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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 November 2, 2018
To the Product Prospectus Supplement No. CCBN-2, Dated September 10, 2018, the Prospectus Supplement Dated September 7, 2018, and the
Prospectus Dated September 7, 2018
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$2,000,000
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two
Equity Indices, Due November 7, 2019
Royal Bank of Canada
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Royal Bank of Canada is offering Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes (the “Notes”) linked to the lesser performing of two equity
indices (each, a “Reference Index” and collectively, the “Reference Indices”). The Notes offered are senior unsecured obligations of Royal Bank of Canada, will pay a quarterly Contingent Coupon at the rate and under the circumstances specified
below, and will have the terms described in the documents described above, as supplemented or modified by this pricing supplement. The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange.
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Reference Indices
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Initial Levels
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Trigger Levels*
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Coupon Barriers*
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S&P 500® Index (“SPX”)
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2,723.06
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1,633.84, which is 60.00% of its Initial Level
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1,906.14, which is 70.00% of its Initial Level
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Russell 2000® Index (“RTY”)
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1,547.981
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928.789, which is 60.00% of its Initial Level
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1,083.587, which is 70.00% of its Initial Level
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* Rounded to two decimal places for the SPX and three decimal places for the RTY.
The Notes do not guarantee any return of principal at
maturity. Any payments on the Notes are subject to our credit risk.
Investing in the Notes involves a number of risks.
See “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-5 of the product prospectus supplement dated September 10, 2018, on page S-1 of the prospectus supplement dated September 7, 2018, and “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page P-7 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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Listing:
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None
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Trade Date:
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November 2, 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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November 7, 2018
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Maturity Date:
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November 7, 2019
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Observation Dates:
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Quarterly, as set forth below.
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Coupon Payment Dates:
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Quarterly, as set forth below
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Valuation Date:
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November 4, 2019
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Contingent Coupon Rate:
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5.20% per annum
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Initial Level:
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For each Reference Index, its closing level on the Trade Date, as listed above.
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Final Level:
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For each Reference Index, its closing level on the Valuation Date.
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Contingent Coupon:
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If the closing level of each Reference Index is
greater than or equal to its Coupon Barrier on the applicable Observation Date, we will pay the Contingent Coupon on the applicable Coupon Payment Date. You may not receive any Contingent Coupons during the term of the Notes.
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Payment at Maturity (if held
to maturity):
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If the Notes are not previously called, we will pay you at maturity an amount based on the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index:
For each $1,000 in principal amount, $1,000 plus the Contingent Coupon (if payable) at maturity, unless the Final Level of the Lesser Performing
Reference Index is less than its Trigger Level.
If the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index is less than its Trigger 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 Underlying Return of the Lesser Performing Reference Index)
Investors could lose some or all of the value of their initial investment if there has been a decline in the level of Lesser
Performing Reference Index.
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Lesser Performing
Reference Index:
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The Reference Index with the largest percentage decrease (or the smallest percentage increase, if none decrease) between its
Initial Level and its Final Level.
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Call Feature:
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If the closing level of each Reference Index is
greater than or equal to its Initial Level starting on May 2, 2019 and on any Observation Date thereafter, the Notes will be automatically called for 100% of their principal amount, plus the Contingent Coupon applicable to the corresponding
Observation Date.
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Observation Dates:
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Quarterly, as set forth below.
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CUSIP:
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78013XRL4
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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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$2,000,000
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Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)
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0.75%
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$15,000
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Proceeds to Royal Bank of Canada
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99.25%
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$1,985,000
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(1)Certain dealers 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 $992.50 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 $987.54 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, which we refer to as RBCCM, acting as agent for Royal Bank of Canada, received a commission of $7.50 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 $7.50 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 Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices Royal Bank of Canada |
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 Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes (the
“Notes”) linked to the lesser performing of two equity indices (the “Reference Indices”).
