The information in this Terms and Highlights Summary is not complete and may be changed. This Terms and Highlights Summary relates to an effective Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933. We may not sell the Notes until we deliver a final Pricing Supplement. This Terms and Highlights Summary is not an offer to sell these Notes and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer would not be permitted.

 

Terms and Highlights Summary No. 27 (to Product Supplement No.

 

Filed Pursuant to Rule 433

YGN-1, dated February 15, 2006, and the Prospectus dated May 28,

 

Registration No. 333-104577

2003 and the Prospectus Supplement dated May 28, 2003)

 

MERITS #27

 

Subject to completion, dated February 15, 2006

 

 

 

$

 

CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE

CIBC PREMIUM YIELD GENERATOR NOTESSM

ANNUAL COUPONS LINKED TO A BASKET OF TEN LARGE-CAP U.S. STOCKS

MATURITY DETERMINED PURSUANT TO THE EQUITY TARGET REDEMPTION FEATURE

 

Investment Highlights

 

                        We will make annual Coupon Payments on the Notes equal to the Coupon Rate multiplied by the principal amount of the Notes.

 

                        The Coupon Payment Dates are the 31st calendar day of each March (or the next business day if such day is not a business day) during the term of the Notes.

 

                        For the first Coupon Payment, on April 2, 2007, the Coupon Rate will be fixed and will equal 8.00%.

 

                        For each subsequent Coupon Payment, the Coupon Rate will be variable and will equal the greater of: (i) 0.00% and (ii) the average of the Stock Performances of ten large-cap U.S. stocks (collectively, the “Stocks” and each a “Stock”), equally weighted, calculated as described in this Terms and Highlights Summary. The Stock Performance for each Stock may be positive or negative and may not exceed 10.00%, which is the Maximum Variable Coupon Rate.

 

                        The Maturity Date of the Notes will be on the earlier of (i) the Stated Maturity Date of April 1, 2013 and (ii) the Target Redemption Date.

 

                        The earliest possible Maturity Date of the Notes is March 31, 2008, and the latest possible Maturity Date is April 1, 2013.

 

                        The Target Redemption Date is the Coupon Payment Date, if any, on which the sum of the Coupon Rates from all Coupon Payment Dates up to and including such Coupon Payment Date first equals or exceeds the Target Redemption Rate.

 

                        The Target Redemption Rate is 17.00%.

 

                        The Notes are 100.00% principal protected. On the Maturity Date, we will pay you the full principal amount of your Notes (plus the final Coupon Payment, if any).

 

                        Notes issued under the MERITS® program are rated Aa3 by Moody’s

 

                        We will apply to list the Notes on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “MRS.Y.”

 

The Ten Large-Cap U.S. Stocks are:

 

1. Altria Group, Inc.

 

<MO>

2. Apple Computer, Inc.

 

<AAPL>

3. The Boeing Company

 

<BA>

4. The Coca-Cola Company

 

<KO>

5. Exxon Mobil Corporation

 

<XOM>

6. McDonald’s Corporation

 

<MCD>

7. NIKE, Inc.

 

<NKE>

8. Pfizer Inc.

 

<PFE>

9. Sprint Nextel Corporation

 

<S>

10. United Parcel Service, Inc.

 

<UPS>

 

Your investment in the Notes involves risks. Please read “Risk Factors” beginning on page 14 of this Terms and Highlights Summary, on page PS-6 of Product Supplement No. YGN-1 and beginning on page S-2 of the related prospectus supplement.

 

 

 

Per Note

 

Total

 

Price to public

 

$

1,000.00

 

 

 

Agents’ commission

 

 

(1)

 

 

Proceeds to us

 

 

(1)

 

 

 


(1)    The agents will receive a commission of $35.00 per Note sold through their efforts. We may, in our discretion, offer certain agents or subagents an additional commission of up to $5.00 per Note sold through their efforts.

 

We will deliver the Notes in book-entry form only through The Depository Trust Company on or about March 31, 2006 against payment in immediately available funds.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Terms and Higlights Summary, Product Supplement No. YGN-1, the prospectus supplement or the prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The Notes are our direct, unsecured and unsubordinated contractual obligations and will constitute deposit liabilities which will rank equally in right of payment with all of our deposit liabilities, except for obligations preferred by mandatory provisions of law. The Notes are not insured by the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

 

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, as supplemented by a prospectus supplement and Product Supplement No. YGN-1) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for the offering to which this Terms and Highlights Summary relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement, each prospectus supplement, Product Supplement No. YGN-1 and any other documents relating to this offering that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and this offering. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, any agent or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the prospectus, each prospectus supplement, Product Supplement No. YGN-1 and this Terms and Highlights Summary if you so request by calling toll-free (800) 693-6332 or sending an email to merits@adcord.com.

 

You may revoke your offer to purchase the Notes at any time prior to the time at which we accept such offer by notifying the applicable agent. We reserve the right to change the terms of, or reject, any offer to purchase the Notes prior to their issuance. In the event of any changes to the terms of the Notes, we will notify you and you will be asked to accept such changes in connection with your purchase. You may also choose to reject such changes in which case we may reject your offer to purchase.

 

The agents may use this Terms and Highlights Summary and the related Product Supplement No. YGN-1 and prospectus supplement in the initial sale of any Notes. In addition, CIBC World Markets Corp. or any other affiliate of ours may use this Terms and Highlights Summary and the related Product Supplement No. YGN-1 and prospectus supplement in a secondary market transaction in any Note after its initial sale. Unless CIBC World Markets Corp. informs the purchaser otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this Terms and Highlights Summary and the related Product Supplement No. YGN-1 and prospectus supplement are being used in a secondary market transaction.

 

The date of this Terms and Highlights Summary is March     , 2006

 

 



 

Summary Terms

 

You should read these summary terms and the other information in this Terms and Highlights Summary together with the prospectus dated May 28, 2003, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated May 28, 2003 relating to our Equity Linked Notes of which the Notes are a part, and the more detailed information contained in the related Product Supplement No. YGN-1. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” in the related Product Supplement No. YGN-1, as an investment in the Notes involves risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisers before you invest in the Notes.

