FWP 1 ef20012354_fwp.htm US406 MULTI 14OCT25 78016NU62


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 October 11, 2023
Pricing Supplement Dated October __, 2023 to the Product
Prospectus Supplement ERN-ETF-1 dated March 3, 2022, and the
Prospectus Supplement and the Prospectus, each dated September
14, 2021

$
Buffer Digital Return Notes Linked to the Lesser
Performing of Three Exchange Traded Funds, Due
October 16, 2025
Royal Bank of Canada





Royal Bank of Canada is offering Buffer Digital Return Notes (the “Notes”) linked to the Lesser Performing of Three Exchange Traded Funds.
Reference Assets

Initial Price*

Buffer Price
Industrial Select Sector SPDR® Fund (“XLI”)



80% of its Initial Price
Utilities Select Sector SPDR® Fund (“XLU”)



80% of its Initial Price
Health Care Select Sector SPDR® Fund (“XLV”)



80% of its Initial Price
*The Initial Price of each Reference Asset will be its closing price on the Trade Date.

If the Final Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset (as defined below) is greater than or equal to 80% of its Initial Price (the “Buffer Price”), the Notes will pay at maturity a return equal to the Digital Return. The Digital Return will be 21.60% of the principal amount. An investor's return on the Notes will not exceed the Digital Return.

If the Final Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than its Buffer Price, investors will lose 1% of the principal amount for each 1% that its Final Price has decreased by more than 20% from its Initial Price.

Any payments on the Notes are subject to our credit risk.

The Notes do not pay interest.

The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange.
Issue Date: October 17, 2023
Maturity Date: October 16, 2025
CUSIP: 78016NU62
Investing in the Notes involves a number of risks. See “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page P-7 of this terms supplement, "Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes” beginning on page PS-6 of the product prospectus supplement dated March 3, 2022, and “Risk Factors” beginning on 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.


Per Note

Total
Price to public(1)
100.00%

$
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)
0.70%

$
Proceeds to Royal Bank of Canada
99.30%

$

(1) We or one of our affiliates may pay varying selling concessions of up to $7.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of the Notes in connection with the distribution of the Notes to other registered broker dealers. 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 $993 and $1,000 per $1,000 in principal amount. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” below.
The initial estimated value of the Notes as of the Trade Date is expected to be between $920.08 and $970.08 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



 

 
Buffer Digital Return Notes
 
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 Buffer Digital Return Notes (the “Notes”) linked to the lesser performing of the three exchange traded funds (the “Reference Assets”) set forth on the cover page of this document.
Issuer:
Royal Bank of Canada (the “Bank”)
Trade Date (Pricing
Date):
October 12, 2023
Issue Date:
October 17, 2023
Valuation Date:
October 13, 2025
Maturity Date:
October 16, 2025
Denominations:
Minimum denomination of $1,000, and integral multiples of $1,000 thereafter.
Initial Price:
For each Reference Asset, its closing price on the Trade Date.
Final Price:
For each Reference Asset, its closing price on the Valuation Date.
Buffer Price:
For each Reference Asset, 80% of its Initial Price.
Buffer Percentage:
20%
Payment at Maturity (if
held to maturity):
We will pay you at maturity an amount based on the Final Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset:
If the Final Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is greater than or equal to its Buffer Price (that is, its Percentage Change is at least ‑20%), then the investor will receive, for each $1,000 in principal amount of the Notes, an amount equal to:
$1,000 + ($1,000 x Digital Return)
If the Final Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than its Buffer Price (that is, its Percentage Change is less than ‑20%), then the investor will receive, for each $1,000 in principal amount of the Notes:
$1,000 + [$1,000 x (Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset + Buffer Percentage)]
In this case, you may lose some or a substantial portion of the principal amount.
Percentage Change:
With respect to each Reference Asset:
Final Price – Initial Price
Initial Price
Digital Return:
21.60%. An investor's return on the Notes will not exceed the Digital Return.
Lesser Performing
Reference Asset:
The Reference Asset which has the lowest Percentage Change.
Market Disruption
Events:
If a market disruption event occurs on the Valuation Date as to a Reference Asset, the determination of the Final Price of that Reference Asset will be postponed. However, the determination of the Final Price of any Reference Asset that is not affected by that market disruption event will not be postponed.
Calculation Agent:
RBC Capital Markets, LLC (“RBCCM”)

P-2
RBC Capital Markets, LLC


 

 
Buffer Digital Return Notes
 
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 Note as a pre-paid cash-settled derivative contract in respect of the Reference Assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the Notes are uncertain and the Internal Revenue Service could assert that the Notes should be taxed in a manner that is different from that described in the preceding sentence. Please see the section below, “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences,” and the discussion (including the opinion of our special U.S. tax counsel, Ashurst LLP) in the product prospectus supplement dated March 3, 2022 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 on the cover page and above the item captioned “Secondary Market” in this section and the terms appearing under the caption “General Terms of the Notes” in the product prospectus supplement, as modified by this 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.