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Issuer:
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Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”)
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Trade Date:
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November 2, 2018
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Issue Date:
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November 7, 2018
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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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Contingent Coupon:
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We will pay you a Contingent Coupon during the term of the Notes, periodically in arrears on each Coupon Payment Date, under
the conditions described below:
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If the closing level of each Reference Index is greater than or equal to its Coupon Barrier on the
applicable Observation Date, we will pay the Contingent Coupon applicable to that Observation Date.
·
If the closing level of any of the Reference Indices is less than its Coupon Barrier on the
applicable Observation Date, we will not pay you the Contingent Coupon applicable to that Observation Date.
You may not receive a Contingent Coupon for one or more quarterly periods during the
term of the Notes.
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Contingent Coupon Rate:
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5.20% per annum (1.30% per quarter)
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Observation Dates:
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Quarterly, on February 4, 2019, May 2, 2019, August 2, 2019 and November 4, 2019 (the Valuation Date), subject to postponement
as described in the product prospectus supplement.
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Coupon Payment Dates:
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The Contingent Coupon, if applicable, will be paid quarterly on February 7, 2019, May 7, 2019, August 7, 2019 and November 7,
2019 (the Maturity Date), subject to postponement as described in the product prospectus supplement.
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Record Dates:
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The record date for each Coupon Payment Date will be the date one business day prior to that scheduled Coupon Payment Date;
provided, however, that any Contingent Coupon payable at maturity or upon a call will be payable to the person to whom the payment at maturity or upon the call, as the case may be, will be payable.
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Call Feature:
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If, on any Observation Date, starting on May 2, 2019,
the closing level of each Reference Index is greater than or equal to its Initial Level, then the Notes will be automatically called.
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Payment if Called:
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If the Notes are automatically called, then, on the applicable Coupon Payment Date, for each $1,000 principal amount, you will
receive $1,000 plus the Contingent Coupon otherwise due on that Coupon Payment Date (if payable).
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Valuation Date:
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November 4, 2019
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Maturity Date:
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November 7, 2019
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Initial Level:
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For each Reference Index, its closing level on the Trade Date, each of which is specified on the cover page of this pricing
supplement.
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Final Level:
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For each Reference Index, its closing level on the Valuation Date.
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Trigger Level
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For each Reference Index, 60.00% of its Initial Level, as specified on the cover page of this pricing
supplement.
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Coupon Barrier:
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For each Reference Index, 70.00% of its Initial Level, as specified on the cover page of this pricing
supplement.
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Payment at Maturity (if
not previously called and
held to maturity):
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If the Notes are not previously called, we will pay you at maturity an amount based on the Final Level of the Lesser
Performing Reference Index:
· If the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index is greater than or equal to its Trigger Level, we will pay you a cash payment equal to the principal
amount plus the Contingent Coupon
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Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices Royal Bank of Canada |
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otherwise due on the Maturity Date (if payable).
· If the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index is below its Trigger Level, you will receive at maturity, for each $1,000 in principal amount, a cash
payment equal to:
$1,000 + ($1,000 x Underlying Return of the Lesser Performing Reference Index)
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 of the Lesser Performing Reference Index from the Trade Date to the Valuation Date. Investors in the Notes could lose some or all of their
investment if the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index is below its Trigger Level.
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Underlying Return:
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With respect to each Reference Index:
Final Level – Initial Level
Initial Level
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Lesser Performing
Reference Index:
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The Reference Index with the largest percentage decrease (or the smallest percentage increase, if none decrease) between its
Initial Level and its Final 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 either of the Reference Indices
will result in the postponement of an Observation Date or the Valuation Date as to that Reference Index, as described in the product prospectus supplement, but not to any non-affected Reference Index.
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Calculation Agent:
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RBC Capital Markets, LLC (“RBCCM”)
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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 contingent income-bearing derivative contract linked to the Reference Indices 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 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).
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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, as modified by this pricing supplement.
