Form 424B2 ROYAL BANK OF CANADA

Royal Bank of Canada is offering notes (the “Notes”) linked to an equally-weighted basket (the “Basket”) of 35 equity securities (each, a “Reference Stock”) selected by Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (“Raymond James”). The Reference Stocks are listed in the “Summary” section below.

The CUSIP number for the Notes is 78015QAQ4. The ISIN for the Notes is US78015QAQ47.

The Notes may pay quarterly interest, as described in this document. The amount of any interest to be paid on the Notes will not be fixed, and will depend on the total dividends on the Reference Stocks during the preceding Interest Calculation Period (as defined below).

Any payments on the Notes are subject to our credit risk. The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange.

On the maturity date, the amount that we will pay to you for each $1,000 in principal amount of the Notes (the “Redemption Amount”) will depend upon the performance of the Basket over the term of the Notes. The Participation Rate is 96.60%. You may lose all or a portion of the principal amount of your Notes at maturity if the Basket Level Percentage (as defined below) is not at least approximately 103.52%, as described in more detail below. Please see the discussion below for more complete information about how the payment at maturity will be determined.

Issue Date: May 25, 2022

Maturity Date: May 23, 2024

Investing in the Notes involves a number of risks.  See “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page P-7 of this pricing supplement, and “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-4 of the product prospectus supplement and on page S-2 of the prospectus supplement.

The Notes will not constitute deposits insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other Canadian or U.S. government agency or instrumentality.  The Notes are not subject to conversion into our common shares under subsection 39.2(2.3) of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the Notes or determined that this pricing supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

⁽¹⁾ RBC Capital Markets, LLC, which we refer to as RBCCM, acting as agent for Royal Bank of Canada, will receive a commission of $20.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of the Notes, and will use a portion of that commission to allow selling concessions to Raymond James of up to $20.00 per $1,000 in principal amount of the Notes.  In addition, RBCCM will pay to Raymond James a licensing fee of up to 0.70% of the principal amount of the Notes. Please see “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” in this pricing supplement.

The initial estimated value of the Notes as of the Trade Date was $948.96 per $1,000 in principal amount, which is less than the price to public. The actual value of the Notes at any time will reflect many factors, cannot be predicted with accuracy, and may be less than this amount.  We describe our determination of the initial estimated value in more detail below.

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

SUMMARY

The information in this “Summary” section is qualified by the more detailed information set forth in this pricing supplement, the product prospectus supplement, the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus.

ADDITIONAL TERMS OF YOUR NOTES

You should read this pricing 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 pricing supplement will have the meanings given to them in the product prospectus supplement. In the event of any conflict, this pricing supplement will control. The Notes vary from the terms described in the product prospectus supplement in several important ways.

This pricing supplement, together with the documents listed below, contains the terms of the Notes and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral statements as well as any other written materials including preliminary or indicative pricing terms, correspondence, trade ideas, structures for implementation, sample structures, brochures or other educational materials of ours. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” in the prospectus supplement and in the product prospectus supplement, 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 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):

Our Central Index Key, or CIK, on the SEC website is 1000275. As used in this pricing supplement, “we,” “us,” or “our” refers to Royal Bank of Canada.

HYPOTHETICAL RETURNS

The following hypothetical examples are provided for illustration purposes only and are hypothetical; they do not purport to be representative of every possible scenario concerning increases or decreases in the value of the Basket and the related effect on the Redemption Amount. The following hypothetical examples illustrate the payment you would receive on the maturity date if you purchased $1,000 in principal amount of the Notes. Numbers appearing in the examples below have been rounded for ease of analysis. The examples below are based on the Participation Rate of 96.60%. This table does not reflect any interest that may be paid on the Notes.

(1) For you to receive a Redemption Amount greater than the principal amount of the Notes, the Basket Level Percentage must be greater than approximately 103.52% due to the effect of the Participation Rate being only 96.60%.

(2) If the Basket Level Percentage is not at least approximately 103.52%, you will lose some or all of the principal amount of the Notes.

Please see the sections below, “Additional Risk Factors—General Risks Relating to the Terms of the Notes—You May Lose Some or All of the Principal Amount at Maturity” and “—The Notes Will Not Reflect the Full Performance of the Reference Stocks, Which May Negatively Impact Your Return on the Notes.”