P-3
RBC Capital Markets, LLC


 

 
Buffer Digital Return Notes
 
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 March 3, 2022, 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. 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 “Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes” in the product prospectus supplement dated March 3, 2022, 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 14, 2021:

Prospectus Supplement dated September 14, 2021:
Product Prospectus Supplement ERN-ETF-1 dated March 3, 2022:
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.

P-4
RBC Capital Markets, LLC


 

 
Buffer Digital Return Notes
 
HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES
The table set out below is included for illustration purposes only. The table illustrates the hypothetical Redemption Amount of the Notes for a hypothetical range of performance for the Lesser Performing Reference Asset, assuming the following terms:
Hypothetical Initial Price (for each Reference Asset):
$100.00*
Hypothetical Buffer Price (for each Reference Asset):
$80.00, which is 80% of the hypothetical Initial Price
Digital Return:
21.60%
Principal Amount:
$1,000 per Note
* The hypothetical Initial Price of $100.00 used in the examples below has been chosen for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual expected Initial Price of any Reference Asset. The actual Initial Prices for each Reference Asset 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 Reference Asset will be the Lesser Performing Reference Asset. It is possible that the Final Price of each Reference Asset will be less than its Buffer Price.
Hypothetical Final Prices are shown in the first column on the left. The second column shows the Redemption Amount for a range of Final Prices of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset on the Valuation Date. The third column shows the Redemption Amount to be paid on the Notes per $1,000 in principal amount.
Hypothetical Final Price of the
Lesser Performing Reference
Asset
Redemption Amount as
Percentage of Principal Amount
Redemption Amount per $1,000
in Principal Amount
$150.00
121.60%
$1,216.00
$140.00
121.60%
$1,216.00
$130.00
121.60%
$1,216.00
$121.60
121.60%
$1,216.00
$120.00
121.60%
$1,216.00
$110.00
121.60%
$1,216.00
$105.00
121.60%
$1,216.00
$100.00
121.60%
$1,216.00
 $95.00
121.60%
 $1,216.00
$90.00
121.60%
$1,216.00
$80.00
121.60%
$1,216.00
$75.00
95.00%
$950.00
$70.00
90.00%
$900.00
$60.00
80.00%
$800.00
$50.00
70.00%
$700.00
$40.00
60.00%
$600.00
$30.00
50.00%
 $500.00
$20.00
40.00%
$400.00
$10.00
30.00%
$300.00
$0.00
20.00%
$200.00

P-5
RBC Capital Markets, LLC


 

 
Buffer Digital Return Notes
 
The following hypothetical examples illustrate how the payments at maturity set forth in the table above are calculated.

Example 1 —
Calculation of the Payment at Maturity where the Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is negative, but its Final Price is greater than its Buffer Price.



Percentage Change:
-10%



Payment at Maturity:
$1,000 + ($1,000 x 21.60%) = $1,000 + $216.00 = $1,216.00



In this case, on a $1,000 investment, a -10% Percentage Change in the Lesser Performing Reference Asset results in a Payment at Maturity of $1,216.00, a 21.60% return on the Notes.



In this case, the return on the Notes is greater than the Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset. The return on the Notes is positive, even though the Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is negative.



Example 2 —
Calculation of the Payment at Maturity where the Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is positive.



Percentage Change:
40%



Payment at Maturity:
$1,000 + ($1,000 x 21.60%) = $1,000 + $216.00 = $1,216.00



In this case, on a $1,000 investment, a 40% Percentage Change in the Lesser Performing Reference Asset results in a Payment at Maturity of $1,216.00, a 21.60% return on the Notes.



In this case, the return on the Notes is less than the Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset.



Example 3 —
Calculation of the Payment at Maturity where the Percentage Change of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is negative, and its Final Price is less than its Buffer Price.