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Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices Royal Bank of Canada |
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 10, 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 in the product prospectus supplement dated September 10, 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 dated September 10, 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 Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices Royal Bank of Canada |
HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES
The table set out below is included for illustration purposes only. The table illustrates the Payment at Maturity of the Notes
(including the final Contingent Coupon, if payable) for a hypothetical range of performance for the Lesser Performing Reference Index, assuming the following terms and that the Notes are not automatically called prior to maturity:
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Hypothetical Initial Level (for each Reference Index):
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1,000.00*
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Hypothetical Trigger Level (for each Reference Index):
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600.00, which is 60.00% of the hypothetical Initial Level
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Hypothetical Coupon Barrier (for each Reference Index):
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700.00, which is 70.00% of the hypothetical Initial Level
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Contingent Coupon Rate:
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5.20% per annum (or 1.30% per quarter)
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Contingent Coupon Amount:
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$13.00 per quarter
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Principal Amount:
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$1,000 per Note
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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 of either Reference Index. The actual Initial Levels for each Reference Index are set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement. We make no representation or warranty as to which of the Reference Indices will be the Lesser Performing Reference Index. It is possible that the Final Level of each Reference Index will be less than its
Initial Level.
Hypothetical Final Levels are shown in the first column on the left. The second column shows the Payment at Maturity for a range of
Final Levels on the Valuation Date. The third column shows the amount of cash to be paid on the Notes per $1,000 in principal amount. If the Notes are called prior to maturity, the hypothetical examples below will not be relevant, and you will
receive on the applicable Coupon Payment Date, for each $1,000 principal amount, $1,000 plus the Contingent Coupon otherwise due on the Notes (if payable).
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Hypothetical Final Level of the Lesser
Performing Reference Index
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Payment at Maturity as
Percentage of Principal Amount
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Cash Payment Amount
per $1,000 in Principal
Amount
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1,300.00
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100.00%
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$1,013.00*
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1,200.00
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100.00%
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$1,013.00*
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1,100.00
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100.00%
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$1,013.00*
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1,000.00
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100.00%
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$1,013.00*
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900.00
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100.00%
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$1,013.00*
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800.00
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100.00%
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$1,013.00*
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700.00
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100.00%
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$1,013.00*
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650.00
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100.00%
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$1,000.00
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600.00
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100.00%
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$1,000.00
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599.90
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59.99%
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$599.90
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500.00
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50.00%
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$500.00
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400.00
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40.00%
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$400.00
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250.00
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25.00%
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$250.00
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0.00
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0.00%
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$0.00
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*Including the final Contingent Coupon, if payable.
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Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices Royal Bank of Canada |
Hypothetical Examples of Amounts Payable at Maturity
The following hypothetical examples illustrate how the payments at maturity set forth in the table above are calculated, assuming the
Notes have not been called.
Example 1: The level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index
increases by 25% from the Initial Level to its Final Level of 1,250.00. Because the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index is greater than its Trigger Level and Coupon Barrier, the investor receives at maturity, in addition
to the final Contingent Coupon otherwise due on the Notes, a cash payment of $1,000 per Note, despite the 25% appreciation in the level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index.
Example 2: The level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index
decreases by 15% from the Initial Level to its Final Level of 900.00. Because the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index is greater than its Trigger Level and Coupon Barrier, the investor receives at maturity, in addition to
the final Contingent Coupon otherwise due on the Notes, a cash payment of $1,000 per Note, despite the 15% decline in the level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index.
Example 3: The level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index
decreases by 33% from the Initial Level of 1,000.00 to its Final Level of 670.00. Because the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index is greater than its Trigger Level, the investor receives at maturity, a cash payment of
$1,000 per Note, despite the decline in the level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index. However, because the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index is less than its Coupon Barrier, the final Contingent Coupon is not payable.
Example 4: The level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index
decreases by 50% from the Initial Level of 1,000.00 to its Final Level of 500.00. Because the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index is less than its Trigger Level and Coupon Barrier, the final Contingent Coupon will not be
payable on the Maturity Date, and we will pay only $500.00 for each $1,000 in the principal amount of the Notes, calculated as follows:
Principal Amount + (Principal Amount x Underlying Return of the Lesser Performing Reference Index)
= $1,000 + ($1,000 x -50.00%) = $1,000 - $500.00 = $500.00
* * *
The Payments at Maturity shown above are entirely hypothetical; they are based on levels of the Reference Indices that may not be achieved on the
Valuation Date 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 financial return on an investment in the Notes or on an investment in the securities included in either Reference Index.
