TABLE OF CONTENTS

We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in the applicable term sheet, this product supplement or the accompanying prospectus supplement or prospectus with respect to the LIRNs offered by the applicable term sheet or with respect to Royal Bank of Canada. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. The applicable term sheet, together with this product supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus, will contain the terms of the LIRNs and will supersede all other prior or contemporaneous oral statements as well as any other written materials, including preliminary or indicative pricing terms, correspondence, trade ideas, structures for implementation, sample structures, fact sheets, brochures or other educational materials of Royal Bank of Canada. The information in each applicable term sheet, this product supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus may be accurate only as of the date of that document.

The LIRNs are not appropriate for all investors and involve a number of risks and important legal and tax consequences that should be discussed with your professional advisers. You should be aware that the regulations of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or “FINRA,” and the laws of certain jurisdictions (including regulations and laws that require brokers to ensure that investments are suitable for their customers) may limit the availability of the LIRNs. The applicable term sheet, this product supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the LIRNs under any circumstances in which that offer or solicitation is unlawful.

LIRNs^® and “Leveraged Index Return Notes^®” are registered service marks of Bank of America Corporation, the parent corporation of BofAS.

Redemption Amount at Maturity:

At maturity, you will receive a Redemption Amount that is greater than the principal amount if the value of the Market Measure increases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value. In the case of Capped LIRNs, the Redemption Amount will not exceed the Capped Value.  If the value of the Market Measure does not change or decreases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value but the Ending Value is not below the Threshold Value, then the Redemption Amount will equal the principal amount.  However, if the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value, you will be subject to 1-to-1 downside exposure to the decrease in the value of the Market Measure below the Threshold Value, and you will receive a Redemption Amount that is less than the principal amount. If the Threshold Value is equal to 100% of the Starting Value, the Redemption Amount could be zero and you may lose all or a portion (which could be significant) of your investment in LIRNs.   Any payment due on LIRNs, including any repayment of principal, is subject to our credit risk as issuer of LIRNs.   The Redemption Amount, denominated in U.S. dollars, will be calculated as follows:

Principal at Risk:

There is no guaranteed return of principal at maturity.  You may lose all or a portion (which could be significant) of the principal amount of LIRNs.  Further, if you are able to sell your LIRNs prior to maturity in the secondary market (if any), the market value per LIRN may be less than the price that you paid for LIRNs.

Calculation Agent:

The calculation agent will make all determinations associated with LIRNs. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, we will appoint BofAS or one of its affiliates to act as the calculation agent for LIRNs.  See “Description of LIRNs—Role of the Calculation Agent.”

Agents:

BofAS and/or one or more of its affiliates will act as our agents in connection with each offering of LIRNs and will receive an underwriting discount based on the number of units of LIRNs sold.  None of the agents is your fiduciary or adviser solely as a result of the making of any offering of LIRNs, and you should not rely upon this product supplement, the applicable term sheet, or the accompanying prospectus or

RISK FACTORS

Your investment in LIRNs is subject to investment risks, many of which differ from those of a conventional debt security.  Your decision to purchase LIRNs should be made only after carefully considering the risks, including those discussed below, together with the risk information contained in the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus and in the applicable term sheet, in light of your particular circumstances.  LIRNs are not an appropriate investment for you if you are not knowledgeable about the material terms of LIRNs or investments in equity or equity-based securities in general.

Structure-related Risks

Your investment may result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal.  There is no fixed principal repayment amount on LIRNs at maturity.  The return on LIRNs will be based on the performance of the Market Measure. If the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value, then you will receive a Redemption Amount at maturity that will be less than, and possibly significantly less than, the principal amount of your LIRNs and, if the Threshold Value is equal to 100% of the Starting Value, the Redemption Amount could be zero.  You may lose all or a portion (which could be significant) of your investment in the LIRNs.

Your investment return will be limited to the return represented by the Capped Value, if applicable, and may be less than a comparable investment directly in the Market Measure.  The appreciation potential of Capped LIRNs is limited to the Capped Value.  You will not receive a Redemption Amount greater than the Capped Value, regardless of the extent of the increase in the value of the Market Measure.  In contrast, a direct investment in the Market Measure would allow you to receive the full benefit of any appreciation in the value of the Market Measure.

In addition, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet and except in the event of an adjustment as described in this product supplement under “Description of  LIRNs—Anti-Dilution Adjustments,” the Ending Value will not reflect the value of any dividends paid, or any distributions made, on any Underlying Stock or any other rights associated with any Underlying Stock.  Thus, any return on LIRNs will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned shares of any Underlying Stock.

The Redemption Amount will not reflect changes in the value of the Market Measure that occur other than on the calculation day.  Changes in the value of the Market Measure during the term of LIRNs other than on the calculation day will not be reflected in the calculation of the Redemption Amount.  To calculate the Redemption Amount, the calculation agent will compare only the Ending Value to the Starting Value or the Threshold Value, as applicable.  No other values of the Market Measure will be taken into account.  As a result, even if the value of the Market Measure has increased at certain times during the term of LIRNs, you will receive a Redemption Amount that is less than the principal amount if the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value.

If your LIRNs are linked to a Basket, changes in the prices of one or more of the Basket Stocks may be offset by changes in the prices of one or more of the other Basket Stocks.  The Market Measure of your LIRNs may be a Basket.  In such case, changes in the prices of one or more of the Basket Stocks may not correlate with changes in the prices of one or more of the other Basket Stocks.  The prices of one or more Basket Stocks may increase, while the prices of one or more of the other Basket Stocks may decrease or not increase as much.  Therefore, in calculating the value of the Basket at any time, increases in the price of one Basket Stock may be moderated or wholly offset by decreases or lesser increases in the prices of one or more of the other Basket Stocks.  If the weightings of the applicable Basket

Stocks are not equal, adverse changes in the prices of the Basket Stocks that are more heavily weighted would have a greater impact upon the value of the Basket and, consequently, the return on your LIRNs.

Any return on LIRNs may be less than the yield on a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity.  There will be no periodic interest payments on LIRNs as there would be on a conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt security having the same maturity.  Any return that you receive on LIRNs may be less than the return you would earn if you purchased a conventional debt security with the same maturity date.  As a result, your investment in LIRNs may not reflect the full opportunity cost to you when you consider factors, such as inflation, that affect the time value of money.

Any payment on LIRNs is subject to our credit risk, and any actual or perceived changes in our creditworthiness are expected to affect the value of, or any amount payable on, the LIRNs.  LIRNs are our senior unsecured debt securities.  As a result, your receipt of any Redemption Amount at maturity is dependent upon our ability to repay our obligations on the maturity date, regardless of whether the Market Measure increases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.  No assurance can be given as to what our financial condition will be on the maturity date. If we become unable to meet our financial obligations as they become due, you may not receive the amounts payable under the terms of LIRNs.

In addition, our credit ratings are an assessment by ratings agencies of our ability to pay our obligations.  Consequently, our perceived creditworthiness and actual or anticipated decreases in our credit ratings or increases in the spread between the yield on our securities and the yield on U.S. Treasury securities (the “credit spread”) prior to the maturity date may adversely affect the market value of LIRNs.  However, because your return on LIRNs depends upon factors in addition to our ability to pay our obligations, such as the value of the Market Measure, an improvement in our credit ratings will not reduce the other investment risks related to LIRNs.

Valuation- and Market-related Risks

The initial estimated value of LIRNs considers certain assumptions and variables and relies in part on certain forecasts about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. The initial estimated value of LIRNs, which will be set forth in the applicable term sheet, is only an estimate, determined as of a particular point in time by reference to our and our affiliates’ pricing models. These pricing models consider certain assumptions and variables, including our credit spreads, our internal funding rate on the pricing date, mid-market terms on hedging transactions, expectations on interest rates and volatility, price-sensitivity analysis, and the expected term of LIRNs.  These pricing models rely in part on certain forecasts about future events, which may prove to be incorrect.

The public offering price you pay for LIRNs will exceed the initial estimated value. If you attempt to sell LIRNs prior to maturity, their market value may be lower than the price you paid for them and lower than the initial estimated value.  This is due to, among other things, changes in the value of the Market Measure, changes in the internal funding rate we pay to issue market-linked notes (which is typically lower than the rate that we might pay for a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security), and the inclusion in the public offering price of the underwriting discount and an expected hedging-related charge. These factors, together with various credit, market and economic factors over the term of LIRNs, are expected to reduce the price at which you may be able to sell LIRNs in any secondary market and will affect the value of LIRNs in complex and unpredictable ways.

The initial estimated value does not represent a minimum or maximum price at which we, BofAS, or any of our respective affiliates would be willing to purchase your LIRNs in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time.  The value of your LIRNs at any time after

issuance will vary based on many factors that cannot be predicted with accuracy, including the performance of the Market Measure, our creditworthiness, and changes in market conditions.

We cannot assure you that there will be a trading market for your LIRNs.  If a secondary market exists, we cannot predict how LIRNs will trade, or whether that market will be liquid or illiquid.  The development of a trading market for LIRNs will depend on various factors, including our financial performance and changes in the value of the Market Measure.  The number of potential buyers of your LIRNs in any secondary market may be limited. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your LIRNs at any price in any secondary market.

We anticipate that one or more of the agents or their affiliates will act as a market-maker for LIRNs, but none of them is required to do so and may cease to do so at any time.  Any price at which an agent or its affiliates may bid for, offer, purchase, or sell any LIRNs may be higher or lower than the applicable public offering price, and that price 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 transactions may adversely affect the prices, if any, at which those LIRNs might otherwise trade in the market.  In addition, if at any time any entity were to cease acting as a market-maker for any issue of LIRNs, it is likely that there would be significantly less liquidity in that secondary market.  In such case, the price at which those LIRNs could be sold would likely be lower than if an active market existed.

Unless otherwise stated in the applicable term sheet, we will not list LIRNs on any securities exchange.  Even if an application were made to list your LIRNs, we cannot assure you that the application will be approved or that your LIRNs will be listed and, if listed, that they will remain listed for their entire term.  The listing of LIRNs on any securities exchange will not necessarily ensure that a trading market will develop or, if a trading market does develop, that there will be liquidity in the trading market.

LIRNs are not designed to be short-term trading instruments, and if you attempt to sell LIRNs prior to maturity, their market value, if any, will be affected by various factors that interrelate in complex ways, and their market value may be less than the principal amount.  LIRNs are not designed to be short-term trading instruments. The limited protection, if any, against the risk of losses provided by the Threshold Value will only apply if you hold LIRNs to maturity.  You have no right to have your LIRNs redeemed at your option prior to maturity.  If you wish to liquidate your investment in LIRNs prior to maturity, your only option would be to sell them in the secondary market (if any).  At that time, there may be an illiquid market for your LIRNs or no market at all.  Even if you were able to sell your LIRNs, there are many factors outside of our control that may adversely affect their market value, some, but not all, of which are stated below.  These factors may interact with each other in complex and unpredictable ways, and the impact of any one factor may be offset or magnified by the effect of another factor.  Each of the following paragraphs describes a specific factor’s expected impact on the market value of LIRNs, assuming all other conditions remain constant.