Percentage Change:
-50%



Payment at Maturity:
$1,000 + [$1,000 x (Percentage Change + Buffer Percentage)]
$1,000 + [$1,000 x (-50% + 20%)] = $1,000 - $300 = $700



In this case, on a $1,000 investment, a -50% Percentage Change in the Lesser Performing Reference Asset results in a Payment at Maturity of $700, a -30% return on the Notes.


P-6
RBC Capital Markets, LLC


 

 
Buffer Digital Return Notes
 
SELECTED RISK CONSIDERATIONS
An investment in the Notes involves significant risks. Investing in the Notes is not equivalent to investing directly in the Reference Assets. These risks are explained in more detail in the section “Additional Risk Factors Specific to the Notes” in the product prospectus supplement. In addition to the risks described in the prospectus supplement and the product prospectus supplement, you should consider the following:
Risks Relating to the Terms of the Notes

You May Lose Some or a Significant Portion of the Principal Amount at Maturity – Investors in the Notes could lose some or a substantial portion of their principal amount if there is a decline in the price of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset between the Trade Date and the Valuation Date of more than 20%. In such a case, you will lose 1% of the principal amount of your Notes for each 1% that the Final Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset is less than its Initial Price.

Your Potential Payment at Maturity Is Limited — The Notes will provide less opportunity to participate in the appreciation of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset than an investment in a security linked to the Lesser Performing Reference Asset providing full participation in the appreciation, because the return on the Notes will not exceed the Digital Return. Accordingly, your return on the Notes may be less than your return would be if you made an investment in a security directly linked to the positive performance of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset.

Your Redemption Amount Will Be Determined Solely by Reference to the Lesser Performing Reference Asset Even if the Other Reference Assets Perform Better – Your Redemption Amount will be determined solely by reference to the performance of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset. Even if the Final Prices of the other Reference Assets have increased compared to their Initial Prices, or have experienced a decrease that is less than that of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset, your return will only be determined by reference to the performance of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset, regardless of the performance of the other Reference Assets. The Notes are not linked to a weighted basket, in which the risk may be mitigated and diversified among each of the basket components. For example, in the case of notes linked to a weighted basket, the return would depend on the weighted aggregate performance of the basket components reflected as the basket return. As a result, the depreciation of one basket component could be mitigated by the appreciation of the other basket components, as scaled by the weighting of those basket components. However, in the case of the Notes, the individual performance of each of the Reference Assets would not be combined, and the depreciation of one Reference Asset would not be mitigated by any appreciation of the other Reference Assets. Instead, your return will depend solely on the Final Price of the Lesser Performing Reference Asset.

The Notes Do Not Pay Interest and Your Return May Be Lower than the Return on a Conventional Debt Security of Comparable Maturity – You will not receive any interest payments on the Notes as there would be on a conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt security having the same maturity. The return that you will receive on the Notes, which could be negative, may be less than the return you could earn on other investments. The return on the Notes may be less than the return you would earn if you purchased one of our conventional senior interest bearing debt securities.

Payments on the Notes Are Subject to Our Credit Risk, and Changes in Our Credit Ratings Are Expected to Affect the Market Value of the Notes – The Notes are our senior unsecured debt securities. As a result, your receipt of the Redemption Amount is dependent upon our ability to repay our obligations at that time. This will be the case even if the prices of the Reference Assets increase after the Trade Date. No assurance can be given as to what our financial condition will be at the maturity of the Notes.
Risks Relating to the Secondary Market for the Notes

There May Not Be an Active Trading Market for the NotesSales in the Secondary Market May Result in Significant Losses – There may be little or no secondary market for the Notes. The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. RBCCM and our other affiliates may make a market for the Notes; however, they are not required to do so. RBCCM or any of our other affiliates may stop any market-making activities at any time. Even if a secondary market for the Notes develops, it may not provide significant liquidity or trade at prices advantageous

P-7
RBC Capital Markets, LLC


 

 
Buffer Digital Return Notes
 
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 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 on the cover page of the final pricing supplement for the Notes will 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 Assets, the borrowing rate we pay to issue securities of this kind, and the inclusion in the price to the public of the underwriting discount and the estimated costs relating to our hedging of the Notes. These factors, together with various credit, market and economic factors over the term of the Notes, are expected to reduce the price at which you may be able to sell the Notes in any secondary market and will affect the value of the Notes in complex and unpredictable ways. Assuming no change in market conditions or any other relevant factors, the price, if any, at which you may be able to sell your Notes prior to maturity may be less than your original purchase price, as any such sale price would not be expected to include the underwriting discount or 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.
Risks Relating to Conflicts of Interest and Our Trading Activities

