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RBC Capital Markets®
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 433
Registration Statement No. 333-227001
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The information in this preliminary terms supplement is not complete and may be changed.
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Preliminary Terms Supplement
Subject to Completion:
Dated February 20, 2019
Pricing Supplement Dated February __, 2019 to the Product Prospectus Supplement No. CCBN-1 Dated September 10, 2018, the Prospectus
Supplement Dated September 7, 2018 and the Prospectus, Dated September 7, 2018
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$
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Securities, Due March 3, 2022 Royal Bank of Canada |
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Royal Bank of Canada is offering Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes (the “Notes”) linked to the
lesser performing of two equity securities (each, a “Reference Stock” and collectively, the “Reference Stocks”). The Notes offered are senior unsecured obligations of Royal Bank of Canada, will pay a quarterly Contingent Coupon at the rate and
under the circumstances specified below, and will have the terms described in the documents described above, as supplemented or modified by this terms supplement.
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Reference Stocks and Reference Stock Issuers
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Initial Stock Prices*
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Coupon Barriers and Trigger Prices
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AT&T Inc. (“T”)
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60% of its Initial Stock Price
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Vodafone Group PLC (“VOD LN”)
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60% of its Initial Stock Price
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* For each Reference Stock, the Initial Stock Price will be its closing price on the Trade Date.
The Notes do not guarantee any return of principal at
maturity. Any payments on the Notes are subject to our credit risk.
Investing in the Notes involves a number of risks.
See “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-5 of the product prospectus supplement dated September 10, 2018, on page S-1 of the prospectus supplement dated September 7, 2018, and “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page P-7 of this terms
supplement.
The Notes will not constitute deposits insured by
the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other Canadian or U.S. government agency or instrumentality. The Notes are not subject to conversion into our common shares under subsection 39.2(2.3)
of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the Notes or
determined that this terms 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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February 26, 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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February 28, 2019
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Maturity Date:
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March 3, 2022
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Observation Dates:
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Quarterly, as set forth below.
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Coupon Payment Dates:
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Quarterly, as set forth below
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Valuation Date:
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February 28, 2022
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Contingent Coupon Rate:
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[9.50% - 10.50%] per annum (to be determined on the Trade Date)
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Contingent Coupon:
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If the closing price of each Reference Stock
is greater than or equal to its Coupon Barrier on the applicable Observation Date, we will pay the Contingent Coupon applicable to the corresponding Observation Date. You may not receive any Contingent Coupons during the term of the
Notes.
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Payment at Maturity (if held
to maturity):
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If the Notes are not previously called, we will pay you at maturity an amount based on the Final Stock Price of the Lesser Performing Reference
Stock:
For each $1,000 in principal amount, $1,000 plus the Contingent Coupon at maturity, unless the Final Stock Price of the Lesser Performing
Reference Stock is less than its Trigger Price.
If the Final Stock Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock is less than its Trigger Price, then the investor will receive at maturity,
for each $1,000 in principal amount, a cash payment equal to:
$1,000 + ($1,000 x Reference Stock Return of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock) Investors could lose some or all of their principal amount if the Final Stock Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock
is below its Trigger Price.
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Lesser Performing
Reference Stock:
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The Reference Stock with the lowest Reference Stock Return.
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Call Feature:
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If the closing price of each Reference Stock
is greater than or equal to its Initial Stock Price starting on August 26, 2019 and on any Observation Date thereafter, the Notes will be automatically called for 100% of their principal amount, plus the Contingent Coupon applicable to
the corresponding Observation Date.
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Call Settlement Dates:
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The Coupon Payment Date corresponding to that Observation Date.
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Final Stock Price:
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For each Reference Stock, its closing price on the Valuation Date.
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CUSIP:
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78013X2D9
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Per Note
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Total
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Price to public(1)
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100.00%
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$
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Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)
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2.25%
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$
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Proceeds to Royal Bank of Canada
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97.75%
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$
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(1)Certain dealers who purchase the Notes for sale to certain fee-based advisory accounts may forego some or all of their
underwriting discount or selling concessions. The public offering price for investors purchasing the Notes in these accounts may be between $977.50 and $1,000 per $1,000 in principal amount.
