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RBC Capital Markets®
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration Statement No. 333-227001
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Pricing Supplement
Dated September 26, 2018
To the Product Prospectus Supplement No. ERN-EI-1, the Prospectus Supplement and the Prospectus, Each Dated September 7, 2018
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$881,000
Auto-Callable Notes
Linked to the Russell 2000® Index,
due September 30, 2021
Royal Bank of Canada
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Royal Bank of Canada is offering Auto-Callable Notes (the “Notes”) linked to the Russell 2000® Index (the “Reference Asset”). The
Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Royal Bank of Canada, and will have the terms described in the documents described above, as supplemented or modified by this pricing supplement. We will not make any payments on the Notes until the
maturity date or a prior automatic call.
The Notes will be automatically called at the applicable Call Amount if the closing level of the Reference Asset is greater than or
equal to the Initial Level on any annual Observation Date on or after September 26, 2019. The Call Amounts are based on a rate of return of 7.65% per annum, and will increase on each annual Observation Date to reflect that rate of return. If the
Notes are not called, you may lose all or a substantial portion of your principal amount.
Any payments on the Notes are
subject to our credit risk.
Investing in the Notes involves
a number of risks. See “Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes” beginning on page PS-5 of the product prospectus supplement dated September 7, 2018, “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-1 of the prospectus supplement dated September 7, 2018,
and “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page P–5 of this pricing supplement.
The Notes will not constitute
deposits insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other Canadian or U.S. government agency or instrumentality. The Notes are not subject to conversion into our common shares under
subsection 39.2(2.3) of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved
of the Notes or determined that this pricing supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Issuer:
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Royal Bank of Canada
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Stock Exchange Listing:
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None
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Pricing Date:
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September 26, 2018
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Principal Amount:
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$1,000 per Note
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Issue Date:
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September 28, 2018
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Maturity Date:
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September 30, 2021
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Valuation Date:
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September 27, 2021 (which is the final Observation Date)
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Initial Level:
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1,691.608, which was the closing level of the Reference Asset on the Pricing Date.
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Final Level:
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The closing level of the Reference Asset on the Valuation Date.
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Call Feature:
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If the closing level of the Reference Asset is greater than or equal to the Initial Level starting on
September 26, 2019 or on any Observation Date thereafter, the Notes will be called and we will pay the applicable Call Amount on the corresponding Call Settlement Date.
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Observation Dates and
Call Settlement Dates:
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Annually, beginning on September 26, 2019, as set forth below.
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Payment at Maturity (if
held to maturity):
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If the Notes are not called on any Observation Date (including the Valuation Date), we will pay you at maturity an amount based on the Final
Level:
If the Final Level is less than the Initial Level, then the investor will receive at maturity, for each $1,000 in principal amount, a cash
payment equal to:
$1,000 + ($1,000 x Percentage Change)
Investors could lose some or all of their initial investment if the level of the Reference Asset declines.
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CUSIP:
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78013XG44
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Per Note
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Total
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Price to public(1)
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100.00%
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$881,000.00
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Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)
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2.25%
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$19,822.50
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Proceeds to Royal Bank of Canada
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97.75%
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$861,177.50
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(1) Certain dealers who purchased the Notes for sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts may have foregone some or all of their underwriting discount or
selling concessions. The public offering price for investors purchasing the Notes in these accounts was between $977.50 and $1,000 per $1,000 in principal amount.
The initial estimated value of the Notes as of the date of this pricing supplement is $967.38 per $1,000 in principal amount, which is less than the price to public. The
actual value of the Notes at any time will reflect many factors, cannot be predicted with accuracy, and may be less than this amount. We describe our determination of the initial estimated value in more detail below.
RBC Capital Markets, LLC, (“RBCCM”), acting as our agent, received a commission of $22.50 per $1,000 in principal amount of the
Notes and used a portion of that commission to allow selling concessions to other dealers of up to $22.50 per $1,000 in principal amount of the Notes. The other dealers may forgo, in their sole discretion, some or all of their selling
concessions. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” below.
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
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Auto-Callable Notes
Linked to the Russell 2000® Index Royal Bank of Canada
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SUMMARY
The information in this “Summary” section is qualified by the more detailed information set forth in this pricing supplement,
the product prospectus supplement, the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus.
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General:
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This pricing supplement relates to an offering of Auto-Callable Notes (the “Notes”) linked to the
Reference Asset.
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Issuer:
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Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”)
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Issue:
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Senior Global Medium-Term Notes, Series H
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Pricing Date:
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September 26, 2018
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Issue Date:
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September 28, 2018
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Term:
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Approximately three (3) years, if not previously called
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Denominations:
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Minimum denomination of $1,000, and integral multiples of $1,000 thereafter.
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Designated Currency:
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U.S. Dollars
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Call Feature:
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If, starting on September 26, 2019 or any Observation Date thereafter, the closing level of the Reference Asset is greater
than or equal to the Initial Level, then the Notes will be automatically called and the applicable Call Amount will be paid on the corresponding Call Settlement Date.
