|
|
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration Statement No. 333-275898
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pricing Supplement
Dated May 17, 2024
To the Product Prospectus Supplement ERN-EI-1, the Prospectus Supplement and the
Prospectus, Each Dated December 20, 2023
|
|
$535,000
Buffered Return Notes Linked to the Lesser
Performing of Two Equity Indices Due June 23, 2025
Royal Bank of Canada
|
|
|
|
|
Royal Bank of Canada is offering Buffered Return Notes (the “Notes”) linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Indices.
|
|
|
|
|
Dow Jones Industrial Average® (“INDU”)
|
|
40,003.59
|
|
36,003.23, which is 90.00% of its Initial Level
|
S&P 500® Index (“SPX”)
|
|
5,303.27
|
|
4,772.94, which is 90.00% of its Initial Level
|
*Rounded to two decimal places.
|
• |
If the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset (as defined below) is greater than its Initial Level, the Notes will pay at maturity a return equal to 100.00% of the Percentage Change of the
Lesser Performing Reference Asset, subject to the Maximum Redemption Amount of 135% of the principal amount of the Notes.
|
|
• |
If the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than or equal to its Initial Level, but is greater than or equal to its Buffer Level, the Notes will pay the principal amount at maturity.
|
|
• |
If the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than its Buffer Level, investors will lose 1% of the principal amount for each 1% that its Final Level has decreased below its Buffer
Level.
|
|
• |
Any payments on the Notes are subject to our credit risk.
|
|
• |
The Notes do not pay interest.
|
|
• |
The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange.
|
Issue Date: May 22, 2024
Maturity Date: June 23, 2025
CUSIP: 78017FVZ3
Investing in the Notes involves a number of risks. See “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page P-7 of this pricing supplement, and “Risk Factors” beginning on page
PS-4 of the product prospectus supplement and on page S-3 of the prospectus supplement, each dated December 20, 2023.
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.
|
|
|
|
Price to public
|
100.00%
|
|
$535,000
|
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)
|
|
|
|
Proceeds to Royal Bank of Canada
|
100.00%
|
|
$535,000
|
(1) RBC Capital Markets, LLC (“RBCCM”), acting as our agent, will not receive a commission in connection with its sale of the Notes. RBCCM or one of our affiliates may pay a
referral fee to a broker-dealer that is not affiliated with us in an amount of up to 0.43% of the principal amount of the Notes. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” below.
The initial estimated value of the Notes as of the Trade Date was $990.46 per $1,000 in principal amount of the Notes, 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
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.
Issuer:
|
Royal Bank of Canada (the “Bank”)
|
Underwriter:
|
RBC Capital Markets, LLC (“RBCCM”)
|
Reference Assets:
|
Dow Jones Industrial Average® (“INDU”) and S&P 500® Index (“SPX”)
|
Minimum Investment:
|
$1,000 and minimum denominations of $1,000 in excess thereof
|
Trade Date (Pricing
Date):
|
May 17, 2024
|
Issue Date:
|
May 22, 2024
|
Valuation Date:
|
June 17, 2025
|
Maturity Date:
|
June 23, 2025, subject to extension for market and other disruptions, as described in the product prospectus supplement dated December 20, 2023.
|
Payment at Maturity (if
held to maturity):
|
If the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is greater than its Initial
Level (that is, its Percentage Change is positive), then the investor will receive, for each $1,000 in principal amount of the Notes, an amount in cash equal to the lesser of:
1. $1,000 + [$1,000 x (Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset x Participation Rate)]; and
2. the Maximum Redemption Amount
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 Buffer Level (that is, its Percentage Change is between 0.00% and ‑10.00%), then the investor will receive only the principal
amount of the Notes.
