securities.
▪Neither BNS’ nor SCUSA’s estimated value of the securities at any time is determined by reference to credit spreads or the borrowing rate BNS would pay for its conventional fixed-rate debt securities.
▪BNS’ initial estimated value of the securities does not represent future values of the securities and may differ from others’ (including SCUSA’s) estimates.
▪The securities have limited liquidity.
▪The price at which SCUSA would buy or sell your securities (if SCUSA makes a market, which it is not obligated to do) will be based on SCUSA’s estimated value of your securities.
▪The price of the securities prior to maturity will depend on a number of factors and may be substantially less than the stated principal amount.
Risks Relating to General Credit Characteristics
▪Payments on the securities are subject to the credit risk of BNS.
Risks Relating to Hedging Activities and Conflicts of Interest
▪Hedging activities by BNS and SCUSA may negatively impact investors in the securities and cause our respective interests and those of our clients and counterparties to be contrary to those of investors in the securities.
▪The calculation agent can make antidilution and other adjustments that may adversely affect the market value of, and any amounts payable on, the securities.
▪We, SCUSA and our other affiliates regularly provide services to, or otherwise have business relationships with, a broad client base, which has included and may include us and the underlying stock issuer and the market activities by us, SCUSA or our other affiliates for our or their own respective accounts or for our clients could negatively impact investors in the securities.
▪Activities conducted by BNS and its affiliates may impact the market price of the underlying stock and the value of the securities.
▪The calculation agent will have significant discretion with respect to the securities, which may be exercised in a manner that is adverse to your interests.
▪BNS and its affiliates may publish research or make opinions or recommendations that are inconsistent with an investment in the securities.
Risks Relating to Canadian and U.S. Federal Income Taxation
▪Uncertain tax treatment. Significant aspects of the tax treatment of the securities are uncertain. You should consult your tax advisor about your tax situation. See “Additional Information About the Securities — Tax Considerations” and “— Material Canadian Income Tax Consequences” in the preliminary pricing supplement.
Underlying Stock
For information about the underlying stock, including historical performance information, see “Information About the Underlying Stock” in the preliminary pricing supplement.
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FAQ
What is the coupon rate on BNS Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities?
When can the BNS securities be automatically called?
What happens at maturity if UNH falls below the 60% threshold?
Is there any secondary market for these BNS notes?
How does BNS’ estimated value compare to the issue price?