In addition, because the Redemption Amount for Capped LIRNs will not exceed the applicable Capped Value, we do not expect that Capped LIRNs will trade in any secondary

market at a price that is greater than the Capped Value.

Conflict-related Risks

Trading and hedging activities by us, the agents, and our respective affiliates may adversely affect your return on LIRNs and their market value.  We, the agents, and our respective affiliates may buy or sell shares of an Underlying Stock, futures or options contracts or exchange-traded instruments on an Underlying Stock, or other listed or over-the-counter derivative instruments whose value is derived from an Underlying Stock.  We, the agents, or our respective affiliates may execute such purchases or sales for our own or their own accounts, for business reasons, or in connection with hedging our obligations under LIRNs.  These transactions could adversely affect the value of an Underlying Stock in a manner that could be adverse to your investment in LIRNs.  On or before the applicable pricing date, any purchases or sales by us, the agents, or our respective affiliates, or others on our or their behalf (including those for the purpose of hedging some or all of our anticipated exposure in connection with LIRNs), may affect the value of an Underlying Stock.  Consequently, the value of that Underlying Stock may change subsequent to the pricing date of an issue of LIRNs, which may adversely affect the market value of LIRNs.

We, the agents, or one or more of our respective affiliates also expect to engage in hedging activities that could affect the value of an Underlying Stock on the applicable pricing date.  In addition, these hedging activities, including the unwinding of a hedge, may decrease the value of an Underlying Stock prior to maturity, including on the calculation day, and adversely affect the Redemption Amount. We, the agents, or one or more of our respective affiliates may purchase or otherwise acquire a long or short position in LIRNs or an Underlying Stock and may hold or resell LIRNs or an Underlying Stock.  For example, the agents may enter into these transactions in connection with any market making activities in which they engage.  We cannot assure you that these activities will not adversely affect the value of an Underlying Stock, the market value of your LIRNs prior to maturity, or the Redemption Amount.

Our trading, hedging, and other business activities, and those of the agents or one or more of our respective affiliates, may create conflicts of interest with you.  We, the agents, or one or more of our respective affiliates may engage in trading activities related to an Underlying Stock that are not for your account or on your behalf.  We, the agents, or one or more of our respective affiliates also may issue or underwrite other financial instruments with returns based upon the applicable Market Measure or an Underlying Stock.  In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the agents or their affiliates may hold and trade our or our affiliates’ debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers.  Certain of the agents or their affiliates may also have a lending or other financial relationship with us.  In order to hedge such exposure, the agents or their affiliates may enter into transactions such as the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our or our affiliates’ securities, including potentially LIRNs.  Any such short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of LIRNs. These trading and other business activities may present a conflict of interest between your interest in the LIRNs and the interests we, the agents, and our respective affiliates may have in our proprietary accounts, in facilitating transactions, including block trades, for our or their other customers, and in accounts under our or their management.  These trading and other business activities, if they influence the value of the Market Measure or secondary trading in your LIRNs, could be adverse to your interests as a beneficial owner of the LIRNs.

We, the agents, and our respective affiliates expect to enter into arrangements or adjust or close out existing transactions to hedge our obligations under LIRNs.  We, the agents, or our respective affiliates also may enter into hedging transactions relating to other securities or instruments that we or they issue, some of which may have returns calculated in a manner related to that of a particular issue of LIRNs.  We may enter into such hedging arrangements

with one or more of our subsidiaries or affiliates, or with one or more of the agents or their affiliates.  Such a party may enter into additional hedging transactions with other parties relating to LIRNs and the applicable Underlying Stock(s).  This hedging activity is expected to result in a profit to those engaging in the hedging activity, which could be more or less than initially expected, but could also result in a loss.  We, the agents, and our respective affiliates will price these hedging transactions with the intent to realize a profit, regardless of whether the value of LIRNs increases or decreases or whether the Redemption Amount on LIRNs may be adversely affected.  Any profit in connection with such hedging activities will be in addition to any other compensation that we, the agents, and our respective affiliates receive for the sale of LIRNs, which creates an additional incentive to sell LIRNs to you.

There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent.  We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent.  We expect to appoint BofAS or one of its affiliates as the calculation agent for the LIRNs and, as such, it will determine the Starting Value, the Price Multiplier, the Threshold Value, the Ending Value, the Closing Market Price, the Redemption Amount, any Market Disruption Events, any successor Underlying Stock, trading days, business days, non-calculation days, and any anti-dilution adjustments.  As the calculation agent, BofAS or one of its affiliates will have discretion in making various determinations that affect your LIRNs. The exercise of this discretion by the calculation agent could adversely affect the value of your LIRNs and may present the calculation agent with a conflict of interest of the kind described under “—Trading and hedging activities by us, the agents, and our respective affiliates may adversely affect your return on the LIRNs and their market value” and “—Our trading, hedging, and other business activities, and those of the agents or one or more of our respective affiliates, may create conflicts of interest with you” above.

Our business activities and those of the agents relating to an Underlying Company or the LIRNs may create conflicts of interest with you.  We, the agents, and our respective affiliates, at the time of any offering of LIRNs or in the future, may engage in business with an Underlying Company, including making loans to or equity investments in, or providing investment banking, asset management, or other services to that company, its affiliates, and its competitors.

In connection with these activities, any of these entities may receive information about those companies that we or they will not divulge to you or other third parties. We, the agents, and our respective affiliates have published, and in the future may publish, research reports on one or more of these companies. The agents may also publish research reports relating to our or our affiliates’ securities, including LIRNs. This research is modified from time to time without notice and may express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding your LIRNs. Any of these activities may adversely affect the price of an Underlying Stock and, consequently, the market value of, and any payment on, your LIRNs. None of us, the agents, or any of our respective affiliates makes any representation to any purchasers of LIRNs regarding any matters whatsoever relating to any Underlying Stock or Underlying Company. Any prospective purchaser of LIRNs should undertake an independent investigation into an Underlying Stock and an Underlying Company to a level that, in its judgment, is appropriate to make an informed decision with respect to an investment in LIRNs. The selection of an Underlying Stock does not reflect any investment recommendations from us, the agents, or our respective affiliates.

Market Measure-related Risks

You must rely on your own evaluation of the merits of an investment linked to any applicable Underlying Stock.  In the ordinary course of business, we, the agents, and our respective affiliates may have expressed views on expected movements in an Underlying Stock, the applicable financial markets, or other matters that may influence the value of an

Underlying Stock and, therefore, the value of your LIRNs, and may do so in the future.  These views or reports may be communicated to our clients and clients of these entities.  However, these views are subject to change from time to time.  Moreover, other professionals who deal in markets relating to any Underlying Stock may at any time have significantly different views from our views and the views of these entities.  For these reasons, you are encouraged to derive information concerning an Underlying Stock from multiple sources, and you should not rely on our views or the views expressed by these entities.

Our offering of LIRNs does not constitute a recommendation of any Underlying Stock. You should not take our offering of LIRNs as an expression of our views about how an Underlying Stock will perform in the future or as a recommendation to invest in any Underlying Stock, including through an investment in LIRNs. As we are part of a global financial institution, we, the agents, and our respective affiliates may, and often do, have positions (both long and short) in the Underlying Stock(s) that may conflict with an investment in LIRNs. You should undertake an independent determination of whether an investment in LIRNs is appropriate for you in light of your specific investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial resources.

As a holder of LIRNs, you will have no rights to receive any shares of any Underlying Stock, you will have no rights as a security holder of any Underlying Company, and you will not be entitled to receive dividends or other distributions by any Underlying Company. LIRNs are our debt securities.  They are not equity instruments, shares of stock, or securities of any other issuer.  Investing in LIRNs will not make you a holder of shares of any Underlying Stock.  You will not have any voting rights, any rights to receive dividends or other distributions, or any other rights with respect to any Underlying Stock.  As a result, the return on your LIRNs may not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned shares of any Underlying Stock and received the dividends paid or other distributions made in connection with them. Your LIRNs will be paid in cash and you have no right to receive any shares of an Underlying Stock.

If shares of an Underlying Company are also listed on a foreign exchange, your return may be affected by factors affecting international securities markets.  The value of securities traded outside of the United States may be adversely affected by a variety of factors relating to the relevant securities markets.  Factors which could affect those markets, and therefore the return on your LIRNs, include:

In particular, many emerging nations are undergoing rapid change involving the restructuring of economic, political, financial, and legal systems. Regulatory and tax environments may be subject to change without review or appeal, and many emerging markets suffer from underdevelopment of capital markets and tax systems.  In addition, in some of these nations, issuers of the relevant securities face the threat of expropriation of their assets and/or nationalization of their businesses.  The economic and financial data about some of these countries may be unreliable.

We, the agents and our respective affiliates do not control any Underlying Company and have not verified any disclosure made by any Underlying Company.  We, the agents, or our respective affiliates currently, or in the future, may engage in business with any Underlying Company, and we, the agents, or our respective affiliates may from time to time own securities of any Underlying Company. However, none of us, the agents, or any of our respective affiliates has the ability to control any actions of any Underlying Company or has undertaken any independent review of, or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to, any Underlying Stock or any Underlying Company. Unless otherwise specified therein, any information in the applicable term sheet regarding an Underlying Stock and an Underlying Company is derived from publicly available information. You should make your own investigation into any Underlying Stock and any Underlying Company.

An Underlying Company will not be involved in any offering of LIRNs or have any obligations relating to the LIRNs, and none of us, the agents, or our respective affiliates will perform any due diligence procedures with respect to any Underlying Company.  An Underlying Company will not have any financial or legal obligation with respect to LIRNs or the amounts to be paid to you, including any obligation to take our interests or the interests of holders of LIRNs into consideration for any reason, including when taking any corporate actions that might adversely affect the value of an Underlying Stock or the value of LIRNs.  An Underlying Company will not receive any of the proceeds from any offering of LIRNs, and will not be responsible for, or participate in, the offering of LIRNs.  No Underlying Company will be responsible for, or participate in, the determination or calculation of the amount payable on the LIRNs.

None of us, the agents, or our respective affiliates will conduct any due diligence inquiry with respect to any Underlying Stock or any Underlying Company in connection with an offering of LIRNs.  None of us, the agents, or our respective affiliates has made any independent investigation as to the completeness or accuracy of publicly available information regarding any Underlying Stock or any Underlying Company or as to the future performance of any Underlying Stock.  Any prospective purchaser of LIRNs should undertake an independent investigation into an Underlying Stock and an Underlying Company to a level that, in its judgment, is appropriate to make an informed decision with respect to an investment in LIRNs.