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Observation
Dates/Call Settlement
Dates/Call Amounts: |
Observation Date
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Call Settlement Date
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Call Amounts
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September 26, 2019
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October 1, 2019
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$1,076.50
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September 28, 2020
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October 1, 2020
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$1,153.00
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September 27, 2021 (the “Valuation Date”)
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September 30, 2021 (the “Maturity Date”)
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$1,229.50
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The Call Amounts correspond to a return of 7.65% per annum (the “Annual Call Return Rate”) on the Notes, if they are called
on one of the Observation Dates.
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Valuation Date:
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September 27, 2021
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Maturity Date:
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September 30, 2021
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Initial Level:
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1,691.608, which was the closing level of the Reference Asset on the Pricing Date.
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Final Level:
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The closing level of the Reference Asset on the Valuation Date.
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Payment at Maturity (if
not previously called
and held to maturity):
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If the Notes are not called on any Observation Date (including the Valuation Date), we will pay you at maturity an amount based on the Final
Level:
· If the Final Level is
below the Initial Level, you will receive at maturity, for each $1,000 in principal amount, a cash payment equal to:
$1,000 + ($1,000 x Percentage Change)
The amount of cash that you receive will be less than your principal amount, if anything, resulting in a loss that is proportionate to the
decline from the Pricing Date to the Valuation Date. Investors in the Notes could lose some or all of their investment if the level of the Reference Asset declines.
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Percentage Change:
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Final Level – Initial Level
Initial Level
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Market Disruption
Events:
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The occurrence of a market disruption event (or a non-trading day) as to the Reference Asset will
result in the postponement of an Observation Date or the Valuation Date, as described in the product prospectus supplement.
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Calculation Agent:
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RBC Capital Markets, LLC (“RBCCM”)
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Auto-Callable Notes
Linked to the Russell 2000® Index Royal Bank of Canada
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U.S. Tax Treatment:
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By purchasing a Note, each holder agrees (in the absence of a change in law, an administrative
determination or a judicial ruling to the contrary) to treat the Note as a callable pre-paid cash-settled derivative contract linked to the Reference Asset for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, the U.S. federal income tax
consequences of your investment in the Notes are uncertain and the Internal Revenue Service could assert that the Notes should be taxed in a manner that is different from that described in the preceding sentence. Please see the section
below, “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences,” and the discussion (including the opinion of our counsel Morrison & Foerster LLP) in the product prospectus supplement dated September 7, 2018 under
“Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences,” which apply to the Notes.
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Secondary Market:
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RBCCM (or one of its affiliates), though not obligated to do so, may maintain a secondary market in
the Notes after the Issue Date. The amount that you may receive upon sale of your Notes prior to maturity may be less than the principal amount.
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Listing:
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The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange.
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Settlement:
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DTC global (including through its indirect participants Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg as
described under “Description of Debt Securities—Ownership and Book-Entry Issuance” in the prospectus dated September 7, 2018).
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Terms Incorporated in
the Master Note:
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All of the terms appearing above the item captioned “Secondary Market” on the cover page and pages
P-2 and P-3 of this pricing supplement and the terms appearing under the caption “General Terms of the Notes” in the product prospectus supplement dated September 7, 2018, as modified by this pricing supplement.
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Auto-Callable Notes
Linked to the Russell 2000® Index Royal Bank of Canada
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ADDITIONAL TERMS OF YOUR NOTES
You should read this pricing supplement together with the prospectus dated September 7, 2018, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated
September 7, 2018 and the product prospectus supplement dated September 7, 2018, relating to our Senior Global Medium-Term Notes, Series H, of which these Notes are a part. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this pricing supplement will
have the meanings given to them in the product prospectus supplement. In the event of any conflict, this pricing supplement will control. The Notes vary
from the terms described in the product prospectus supplement in several important ways. You should read this pricing supplement carefully.
This pricing supplement, together with the documents listed below, contains the terms of the Notes and supersedes all 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, brochures or other educational materials of ours. You should
carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” in the prospectus supplement dated September 7, 2018 and “Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes” in the product prospectus supplement dated September 7, 2018,
as the Notes involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors before you invest in the Notes. You may access these documents on the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) website at www.sec.gov as follows (or if that address has changed, by reviewing our filings for the relevant date on the SEC website):
Prospectus dated September 7, 2018:
Prospectus Supplement dated September 7, 2018:
Product Prospectus Supplement ERN-EI-1 dated September 7, 2018:
Our Central Index Key, or CIK, on the SEC website is 1000275. As used in this pricing supplement, “we,” “us,” or “our” refers to Royal Bank of Canada.
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Auto-Callable Notes
Linked to the Russell 2000® Index Royal Bank of Canada
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HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES
The table set out below is included for illustration purposes only. The table illustrates the payments upon an automatic call and the Payment at
Maturity of the Notes for a hypothetical range of performance for the Reference Asset, assuming the following terms:
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Hypothetical Initial Level (for each Reference Asset):
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1,000.00*
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Principal Amount:
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$1,000 per Note
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Annual Call Return Rate:
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7.65%
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Call Amounts:
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$1,076.50 if called on the first Observation Date
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$1,153 if called on the second Observation Date
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$1,229.50 if called on the third Observation Date
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* The hypothetical Initial Level of 1,000.00 used in the examples below has been chosen for illustrative purposes only, and does
not represent the actual Initial Level.
