 | Filed Pursuant to Rule 433 Registration Statement No. 333-259205 | ||
The information in this preliminary terms supplement is not complete and may be changed. | |||
Preliminary Terms Supplement Subject to Completion: Dated August 17, 2022 Pricing Supplement Dated August __, 2022 to the Product Prospectus Supplement No. CCBN-1 Dated September 14, 2021, the Prospectus Supplement Dated September 14, 2021 and the Prospectus Dated September 14, 2021 | $ Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities, Due September 4, 2025 Royal Bank of Canada | ||
Royal Bank of Canada is offering Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon (the “Notes”) linked to an equally-weighted basket (the “Basket”) of two equity securities (each, a “Basket Component,” and collectively, the “Basket Components”). The Notes are our senior unsecured obligations, will pay a quarterly Contingent Coupon at the rate and under the circumstances specified below, and will have the terms described in the documents set forth above, as supplemented or modified by this terms supplement.
The Basket Components and their ticker symbols are: Block, Inc. (“SQ”) and PayPal Holdings, Inc. (“PYPL”). The Initial Basket Level will be set to 100.00.
The Notes do not guarantee any return of principal at maturity. Any payments on the Notes are subject to our credit risk.
Investing in the Notes involves a number of risks. See “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page P-8 of this terms supplement, and “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-4 of the product prospectus supplement dated September 14, 2021 and page S-2 of the prospectus supplement dated September 14, 2021.
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.
| Issuer: | Royal Bank of Canada | Stock Exchange Listing: | None |
| Trade Date: | August 29, 2022 | Principal Amount: | $1,000 per Note |
| Issue Date: | August 31, 2022 | Maturity Date: | September 4, 2025 |
| Observation Dates: | Quarterly, as set forth below. | Coupon Payment Dates: | Quarterly, as set forth below. |
| Valuation Date: | August 29, 2025 | Contingent Coupon Rate: | [11.00%-12.00%] per annum (to be determined on the Trade Date) |
Contingent Coupon and Memory Coupon Feature: | If the Observation Level (as defined below) of the Basket is greater than or equal to its Coupon Barrier (50% of the Initial Value) on the applicable Observation Date, we will pay the Contingent Coupon applicable to the corresponding Observation Date, together with any Contingent Coupons that were not previously paid. You may not receive any Contingent Coupons during the term of the Notes. | ||
Payment at Maturity (if held to maturity): | If the Notes are not previously called, we will pay you at maturity an amount based on the Final Basket Level (as defined below). For each $1,000 in principal amount, $1,000, unless the Final Basket Level is less than the Trigger Level (50% of the Initial Value). You will also receive the final Contingent Coupon (and any previously unpaid Contingent Coupons) if the Final Basket Level is greater than the Coupon Barrier. If the Final Basket Level is less than its Trigger Level, then the investor will receive at maturity, for each $1,000 in principal amount, an amount that is less than the principal amount, representing the percentage decrease in the value of the Basket from the Trade Date to the Valuation Date. Investors in the Notes could lose some or all of their principal amount if the Final Basket Level is less than the Trigger Level. | ||
| Call Feature: | If the Observation Level of the Basket is greater than or equal to the Initial Basket Level starting on February 28, 2023 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, together with any unpaid Contingent Coupons. | ||
| Call Settlement Dates: | The Coupon Payment Date corresponding to that Observation Date. | ||
| CUSIP: | 78016FSG0 | ||
Per Note | Total | ||
Price to public(1) | 100.00% | $ | |
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1) | 2.25% | $ | |
| Proceeds to Royal Bank of Canada | 97.75% | $ |
| (1) | If the Notes priced on the date of this terms supplement, RBC Capital Markets, LLC (“RBCCM”), acting as our agent, 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. 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 $895 and $945 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.
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada |
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.
