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RBC Capital Markets® |
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration Statement No. 333-227001
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Pricing Supplement
Dated April 5, 2019
To the Product Prospectus Supplement ERN-EI-1, the Prospectus Supplement and the Prospectus, Each Dated September 7, 2018
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$1,000,000
Barrier Absolute Return Notes Linked to the Lesser
Performing of Two Equity Indices, Due April 10, 2024
Royal Bank of Canada
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Royal Bank of Canada is offering Barrier Booster Notes Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices (the “Notes”)
linked to the lesser performing of two equity indices (each, a “Reference Asset” and collectively, the “Reference Assets”). 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.
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Reference Assets
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Initial Levels
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Barrier Levels*
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S&P 500® Index (“SPX”)
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2,892.74
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1,880.28, which is 65% of its Initial Level
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Russell 2000® Index (“RTY”)
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1,582.558
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1,028.663, which is 65% of its Initial Level
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* Rounded to two decimal places in the case of the SPX, and three decimal places in the case of 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 “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page P-7 of this pricing supplement, “Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes” beginning on page PS-4 of the product prospectus supplement dated September 7, 2018, and “Risk Factors”
beginning on page S-1 of the prospectus supplement dated September 7, 2018.
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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Trade Date:
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April 5, 2019
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Principal Amount:
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$1,000 per Note
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Issue Date:
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April 10, 2019
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Maturity Date:
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April 10, 2024
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Valuation Date:
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April 5, 2024
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Leverage Factor:
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120%
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Initial Level:
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For each Reference Asset, its closing level on the Trade Date.
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Final Level:
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For each Reference Asset, its closing level on the Valuation Date.
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Payment at Maturity:
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If the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is greater than its Initial Level then the investor will receive a return equal
to the principal amount multiplied by the product of the Percentage Change (as defined below) of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset and the Leverage Factor.
If the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than or equal to its Initial Level, but greater than or equal to its
Barrier Level (65% of its Initial Level), then the investor will receive a one-for-one positive return equal to the absolute value of the Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset.
If the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than the Barrier Level, the Notes will provide a negative return that is
equal to the percentage decrease of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset. An investor could lose some or all of the principal amount of the Notes.
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Lesser Performing
Reference Asset:
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The Reference Asset which has the lowest Percentage Change.
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Interest Payments:
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None.
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CUSIP:
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78013X5F1
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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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$1,000,000
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Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)
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3.25%
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$32,500
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Proceeds to Royal Bank of Canada
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96.75%
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$967,500
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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 $967.50 and $1,000 per $1,000 in principal amount.
The initial estimated value of the Notes as of the Trade Date is $944.03 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 $32.50 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 $32.50 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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Barrier Absolute Return Notes Linked to the
Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices
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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 Barrier Booster Notes Linked to the Lesser Performing
of Two Equity Indices (the “Notes”) linked to the lesser performing of two equity indices (the “Reference Assets”).
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Issuer:
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Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”)
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Trade Date (Pricing
Date):
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April 5, 2019
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Issue Date:
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April 10, 2019
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Valuation Date:
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April 5, 2024
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Maturity Date:
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April 10, 2024
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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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Initial Level:
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For each Reference Asset, its closing level on the Trade Date, as specified on the cover page.
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Final Level:
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For each Reference Asset, its closing level on the Valuation Date.
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Barrier Level:
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For each Reference Asset, 65% of its Initial Level, as specified on the cover page.
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Barrier Percentage:
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35%
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Leverage Factor:
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120%
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Payment at Maturity:
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On the Valuation Date, we will pay you at maturity an amount based on the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference
Asset:
· If the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is greater than its Initial Level, then the investor will receive an amount equal to:
$1,000 + ($1,000 x Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset x
Leverage Factor)
· If the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than or equal to its Initial Level, but greater than or equal to its Barrier Level, the investor
will receive a one-for-one positive return equal to the absolute value of the Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset, calculated as follows:
$1,000 + [-1 x ($1,000 x Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing
Reference Asset)]
· If the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than its Barrier Level, then the investor will receive an amount equal to:
$1,000 + [$1,000 x (Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset)]
In this case, you will lose some or all of the principal amount of the Notes.
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Percentage Change:
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With respect to each Reference Asset:
Final Level – Initial Level
Initial Level
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Lesser Performing
Reference Asset:
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The Reference Asset which has the lowest Percentage Change.