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Summary of Hypothetical Examples
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Notes Are Called on an Observation Date
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Notes Are Not Called on Any
Observation Date
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Example 1
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Example 2
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Example 3
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Initial Level
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1,000
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1,000
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1,000
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1,000
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Closing Level on the
First Observation Date
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1,250
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900
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900
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980
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Closing Level on the
Second Observation
Date
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N/A
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1,100
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850
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780
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Closing Level on the
Final Observation
Date
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N/A
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N/A
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1,100
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600
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Payment Maturity (if
not previously called)
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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$600
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Auto-Callable Notes
Linked to the Russell 2000® Index Royal Bank of Canada
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Hypothetical Examples of Amounts Payable Upon an Automatic Call
The following hypothetical examples illustrate payments of the Call Amounts set forth in the table in the “Summary” section above.
Example 1: The level of the Reference Asset increases by 25% from the Initial
Level to a closing level of 1,250 on the first Observation Date. Because the closing level of the Reference Asset on the first Observation Date is greater than its Initial Level, the investor receives on the applicable Call Settlement
Date a cash payment of $1,076.50, representing the corresponding hypothetical Call Amount. After the Notes are called, they will no longer remain outstanding and
there will be no further payments on the Notes.
Example 2: The level of the Reference Asset decreases by 10% from the Initial
Level to its closing level on the first Observation Date of 900, but the level of the Reference Asset increases by 10% from the Initial Level to a closing level of 1,100 on the second Observation Date. Because the Notes are not called on
the first Observation Date and the closing level of the Reference Asset on the second Observation Date is greater than its Initial Level, the investor receives on the applicable Call Settlement Date a cash payment of $1,153.00, representing the corresponding hypothetical Call Amount. After the Notes are called, they will no longer remain outstanding and there will be no further payments on the Notes.
Example 3: The Notes are not called on the first two Observation Dates and
the Final Level is 1,100 on the Valuation Date, which is greater than its Initial Level. Because the Notes are not called on the first two Observation Dates
and the closing level of the Reference Asset on the Valuation Date is greater than its Initial Level, the investor receives on the Maturity Date a cash payment of $1,229.50,
representing the corresponding hypothetical Call Amount.
Hypothetical Example of Amounts Payable at Maturity
The following hypothetical example illustrates how the payments at maturity set forth in the table above are calculated, assuming the Notes have not been called on any Observation Date.
The level of the Reference Asset is 600 on the Valuation Date, which is less
than the Initial Level. The Notes are not called on any Observation Date because its closing level is below its Initial Level on each Observation Date (including the Valuation Date). Because the Final Level is less than its Initial
Level, we will pay only $600 for each $1,000 in the principal amount of the Notes, calculated as follows:
Principal Amount + (Principal Amount x Percentage Change)
= $1,000 + ($1,000 x -40%) = $1,000 - $400 = $600
* * *
The potential payments shown above are entirely hypothetical; they are based on levels of the Reference Asset that may not be achieved and on assumptions that may prove
to be erroneous. The actual market value of your Notes on the maturity date or at any other time, including any time you may wish to sell your Notes, may bear little relation to the hypothetical payments at maturity shown above, and those amounts
should not be viewed as an indication of the return on an investment in the Notes or on an investment in the securities included in the Reference Asset.
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Auto-Callable Notes
Linked to the Russell 2000® Index Royal Bank of Canada
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SELECTED RISK CONSIDERATIONS
An investment in the Notes involves significant risks. Investing in the Notes is not equivalent to investing directly in the Reference Asset. These
risks are explained in more detail in the section “Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes” in the product prospectus supplement. In addition to the risks described in the prospectus supplement and the product prospectus supplement, you
should consider the following:
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Principal at Risk — Investors in the Notes could lose all or a substantial portion of their principal
amount if there is a decline in the closing level of the Reference Asset between the Pricing Date and the Valuation Date. If the Notes are not automatically called and the Final Level is less than the Initial Level, the amount of cash
that you receive at maturity will represent a loss of your principal that is proportionate to the decline in the closing level of the Reference Asset from the Pricing Date to the Valuation Date. You could lose all or a substantial
portion of the principal amount.
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The Notes Are Subject to an Automatic Call — If, starting on September 26, 2019 and on any Observation
Date thereafter, the closing level of the Reference Asset is greater than or equal to its Initial Level, then the Notes will be automatically called. If the Notes are automatically called, then, on the applicable Call Settlement Date,
for each $1,000 in principal amount, you will receive the applicable Call Amount on the corresponding Call Settlement Date. You will not receive any payments after the Call Settlement Date and you will not receive any return on the
Notes that exceeds the applicable Call Amount set forth above, even if the level of the Reference Asset increases substantially. You may be unable to reinvest your proceeds from the automatic call in an investment with a return that
is as high as the return on the Notes.
