Form 485BPOS Tidal Trust III
AS
FILED WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON
1933 Registration File No. 333-221764
1940 Act File No. 811-23312
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
| REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | ☑ |
| Pre-Effective Amendment No. ___ | ☐ |
| Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 | ☑ |
| and/or | |
| REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | ☑ |
| Amendment No. 99 | ☑ |
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Tidal ETF Services LLC
234 West Florida Street, Suite 203
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code) (855) 843-2534
The Corporation Trust Company
1209 Orange Street
Corporation Trust Center
Wilmington, DE 19801
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Eric W. Falkeis Tidal ETF Services LLC 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203 Milwaukee, WI 53204 |
Domenick Pugliese Sullivan & Worcester LLP 1251
Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor |
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
☑ |
pursuant to paragraph (b) |
| ☐ | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b) |
| ☐ | 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
| ☐ | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
| ☐ | 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) |
| ☐ | on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485 |
Explanatory Note: This Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to the Registration Statement of Tidal Trust III (the “Trust”) is being filed to respond to Staff comments with respect to the registration of the Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF, Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF, Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF, Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF, Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF, Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF, Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF and Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF, as a new series of the Trust and to make other permissible changes under Rule 485(b).
Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF ()
Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF ()
Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF ()
Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF ()
Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF ()
Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF ()
Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF ()
Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF ()
listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.
PROSPECTUS
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has not approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY INFORMATION
The Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF (the “Fund”) seeks long-term capital appreciation.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.
| Management Fee | |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | |
| Other Expenses(2) | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| (1) | |
| (2) |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The Example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you may pay on your purchases and sales of Shares. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years |
| $ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in total annual fund operating expenses or in the expense example above, affect the Fund’s performance. Because the Fund is newly organized, portfolio turnover information is not yet available.
The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks long-term capital appreciation.
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The Fund’s investment strategy is designed to capitalize on the competitive dynamics within the semiconductors & semiconductor equipment industry by taking targeted positions in two specific companies, one which the Adviser views as a new leader in this industry: NVIDIA Corporation, (“NVDA”) and one which the Adviser views as a legacy leader in this industry: Intel Corporation (“INTC” or “Intel”). The Fund establishes long exposure to NVDA and short exposure to INTC. That is, the Fund is designed to benefit if NVDA’s share price outperforms INTC’s share price after considering the effects of leverage (e.g., the potential magnified gains or losses arising from the Fund’s use of derivatives to increase exposure). In this context, “outperforms” means the Fund’s leveraged long position in NVDA, combined with its short position in INTC, results in net positive performance for the Fund, factoring in the effects of leverage.
The Fund’s strategy involves a leveraged long position in NVDA, generally targeting +180% to +220% of the Fund’s net assets, and a leveraged short position in INTC, generally targeting -80% to -120% of the Fund’s net assets. To be “long” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that its value will increase over time. Conversely, to be “short” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that it will fall in value. The pairing reflects the view that NVDA, with its focus on GPU (“graphics processing unit”) technology and AI (“artificial intelligence”) driven computing, may prove better positioned to benefit from current industry trends than INTC, which maintains its market leadership in more traditional semiconductor segments. Because the Fund uses leverage, an investment in the Fund will typically increase or decrease in value to a greater degree than it would without the use of leverage.
In this long/short structure, the long and short positions may partially offset each other, resulting in a more balanced net exposure to market movements. This may occur because general market driven gains in one position (long NVDA) may be partially offset by losses in the other (short INTC), or vice versa. Under normal circumstances, the Fund generally targets a net long exposure between 100% and 120% of its net assets, which represents the difference between the total long and short positions. This structure may allow the Fund to benefit in various market environments, including those where both NVDA and INTC are rising. The Fund’s leveraged structure seeks to magnify the returns of its long and short positions, which also increases the potential for higher risk and volatility. If the share price of INTC (held short by the Fund) increases while the share price of NVDA (held long by the Fund) decreases, the Fund will incur losses on both positions simultaneously. Such a scenario can result in significant overall Fund losses due to the compounding impact of adverse price movements in both the long and short positions, magnified by the Fund’s leveraged exposure.
To implement the Fund’s strategy, the Adviser will utilize a mix of direct equity investments, short sales of securities, swaps, and listed options, which will be used to obtain both long and short exposure, as applicable, to the underlying securities. The Adviser selects these financial instruments based on considerations such as financing costs and liquidity. The Fund’s use of derivatives (swaps and listed options), is designed to enable it to achieve its objective of capital appreciation by providing flexible and efficient methods to gain both long and short exposure to the underlying securities.
Swaps are derivative contracts where two parties agree to exchange cash flows or returns on different assets. These contracts enable the Fund to establish long or short exposure to the underlying securities efficiently. Long positions in swaps generally benefit from increases in the security’s price but incur losses when prices decline, while short positions generally benefit from price decreases but experience losses when prices rise.