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Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices Royal Bank of Canada |
SELECTED RISK CONSIDERATIONS
An investment in the Notes involves significant risks. Investing in the Notes is not equivalent to investing directly in the Reference Indices. These
risks are explained in more detail in the section “Risk Factors” 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 level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index between Trade Date and the Valuation Date. If the Notes are not automatically called and the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index on the
Valuation Date is less than its Trigger 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 Lesser Performing Reference Index
from the Trade Date to the Valuation Date. Any Contingent Coupons received on the Notes prior to the Maturity Date may not be sufficient to compensate for any such loss.
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The Notes Are Subject to an Automatic Call — If on any Observation Date, starting on May 2, 2019, the
closing level of each Reference Index 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 Coupon Payment Date, for each $1,000 in
principal amount, you will receive $1,000 plus the Contingent Coupon otherwise due on the applicable Coupon Payment Date. You will not receive any Contingent Coupons after that payment. 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 would have been if they had not been called.
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You May Not Receive Any Contingent Coupons — We will not necessarily make any coupon payments on the Notes.
If the closing level of any of the Reference Indices on an Observation Date is less than its Coupon Barrier, we will not pay you the Contingent Coupon applicable to that Observation Date. If the closing level of either of the Reference
Indices is less than its Coupon Barrier on each of the Observation Dates and on the Valuation Date, we will not pay you any Contingent Coupons during the term of, and you will not receive a positive return on your Notes. Generally, this
non-payment of the Contingent Coupon coincides with a period of greater risk of principal loss on your Notes. Accordingly, if we do not pay the Contingent Coupon on the Maturity Date, you will also incur a loss of principal, if the
Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index is less than its Trigger Level.
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The Notes Are Linked to the Lesser Performing Reference Index, Even if the Other Reference Index Performs Better — If either of the Reference Indices has a Final Level that is less than its Trigger Level, your return will be linked to the lesser performing of the two Reference Indices. Even if the Final
Level of the other Reference Index has increased compared to its respective Initial Level, or has experienced a decrease that is less than that of the Lesser Performing Reference Index, your return will only be determined by reference
to the performance of the Lesser Performing Reference Index, regardless of the performance of the other Reference Index.
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Your Payment on the Notes Will Be Determined by Reference to Each Reference Index Individually, Not to a Basket, and
the Payment at Maturity Will Be Based on the Performance of the Lesser Performing Reference Index — The Payment at Maturity will be determined only by reference to the performance of the Lesser Performing Reference Index,
regardless of the performance of the other Reference Index. The Notes are not linked to a weighted basket, in which the risk may be mitigated and diversified among each of the basket components. For example, in the case of notes linked
to a weighted basket, the return would depend on the weighted aggregate performance of the basket components reflected as the basket return. As a result, the depreciation of one basket component could be mitigated by the appreciation of
the other basket component, as scaled by the weighting of that basket component. However, in the case of the Notes, the individual performance of each of the Reference Indices would not be combined, and the depreciation of one Reference
Index would not be mitigated by any appreciation of the other Reference Index. Instead, your return will depend solely on the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Index.
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The Call Feature and the Contingent Coupon Feature Limit Your Potential Return — The return potential of the
Notes is limited to the pre-specified Contingent Coupon Rate, regardless of the appreciation of the Reference Indices. In addition, the total return on the Notes will vary based on the number of Observation Dates on which the Contingent
Coupon becomes payable prior to maturity or an automatic call. Further, if the Notes are called due to the Call Feature, you will not receive any Contingent Coupons or any other payment in respect of any Observation Dates after the
applicable Coupon Payment Date. Since the Notes could be called as early as the second Observation Date, the total return on the Notes could be limited to six months of Contingent Coupon payments, none of which are guaranteed. If the
Notes are not called, you may be subject to the full downside performance of the Lesser Performing Reference Index even though your potential return is limited to the
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Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices Royal Bank of Canada |
Contingent Coupon Rate. As a result, the return on an investment in the Notes could be less than the return on a direct investment
in securities included in the Reference Indices.