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The Notes Do Not Pay Interest and Your Return May Be Lower than the Return on a Conventional Debt Security of
Comparable Maturity – There will be no periodic interest payments on the Notes as there would be on a conventional fixed‑rate or floating-rate debt security having the same maturity. The return that you will receive on the
Notes, which could be negative, may be less than the return you could earn on other investments. Your return may be less than the return you would earn if you bought a conventional senior interest bearing debt security of Royal Bank.
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Payments on the Notes Are Subject to Our Credit Risk, and Changes in Our Credit Ratings Are Expected to Affect
the Market Value of the Notes — The Notes are Royal Bank’s senior unsecured debt securities. As a result, your receipt of any Call Amounts, if payable, and the amount due on the maturity date is dependent upon Royal Bank’s
ability to repay its obligations on the applicable payment date. This will be the case even if the level of the Reference Asset increases after the Pricing Date. No assurance can be given as to what our financial condition will be at
any time during the term of the Notes.
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There May Not Be an Active Trading Market for the Notes-Sales in the Secondary Market May Result in Significant
Losses — There may be little or no secondary market for the Notes. The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. RBCCM and other affiliates of Royal Bank may make a market for the Notes; however, they are not
required to do so. RBCCM or any other affiliate of Royal Bank may stop any market-making activities at any time. Even if a secondary market for the Notes develops, it may not provide significant liquidity or trade at prices
advantageous to you. We expect that transaction costs in any secondary market would be high. As a result, the difference between bid and asked prices for your Notes in any secondary market could be substantial.
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Owning the Notes Is Not the Same as Owning the Securities Represented by the Reference Asset — The
return on your Notes is unlikely to reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the securities represented by the Reference Asset. For instance, you will not receive or be entitled to receive any dividend payments or
other distributions on those securities during the term of your Notes. As an owner of the Notes, you will not have voting rights or any other rights that holders of the Reference Asset may have. Furthermore, the
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Auto-Callable Notes
Linked to the Russell 2000® Index Royal Bank of Canada
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Reference Asset may appreciate substantially during the term of the Notes, while your potential return will be limited to the
applicable Call Amounts.
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The Initial Estimated Value of the Notes Is Less than the Price to the Public — The initial estimated value set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement does not represent a minimum price at which we, RBCCM or any of our affiliates would be willing
to purchase the Notes in any secondary market (if any exists) at any time. If you attempt to sell the Notes prior to maturity, their market value may be lower than the price you paid for them and the initial estimated value. This is
due to, among other things, changes in the levels of the Reference Asset, the borrowing rate we pay to issue securities of this kind, and the inclusion in the price to the public of the underwriting discount and the estimated costs
relating to our hedging of the Notes. These factors, together with various credit, market and economic factors over the term of the Notes, are expected to reduce the price at which you may be able to sell the Notes in any secondary
market and will affect the value of the Notes in complex and unpredictable ways. Assuming no change in market conditions or any other relevant factors, the price, if any, at which you may be able to sell your Notes prior to maturity
may be less than your original purchase price, as any such sale price would not be expected to include the underwriting discount and the hedging costs relating to the Notes. In addition to bid-ask spreads, the value of the Notes
determined by RBCCM for any secondary market price is expected to be based on the secondary rate rather than the internal funding rate used to price the Notes and determine the initial estimated value. As a result, the secondary price
will be less than if the internal funding rate was used. The Notes are not designed to be short-term trading instruments. Accordingly, you should be able and willing to hold your Notes to maturity.
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The Initial Estimated Value of the Notes on the Cover Page of this Pricing Supplement Is an Estimate Only,
Calculated as of the Time the Terms of the Notes Were Set — The initial estimated value of the Notes is based on the value of our obligation to make the payments on the Notes, together with the mid-market value of the
derivative embedded in the terms of the Notes. See “Structuring the Notes” below. Our estimate is based on a variety of assumptions, including our credit spreads, expectations as to dividends, interest rates and volatility, and the
expected term of the Notes. These assumptions are based on certain forecasts about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. Other entities may value the Notes or similar securities at a price that is significantly different
than we do.
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The value of the Notes at any time after the Pricing Date will vary based on many factors, including changes in market
conditions, and cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual value you would receive if you sold the Notes in any secondary market, if any, should be expected to differ materially from the initial estimated value of your Notes.
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Inconsistent Research — Royal Bank or its affiliates may issue research reports on securities that are,
or may become, components of the Reference Asset. We may also publish research from time to time on financial markets and other matters that may influence the levels of the Reference Asset or the value of the Notes, or express
opinions or provide recommendations that may be inconsistent with purchasing or holding the Notes or with the investment view implicit in the Notes or the Reference Asset. You should make your own independent investigation of the
merits of investing in the Notes and the Reference Asset.