The historical performance of an Underlying Stock should not be taken as an indication of its performance during the term of the LIRNs. An Underlying Stock may perform better or worse during the term of the LIRNs than it has historically. The historical performance of an Underlying Stock, including any historical performance set forth in the applicable term sheet, should not be taken as an indication of its future performance.

The Price Multiplier, the Redemption Amount, and other terms of LIRNs will not be adjusted for all corporate events that could affect an Underlying Company.  The Price Multiplier, the Ending Value, the Redemption Amount and other terms of LIRNs may be adjusted for the specified corporate events affecting an Underlying Stock, as described in “Description of LIRNs—Anti-Dilution Adjustments.” However, these adjustments do not cover all corporate events that could affect the market price of an Underlying Stock, such as offerings of common shares for cash or in connection with certain acquisition transactions. The occurrence of any event that does not require the calculation agent to adjust the applicable Price Multiplier or other terms of LIRNs may adversely affect the Closing Market Price of an Underlying Stock, the Ending Value, and the Redemption Amount, and, as a result, the market value of LIRNs.

Risks Relating to Underlying Stocks That Are ADRs

The value of an ADR may not accurately track the value of the common shares of the related Underlying Company.  If an Underlying Stock is an ADR, each ADR will represent shares of the relevant Underlying Company.  Generally, ADRs are issued under a deposit agreement that sets forth the rights and responsibilities of the depositary, the Underlying Company, and the holders of the ADRs.  The trading patterns of the ADRs will generally reflect the characteristics and valuations of the underlying common shares; however, the value of the ADRs may not completely track the value of those shares. There are important differences between the rights of holders of ADRs and the rights of holders of the underlying common shares.  In addition, trading volume and pricing on the applicable non-U.S. exchange may, but will not necessarily, have similar characteristics as the ADRs.  For example, certain factors may increase or decrease the public float of the ADRs and, as a result, the ADRs may have less liquidity or lower market value than the underlying common shares.

Exchange rate movements may adversely impact the value of an Underlying Stock that is an ADR.  If an Underlying Stock is an ADR, the market price of that Underlying Stock will generally track the U.S. dollar value of the market price of its underlying common shares.  Therefore, if the value of the related foreign currency in which the underlying common shares are traded decreases relative to the U.S. dollar, the market price of that Underlying Stock may decrease while the market price of its underlying common shares remains stable or increases, or does not decrease to the same extent.  As a result, changes in, and the volatility of, the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the relevant non-U.S. currency could have an adverse impact on the value of that Underlying Stock and consequently, the value of your LIRNs and the amount payable on LIRNs.  

Adverse trading conditions in the applicable non-U.S. market may negatively affect the value of an Underlying Stock that is an ADR.  Holders of an Underlying Company’s ADRs may usually surrender the ADRs in order to receive and trade the underlying common shares.  This provision permits investors in the ADRs to take advantage of price differentials between markets.  However, this provision may also cause the market prices of the applicable Underlying Stock to more closely correspond with the values of the common shares in the applicable non-U.S. markets.  As a result, a market outside of the United States for the underlying common shares that is not liquid may also result in an illiquid market for the ADRs, which may negatively impact the value of such ADRs and, consequently, the value of your LIRNs.

Delisting of an Underlying Stock that is an ADR may adversely affect the value of LIRNs.  If an Underlying Stock that is an ADR is no longer listed or admitted to trading on a U.S. securities exchange registered under the Exchange Act, or if the ADR facility between the Underlying Company and the ADR depositary is terminated for any reason, the applicable Underlying Stock will be deemed to be the Underlying Company’s common shares rather than the ADRs, and the calculation agent will determine the price of that Underlying Stock by reference to those common shares, as described below under “Description of LIRNs—Delisting of ADRs or Termination of ADR Facility.” Replacing the original ADRs with the underlying common shares may adversely affect the value of LIRNs and the Redemption Amount.

Other Risk Factors Relating to the Applicable Market Measure

The applicable term sheet may set forth additional risk factors as to the Market Measure or an Underlying Stock that you should review prior to purchasing the LIRNs.

Tax-related Risks

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the LIRNs are uncertain. There is no direct legal authority regarding the proper U.S. federal income tax treatment of the LIRNs, and we do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). Consequently, significant aspects of the tax treatment of the LIRNs are uncertain, and the IRS or a court might not agree with the treatment of them described in “United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.” If the IRS were successful in asserting an alternative treatment for the LIRNs, the tax consequences (including, for non-U.S. investors, the withholding tax consequences) of ownership and disposition of the LIRNs might be materially and adversely affected.

As described below under “United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—Tax Treatment of the LIRNs,” the U.S. Treasury Department (“Treasury”) and the IRS have requested comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar financial instruments and have indicated that such transactions may be the subject of future regulations or other guidance. In addition, members of Congress have proposed legislative changes to the tax treatment of derivative contracts. Any legislation, Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the LIRNs, possibly with retroactive effect.

In addition, in 2015, Treasury and the IRS released notices designating certain “basket options,” “basket contracts” and substantially similar transactions as “reportable transactions.” The notices, which are no longer in force, applied to specified transactions in which a taxpayer or its “designee” has, and exercises, discretion to change the assets or an algorithm underlying the transaction. Proposed Treasury regulations issued in 2024 would, if finalized as drafted, identify substantively the same transactions as reportable “listed transactions.” If we, or a calculation agent or other person were to exercise discretion under the terms of a LIRN, and were treated as a holder’s designee for these purposes, unless an exception applied certain holders of the relevant LIRNs would be required to report certain information to the IRS, as set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations, or be subject to penalties. We might also be required to report information regarding the transaction to the IRS.

You should review carefully the section of this product supplement entitled “United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.” You should also consult your tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the LIRNs, as well as tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.

The Canadian federal income tax consequences of an investment in the LIRNs

may be uncertain. This product supplement, the accompanying prospectus, and the accompanying prospectus supplement contain a general description of certain Canadian federal income tax considerations relating to the LIRNs.  You should consult your tax advisers as to the consequences, under the tax laws of the country where you are resident for tax purposes, of acquiring, holding and disposing of the LIRNs and receiving the payments that might be due under the LIRNs.  For a more complete discussion of the Canadian federal income tax consequences of investing in the LIRNs please see, as applicable, the description of material Canadian federal income tax considerations relevant to a Non-resident Holder.

Non-U.S. investors may be subject to withholding tax under Section 871(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in respect of certain LIRNs. Section 871(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), imposes a withholding tax of up to 30% on “dividend equivalents” paid or deemed paid to non-U.S. investors with respect to certain financial instruments linked to U.S. equities. This withholding regime generally applies to financial instruments that substantially replicate the economic performance of one or more underlying U.S. equities, as determined based on tests set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations.

The Section 871(m) regime requires complex calculations to be made with respect to financial instruments linked to U.S. equities, and its application to a specific issue of LIRNs may be uncertain. Accordingly, even if we determine that certain LIRNs are not subject to Section 871(m), the IRS could challenge our determination and assert that withholding is required in respect of those LIRNs. Moreover, the application of Section 871(m) to a LIRN may be affected by a non-U.S. investor’s other transactions. Non-U.S. investors should review the discussion under “United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders—Dividend Equivalents under Section 871(m) of the Code.” Non-U.S. investors should also consult their tax advisers regarding the application of Section 871(m) in their particular circumstances.

We will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to U.S. federal withholding taxes.

Possible taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Certain changes affecting the LIRNs could result in a “significant modification” of the affected LIRNs for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For example, a change in the timing or amount of payments on a LIRN due to a market disruption event, or the designation of a successor Underlying Stock or other similar circumstances resulting in a material change to an Underlying Stock could result in a significant modification of the affected LIRNs. Additionally, in certain circumstances where our obligations under the LIRNs are assumed by another entity, such substitution could result in a significant modification of the affected LIRNs.

A significant modification would generally result in the LIRNs being treated as terminated and reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In that event, a U.S. investor would generally be required to recognize gain or loss (subject to possible treatment as a recapitalization or, in the case of loss, to the possible application of the wash sale rules) with respect to the LIRNs. Moreover, the treatment of the LIRNs after such an event could differ from their prior treatment. A changed treatment of the LIRNs could have possible withholding tax consequences to non-U.S. investors. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the risk of such an event.

YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT WITH YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING ALL ASPECTS OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF INVESTING IN THE LIRNs.

USE OF PROCEEDS AND HEDGING

We will use the net proceeds we receive from each sale of LIRNs for the purposes described in the accompanying prospectus supplement under “Use of Proceeds.”  In addition, we expect that we or our affiliates may use a portion of the net proceeds to hedge our obligations under LIRNs.

DESCRIPTION OF LIRNs

General

Each issue of LIRNs will be part of a series of medium-term notes entitled “Senior Global Medium-Term Notes, Series J” that will be issued under the senior indenture, as amended and supplemented from time to time.  The senior indenture is described more fully in the accompanying prospectus and prospectus supplement.  The following description of LIRNs supplements and, to the extent it is inconsistent with, supersedes the description of the general terms and provisions of the notes and debt securities set forth under “Description of the Notes We May Offer” in the accompanying prospectus supplement and “Description of Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus.  These documents should be read in connection with this product supplement and the applicable term sheet.

The maturity date of LIRNs and the aggregate principal amount of each issue of LIRNs will be stated in the applicable term sheet. If the scheduled maturity date is not a business day, we will make the required payment on the next business day, and no interest will accrue as a result of such delay. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, a “business day” is any day other than a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or required by law, regulation, or executive order to close or a day on which transactions in U.S. dollars are not conducted.

We will not pay interest on LIRNs. LIRNs do not guarantee the return of principal at maturity. LIRNs will be payable only in U.S. dollars.

LIRNs will mature on the date set forth in the applicable term sheet. Prior to the maturity date, LIRNs are not redeemable by us at our option (except under the limited circumstances as set forth  in “—Anti-Dilution Adjustments—Reorganization Events” below) or repayable at the option of any holder.  The LIRNs are not subject to any sinking fund. The LIRNs are not subject to the defeasance provisions described in the prospectus under “Description of Debt Securities—Defeasance.”

We will issue LIRNs in denominations of whole units.  Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, each unit will have a principal amount of $10.  The CUSIP number for each issue of LIRNs will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.  You may transfer LIRNs only in whole units.

Payment at Maturity

At maturity, subject to our credit risk as issuer of LIRNs, you will receive a Redemption Amount, denominated in U.S. dollars. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, the “Redemption Amount” will be calculated as follows:

If your LIRNs are Capped LIRNs, the Redemption Amount will not exceed the “Capped Value” set forth in the applicable term sheet.

The Redemption Amount will not be less than zero.

The “Threshold Value” will be a value of the Market Measure that equals a specified percentage of the Starting Value, which will be less than or equal to 100%. The Threshold Value will be determined on the pricing date and set forth in the applicable term sheet.  If the Threshold Value is equal to 100% of the Starting Value, you will be exposed to any decrease in the value of the Market Measure from the Starting Value to the Ending Value on a 1-to-1 basis, and you may lose all or a portion (which could be significant) of your investment in LIRNs.