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Your Return May Be Lower than the Return on a Conventional Debt Security of Comparable 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. Even if your return is positive, 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 Contingent Coupons, if payable, and the amount due on any relevant payment date is dependent upon Royal
Bank’s ability to repay its obligations on the applicable payment dates. This will be the case even if the levels of the Reference Indices increase after the Trade 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 Indices — The return
on your Notes is unlikely to reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the securities represented by the Reference Indices. 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 Indices may have. Furthermore, the Reference Indices may
appreciate substantially during the term of the Notes, while your potential return will be limited to the applicable Contingent Coupon payments.
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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 Indices, 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 Trade 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 Indices. We may also publish research from time to time on financial markets and other matters that may influence the levels of the Reference Indices 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 Indices. You should make your own independent investigation of the merits of
investing in the Notes and the Reference Indices.
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An Investment in the Notes Is Subject to Risks Associated in Investing in Stocks With a Small Market Capitalization
– The Russell 2000® Index 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 Russell 2000® Index 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 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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INFORMATION REGARDING THE REFERENCE INDICES
All disclosures contained in this pricing supplement regarding the Reference Indices, including, without limitation, their make-up, method of
calculation, and changes in their components, have been derived from publicly available sources. The information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, the applicable index sponsor. Each of these sponsors has no obligation to
continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the applicable Reference Index. The consequences of an index sponsor discontinuing publication of a Reference Index are discussed in the section of the product prospectus supplement entitled
“General Terms of the Notes—Unavailability of the Level of a Reference Index.” Neither we nor RBCCM accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of any Reference Index or any successor index.
We obtained the information regarding the historical performance of each Reference Index set forth below from Bloomberg Financial Markets.
The SPX
The SPX is intended to provide an indication of the pattern of common stock price movement. The calculation of the level of the SPX is based on the relative value of the
aggregate market value of the common stocks of 500 companies as of a particular time compared to the aggregate average market value of the common stocks of 500 similar companies during the base period of the years 1941 through 1943.
S&P calculates the SPX by reference to the prices of the constituent stocks of the SPX without taking account of the value of dividends paid on those stocks. As a
result, the return on the Notes will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the SPX constituent stocks and received the dividends paid on those stocks.
Effective with the September 2015 rebalance, consolidated share class lines will no longer be included in the SPX. Each share class line will be subject to public float
and liquidity criteria individually, but the company’s total market capitalization will be used to evaluate each share class line. This may result in one listed share class line of a company being included in the SPX while a second listed share
class line of the same company is excluded.
Computation of the SPX
While S&P currently employs the following methodology to calculate the SPX, no assurance can be given that S&P will not modify or change this methodology in a
manner that may affect the Payment at Maturity.
Historically, the market value of any component stock of the SPX was calculated as the product of the market price per share and the number of then outstanding shares of
such component stock. In March 2005, S&P began shifting the SPX halfway from a market capitalization weighted formula to a float-adjusted formula, before moving the SPX to full float adjustment on September 16, 2005. S&P’s criteria for
selecting stocks for the SPX did not change with the shift to float adjustment. However, the adjustment affects each company’s weight in the SPX.
Under float adjustment, the share counts used in calculating the SPX reflect only those shares that are available to investors, not all of a company’s outstanding shares.
Float adjustment excludes shares that are closely held by control groups, other publicly traded companies or government agencies.
In September 2012, all shareholdings representing more than 5% of a stock’s outstanding shares, other than holdings by “block owners,” were removed from the float for
purposes of calculating the SPX. Generally, these “control holders” will include officers and directors, private equity, venture capital and special equity firms, other publicly traded companies that hold shares for control, strategic partners,
holders of restricted shares, ESOPs, employee and family trusts, foundations associated with the company, holders of unlisted share classes of stock, government entities at all levels (other than government retirement/pension funds) and any
individual person who controls a 5% or greater stake in a company as reported in regulatory filings. However, holdings by block owners, such as depositary banks, pension funds, mutual funds and ETF providers, 401(k) plans of the company, government
retirement/pension funds, investment funds of insurance companies, asset managers and investment funds, independent foundations and savings and investment plans, will ordinarily be considered part of the float.