If the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than its Buffer
Level (that is, its Percentage Change is less than ‑10.00%), then the investor will receive a cash payment equal to:
$1,000 + [$1,000 x (Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset + Buffer Percentage)]
In this case, you could lose a substantial portion of the principal amount of the Notes.
|
Percentage Change:
|
The Percentage Change with respect to each Reference Asset, expressed as a percentage, is calculated using the following formula:
|
Maximum Redemption
Amount:
|
135% multiplied by the principal amount of the Notes.
|
Initial Level:
|
For each Reference Asset, its closing level on the Trade Date, as set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement.
|
Final Level:
|
For each Reference Asset, its closing level on the Valuation Date.
|
Participation Rate:
|
100.00% (subject to the Maximum Redemption Amount)
|
Buffer Percentage:
|
10.00%
|
Buffer Level:
|
For each Reference Asset, 90.00% of its Initial Level, as set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement.
|
Lesser Performing
Reference Asset:
|
The Reference Asset which has the lowest Percentage Change.
|
Market Disruption
Events:
|
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.
|
Principal at Risk:
|
The Notes are NOT principal protected. You may lose a substantial portion of your
principal amount at maturity if the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than its Buffer Level.
|
Calculation Agent:
|
RBCCM
|
U.S. Tax Treatment:
|
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 Notes 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 Ashurst LLP, our special U.S. tax counsel) in the product prospectus supplement dated December 20, 2023 under “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences,”
which apply to the Notes.
|
Secondary Market:
|
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.
|
Listing:
|
The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange.
|
Clearance and
Settlement:
|
DTC global (including through its indirect participants Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg as described under “Ownership and Book-Entry Issuance”
in the prospectus dated December 20, 2023).
|
Terms Incorporated in
the Master Note:
|
All of the terms appearing on the cover page and above the item captioned “Secondary Market” in this section and the terms appearing under the caption “General Terms of the Notes” in the product prospectus
supplement, as modified by this pricing supplement.
|
ADDITIONAL TERMS OF YOUR NOTES
You should read this pricing supplement together with the prospectus dated December 20, 2023, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated December 20,
2023 and the product prospectus supplement dated December 20, 2023, relating to our Senior Global Medium-Term Notes, Series J, 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 and in the product prospectus supplement, each dated December 20, 2023, 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 December 20, 2023:
Prospectus Supplement dated December 20, 2023:
Product Prospectus Supplement ERN-EI-1 dated December 20, 2023:
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.
HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS
The examples set out below are included for illustration purposes only. The hypothetical Percentage Changes of the
Lesser Performing Reference Asset used to illustrate the calculation of the Payment at Maturity (rounded to two decimal places) are not estimates or forecasts of the Final Level or the level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset on any
trading day prior to the Maturity Date. All examples are based on the Buffer Percentage of 10.00% (the Buffer Level is 90.00% of the Initial Level), the Maximum Redemption Amount of 135.00%, the Participation Rate of 100.00%, and assume that a
holder purchased the Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $1,000 and that no market disruption event occurs on the Valuation Date.
Example 1 —
|
Calculation of the Payment at Maturity where the Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is positive.
|
|
Percentage Change:
|
2.00%
|
|
Payment at Maturity:
|
$1,000 + [$1,000 x (2.00% x 100.00%)] = $1,000 + $20 = $1,020
|
|
On a $1,000 investment, a Percentage Change of 2.00% in the Lesser Performing Reference Asset results in a Payment at Maturity of $1,020, a return on
the Notes of 2.00%.
|
Example 2 —
|
Calculation of the Payment at Maturity where the Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is positive.
|
|
Percentage Change:
|
50.00%
|
|
Payment at Maturity:
|
$1,000 + [$1,000 x (50.00% x 100.00%)] = $1,000 + $500 = $1,500
|
|
However, the Maximum Redemption Amount is $1,350. Accordingly, you will receive a payment at maturity equal to $1,350 per $1,000 in principal amount
of the Notes.
|
Example 3 —
|
Calculation of the Payment at Maturity where the Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is negative (but not by more than the
Buffer Percentage).
|
|
Percentage Change:
|
-5.00%
|
|
Payment at Maturity:
|
At maturity, if the Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is negative BUT not by more than the Buffer Percentage, then the
Payment at Maturity will equal the principal amount of the Notes.
|
|
On a $1,000 investment, a Percentage Change of -5.00% in the Lesser Performing Reference Asset results in a Payment at Maturity of $1,000, a return on
the Notes of 0.00%.