SELECTED RISK CONSIDERATIONS

An investment in the Notes involves significant risks. Investing in the Notes is not equivalent to investing directly in any of the Reference Stocks. These risks are explained in more detail in the section “Risk Factors” in the product prospectus supplement and the prospectus supplement. In addition to the risks described in the product prospectus supplement and the prospectus supplement, you should consider the following:

General Risks Relating to the Terms of the Notes

owner of the Notes, you will not have voting rights or any other rights that holders of the Reference Stocks may have. Furthermore, one or more of the Reference Stocks may appreciate during the term of the Notes, and, due to the Participation Rate, you will not fully participate in such appreciation.

The Internal Revenue Service has issued a notice indicating that it and the Treasury Department are actively considering whether, among other issues, a holder should be required to accrue interest over the term of an instrument such as the Notes based on the amount that may be paid at maturity, and whether all or part of the gain a holder may recognize upon sale or maturity of an instrument such as the Notes could be treated as ordinary income (in addition to the interest payments) on a current basis. The outcome of this process is uncertain and could apply on a retroactive basis.

Moreover, the Notes are not intended for purchase by any investor that is not a United States person, as that term is defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and no dealer may make offers of the Notes to any such investor.  Investors purchasing a Note will be required to certify their status as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes by providing a duly completed and executed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9.  If investors that are not “United States persons” for U.S. federal income tax purposes acquire any Notes, such investors may incur U.S. tax obligations as a result of owning such Notes.

Please read carefully the section entitled “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in this pricing supplement, the section entitled “Tax Consequences—United States Taxation” in the accompanying prospectus, and the section entitled “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the accompanying product prospectus supplement.  You should consult your tax advisor about your own tax situation.

Risks Relating to the Secondary Market for the Notes

These factors may influence the market value of your Notes if you sell your Notes before maturity.  Our creditworthiness, as represented by our credit ratings or as otherwise perceived in the market will also affect the market value of your Notes.  If you sell your Notes prior to maturity, you may receive less than your initial investment.

Risks Relating to the Initial Estimated Value of the Notes

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.

Additional Risks Relating to the Reference Stocks

securities differently from the U.S. securities.  Direct or indirect government intervention to stabilize these non-U.S. securities, as well as cross shareholdings among non-U.S. companies, may affect trading prices and volumes in those securities.

Securities prices of non-U.S. companies are subject to political, economic, financial and social factors that may be unique to the particular country.  These factors, which could negatively affect the non-U.S. securities, include the possibility of recent or future changes in the economic and fiscal policies of non-U.S. governments, the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange laws or other non-U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to non-U.S. companies or investments in non-U.S. equity securities, the possibility of fluctuations in the rate of exchange between currencies, the possibility of outbreaks of hostility and political instability and the possibility of natural disaster or adverse public health developments in the region.  Moreover, the economies of certain foreign countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in important respects, such as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, trade surpluses or deficits, capital reinvestment, resources and self-sufficiency.

Holders of the Reference Stocks are only entitled to receive those dividends as each issuer’s board of directors may declare out of funds legally available.  Although dividends and distributions on one or more of the Reference Stocks

may have historically been declared by the applicable board of directors, they are not required to do so and may reduce or eliminate those dividends in the future.  The Dividend Amount of one or more of the Reference Stocks during the term of the Notes may be zero or minimal, resulting in interest payments on the Notes for one or more quarterly interest periods that is less than other interest-bearing instruments in which you could invest. In addition, the Dividend Amount relating to one or more Reference Stocks may be reduced under certain circumstances as set forth in the section “Description of the Notes—Interest Payments—Dividend Amounts,” to reflect certain withholding taxes and other deductions.

Risks Relating to Conflicts of Interest

We, Raymond James, or one or more of our respective affiliates may also engage in trading relating to the Reference Stocks on a regular basis as part of our general broker-dealer and other businesses, for proprietary accounts, for other accounts under management or to facilitate transactions for our customers, including block trades.  Any of these activities could adversely affect the prices of the Reference Stocks and, therefore, the market value of the Notes.  We, Raymond James, or one or more of our respective affiliates may also issue or underwrite other securities or financial or derivative instruments with returns linked or related to changes in the performance of the Reference Stocks.  By introducing competing products into the marketplace in this manner, we, Raymond James or one or more of our respective affiliates could adversely affect the market value of the Notes.