 

Issuer:

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

 

 

Rating:

Moody’s Investors Service Aa3

 

 

Issue Size:

TBD

 

 

Stocks:

 

 

Ticker

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

 

Ticker

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

Stock

 

Symbol

 

Weight

 

Exchange

 

Stock

 

Symbol

 

Weight

 

Exchange

 

 

Altria Group Inc.

 

MO

 

10

%

NYSE

 

McDonald’s Corporation

 

MCD

 

10

%

NYSE

 

 

Apple Computer, Inc.

 

AAPL

 

10

%

NASDAQ

 

NIKE, Inc.

 

NKE

 

10

%

NYSE

 

 

The Boeing Company

 

BA

 

10

%

NYSE

 

Pfizer Inc.

 

PFE

 

10

%

NYSE

 

 

The Coca-Cola Company

 

KO

 

10

%

NYSE

 

Sprint Nextel Corporation

 

S

 

10

%

NYSE

 

 

Exxon Mobil Corporation

 

XOM

 

10

%

NYSE

 

United Parcel Service, Inc.

 

UPS

 

10

%

NYSE

 

 

 

Initial Stock Price:

The closing price of each Stock on its principal exchange on the Pricing Date.

 

 

Maturity Date:

The earlier of (i) the Stated Maturity Date of April 1, 2013 and (ii) the Target Redemption Date.

 

 

Target Redemption Date:

The Coupon Payment Date, if any, on which the sum of the Coupon Rates from all Coupon Payment Dates, up to and including such Coupon Payment Date, first equals or exceeds the Target Redemption Rate.

 

 

Target Redemption Rate:

17.00%

 

 

Notice of Redemption:

We will promptly announce any Target Redemption Date by issuing a press release. In addition, prompt notice thereof will be given to The Depository Trust Company with a request to promptly forward such notice to beneficial holders of the Notes.

 

 

Principal Protection:

100.00% at maturity

 

 

Issue Price:

100.00%

 

 

Denomination/Principal Amount:

$1,000

 

 

Coupon Payment Dates:

The 31st day of each March (or the next business day if such day is not a business day) during the term of the Notes. The first Coupon Payment Date will be April 2, 2007 and the last Coupon Payment Date will be on the Maturity Date.

 

 

Coupon Payment:

Principal Amount x Coupon Rate, applicable to the Coupon Payment Date.

 

 

Coupon Rate:

The Coupon Rate on the first Coupon Payment Date is fixed and equal to 8.00%, regardless of the Stock Performances of the Stocks. The Coupon Rate on each subsequent Coupon Payment Date will be variable and will equal the greater of: (i) 0.00%; and (ii) the average, which may be positive or negative, of the Stock Performances of the Stocks, equally weighted.

 

 

Stock Performance:

For each of the Stocks, the Stock Performance on each Coupon Payment Date, other than the first Coupon Payment Date, will be:

 

 

(i)             the Maximum Variable Coupon Rate of 10.00% if the Cumulative Price Return is greater than the Price Return Trigger Rate of 0.00%; otherwise,

 

 

(ii)          the Cumulative Price Return.

Cumulative Price Return:

For each of the Stocks, the Cumulative Price Return on each Coupon Payment Date, other than the first Coupon Payment Date, shall be:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation Stock Price – Initial Stock Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial Stock Price

 

 

 

 

Valuation Stock Price:

The closing price of each Stock on its principal exchange (as determined by the calculation agent) three (3) Trading Days prior to each Coupon Payment Date (except the first Coupon Payment Date).

 

 

Maximum Variable Coupon Rate:

10.00%

 

 

Price Return Trigger Rate:

0.00%

 

 

Listing:

We will apply to list the Notes on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “MRS.Y.”

 

 

Security Codes:

CUSIP: 13605F BD 9

 

 

Trustee & Paying Agent:

Wilmington Trust Company

 

 

Settlement:

DTC, Book-entry, Transferable

 

 

Key Dates

 

Pricing Date:

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Issue & Settlement:

Friday, March 31, 2006

 

2



 

How It Works

 

Annual Coupon Payments

 

The Notes make annual Coupon Payments on the thirty-first (31st) calendar day of each March (or if such day is not a business day, the next succeeding business day) during the term of the Notes. The Coupon Rate for the first Coupon Payment Date is fixed at 8.00%. The Coupon Rate for each subsequent Coupon Payment Date is variable and can be no higher than 10.00% and no lower than 0.00%. The determination of the variable Coupon Rates in subsequent years is based on the price performance of a basket of ten (10) large-cap U.S. Stocks. If the variable annual Coupon Rate is 0.00% for any scheduled Coupon Payment Date, then there will be no Coupon Payment on such scheduled Coupon Payment Date.

 

Fixed Coupon Rate of 8.00% for the First Coupon Payment Date

 

The Notes bear interest at a fixed Coupon Rate of 8.00% for the first Coupon Payment Date. The first annual Coupon Payment will be made on April 2, 2007.

 

Variable Coupon Rate During Subsequent Years

 

The variable Coupon Rates for subsequent Coupon Payment Dates, starting on March 31, 2008, are linked to the price performance of an equally weighted basket of the following ten (10) large-cap U.S. stocks.

 

The Stocks

 

 

 

Ticker

 

Principal

Stock

 

Symbol

 

Exchange

 

 

 

 

 

1. Altria Group, Inc.

 

<MO>

 

NYSE

 

 

 

 

 

2. Apple Computer, Inc.

 

<AAPL>

 

NASDAQ

 

 

 

 

 

3. The Boeing Company

 

<BA>

 

NYSE

 

 

 

 

 

4. The Coca-Cola Company

 

<KO>

 

NYSE

 

 

 

 

 

5. Exxon Mobil Corporation

 

<XOM>

 

NYSE

 

 

 

 

 

6. McDonald’s Corporation

 

<MCD>

 

NYSE

 

 

 

 

 

7. NIKE, Inc.

 

<NKE>

 

NYSE

 

 

 

 

 

8. Pfizer Inc.

 

<PFE>

 

NYSE

 

 

 

 

 

9. Sprint Nextel Corporation

 

<S>

 

NYSE

 

 

 

 

 

10. United Parcel Service, Inc.

 

<UPS>

 

NYSE

 

NYSE = New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ = NASDAQ Stock Market

 

The variable Coupon Rates may be no higher than 10.00% regardless of how well the Stocks perform. Likewise, the variable Coupon Rates may be no lower than 0.00% regardless of how poorly the Stocks perform. The specific mechanics of the determination of the variable Coupon Rates based on the performance of the Stocks is discussed in the section Calculating The Annual Variable Coupon Rate” on page 6.

