MAX™ S&P 500 4X Leveraged ETNs

SPYU

The return on the MAXTM SPX 500® 4X Leveraged ETNs is linked to a four times leveraged participation in the daily performance of the S&P 500® Total Return Index, minus the applicable fees and charges. The ETNs are not “buy and hold” investments and should not be expected to provide a four times leveraged return of the underlying index’s cumulative return for periods greater than a day.

4X

Product Details

  • Sector

    US Large-Cap Market
  • Ticker

    SPYU

  • Intraday Indicative Note Value Ticker

    SPYUIV

  • CUSIP

    063679567

  • ISIN

    US0636795678

  • Issue Date

    December 7, 2023

  • Maturity Date

    November 30, 2043

Daily Market Data

  • Closing Indicative Value

    $53.23

  • Market Capitalization

    $186,305,000

  • ETNs Outstanding

    3,500,000

S&P 500® Total Return Index

The Index is an equity index that is intended to provide an indication of the pattern of common stock price movement in the large capitalization segment of the United States equity market. The Index is a total return index, in which dividends paid on the applicable securities are included in the level of the Index.

Index Details

  • Index Name

    S&P 500® Total Return Index

  • Index Ticker

    SPXT

  • Rebalance Frequency

    Quarterly

Risk Considerations

Key Risks

 

An investment in the MAXTM 4X Leveraged ETNs Linked to the S&P 500® Index (4x ETNs) involves risks. Key risks are summarized here, but we urge you to read the more detailed explanation of risks described under “Risk Factors” in Bank of Montreal’s pricing supplement for these securities. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth in such pricing supplement.

You may lose some or all of your principal - The 4x ETNs do not guarantee any return on your initial investment. The 4x ETNs are leveraged notes, which means they are exposed to the risk of four times any decrease in the level of the Index, compounded daily. Due to leverage, the 4x ETNs are very sensitive to changes in the level of the Index and the path of such changes. Because the Daily Investor Fee and the Daily Financing Charge reduce your final payment, the level of the Index, measured as a component of the Closing Indicative Note Value during the Final Measurement Period, Call Measurement Period or Redemption Measurement Period, will need to increase by an amount at least equal to the percentage of the principal amount represented by the Daily Investor Fee, the Daily Financing Charge and any Redemption Fee Amount in order for you to receive an aggregate amount at maturity, upon a call or redemption that is equal to at least the principal amount. You may lose some or all of your investment at maturity or call, or upon early redemption.

Credit of issuer - The 4x ETNs are senior unsecured debt obligations of the issuer, Bank of Montreal, and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of any third party. Any payment to be made on the 4x ETNs, including any payment at maturity, call or upon early redemption, depends on the ability of Bank of Montreal to satisfy its obligations as they come due. As a result, the actual and perceived creditworthiness of Bank of Montreal will affect the market value, if any, of the 4x ETNs prior to maturity, call or early redemption. In addition, in the event Bank of Montreal defaults on its obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the terms of the 4x ETNs.

Correlation and compounding risk - A number of factors may affect the 4x ETNs’ ability to achieve a high degree of correlation with the performance of the Index, and the 4x ETNs are not expected to achieve a high degree of correlation with the performance of the Index over periods longer than one day. The leverage is reset daily, the return on the 4x ETNs is path dependent and you will be exposed to compounding of daily returns. As a result, the performance of the 4x ETNs for periods greater than one Index Business Day may be either greater than or less than four times the Index performance, before accounting for the Daily Investor Fee, the Daily Financing Charge and any Redemption Fee Amount.

Path dependence - The return on the 4x ETNs will be highly path dependent. Accordingly, even if the level of the Index increases or decreases over the term of the 4x ETNs, or over the term which you hold the 4x ETNs, the value of the 4x ETNs will increase or decrease not only based on any change in the level of the Index over a given time period, but also based on the volatility of the Index over that time period. The value of the 4x ETNs will depend not only upon the level of the Index at maturity, upon call or upon early redemption, but also on the performance of the Index over each day that you hold the 4x ETNs. It is possible that you will suffer significant losses in the 4x ETNs, even if the long-term performance of the Index is positive. Accordingly, the returns on the 4x ETNs may not correlate with returns on the Index over periods of longer than one day.