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, Raymond James and our respective 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 Stocks, could be adverse to the interests of the holders of the Notes.  We, Raymond James, or one or more of our respective affiliates may, at present or in the future, engage in business with the Reference Stock Issuers, including making loans to or providing advisory services to those companies.  These services could include investment banking and merger and acquisition advisory services.  In providing these services, we or Raymond James may obtain confidential information about the Reference Stock Issuers, and we will be under no obligation to share this information with you.  These activities may present a conflict between our, Raymond James or one or more of our affiliates’ obligations and your interests as a holder of the Notes.  Moreover, we, Raymond James and our respective affiliates have published, and in the future expect to publish, research reports and other materials with respect to most or even all of the Reference Stocks.  Our views are modified from time to time without notice and may express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding the Notes.  Even if one of our affiliates or Raymond James expresses a negative opinion about one or more of the Reference Stocks, or if market conditions change, the composition of the Basket will not change during the term of the Notes (except under the limited circumstances described below) and in the product prospectus supplement.  Any of these activities by us, Raymond James or one or more of our respective affiliates may affect the prices of the Reference Stocks and, therefore, the market value of the Notes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

Composition of the Basket

Each Reference Stock was assigned a weighting (each, a “Reference Stock Weighting”) so that each Reference Stock represents a specified portion of the value of the Basket on the Trade Date.  The Reference Stock Weighting for each Reference Stock is 1/35^th.

Payment at Maturity

The amount that you will receive at maturity for each $1,000 in principal amount of the Notes (the “Redemption Amount”) will depend upon the performance of the Basket.  The Redemption Amount will equal:

($1,000 × the Basket Level Percentage x the Participation Rate)

Basket Level Percentage. The Basket Level Percentage will equal the sum of the Weighted Reference Stock Performances.

Weighted Reference Stock Performance. For each Reference Stock, the product of (a) its Reference Stock Performance and (b) its Reference Stock Weighting.

Reference Stock Performance. The Reference Stock Performance will measure the change in value of each Reference Stock over the term of the Notes. For each Reference Stock, the Reference Stock Performance will equal (a) the applicable Final Share Price divided by (b) the applicable Initial Share Price, expressed as a percentage.

Initial Share Price. For each Reference Stock, the “Initial Share Price” is its closing price on the Trade Date, as determined by the Calculation Agent.

Final Share Price. For each Reference Stock, its closing price on the Valuation Date, as determined by the Calculation Agent.

Interest Payments

We may make periodic interest payments on the Notes.  The amount of each interest payment, if any, will depend upon the amount of dividends on each Reference Stock calculated during the Interest Calculation Period preceding each interest payment date, and will equal, for each $1,000 in principal amount, (a) the sum of the Dividend Amounts for each of the Reference Stocks multiplied by (b) the Participation Rate.

The first Interest Calculation Period will commence on and exclude the Trade Date and end on and include the first Interest Calculation Date. Each subsequent Interest Calculation Period will begin on the trading day following an Interest Calculation Date and end on the next Interest Calculation Date.  The final Interest Calculation Date will occur on the Valuation Date.

Interest will be paid on the Interest Payment Dates set forth above. Interest will be payable to holders of record on the business day before each Interest Payment Date. However, the final interest payment will be paid to the holders entitled to the payment at maturity. If an interest payment date falls on a day other than a business day, interest will be paid on the next succeeding business day, and no additional interest will accrue as a result of that postponement.

Dividend Amount.  For each Reference Stock, an amount in U.S. dollars equal to (a) $1,000 divided by the applicable Initial Share Price multiplied by (b) the applicable Reference Stock Weighting multiplied by (c) 100% of the gross cash

distributions (including ordinary and extraordinary dividends and extraordinary dividends where a holder of the Reference Stock has the option to receive additional shares or cash in lieu thereof) per share of Reference Stock declared by the applicable Reference Stock Issuer where the date that the applicable Reference Stock has commenced trading ex-dividend on its primary U.S. securities exchange as to each relevant distribution occurs during the relevant Interest Calculation Period, as determined by the Calculation Agent.

If any Dividend Amount announced and/or declared by the relevant Reference Stock Issuer is not paid as so announced or declared, or is paid in a smaller amount, the Calculation Agent shall make such adjustments to the interest payments as shall be necessary to reflect the actual amount received by holders of the Reference Stocks.