Your participation in any upside performance of the Market Measure underlying your LIRNs will also be impacted by the Participation Rate.  The “Participation Rate” will generally be greater than or equal to 100% and will be set forth in the applicable term sheet. If the applicable term sheet specifies that the Participation Rate is 100%, your participation in any upside performance of the Market Measure will not be leveraged.

Each applicable term sheet will provide examples of the Redemption Amounts based on a range of hypothetical Ending Values.

The applicable term sheet will set forth information as to the applicable Market Measure, including information as to the historical prices of the Underlying Stock(s).  However, historical prices of any Underlying Stock are not indicative of its future performance or the performance of your LIRNs.

An investment in LIRNs does not entitle you to any ownership interest in or any other rights with respect to any Underlying Company or any Underlying Stock, including any voting rights in, or dividends paid or other distributions made by, any Underlying Company.

The Starting Value and the Ending Value

Starting Value

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, the “Starting Value” will be the price of the Underlying Stock on the pricing date, determined as set forth in the applicable term sheet.

If the Market Measure consists of a Basket, the Starting Value will be equal to 100. See “—Basket Market Measures—Determination of the Component Ratio for Each Basket Stock.”

Ending Value

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, the “Ending Value” will equal the Closing Market Price of the Underlying Stock on the calculation day multiplied by its Price Multiplier on that day.

If the Market Measure consists of a Basket, the Ending Value will be determined as described in “—Basket Market Measures—Ending Value of the Basket.”

The “calculation day” means a trading day shortly before the maturity date. The calculation day will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, a “trading day” means a day on which trading is generally conducted (or was scheduled to have been generally conducted, but for the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event) on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), The Nasdaq Stock Market, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, and in the over-the-counter market for equity securities in the United States, or any successor exchange or market, or in the case of a security traded on one or more non-U.S. securities exchanges or markets, on the principal non-U.S. securities exchange or market for such security.

The “Closing Market Price” for one share of an Underlying Stock (or one unit of any other security for which a Closing Market Price must be determined) on any trading day means any of the following:

If the scheduled calculation day is not a trading day or if there is a Market Disruption Event on the scheduled calculation day with respect to an Underlying Stock, the calculation day will be the immediately succeeding trading day during which no Market Disruption Event occurs or is continuing; provided that the Ending Value of the applicable Underlying Stock will be determined (or, if not determinable, estimated) by the calculation agent in a manner which the calculation agent considers commercially reasonable under the circumstances on a date no

later than the second scheduled trading day prior to the maturity date, regardless of any occurrence of a Market Disruption Event or non-trading day on that second scheduled trading day.

Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, for any applicable day under the terms of the LIRNs, the value of an Underlying Stock will be determined by multiplying its Closing Market Price on that day by its “Price Multiplier” on that day. The initial Price Multiplier for an Underlying Stock will be 1, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet. The Price Multiplier for an Underlying Stock will be subject to adjustment for certain corporate events relating to that Underlying Stock as described below under “—Anti-Dilution Adjustments.”

Market Disruption Events

As to any Underlying Stock (or any “successor Underlying Stock,” which is the common equity securities or the ADRs of a Successor Entity (as defined below)), a “Market Disruption Event” means one or more of the following events, as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion:

For the purpose of determining whether a Market Disruption Event as to an Underlying Stock has occurred:

Anti-Dilution Adjustments

As to any Underlying Stock (which, for purposes of this section, includes any successor Underlying Stock), the calculation agent, in its sole discretion, may adjust the Price Multiplier (and as a result, the Ending Value), and any other terms of LIRNs (such as the Starting Value), if an event described below occurs after the pricing date and on or before the calculation day and if the calculation agent determines that such an event has a dilutive or concentrative effect on the theoretical value of the shares of the applicable Underlying Stock (or any successor Underlying Stock).  

The Price Multiplier for an Underlying Stock resulting from any of the adjustments specified below will be rounded to the eighth decimal place with five one-billionths being rounded upward. No adjustments to the Price Multiplier will be required unless the adjustment would require a change of at least 0.1% in the Price Multiplier then in effect.  Any adjustment that would require a change of less than 0.1% in the Price Multiplier which is not applied at the time of the event may be reflected at the time of any subsequent adjustment that would require an adjustment of the Price Multiplier. The required adjustments specified below do not cover all events that could affect an Underlying Stock.

No adjustments to the Price Multiplier for any Underlying Stock or any other terms of LIRNs will be required other than those specified below. However, the calculation agent may, at its sole discretion, make additional adjustments or adjustments that differ from those described herein to the Price Multiplier or any other terms of LIRNs, including the maturity date and the method of determining the Redemption Amount, to reflect changes to an Underlying Stock if the calculation agent determines in good faith and a commercially reasonable manner that the adjustment is appropriate to ensure an equitable result.  

The calculation agent will be solely responsible for the determination of any adjustments to the Price Multiplier for any Underlying Stock or any other terms of LIRNs and of any related determinations with respect to any distributions of stock, other securities, or other property or assets, including cash, in connection with any corporate event described below; its determinations and calculations will be conclusive absent a determination of a manifest error.  

No adjustments are required to be made for certain other events, such as offerings of common equity securities by any Underlying Company for cash or in connection with the occurrence of a partial tender or exchange offer for any Underlying Stock by the Underlying Company.  

Following certain corporate events relating to an Underlying Stock, where the Underlying Company is not the surviving entity, any payment you receive on LIRNs may be based on the equity securities of a successor to the Underlying Company or any cash or any other assets distributed to holders of that Underlying Stock in such corporate event.

Following an event that results in an adjustment to the Price Multiplier for any Underlying Stock or any of the other terms of LIRNs, the calculation agent may (but is not required to) provide holders of LIRNs with information about that adjustment as it deems

appropriate, depending on the nature of the adjustment.  Upon written request by any holder of LIRNs, the calculation agent will provide that holder with information about such adjustment.

Anti-Dilution Adjustments to Underlying Stocks That Are Common Equity

The calculation agent, in its sole discretion and as it deems reasonable, may adjust the Price Multiplier for any Underlying Stock (and as a result, the Ending Value) and other terms of LIRNs, as a result of certain events related to that Underlying Stock, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

Stock Splits and Reverse Stock Splits. If an Underlying Stock is subject to a stock split or reverse stock split, then once such split has become effective, the Price Multiplier for that Underlying Stock will be adjusted such that the new Price Multiplier will equal the product of:

For example, a two-for-one stock split would ordinarily change a Price Multiplier of one into a Price Multiplier of two.  In contrast, a one-for-two reverse stock split would ordinarily change a Price Multiplier of one into a Price Multiplier of one-half.

Stock Dividends.  If an Underlying Stock is subject to (i) a stock dividend (i.e., an issuance of additional shares of the Underlying Stock) that is given ratably to all holders of the Underlying Stock or (ii) a distribution of additional shares of the Underlying Stock as a result of the triggering of any provision of the organizational documents of the Underlying Company, then, once the dividend or distribution has become effective and that Underlying Stock is trading ex-dividend, the Price Multiplier for that Underlying Stock will be adjusted on the ex-dividend date (as defined below) such that the new Price Multiplier will equal the prior Price Multiplier plus the product of:

provided that no adjustment will be made for a stock dividend for which the number of shares of that Underlying Stock paid or distributed is based on a fixed cash equivalent value, unless such distribution is an Extraordinary Dividend (as defined below).

For example, a stock dividend of one new share for each share held would ordinarily change a Price Multiplier of one into a Price Multiplier of two.

Extraordinary Dividends.  There will be no adjustments to the Price Multiplier of an Underlying Stock to reflect any cash dividends or cash distributions paid with respect to that Underlying Stock other than Extraordinary Dividends, as described below, and distributions described under “—Reorganization Events” below.

An “Extraordinary Dividend” means, with respect to a cash dividend or other distribution with respect to an Underlying Stock, a dividend or other distribution that the calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, is not declared or otherwise made according to the Underlying Company’s then existing policy or practice of paying such dividends on a

quarterly or other regular basis. If an Extraordinary Dividend occurs, the Price Multiplier for that Underlying Stock will be adjusted on the ex-dividend date so that the new Price Multiplier will equal the product of:

The “Extraordinary Dividend Amount” with respect to an Extraordinary Dividend will equal:

To the extent an Extraordinary Dividend is not paid in cash, the value of the non-cash component will be determined by the calculation agent, whose determination will be conclusive.  A distribution on the applicable Underlying Stock described in “—Issuance of Transferable Rights or Warrants” or clause (a), (d) or (e) of “—Reorganization Events” below that also constitutes an Extraordinary Dividend will only cause an adjustment under those respective sections.

Issuance of Transferable Rights or Warrants. If an Underlying Company issues transferable rights or warrants to all holders of record of the applicable Underlying Stock to subscribe for or purchase the Underlying Stock, including new or existing rights to purchase the Underlying Stock under a shareholder rights plan or arrangement, then the Price Multiplier will be adjusted on the trading day immediately following the issuance of those transferable rights or warrants so that the new Price Multiplier will equal the prior Price Multiplier plus the product of:

The number of shares that can be purchased will be based on the Closing Market Price of the Underlying Stock on the date the new Price Multiplier is determined. The cash value of those warrants or rights, if the warrants or rights are traded on a registered national securities exchange, will equal the closing price of that warrant or right. If the warrants or rights are not traded on a registered national securities exchange, the cash value of those warrants or rights will be determined by the calculation agent and will equal the average of the bid prices obtained from three dealers at 3:00 p.m., New York time on the date the new Price Multiplier is determined; provided that if only two of those bid prices are available, then the cash value of those warrants or rights will equal the average of those bids and if only one of those bids is available, then the cash value of those warrants or rights will equal that bid.

“Ex-dividend date” means, for purposes of this section, the first trading day on which transactions in the shares of the Underlying Stock trade on the relevant exchange without the right to receive the applicable dividend or other distribution.

Reorganization Events

If after the pricing date and on or prior to the calculation day, as to any Underlying Stock:

then, on or after the date of the occurrence of a Reorganization Event, the calculation agent shall, in its sole discretion, make an adjustment to the Price Multiplier, the method of determining the Redemption Amount or any other terms of LIRNs as the calculation agent, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate to account for the economic effect on LIRNs of that Reorganization Event (including adjustments to account for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate, or liquidity relevant to the Underlying Stock or to LIRNs), which may, but need not, be determined by reference to the adjustment(s) made in respect of such Reorganization Event by an options exchange to options on the relevant Underlying Stock traded on that options exchange and determine the effective date of that adjustment.  If the calculation agent determines that no adjustment that it could make will produce a

commercially reasonable result, then the calculation agent may, in its discretion, cause the maturity date of LIRNs to be accelerated to the fifth business day (the “date of acceleration”) following the date of that determination and the Redemption Amount payable on the LIRNs will be calculated as described under “—Payment at Maturity” as if the date of acceleration were the stated maturity date of LIRNs and as if the calculation day were the fifth trading day prior to the date of acceleration.  