 

The Maturity Date Of The Notes

 

The Maturity Date of the Notes is determined pursuant to the Equity Target Redemption Feature. The earliest possible Maturity Date is two (2) years from the Settlement Date on March 31, 2008. The latest possible Maturity Date is seven (7) years from the Settlement Date on the Stated Maturity Date of April 1, 2013. The determination of the Maturity Date of the Notes is discussed in more detail in the section The Equity Target Redemption Feature” on page 4.

 

Payments On The Maturity Date

 

On the Maturity Date, we will pay the full principal amount of the Notes and the final Coupon Payment. The final Coupon Payment may be zero if the Maturity Date is the latest possible Maturity Date of April 1, 2013. There will be no additional Coupon Payments after the Maturity Date.

 

3



 

How It Works (cont’d)

 

The Equity Target Redemption Feature

 

The Equity Target Redemption Feature determines the Maturity Date of the Notes.

 

Pursuant to the Equity Target Redemption Feature, the Maturity Date of the Notes is the earlier of (i) the Stated Maturity Date of April 1, 2013 and (ii) the Target Redemption Date, which is the Coupon Payment Date, if any, on which the sum of the Coupon Rates from all Coupon Payment Dates up to and including such Coupon Payment Date first equals or exceeds the Target Redemption Rate of 17.00%.

 

The full principal amount of the Notes and the final Coupon Payment (if any) will be paid on the Maturity Date. The final Coupon Payment will include the full amount of any excess of the sum of the annual Coupon Rates over the Target Redemption Rate. If the sum of the Coupon Rates has not equaled or exceeded the Target Redemption Rate of 17.00% by the Coupon Payment Date on April 2, 2012, then the Maturity Date of the Notes will be the Stated Maturity Date of April 1, 2013.

 

The Coupon Rate for the first Coupon Payment, payable on April 2, 2007, is a fixed rate of 8.00%. The sum of all Coupon Rates will equal or exceed the Target Redemption Rate when the sum of the variable Coupon Rates for the Coupon Payment Dates after the first Coupon Payment Date equals or exceeds 9.00% (the Target Redemption Rate of 17.00% less the fixed rate of 8.00% for the first Coupon Payment). Since the variable Coupon Rates can be as high as 10.00%, depending upon the performance of the Stocks, the first possible Maturity Date is on the second Coupon Payment Date of March 31, 2008. The Maturity Date of the Notes will be March 31, 2008 if the Coupon Rate for the second Coupon Payment equals or exceeds 9.00%.

 

Hypothetical Example

 

 

 

April 2,
2007

 

March 31,
2008

 

March 31,
2009

 

March 31,
2010

 

March 31,
2011

 

April 2,
2012

 

April 1,
2013

 

Hypothetical Coupon Rate

 

8.00

%

10.00

%

 

 

 

 

 

Hypothetical Cash Flow

 

$

80

 

$

1,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

Target Redemption Rate 17.00%

 

 

 

 

 

Sum of the Annual Coupon Rates

 

Maturity occurs on the fourth Coupon Payment Date because that is the Coupon Payment Date on which the sum of the annual Coupon Rates first equals or exceeds 17.00%. The final Coupon Payment of 10.00% and the full principal amount of the notes will be paid on the Maturity Date.

 

If the Coupon Rate for the second Coupon Payment does not equal or exceed 9.00%, then the third Coupon Payment Date of March 31, 2009, becomes the next possible Maturity Date. The Maturity Date of the Notes will be March 31, 2009 if the sum of the variable Coupon Rates for the second and third Coupon Payments equals or exceeds 9.00% (the fixed Coupon Rate of 8.00% for the first Coupon Payment together with the sum of the variable Coupon Rates for the second and third Coupon Payments of 9.00% or greater would equal or exceed the Target Redemption Rate of 17.00%).

 

Hypothetical Example

 

 

 

April 2,
2007

 

March 31,
2008

 

March 31,
2009

 

March 31,
2010

 

March 31,
2011

 

April 2,
2012

 

April 1,
2013

 

Hypothetical Coupon Rate

 

8.00

%

4.00

%

8.50

%

 

 

 

 

Hypothetical Cash Flow

 

$

80

 

$

40

 

$

1,085

 

 

 

 

 

Target Redemption Rate 17.00%

 

 

 

 

 

Sum of the Annual Coupon Rates

 

Maturity occurs on the fourth Coupon Payment Date because that is the Coupon Payment Date on which the sum of the annual Coupon Rates first equals or exceeds 17.00%. The final Coupon Payment of 8.50% and the full principal amount of the notes will be paid on the Maturity Date.

 

4



 

How It Works (cont’d)

 

The Equity Target Redemption Feature (cont’d)

 

If the sum of the Coupon Rates for the second and third Coupon Payments does not equal or exceed 9.00%, then the fourth Coupon Payment Date of March 31, 2010, becomes the next possible Maturity Date. The Maturity Date of the Notes will be March 31, 2010 if the sum of the variable Coupon Rates for the second, third and fourth Coupon Payments equals or exceeds 9.00% (the fixed Coupon Rate of 8.00% for the first Coupon Payment together with the sum of the variable Coupon Rates for the second, third and fourth Coupon Payments of 9.00% or greater would equal or exceed the Target Redemption Rate of 17.00%).

 

Hypothetical Example

 

 

 

April 2,
2007

 

March 31,
2008

 

March 31,
2009

 

March 31,
2010

 

March 31,
2011

 

April 2,
2012

 

April 1,
2013

 

Hypothetical Coupon Rate

 

8.00

%

4.00

%

3.50

%

7.00

%

 

 

 

Hypothetical Cash Flow

 

$

80

 

$

40

 

$

35

 

$

1,070

 

 

 

 

Target Redemption Rate 17.00%

 

 

 

 

 

Sum of the Annual Coupon Rates

 

Maturity occurs on the fourth Coupon Payment Date because that is the Coupon Payment Date on which the sum of the annual Coupon Rates first equals or exceeds 17.00%.The final Coupon Payment of 7.00% and the full principal amount of the notes will be paid on the Maturity Date.