For any Reference Stock that is organized, or becomes reorganized, outside of the U.S., each Dividend Amount will be reduced by (a) a “Net Percentage” and/or (b) the Calculation Agent’s reasonable estimate of any issuance fee that would apply to a hypothetical U.S. holder of its shares, which such issuance fee we do not expect to exceed 12% of the amount of the relevant dividend).  These reductions are designed to reflect the approximate net portion of a dividend that a hypothetical holder of shares of that Reference Stock would receive after giving effect to applicable withholding taxes of the relevant jurisdiction and any issuance fees.  However, there can be no assurance that these reductions would reflect the actual amounts received by any holder of shares of that Reference Stock.  The Net Percentage will be determined and/or redetermined by the Calculation Agent during the term of the Notes. As of the date of this pricing supplement, the Net Percentage as to CB is up to 35%.

Trading Day. When we refer to a trading day with respect to any Reference Stock, we mean a day on which the principal trading market for that Reference Stock is open for trading, as determined by the Calculation Agent.

Valuation Date

The scheduled Valuation Date is set forth above.  If the Valuation Date is not a trading day as to any Reference Stock, that Valuation Date will be postponed as to that Reference Stock to the next trading day.  If the Calculation Agent determines that a market disruption event occurs or is continuing on the Valuation Date, the Final Share Price of the applicable Reference Stock or Reference Stocks will be determined according to the calculation in “— Market Disruption Events” below.

Maturity Date

The maturity date will be May 23, 2024, unless that date is not a business day, in which case the maturity date will be the next following business day.  The maturity date will be postponed by the same number of business days as the Valuation Date may be postponed, as provided in the prior paragraph. However, no interest will be payable as a result of that postponement.

Market Disruption Events

If a market disruption event occurs or is continuing on the Valuation Date as to any Reference Stock, its Final Share Price will equal its closing price on the first trading day following the Valuation Date on which the Calculation Agent determines that a market disruption event is not continuing.  If a market disruption event as to that Reference Stock occurs or is continuing on each trading day to and including the tenth trading day following the Valuation Date, its Final Share Price will be determined (or, if not determinable, estimated by the Calculation Agent in a manner which is considered commercially reasonable under the circumstances) by the Calculation Agent on that tenth trading day, regardless of the occurrence or continuation of a market disruption event on that day.  In such an event, the Calculation Agent will make a good faith estimate in its sole discretion of the Final Share Price that would have prevailed in the absence of the market disruption event.  If the Valuation Date is postponed as a result of a market disruption event, the maturity date of the Notes will be postponed by the same number of business days.

Anti-Dilution Adjustments

For any Reference Stock, the Calculation Agent will adjust the Initial Share Price if certain events occur with respect to that Reference Stock, as described in the product prospectus supplement.  However, no adjustments will be made as a result of an “extraordinary dividend,” as such dividends will be reflected in the applicable “Dividend Amount,” as described above.

Default Amount on Acceleration

If an event of default with respect to the Notes shall have occurred and be continuing, the amount declared due and payable on the Notes upon any acceleration of the Notes will be determined by the Calculation Agent and will be an amount in cash per $1,000 in principal amount of the Notes equal to the Redemption Amount, calculated as if the date of acceleration were the Valuation Date.

Role of Calculation Agent

The Calculation Agent will make all determinations regarding the prices of the Reference Stocks, the Redemption Amount, the Dividend Amounts of the Reference Stocks, trading days, business days, market disruption events, any required anti-dilution adjustments, the default amount, and the amounts payable on your Notes.  Absent manifest error, all determinations of the Calculation Agent will be final and binding on you and us, without any liability on the part of the Calculation Agent.  You will not be entitled to any compensation from us for any loss suffered as a result of any of the above determinations or calculations by the Calculation Agent.

THE REFERENCE STOCKS

Companies with securities registered under the Exchange Act, such as the Reference Stock Issuers, are required to file periodically financial and other information specified by the SEC.  Information filed with the SEC can be obtained through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.  CADE files periodic reports with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and not the SEC.  CADE's periodic reports can be found on the FDIC's website by reference to FDIC certificate number 11813.

Information on those websites is not included or incorporated by reference in this pricing supplement.

This pricing supplement relates only to the Notes offered hereby and does not relate to any Reference Stocks or other securities of any Reference Stock Issuer.  We derived all disclosures in this pricing supplement regarding the Reference Stock Issuers from publicly available documents described in the preceding paragraph.  In connection with the offering of the Notes, none of us, Raymond James, or our respective affiliates have participated in the preparation of such documents or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to any Reference Stock Issuer.  None of us, Raymond James, or any of our respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding any Reference Stock Issuer is current, accurate or complete.  None of those documents shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this pricing supplement.