| General: | This terms supplement relates to an offering of Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon (the “Notes”) linked to a basket (the “Basket”) of two equity securities (the “Reference Stocks,” or the “Basket Components”). |
| Issuer: | Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”) |
| Trade Date: | August 29, 2022 |
| Issue Date: | August 31, 2022 |
| Valuation Date: | August 29, 2025 |
| Maturity Date: | September 4, 2025 |
| Denominations: | Minimum denomination of $1,000, and integral multiples of $1,000 thereafter. |
Contingent Coupon and Memory Coupon Feature: | 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 Observation Level of the Basket is greater than or equal to the Coupon Barrier on the applicable Observation Date, we will pay the Contingent Coupon applicable to that Observation Date, together with any Contingent Coupons that were previously unpaid. • If the Observation Level of the Basket is less than the 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. For the avoidance of doubt, if an unpaid Contingent Coupon is paid on a subsequent Coupon Payment Date, that unpaid Contingent Coupon will not be paid on any Coupon Payment Date thereafter. |
| Observation Level: | The “Observation Level” will be calculated based on the weighted returns of the Reference Stocks as of the applicable Observation Date, and will be equal to: 100 x [1 + (1/2 of the Reference Stock Return for SQ) + (1/2 of the Reference Stock Return for PYPL)]. |
| Reference Stock Return: | For each Reference Stock, the Reference Stock Return will be: Observation Price – Initial Price Initial Price |
| Initial Price: | For each Reference Stock, its closing price on the Trade Date, as determined by the Calculation Agent, subject to adjustment as set forth in the product prospectus supplement. |
| Observation Price: | For each Reference Stock, its closing price on the applicable Observation Date, as determined by the Calculation Agent, subject to adjustment as set forth in the product prospectus supplement. |
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada |
| Contingent Coupon Rate: | [11.00%-12.00%] per annum ([2.75%-3.00%] of the principal amount on each applicable Coupon Payment Date). The actual Contingent Coupon Rate will be determined on the Trade Date. |
| Observation Dates: | Quarterly on November 29, 2022, February 28, 2023, May 30, 2023, August 29, 2023, November 29, 2023, February 29, 2024, May 29, 2024, August 29, 2024, November 29, 2024, February 28, 2025, May 29, 2025 and the Valuation Date. |
| Coupon Payment Dates: | The Contingent Coupon, if payable, will be paid quarterly on December 2, 2022, March 3, 2023, June 2, 2023, September 1, 2023, December 4, 2023, March 5, 2024, June 3, 2024, September 4, 2024, December 4, 2024, March 5, 2025, June 3, 2025 and the Maturity Date. |
| Record Dates: | The record date for each Coupon Payment Date will be one business day prior to that scheduled Coupon Payment Date; provided, however, that any Contingent Coupons 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. |
| Call Feature: | If, starting on February 28, 2023 and on any Observation Date thereafter, the Observation Level of the Basket is greater than or equal to the Initial Basket Level, then the Notes will be automatically called. |
| Payment if Called: | If the Notes are automatically called, then, on the applicable Coupon Payment Date, for each $1,000 principal amount, you will receive $1,000 plus the Contingent Coupon otherwise due on that Coupon Payment Date and any previously unpaid Contingent Coupons. |
| Call Settlement Dates: | If the Notes are called on an Observation Date, the Call Settlement Date will be the Coupon Payment Date corresponding to that Observation Date. |
| Initial Basket Level: | 100.00 |
| Final Basket Level: | The Observation Level of the Basket on the final Observation Date (the Valuation Date). |
Trigger Level and Coupon Barrier: | 50.00, or 50% of the Initial Basket Level. |
Payment at Maturity (if not previously called and held to maturity): | If the Notes are not previously called, we will pay you at maturity an amount based on the Final Basket Level: • If the Final Basket Level is greater than or equal to the Trigger Level, we will pay you at maturity a cash payment equal to the principal amount. You will also receive the final Contingent Coupon (and any previously unpaid contingent Coupons) if the Final Basket Level is greater than the Coupon Barrier. • If the Final Basket Level is less than the Trigger Level, you will receive at maturity, for each $1,000 in principal amount, an amount calculated as follows: $1,000 + ($1,000 x Percentage Change) The amount that you will receive in this case will be less than your principal amount, if anything, resulting in a loss that is proportionate to the decline in the value of the Basket from the Trade Date to the Valuation Date. Investors in the Notes will lose some or all of their principal amount if the Final Basket Level is less than its Trigger Level. |
| Stock Settlement: | Not applicable. Payments on the Notes will be made solely in cash. |
| Percentage Change: | Final Basket Level – Initial Basket Level Initial Basket Level |
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada |
| Market Disruption Events: | The occurrence of a market disruption event (or a non-trading day) as to either 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. |
| Calculation Agent: | RBC Capital Markets, LLC (“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 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 Ashurst LLP, our special U.S. tax counsel) in the product prospectus supplement dated September 14, 2021 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. |
| Settlement: | DTC global (including through its indirect participants Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg as described under “Ownership and Book-Entry Issuance” in the prospectus dated September 14, 2021). |
Terms Incorporated in the Master Note: | All of the terms appearing above the item captioned “Secondary Market” on 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 14, 2021, as modified by this terms supplement. |
The Trade Date, issue date and other dates set forth above are subject to change, and will be set forth in the final pricing supplement relating to the Notes.