 

If the sum of the Coupon Rates for the second, third and fourth Coupon Payments does not equal or exceed 9.00%, then the fifth Coupon Payment Date, or March 31, 2011, becomes the next possible Maturity Date. This process continues for each successive annual Coupon Payment Date until the sum of all Coupon Rates first equals or exceeds the Target Redemption Rate of 17.00% (or, the sum of the variable Coupon Rates first equals or exceeds 9.00%). If this process does not result in a Maturity Date by the sixth possible Coupon Payment Date of April 2, 2012, then the Maturity Date will be the Stated Maturity Date of April 1, 2013.

 

Hypothetical Example

 

 

 

April 2,
2007

 

March 31,
2008

 

March 31,
2009

 

March 31,
2010

 

March 31,
2011

 

April 2,
2012

 

April 1,
2013

 

Hypothetical Coupon Rate

 

8.00

%

0.00

%

0.00

%

2.00

%

0.00

%

2.50

%

0.00

%

Hypothetical Cash Flow

 

$

80

 

$

0

 

$

0

 

$

20

 

$

0

 

$

25

 

$

1,000

 

Target Redemption Rate 17.00%

 

 

 

 

 

Sum of the Annual Coupon Rates

 

Maturity occurs on the seventh and last possible Coupon Payment Date because the sum of the Coupon Rates did not equal or exceed 17.00% on or prior to the sixth Coupon Payment Date. No Coupon Payment is made on the Maturity Date because the final Coupon Rate is 0.00%. The full principal amount of the Notes will be paid on the Maturity Date.

 

5



 

How It Works (cont’d)

 

Calculating The Variable Annual Coupon Rate

 

The variable annual Coupon Rates are determined three (3) Trading Days prior to each Coupon Payment Date. These dates are called the Valuation Dates or the Coupon Determination Dates. The first Coupon Determination Date is March 26, 2008. The last Coupon Determination Date is three (3) Trading Days prior to the Maturity Date. The last possible Coupon Determination Date is March 26, 2013. The Coupon Determination Dates may be adjusted as set forth in the related Product Supplement No. YGN-1.

 

The variable annual Coupon Rate for each Coupon Payment, determined on each Coupon Determination Date is equal to the greater of:

(i)  0.00%; and

(ii) the average, which may be positive or negative, of the Stock Performances of each of the Stocks, equally weighted.

 

Calculating The Stock Performance For Each Stock

 

The Stock Performance for each Coupon Payment Date (other than the first Coupon Payment Date) for each Stock is:

 

 

 

 

(i) 10.00% if the closing price of the Stock on the Coupon Determination Date is greater than the closing price of the Stock on March 28, 2006, which we call the Initial Stock Price; or

 

 

 

(ii) 0.00% if the closing price of the Stock on the Coupon Determination Date is equal to the Initial Stock Price on March 28, 2006;or

 

 

 

(iii) the Cumulative Price Return of the Stock on the Coupon Determination Date,

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation Stock Price – Initial Stock Price

 

 

 

 

 

Initial Stock Price

 

 

 

 

 

if the closing price of the Stock on the Coupon Determination Date is less than the Initial Stock Price on March 28, 2006.

 

 

Discussion Concerning The Variable Annual Coupon Rates and The Stocks

 

The Stock Performance of each Stock for purposes of calculating the variable annual Coupon Rate on any Coupon Determination Date is 10.00% as long as the Stock’s closing price Valuation Stock Price) is greater than its closing price on March 28, 2006 (the Initial Stock Price). The Stock Performance is 10.00% regardless of the magnitude of the price increase. Stocks with small or even fractional price increases will have the same 10.00% Stock Performance as Stocks with large price increases.

 

The variable annual Coupon Rate is the greater of (i) 0.00% and (ii) the average, which may be positive or negative, of the Stock Performances for each of the Stocks, equally weighted. The Stock Performance for each Stock can never be higher than 10.00%. The highest that the annual Coupon Rate can be is therefore 10.00% which is the Maximum Variable Coupon Rate. The Coupon Rate will be 10.00% if the closing prices of all of the Stocks on a Coupon Determination Date are greater than their Initial Stock Prices (since the Stock Performance for each Stock would be 10.00%, the average Stock Performance would be 10.00% as well). The Coupon Rate will be less than 10.00% if the closing prices of one or more of the Stocks do not increase.

 

The calculation of the Stock Performance for each Stock is designed to result in above-market annual Coupon Rates relative to fixed-income alternatives of comparable credit quality and maturity even with only modest price performance from the Stocks.

 

The Coupon Determination Date for the first variable annual Coupon Payment is on March 26, 2008 (the first annual Coupon Payment due on April 2, 2007 is fixed at an 8.00% Coupon Rate).

 

The Stocks have two years to produce the small or even fractional price gains required to generate a Coupon Rate of up to 10.00% payable on March 31, 2008. Similarly, the Stocks have even longer multi-year periods to produce a small or even fractional price gain for subsequent annual Coupon Payments (assuming that the Notes have not already matured pursuant to the Equity Target Redemption Feature).

 

Price declines reduce the variable annual Coupon Rate. The Stock Performance of a stock whose price has declined is the negative percentage decline in that Stock’s price (its Cumulative Price Return).

 

A large price decline in just one or two Stocks could cause the variable annual Coupon Rate to be small or even 0.00%. The variable annual Coupon Rate can never be lower than 0.00%.

 

6



 

How It Works (cont’d)

 

Hypothetical Example One – Annual Coupon Rate Calculation

 

Hypothetical Example One below graphically illustrates the calculation of a hypothetical variable annual Coupon Rate. The closing prices of eight of the ten Stocks in this hypothetical example were higher on the Coupon Determination Date than their Initial Stock Prices and the closing prices of two of the Stocks were lower. The Stocks that rose contribute to the Coupon Rate by the amount of their Stock Performances, or 10.00%. The Stocks whose closing prices were lower reduce the annual Coupon Rate by the amount of their Stock Performances of -2.00% and -5.00%, respectively.