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An Investment in the Notes Is Subject to Risks Associated in Investing in Stocks With a Small Market
Capitalization — The RTY consists
of stocks issued by companies with relatively small market capitalizations. These companies often have greater stock price volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than large-capitalization companies. As a result, the level
of the RTY may be more volatile than that of a market measure that does not track solely small-capitalization stocks. Stock prices of small-capitalization companies are also generally more vulnerable than those of large-capitalization
companies to adverse business and economic developments, and the stocks of small-capitalization companies may be thinly traded, and be less attractive to many investors if
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Auto-Callable Notes
Linked to the Russell 2000® Index Royal Bank of Canada
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they do not pay dividends. In addition, small capitalization companies are often less well-established and less stable
financially than large-capitalization companies and may depend on a small number of key personnel, making them more vulnerable to loss of those individuals. Small capitalization companies tend to have lower revenues, less diverse product lines,
smaller shares of their target markets, fewer financial resources and fewer competitive strengths than large-capitalization companies. These companies may also be more susceptible to adverse developments related to their products or services.
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Market Disruption Events and Adjustments — The payment
at maturity, each Observation Date and the Valuation Date are subject to adjustment as described in the product prospectus supplement. For a description of what constitutes a market disruption event as well as the consequences of
that market disruption event, see “General Terms of the Notes—Market Disruption Events” in the product prospectus supplement.
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Auto-Callable Notes
Linked to the Russell 2000® Index Royal Bank of Canada
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INFORMATION REGARDING THE REFERENCE ASSET
All disclosures contained in this document regarding the Reference Asset, including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation, and
changes in its components, have been derived from publicly available sources. The information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, FTSE Russell. FTSE Russell, which owns the copyright and all other rights to the Reference Asset,
has no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the Reference Asset. The consequences of FTSE Russell discontinuing publication of the Reference Asset are discussed in the section of the product prospectus supplement
entitled “General Terms of the Notes— Unavailability of the Level of the Reference Asset.” Neither we nor RBCCM accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the Reference Asset or any successor index.
The Reference Asset was developed by Russell Investments (“Russell”) before FTSE International Limited and Russell combined in 2015 to create FTSE
Russell, which is wholly owned by London Stock Exchange Group. Russell began dissemination of the Reference Asset on January 1, 1984. FTSE Russell calculates and publishes the Reference Asset. The Reference Asset was set to 135 as of the close of
business on December 31, 1986. The Reference Asset is designed to track the performance of the small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market. As a subset of the Russell 3000® Index, the Reference Asset consists of the smallest
2,000 companies included in the Russell 3000® Index. The Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies, representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. The Reference
Asset is determined, comprised, and calculated by FTSE Russell without regard to the Notes.
Selection of Stocks Underlying the Reference Asset
All companies eligible for inclusion in the Reference Asset must be classified as a U.S. company under FTSE Russell’s country-assignment methodology.
If a company is incorporated, has a stated headquarters location, and trades in the same country (American Depositary Receipts and American Depositary Shares are not eligible), then the company is assigned to its country of incorporation. If any
of the three factors are not the same, FTSE Russell defines three Home Country Indicators (“HCIs”): country of incorporation, country of headquarters, and country of the most liquid exchange (as defined by a two-year average daily dollar trading
volume) (“ADDTV”) from all exchanges within a country. Using the HCIs, FTSE Russell compares the primary location of the company’s assets with the three HCIs. If the primary location of its assets matches any of the HCIs, then the company is
assigned to the primary location of its assets. If there is insufficient information to determine the country in which the company’s assets are primarily located, FTSE Russell will use the primary country from which the company’s revenues are
primarily derived for the comparison with the three HCIs in a similar manner. FTSE Russell uses the average of two years of assets or revenues data to reduce potential turnover. If conclusive country details cannot be derived from assets or
revenues data, FTSE Russell will assign the company to the country of its headquarters, which is defined as the address of the company’s principal executive offices, unless that country is a Benefit Driven Incorporation “BDI” country, in which
case the company will be assigned to the country of its most liquid stock exchange. BDI countries include: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands,
Cook Islands, Curacao, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Panama, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, and Turks and Caicos Islands. For any companies incorporated or headquartered in a U.S.
territory, including countries such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands, a U.S. HCI is assigned.
All securities eligible for inclusion in the Reference Asset must trade on a major U.S. exchange. Stocks must have a closing price at or above $1.00
on their primary exchange on the last trading day in May to be eligible for inclusion during annual reconstitution. However, in order to reduce unnecessary turnover, if an existing member’s closing price is less than $1.00 on the last day of May,
it will be considered eligible if the average of the daily closing prices (from its primary exchange) during the month of May is equal to or greater than $1.00. Initial public offerings are added each quarter and must have a closing price at or
above $1.00 on the last day of their eligibility period in order to qualify for index inclusion. If an existing stock does not trade on the “rank day” (typically the last trading day in May but a confirmed timetable is announced each spring) but
does have a closing price at or above $1.00 on another eligible U.S. exchange, that stock will be eligible for inclusion.
An important criterion used to determine the list of securities eligible for the Reference Asset is total market capitalization, which is defined as
the market price as of the rank day in May for those securities being considered at annual reconstitution times the total number of shares outstanding. Where applicable, common stock, non-restricted exchangeable shares and partnership
units/membership interests are used to determine market capitalization. Any other form of shares such as preferred stock, convertible preferred stock, redeemable shares, participating preferred stock, warrants, rights, installment receipts or
trust receipts, are excluded from the calculation. If multiple share classes of common stock exist, they are combined to determine total shares outstanding. In cases where the common stock share classes act independently of each other (e.g.,
tracking stocks), each class is considered for inclusion separately. If multiple share classes exist, the pricing vehicle will be designated as the share class with the highest two-year trading volume as of the rank day in May.