The initial estimated value of the Notes as of the Trade Date is expected to be between $914.78 and $934.78 per $1,000 in principal
amount, and will be less than the price to public. The final pricing supplement relating to the Notes will set forth our estimate of the initial value of the Notes as of the Trade Date. 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.
If the Notes priced on the date of this terms supplement, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, which we refer to as RBCCM, acting as agent for
Royal Bank of Canada, would receive a commission of approximately $22.50 per $1,000 in principal amount of the Notes and would use a portion of that commission to allow selling concessions to other dealers of up to approximately $22.50 per $1,000
in principal amount of the Notes. The other dealers may forgo, in their sole discretion, some or all of their selling concessions. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” below.
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
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Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada
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SUMMARY
The information in this “Summary” section is qualified by the more detailed information set forth in this terms supplement, the product prospectus
supplement, the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus.
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General:
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This terms supplement relates to an offering of Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes (the “Notes”) linked to
the lesser performing of two equity securities (the “Reference Stocks”).
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Issuer:
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Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”)
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Trade Date:
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February 26, 2019
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Issue Date:
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February 28, 2019
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Denominations:
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Minimum denomination of $1,000, and integral multiples of $1,000 thereafter.
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Designated Currency:
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U.S. Dollars
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Contingent Coupon:
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We will pay you a Contingent Coupon during the term of the Notes, periodically in arrears on each Coupon Payment Date, under the conditions
described below:
· If the closing price of each Reference Stock is greater than or equal to its Coupon Barrier on the applicable
Observation Date, we will pay the Contingent Coupon applicable to that Observation Date.
· If the closing price of either of the Reference Stocks is less than its Coupon Barrier on the applicable Observation
Date, we will not pay you the Contingent Coupon applicable to that Observation Date.
You may not receive a Contingent Coupon for one or more quarterly periods during the term of the
Notes.
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Contingent Coupon Rate:
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[9.50% - 10.50%] per annum ([2.375% - 2.625%] per quarter), to be determined on the Trade Date.
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Observation Dates:
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Quarterly on May 28, 2019, August 26, 2019, November 26, 2019, February 26, 2020, May 26, 2020, August 26, 2020, November
27, 2020, February 26, 2021, May 26, 2021, August 26, 2021, November 26, 2021 and the Valuation Date.
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Coupon Payment Dates:
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The Contingent Coupon, if applicable, will be paid quarterly on May 31, 2019, August 29, 2019, December 2, 2019, March 2,
2020, May 29, 2020, August 31, 2020, December 2, 2020, March 3, 2021, June 1, 2021, August 31, 2021, December 1, 2021 and the Maturity Date.
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Record Dates:
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The record date for each Coupon Payment Date will be the date one business day prior to that scheduled Coupon Payment Date;
provided, however, that any Contingent Coupon payable at maturity or upon a call will be payable to the person to whom the payment at maturity or upon the call, as the case may be, will be payable.
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Call Feature:
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If, starting on August 26, 2019 and on any
Observation Date thereafter, the closing price of each Reference Stock is greater than or equal to its Initial Stock Price, then the Notes will be automatically called.
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Payment if Called:
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If the Notes are automatically called, then, on the applicable Call Settlement Date, for each $1,000 principal amount, you
will receive $1,000 plus the Contingent Coupon otherwise due on that Call Settlement Date.
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Call Settlement Dates:
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If the Notes are called on any Observation Date starting on August 26, 2019 or thereafter, the Call Settlement Date will be
the Coupon Payment Date corresponding to that Observation Date.
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Valuation Date:
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February 28, 2022
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Maturity Date:
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March 3, 2022
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Initial Stock Price:
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For each Reference Stock, its closing price on the Trade Date.
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Final Stock Price:
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For each Reference Stock, its closing price on the Valuation Date.