|
Example 4 —
|
Calculation of the Payment at Maturity where the Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is negative (by more than the Buffer
Percentage).
|
|
Percentage Change:
|
-20.00%
|
|
Payment at Maturity:
|
$1,000 + [$1,000 x (-20% + 10%)] = $1,000 - $100 = $900
|
|
In this case, on a $1,000 investment, a Percentage Change of -20.00% in the Lesser Performing Reference Asset results in a Payment at Maturity of
$900, a return on the Notes of -10.00%.
|
The table set forth below is included for illustration purposes only. The table illustrates the hypothetical Payments at Maturity for a hypothetical range of
performance for the Lesser Performing Reference Asset, based on the Buffer Percentage of 10.00% (the Buffer Level is 90.00% of the Initial Level), the Maximum Redemption Amount of 135.00%, and the Participation Rate of 100.00%.
Hypothetical Percentage Changes of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset are shown in the first column on the left. The second column shows the corresponding
Payment at Maturity for these Percentage Changes, expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of the Notes. The third column shows the Payment at Maturity to be paid on the Notes per $1,000 in principal amount.
Hypothetical Percentage
Change of the Lesser
Performing Reference Asset
|
Payment at Maturity as
Percentage of Principal Amount
|
Payment at Maturity per $1,000
in Principal Amount
|
50.00%
|
135.00%
|
$1,350.00
|
40.00%
|
135.00%
|
$1,350.00
|
35.00%
|
135.00%
|
$1,350.00
|
30.00%
|
130.00%
|
$1,300.00
|
20.00%
|
120.00%
|
$1,200.00
|
10.00%
|
110.00%
|
$1,100.00
|
5.00%
|
105.00%
|
$1,050.00
|
2.00%
|
102.00%
|
$1,020.00
|
0.00%
|
100.00%
|
$1,000.00
|
-2.00%
|
100.00%
|
$1,000.00
|
-5.00%
|
100.00%
|
$1,000.00
|
-10.00%
|
100.00%
|
$1,000.00
|
-20.00%
|
90.00%
|
$900.00
|
-30.00%
|
80.00%
|
$800.00
|
-40.00%
|
70.00%
|
$700.00
|
-50.00%
|
60.00%
|
$600.00
|
-60.00%
|
50.00%
|
$500.00
|
-70.00%
|
40.00%
|
$400.00
|
-80.00%
|
30.00%
|
$300.00
|
-90.00%
|
20.00%
|
$200.00
|
-100.00%
|
10.00%
|
$100.00
|
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 “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:
Risks Relating to the Terms of the Notes
• |
You May Lose Some or a Significant Portion of the Principal Amount at Maturity – Investors in the Notes could lose a
substantial portion of their principal amount if the Final Level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than its Buffer Level. In such case, you will lose 1.00% of the principal amount of the Notes for each 1.00% that the
Percentage Change is less than -10.00%. You could lose up to 90.00% of the principal amount of the Notes at maturity.
|
• |
Your Potential Payment at Maturity Is Limited — The Notes will provide less opportunity to participate in the appreciation of any of the Reference Assets than an
investment in a security linked to that Reference Asset providing full participation in the appreciation, because the Payment at Maturity will not exceed the Maximum Redemption Amount if the Lesser Performing Reference Asset increases
in value. Accordingly, your return on the Notes may be less than your return would be if you made an investment in a security directly linked to the positive performance of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset.
|
• |
Your Payment at Maturity Will Be Determined Solely by Reference to the Lesser Performing Reference Asset Even if the Other Reference Asset Performs Better –
Your payment at maturity 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 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 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 each decrease in a comparable manner.
|
• |
The Notes Do Not Pay Interest and Your Return May Be Lower than the Return on a Conventional Debt Security of Comparable Maturity — There will be no periodic interest payments on the Notes as there would be on a conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt security having the same maturity. The return that you will receive on the Notes,
which could be negative, may be less than the return you could earn on other investments. Even if your return is positive, your return may be less than the return you would earn if you purchased one of our conventional senior interest
bearing debt securities.