Companies with a total market capitalization of less than $30 million are not eligible for the Reference Asset. Similarly, companies with only 5% or less of their shares
available in the marketplace are not eligible for the Reference Asset. Royalty trusts, limited liability
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Auto-Callable Notes
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companies, closed-end investment companies (companies that are required to report Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, as defined by the SEC, including
business development companies), blank check companies, special purpose acquisition companies, and limited partnerships are also ineligible for inclusion. Exchange traded funds and mutual funds are also excluded. Bulletin board, pink sheets, and
over-the-counter (“OTC”) traded securities are not eligible for inclusion.
Annual reconstitution is a process by which the Reference Asset is completely rebuilt. Based on closing levels of the company’s common stock on its
primary exchange on the rank day of May of each year, FTSE Russell reconstitutes the composition of the Reference Asset using the then existing market capitalizations of eligible companies. Reconstitution of the Reference Asset occurs on the last
Friday in June or, when the last Friday in June is the 29th or 30th, reconstitution occurs on the prior Friday. In addition, FTSE Russell adds initial public offerings to the Reference Asset on a quarterly basis based on total market
capitalization ranking within the market-adjusted capitalization breaks established during the most recent reconstitution.
After membership is determined, a security’s shares are adjusted to include only those shares available to the public. This is often referred to as
“free float.” The purpose of the adjustment is to exclude from market calculations the capitalization that is not available for purchase and is not part of the investable opportunity set.
License Agreement
FTSE Russell and Royal Bank have entered into a non-exclusive license agreement providing for the license to Royal Bank, and certain of its
affiliates, in exchange for a fee, of the right to use indices owned and published by FTSE Russell in connection with some securities, including the Notes.
FTSE Russell does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Reference Asset or any data included in the Reference Asset and has no
liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions in the Reference Asset. FTSE Russell makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the calculation agent, holders of the Notes, or any other person or entity from the
use of the Reference Asset or any data included in the Reference Asset in connection with the rights licensed under the license agreement described in this document or for any other use. FTSE Russell makes no express or implied warranties, and
hereby expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to the Reference Asset or any data included in the Reference Asset. Without limiting any of the above information, in no event will FTSE
Russell have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages, including lost profits, even if notified of the possibility of these damages.
The Notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by FTSE Russell. FTSE Russell makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the
owners of the Notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Notes particularly or the ability of the Reference Asset to track general stock market performance or a segment of the same.
FTSE Russell’s publication of the Reference Asset in no way suggests or implies an opinion by FTSE Russell as to the advisability of investment in any or all of the stocks upon which the Reference Asset is based. FTSE Russell's only relationship
to Royal Bank is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of FTSE Russell and of the Reference Asset, which is determined, composed and calculated by FTSE Russell without regard to Royal Bank or the Notes. FTSE Russell is not
responsible for and has not reviewed the Notes nor any associated literature or publications and FTSE Russell makes no representation or warranty express or implied as to their accuracy or completeness, or otherwise. FTSE Russell reserves the
right, at any time and without notice, to alter, amend, terminate or in any way change the Reference Asset. FTSE Russell has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Notes.
“Russell 2000®” and “Russell 3000®” are registered trademarks of FTSE Russell in the U.S. and other countries.
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Auto-Callable Notes
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Historical Information
The graph below sets forth the information relating to the historical performance of the Reference Asset. In addition, below the graph is a table
setting forth the intra-day high, intra-day low and period-end closing levels of the Reference Asset. The information provided in this table is for the period from January 1, 2008 through September 26, 2018.
We obtained the information regarding the historical performance of the Reference Asset in the chart below from Bloomberg Financial Markets.
We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg Financial Markets. The historical
performance of the Reference Asset should not be taken as an indication of its future performance, and no assurance can be given as to closing level of the Reference Asset on any Observation Date. We cannot give you assurance that the performance
of the Reference Asset will not result in the loss of all or a portion of your initial investment.