Our Business Activities May Create Conflicts of Interest — We and our affiliates expect to engage in trading activities related to the Reference Assets that are not for the account of holders of the Notes or on their behalf. These trading activities may present a conflict between the holders’ interests in the Notes and the interests we and our affiliates will have in their proprietary accounts, in facilitating transactions, including options and other derivatives transactions, for their customers and in accounts under their management. These trading activities, if they influence the prices of the Reference Assets, could be adverse to the interests of the holders of the Notes. We and one or more of our affiliates may, at present or in the future, engage in business with companies represented by the Reference Assets, including making loans to or providing advisory services. These services could include investment banking and merger and acquisition advisory services. These activities may present a conflict between our or one or more of our affiliates’ obligations and your interests as a holder of the Notes. Moreover, we, and our affiliates may have published, and in the future expect to publish, research reports with respect to the Reference Assets. This research is modified from time to time without notice and may express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding the Notes. Any of these activities by us or one or more of our affiliates may affect the prices of the Reference Assets, and therefore, the market value of the Notes.

P-8
RBC Capital Markets, LLC


 

 
Buffer Digital Return Notes
 
Risks Relating to the Reference Assets

An Investment in the Notes Is Subject to Risks Associated with Specific Economic Sectors – The stocks held by each exchange traded fund to which the Notes are linked are issued by companies engaged in a specific sector of the economy, specially, the industrials sector, as to the XLI, the utilities sector, as to the XLU, and the healthcare sector, as to the XLV. Accordingly, an investment in the Notes is subject to the specific risks of companies that operate in each of these sectors. An investment in the Notes may accordingly be more risky than a security linked to a more diversified set of securities.

Owning the Notes Is Not the Same as Owning the Securities Represented by the Reference Assets — The return on your Notes is unlikely to reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned shares of the Reference Assets or the securities represented by the Reference Assets. For instance, you will not receive or be entitled to receive any dividend payments or other distributions on 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 Assets may appreciate substantially during the term of the Notes, while your potential return on the Notes will be limited to the Digital Return.

An Investment in the Notes Is Subject to Management Risk — The Reference Assets are not managed according to traditional methods of ‘‘active’’ investment management, which involve the buying and selling of securities based on economic, financial and market analysis and investment judgment. Instead, each Reference Asset, utilizing a ‘‘passive’’ or indexing investment approach, attempts to approximate the investment performance of its underlying index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicate its underlying index. Therefore, unless a specific security is removed from its underlying index, the Reference Asset generally would not sell a security because the security’s issuer was in financial trouble. In addition, each Reference Asset is subject to the risk that the investment strategy of its investment advisor may not produce the intended results.

The Reference Assets and their Underlying Indices Are Different — The performance of each Reference Asset may not exactly replicate the performance of its respective underlying index, because these Reference Assets will reflect transaction costs and fees that are not included in the calculation of its underlying index. It is also possible that the performance of these Reference Assets may not fully replicate or may in certain circumstances diverge significantly from the performance of their underlying indices due to the temporary unavailability of certain securities in the secondary market, the performance of any derivative instruments contained in the Reference Assets, or due to other circumstances. These Reference Assets may use a variety of instruments, including futures contracts, options, and swap agreements, in seeking performance that corresponds to their underlying indices and in managing cash flows.
During periods of market volatility, securities held by these Reference Assets may be unavailable in the secondary market, market participants may be unable to calculate accurately their net asset value per share and their liquidity may be adversely affected. This kind of market volatility may also disrupt the ability of market participants to create and redeem shares of the applicable Reference Asset. Further, market volatility may adversely affect, sometimes materially, the prices at which market participants are willing to buy and sell shares of the applicable Reference Asset. As a result, under these circumstances, the market value of shares of these Reference Assets may vary substantially from the applicable net asset value per share. For all of the foregoing reasons, the performance of these Reference Assets may not correlate with the performance of their underlying indices as well as their net asset value per share, which could materially and adversely affect the value of the Notes in the secondary market and/or reduce the payments on the Notes.