|
• |
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 our senior unsecured debt securities. As a result, your receipt of the amount due on the maturity date is dependent upon our ability to repay our obligations at that time. This will be the case
even if the level of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset increases after the Trade Date. No assurance can be given as to what our financial condition will be at the maturity of the Notes.
|
• |
The Payments on the Notes Are Subject to Postponement Due to Market Disruption Events and Adjustments — The payment at maturity 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.
|
Risks Relating to the Secondary Market for the Notes
• |
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 our other affiliates may make a market for the Notes; however, they are not required to do so. RBCCM
or any of our other affiliates 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.
|
Risks Relating to the Initial Estimated Value of the Notes
• |
The Initial Estimated Value of the Notes Is Less than the Price to the Public — The initial estimated value of the
Notes that is 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 Lesser
Performing Reference Assets, the borrowing rate we pay to issue securities of this kind, and the inclusion in the price to the public of the referral fee 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 referral fee or the hedging costs relating to the Notes. In addition to bid-ask spreads, the value of the Notes determined 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.
|
• |
The Initial Estimated Value of the Notes that Is Set Forth 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.
|
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.
Risks Relating to Conflicts of Interest and Our Trading Activities
• |
Our Business Activities May Create Conflicts of Interest — We and our affiliates expect to engage in trading activities related to the Reference Assets that are not
for the account of holders of the Notes or on their behalf. These trading activities may present a conflict between the holders’ interests in the Notes and the interests we and our affiliates will have in their proprietary accounts, in
facilitating transactions, including options and other derivatives transactions, for their customers and in accounts under their management. These trading activities, if they influence the levels of the Reference Assets, could be
adverse to the interests of the holders of the Notes. We and one or more of our affiliates may, at present or in the future, engage in business with companies included in the Reference Assets, including making loans to or providing
advisory services. These services could include investment banking and merger and acquisition advisory services. These activities may present a conflict between our or one or more of our affiliates’ obligations and your interests as a
holder of the Notes. Moreover, we and our affiliates may have published, and in the future expect to publish, research reports with respect to the Reference Assets. This research is modified from time to time without notice and may
express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding the
|
Notes. Any of these activities by us or one or more of our affiliates may affect the levels of the Reference Assets, and, therefore, the
market value of the Notes.
Risks Relating to the Reference Assets
• |
You Will Not Have Any Rights to the Securities Included in the Reference Assets — As a holder of the Notes, you will
not have voting rights or rights to receive cash dividends or other distributions or other rights that holders of securities included in the Reference Assets would have. The Final Level will not reflect any dividends paid on the
securities included in the Reference Assets, and accordingly, any positive return on the Notes may be less than the potential positive return on those securities.
|
• |
The Payments on the Notes Are Subject to Postponement Due to Market Disruption Events and Adjustments — The Payment at Maturity 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.
|
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REFERENCE ASSETS
All disclosures contained in this document 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 any Reference Asset or any successor index.
Dow Jones Industrial Average® (“INDU”)
The INDU is designed to provide an indication of the composite performance of 30 common stocks of corporations representing a broad cross-section of U.S.
industry. The corporations represented in the INDU tend to be market leaders in their respective industries and their stocks are typically widely held by individuals and institutional investors. The INDU is a price-weighted index, which means
an underlying stock’s weight in the INDU is based on its price per share rather than the total market capitalization of the issuer.
The INDU is maintained by an Averages Committee. The committee is composed of three representatives of S&P Dow Jones Indices and two representatives of
The Wall Street Journal. The Averages Committee was created in 2010, when Dow Jones Indexes became part of CME Group Index Services, LLC, a joint venture company owned by CME Group Inc. and by Dow Jones & Company. Generally, composition
changes occur only after mergers, corporate acquisitions or other dramatic shifts in a component’s core business. When such an event necessitates that one component be replaced, the entire index is reviewed. As a result, when changes are made
they typically involve more than one component. While there are no rules for component selection, a stock typically is added only if it has an excellent reputation, demonstrates sustained growth, is of interest to a large number of investors
and accurately represents the sector(s) covered by the average.