 

The calculation of the average Stock Performance is shown in the right-most column of the chart. Since the average Stock Performance of 7.30% is greater than 0.00%, the hypothetical variable annual Coupon Rate is 7.30%.

 

This hypothetical example shows how small or even fractional price increases in the Stocks can result in above-market annual Coupon Rates relative to fixed income alternatives of comparable credit quality and maturity.

 

Hypothetical Example

 

 

7



 

How It Works (cont’d)

 

Hypothetical Example Two – Annual Coupon Rate Calculation

 

Hypothetical Example Two below illustrates the calculation of another hypothetical variable annual Coupon Rate. The closing prices of seven of the ten Stocks in this hypothetical example were higher on the Coupon Determination Date than their Initial Stock Prices, the closing prices of two of the Stocks were significantly lower and the closing price of one Stock did not change. The Stocks whose closing stock prices were higher contribute to the Coupon Rate by the amount of their Stock Performances, or 10.00%. The Stock whose closing price was unchanged contributes nothing to the annual Coupon Rate. The Stocks whose closing prices were lower reduce the annual Coupon Rate by the amount of their Stock Performances of -25.00% and -50.00%, respectively.

 

The calculation of the average Stock Performance is shown in the right-most column of the chart. Since the average Stock Performance of –5.00% is less than 0.00%, the hypothetical variable annual Coupon Rate is 0.00% (the variable annual Coupon Rate can be no lower than 0.00%).

 

This hypothetical example shows the negative impact that significant price declines in just one or two Stocks can have on the variable annual Coupon Rate.

 

Hypothetical Example

 

 

8



 

How It Works (cont’d)

 

U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

 

The initial issue price of the Notes will be $1,000. For purposes of determining the comparable yield of the Notes, we intend to treat the Notes as having a maturity of seven years, although it is possible that the IRS could argue that the Notes, for U.S. federal income tax purpses, have a shorter maturity due to the possibility that we will be required to redeem the Notes earlier (i.e., on the Target Redemption Date). You must report consistently with our treatment of the Notes unless you timely disclose and justify a differerent position to the IRS. Based on this, we have determined that the comparable yield for the Notes is 5.01%, compounded semi-annually. If the Maturity Date (for U.S. federal income tax purposes) or the comparable yield were successfully challenged by the IRS, the redetermined term or yield could be materially different from the term or comparable yield (for U.S. Federal income tax purposes) provided by us, and the projected payment schedule, set out below, could also differ materially from the schedule provided by us. Based on the comparable yield, if you are an initial holder that holds a Note to maturity, and you pay your taxes on a calendar year basis, you would generally have to include as interest income each year the amounts set forth under “OID Accrual” in the chart below (subject to adjustment as described in the discussion under “Supplemental U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the related Product Supplement No. YGN-1). The “Interest Income” columns for each possible Maturity Date in the chart below show the general results of such adjustments to interest income each year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Projected

 

Interest Income

 

Interest Income

 

Interest Income

 

Interest Income

 

Interest Income

 

Interest Income

 

Tax

 

OID

 

Actual

 

Payment

 

If Maturity Is

 

If Maturity Is

 

If Maturity Is

 

If Maturity Is

 

If Maturity Is

 

If Maturity Is

 

Year

 

Accrual

 

Coupon

 

Schedule

 

March 31, 2008

 

March 31, 2009

 

March 31, 2010

 

March 31, 2011

 

April 2, 2012

 

April 1, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

$ 39.53

 

$0.00

 

$ 0.00

 

$ 39.53

 

$ 39.53

 

$  39.53

 

$ 39.53

 

$ 39.53

 

$ 39.53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

$ 48.92

 

$80.00

 

$ 80.00

 

$ 48.92

 

$ 48.92

 

$ 48.92

 

$ 48.92

 

$ 48.92

 

$ 48.92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

 

 

2008

 

2008

 

2008

 

2008

 

2008

 

2008

 

2008

 

$ 48.78

 

Variable

 

$ 44.21

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

 

 

 

 

Coupon

 

 

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

 

 

 

 

Payment

 

 

 

Payment less $8.45

 

Payment plus $4.57

 

Payment plus $4.57

 

Payment plus $4.57

 

Payment plus $4.57

 

Payment plus $4.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 

2009

 

2009

 

2009

 

2009

 

2009

 

$ 49.00

 

Variable

 

$ 44.21

 

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

 

 

 

 

Coupon

 

 

 

 

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

 

 

 

 

Payment

 

 

 

 

 

Payment less $13.02

 

Payment plus $4.79

 

Payment plus $4.79

 

Payment plus $4.79

 

Payment plus $4.79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2010

 

2010

 

2010

 

2010

 

$ 49.24

 

Variable

 

$ 44.21

 

 

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

 

 

 

 

Coupon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

 

 

 

 

Payment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment less $17.81

 

Payment plus $5.03

 

Payment plus $5.03

 

Payment plus $5.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011

 

2011

 

2011

 

2011

 

$ 49.50

 

Variable

 

$ 44.21

 

 

 

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

 

 

 

 

Coupon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

 

 

 

 

Payment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment less $22.84

 

Payment plus $5.29

 

Payment plus $5.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

2012

 

2012

 

$ 49.76

 

Variable

 

$ 44.21

 

 

 

 

 

Variable

 

Variable

 

 

 

 

 

Coupon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coupon

 

Coupon

 

 

 

 

 

Payment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment less $28.13

 

Payment plus $5.55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

2013

 

$ 10.51

 

Variable

 

$ 44.21

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable

 

 

 

 

 

Coupon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coupon

 

 

 

 

 

Payment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment less $33.68

 

 

Notice Pursuant to I.R.S. Circular 230. This discussion is not intended or written by CIBC or by its counsel to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax laws. This discussion is provided to support the promotion and marketing of the Notes by CIBC. Each taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor concerning the potential tax consequences of an investment in Notes.