We and Our Affiliates Do Not Have Any Affiliation with the Investment Advisor of the Reference Assets or the Sponsor of the Underlying Indices and Are Not Responsible for Their Public Disclosure of Information – We and our affiliates are not affiliated with the investment advisor of the Reference Assets or the sponsor of the underlying indices in any way and have no ability to control or predict their actions, including any errors in or discontinuance of disclosure regarding their methods or policies relating to the Reference Assets or the underlying indices. The investment advisor of the Reference Assets and the sponsor of the underlying indices are not involved in the offering of the Notes in any way and have no obligation to consider your interests as an owner of the Notes in taking any actions relating to the Reference Assets or the underlying indices that might affect the

P-9
RBC Capital Markets, LLC


 

 
Buffer Digital Return Notes
 
value of the Notes. Neither we nor any of our affiliates has independently verified the adequacy or accuracy of the information about the investment advisor, the sponsor, the Reference Assets or the underlying indices contained in any public disclosure of information. You, as an investor in the Notes, should make your own investigation into the Reference Assets.

The Policies of the Investment Advisor of the Reference Assets or the Sponsor of the Underlying Indices Could Affect the Amount Payable on the Notes and Their Market Value – The policies of the investment advisor concerning the management of the Reference Assets or the sponsor concerning the calculation of the underlying indices, additions, deletions or substitutions of the securities held by the Reference Assets could affect the market price of shares of the Reference Assets and, therefore, the amounts payable on the Notes and the market value of the Notes. The amounts payable on the Notes and their market value could also be affected if the investment advisor or the sponsor change these policies, for example, by changing the manner in which an investment advisor manages the Reference Assets, or if the sponsor changes the manner in which it calculates an underlying index, or if the investment advisor discontinues or suspends maintenance of a Reference Asset, in which case it may become difficult to determine the market value of the Notes. Neither the investment advisor of the Reference Assets nor the sponsor of the underlying indices have any connection to the offering of the Notes, and the investment advisor of the Reference Assets and the sponsor of the underlying indices have no obligations to you as an investor in the Notes in making its decisions regarding the Reference Assets or the underlying indices, as applicable.

The Payments on the Notes Are Subject to Postponement Due to Market Disruption Events and Adjustments – The Redemption Amount and the Valuation Date are subject to adjustment as to each Reference Asset as described in the product prospectus supplement. For a description of what constitutes a market disruption event as well as the consequences of that market disruption event, see “General Terms of the Notes—Market Disruption Events” in the product prospectus supplement.

P-10
RBC Capital Markets, LLC


 

 
Buffer Digital Return Notes
 
INFORMATION REGARDING THE REFERENCE ASSETS
Information filed with the SEC relating to the Reference Assets under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, can be obtained through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding the Reference Assets may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents. We have not participated in the preparation of, or verified, such publicly available information. None of the forgoing documents or filings are incorporated by reference in, and should not be considered part of, this document.
The following information regarding the Reference Assets is derived from publicly available information.
We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of reports filed by the Reference Assets with the SEC, information published by them on their websites or in any other format, information about them obtained from any other source or the information provided below.
The Notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the investment advisor of the Reference Assets. The investment advisor makes no representations or warranties to the owners of the Notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in the Notes. The investment advisor has no obligation or liability in connection with the operation, marketing, trading or sale of the Notes.
Industrial Select Sector SPDR® Fund ("XLI")
The XLI seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Industrial Select Sector Index. The Industrial Select Sector Index measures the performance of the Global Industry Classification Standard ("GICS") industrials sector of the S&P 500® Index. The XLI is composed of companies in the following industries: aerospace and defense; industrial conglomerates; marine transportation; transportation infrastructure; machinery; ground transportation; air freight and logistics; commercial services and supplies; professional services; electrical equipment; construction and engineering; trading companies and distributors; passenger airlines; and building products. The XLI trades on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol “XLI.”
The Utilities Select Sector SPDR® Fund ("XLU")
The XLU seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Utilities Select Sector Index. The Utilities Select Sector Index measures the performance of the GICS utilities sector of the S&P 500® Index. XLU is composed of companies in the following industries: electric utilities; water utilities; multi-utilities; independent power and renewable electricity producers; and gas utilities. The XLU trades on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol "XLU".
The Health Care Select Sector SPDR® Fund (“XLV”)
The XLV seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Health Care Select Sector Index. The Health Care Select Sector Index measures the performance of the GICS health care sector of the S&P 500® Index. XLV is composed of companies in the following industries: pharmaceuticals; health care equipment and supplies; health care providers and services; biotechnology; life sciences tools and services; and health care technology. The XLV trades on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol “XLV.”
Eligibility Criteria for Index Components
The stocks included in each Select Sector Index are selected from the universe of companies represented by the S&P 500® Index. Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) acts as index calculation agent in connection with the calculation and dissemination of each Select Sector Index. Each stock in the S&P 500® Index is allocated to only one Select Sector Index, and the Select Sector Indices together comprise all of the companies in the S&P 500® Index.
Index Maintenance
Each Select Sector Index was developed and is maintained in accordance with the following criteria:

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Each of the component stocks in a Select Sector Index (the “Component Stocks”) is a constituent company of the S&P 500® Index.