Long holding period risk - The 4x ETNs are intended to be daily trading tools for sophisticated investors and are designed to reflect a leveraged long exposure to the performance of the Index on a daily basis; however, their returns over different periods of time can, and most likely will, differ significantly from four times the return on a direct long investment in the Index. The performance of the 4x ETNs are very sensitive to changes in the level of the Index, and returns on the 4x ETNs may be negatively affected in complex ways by volatility of the Index on a daily or intraday basis. Accordingly, the 4x ETNs should be purchased only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of investing in the Index and of seeking daily compounding leveraged long investment results. Investors should actively and frequently monitor their investments in the 4x ETNs, even intra-day. It is possible that you will suffer significant losses in the 4x ETNs even if the long-term performance of the Index is positive (before taking into account the negative effect of the Daily Investor Fee and the Daily Financing Charge, and the Redemption Fee Amount, if applicable).

Potential total loss of value - If the Closing Indicative Note Value of the 4x ETNs is equal to or less than $0 on any Exchange Business Day, then the Closing Indicative Note Value on all future Exchange Business Days will be $0. If the Intraday Indicative Note Value of the 4x ETNs is equal to or less than $0 at any time on any Index Business Day, then both the Intraday Indicative Note Value of the 4x ETNs and the Closing Indicative Note Value on that Exchange Business Day, and on all future Exchange Business Days, will be $0. If the Indicative Note Value is $0, the Cash Settlement Amount will be $0.

Leverage risk - The 4x ETNs are leveraged instruments and, as a result, the 4x ETNs will benefit, or result in losses, on a leveraged basis, based on the daily performance of the Index. Although the 4X ETNs provide four times leveraged participation in the daily performance of the Index, the effective intraday leverage of the 4x ETNs may be greater or less than 4.0 during any given Index Business Day, depending on whether the level of the Index increases or decreases. Volatility of the Index level may have a significant negative effect on the value of the 4x ETNs.

A trading market for the 4x ETNs may not develop - The 4x ETNs are listed on the NYSE Arca under the symbol “SPYU.” However, a trading market for the 4x ETNs may not develop. We are not required to maintain any listing of the 4x ETNs on the NYSE Arca or any other exchange.

The Intraday Indicative Note Value is not the same as the trading price of the 4x ETNs in the secondary market - The Intraday Indicative Note Value of the 4x ETNs will be calculated and published every 15 seconds on each Exchange Business Day during normal trading hours on Bloomberg under the ticker symbol SPYUIV so long as no Market Disruption Event has occurred or is continuing. The trading price of the 4x ETNs at any time is the price at which you may be able to sell your 4x ETNs in the secondary market at such time, if one exists. The trading price of the 4x ETNs at any time may vary significantly from the Intraday Indicative Note Value of the 4x ETNs at such time.

Paying a premium purchase price over the Intraday Indicative Note Value of the 4x ETNs could lead to significant losses in the event one sells such 4x ETNs at a time when such premium is no longer present in the marketplace or the 4x ETNs are called - Paying a premium purchase price over the Intraday Indicative Note Value of the 4x ETNs could lead to significant losses in the event one sells the 4x ETNs at a time when such premium is no longer present in the marketplace or if the 4x ETNs are called, in which case investors will receive a cash payment in an amount based on the arithmetic mean of the Closing Indicative Note Value of the 4x ETNs during the Call Measurement Period. Before trading in the secondary market, you should compare the Intraday Indicative Note Value with the then-prevailing trading price of the 4x ETNs.

Call right - We may elect to redeem all or a portion of the outstanding 4x ETNs at any time. If we exercise our Call Right, the Call Settlement Amount may be less than the principal amount of your 4x ETNs. Any exercise by us of our Call Right could present a conflict between your interest in the 4x ETNs and our interests in determining whether to call the 4x ETNs.