The composition of the Basket and the identity of the Reference Stocks were selected by Raymond James.  None of us, Raymond James or any of our respective affiliates endorses those stocks in connection with this offering, and none of those entities makes any representation as to the performance of any Reference Stock or the Basket.

Investors should review recent prices of the Reference Stocks prior to making an investment decision with respect to the Notes.

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (AAP)

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is an automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves commercial and do-it-yourself customers, as well as independently owned operators. The company operates stores in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

The company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the ticker symbol “AAP.”

The Allstate Corporation (ALL)

The Allstate Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides property-liability insurance as well as other types of insurance in the United States and Canada. The company primarily sells private passenger automobile and homeowners insurance through independent and specialized brokers. The company also sells life insurance, annuity, and group pension products through agents.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “ALL.”

Avnet, Inc. (AVT)

Avnet, Inc. distributes computer products and semiconductors, as well as interconnect, passive, and electromechanical components. The company markets and distributes these products and provides supply-chain integration, engineering design and technical services.

The company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (the "Nasdaq") under the ticker symbol “AVT.”

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (BAH)

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation provides management and technology consulting services to the U.S. government in the defense, intelligence, and civil markets. The company offers economic and business analysis, information technology, intelligence and operations analysis, modeling and simulation, organization and other consulting services.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “BAH.”

Bloomin' Brands, Inc. (BLMN)

Bloomin' Brands, Inc. owns and operates a chain of casual dining restaurants. The company offers its products and services through company owned and franchised locations.

The company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “BLMN.”

Cadence Bank (CADE)

Cadence Bank operates as a commercial bank. The company offers student checking accounts, debit cards, online and mobile banking, money management, loans, mortgages, retirement planning and advisory services.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “CADE.”

Chubb Limited (CB)

Chubb Limited operates as a property and casualty insurance company. The company provides commercial and personal property, casualty, and personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance, and life insurance to a diverse group of clients.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “CB.”

Cigna Corporation (CI)

Cigna Corporation operates as an insurance company. The company offers life, accident, disability, supplemental, medicare and dental insurance products and services.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “CI.”

Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO)

Cisco Systems, Inc. provides information technology and networking services. The company offers enterprise network security, software development, data collaboration, cloud computing and other related services.

The company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CSCO.”

CVS Health Corporation (CVS)

CVS Health Corporation is a pharmacy health care provider. The company's offerings include pharmacy benefit management services, mail order, retail and specialty pharmacy, disease management programs and retail clinics.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “CVS.”

Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL)

Dell Technologies Inc. provides computer products. The company offers laptops, desktops, tablets, workstations, servers, monitors, printers, gateways, software, storage and networking products.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “DELL.”

Devon Energy Corporation (DVN)

Devon Energy Corporation operates as an independent energy company that is involved primarily in oil and gas exploration, development and production, the transportation of oil, gas, and NGLs and the processing of natural gas. The company also has marketing and midstream operations primarily in North America that include gas, crude oil, and NGLs.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “DVN.”

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (FIS)

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. is a payment services provider. The company provides credit and debit card processing, electronic banking services, check risk management, check cashing, and merchant card processing services to financial institutions and merchants.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “FIS.”

Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK)

Graphic Packaging Holding Company operates as a provider of paperboard and paperboard packaging solutions to multinational beverage and consumer products companies. The company manufactures folding cartons for frozen and non-frozen food and beverage products.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “GPK.”

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (HBAN)

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is a multi-state bank holding company. The company's subsidiaries provide commercial and consumer banking services, mortgage banking, automobile financing, equipment leasing, investment management, trust, brokerage, customized insurance service programs, and other financial products and services.

The company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “HBAN.”

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (HIG)

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. provides a range of insurance products. The company's products include property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “HIG.”

Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC)

Hancock Whitney Corporation operates bank offices and financial centers. The company offers financial products and services, such as checking and savings accounts, currency exchange, loans, overdraft facilities, cards, mortgages, investments, treasury management, commercial financing and online banking services.

The company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “HWC.”

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

Johnson & Johnson manufactures health care products and provides related services for the consumer, pharmaceutical, and medical devices and diagnostics markets. The company sells products such as skin and hair care products, acetaminophen products, pharmaceuticals, diagnostic equipment, and surgical equipment in countries located around the world.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “JNJ.”