The eleven Select Sector Indices together will include all of the companies represented in the S&P 500® Index and each of the stocks in the S&P 500® Index will be allocated to at least one of the Select Sector Indices.

Each constituent stock of the S&P 500® Index is assigned to a Select Sector Index based on the Global Industry Classification Sector (“GICS”) structure. Each Select Sector Index is made up of all the stocks in the applicable GICS sector.

Each Select Sector Index is calculated by the Index Sponsor using a capped market capitalization methodology where single index constituents or defined groups of index constituents are confined to a maximum weight and the excess weight is distributed proportionally among the remaining index constituents. Each Select Sector Index is rebalanced from time to time to re-establish the proper weighting.

For reweighting purposes, each Select Sector Index is rebalanced quarterly after the close of business on the third Friday of March, June September and December using the following procedures: (1) The rebalancing reference date is the second Friday of March, June, September and December; (2) With prices reflected on the rebalancing reference date, and membership, shares outstanding and investable weight factors as of the rebalancing effective date, each company is weighted by float-adjusted market capitalization methodology. Modifications are made as defined below.

i.
If any Component Stock has a weight greater than 24%, that Component Stock has its float-adjusted market capitalization weight capped at 23%. The 23% weight cap creates a 2% buffer to ensure that no Component Stock exceeds 25% as of the quarter-end diversification requirement date.

ii.
All excess weight is equally redistributed to all uncapped Component Stocks within the relevant Select Sector Index.

iii.
After this redistribution, if the float-adjusted market capitalization weight of any other Component Stock(s) then breaches 23%, the process is repeated iteratively until no Component Stocks breaches the 23% weight cap.

iv.
The sum of the Component Stocks with weights greater than 4.8% cannot exceed 50% of the total index weight. These caps are set to allow for a buffer below the 5% limit.

v.
If the rule in step (iv) is breached, all the Component Stocks are ranked in descending order of their float-adjusted market capitalization weights and the first Component Stock that causes the 50% limit to be breached has its weight reduced to 4.5%.

vi.
This excess weight is equally redistributed to all Component Stocks with weights below 4.5%. This process is repeated iteratively until step (iv) is satisfied.

vii.
Index share amounts are assigned to each Component Stock to arrive at the weights calculated above. Since index shares are assigned based on prices one week prior to rebalancing, the actual weight of each Component Stock at the rebalancing differs somewhat from these weights due to market movements.

viii.
If, on the second to last business day of March, June, September, or December a company has a weight greater than 24% or the sum of the companies with weights greater than 4.8% exceeds 50%, a secondary rebalancing will be triggered with the rebalancing effective date being after the close of the last business day of the month. This secondary rebalancing will use the closing prices as of the second to last business day of March, June, September or December and membership, shares outstanding, and IWFs as of the rebalancing date.
At times, Component Stocks may be represented in the Select Sector Indices by multiple share class lines. Maximum weight capping is based on Component Stock float-adjusted market capitalization, with the weight of multiple class companies allocated proportionally to each share class line based on its float-adjusted market capitalization as of the rebalancing reference date. If no capping is required, both share classes remain in the Select Sector Index at their natural float-adjusted market capitalization.
Calculation of the Underlying Indices
Each Select Sector Index is calculated using the same methodology utilized by S&P in calculating the S&P 500® Index, using a base−weighted aggregate methodology. The daily calculation of each Select Sector Index is computed by dividing the total market value of the companies in the Select Sector Index by a number called the index divisor.