Changes in the composition of the INDU are made entirely by the Averages Committee without consultation with the corporations represented in the INDU, any
stock exchange, any official agency or us. Unlike most other indices, which are reconstituted according to a fixed review schedule, constituents of the INDU are reviewed on an as-needed basis. Changes to the common stocks included in the INDU
tend to be made infrequently, and the underlying stocks of the INDU may be changed at any time for any reason. The companies currently represented in the INDU are incorporated in the United States and its territories and their stocks are listed
on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq.
In addition to the daily governance of the INDU, at least once within any 12-month period, the Averages Committee reviews the methodology to ensure that the
INDU continues to achieve its stated objectives, and that the data and methodology remain effective. In certain instances, S&P Dow Jones Indices may publish a consultation inviting comments from external parties.
The INDU initially consisted of 12 common stocks and was first published in the WSJ in 1896. The INDU was increased to include 20 common stocks in 1916 and to
30 common stocks in 1928. The number of common stocks in the INDU has remained at 30 since 1928, and, in an effort to maintain continuity, the constituent corporations represented in the INDU have been changed on a relatively infrequent basis.
Computation of the INDU
The level of the INDU is the sum of the primary exchange prices of each of the 30 component stocks included in the INDU, divided by a divisor that is designed
to provide a meaningful continuity in the level of the INDU. Because the INDU is price-weighted, stock splits or changes in the component stocks could result in distortions in the index level. In order to prevent these distortions related to
extrinsic factors, the divisor is periodically changed in accordance with a mathematical formula that reflects adjusted proportions within the INDU.
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®” and “S&P®” are trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC. These trademarks have been
sublicensed for certain purposes by us. The INDU 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 INDU to track general market performance. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ only relationship to us with respect to the INDU is the licensing of the INDU and certain
trademarks, service marks and/or trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices and/or its third party licensors. The INDU 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 INDU. 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 INDU 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 INDU. 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 INDU 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 INDU 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.
Historical Information
The graph below sets forth the information relating to the historical performance of the INDU for the period from January 1, 2014 through May 17, 2024. We
obtained the information in the graph from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent investigation.
Dow Jones Industrial Average® (“INDU”)
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.
S&P 500® Index (“SPX”)
The SPX measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the U.S. market. 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.
Additional information regarding the SPX may be obtained from the SPX website: https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/equity/sp-500/.
We are not incorporating by reference the website or any material it includes in this document.
Eligibility Criteria
Stocks must meet the following eligibility factors to be considered eligible for the SPX:
Domicile. The issuer of the security must be a U.S.-domiciled company. The incorporation and/or registration, operational headquarters
location and primary stock exchange listing are the principal factors determining country of domicile. Other factors considered include the geographic breakdown of revenue and assets, ownership information, location of officers, directors and
employees, investor perception and other factors deemed to be relevant by the Index Committee. All final domicile determinations are subject to review by the Index Committee.
Security Filing Type. The company issuing the security satisfies the Securities Exchange Act’s periodic reporting obligations by
filing certain required forms for domestic issuers, such as but not limited to: Form 10-K annual reports, Form 10-Q quarterly reports and Form 8-K current reports.
Exchange Listing. The security must have a primary listing on one of the following U.S. exchanges: NYSE; Nasdaq Capital Market; NYSE
Arca; Cboe BZX; NYSE American; Cboe BYX; Nasdaq Global Select Market; Cboe EDGA; Nasdaq Select Market; and Cboe EDGX. Over-the-counter (OTC) markets including Pink Open Market, do not satisfy this criterion.
Organizational Structure and Share Type. The issuer of the security must be a corporation (including equity and mortgage REITs) and
the security must be common stock (i.e., shares). The following organizational structures and share types do not satisfy this criterion: business development companies; preferred stock; limited partnerships; convertible preferred stock; master
limited partnerships; unit trusts; limited liability companies; equity warrants; closed-end funds; convertible bonds; exchange-traded funds; investment trusts; exchange-traded notes; rights; royalty trusts; American depositary receipts; and
special purpose acquisition companies.
Tracking Stocks. Tracking stocks are not eligible for inclusion.
Multiple Share Classes. 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.
Market Capitalization. In order for a security to be eligible, the issuer of the security must have a total market capitalization of
$15.8 billion or more.