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Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada
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Stock Prices for VOD:
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For VOD, its closing price on the Trade Date, Valuation Date and each Observation Date will be based upon the closing
price of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange (Bloomberg ticker: VOD LN), which are traded in British Pounds Sterling.
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Trigger Price and
Coupon Barrier:
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For each Reference Stock, 60% of its Initial Stock Price.
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Payment at Maturity (if
not previously called and
held to maturity):
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If the Notes are not previously called, we will pay you at maturity an amount based on the Final Stock Price of the Lesser
Performing Reference Stock:
· If the Final Stock Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock is greater than or equal to its Trigger Price, we will pay you a cash payment equal to the principal amount plus the Contingent Coupon otherwise due on the
Maturity Date.
· If the Final Stock Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock is below its Trigger Price, you will receive at maturity, for each $1,000 in principal amount, a cash payment equal to:
$1,000 + ($1,000 x Reference Stock Return of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock)
The amount of cash that you receive will be less than your principal amount, if anything, resulting in a loss that is
proportionate to the decline of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock from the Trade Date to the Valuation Date. Investors in the Notes will lose some or all of their
principal amount if the Final Stock Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock is less than its Trigger Price.
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Stock Settlement:
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Not applicable. Payments on the Notes will be made solely in cash.
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Reference Stock Return:
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With respect to each Reference Stock:
Final Stock Price – Initial Stock Price
Initial Stock Price |
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Lesser Performing
Reference Stock:
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The Reference Stock with the lowest Reference Stock Return.
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Market Disruption
Events:
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The occurrence of a market disruption event (or a non-trading day) as to any of the Reference Stocks will result in
the postponement of an Observation Date or the Valuation Date as to that Reference Stock, as described in the product prospectus supplement, but not to any non-affected Reference Stock.
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Calculation Agent:
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RBC Capital Markets, LLC (“RBCCM”)
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U.S. Tax Treatment:
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By purchasing a Note, each holder agrees (in the absence of a change in law, an administrative determination or a
judicial ruling to the contrary) to treat the Notes as a callable pre-paid cash-settled contingent income-bearing derivative contract linked to the Reference Stocks 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 10, 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 terms
supplement and the terms appearing under the caption “General Terms of the Notes” in the product prospectus supplement dated September 10, 2018, as modified by this terms
supplement.
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Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada
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ADDITIONAL TERMS OF YOUR NOTES
You should read this terms supplement together with the prospectus dated September 7, 2018, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated
September 7, 2018 and the product prospectus supplement dated September 10, 2018, relating to our Senior Global Medium Term Notes, Series H, of which these Notes are a part. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this terms supplement will
have the meanings given to them in the product prospectus supplement. In the event of any conflict, this terms supplement will control. The Notes vary from
the terms described in the product prospectus supplement in several important ways. You should read this terms supplement carefully.
This terms supplement, together with the documents listed below, contains the terms of the Notes and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral
statements as well as any other written materials including preliminary or indicative pricing terms, correspondence, trade ideas, structures for implementation, sample structures, brochures or other educational materials of ours. You should
carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” in the prospectus supplement dated September 7, 2018 and in the product prospectus supplement dated September 10, 2018, as the Notes involve risks not associated with
conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors before you invest in the Notes. You may access these documents on the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) website at
www.sec.gov as follows (or if that address has changed, by reviewing our filings for the relevant date on the SEC website):
Prospectus dated September 7, 2018:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1000275/000121465918005973/l96181424b3.htm
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1000275/000121465918005973/l96181424b3.htm
Prospectus Supplement dated September 7, 2018:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1000275/000121465918005975/f97180424b3.htm
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1000275/000121465918005975/f97180424b3.htm
Product Prospectus Supplement dated September 10, 2018:
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1000275/000114036118038091/form424b5.htm
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1000275/000114036118038091/form424b5.htm
Our Central Index Key, or CIK, on the SEC website is 1000275. As used in this terms supplement, “we,” “us,” or “our” refers to Royal Bank of Canada.