 

9



 

Additional Considerations

 

Range of Potential Investment Returns of the Note

 

The Notes make annual Coupon Payments on the thirty-first (31st) calendar day of each March (or if such day is not a business day, the next succeeding business day) during the term of the Notes. The Coupon Rate for the first annual Coupon Payment is fixed at 8.00%. The Coupon Rate for subsequent annual Coupon Payments is variable and linked to the Stock Performances of the Stocks. The variable Coupon Rate can be no higher than the Maximum Variable Coupon Rate of 10.00% and no lower than 0.00%. If the variable annual Coupon Rate is 0.00% for any scheduled Coupon Payment, there will be no Coupon Payment on such scheduled Coupon Payment Date.

 

The Maturity Date of the Notes is determined pursuant to the Equity Target Redemption Feature. The first and earliest possible Maturity Date is two (2) years from the Settlement Date on March 31, 2008. The last and latest possible Maturity Date is seven (7) years after the Settlement Date on April 1, 2013. Pursuant to this feature, the Maturity Date of the Notes is the earlier of (i) the Stated Maturity Date of April 1, 2013 and (ii) the Target Redemption Date, which is the Coupon Payment Date, if any, on which the sum of the annual Coupon Rates from all Coupon Payment Dates up to and including such Coupon Payment Date first equals or exceeds the Target Redemption Rate of 17.00%.

 

The first possible Maturity Date of the Notes is March 31, 2008. This will occur if the Coupon Rate for the first variable Coupon Payment due on March 31, 2008 is 9.00% or higher. The highest that the Coupon Rate can be is 10.00%. If the Notes do indeed mature on March 31, 2008, then the worst that the Notes can do is to make an 8.00% Coupon Payment on April 2, 2007 and a 9.00% Coupon Payment plus the full principal amount of the Notes on March 31, 2008. The best the Notes can do is to make an 8.00% Coupon Payment on April 2, 2007 and a 10.00% Coupon Payment plus the full principal amount of the Note on March 31, 2008. This defines a range of potential investment returns of 8.48% to 8.96% per annum if the Notes mature on March 31, 2008.

 

A similar range of potential investment returns can be constructed for the next possible Maturity Date of March 31, 2009. If the Notes do indeed mature on March 31, 2009, then the worst the Notes can do is to make an 8.00% Coupon Payment on April 2, 2007, no Coupon Payment on March 31, 2008 and a 9.00% Coupon Payment plus the full principal amount of the Note on March 31, 2009. The best that the Notes can do is to make an 8.00% Coupon Payment on April 2, 2007, a Coupon Payment of 8.99% on March 31, 2008 and a 10.00% Coupon Payment plus the full principal amount of the Note on March 31, 2009 (the Notes would mature on April 2, 2008 if the Coupon Rate on that date was 9.00% or higher). This defines a range of potential investment returns of 5.65% to 8.94% per annum if the Notes mature on March 31, 2009.

 

Range of Potential Investment Returns

 

 

 

Worst Possible

 

Best Possible

 

 

 

Return

 

Return

 

 

 

(Annualized)

 

(Annualized)

 

If the Maturity Date is March 31, 2008

 

8.48

%

8.96

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the Maturity Date is March 31, 2009

 

5.65

%

8.94

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the Maturity Date is March 31, 2010

 

4.24

%

6.77

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the Maturity Date is March 31, 2011

 

3.39

%

5.46

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the Maturity Date is April 2, 2012

 

2.82

%

4.57

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the Maturity Date is April 1, 2013

 

1.18

%

3.93

%

 

The range of investment returns per annum for each possible Maturity Date is shown in the chart above. The best return possible on the Notes is an annualized investment return of 8.96% if the Notes mature on the first and earliest possible Maturity Date of March 31, 2008 (and the variable annual Coupon Rate on March 31, 2008 is 10.00%). The worst return possible on the Notes is an annualized investment return of 1.18% if the Notes do not mature until the last and latest possible Maturity Date of April 1, 2013 (and the Notes make no annual Coupon Payments except for the first 8.00% fixed Coupon Payment).

 

10



 

Additional Considerations (cont’d)

 

Range of Potential Investment Returns of the Notes (cont’d)

 

The best and worst investment returns are plotted on the vertical axis on the graph below against the possible Maturity Dates on the horizontal axis. The best possible investment returns form an upper band to a channel of possible investment returns with the worst possible investment returns forming a lower band. The actual investment return on the Notes will fall somewhere in this channel of possible investment returns, depending upon the Stock Performances of the Stocks.

 

A proxy for the fixed-income yield curve, representing an estimate by CIBC of the yields at which it could hypothetically currently issue fixed-rate bonds with maturities of two to seven years, is plotted on top of the channel of possible investment returns. The graph shows that Maturity Dates of March 31, 2010 or shorter are associated with possible investment returns from the Notes that generally outperform the current fixed income yield curve while Maturity Dates of March 31, 2011 or later are associated with possible investment returns from the Notes that generally under-perform the current fixed income yield curve.

 

Range of Potential Investment Returns

 

 

 

11



 

Additional Considerations

 

Historical Trading Price Information and Information About Stock Issuers

 

 

According to publicly available documents, Altria Group, Inc. (“MO”) is the parent company of Kraft Foods, Philip Morris International, Philip Morris USA, and Philip Morris Capital Corporation. MO is also a shareholder in the brewer, SABMiller plc. MO’s brands include Marlboro cigarettes, Oreo cookies, Kraft cheeses, Maxwell House coffee, Nabisco crackers, and Philadelphia cream cheese. MO’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MO.” Information filed by MO with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 001-08940.

 

 

According to publicly available documents, The Boeing Company (“BA”), together with its subsidiaries, develops, produces, and markets commercial jetaircraft, as well as provides related support services to the commercial airline industry worldwide. BA also researches, develops, produces, modifies, and supports information, space, and defense systems, including military aircraft, helicopters and space and missile systems. BA’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BA.” Information filed by BA with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 001-00442.

 

 

According to publicly available documents, Exxon Mobil Corporation (“XOM”) operates petroleum and petrochemicals businesses on a worldwide basis. XOM’s operations include exploration and production of oil and gas, electric power generation, and coal and minerals operations. XOM also manufactures and markets fuels, lubricants, and chemicals. XOM’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “XOM.” Information filed by XOM with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 001-02256.