If the Underlying Company ceases to file the financial and other information with the SEC in accordance with Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act, as contemplated by clause (i) above, and the calculation agent determines in its sole discretion that sufficiently similar information is not otherwise available to you, then the calculation agent may, in its discretion, cause the maturity date of LIRNs to be accelerated to the fifth business day following the date of that determination and the Redemption Amount payable on the LIRNs will be determined as described in the prior paragraph.  If the calculation agent determines that sufficiently similar information is available to you, the Reorganization Event will be deemed to have not occurred.

Alternative Anti-Dilution and Reorganization Adjustments

The calculation agent may elect at its discretion not to make any of the adjustments to the Price Multiplier for an Underlying Stock or to any other terms of LIRNs, including the method of determining the Redemption Amount,  described in this section, but may instead make adjustments, in its discretion, to the Price Multiplier for an Underlying Stock or any other terms of LIRNs (such as the Starting Value) that will reflect the adjustments to the extent practicable made by the Options Clearing Corporation on options contracts on that Underlying Stock or any successor common stock. For example, if an Underlying Stock is subject to a two-for-one stock split, and the Options Clearing Corporation adjusts the strike prices of the options contracts on that Underlying Stock by dividing the strike price by two, then the calculation agent may also elect to divide the Starting Value by two. In this case, the Price Multiplier will remain one. This adjustment would have the same economic effect on holders of LIRNs as if the Price Multiplier had been adjusted.

Anti-Dilution Adjustments to Underlying Stocks That Are ADRs

For purposes of the anti-dilution adjustments set forth above, if an Underlying Stock is an ADR (an “Underlying ADR”), the calculation agent will consider the effect of any of the relevant events on the Underlying ADR, and adjustments will be made as if the Underlying ADR were the Underlying Stock described above.  For example, if the stock represented by the Underlying ADR is subject to a two-for-one stock split, and assuming an initial Price Multiplier of 1, the Price Multiplier for the Underlying ADR would be adjusted so that it equals two.  Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, with respect to LIRNs linked to an Underlying ADR (or an Underlying Stock issued by a non-U.S. Underlying Company), the term “dividend” means the dividends paid to holders of the Underlying ADR (or the Underlying Stock issued by the non-U.S. Underlying Company), and such dividends may reflect the netting of any applicable foreign withholding or similar taxes that may be due on dividends paid to a U.S. person.  

The calculation agent may determine not to make an adjustment if:

of the Underlying Company represented by each share of the Underlying ADR, so that the market price of the Underlying ADR would not be affected by the corporate event.

If the Underlying Company or the depositary for the Underlying ADR, in the absence of any of the events described above, elects to adjust the number of common shares of the Underlying Company represented by each share of the Underlying ADR, then the calculation agent may make the appropriate anti-dilution adjustments to reflect such change. The depositary for the Underlying ADR may also make adjustments in respect of the ADRs for share distributions, rights distributions, cash distributions and distributions other than shares, rights, and cash. Upon any such adjustment by the depositary, the calculation agent may adjust the Price Multiplier or other terms of LIRNs as the calculation agent determines commercially reasonable to account for that event.

Delisting of ADRs or Termination of ADR Facility

If an Underlying ADR is no longer listed or admitted to trading on a U.S. securities exchange registered under the Exchange Act, or if the ADR facility between the Underlying Company and the ADR depositary is terminated for any reason, then, on and after the date that the Underlying ADR is no longer so listed or admitted to trading or the date of such termination, as applicable (the “termination date”), the applicable Underlying Stock for the LIRNs will be deemed to be the Underlying Company’s common shares rather than the Underlying ADR. The calculation agent will determine the price of the Underlying Stock by reference to those common shares. Under such circumstances, the calculation agent may modify any terms of LIRNs as it deems necessary, in its sole discretion, to ensure an equitable result. On and after the termination date, for all purposes, the Closing Market Price of the Underlying Company’s common shares on their primary exchange will be converted to U.S. dollars using such exchange rate as the calculation agent, in its sole discretion, determines to be commercially reasonable.

Underlying Stock

Any information regarding any Underlying Stock or any Underlying Company will be derived from publicly available documents. Any Underlying Stock will be registered under the Exchange Act.  Information provided to or filed with the SEC by any Underlying Company can be located at the SEC’s facilities or through the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov.  None of us, the agents, or our respective affiliates will have independently verified the accuracy or completeness of any of the information or reports of an Underlying Company.

The selection of an Underlying Stock is not a recommendation to buy or sell that Underlying Stock.  None of us, the agents or any of our respective subsidiaries or affiliates makes any representation to any purchaser of LIRNs as to the performance of any Underlying Stock.

Basket Market Measures

If the Market Measure to which your LIRNs are linked is a Basket, the Basket Stocks will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.  We will assign each Basket Stock a weighting (the “Initial Component Weight”) so that each Basket Stock represents a percentage of the Starting Value of the Basket on the pricing date.  We may assign the Basket Stocks equal or unequal Initial Component Weights. The Initial Component Weight for each Basket Stock will be stated in the applicable term sheet.

Determination of the Component Ratio for Each Basket Stock

The “Starting Value” of the Basket will be equal to 100.  We will set a fixed factor (the “Component Ratio”) for each Basket Stock on the pricing date, based upon the weighting of that Basket Stock.  The Component Ratio for each Basket Stock will equal:

Each Component Ratio will be rounded to eight decimal places.

The Component Ratios will be calculated in this way so that the Starting Value of the Basket will equal 100 on the pricing date.  The Component Ratios will not be revised subsequent to their determination on the pricing date, except that the calculation agent may in its good faith judgment adjust the Component Ratio of any Basket Stock in the event that Basket Stock is materially changed or modified in a manner that does not, in the opinion of the calculation agent, fairly represent the value of that Basket Stock had those material changes or modifications not been made.

The following table is for illustration purposes only, and does not reflect the actual composition, Initial Component Weights, or Component Ratios of a Basket, which will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

Example: The hypothetical Basket Stocks are Stock ABC, Stock XYZ, and Stock RST, with their Initial Component Weights being 50.00%, 25.00% and 25.00%, respectively, on a hypothetical pricing date:

Ending Value of the Basket

The “Ending Value” of the Basket will be the value of the Basket on the calculation day. The calculation agent will calculate the value of the Basket on the calculation day by summing the products of the Closing Market Price of each Basket Stock on that day (multiplied by its Price Multiplier on that day) and its Component Ratio.  The value of the Basket will vary based

on the increase or decrease in the price of each Basket Stock.  Any increase in the price of a Basket Stock (assuming no change in the price of the other Basket Stock or Basket Stocks) will result in an increase in the value of the Basket.  Conversely, any decrease in the price of a Basket Stock (assuming no change in the price of the other Basket Stock or Basket Stocks) will result in a decrease in the value of the Basket.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, if, for any Basket Stock (an “Affected Basket Stock”), (i) a Market Disruption Event occurs on the scheduled calculation day or (ii) if the scheduled calculation day is determined by the calculation agent not to be a trading day by reason of an extraordinary event, occurrence, declaration, or otherwise (any such day in either (i) or (ii) being a “non-calculation day”), the calculation agent will determine the Closing Market Prices of the Basket Stocks for that non-calculation day, and as a result, the Ending Value, as follows:

For purposes of determining whether a Market Disruption Event has occurred as to any Basket Stock, “Market Disruption Event” will have the meaning stated above in
“—Market Disruption Events.”

Role of the Calculation Agent

The calculation agent has the sole discretion to make all determinations regarding LIRNs as described in this product supplement, including determinations regarding the Starting Value, the Threshold Value, the Ending Value, the Market Measure, the Price Multiplier, the Closing Market Price, the Redemption Amount, any Market Disruption Events, any successor Underlying Stock, trading days, business days, non-calculation days, and any anti-dilution adjustments.  Absent manifest error, all determinations of the calculation agent will be conclusive for all purposes and final and binding on you and us, without any liability on the part of the calculation agent.

We expect to appoint BofAS or one of its affiliates as the calculation agent for each issue of LIRNs.  However, we may change the calculation agent at any time without notifying you.  The identity of the calculation agent will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

Payment of Additional Amounts

We will pay any amounts to be paid by us on LIRNs without deduction or withholding for, or on account of, any and all present or future income, stamp and other taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions, or withholdings (“taxes”) now or hereafter imposed, levied, collected, withheld, or assessed by or on behalf of Canada or any Canadian political subdivision or authority that has the power to tax, unless the deduction or withholding is required by law or by the interpretation or administration thereof by the relevant governmental authority. At any time a Canadian taxing jurisdiction requires us to deduct or withhold for or on account of taxes from any payment made under or in respect of LIRNs, we will pay such additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) as may be necessary so that the net amounts received by each holder (including Additional Amounts), after such deduction or withholding,

shall not be less than the amount the holder would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required.

However, no Additional Amounts will be payable with respect to a payment made to a holder of a LIRN or of a right to receive payments in respect thereto (a “Payment Recipient”), which we refer to as an “Excluded Holder,” in respect of a beneficial owner or Payment Recipient:

For purposes of clause (iv) above, if a LIRN is presented for payment more than 30 days after the relevant date, we shall only be required to pay such Additional Amounts as shall have accrued as of such 30th day, and no further Additional Amounts shall accrue or become payable after such date.

For the avoidance of doubt, we will not have any obligation to pay any holders Additional Amounts on any tax which is payable otherwise than by deduction or withholding from payments made under or in respect of LIRNs.

We will also make such withholding or deduction and remit the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant authority in accordance with applicable law. We will furnish to the trustee, within 30 days after the date the payment of any Canadian taxes is due pursuant to applicable law, certified copies of tax receipts evidencing that such payment has been made or other evidence of such payment satisfactory to the trustee. We will indemnify and hold harmless each holder of LIRNs (other than an Excluded Holder) and upon written request reimburse each such holder for the amount of (x) any Canadian taxes so levied or imposed and paid by such holder as a result of payments made under or with respect to LIRNs, and (y) any Canadian taxes levied or imposed and paid by such holder with respect to any reimbursement under (x) above, but excluding any such taxes on such holder’s net income or capital.

For additional information, see “Tax Consequences—Canadian Taxation” in the accompanying prospectus.

Same-Day Settlement and Payment

LIRNs will be delivered in book-entry form only through The Depository Trust Company against payment by purchasers of LIRNs in immediately available funds.  We will pay the Redemption Amount in immediately available funds so long as LIRNs are maintained in book-entry form.