Royal Bank of Canada has filed a registration statement (including a product prospectus supplement, a prospectus supplement, and a prospectus) with the SEC for the
offering to which this terms supplement relates. Before you invest, you should read those documents and the other documents relating to this offering that we have filed with the SEC for more complete information about us and this offering. You
may obtain these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Royal Bank of Canada, any agent or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the product prospectus supplement,
the prospectus supplement and the prospectus if you so request by calling toll-free at 1-877-688-2301.
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Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada
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HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES
The table set out below is included for illustration purposes only. The table illustrates the Payment at Maturity of the Notes
(including the final Contingent Coupon, if payable) for a hypothetical range of performance for the Lesser Performing Reference Stock, assuming the following terms and that the Notes are not automatically called prior to maturity:
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Hypothetical Initial Stock Price:
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$100.00*
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Hypothetical Trigger Price and Coupon Barrier:
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$60.00, which is 60% of the hypothetical Initial Stock Price
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Hypothetical Contingent Coupon Rate:
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10.00% per annum (or 2.50% per quarter), which is the midpoint of the Contingent Coupon Rate range of [9.50% - 10.50%]
per annum (to be determined on the Trade Date).
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Hypothetical Contingent Coupon Amount:
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$25.00 per quarter
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Observation Dates:
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Quarterly
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Principal Amount:
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$1,000 per Note
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* The hypothetical Initial Stock Price of $100 used in the examples below has been chosen for illustrative purposes only and does
not represent the expected actual Initial Stock Price of any Reference Stock. The actual Initial Stock Price for each Reference Stock will be set forth on the cover page of the final pricing supplement relating to the Notes. We make no representation or warranty as to which of the Reference Stocks will be the Lesser Performing Reference Stock. It is possible that the Final Stock
Price of each Reference Stock will be less than its Initial Stock Price.
Hypothetical Final Stock Prices are shown in the first column on the left. The second column shows the Payment at Maturity for a
range of Final Stock Prices on the Valuation Date. The third column shows the amount of cash to be paid on the Notes per $1,000 in principal amount. If the Notes are called prior to maturity, the hypothetical examples below will not be relevant,
and you will receive on the applicable Coupon Payment Date, for each $1,000 principal amount, $1,000 plus the Contingent Coupon otherwise due on the Notes.
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Hypothetical Final Stock Price of
the Lesser Performing
Reference Stock
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Payment at Maturity as
Percentage of Principal Amount
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Cash Payment Amount per
$1,000 in Principal Amount
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$180.00
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102.50%*
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$1,025.00*
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$170.00
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102.50%*
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$1,025.00*
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$160.00
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102.50%*
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$1,025.00*
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$150.00
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102.50%*
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$1,025.00*
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$140.00
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102.50%*
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$1,025.00*
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$125.00
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102.50%*
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$1,025.00*
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$120.00
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102.50%*
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$1,025.00*
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$110.00
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102.50%*
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$1,025.00*
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$100.00
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102.50%*
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$1,025.00*
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$90.00
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102.50%*
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$1,025.00*
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$80.00
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102.50%*
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$1,025.00*
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$70.00
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102.50%*
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$1,025.00*
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$60.00
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102.50%*
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$1,025.00*
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$59.99
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59.99%
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$599.90
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$50.00
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50.00%
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$500.00
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$40.00
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40.00%
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$400.00
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$30.00
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30.00%
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$300.00
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$20.00
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20.00%
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$200.00
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$10.00
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10.00%
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$100.00
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$0.00
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0%
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$0.00
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*Including the final Contingent Coupon, if payable.
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Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada
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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, assuming
the Notes have not been called.
Example 1: The price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock
increases by 25% from the Initial Stock Price of $100.00 to its Final Stock Price of $125.00. Because the Final Stock Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock is greater than its Trigger Price and Coupon Barrier, the investor
receives at maturity, in addition to the final Contingent Coupon otherwise due on the Notes, a cash payment of $1,000 per Note, despite the 25% appreciation in the price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock.