Investable Weight Factor (IWF). A security must have an IWF of at least 0.10 as of the rebalancing effective date. The 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 (i.e., shareholder who purchase shares for control and not investment). Control
holders generally include, but are not limited to: officers and directors; private equity, venture capital and special equity firms; asset managers and insurance companies with direct board of director representation; shares held by another
publicly traded company; holders of restricted shares; company-sponsored employee share plans/trusts, defined contribution plans/savings and investment plans; foundations or family trusts associated with the company; government entities at all
levels except government retirement/pension funds; sovereign wealth funds; and any individual person listed
as a 5% or greater stakeholder in a company as reported in regulatory filings (a 5% threshold is used as detailed information on holders and their relationship to the company
is generally not available for holders below that threshold). In addition, treasury stock, stock options, equity participation units, warrants, preferred stock, convertible stock and rights are not part of the float. In most cases, an IWF is
reported to the nearest one percentage point. 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, the index sponsor 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, the index sponsor 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.
Liquidity. The security must trade a minimum of 250,000 shares in each of the six months leading up to the evaluation date and have a
float-adjusted liquidity ratio (defined as the annual dollar value traded divided by the float-adjusted market capitalization) greater than or equal to 0.75 at the time of addition to the SPX. Current constituents have no minimum requirement.
Financial Viability. The sum of the most recent four consecutive quarters’ Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) earnings
(net income excluding discontinued operations) should be positive, as should the most recent quarter. For equity real estate investment trusts (REITs), financial viability is based on GAAP earnings and/or Funds From Operations (FFO), if
reported. For IPOs, the company must be traded on an eligible exchange for at least twelve months (for former SPACs, the index sponsor considers the de-SPAC transaction to be an event equivalent to an IPO, and twelve months of trading post the
de-SPAC event are required before a former SPAC can be considered for inclusion in the SPX. Spin-offs or in-specie distributions from existing constituents do not need to be traded on an eligible exchange for twelve months prior to their
inclusion in the SPX).
Index Construction
Index constituents are selected from the S&P Total Market Index, which measures the performance of the broad U.S. market and includes all eligible U.S. common equities.
Constituent selection is at the discretion of the Index Committee and is based on the eligibility criteria. The SPX has a fixed constituent count of 500. Sector balance, as measured by a comparison of each Global Industry Classification
Standard (GICS®) sector’s weight in the SPX with its weight in the S&P Total Market Index, in the relevant market capitalization range, is also considered in the selection of companies for the SPX.
The SPX is weighted by float-adjusted market capitalization. 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 holders.
Index Calculation
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 explained further in the section “Index Maintenance” below.
Index Maintenance
Changes to index composition are made on an as-needed basis. There is no scheduled reconstitution. Rather, changes in response to corporate actions and market developments can
be made at any time. Index additions and deletions are announced with at least three business days advance notice. Less than three business days’ notice may be given at the discretion of the Index Committee.
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.
Share counts are updated to the latest publicly available filings on a quarterly basis. IWF changes will only be made at the quarterly review if the change represents at least
5% of total current shares outstanding and is related to a single corporate action that did not qualify for the accelerated implementation rule, regardless of whether there is an associated share change. Certain mandatory actions, such as
M&A driven share/IWF changes, stock splits and mandatory distributions, are implemented when they occur and not subject to a minimum threshold for implementation. Material share/IWF changes resulting from certain non-mandatory corporate
actions follow the accelerated implementation rule.
Accelerated Implementation Rule
Public offerings. Public offerings of new company-issued shares and/or existing shares offered by selling shareholders, including
block sales and spot secondaries, will be eligible for accelerated implementation treatment if the size of the event meets the materiality threshold criteria: (a) at least $150 million and (b) at least 5% of the pre-event total shares. In
addition to the materiality threshold, public offerings must be underwritten, have a publicly available prospectus, offering document, or prospectus summary filed with the relevant authorities and have a publicly available confirmation from an
official source that the offering has been completed. For public offerings that involve a concurrent combination of new company shares and existing shares offered by selling shareholders, both events are implemented if either of the public
offerings represent at least 5% of total shares and US $150 million. Any concurrent share repurchase by the affected company will also be included in the implementation.