Events of Default and Acceleration

Events of default are defined in the senior indenture.  If such an event occurs and is continuing prior to the calculation day, unless otherwise stated in the applicable term sheet, the amount payable on the LIRNs upon any acceleration permitted under the senior indenture will be equal to the Redemption Amount calculated as described under “—Payment at Maturity;” provided that such Redemption Amount will be determined as if the date of acceleration were the stated maturity date of the LIRNs and as if the calculation day were the fifth trading day prior to the date of acceleration.

If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of us, your claim may be limited under applicable bankruptcy law.  In case of a default in payment of LIRNs, whether at their maturity or upon acceleration, they will not bear a default interest rate.  For additional discussion of these matters, please see “Description of Debt Securities—Modification and Waiver of the Debt Securities” beginning on page 10 and “—Events of Default” beginning on page 17 in the accompanying prospectus.

Terms Incorporated in the Master Note

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term supplement, all terms of the LIRNs included in the applicable term sheet and the relevant terms included in this “Description of the Notes” section, as modified by the applicable term sheet, if applicable, are incorporated into the master note representing the LIRNs.

Listing

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, LIRNs will not be listed on a securities exchange.

SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

BofAS and/or one or more of its affiliates may act as our agents for any offering of LIRNs.  The agents may act on either a principal basis or an agency basis, as set forth in the applicable term sheet.  Each agent will be a party to the distribution agreement described in “Supplemental Plan of Distribution” on page S-43 of the accompanying prospectus supplement.

Each agent will receive an underwriting discount that is a percentage of the aggregate principal amount of LIRNs sold through its efforts, which will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.  You must have an account with the applicable agent in order to purchase LIRNs.

None of the agents is acting as your fiduciary or adviser solely as a result of the making of any offering of LIRNs, and you should not rely upon this product supplement, the applicable term sheet, or the accompanying prospectus or prospectus supplement as investment advice or a recommendation to purchase any LIRNs.  You should make your own investment decision regarding LIRNs after consulting with your legal, tax, and other advisers.

BofAS and its affiliates may use this product supplement, the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus, together with the applicable term sheet, in market-making transactions for any LIRNs after their initial sale solely for the purpose of providing investors with the description of the terms of LIRNs that were made available to investors in connection with the initial distribution of LIRNs. Secondary market investors should not, and will not be authorized to rely on these documents for information regarding Royal Bank of Canada or for any purpose other than that described in the immediately preceding sentence.

CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX SUMMARY

Noteholders Not Resident in Canada

An investor should read carefully the description of material Canadian federal income tax considerations relevant to a Non-resident Holder (as that term is defined in the section entitled “Tax Consequences—Canadian Taxation” in the accompanying prospectus) owning notes under “Tax Consequences—Canadian Taxation” in the accompanying prospectus.

The Canadian tax disclosure in the prospectus is based on the assumption that a note is not at the time of acquisition and during any relevant period “taxable Canadian property” (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) of a Non-resident Holder.

For the purposes of this product supplement, the second paragraph under the heading “Tax Consequences—Canadian Taxation” in the prospectus is replaced by the following:

This summary also assumes that a Non-resident Holder: (i) is not an entity in respect of which the Bank or any transferee resident (or deemed to be resident) in Canada to whom the Non-Resident Holder disposes of, loans or otherwise transfers debt securities or warrants is a “specified entity,” and is not a “specified entity” in respect of such transferee, as that term is defined in subsection 18.4(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada); and (ii) does not hold or dispose of debt securities or warrants, under, or in connection with, a “structured arrangement” (within the meaning of subsection 18.4(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada)).

Noteholders Resident in Canada

An investor should read carefully the description of material Canadian federal income tax considerations relevant to a Resident Holder (as that term is defined in the section entitled “Certain Income Tax Consequences—Canadian Taxation” in the accompanying prospectus supplement) owning notes under “Certain Income Tax Consequences—Canadian Taxation—Noteholders Resident in Canada” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

For the purposes of this product supplement, the information provided in the accompanying prospectus supplement is modified as follows:

In certain circumstances, provisions of the Tax Act require a holder of a “prescribed debt obligation” (as defined for the purposes of the Tax Act) to include in income for each taxation year the amount of any interest, bonus or premium receivable on the obligation over its term based on the maximum amount of interest, bonus or premium receivable on the obligation. Notes may be considered to be prescribed debt obligations to a Resident Holder. However, counsel understands that the CRA’s current administrative practice is not to require any such accrual of interest on a prescribed debt obligation until such time as the return thereon becomes determinable. Resident Holders are advised to consult their tax advisers with respect to whether a particular note is prescribed debt obligation and the consequences to the Resident Holder in their particular circumstances.

Disposition of Notes Other Than to Royal Bank of Canada

On an assignment or other transfer of a note by a Resident Holder (other than to Royal Bank of Canada), the Resident Holder will be required in the taxation year in which the assignment or transfer occurs to include in income as interest an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the price for which the note is so transferred over its outstanding principal amount at the time of the transfer.

The amount, if any, required to be so included in computing income as described above will be excluded in computing the Resident Holder’s proceeds of disposition of the note and will not give rise to a capital gain. The Resident Holder generally will realize a capital loss to the extent that the proceeds of disposition, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, are less than the Resident Holder’s adjusted cost base of the Security.

Disposition of Notes to Royal Bank of Canada

A Resident Holder who disposes of, or is deemed to dispose of, a note to Royal Bank of Canada will be considered to receive interest in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the amount paid to the Resident Holder over the principal amount of the note. Where, in connection with an early redemption , such interest on a note becomes determinable in a taxation year prior to the taxation year in which the note is repaid, such interest will be deemed to have accrued, and will be required to be included in the Resident Holder’s income, in the taxation year in which the return became determinable, and will be excluded in computing the Resident Holder’s proceeds of disposition of the note.

A Resident Holder who disposes of a note to Royal Bank of Canada, and who receives proceeds that are less than the principal amount of the note generally will realize a capital loss to the extent that the amount received at such time is less than the Resident Holder’s adjusted cost base of such note.

A Resident Holder that is throughout the relevant taxation year a “Canadian controlled private corporation” (as defined in the Tax Act) or at any time in the year, a “substantive CCPC” (as defined in the Tax Act) may be liable to pay an additional tax of 10 2/3% on its “aggregate investment income” (as defined in the Tax Act) for the year, including interest and taxable capital gains. Such additional tax may be refundable in certain circumstances. Resident Holders should consult their own tax advisers in this regard.

UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the LIRNs. This discussion generally assumes that you purchase a LIRN for cash in the initial offering at the “issue price,” which is the first price at which a substantial amount of the LIRNs is sold to the public (not including sales to bond houses, brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers), and hold it as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. Purchasers of LIRNs at another time or price may have different consequences than those described below, and therefore such purchasers should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them of the ownership and disposition of the LIRNs. This discussion does not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances or if you are a holder subject to special rules, such as:

If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds the LIRNs, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partnership holding the LIRNs or a partner in such a partnership, you should consult your tax adviser as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of the LIRNs to you.

We will not attempt to ascertain whether any issuer of any Underlying Stock to which the LIRNs relate (collectively, the “Underlying Issuers”) should be treated as a “U.S. real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code or a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code. If any Underlying Issuer were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply to you, in the case of a USRPHC if you are a Non-U.S. Holder (as defined below), and in the case of a PFIC if you are a U.S. Holder, upon a sale, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition (each, a “taxable disposition”) of the LIRNs. If you are a U.S. Holder and you own or are deemed to own an equity interest in a PFIC for any taxable year, you would generally be required to file IRS Form 8621 with your annual U.S. federal income tax return for that year, subject to certain exceptions. Failure to timely file the form may extend the time for tax assessment by the IRS. You should refer to information filed with the SEC or another governmental authority by each Underlying Issuer and consult your tax adviser regarding the possible consequences to you if any Underlying Issuer is or becomes a USRPHC or PFIC.

This discussion is based on the Code, final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, rulings, current administrative interpretations and official pronouncements of the IRS, and judicial decisions, all as of the date of this product supplement, changes to any of which subsequent to the date of this product supplement may affect the tax consequences described herein, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion does not address the effects of any applicable state, local, non-U.S. or other tax laws, estate or gift tax laws, or the potential application of the alternative minimum tax or the Medicare tax on net investment income. You should consult your tax adviser about the application of the U.S. federal income and estate tax laws (including the possibility of alternative treatments of the LIRNs) to your particular situation, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.

This discussion may be supplemented, modified or superseded by disclosure regarding U.S. federal income tax consequences set out in an applicable pricing supplement, which you should read before making a decision to invest in the relevant LIRNs.

Tax Treatment of the LIRNs

Unless otherwise stated in the applicable pricing supplement, we intend to treat the LIRNs as prepaid financial contracts that are "open transactions" for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

However, there are no statutory, judicial or administrative authorities that directly address the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the LIRNs. We do not plan to request a ruling from the IRS, and the IRS or a court might not agree with the treatment of the LIRNs as prepaid financial contracts and the consequences described below. Alternative U.S. federal income tax treatments of the LIRNs are possible that, if applied, could materially and adversely affect the timing and character of income, gain or loss with respect to the LIRNs. For example, the IRS could treat the LIRNs as debt instruments issued by us. Under this treatment, as well as other potential alternative characterizations of the LIRNs, you might be required to recognize taxable income at a time earlier than that described herein and/or recognize ordinary income or short-term capital gain rather than long-term capital gain.

For Non-U.S. Holders, an alternative treatment of a LIRN could cause payments on the LIRN to be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax as well as different information reporting requirements.

Treasury and the IRS have requested comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar financial instruments and have indicated that such transactions may be the subject of future regulations or other guidance. In addition, members of Congress have proposed legislative changes to the tax treatment of derivative contracts. Any legislation, Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the LIRNs, possibly with retroactive effect.

Moreover, if there is a change to the LIRNs that results in the LIRNs being treated as retired and reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as discussed below under “Possible Taxable Event,” the treatment of the LIRNs after such an event could differ from their prior treatment

Except where stated otherwise, the following discussions generally assume that the treatment of the LIRNs described above is respected and that no deemed retirement and reissuance of the LIRNs has occurred. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the risk that an alternative U.S. federal income tax treatment applies to the LIRNs.

Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders

This section applies only to U.S. Holders. You are a “U.S. Holder” if, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you are a beneficial owner of a LIRN that is:

Tax Treatment Prior to Taxable Disposition

A U.S. Holder should not be required to recognize income over the term of the LIRNs prior to maturity, other than pursuant to an earlier taxable disposition of the LIRNs.

However, if the payment at maturity becomes fixed (or subject to a fixed minimum amount that is approximately equal to or greater than the issue price) prior to maturity, the consequences are not entirely clear. A LIRN might be treated as terminated and reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes at such time, in which case you might be required to recognize gain (if any) in respect of the LIRN. In addition, the timing and character of income you recognize in respect of the reissued LIRN after that time could also be affected. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the treatment of the LIRNs in such an event.