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Market Disruption
Events:
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If a market disruption event occurs on the Valuation Date as to a Reference Asset, the determination of the Final Level of that Reference
Asset will be postponed. However, the determination of the Final Level of any Reference Asset that is not affected by that market disruption event will not be postponed.
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Calculation Agent:
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RBC Capital Markets, LLC (“RBCCM”)
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Barrier Absolute Return Notes Linked to the
Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices
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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 pre-paid cash-settled derivative contract in respect of the Reference Assets 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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Barrier Absolute Return Notes Linked to the
Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices
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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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Barrier Absolute Return Notes Linked to the
Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices
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HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES
The table set out below is included for illustration purposes only. The table illustrates the hypothetical Redemption Amount of the
Notes for a hypothetical range of performance for the Lesser Performing 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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Hypothetical Barrier Level (for each Reference Asset):
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650.00, which is 65% of the hypothetical Initial Level
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Barrier Amount:
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65%
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Leverage Factor:
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120%
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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 Asset. The actual Initial Levels for each Reference Asset is set forth on the cover page of this final pricing supplement. We make no representation or warranty as to which of the Reference Assets will be the Lesser Performing Reference Asset. It is possible that the Final Level of each Reference Asset will be less than its
Initial Level.
Hypothetical Final Levels are shown in the first column on the left. The second column shows the Redemption Amount for a range of
Final Levels of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset on the Valuation Date. The third column shows the Redemption Amount to be paid on the Notes per $1,000 in principal amount.
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Hypothetical Final Level of the Lesser
Performing Reference Asset
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Redemption Amount as
Percentage of Principal Amount
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Redemption Amount
per $1,000 in Principal
Amount
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1,300.00
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136.00%
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$1,360.00
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1,200.00
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124.00%
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$1,240.00
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1,100.00
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112.00%
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$1,120.00
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1,000.00
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100.00%
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$1,000.00
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900.00
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110.00%
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$1,100.00
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850.00
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115.00%
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$1,150.00
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800.00
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120.00%
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$1,200.00
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750.00
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125.00%
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$1,250.00
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700.00
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130.00%
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$1,300.00
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650.00
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135.00%
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$1,350.00
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600.00
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60.00%
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$600.00
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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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Barrier Absolute Return Notes Linked to the
Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices
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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.
Example 1: The value of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset
increases by 10% from the Initial Level of 1,000.00 to its Final Level of 1,100.00. Because the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is greater than the Initial Level, the investor receives at maturity, a cash payment of
$1,120.00 per Note, calculated as follows:
$1,000 + ($1,000 x Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset x Leverage Factor)
= $1,000 + ($1,000 x 10% x 120%) = $1,120.00
Example 2: The value of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset
decreases by 15% from the Initial Level of 1,000.00 to its Final Level of 850.00. Because the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than the Initial Level but greater than its Barrier Level, the investor receives at
maturity, a positive return equal to the absolute value of the Percentage Change, despite the 15% decline in the value of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset, calculated as follows:
$1,000 + [-1 x ($1,000 x Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset)]
= $1,000 + [-1 x ($1,000 x -15%)] = $1,000 + $150 = $1,150.00.
Example 3: The value of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is
400.00 on the Valuation Date, which is less than its Barrier Level. Because the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than its Barrier Level, we will pay only $400.00 for each $1,000 in the principal amount of the
Notes, calculated as follows:
Principal Amount + [Principal Amount x (Reference Asset Return of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset)]
= $1,000 + [$1,000 x -60.00%] = $1,000 - $600.00 = $400.00
* * *
The Payments at Maturity shown above are entirely hypothetical; they are based on values of the Reference Assets 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
Redemption Amounts shown above, and those amounts should not be viewed as an indication of the financial return on an investment in the Notes or the securities included in either Reference Asset.
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Barrier Absolute Return Notes Linked to the
Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices
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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 Assets. 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 level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset between the Trade Date and the Valuation Date of more than 35%. You will lose 1% of the
principal amount of your Notes for each 1% that the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than its Barrier Level.