Options provide the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified price before a certain date. Call options allow the Fund to seek gains from upward price movements, while exposing it to potential losses if prices decline. Conversely, put options enable the Fund to benefit from downward price movements, while incurring losses if prices rise. By incorporating options, the Fund can create synthetic exposure to the underlying securities.
The Fund will hold short-term U.S. Treasury securities as collateral in connection with the Fund’s derivatives transactions.
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The Adviser’s active management approach involves frequent rebalancing to adjust within the anticipated exposure ranges, considering factors such as market volatility, company-specific announcements, price momentum, and other relevant indicators. As a result, the Fund is expected to have a high annual portfolio turnover rate.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to NVDA and/or INTC.
Portfolio Attributes
The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act.
Due to the Fund’s investment strategy, the Fund’s investment exposure is concentrated in (or substantially exposed to) the same industry as that assigned to NVDA and INTC. As of the date of the Prospectus, each of NVDA and INTC is assigned to the semiconductors & semiconductor equipment industry.
Nvidia Corporation
Nvidia Corporation is a technology company that designs graphics processing units (“GPUs”). Nvidia Corporation has created GPU-based visual computing and accelerated computing platforms that address four separate markets: gaming, professional visualization, data center, and automotive. Nvidia Corporation is listed on Nasdaq. The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of Nvidia Corporation as of July 28, 2023 was approximately $1.1 trillion (based on the closing sales price of Nvidia Corporation‘s common stock as reported by Nasdaq on July 28, 2023).
Nvidia Corporation is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by Nvidia Corporation pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 0-23985 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding Nvidia Corporation may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to NVDA or other securities of Nvidia Corporation. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding Nvidia Corporation from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to Nvidia Corporation. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding Nvidia Corporation is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of Nvidia Corporation (and therefore the price of Nvidia Corporation at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning Nvidia Corporation could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of NVDA.
THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH NVIDIA CORPORATION.
Intel Corporation
Intel Corporation is a semiconductor company that designs, manufactures, and sells microprocessors and related technologies. Intel Corporation’s products are widely used in personal computers, servers, and other electronic devices. Intel Corporation is listed on Nasdaq. The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2023, based upon the closing price of the common stock as reported by the Nasdaq Global Select Market on such date, was $140.0 billion.
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Intel Corporation is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by Intel Corporation pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 000-06217 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding Intel Corporation may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to INTC or other securities of Intel Corporation. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding Intel Corporation from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to Intel Corporation. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding Intel Corporation is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of Intel Corporation (and therefore the price of Intel Corporation at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning Intel Corporation could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of INTC.
THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH INTEL CORPORATION.
The
principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below.
An investment in the Fund entails risk. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective and there is a risk that you could lose all of your money invested in the Fund. The Fund is not a complete investment program. It is important that investors closely review all of the risks listed below and understand them before making an investment in the Fund.
NVDA Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in NVDA either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). Through its long position, the Fund is subject to the risk that NVDA’s share price decreases. If the share price of NVDA decreases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. Therefore, as a result of the Fund’s exposure to the value of NVDA, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in NVDA Risk. Nvidia Corporation is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of Nvidia Corporation. but will be exposed to the performance of NVDA (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.
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NVDA Trading Risk. The trading price of NVDA may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of NVDA may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the common stock of Nvidia Corporation, further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Nvidia Corporation may additionally impact NVDA’s stock price due to Nvidia Corporation garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against Nvidia Corporation in the past. While Nvidia Corporation continues to defend such actions, any judgment against Nvidia Corporation, or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of Nvidia Corporation’s attention and resources. If NVDA trading is halted, trading in Shares of the NVDA Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
Nvidia Corporation Performance Risk. Nvidia Corporation may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of NVDA to decline. Nvidia Corporation provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance Nvidia Corporation provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product manufacturing ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If Nvidia Corporation’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by Nvidia Corporation could decline significantly.
NVDA’s accelerated computing platforms address four large markets: Gaming, Data Center, Professional Visualization, and Automotive. These markets experience rapid changes in technology, customer requirements, new product introductions and enhancements, and industry standards.
Semiconductor Company Risk. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition of semiconductor companies and, as product cycles shorten and manufacturing capacity increases, these companies may become increasingly subject to aggressive pricing, which hampers profitability. Reduced demand for end-user products, under-utilization of manufacturing capacity, and other factors could adversely impact the operating results of companies in the semiconductor sector. Semiconductor companies typically face high capital costs and may be heavily dependent on intellectual property rights. The semiconductor sector is highly cyclical, which may cause the operating results of many semiconductor companies to vary significantly. The stock prices of companies in the semiconductor sector have been and likely will continue to be extremely volatile.