Treasury stock, stock options equity participation units, warrants, preferred stock, convertible stock, and rights are not part of the float. Shares held in a trust to
allow investors in countries outside the country of domicile, such as depositary shares and Canadian exchangeable shares are normally part of the float unless those shares form a control block.
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For each stock, an investable weight factor (“IWF”) is calculated by dividing the available float shares by the total shares outstanding. Available float shares are
defined as the total shares outstanding less shares held by control holders. This calculation is subject to a 5% minimum threshold for control blocks. For example, if a company’s officers and directors hold 3% of the company’s shares, and no other
control group holds 5% of the company’s shares, S&P would assign that company an IWF of 1.00, as no control group meets the 5% threshold. However, if a company’s officers and directors hold 3% of the company’s shares and another control group
holds 20% of the company’s shares, S&P would assign an IWF of 0.77, reflecting the fact that 23% of the company’s outstanding shares are considered to be held for control. As of July 31, 2017, companies with multiple share class lines are no
longer eligible for inclusion in the Reference Index. Constituents of the Reference Index prior to July 31, 2017 with multiple share class lines will be grandfathered in and continue to be included in the Reference Index. If a constituent company
of the Reference Index reorganizes into a multiple share class line structure, that company will remain in the Reference Index at the discretion of the S&P Index Committee in order to minimize turnover.
The SPX is calculated using a base-weighted aggregate methodology. The level of the SPX reflects the total market value of all 500 component stocks relative to the base
period of the years 1941 through 1943. An indexed number is used to represent the results of this calculation in order to make the level easier to use and track over time. The actual total market value of the component stocks during the base period
of the years 1941 through 1943 has been set to an indexed level of 10. This is often indicated by the notation 1941-43 = 10. In practice, the daily calculation of the SPX is computed by dividing the total market value of the component stocks by the
“index divisor.” By itself, the index divisor is an arbitrary number. However, in the context of the calculation of the SPX, it serves as a link to the original base period level of the SPX. The index divisor keeps the SPX comparable over time and
is the manipulation point for all adjustments to the SPX, which is index maintenance.
Index Maintenance
Index maintenance includes monitoring and completing the adjustments for company additions and deletions, share changes, stock splits, stock dividends, and stock price
adjustments due to company restructuring or spinoffs. Some corporate actions, such as stock splits and stock dividends, require changes in the common shares outstanding and the stock prices of the companies in the SPX, and do not require index
divisor adjustments.
To prevent the level of the SPX from changing due to corporate actions, corporate actions which affect the total market value of the SPX require an index divisor
adjustment. By adjusting the index divisor for the change in market value, the level of the SPX remains constant and does not reflect the corporate actions of individual companies in the SPX. Index divisor adjustments are made after the close of
trading and after the calculation of the SPX closing level.
Changes in a company’s total shares outstanding of 5% or more due to public offerings are made as soon as reasonably possible. Other changes of 5%
or more (for example, due to tender offers, Dutch auctions, voluntary exchange offers, company stock repurchases, private placements, acquisitions of private companies or non-index companies that do not trade on a major exchange, redemptions,
exercise of options, warrants, conversion of preferred stock, notes, debt, equity participations, at-the-market stock offerings or other recapitalizations) are made weekly, and are generally announced on Fridays for implementation after the close
of trading the following Friday (one week later). If a 5% or more share change causes a company’s IWF to change by five percentage points or more, the IWF is updated at the same time as the share change. IWF changes resulting from partial tender
offers are considered on a case-by-case basis.
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License Agreement
S&P® is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) and Dow Jones®
is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). These trademarks have been licensed for use by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. “Standard & Poor’s®”, “S&P 500®” and “S&P®” are
trademarks of S&P. These trademarks have been sublicensed for certain purposes by us. The SPX is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by us.
The Notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, S&P or any of their
respective affiliates (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices”). S&P Dow Jones Indices make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the holders of the 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 SPX to track general market performance. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ only relationship to us with respect to the SPX is the licensing of the SPX and certain trademarks, service
marks and/or trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices and/or its third party licensors. The SPX is determined, composed and calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices without regard to us or the Notes. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation to
take our needs or the needs of holders of the Notes into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the SPX. S&P Dow Jones Indices are not responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the prices, and amount of
the Notes or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Notes or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Notes are to be converted into cash. S&P Dow Jones Indices have no obligation or liability in connection with the
administration, marketing or trading of the Notes. There is no assurance that investment products based on the SPX will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and its subsidiaries
are not investment advisors. Inclusion of a security or futures contract within an index is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices to buy, sell, or hold such security or futures contract, nor is it considered to be investment advice.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, CME Group Inc. and its affiliates may independently issue and/or sponsor financial products unrelated to the Notes currently being issued by us, but which may be similar to and competitive with the Notes. In
addition, CME Group Inc. and its affiliates may trade financial products which are linked to the performance of the SPX. It is possible that this trading activity will affect the value of the Notes.
S&P DOW JONES INDICES DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE SPX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P DOW JONES INDICES SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P
DOW JONES INDICES MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY US, HOLDERS OF THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR
ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE SPX OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY
BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND US, OTHER THAN THE LICENSORS OF S&P DOW JONES INDICES.
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Russell 2000® Index (“RTY”)
The RTY 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 RTY (Bloomberg L.P. index symbol “RTY”) on January 1, 1984. FTSE Russell calculates and publishes the RTY. The RTY was set to 135 as of the close of business on
December 31, 1986. The RTY 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 RTY 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 RTY is determined, comprised, and calculated
by FTSE Russell without regard to the Notes.
Selection of Stocks Underlying the RTY
All companies eligible for inclusion in the RTY 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 RTY 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 RTY 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 RTY. Similarly, companies with only 5% or less of their shares available in
the marketplace are not eligible for the RTY. Royalty trusts, limited liability 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.
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Annual reconstitution is a process by which the RTY 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 RTY using the then existing market capitalizations of eligible companies. Reconstitution of the RTY 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 RTY 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 RTY or any data included in the RTY and has no liability for any errors,
omissions, or interruptions in the RTY. 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 RTY or any data included in
the RTY 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 RTY or any data included in the RTY. 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 RTY to track general stock market performance or a segment of the same. FTSE
Russell’s publication of the RTY 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 RTY 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 RTY, 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 RTY. 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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HISTORICAL INFORMATION
We obtained the information regarding the historical performance of the Reference Indices in the graphs below from Bloomberg Financial Markets.
We have not independently investigated the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg Financial Markets. The historical
performance of the Reference Indices should not be taken as an indication of their future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Final Level of any Reference Index. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of any of the
Reference Indices will not result in the loss of all or a portion of your investment in the Notes.
Historical Information (SPX)
The graph below illustrates the performance of this Reference Index from January 1, 2008 to November 2, 2018.
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Historical Information (RTY)
The graph below illustrates the performance of this Reference Index from January 1, 2008 to November 2, 2018.
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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
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 a Reference Index or the Notes (for example, upon a Reference Index 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 a Reference Index 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 November 7, 2018, which is the third (3rd) business day following the
Trade Date (this settlement cycle being referred to as “T+3”). Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree
otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Notes more than two business days prior to the original Issue Date will be required to specify alternative arrangements to prevent a failed settlement
See “Plan of Distribution” in the prospectus. For additional information as to the relationship between us and RBCCM, please see the section “Plan of
Distribution—Conflicts of Interest” in the prospectus.
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 three 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 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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STRUCTURING THE NOTES
The Notes are our debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Reference Indices. 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 Indices, 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 Trade 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 filed with the SEC 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 Royal 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.