Lennar Corporation (LEN)

Lennar Corporation constructs and sells single-family attached and detached homes, as well as buys and sells residential land. The company also provides mortgage financing, title insurance, commercial real estate, investment management and other financial services.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “LEN.”

Newmont Corporation (NEM)

Newmont Corporation acquires, explores, and develops mineral properties. The company produces and markets gold, copper, silver, zinc and lead.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “NEM."

PACCAR Inc (PCAR)

PACCAR Inc designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks, and related aftermarket distribution of parts. The company also offers finance and leasing services to its customers and dealers.

The company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “PCAR.”

PotlatchDeltic Corporation (PCH)

PotlatchDeltic Corporation, through its subsidiaries, manages manufacturing facilities that produce lumber and panel products, and also conducts a real estate sales and development business.

The company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “PCH."

The Proctor & Gamble Company (PG)

The Procter & Gamble Company manufactures and markets consumer products. The company provides products in the laundry and cleaning, paper, beauty care, food and beverage, and health care segments. The company's products are sold primarily through mass merchandisers, grocery stores, membership club stores, drug stores and neighborhood stores.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “PG."

Pioneer Natural Resources Company (PXD)

Pioneer Natural Resources Company operates as an independent oil and gas exploration and production company. The company engages in onshore oil and gas drilling, exploration, and production in the United States.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “PXD."

QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)

QUALCOMM Incorporated operates as a multinational semiconductor and telecommunications equipment company. The company develops and delivers digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA digital technology.

The company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “QCOM.”

AT&T Inc. (T)

AT&T Inc., through its subsidiaries and affiliates, provides local and long-distance phone service, wireless and data communications, Internet access and messaging, IP-based and satellite television, security services, telecommunications equipment, and directory advertising and publishing.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “T."

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS)

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. is a telecommunications company. The company operates primarily in the cellular, local telephone and personal communications services markets. The company provides telecommunications services throughout the United States.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “TDS.”

Target Corporation (TGT)

Target Corporation operates general merchandise discount stores. The company focuses on merchandising operations which includes general merchandise and food discount stores and an online business. The company also offers credit to qualified applicants through its branded proprietary credit cards.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “TGT.”

Union Pacific Corporation (UNP)

Union Pacific Corporation is a rail transportation company. The company's railroad hauls a variety of goods, including agricultural, automotive, and chemical products. The company offers long-haul routes from major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, as well as connects with Canada's rail systems and serves major gateways to Mexico.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “UNP.”

United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS)

United Parcel Service, Inc. delivers packages and documents throughout the United States and in other countries and territories. The company also provides global supply chain services and less-than-truckload transportation, primarily in the U.S.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “UPS.”

Valero Energy Corporation (VLO)

Valero Energy Corporation is an independent petroleum refining and marketing company that owns and operates refineries in the United States, Canada, and Aruba. The company produces conventional gasolines, distillates, jet fuel, asphalt, petrochemicals, lubricants, and other refined products, as well as offers diesel fuel, low-sulfur and ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel and oxygenates.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “VLO.”

Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ)

Verizon Communications Inc. is a telecommunications company that provides wire line voice and data services, wireless services, Internet services and published directory information. The company also provides network services for the federal government including business phone lines, data services, telecommunications equipment, and payphones.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “VZ.”

Welltower Inc. (WELL)

Welltower Inc. is a real estate investment trust. The company invests in senior housing and health care real estate properties.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “WELL.”

Waste Management, Inc. (WM)

Waste Management, Inc. provides waste management services including collection, transfer, recycling, resource recovery and disposal services, and operates waste-to-energy facilities. The company serves municipal, commercial, industrial and residential customers in North America.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “WM.”

Walmart Inc. (WMT)

Walmart Inc. operates discount stores, supercenters, and neighborhood markets. The company offers merchandise such as apparel, house wares, small appliances, electronics, musical instruments, books, home improvement, shoes, jewelry, toddler, games, household essentials, pets, pharmaceutical products, party supplies and automotive tools.

The company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “WMT.”

License Agreement

We have entered into a license agreement with Raymond James, under which we have obtained the right to use certain trademarks of Raymond James in connection with our issuance of the Notes.  Under the license agreement, we have agreed to pay Raymond James a fee of up to 0.70% of the principal amount of the Notes.