Russell 2000® Index (“RTY”)
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Auto-Callable Notes
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Period Start Date
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Period End Date
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High Intra-Day Level
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Low Intra-Day Level
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Period-End Closing Level
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1/1/2008
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3/31/2008
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768.460
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643.280
|
687.967
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4/1/2008
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6/30/2008
|
763.270
|
684.880
|
689.659
|
|
7/1/2009
|
9/30/2008
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764.380
|
647.370
|
679.583
|
|
10/1/2008
|
12/31/2008
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679.570
|
371.260
|
482.770
|
|
1/1/2009
|
3/31/2009
|
519.180
|
342.570
|
422.748
|
|
4/1/2009
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6/30/2009
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535.850
|
412.770
|
508.282
|
|
7/1/2009
|
9/30/2009
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625.310
|
473.540
|
604.278
|
|
10/1/2009
|
12/31/2009
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635.990
|
553.320
|
633.178
|
|
1/1/2010
|
3/31/2010
|
693.320
|
580.490
|
678.643
|
|
4/1/2010
|
6/30/2010
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745.950
|
607.300
|
609.486
|
|
7/1/2010
|
9/30/2010
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678.900
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587.600
|
676.139
|
|
10/1/2010
|
12/31/2010
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793.280
|
669.430
|
789.737
|
|
1/1/2011
|
3/31/2011
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843.730
|
771.710
|
843.548
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|
4/1/2011
|
6/30/2011
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868.570
|
772.620
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827.429
|
|
7/1/2011
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9/30/2011
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860.370
|
634.710
|
644.156
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|
10/1/2011
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12/31/2011
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769.460
|
601.710
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740.916
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1/1/2012
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3/31/2012
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847.920
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736.780
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830.301
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4/1/2012
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6/30/2012
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841.060
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729.750
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798.487
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7/1/2012
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9/30/2012
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868.500
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765.050
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837.450
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|
10/1/2012
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12/31/2012
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853.570
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763.550
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849.350
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1/1/2013
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3/31/2013
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954.000
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849.330
|
951.542
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4/1/2013
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6/30/2013
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1,008.230
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898.400
|
977.475
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|
7/1/2013
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9/30/2013
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1,082.000
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981.300
|
1,073.786
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|
10/1/2013
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12/31/2013
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1,167.960
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1,037.860
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1,163.637
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1/1/2014
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3/31/2014
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1,212.823
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1,082.717
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1,173.038
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4/1/2014
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6/30/2014
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1,193.964
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1,082.531
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1,192.964
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7/1/2014
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9/30/2014
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1,213.550
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1,101.675
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1,101.676
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10/1/2014
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12/31/2014
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1,221.442
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1,040.472
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1,204.696
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1/1/2015
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3/31/2015
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1,268.162
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1,151.295
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1,252.772
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4/1/2015
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6/30/2015
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1,295.996
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1,211.126
|
1,253.947
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7/1/2015
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9/30/2015
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1,275.899
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1,078.633
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1,100.688
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|
10/1/2015
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12/31/2015
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1,205.079
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1,080.606
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1,135.889
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1/1/2016
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3/31/2016
|
1,134.078
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943.097
|
1,114.028
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|
4/1/2016
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6/30/2016
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1,190.172
|
1,085.883
|
1,151.923
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7/1/2016
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9/30/2016
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1,263.460
|
1,131.713
|
1,251.646
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10/1/2016
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12/31/2016
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1,392.714
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1,156.085
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1,357.130
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1/1/2017
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3/30/2017
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1,414.824
|
1,335.038
|
1,385.920
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4/1/2017
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6/30/2017
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1,433.790
|
1,345.244
|
1,415.359
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|
7/1/2017
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9/30/2017
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1,493.555
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1,349.354
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1,490.861
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10/1/2017
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12/31/2017
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1,559.607
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1,454.165
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1,535.511
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1/1/2018
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3/30/2018
|
1,615.517
|
1,436.427
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1,529.427
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|
4/1/2018
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6/30/2018
|
1,708.098
|
1,482.897
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1,643.069
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7/1/2018
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9/26/2018
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1,742.089
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1,631.056
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1,691.608
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PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.
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Auto-Callable Notes
Linked to the Russell 2000® Index Royal Bank of Canada
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SUPPLEMENTAL DISCUSSION OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following disclosure supplements, and to the extent inconsistent supersedes, the discussion in the product prospectus supplement dated September
7, 2018 under “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”
Under Section 871(m) of the Code, a “dividend equivalent” payment is treated as a dividend from sources within the United States. Such payments
generally would be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax if paid to a non-U.S. holder. Under U.S. Treasury Department regulations, payments (including deemed payments) with respect to equity-linked instruments (“ELIs”) that are “specified ELIs”
may be treated as dividend equivalents if such specified ELIs reference an interest in an “underlying security,” which is generally any interest in an entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if a payment with respect
to such interest could give rise to a U.S. source dividend. However, the IRS has issued guidance that states that the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS intend to amend the effective dates of the U.S. Treasury Department regulations to provide
that withholding on dividend equivalent payments will not apply to specified ELIs that are not delta-one instruments and that are issued before January 1, 2021. Based on our determination that the Notes are not delta-one instruments, non-U.S.
holders should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments, if any, under the Notes. However, it is possible that the Notes could be treated as deemed reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain
events affecting the Reference Asset or the Notes (for example, upon a Reference Asset rebalancing), and following such occurrence the Notes could be treated as subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments. Non-U.S. holders that enter,
or have entered, into other transactions in respect of the Reference Asset or the Notes should consult their tax advisors as to the application of the dividend equivalent withholding tax in the context of the Notes and their other transactions.
If any payments are treated as dividend equivalents subject to withholding, we (or the applicable withholding agent) would be entitled to withhold taxes without being required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts so withheld.
SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)
Delivery of the Notes will be made against payment for the Notes on September 28, 2018, which is the second (2nd) business day following
the Pricing Date (this settlement cycle being referred to as “T+2”). See “Plan of Distribution” in the prospectus dated September 7, 2018. For additional information as to the relationship between us and RBCCM, please see the section “Plan of
Distribution - Conflicts of Interest” in the prospectus dated September 7, 2018.
In the initial offering of the Notes, they were offered to investors at a purchase price equal to par, except with respect to certain accounts as
indicated on the cover page of this document.
The value of the Notes shown on your account statement may be based on RBCCM’s estimate of the value of the Notes if RBCCM or another of our
affiliates were to make a market in the Notes (which it is not obligated to do). That estimate will be based upon the price that RBCCM may pay for the Notes in light of then prevailing market conditions, our creditworthiness and transaction
costs. For a period of approximately 3 months after the issue date of the Notes, the value of the Notes that may be shown on your account statement may be higher than RBCCM’s estimated value of the Notes at that time. This is because the
estimated value of the Notes will not include the underwriting discount and our hedging costs and profits; however, the value of the Notes shown on your account statement during that period may initially be a higher amount, reflecting the
addition of RBCCM’s underwriting discount and our estimated costs and profits from hedging the Notes. This excess is expected to decrease over time until the end of this period. After this period, if RBCCM repurchases your Notes, it expects to
do so at prices that reflect their estimated value.
We may use this pricing supplement in the initial sale of the Notes. In addition, RBCCM or another of our affiliates may use this pricing supplement in a market-making
transaction in the Notes after their initial sale. Unless we or our agent informs the purchaser otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this pricing
supplement is being used in a market-making transaction.
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Auto-Callable Notes
Linked to the Russell 2000® Index Royal Bank of Canada
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STRUCTURING THE NOTES
The Notes are our debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Reference Asset. As is the case for all of our debt
securities, including our structured notes, the economic terms of the Notes reflect our actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. In addition, because structured notes result in increased operational, funding and liability
management costs to us, we typically borrow the funds under these Notes at a rate that is more favorable to us than the rate that we might pay for a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity. Using this relatively
lower implied borrowing rate rather than the secondary market rate, is a factor that reduced the initial estimated value of the Notes at the time their terms were set. Unlike the estimated value included in this pricing supplement, any value of
the Notes determined for purposes of a secondary market transaction may be based on a different funding rate, which may result in a lower value for the Notes than if our initial internal funding rate were used.
In order to satisfy our payment obligations under the Notes, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call
options, put options or other derivatives) on the issue date with RBCCM or one of our other subsidiaries. The terms of these hedging arrangements take into account a number of factors, including our creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the
volatility of the Reference Asset, and the tenor of the Notes. The economic terms of the Notes and their initial estimated value depend in part on the terms of these hedging arrangements.
The lower implied borrowing rate is a factor that reduced the economic terms of the Notes to you. The initial offering price of the Notes also
reflects the underwriting commission and our estimated hedging costs. These factors resulted in the initial estimated value for the Notes on the Pricing Date being less than their public offering price. See “Selected Risk Considerations—The
Initial Estimated Value of the Notes Is Less than the Price to the Public” above.
VALIDITY OF THE NOTES
In the opinion of Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, the issue and sale of the Notes has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Bank in conformity
with the Indenture, and when the Notes have been duly executed, authenticated and issued in accordance with the Indenture and delivered against payment therefor, the Notes will be validly issued and, to the extent validity of the Notes is a
matter governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario or Québec, or the laws of Canada applicable therein, and will be valid obligations of the Bank, subject to equitable remedies which may only be granted at the discretion of a court of
competent authority, subject to applicable bankruptcy, to rights to indemnity and contribution under the Notes or the Indenture which may be limited by applicable law; to insolvency and other laws of general application affecting creditors’
rights, to limitations under applicable limitations statutes, and to limitations as to the currency in which judgments in Canada may be rendered, as prescribed by the Currency Act (Canada). This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is
limited to the laws of the Provinces of Ontario and Québec and the federal laws of Canada applicable thereto. In addition, this opinion is subject to customary assumptions about the Trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the Indenture
and the genuineness of signatures and certain factual matters, all as stated in the letter of such counsel dated September 7, 2018, which has been filed as Exhibit 5.1 to Royal Bank’s Form 6-K dated September 7, 2018.
In the opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP, when the Notes have been duly completed in accordance with the Indenture and issued and sold as contemplated by the
prospectus supplement and the prospectus, the Notes will be valid, binding and enforceable obligations of the Bank, entitled to the benefits of the Indenture, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’
rights generally, concepts of reasonableness and equitable principles of general applicability (including, without limitation, concepts of good faith, fair dealing and the lack of bad faith). This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is
limited to the laws of the State of New York. This opinion is subject to customary assumptions about the Trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the Indenture and the genuineness of signatures and to such counsel’s reliance on the Bank
and other sources as to certain factual matters, all as stated in the legal opinion dated September 7, 2018, which has been filed as Exhibit 5.2 to the Bank’s Form 6-K dated September 7, 2018.