 

 

According to publicly available documents, Apple Computer, Inc. (“AAPL”) designs, manufactures, and markets personal computers and related personal computing and communicating solutions. AAPL’sproducts are sold primarily to education, creative, consumer, and business customers. AAPL provides its proprietary desktop and notebook computers, operating systems, applications, music players and online music store. AAPL’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “AAPL.” Information filed by AAPL with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 000-10030.

 

 

According to publicly available documents, The Coca-Cola Company (“KO”) manufactures, markets, and distributes soft drink concentrates and syrups. KO also distributes and markets juice and juice-drink products. KO distributes its products under brand names such as Coca-Cola, Minute Maid, and Sprite to retailers and wholesalers in the United States and internationally. KO’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “KO.” Information filed by KO with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 001-02217.

 

 

According to publicly available documents, McDonald’s Corporation (“MCD”) operates and franchises fast-food restaurants worldwide. MCD operates hamburger, chicken, Mexican, and pizza restaurants globally. MCD’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MCD.” Information filed by MCD with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 001-05231.

 

12



 

Additional Considerations (cont’d)

 

 

According to publicly available documents, NIKE, Inc. (“NKE”) creates authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories for sports and fitness enthusiasts. NKE, through its subsidiaries, designs and sells a line of men’s and women’s dress and casual shoes and accessories. NKE also markets licensed headwear, and designs, markets, and sells hockey equipment. NKE’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NKE.” Information filed by NKE with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 001-10635.

 

 

According to publicly available documents, Sprint Nextel Corporation (“S”) offers a range of wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, and government customers. S develops, engineers, and deploys various technologies, including two wireless networks offering mobile data services, instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities, and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. S’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “S.” Information filed by S with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 001-04721.

 

 

According to publicly available documents, Pfizer Inc. (“PFE”) is a research-based, global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets medicines for humans and animals. PFE’s products include prescription pharmaceuticals, nonprescription self-medications, and animal health products such as anti-infective medicines and vaccines. PFE’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PFE.” Information filed by PFE with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 001-03619.

 

 

According to publicly available documents, United Parcel Service, Inc. (“UPS”) delivers packages and documents throughout the United States and in other countries and territories. UPS also provides logistics services, including comprehensive management of supply chains, for major companies worldwide. In addition, UPS delivers goods purchased over the Internet, and owns Mail Boxes Etc. Inc. UPS’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “UPS.” Information filed by UPS with the SEC under the Exchange Act can be located by reference to its SEC file number: 001-15451.

 

Additional Documents Specific to the Notes

 

You should read these summary terms and the other information in this Terms and Highlights Summary together with the prospectus dated May 28, 2003, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated May 28, 2003 relating to our Equity Linked Notes of which the Notes are a part, and the more detailed information contained in the related Product Supplement No. YGN-1. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” in the related Product Supplement No. YGN-1, as an investment in the Notes involves risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisers before you invest in the Notes.

 

You may view these documents by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov as follows (or if such address has changed, by reviewing the filings of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce for the relevant date onthe SEC website):

 

Product Supplement No. YGN-1 dated February 15, 2006:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1045520/000110465906009780/a06-5171_2424b3.htm

 

Prospectus dated May 28, 2003, as supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement dated May 28, 2003:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1045520/000104746903020679/a2112534z424b2.htm

 

Alternately, you may obtain these documents without cost through CIBC, any agent or any dealer participating in this offering or by calling toll-free (800) 693-6332 or sending an email to merits@adcord.com.

 

13



 

Risk Factors

 

You may not receive Coupon Payments on your Notes after the first Coupon Payment Date.

 

For Coupon Payment Dates after the first Coupon Payment Date, the average of the Stock Performances of the ten individual Stocks must be positive when the Coupon Rate is determined for there to be a Coupon Payment.

 

Owning the Notes is different from owning the Stocks individually or conventional debt securities.

 

The return on your Notes will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the Stocks or conventional debt securities and held such investment for a similar period because:

 

                       Principal Protected. At a minimum, you will receive the full principal amount of your Notes if the Notes are held to maturity.

 

                       Capped Coupon Rate. The maximum Coupon Rate for any Coupon Payment Date after the first Coupon Payment Date is 10.00%.

 

                       Weighted Return. Because after the first Coupon Payment Date the Coupon Payments will equal the average Stock Performances of the ten Stocks and no individual Stock can have a Stock Performance that exceeds 10.00%, negative Stock Performances of one or more Stock(s) would offset gains made by other Stocks.

 

                       Correlation of Performance. Performance among the Stocks may become highly correlated over time, which may minimize the beneficial timing or hedging effect derived from inversely related investments.

 

                       No Dividend. The method of calculating performance of the Stocks does not take into account dividends paid on those Stocks. Therefore, if a dividend is paid, the performance rate on a Stock will be lower than the actual return a holder of that Stock would realize.

 

The market value of your Notes before maturity will depend on a number of factors, and may be substantially less than you had originally invested.

 

We believe that the value of the Notes will be affected by the supply of and demand for the Notes, the value of the Stocks on each Valuation Date, market interest rates and a number of other factors. The following bullet points describe key factors we expect to impact the market value of the Notes with a change in a specific factor, assuming all other conditions remain constant.

 

                       Value of the Stocks. We expect that the market value of the Notes will likely depend substantially on the relationship between the Initial Stock Prices and the value of the Stocks on each of the Valuation Dates.

 

                       Volatility of the Stocks. Volatility is the term used to describe the size and frequency of market fluctuations. If the volatility of the Stocks increases or decreases, the trading value of the Notes may be adversely affected.

 

                       Dividends on Stocks. If an issuer of a Stock pays a dividend to its stockholders, the market price of that Stock may be adversely affected. Dividend payments are not considered for purposes of determining the Stock Performances of the individual Stocks.

 

                       Interest Rates. We expect that the market value of the Notes will be affected by changes in U.S. interest rates. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, the value of the Notes may decrease, and if U.S. interest rates decrease, the value of the Notes may increase.

 

                       Our Credit Ratings, Financial Condition and Results. Actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings, financial condition or results may significantly affect the value of the Notes.

 

                       Events Involving the Stock Issuers. General economic conditions and earnings results of the stock issuers, and real or anticipated changes in those conditions or results, may affect the market value of the Notes.