The license agreement requires this section to state as follows:

Solely by participating in this offering, Raymond James makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Notes or any member of the public regarding the ability of the Basket to track general or industry-specific stock market performance.  Raymond James and its third party licensors have no obligation to take the needs of Royal Bank of Canada or the owners of the Notes into consideration in determining or composing the Basket.  RBCCM is Calculation Agent for the Notes and will have discretion in making various determinations and calculations that affect the Notes, and Raymond James is not responsible for any such determinations or calculations.  Raymond James has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration of the Notes.

Raymond James has licensed certain of its trademarks to us.

The mark “RAYMOND JAMES” is a trademark of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and/or its affiliates, and has been licensed for our use.

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 under “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

In the opinion of our special U.S. tax counsel, Ashurst LLP, it would generally be reasonable to treat the Notes as a pre-paid cash-settled contingent income-bearing derivative contract linked to the Reference Stocks for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the terms of the Notes require a holder (in the absence of a change in law or an administrative or judicial ruling to the contrary) to treat the Notes for all tax purposes in accordance with such characterization.

Although the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the interest payments is uncertain, we intend to take the position, and the following discussion assumes, that such interest payments (including any interest payments made on or with the maturity date) constitute taxable ordinary income to a U.S. holder at the time received or accrued in accordance with the holder’s regular method of accounting.

We refer you to the discussion in the product prospectus supplement under “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Supplemental U.S. Tax Considerations—Potential Application of Section 1260 of the Internal Revenue Code” for the consequences that may result under Section 1260 of the Code, including the possible recharacterization as ordinary income of any long-term capital gain (the “Excess Gain”) recognized by a U.S. holder in respect of a Note and the possible interest charge applicable to any deemed underpayment of tax in respect of any Excess Gain to the extent such gain would have resulted in a gross income inclusion for such U.S. holder in taxable years prior to the taxable year of the sale or maturity of the Notes. Certain Reference Stocks in the Basket are the types of financial assets described under Section 1260 of the Code, and we note that the consequences arising under Section 1260 of the Code may apply to the Notes by reference to such Reference Stocks. Prospective investors are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the potential application of Section 1260 of the Code to their investment in the Notes.

Non-U.S. Holders

Under current Internal Revenue Service guidance, withholding on “dividend equivalent” payments (as discussed in the product supplement), if any, will apply to Notes that are issued as of the date of this pricing supplement if such Notes are “delta-one” instruments. Based on our determination that the Notes are delta-one instruments, non-U.S. holders will be subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments, if any, under the Notes.  We will not pay additional amounts in respect of any dividend equivalent withholding.

While the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Notes (including proper characterization of the contingent interest for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is uncertain, U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or at a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) will be withheld in respect of the contingent interest paid to a non-U.S. holder unless such payments are effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business in the U.S. (in which case, to avoid withholding, the non-U.S. holder will be required to provide a Form W-8ECI). We will not pay any additional amounts in respect of such withholding. To claim benefits under an income tax treaty, a non-U.S. holder must obtain a taxpayer identification number and certify as to its eligibility under the appropriate treaty’s limitations on benefits article, if applicable (which certification may generally be made on a Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, or a substitute or successor form).  In addition, special rules may apply to claims for treaty benefits made by corporate non-U.S. holders.  A non-U.S. holder that is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service.  The availability of a lower rate of withholding or an exemption from withholding under an applicable income tax treaty will depend on the proper characterization of the contingent interest under U.S. federal income tax laws and whether such treaty rate or exemption applies to such contingent interest payments.  No assurance can be provided on the proper characterization of the contingent interest for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, accordingly, no assurance can be provided on the availability of benefits under any income tax treaty.  Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors in this regard.

It is possible that dividend equivalent payments on the Notes will exceed the contingent interest paid. Under such circumstances, a non-U.S. holder of the Notes may be subject to additional U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate on the difference between the dividend equivalent payments and contingent interest. In addition, it is possible that we (or the applicable withholding agent) may determine that treaty benefits that may otherwise be applicable to contingent interest may not apply to withholding tax on dividend equivalent payments. It is also possible that a withholding agent will withhold under Section 871(m) with respect to the Notes, notwithstanding the withholding tax imposed on any contingent interest amounts, in which case the application of Section 871(m) to the Notes could significantly increase a non-U.S. holder’s tax liability in respect of the Notes. We (or the applicable withholding agent) are entitled to withhold taxes on any payments treated as dividend equivalents without being required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts so withheld. A non-U.S. holder should consult its tax advisor regarding the possibility of additional withholding tax.