Minimum redemption amount - You must elect to redeem at least 25,000 4x ETNs for us to repurchase your 4x ETNs, unless we determine otherwise or your broker or other financial intermediary bundles your 4x ETNs for redemption with those of other investors to reach this minimum requirement, and there can be no assurance that they can or will do so. Therefore, your ability to elect redemption of the 4x ETNs may be limited.

Your redemption election is irrevocable - You will not be able to rescind your election to redeem your 4x ETNs after your redemption notice is received by us. Accordingly, you will be exposed to market risk if the level of the Index decreases after we receive your offer and the Redemption Amount is determined. You will not know the Redemption Amount at the time that you submit your irrevocable redemption notice.

No interest payments or ownership rights - The 4x ETNs do not pay any interest. You will not have any ownership rights in the Index constituents, nor will you have any right to receive dividends or other distributions paid to holders of the Index constituents, except as reflected in the level of the Index.

Potential conflicts - We and our affiliates play a variety of roles in connection with the issuance of the 4x ETNs, including acting as an agent of the issuer for the offering of the 4x ETNs, making certain calculations and determinations that may affect the value of the 4x ETNs and hedging our obligations under the 4x ETNs. Any profit in connection with such hedging activities will be in addition to any other compensation that we and our affiliates receive for the sale of the 4x ETNs, which creates an additional incentive to sell the 4x ETNs to you. In performing these activities, our economic interests and those of our affiliates are potentially adverse to your interests as an investor in the 4x ETNs.

Uncertain tax treatment - Significant aspects of the tax treatment of the 4x ETNs are uncertain. You should consult your own tax advisor about your own tax situation.

Bank of Montreal and its affiliates do not provide tax advice, and nothing contained herein should be construed as tax advice. Please be advised that any discussion of U.S. tax matters contained herein (including any attachments): (i) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by you for the purposes of avoiding U.S. tax-related penalties, and (ii) was written to support the promotion of marketing of the transactions or other matters addressed herein. Accordingly, you should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from your independent tax advisor.

Disclaimers

Disclaimer

S&P®, S&P 500®, US 500 and The 500 are trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC ("Dow Jones"). These trademarks have been licensed for use by S&P. and sublicensed for certain purposes by the Issuer. The S&P 500® Index (the "Index") is a product of S&P and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by the Issuer. The ETNs are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, Standard and & Poor's Financial Services LLC or any of their respective affiliates (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices”). S&P Dow Jones Indices make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the holders of the ETNs or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the ETNs particularly or the ability of the Index to track general market performance. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ only relationship to the Issuer with respect to the Index is the licensing of the Index and certain trademarks, service marks and/or trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices and/or its third party licensors. The Index is determined, composed and calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices without regard to the Issuer or the ETNs. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation to take our needs or the needs of the Issuer or holders of the ETNs into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Index. S&P Dow Jones Indices are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the prices, and amount of the ETNs or the timing of the issuance or sale of the ETNs or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the ETNs are to be converted into cash. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the ETNs. There is no assurance that investment products based on the Index will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and its subsidiaries are not investment advisors. Inclusion of a security or futures contract within an index is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices to buy, sell, or hold such security or futures contract, nor is it considered to be investment advice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, CME Group Inc. and its affiliates may independently issue and/or sponsor financial products unrelated to the ETNs currently being issued by the Issuer, but which may be similar to and competitive with the ETNs. In addition, CME Group Inc. and its affiliates may trade financial products which are linked to the performance of the Index. It is possible that this trading activity will affect the value of the ETNs.

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

How to buy

MAXTM ETNs can be purchased on most trading platforms during normal trading hours, just like many other public securities. Simply search for the ticker symbol of the MAXTM product you want to buy and follow the instructions to place an order. Alternatively, you can contact your financial advisor or broker account representative. Please note, your advisor or broker may charge commissions or other transaction fees.

Keep in mind that ETNs are complex financial products and you should thoroughly research and understand the risks before buying them. You may also want to consider consulting a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.