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada |
ADDITIONAL TERMS OF YOUR NOTES
You should read this terms supplement together with the prospectus dated September 14, 2021, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated September 14, 2021 and the product prospectus supplement dated September 14, 2021, relating to our Senior Global Medium-Term Notes, Series I, 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. In particular, please note that the return on the Notes is linked to a basket of common stocks. 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 14, 2021 and in the product prospectus supplement dated September 14, 2021, 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 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 14, 2021:
Prospectus Supplement dated September 14, 2021:
Product Prospectus Supplement dated September 14, 2021:
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.
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada |
HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES
The table set out below is included for illustration purposes only. The table illustrates the Payment at Maturity of the Notes (excluding the final Contingent Coupon and any unpaid Contingent Coupons, if payable) for a hypothetical range of performance for the Basket, assuming the following terms and that the Notes are not automatically called prior to maturity:
| Initial Basket Level: | 100.00 | |
| Trigger Level and Coupon Barrier: | 50.00, which is 50% of the Initial Basket Level | |
| Hypothetical Contingent Coupon Rate: | 11.50% per annum (or 2.875% of the principal amount on each applicable Coupon Payment Date), which is the midpoint of the range set forth above | |
| Hypothetical Contingent Coupon Amount: | $28.75 for each applicable Coupon Payment Date | |
| Observation Dates: | Quarterly | |
| Principal Amount: | $1,000 per Note |
Hypothetical Final Basket Level | Payment at Maturity as Percentage of Principal Amount | Payment at Maturity (assuming that the Notes were not previously called) |
| 150.00 | 100.00%* | $1,000.00* |
| 140.00 | 100.00%* | $1,000.00* |
| 130.00 | 100.00%* | $1,000.00* |
| 120.00 | 100.00%* | $1,000.00* |
| 110.00 | 100.00%* | $1,000.00* |
| 100.00 | 100.00%* | $1,000.00* |
| 90.00 | 100.00%* | $1,000.00* |
| 80.00 | 100.00%* | $1,000.00* |
| 70.00 | 100.00%* | $1,000.00* |
| 60.00 | 100.00%* | $1,000.00* |
| 50.00 | 100.00%* | $1,000.00* |
| 49.99 | 49.99% | $499.90 |
| 40.00 | 40.00% | $400.00 |
| 30.00 | 30.00% | $300.00 |
| 20.00 | 20.00% | $200.00 |
| 10.00 | 10.00% | $100.00 |
| 0.00 | 0.00% | $0.00 |
*Excluding the final Contingent Coupon and any unpaid Contingent Coupons, if payable.
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada |
Hypothetical Examples of Amounts Payable at Maturity
The following hypothetical examples illustrate how the payments at maturity set forth in the table above are calculated, assuming the Notes have not been called.
Example 1: The value of the Basket increases by 40% from the Initial Basket Level of 100.00 to a Final Basket Level of 140.00. Because the Final Basket Level is greater than its Trigger Level and Coupon Barrier, the investor receives at maturity, in addition to the final Contingent Coupon otherwise due on the Notes (and any previously unpaid Contingent Coupons), a cash payment of $1,000 per Note, despite the 40% appreciation in the value of the Basket.
Example 2: The value of the Basket decreases by 10% from the Initial Basket Level of 100.00 to a Final Basket Level of 90.00. Because the Final Basket Level is greater than its Trigger Level and Coupon Barrier, the investor receives at maturity, in addition to the final Contingent Coupon otherwise due on the Notes (and any previously unpaid Contingent Coupons), a cash payment of $1,000 per Note, despite the 10% decline in the value of the Basket.
Example 3: The value of the Basket is 40.00 on the Valuation Date, which is less than its Trigger Level and Coupon Barrier. Because the Final Basket Value is less than the Trigger Level and Coupon Barrier, the final Contingent Coupon will not be payable on the Maturity Date, and the investor receives a payment of $400 per $1,000 in principal amount of the Notes, calculated as follows:
Payment on the Notes = $1,000 + ($1,000 x -60%) = $400
* * *
The Payments at Maturity shown above are entirely hypothetical; they are based on values of the Basket that may not be achieved on the Valuation Date and on assumptions that may prove to be erroneous. The actual market value of your Notes on the Maturity Date or at any other time, including any time you may wish to sell your Notes, may bear little relation to the hypothetical Payments at Maturity shown above, and those amounts should not be viewed as an indication of the financial return on an investment in the Notes or on an investment in either Reference Stock.