Example 2: The price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock
decreases by 10% from the Initial Stock Price of $100.00 to its Final Stock Price of $90.00. Because the Final Stock Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock is greater than its Trigger Price and Coupon Barrier, the investor
receives at maturity, in addition to the final Contingent Coupon otherwise due on the Notes, a cash payment of $1,000 per Note, despite the 10% decline in the price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock.
Example 3: The price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock
decreases by 60% from the Initial Stock Price of $100.00 to its Final Stock Price of $40.00. Because the Final Stock Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock is less than its Trigger Price and Coupon Barrier, the final Contingent
Coupon will not be payable on the Maturity Date, and 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 Stock Return of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock)
= $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 prices of the Reference Stocks that may not be achieved on the
Valuation Date and on assumptions that may prove to be erroneous. The actual market value of your Notes on the Maturity Date or at any other time, including any time you may wish to sell your Notes, may bear little relation to the hypothetical
Payments at Maturity shown above, and those amounts should not be viewed as an indication of the financial return on an investment in the Notes.
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Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes
Linked to the Lesser Performing of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada
|
SELECTED RISK CONSIDERATIONS
An investment in the Notes involves significant risks. Investing in the Notes is not equivalent to investing directly in the Reference Stocks. These
risks are explained in more detail in the section “Risk Factors” in the product prospectus supplement. In addition to the risks described in the prospectus supplement and the product prospectus supplement, you should consider the following:
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Principal at Risk — Investors in the Notes could lose all or a substantial portion of their principal
amount if there is a decline in the trading price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock between the Trade Date and the Valuation Date. If the Notes are not automatically called and the Final Stock Price of the Lesser Performing
Reference Stock on the Valuation Date is less than its Trigger Price, the amount of cash that you receive at maturity will represent a loss of your principal that is proportionate to the decline in the closing price of the Lesser
Performing Reference Stock from the Trade Date to the Valuation Date. Any Contingent Coupons received on the Notes prior to the Maturity Date may not be sufficient to compensate for any such loss.
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The Notes Are Subject to an Automatic Call — If on any Observation Date beginning on August 26, 2019, the
closing price of each Reference Stock is greater than or equal to its Initial Stock Price, then the Notes will be automatically called. If the Notes are automatically called, then, on the applicable Call Settlement Date, for each
$1,000 in principal amount, you will receive $1,000 plus the Contingent Coupon otherwise due on the applicable Call Settlement Date. You will not receive any Contingent Coupons after the Call Settlement Date. You may be unable to
reinvest your proceeds from the automatic call in an investment with a return that is as high as the return on the Notes would have been if they had not been called.
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You May Not Receive Any Contingent Coupons — We will not necessarily make any coupon payments on the
Notes. If the closing price of either of the Reference Stocks on an Observation Date is less than its Coupon Barrier, we will not pay you the Contingent Coupon applicable to that Observation Date. If the closing price of either of the
Reference Stocks is less than its Coupon Barrier on each of the Observation Dates and on the Valuation Date, we will not pay you any Contingent Coupons during the term of, and you will not receive a positive return on your Notes.
Generally, this non-payment of the Contingent Coupon coincides with a period of greater risk of principal loss on your Notes. Accordingly, if we do not pay the Contingent Coupon on the Maturity Date, you will also incur a loss of
principal, because the Final Stock Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock will be less than its Trigger Price.
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The Notes Are Linked to the Lesser Performing Reference Stock, Even if the Other Reference Stock Performs Better
— If either of the Reference Stocks has a Final Stock Price that is less than its Trigger Price, your return will be linked to the lesser performing of the two Reference
Stocks. Even if the Final Stock Price of the other Reference Stock has increased compared to its Initial Stock Price, or has experienced a decrease that is less than that of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock, your return will
only be determined by reference to the performance of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock, regardless of the performance of the other Reference Stock. Because each Reference Stock Issuer operates in the pharmaceuticals industry,
they each may experience simultaneous and significant declines due to adverse conditions in that industry.