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A SPDR® Component Stock which has been assigned to one Select Sector Index may be determined to have undergone a transformation in the composition of its business, and that it should be removed from that Select Sector Index and assigned to a different Select Sector Index. In the event that a SPDR® Component Stock’s Select Sector Index assignment should be changed, S&P will disseminate notice of the change following its standard procedure for announcing index changes, and will implement the change in the affected Select Sector Indexes after the initial dissemination of information on the sector change.
SPDR® Component Stocks removed from and added to the S&P 500® Index will be deleted from and added to the appropriate Select Sector Index on the same schedule used by S&P for additions and deletions from the S&P 500® Index insofar as practicable.
Additional information regarding the calculation and composition of the underlying indices, including the index methodology, may be found on S&P’s website. Information included in that website is not included or incorporated by reference into this document.

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Historical Information
The graph below sets forth the information relating to the historical performance of the XLI for the period from January 1, 2013 through October 9, 2023.
We obtained the information regarding the historical performance of the XLI in the graph below from Bloomberg Financial Markets.
We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg Financial Markets. The historical performance of the XLI should not be taken as an indication of its future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Final Price of the XLI.
Industrial Select Sector SPDR® Fund (“XLI”)
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.

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Historical Information
The graph below sets forth the information relating to the historical performance of the XLU for the period from January 1, 2013 through October 9, 2023.
We obtained the information regarding the historical performance of the XLU in the graph below from Bloomberg Financial Markets.
We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg Financial Markets. The historical performance of the XLU should not be taken as an indication of its future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Final Price of the XLU.
Utilities Select Sector SPDR® Fund (“XLU”)
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.

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Historical Information
The graph below sets forth the information relating to the historical performance of the XLV for the period from January 1, 2013 through October 9, 2023.
We obtained the information regarding the historical performance of the XLV in the graph below from Bloomberg Financial Markets.
We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg Financial Markets. The historical performance of the XLV should not be taken as an indication of its future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Final Price of the XLV.
Health Care Select Sector SPDR® Fund (“XLV”)
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.

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SUPPLEMENTAL DISCUSSION OF
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following disclosure supplements, and to the extent inconsistent supersedes, the discussion in the product prospectus supplement dated March 3, 2022 under “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”
Under Section 871(m) of the Code, a “dividend equivalent” payment is treated as a dividend from sources within the United States. Such payments generally would be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax if paid to a non-U.S. holder. Under U.S. Treasury Department regulations, payments (including deemed payments) with respect to equity-linked instruments (“ELIs”) that are “specified ELIs” may be treated as dividend equivalents if such specified ELIs reference an interest, directly or indirectly, in an “underlying security,” which is generally any interest in an entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if a payment with respect to such interest could give rise to a U.S. source dividend. However, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has issued guidance that states that the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS intend to amend the effective dates of the U.S. Treasury Department regulations to provide that withholding on dividend equivalent payments will not apply to specified ELIs that are not delta-one instruments and that are issued before January 1, 2025. Based on our determination that the Notes are not delta-one instruments, non-U.S. holders should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments, if any, under the Notes. However, it is possible that the Notes could be treated as deemed reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the Reference Assets or the Notes (for example, upon a Reference Asset rebalancing), and following such occurrence the Notes could be treated as subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments. Non-U.S. holders that enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of the Reference Assets or the Notes should consult their tax advisors as to the application of the dividend equivalent withholding tax in the context of the Notes and their other transactions. If any payments are treated as dividend equivalents subject to withholding, we (or the applicable withholding agent) would be entitled to withhold taxes without being required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts so withheld.

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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 October 17, 2023, which is the third (3rd) business day following the Trade Date (this settlement cycle being referred to as “T+3”). See “Plan of Distribution” in the prospectus dated September 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.
We expect to deliver the Notes on a date that is greater than two business days following the Trade Date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Notes more than two business days prior to the original issue date will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
In the initial offering of the Notes, they 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 will 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 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 or our hedging costs and profits; however, the value of the Notes shown on your account statement during that period may be a higher amount, reflecting the addition of 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 Assets. As is the case for all of our debt securities, including our structured notes, the economic terms of the Notes reflect our actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. In addition, because structured notes result in increased operational, funding and liability management costs to us, we typically borrow the funds under these Notes at a rate that is more favorable to us than the rate that we might pay for a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity. Using this relatively lower implied borrowing rate rather than the secondary market rate, is a factor that 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 Assets, and the tenor of the Notes. The economic terms of the Notes and their initial estimated value depend in part on the terms of these hedging arrangements.
The lower implied borrowing rate is a factor that reduces the economic terms of the Notes to you. The initial offering price of the Notes also reflects the underwriting discount 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.


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