The Notes are not intended for purchase by any investor that is not a United States person, as that term is defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  If investors that are not “United States persons” for U.S. federal income tax purposes acquire any Notes, such investors may incur U.S. tax obligations as a result of owning such Notes.

SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)

We, either ourselves or through RBCCM as agent, have entered into an arrangement with Raymond James, in which Raymond James will act as an agent in connection with the distribution of the Notes.  Such distribution may occur on or subsequent to the issue date.  The Notes sold by Raymond James to investors will be offered at the issue price of $1,000 per Note.  Raymond James will receive the compensation set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement.

Delivery of the Notes will be made against payment for the Notes on May 25, 2022, which is the third business day after the Trade Date.  See “Plan of Distribution” in the prospectus. For additional information as to the relationship between us and RBCCM, please see the section “Plan of Distribution—Conflicts of Interest” in the prospectus.

We will deliver the Notes on a date that is greater than two business days following the Trade Date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Notes more than two business days prior to the original issue date will be required to specify alternative arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

We may use this pricing supplement in the initial sale of the Notes.  In addition, RBCCM or another of our affiliates may use this pricing supplement in a market-making transaction in the Notes after their initial sale.  Unless we or our agent informs the purchaser otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this pricing supplement is being used in a market-making transaction.

STRUCTURING THE NOTES

The Notes are our debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the Basket.  As is the case for all of our debt securities, including our structured notes, the economic terms of the Notes reflect our actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing.  In addition, because structured notes result in increased operational, funding and liability management costs to us, we typically borrow the funds under these Notes at a rate that is more favorable to us than the rate that we might pay for a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity.  Using this relatively lower implied borrowing rate rather than the secondary market rate, is a factor that reduced the initial estimated value of the Notes at the time their terms were set. Unlike the estimated value that is set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement, any value of the Notes determined for purposes of a secondary market transaction may be based on a different funding rate, which may result in a lower value for the Notes than if our initial internal funding rate were used.

In order to satisfy our payment obligations under the Notes, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives) on the issue date with RBCCM or one of our other subsidiaries.  The terms of these hedging arrangements take into account a number of factors, including our creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the volatility of the Reference 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 reduced the economic terms of the Notes to you.  The initial offering price of the Notes also reflects our costs to distribute and structure the Notes, our licensing fee to Raymond James, and our estimated hedging costs.  These factors resulted in the initial estimated value for the Notes on the Trade Date being less than their public offering price.  See “Selected Risk Considerations—Risks Relating to the Initial Estimated Value of the Notes—The Initial Estimated Value of the Notes Is Less than the Price to the Public” above.

VALIDITY OF THE NOTES

In the opinion of Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, the issue and sale of the Notes has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Bank in conformity with the Indenture, and when the Notes have been duly executed, authenticated and issued in accordance with the Indenture and delivered against payment therefor, the Notes will be validly issued and, to the extent validity of the Notes is a matter governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario or

Québec, or the laws of Canada applicable therein, will be valid obligations of the Bank, subject to equitable remedies which may only be granted at the discretion of a court of competent authority, subject to applicable bankruptcy, to rights to indemnity and contribution under the Notes or the Indenture which may be limited by applicable law; to insolvency and other laws of general application affecting creditors’ rights, to limitations under applicable limitations statutes, and to limitations as to the currency in which judgments in Canada may be rendered, as prescribed by the Currency Act (Canada).  This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is limited to the laws of the Provinces of Ontario and Québec and the federal laws of Canada applicable thereto. In addition, this opinion is subject to customary assumptions about the Trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the Indenture and the genuineness of signatures and certain factual matters, all as stated in the letter of such counsel dated September 14, 2021, which has been filed as Exhibit 5.3 to Royal Bank’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC dated September 14, 2021.

In the opinion of Ashurst LLP, when the Notes have been duly completed in accordance with the Indenture and issued and sold as contemplated by the prospectus supplement and the prospectus, the Notes will be valid, binding and enforceable obligations of the Bank, entitled to the benefits of the Indenture, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and subject to general principles of equity, public policy considerations and the discretion of the court before which any suit or proceeding may be brought. This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is limited to the laws of the State of New York.  This opinion is subject to customary assumptions about the Trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the Indenture and the genuineness of signatures and to such counsel’s reliance on the Bank and other sources as to certain factual matters, all as stated in the legal opinion dated September 14, 2021, which has been filed as Exhibit 5.4 to the Bank’s Form 6-K dated September 14, 2021.