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Your Payment on the Notes Will Be Determined by Reference to Each Reference Stock Individually, Not to a Basket,
and the Payment at Maturity Will Be Based on the Performance of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock — The Payment at Maturity will be determined only by reference to the performance of the Lesser Performing Reference
Stock, regardless of the performance of the other Reference Stock. 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 Stocks would not be combined, and the depreciation
of one Reference Stock would not be mitigated by any appreciation of the other Reference Stock. Instead, your return will depend solely on the Final Stock Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock.
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The Call Feature and the Contingent Coupon Feature Limit Your Potential Return — The return potential of
the Notes is limited to the pre-specified Contingent Coupon Rate, regardless of the appreciation of the Reference Stocks. In addition, the total return on the Notes will vary based on the number of Observation Dates on which the
Contingent Coupon becomes payable prior to maturity or an automatic call. Further, if the Notes are called due to the Call Feature, you will not receive any Contingent Coupons or any other payment in respect of any Observation Dates
after the applicable Call Settlement Date. Since the Notes could be called as early as August 26, 2019, the total return on the Notes could be minimal. If the Notes are not called, you may be subject to the full downside performance
of the Lesser Performing Reference Stock even though your
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potential return is limited to the Contingent Coupon Rate. As a result, the return on an investment in the Notes could be less
than the return on a direct investment in the Reference Stocks.
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Your Return May Be Lower than the Return on a Conventional Debt Security of Comparable Maturity — The
return that you will receive on the Notes, which could be negative, may be less than the return you could earn on other investments. Even if your return is positive, your return may be less than the return you would earn if you bought
a conventional senior interest bearing debt security of Royal Bank.
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Payments on the Notes Are Subject to Our Credit Risk, and Changes in Our Credit Ratings Are Expected to Affect the
Market Value of the Notes — The Notes are Royal Bank’s senior unsecured debt securities. As a result, your receipt of any Contingent Coupons, if payable, and the amount due on any relevant payment date is dependent upon
Royal Bank’s ability to repay its obligations on the applicable payment dates. This will be the case even if the prices of the Reference Stocks increase after the Trade Date. No assurance can be given as to what our financial
condition will be during the term of the Notes.
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There May Not Be an Active Trading Market for the Notes-Sales in the Secondary Market May Result in Significant
Losses — There may be little or no secondary market for the Notes. The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. RBCCM and other affiliates of Royal Bank may make a market for the Notes; however, they are not
required to do so. RBCCM or any other affiliate of Royal Bank may stop any market-making activities at any time. Even if a secondary market for the Notes develops, it may not provide significant liquidity or trade at prices
advantageous to you. We expect that transaction costs in any secondary market would be high. As a result, the difference between bid and asked prices for your Notes in any secondary market could be substantial.
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The Initial Estimated Value of the Notes Will Be Less than the Price to the Public — The initial estimated value that will be set forth in the final pricing supplement for the Notes 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 prices of the Reference Stocks, 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 that We Will Provide in the Final Pricing Supplement Will Be an Estimate
Only, Calculated as of the Time the Terms of the Notes Are Set — The initial estimated value of the Notes will be 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 will be 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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Market Disruption Events and Adjustments — The payment at maturity, each Observation Date and the
Valuation Date are subject to adjustment as described in the product prospectus supplement. For a description of what constitutes a market disruption event as well as the consequences of that market disruption event, see “General
Terms of the Notes—Market Disruption Events” in the product prospectus supplement.
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Our Business Activities May Create Conflicts of Interest — We and our affiliates expect to engage in
trading activities related to the Reference Stocks 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
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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 share price of the Reference Stocks, 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 the Reference Stock Issuers, 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 Stocks. 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 share price of the Reference Stocks, and, therefore, the market value of the Notes.