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket 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:
Risks Relating to the Terms of the Notes
| • | You May Lose Some or All of the Principal Amount at Maturity — Investors in the Notes could lose all or a substantial portion of their principal amount if there is a decline in the value of the Basket between the Trade Date and the Valuation Date. If the Notes are not called and the Final Basket Value on the Valuation Date is less than its Trigger Level, the amount of cash that you receive at maturity will represent a loss of your principal that is proportionate to the decline in the value of the Basket 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. |
| • | The Notes Are Subject to an Automatic Call — If on any Observation Date beginning in February 2023, the Observation Level of the Basket is greater than or equal to the Initial Basket Level, then the Notes will be automatically called. If the Notes are automatically called, then, on the applicable Call Settlement Date, for each $1,000 in principal amount, you will receive $1,000 plus the Contingent Coupon otherwise due on the applicable Call Settlement Date (together with any previously unpaid Contingent Coupons). 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. |
| • | You May Not Receive Any Contingent Coupons — We will not necessarily make any coupon payments on the Notes. If the value of the Basket on an Observation Date is less than the Coupon Barrier, we will not pay you the Contingent Coupon applicable to that Observation Date. If the Observation Value of the Basket 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 Basket Level will be less than the Trigger Level. Notwithstanding the memory coupon feature of the Notes, it is possible that any unpaid Contingent Coupons will remain unpaid for the remaining term of the Notes. |
| • | 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 February 2023, the total return on the Notes could be limited to six months. If the Notes are not called, you may be subject to the full downside performance of the Basket even though your 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. |
| • | 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 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 any Contingent Coupons, if payable, and the amount due on any relevant payment date is dependent upon our ability to repay our 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. |
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada |
| • | Changes in the Value of One Basket Component May Be Offset by Changes in the Value of the Other Basket Component – A change in the value of one Basket Component may not correlate with changes in the value of the other Basket Component. The value of one Basket Component may increase, while the value of the other Basket Component may not increase as much, or may even decrease. Therefore, in determining the value of the Basket as of any time, increases in the value of one Reference Stock may be moderated, or wholly offset, by lesser increases or decreases in the value of the other Basket Component. |
| • | The Payments on the Notes Are Subject to Postponement Due to 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. |
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 other affiliate of ours 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 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. |
| • | 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. |
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.
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada |
Risks Relating to the Reference Stocks
| • | 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. |
| • | 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. |
| • | The Stocks Included in the Basket Are Concentrated in One Sector — All of the stocks included in the Basket are issued by companies in the energy industry. Although an investment in the Notes will not give holders any ownership or other direct interests in the Basket Components, the return on an investment in the Notes will be subject to certain risks associated with a direct equity investment in companies in this sector. Accordingly, by investing in the Notes, you will not benefit from the diversification which could result from an investment linked to companies that operate in multiple sectors. |
Risks Relating to Conflicts of Interest
| • | 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 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 prices 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 issuers of the Reference Stocks (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 prices of the Reference Stocks, and therefore, the market value of the Notes |
| • | 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 either 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. |
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada |
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 filed with the SEC can be obtained 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 either Reference Stock at any time during the term of the Notes. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of either Reference Stock will not result in the loss of all or part of your investment.
Block, Inc. (“SQ”)
Block, Inc. (formerly known as Square, Inc.) provides mobile payment solutions. The company develops point-of-sale software that helps in digital receipts, inventory, and sales reports, as well as offering analytics and feedback. The company also provides financial and marketing services.
The company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “SQ.”
PayPal Holdings, Inc. (“PYPL”)
PayPal Holdings, Inc. operates as a technology platform company that enables digital and mobile payments on behalf of consumers and merchants. The company offers online payment solutions.
The company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “PYPL.”
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada |
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The graphs below set forth the information relating to the historical performance of the Reference Stocks. We obtained the information 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 either 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, or the value of the Basket, 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.
Historical Information for Block, Inc. (“SQ”)
The graph below illustrates the performance of this Reference Stock from November 19, 2015 to August 16, 2022.
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada |
Historical Information for PayPal Holdings, Inc. (“PYPL”)
The graph below illustrates the performance of this Reference Stock from July 6, 2015 to August 16, 2022.
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCUSSION OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following disclosure supplements, and to the extent inconsistent supersedes, the discussion in the product prospectus supplement dated September 14, 2021 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, directly or indirectly, 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, 2023. 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.
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada |
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 August 31, 2022, 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 14, 2021. 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 14, 2021.
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. In addition to the underwriting discount set forth on the cover page, we or one of our affiliates may also pay an expected fee to a broker-dealer that is unaffiliated with us for providing certain electronic platform services with respect to this offering.
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 6 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.
Auto-Callable Contingent Coupon Barrier Notes with Memory Coupon Linked to a Basket of Two Equity Securities Royal Bank of Canada |
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.