Taxable Disposition of the LIRNs

Upon a taxable disposition of a LIRN, you should recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and your tax basis in the LIRN. Your tax basis in a LIRN should generally equal the amount you paid to acquire it. Subject to the discussions below under “—Possible Application of Section 1260 of the Code” and “—Possible Higher Tax on LIRNs Linked to ‘Collectibles,’” this gain or loss should generally be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of the taxable disposition you have held the LIRN for more than one year, and short-term capital gain or loss otherwise. Long-term capital gains recognized by non-corporate U.S. Holders are generally subject to taxation at reduced rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Possible Application of Section 1260 of the Code

If a LIRN is linked to an Underlying Stock consisting of an interest in one of a specified list of entities, including an exchange-traded fund or other regulated investment company, a real estate investment trust, partnership or PFIC (a “Section 1260 Underlying Equity”), depending upon the specific terms of the LIRN it is possible that an investment in the LIRN will be treated as a “constructive ownership transaction” within the meaning of Section 1260 of the Code. In that case, all or a portion of any long-term capital gain you would otherwise recognize in respect of your LIRN would be recharacterized as ordinary income to the extent such gain exceeded the “net underlying long-term capital gain.” In the case of LIRNs with certain features, such as a payment at maturity based on a leverage factor, the amount of net underlying long-term capital gain may be unclear. Unless otherwise established by clear and convincing evidence, the amount of net underlying long-term capital gain is treated as zero. Any long-term capital gain recharacterized as ordinary income under Section 1260 would be treated as accruing at a constant rate over the period you held your LIRNs, and you would be subject to an interest charge in respect of the deemed tax liability on the income treated as accruing in

prior tax years. In addition, as discussed below under “—Possible Higher Tax on LIRNs Linked to ‘Collectibles,’” if the LIRNs are linked to an ownership interest in collectibles or an entity that holds collectibles, long-term capital gain that you would otherwise recognize in respect of your LIRNs up to the amount of the net underlying long-term capital gain could, if you are an individual or other non-corporate investor, be subject to tax at the higher rates applicable to “collectibles” instead of the general rates that apply to long-term capital gain. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable pricing supplement, due to the lack of governing authority under Section 1260, we do not expect that our counsel will be able to opine as to whether or how these rules will apply to the LIRNs.

Because the determination of whether an Underlying Stock is a Section 1260 Underlying Equity generally depends on the issuer’s status for U.S. federal income tax purposes (e.g., as a PFIC), it may not be readily apparent whether an Underlying Stock is a Section 1260 Underlying Equity. Moreover, an Underlying Stock that is an Index may include equities of a category that is subject to Section 1260 as well as other equity securities, in which case the potential application of Section 1260 to the relevant LIRN may be unclear. We do not undertake to ascertain whether any specific equity securities (including an equity security in an Index) is a Section 1260 Underlying Equity. Accordingly, you should consult your tax adviser about the risk that Section 1260 will apply to the LIRNs.

Possible Higher Tax on LIRNs Linked to “Collectibles”

Under current law, long-term capital gain recognized on a sale of “collectibles” (which includes, among others, metals) or an ownership interest in certain entities that hold collectibles is generally taxed at the maximum 28% rate applicable to collectibles. It is possible that long-term capital gain from a taxable disposition of certain LIRNs linked to an Underlying Stock that is a collectible or is one of certain entities holding collectibles would be subject to the rate applicable to collectibles, instead of the lower long-term capital gain rate. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisers regarding an investment in a LIRN linked to a collectible or to an entity holding collectibles.

Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders

This section applies only to Non-U.S. Holders. You are a “Non-U.S. Holder” if, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you are a beneficial owner of a LIRN that is:

You are not a Non-U.S. Holder for purposes of this discussion if you are a beneficial owner of a LIRN who is (i) an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition or (ii) a former citizen or resident of the United States and certain conditions apply. If you are or may become such a person during the period in which you hold a LIRN, you should consult your tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the LIRN.

As discussed below under “Possible Taxable Event,” under certain circumstances, the LIRNs could be subject to a “significant modification” and therefore deemed to be terminated and reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In that event, depending on the facts and the time of the deemed reissuance, the reissued LIRNs might be treated in a manner different from their original treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, you might be subject to withholding tax in respect of the reissued LIRNs, or might be required to provide

certification of your status as a non-U.S. person in order to avoid being subject to withholding. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the consequences of a significant modification of the LIRNs.

The discussion below generally assumes that income and gain on the LIRNs are not effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business within the United States, except as discussed under “—Effectively Connected Income” below.

Subject to the possible application of Section 897 of the Code (see “—FIRPTA” below) and the discussions below under “—Dividend Equivalents under Section 871(m) of the Code” and “FATCA,” you generally should not be subject to U.S. federal withholding or income tax in respect of payments on or amounts you receive on a taxable disposition of a LIRN, assuming that you provide an appropriate IRS Form W-8 to the applicable withholding agent certifying under penalties of perjury that you are not a U.S. person.

Dividend Equivalents under Section 871(m) of the Code

Section 871(m) of the Code and the Treasury regulations thereunder (“Section 871(m)”) impose a 30% (or lower treaty rate) withholding tax on “dividend equivalents” paid or deemed paid to Non-U.S. Holders with respect to certain financial instruments linked to U.S. equities (“Underlying Securities”), as defined under the applicable Treasury regulations, or indices that include Underlying Securities. Section 871(m) generally applies to “specified equity-linked instruments” (“Specified ELIs”), which are financial instruments that substantially replicate the economic performance of one or more Underlying Securities, as determined based on tests set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations and discussed further below.

Although the Section 871(m) regime became effective in 2017, the applicable Treasury regulations, as modified by an IRS notice, phase in the application of Section 871(m) as follows:

“Delta” for this purpose is generally defined as the ratio of the change in the fair market value of a financial instrument to a small change in the fair market value of the number of shares of the Underlying Security. The “substantial equivalence” test measures whether a complex contract tracks its “initial hedge” (shares of the Underlying Security that would fully hedge the contract) more closely than would a “benchmark” simple contract with a delta of 0.80.

The calculations are generally made at the “calculation date,” which is the earlier of (i) the time of pricing of the LIRN, i.e., when all material terms have been agreed on, and (ii) the issuance of the LIRN. However, if the time of pricing is more than 14 calendar days before the issuance of the LIRN, the calculation date is the date of the issuance of the LIRN. In those circumstances, information regarding our final determinations for purposes of Section 871(m) may be available only after the time of pricing of the LIRN. As a result, you should acquire such a LIRN only if you are willing to accept the risk that the LIRN is treated as a Specified ELI subject to withholding under Section 871(m).

If the terms of a LIRN are subject to a significant modification (for example, upon an event discussed below under “Possible Taxable Event”), the LIRN generally will be treated as

reissued for this purpose and could become a Specified ELI at the time of the significant modification, depending on the application of the test in effect at that time to the LIRN. If, pursuant to the terms of a LIRN, an Underlying Security is added to (or substituted into) the composition of the LIRN’s Underlying Stock after the issuance of the LIRN, whether or not resulting in a significant modification, we may determine that the LIRN is subject to withholding under Section 871(m) at that later time. Accordingly, prospective investors should acquire such a LIRN with the understanding that withholding may apply to payments thereon.

If a LIRN is a Specified ELI, withholding in respect of dividend equivalents will, depending on the issuer or applicable withholding agent’s circumstances, generally be required either (i) on the underlying dividend payment date or (ii) when cash payments are made on the LIRN or upon the date of maturity, lapse or other disposition of the LIRN by you, or possibly upon certain other events. Depending on the circumstances, we or the applicable withholding agent may withhold the required amounts from payments on the LIRN, from proceeds of the retirement or other disposition of the LIRN, or from your other cash or property held by us or the withholding agent. If withholding applies, you should expect that we or the withholding agent will withhold at the applicable statutory rate.

The dividend equivalent amount will include the amount of any actual or, under certain circumstances, estimated dividend. If the dividend equivalent amount is based on the actual dividend, it will be equal to the product of: (i) in the case of a “simple” contract, the per-share dividend amount, the number of shares of an Underlying Security and the delta; or (ii) in the case of a complex contract, the per-share dividend amount and the initial hedge. The dividend equivalent amount for Specified ELIs issued prior to 2027 that have a delta of one will be calculated in the same manner as (i) above, using a delta of one. The per-share dividend amount will be the actual dividend (including any special dividends) paid with respect to a share of the Underlying Security. If the dividend equivalent amount is based on an estimated dividend, we will provide the information on how to obtain the estimated amounts in the relevant pricing supplement for the LIRNs.

Depending on the terms of a LIRN and whether or not it is issued prior to 2027, the pricing supplement may contain additional information relevant to Section 871(m), such as whether it is a simple contract; the delta and the number of shares multiplied by delta (for a simple contract); whether the substantial equivalence test is met and the initial hedge (for a complex contract); and whether the changes to the composition of Underlying Stock could possibly result in payments on the LIRN becoming subject to withholding under Section 871(m).

Prospective purchasers of the LIRNs should consult their tax advisers regarding the potential application of Section 871(m) to a particular LIRN and, if withholding applies, whether they are eligible for a refund of any part of the withholding tax discussed above on the basis of an applicable U.S. income tax treaty, as well as the process for obtaining such a refund (which will generally require the filing of a U.S. federal income tax return). In some circumstances, it may not be possible for a Non-U.S. Holder to obtain the documentation necessary to support a refund claim under an applicable treaty. Our determination is binding on Non-U.S. Holders and withholding agents, but it is not binding on the IRS. The Section 871(m) regulations require complex calculations to be made with respect to LIRNs linked to U.S. equities and their application to a specific issue of LIRNs may be uncertain. Accordingly, even if we determine that certain LIRNs are not Specified ELIs, the IRS could challenge our determination and assert that withholding is required in respect of those LIRNs. Moreover, your consequences under Section 871(m) may depend on your particular circumstances. For example, if you enter into other transactions relating to an Underlying Security, you could be subject to withholding tax or income tax liability under Section 871(m) even if the LIRNs are not Specified ELIs subject to Section 871(m) as a general matter. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the application of Section 871(m) in their particular circumstances.

We will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to U.S. federal withholding taxes.

FIRPTA

Section 897 of the Code, commonly referred to as “FIRPTA,” applies to certain interests in entities that beneficially own significant amounts of United States real property interests (each, a “USRPI”). As discussed above, we will not attempt to ascertain whether any Underlying Issuer should be treated as a USRPHC for purposes of Section 897 of the Code (including a non-corporate entity treated for relevant purposes of Section 897 of the Code as a USRPHC). If an Underlying Issuer were so treated, it is possible that, subject to the exceptions discussed in the following paragraph, a LIRN could be treated as a USRPI, in which case any gain from the disposition of the LIRN would generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax and would be required to be reported by the Non-U.S. Holder on a U.S. federal income tax return, generally in the same manner as if the Non-U.S. Holder were a U.S. Holder, and would in certain cases be subject to withholding in the amount of 15% of the gross proceeds of such disposition.