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Owning the Notes Is Not the Same as Owning the Reference Stocks — The return on your Notes is unlikely to
reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned shares of the Reference Stocks. For instance, you will not receive or be entitled to receive any dividend payments or other distributions on these 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 these securities may have. Furthermore, the Reference Stocks may appreciate substantially during the term of the Notes, while
your potential return will be limited to the applicable Contingent Coupon payments.
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You Must Rely on Your Own Evaluation of the Merits of an Investment Linked to the Reference Stocks — In
the ordinary course of their business, our affiliates may have expressed views on expected movements in the Reference Stocks, and may do so in the future. These views or reports may be communicated to our clients and clients of our
affiliates. However, these views are subject to change from time to time. Moreover, other professionals who transact business in markets relating to any Reference Stock may at any time have significantly different views from those of
our affiliates. For these reasons, you are encouraged to derive information concerning the Reference Stocks from multiple sources, and you should not rely solely on views expressed by our affiliates.
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There Is No Affiliation Between the Reference Stock Issuers and RBCCM, and RBCCM Is Not Responsible for any
Disclosure by the Reference Stock Issuers — We are not affiliated with the Reference Stock Issuers. However, we and our affiliates may currently, or from time to time in the future engage, in business with either Reference
Stock Issuer. Nevertheless, neither we nor our affiliates assume any responsibilities for the accuracy or the completeness of any information that any other company prepares. You, as an investor in the Notes, should make your own
investigation into the Reference Stocks.
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There Are Risks Associated with Non-U.S. Companies — An investment in securities linked to the value of the
equity securities of a non-U.S. company, such as VOD, involves risks associated with the home country of such non-U.S. company. The prices of such non-U.S. company’s equity securities may be affected by political, economic, financial
and social factors in the home country of such non-U.S. company, including changes in such country’s government, economic and fiscal policies, currency exchange laws or other laws or restrictions, which could affect the value of the
Notes.
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In addition, as to VOD, there can be no assurance that any increase or decrease in the prices of its ordinary shares on the London Stock
Exchange will be similar to the changes in the prices of its American Depositary Shares (ADSs) that trade on the New York Stock Exchange; the performance of VOD’s ordinary shares may be worse than that of its ADSs.
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INFORMATION REGARDING THE REFERENCE STOCK ISSUERS
The Reference Stocks are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Companies with securities
registered under that Act are required to file periodically certain financial and other information specified by the SEC. Information provided to or filed with the SEC can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by
the SEC or through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding the Reference Stocks may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated
documents.
The following information regarding the Reference Stock Issuers is derived from publicly available information.
We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of reports filed by the Reference Stock Issuers with the SEC,
information published by it on its website or in any other format, information about it obtained from any other source or the information provided below.
We obtained the information regarding the historical performance of the Reference Stocks set forth below from Bloomberg Financial
Markets.
We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg Financial Markets. The
historical performance of the Reference Stocks should not be taken as an indication of their future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the market prices of any Reference Stock at any time during the term of the Notes. We cannot
give you assurance that the performance of any Reference Stock will not result in the loss of all or part of your investment.
AT&T Inc. (“T”)
AT&T Inc. is a communications holding company. The company, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, provides local and
long-distance phone service, wireless and data communications, Internet access and messaging, IP-based and satellite television, security services, telecommunications equipment, and directory advertising and publishing.
The company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “T.”
Vodafone Group PLC (“VOD”)
Vodafone Group PLC is a mobile telecommunications company providing a range of services, including voice and data communications.
The company operates in Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East through its subsidiaries, associates, and investments.
The company’s ordinary shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “VOD.”
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HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The graphs below set forth the information relating to the historical performance of the Reference Stocks. The information provided
in these graphs is for the period from January 1, 2009 through February 19, 2019.
We obtained the information regarding the historical performance of the Reference Stocks in the graphs 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 any
Reference Stock should not be taken as an indication of its future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the prices of the Reference Stocks at any time. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the Reference Stocks will not
result in the loss of all or part of your investment.