Dutch Auctions, Self-tender Offer Buybacks and Split-off Exchange Offers. These non-mandatory corporate action types will be eligible
for accelerated implementation treatment regardless of size once the final results are publicly announced and verified by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (the “index sponsor”).
For non-mandatory corporate actions subject to the accelerated implementation rule with a size of at least $1 billion, the index sponsor will apply the share change, and any
resulting IWF change, using the latest share and ownership information publicly available at the time of the announcement, even if the offering size is below the 5% threshold.
All non-mandatory events not covered by the accelerated implementation rule (including but not limited to private placements, acquisition of private companies and conversion
of non-index share lines) will be implemented quarterly coinciding with the third Friday of the third month in each calendar quarter.
Accelerated implementation for events less than $1 billion will include an adjustment to the company’s IWF only to the extent that such an IWF change helps the new float share
total mimic the shares available in the offering. To minimize unnecessary turnover, these IWF changes do not need to meet any minimum threshold requirement for implementation. Any IWF change resulting in an IWF of 0.96 or greater is rounded up
to 1.00 at the next annual IWF review.
Index Governance
In addition to its daily governance of the SPX, at least once within any 12-month period, the Index Committee reviews its methodology to ensure the SPX continues to achieve
its stated objectives and that the data and methodology remain effective. In certain instances, S&P Dow Jones Indices may publish a consultation inviting comments from external parties.
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 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.
Historical Information
The graph below sets forth the information relating to the historical performance of the SPX for the period from January 1, 2014 through May 17, 2024. We
obtained the information in the graph from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent investigation.
S&P 500® Index (“SPX”)
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.
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 December 20, 2023
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, directly or indirectly, 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, 2025. 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.
SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)
Delivery of the Notes will be made against payment for the Notes on May 22, 2024, 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 December 20, 2023. 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 December 20, 2023.
We will 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.
RBCCM or one of its affiliates may pay an expected fee to a broker-dealer that is unaffiliated with us for providing certain electronic platform services with
respect to this offering, and may also pay a referral fee to a broker-dealer that is not affiliated with us in an amount set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement.
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 referral fee or 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 the referral fee 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.
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 that is set forth on the cover page of 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 referral fee 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, as Canadian counsel to the Bank, 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 federal laws of Canada applicable therein, will be valid obligations of the Bank, subject to the following limitations: (i) the
enforceability of the Indenture may be limited by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act (Canada), the Winding-up and Restructuring Act (Canada) and bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium, arrangement or
winding-up laws or other similar laws of general application affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally; (ii) the enforceability of the Indenture is subject to general equitable principles, including the principle that the
availability of equitable remedies, such as specific performance and injunction, may only be granted at the discretion of a court of competent jurisdiction; (iii) under applicable limitations statutes generally, including that the
enforceability of the Indenture will be subject to the limitations contained in the Limitations Act, 2002 (Ontario), and such counsel expresses no opinion as to whether a court may find any provision of the Indenture to be unenforceable as an
attempt to vary or exclude a limitation period under such applicable limitations statutes; (iv) rights to indemnity and contribution under the Notes or the Indenture which may be limited by applicable law; and (v) courts in Canada are precluded
from giving a judgment in any currency other than the lawful money of Canada and such judgment may be based on a rate of exchange in existence on a day other than the day of payment, 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 therein. 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 to such counsel’s reliance on the Bank and other sources as to certain factual matters, all as stated in the opinion letter of such counsel dated December 20, 2023,
which has been filed as Exhibit 5.3 to the Bank’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC dated December 20, 2023.
In the opinion of Ashurst LLP, when the Notes have been duly completed in accordance with the Indenture and issued and sold as contemplated by the prospectus supplement and the
prospectus, the Notes will be valid, binding and enforceable obligations of the Bank, entitled to the benefits of the Indenture, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of
general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and subject to general principles of equity, public policy considerations and the discretion of the court before which any suit or proceeding may be brought. 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 December 20, 2023, which has been filed as Exhibit 5.4 to the Bank’s Form 6-K dated December 20, 2023.