An exception to the FIRPTA rules applies in respect of interests in entities that have a regularly traded class of interests outstanding. Under this exception, a LIRN that is not “regularly traded” on an established securities market generally should not be subject to the FIRPTA rules unless its fair market value upon acquisition exceeds 5% of the Underlying Issuer’s regularly traded class of interests as specified in the applicable Treasury regulations. In the case of LIRNs that are regularly traded, a holding of 5% or less of the outstanding LIRNs of that class or series generally should not be subject to the FIRPTA rules. Certain attribution and aggregation rules apply, and prospective purchasers are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding whether their ownership interest in the LIRNs will be subject to an exemption from the FIRPTA rules in light of their circumstances, including any other interest they might have in an Underlying Issuer.

Effectively Connected Income

If you are engaged in a U.S. trade or business, and if income or gain from the LIRNs is effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business, you generally will be subject to regular U.S. federal income tax with respect to that income or gain in the same manner as if you were a U.S. Holder, subject to the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty. In this event, if you are a corporation, you should also consider the potential application of a 30% (or lower treaty rate) branch profits tax. You would be required to provide an IRS Form W-8ECI to the applicable withholding agent to establish an exemption from withholding for amounts, otherwise subject to withholding, paid on a LIRN. If this paragraph applies to you, you should consult your tax adviser with respect to other U.S. tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the LIRN, including the possible imposition of a 30% branch profits tax if you are a corporation.

Possible Taxable Event

A change to an Underlying Stock (resulting from, for example, a reorganization event) could result in a significant modification of the affected LIRNs. A change in the timing or amount of payments on a LIRN due to a market disruption event or the designation of a successor Underlying Stock or other similar circumstances resulting in a material change to an Underlying Stock could also result in a significant modification of the affected LIRNs. Additionally, in certain circumstances where our obligations under the LIRNs are assumed by another entity, such substitution could result in a significant modification of the affected LIRNs.

A significant modification would generally result in the LIRNs being treated as terminated and reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In that event, if you are a U.S. Holder, you might be required to recognize gain or loss (subject to possible recapitalization treatment or, in the case of loss, the possible application of the wash sale rules) with respect to the LIRNs, and your holding period for your LIRNs could be affected. Moreover, depending on the facts at the time of the significant modification, the reissued LIRNs could be characterized for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a manner different from their original treatment, which could have a significant and potentially adverse effect on the timing and character of income you recognize with respect to the LIRNs after the significant modification. In addition, a significant modification could result in adverse U.S. federal withholding tax consequences to a Non-U.S. Holder.

You should consult your tax adviser regarding the consequences of a significant modification of the LIRNs. Except where stated otherwise, the discussion herein assumes that there has not been a significant modification of the LIRNs.

Fungibility of Subsequent Issuances of the LIRNs

We may, without the consent of the holders of outstanding LIRNs, issue additional LIRNs with identical terms. Even if they are treated for non-tax purposes as part of the same series as the original LIRNs, these additional LIRNs may be treated as a separate issue for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise be treated differently from the original LIRNs.

Reportable Transactions

A taxpayer that participates in a “reportable transaction” is subject to information reporting requirements under Section 6011 of the Code. Reportable transactions include, among other things, certain transactions identified by the IRS as well as certain losses recognized in an amount that exceeds a specified threshold level.

In 2015, Treasury and the IRS released notices designating certain “basket options,” “basket contracts” and substantially similar transactions as reportable transactions. In 2024, proposed Treasury Regulations were promulgated that include rules substantially similar to the notices but that, if finalized, would instead designate such transactions as listed transactions (as opposed to transactions of interest). The notices and proposed regulations would apply to specified transactions in which a taxpayer or its “designee” has, and exercises, discretion to change the assets or an algorithm underlying the transaction. While an exercise of the type of discretion that would give rise to such reporting requirements in respect of the LIRNs is not expected, if we,  or a calculation agent or other person were to exercise discretion under the terms of a LIRN, and were treated as a holder’s designee for these purposes, unless an exception applied certain holders of the relevant LIRNs would be required to report certain information to the IRS, as set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations, or be subject to penalties. We might also be required to report information regarding the transaction to the IRS. You should consult your tax adviser regarding these rules.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Payments on the LIRNs as well as the proceeds of a taxable disposition (including retirement) of the LIRNs may be subject to information reporting and, if you fail to provide certain identifying information (such as an accurate taxpayer identification number if you are a U.S. Holder) or meet certain other conditions, may also be subject to backup withholding at the rate specified in the Code. If you are a Non-U.S. Holder that provides the applicable withholding agent with the appropriate IRS Form W-8, you will generally establish an exemption from backup withholding. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules

are not additional taxes and may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the relevant information is timely furnished to the IRS.

FATCA

Legislation commonly referred to as “FATCA” generally imposes a withholding tax of 30% on payments to certain non-U.S. entities (including financial intermediaries) with respect to certain financial instruments, unless various U.S. information reporting and due diligence requirements (that are in addition to, and potentially significantly more onerous than, the requirement to deliver an IRS Form W-8) have been satisfied. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and the non-U.S. entity’s jurisdiction may modify these requirements. This legislation generally applies to payments of U.S.-source “fixed or determinable annual or periodical” (FDAP) income, which includes, among other things, interest and certain dividend equivalents (as defined above) under Section 871(m). While existing Treasury regulations would also require withholding on payments of gross proceeds of the disposition (including upon retirement) of financial instruments that provide for U.S.-source interest or certain dividend equivalents, Treasury has indicated in subsequent proposed regulations its intent to eliminate this requirement. Treasury has stated that taxpayers may rely on these proposed regulations pending their finalization. If you are a Non-U.S. Holder, or a U.S. Holder holding LIRNs through a non-U.S. intermediary, you should consult your tax adviser regarding the potential application of FATCA to the LIRNs, including the availability of certain refunds or credits.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in the applicable pricing supplement, we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to U.S. federal withholding taxes.

BENEFIT PLAN INVESTOR CONSIDERATIONS

A fiduciary of a pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plan subject to Title I of the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), or an entity whose underlying assets include “plan assets” by reason of such plan’s investment in the entity (collectively, “Plans”) should consider the fiduciary standards of ERISA in the context of the Plan’s particular circumstances before authorizing an investment in LIRNs. Accordingly, among other factors, the fiduciary should consider whether the investment would satisfy the prudence and diversification requirements of ERISA and would be consistent with the documents and instruments governing the Plan, and whether the investment would involve a prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit Plans, as well as individual retirement accounts, Keogh plans and other arrangements subject to Section 4975 of the Code and entities whose underlying assets are considered to include “plan assets” of any such plan, account or arrangement (also “Plans”), from engaging in certain transactions involving “plan assets” with persons who are “parties in interest” under ERISA or “disqualified persons” under the Code (collectively, “parties in interest”) with respect to the Plan. A violation of these prohibited transaction rules may result in civil penalties or other liabilities under ERISA and/or an excise tax under Section 4975 of the Code for those parties in interest that engage in a prohibited transaction, unless relief is available under an applicable statutory, regulatory or administrative exemption. In addition, fiduciaries of the Plan that engaged in such non-exempt prohibited transaction may be subject to penalties and liabilities under ERISA and the Code as well.

Because of our business, we and our current and future affiliates may be parties in interest with respect to many Plans. The acquisition, holding or disposition of LIRNs by a Plan with respect to which we or certain of our affiliates is or becomes a party in interest may constitute or result in a prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, unless the LIRNs are acquired pursuant to and in accordance with an applicable exemption. The U.S. Department of Labor has issued five prohibited transaction class exemptions, or “PTCEs,” that may provide exemptive relief if required for direct or indirect prohibited transactions that may arise from the purchase or holding of LIRNs. These exemptions are:

In addition, ERISA Section 408(b)(17) and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code provide statutory exemptive relief for certain arm’s-length transactions with a person that is a party in interest solely by reason of providing services to Plans or being an affiliate of such a service provider. Under this exemption, the purchase and sale of LIRNs will not constitute a prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, provided that neither the issuer of LIRNs nor any of its affiliates have or exercise any discretionary authority or control or render any

investment advice with respect to the assets of any Plan involved in the transaction, and provided further that the Plan pays no more and receives no less than “adequate consideration” in connection with the transaction (the so-called “service provider exemption”). There can be no assurance that any of these statutory or class exemptions will be available with respect to transactions involving LIRNs.

Certain employee benefit plans and arrangements, including those that are governmental plans (as defined in section 3(32) of ERISA), certain church plans (as defined in Section 3(33) of ERISA) and non-U.S. plans (as described in Section 4(b)(4) of ERISA (collectively “Non-ERISA Arrangements”) are not subject to the requirements of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code but may be subject to similar provisions under applicable federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws, regulations or rules (“Similar Laws”). Fiduciaries of Non-ERISA Arrangements should consider the foregoing issues in general terms as well as any further issues arising under any applicable Similar Laws before purchasing LIRNs.

Any purchaser or holder of LIRNs or any interest therein will be deemed to have represented (both on behalf of itself and any Plan) by its purchase and holding of LIRNs that either (i) it is not a Plan or Non-ERISA Arrangement and is not purchasing LIRNs on behalf of or with the assets of any Plan or Non-ERISA Arrangement or (ii) the purchase, holding and subsequent disposition of LIRNs will not constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or a violation of any Similar Law.

Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt prohibited transactions, it is important that fiduciaries or other persons considering purchasing LIRNs on behalf of or with the assets of any Plan or Non-ERISA Arrangement consult with their counsel regarding the potential consequences of any purchase, holding or disposition under ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code and/or Similar Laws, as applicable, and the availability of any exemptive relief.

LIRNs are contractual financial instruments. The financial exposure provided by LIRNs is not a substitute or proxy for, and is not intended as a substitute or proxy for, individualized investment management or advice for the benefit of any purchaser or holder of LIRNs. LIRNs have not been designed and will not be administered in a manner intended to reflect the individualized needs and objectives of any purchaser or holder of LIRNs.

Each purchaser or holder of any LIRNs acknowledges and agrees that:

Each purchaser and holder of LIRNs has exclusive responsibility for ensuring that its purchase and holding of LIRNs does not violate the fiduciary or prohibited transaction rules of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or provisions of any Similar Laws. The sale of any LIRNs to any Plan or Non-ERISA Arrangement is in no respect a representation by us or any of our affiliates or representatives that such an investment is appropriate for, and meets all relevant legal requirements with respect to investments by Plans or Non-ERISA Arrangements generally or any particular Plan or Non-ERISA Arrangement. Neither this discussion nor anything provided in this product supplement is or is intended to be investment advice directed at any potential Plan or Non-ERISA Arrangement purchaser or at such purchasers generally, and such purchasers should consult and rely on their own counsel and advisers as to whether an investment in LIRNs is suitable and consistent with ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code and any Similar Laws, as applicable.