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Your Redemption Amount Will Be Determined Solely by Reference to the Lesser Performing Index Even if the Other
Reference Asset Performs Better – Your Redemption Amount will be determined solely by reference to the performance of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset. Even if
the Final Level of the other Reference Asset has increased compared to its Initial Level, or has experienced a decrease that is less than that of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset,
your return will only be determined by reference to the performance of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset, regardless of the performance of the other Reference Asset. 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 components, as scaled by the weighting of
that basket component. However, in the case of the Notes, the individual performance of each of the Reference Assets would not be combined, and the depreciation of one Reference Asset would not be mitigated by any appreciation of the
other Reference Asset. Instead your return will depend solely on the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset. Because each Reference Asset tracks a different
segment of the U.S. equities market, they may both decrease in a comparable manner.
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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 – You will not receive any 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. Even if your return is positive, the 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 the Redemption Amount is dependent upon Royal Bank’s ability to repay its obligations at that time. This
will be the case even if the levels of the Reference Assets increase after the Trade Date. No assurance can be given as to what our financial condition will be at the maturity 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 Assets — The return
on your Notes is unlikely to reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the securities represented by the Reference Assets. 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 Assets may have.
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The Initial Estimated Value of the Notes Is Less than the Price to the Public — The initial estimated value on the cover page of this pricing supplement does not represent a minimum price at which we, RBCCM or any of our
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Barrier Absolute Return Notes Linked to the
Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices
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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 Assets, 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 Assets. We may also publish research from time to time on financial markets and other matters that may influence the levels of the Reference Assets 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 Assets. You should make your own independent investigation of the merits of
investing in the Notes and the Reference Assets.
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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
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 Redemption Amount and the Valuation Date are subject to
adjustment as to each Reference Asset 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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Barrier Absolute Return Notes Linked to the
Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices
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INFORMATION REGARDING THE REFERENCE ASSETS
All disclosures contained in this pricing supplement regarding the Reference Assets, 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 Asset. The consequences of an index sponsor discontinuing publication of a 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 either Reference Asset or any successor index.
S&P 500® Index (“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.
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
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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 SPX. Constituents of the SPX prior to July 31, 2017 with multiple share class lines will be grandfathered in and continue to be included in the SPX. If a constituent company of the SPX reorganizes into a
multiple share class line structure, that company will remain in the SPX 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 shares outstanding and IWF due to its acquisition of another public company are made as soon as reasonably possible. At S&P’s discretion, de minimis merger and acquisition share changes are accumulated and implemented with the quarterly share rebalancing.
All other changes of less than 5% are accumulated and made quarterly on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December.
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.
License Agreement
S&P® is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark
Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). These trademarks have been licensed for use by S&P. “Standard & Poor’s®”, “S&P 500®” and “S&P®” are trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC. These
trademarks have been sublicensed for certain purposes by us. The SPX is a product of S&P 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,
Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC or any of their respective affiliates (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices”). S&P Dow Jones Indices make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the holders of the 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
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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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Historical Information
The graph below sets forth the information relating to the historical performance of the SPX for the period from January 1, 2009 through April 5, 2019.
We obtained the information regarding the historical performance of the SPX in the graph 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 SPX should not be taken as an indication of its future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Final Level of the SPX. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the SPX will not result in the loss of all
or any part of your positive return on your investment.
S&P 500® Index (“SPX”)
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF
FUTURE RESULTS.
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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.
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.
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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
The graph below sets forth the information relating to the historical performance of the RTY for the period from January 1, 2009 through April 5, 2019.
We obtained the information regarding the historical performance of the RTY in the graph 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 RTY should not be taken as an indication of its future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Final Level of the RTY. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the RTY will not result in the loss of all
or any part of your positive return on your investment.
Russell 2000® Index (RTY)
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.
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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 Internal Revenue Service (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 Assets 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 Assets 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.
The accompanying product prospectus supplement notes that FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds from a sale or redemption of Notes will only
apply to payments made after December 31, 2018. That discussion is modified to reflect regulations proposed by the U.S. Treasury Department in December 2018 indicating an intent to eliminate the requirement under FATCA of withholding on gross
proceeds of the disposition of financial instruments. The U.S. Treasury Department has indicated that taxpayers may rely on these proposed regulations pending their finalization. Prospective investors are urged to consult with their own tax
advisors regarding the possible implications of FATCA on their investment in the Notes.
SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)
Delivery of the Notes will be made against payment for the Notes on April 10, 2019, which is the third (3rd) business day following the Trade Date
(this settlement cycle being referred to as “T+3”). 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.
We expect to deliver the Notes on a date that is greater than two business days following the Trade Date. 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 settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
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 12 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.
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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 Assets. 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 Assets, 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.