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Historical Information for AT&T Inc. (“T”)
The graph below illustrates the performance of this Reference Stock from January 1, 2009 to February 19, 2019, assuming an Initial Stock Price of
$30.63, which was the closing price of this Reference Stock on February 19, 2019. The red line represents a hypothetical Coupon Barrier and Trigger Price of $18.38, which is equal to 60.00% of its closing price on February 19, 2019, rounded to
two decimal places. The actual Coupon Barrier and Trigger Price will be based on the closing price of this Reference Stock on the Trade Date.
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Historical Information for Vodafone Group PLC (“VOD LN”)
The graph below illustrates the performance of this Reference Stock from January 1, 2009 to February 19, 2019, assuming an Initial Stock Price of GBp
141.50, which was the closing price of this Reference Stock on February 19, 2019. The red line represents a hypothetical Coupon Barrier and Trigger Price of GBp 84.90, which is equal to 60.00% of its closing price on February 19, 2019. The actual
Coupon Barrier and Trigger Price will be based on the closing price of this Reference Stock on the Trade Date.
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SUPPLEMENTAL DISCUSSION OF
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
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 10, 2018 under “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”
Under Section 871(m) of the Code, a “dividend equivalent” payment is treated as a dividend from sources within the United States.
Such payments generally would be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax if paid to a non-U.S. holder. Under U.S. Treasury Department regulations, payments (including deemed payments) with respect to equity-linked instruments (“ELIs”) that are
“specified ELIs” may be treated as dividend equivalents if such specified ELIs reference an interest in an “underlying security,” which is generally any interest in an entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if a
payment with respect to such interest could give rise to a U.S. source dividend. However, the IRS has issued guidance that states that the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS intend to amend the effective dates of the U.S. Treasury Department
regulations to provide that withholding on dividend equivalent payments will not apply to specified ELIs that are not delta-one instruments and that are issued before January 1, 2021. Based on our determination that the Notes are not delta-one
instruments, non-U.S. holders should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments, if any, under the Notes. However, it is possible that the Notes could be treated as deemed reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the
occurrence of certain events affecting the Reference Stocks or the Notes, 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 Stocks 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)
We expect that delivery of the Notes will be made against payment for the Notes on or about February 28, 2019, which is the second (2nd) business day
following the Trade Date (this settlement cycle being referred to as “T+2”). See “Plan of Distribution” in the prospectus dated September 7, 2018. For additional information as to the relationship between us and RBCCM, please see the section
“Plan of Distribution—Conflicts of Interest” in the prospectus dated September 7, 2018.In the initial offering of the Notes, they will be offered to investors at a purchase price equal to par, except with respect to certain accounts as indicated
on the cover page of this document.
The value of the Notes shown on your account statement may be based on RBCCM’s estimate of the value of the Notes if RBCCM or another of our
affiliates were to make a market in the Notes (which it is not obligated to do). That estimate will be based upon the price that RBCCM may pay for the Notes in light of then prevailing market conditions, our creditworthiness and transaction
costs. For a period of approximately three months after the issue date of the Notes, the value of the Notes that may be shown on your account statement may be higher than RBCCM’s estimated value of the Notes at that time. This is because the
estimated value of the Notes will not include the underwriting discount and our hedging costs and profits; however, the value of the Notes shown on your account statement during that period may initially be a higher amount, reflecting the
addition of RBCCM’s underwriting discount and our estimated costs and profits from hedging the Notes. This excess is expected to decrease over time until the end of this period. After this period, if RBCCM repurchases your Notes, it expects to do
so at prices that reflect their estimated value.
We may use this terms supplement in the initial sale of the Notes. In addition, RBCCM or another of our affiliates may use this terms 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 terms supplement
is being used in a market-making transaction.
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STRUCTURING THE NOTES
The Notes are our debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Reference Stocks. 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 is likely to reduce the initial estimated value of the Notes at the time their terms are set. Unlike the estimated value that will be set forth on the cover page
of the final 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 Stocks, 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 reduces 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 result 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 Will Be Less than the Price to the Public” above.