 

You should understand that the impact of one of the factors specified above, such as an increase in interest rates, may offset some or all of any change in the value of the Notes attributable to another factor, such as an increase in the value of the Stocks.

 

We are not affiliated with the stock issuers and have not investigated them.

 

We are not affiliated with any of the stock issuers and have not performed any due diligence investigation or review of any of them. We assume no responsibility for the adequacy of any information concerning these companies contained herein or publicly available. You should undertake an independent investigation of the stock issuers as you deem necessary to allow you to make an informed decision with respect to an investment in the Notes.

 

We or our subsidiaries may from time to time engage in business with one or more of the issuers of the Stocks, including extending loans to, or making equity investments in, these companies or their affiliates or subsidiaries or providing advisory services to one or more of these companies, including merger and acquisition advisory services. In the course of our business, we or our affiliates may acquire non-public information about one or more of these companies.

 

Trading and other transactions by us and our affiliates in the Stocks may impair the value of your Notes.

 

We, through one or more of our other affiliates, may hedge our obligations under the Notes by purchasing the Stocks.  We expect to adjust the hedge by, among other things, purchasing or selling one or more of the Stocks, and perhaps listed or over-the-counter options, futures or other instruments linked to one or more of the Stocks, at any time and from time to time. In the future, we also may close out the hedge by selling the Stocks, and selling any other security we may purchase as described above, on or before a Valuation Date. Any of these hedging activities may adversely affect the Stock Performances of the individual Stocks—directly or indirectly by affecting the market prices of the Stocks—and, therefore, the value of your Notes.

 

14



 

Risk Factors (cont’d)

 

In addition, our affiliates may engage in trading in one or more of the Stocks, or in instruments whose returns are linked to one or more of those Stocks, for their proprietary accounts, for other accounts under their management or to facilitate transactions, including block transactions, on behalf of customers. Any of these hedging activities may adversely affect the performance of the Stocks—directly or indirectly by affecting the market prices of the Stocks—and, therefore, the value of your Notes. We may also issue, and our affiliates may also issue or underwrite, other securities or financial or derivative instruments with returns linked to the value of one or more of the Stocks. Byintroducing competing products into the marketplace in this manner, we or our affiliates could adversely affect the value of your Note.

 

The performances of the Stocks may not be fully protected from dilutive or reorganization events involving the issuers of those Stocks.

 

As calculation agent for your Notes, we will adjust the Initial Stock Price of each Stock for stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends and extraordinary dividends and adjust the way in which we calculate the Valuation Stock Price of the Stock on a Valuation Date for other events that affect the issuer’s capital structure, but only in the situations describe in Product Supplement No. YGN-1. The calculation agent is not required to make an adjustment for every corporate event that may affect the Stocks. For example, the calculation agent will not make adjustments for events such as an offering of a Stock for cash by the issuer, a tender or exchange offer for a Stock at a premium to its then-current market price by the issuer or a tender or exchange offer for less than all of an outstanding Stock by a third party. Those events or other actions by an issuer or a third party may adversely affect the market price of a Stock and, therefore, adversely affect the value of your Note.

 

You will be required to pay taxes on your Notes each year.

 

For United States federal income tax purposes, the Notes are classified as debt instruments that provide for contingent interest. Under the rules applicable to debt instruments that provide for contingent interest, you generally will be required to include interest income each year you hold the Notes, regardless of whether a Coupon Payment is made on the Notes, including some interest income in 2006 representing interest accruals in advance of the first Coupon Payment in 2007. Additionally, because the Notes will be classified as debt instruments that provide for contingent interest, you generally will be required to recognize ordinary income on the gain, if any, realized on a sale (which includes a redemption of the Notes on the Target Redemption Date), upon maturity, or other disposition of the Notes. See “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in this Terms and Highlights Summary as well as the discussion under “Supplemental U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the related Product Supplement No. YGN-1.

 

Notice Pursuant To I.R.S. Circular 230. This discussion is not intended or written by CIBC or by its counsel to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax laws. This discussion is provided to support the promotion and marketing by CIBC of the Notes. Each taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor concerning the potential tax consequences of an investment in Notes.

 

Historical performance of the Stocks should not be taken as an indication of the future performance of the Stocks during the term of the Notes.

 

After the first Coupon Payment Date, the trading prices of the Stocks on each Valuation Date will determine the Coupon Rates. As a result, it is impossible to predict whether there will be Coupon Payments or the amount of any such Coupon Payment.

 

There may not be an active trading market in the Notes. Sales in the secondary market may result in significant losses.

 

Although we will apply to have the Notes listed on the American Stock Exchange, there is no guarantee that we will be able to list the Notes. If the Notes are successfully listed, the secondary markets may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the Notes easily.

 

There are potential conflicts of interest because we will also act as the calculation agent.

 

We will initially serve as the calculation agent. We will, among other things, decide the Coupon Rate, make antidilution adjustments and make other relevant determinations regarding the Notes. Absent manifest error, all of our determinations in our role as calculation agent will be final and binding on you and us, without any liability on our part. You will not be entitled to any compensation from us for any loss suffered as a result of any of our determinations in our role as calculation agent.

 

We can postpone a Valuation Date for one or more of the Stocks, and therefore postpone a Coupon Payment Date or the Maturity Date, if a market disruption event with respect to one or more of the Stocks occurs on a Valuation Date for such Stock.

 

In our role as calculation agent, we may postpone a Coupon Payment Date if we determine that on the Valuation Date for a Stock a market disruption event has occurred or is continuing for that Stock. If the determination of the Valuation Stock Price of a Stock is postponed to the last possible day (as set forth in Product Supplement No. YGN-1)  as a result of a market disruption event, but a market disruption event with respect to such Stock occurs or is continuing on that day, that day will nevertheless be the date on which the Valuation Stock Price of such Stock will be determined. In such an event, in our role as calculation agent, we will determine the Valuation Stock Price of the affected Stock(s) using the trading or quoted price for such Stock(s) on that date. This determination may involve estimating the Valuation Stock Price of the affected Stock(s).

 

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

 

 

MERITS®

CIBC Medium Term Equity

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