INTC Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell INTC shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of INTC, the Fund is subject to the risk that INTC’s share price increases. If the share price of INTC increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Intel’s ability to introduce new and innovative products, such as advanced microprocessors, chipsets, or AI-related hardware, may enhance its market position and result in increased stock prices. Additionally, advancements in semiconductor manufacturing technology, including leadership in smaller node processes (e.g., 7nm or 5nm), could bolster Intel’s competitiveness and investor confidence.
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Market share gains against key competitors, such as NVDA, in critical segments like data centers, personal computing, or gaming, may further support Intel’s stock performance. Moreover, strategic partnerships and successful acquisitions, particularly in high-growth areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, or cloud computing, could drive significant growth and lead to stock appreciation.
Favorable macroeconomic and industry conditions, including strong global demand in sectors like consumer electronics, cloud computing, and 5G, may contribute to robust financial performance for Intel. Effective supply chain management and mitigation of production delays could also enhance Intel’s operational efficiency, potentially resulting in outperformance.
Intel’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from Intel’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
Resolution of legal or regulatory challenges in Intel’s favor may alleviate uncertainties that have previously weighed on the stock. Continued dominance in key markets, such as personal computing and data centers, or successful penetration into emerging markets like AI, autonomous vehicles, or the Internet of Things (IoT), could reinforce Intel’s market leadership and investor confidence.
Intel’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in Intel’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
Finally, Intel may benefit from favorable geopolitical developments, including advantageous trade policies or improved relations with key markets, such as China, which could positively impact its operations and stock performance. Conversely, any significant challenges faced by competitors, such as product delays or supply chain issues, may reduce competition and contribute to Intel’s stock outperformance.
Leveraging Risk. The Fund’s use of leverage amplifies both potential gains and potential losses, which can result in significant volatility and higher risk for investors. Specifically, NVDA, the Fund’s leveraged long position (“Long Position”) and, INTC, leveraged short position (“Short Position”) expose the Fund to heightened risk if the Long Position performs poorly while the Short Position performs well.
If the value of the Long Position declines, the Fund’s leveraged exposure could result in losses that are magnified by the leverage factor, potentially exceeding the losses that would occur in an unleveraged position. For example, if the Fund’s Long Position is at +200% of net assets, a 10% decline in the value of the Long Position could translate into a 20% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
Conversely, if the value of the Short Position increases, the Fund’s leveraged short exposure could also lead to magnified losses. If the Short Position is at -100% of net assets, a 10% rise in the value of the Short Position could result in a 10% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
In scenarios where the Long Position underperforms and the Short Position outperforms simultaneously, the Fund could experience compounded losses from both positions. This dual risk could lead to significant declines in the Fund’s net asset value, particularly because the losses from one position may not be sufficiently offset by gains in the other, especially when leverage is applied.
Investors should be aware that the use of leverage increases the Fund’s sensitivity to market movements and can lead to substantial losses in a relatively short period. The Adviser’s active management and rebalancing efforts, while designed to manage exposure levels, cannot eliminate the inherent risks associated with leveraged positions. As such, the Fund may experience periods of extreme volatility, and the potential for loss is significant, particularly if market conditions do not align with the Fund’s investment strategy.
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Industry Risks.
| ● | Long Position Risks: For the Fund’s Long Position (NVDA), the Fund is subject to the risk that the semiconductor industry performs poorly. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services. Semiconductor companies may rely on a limited number of suppliers, or upon suppliers in a single location, for certain materials, equipment or tools. Finding and qualifying alternate or additional suppliers can be a lengthy process that can cause production delays or impose unforeseen costs, and such alternatives may not be available at all. Production can be disrupted by the unavailability of resources, such as water, silicon, electricity, gases and other materials. Suppliers may also increase prices or encounter cybersecurity or other issues that can disrupt production or increase production costs. |
The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
| ● | Short Position Risks: For the Fund’s Short Position (INTC), the Fund is subject to the risk that the semiconductor industry performs well. The Fund’s short position is subject to risks of positive developments in the semiconductor industry. For example, increased competition leading to higher profit margins, successful product innovation, or the strengthening of supply chains, which could negatively impact the Fund’s Short Position. If semiconductor companies experience growth, technological advancements, or improvements in operational efficiencies, the Fund’s Short Positions may underperform, leading to potential losses. Additionally, if semiconductor companies effectively protect their intellectual property or overcome supply chain challenges, the Fund’s Short Position may perform poorly. |
| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s derivative investments carry risks such as an imperfect match between the derivative’s performance and its underlying assets, and the potential for loss of principal, which can exceed the initial investment. Additionally, there are risks related to the possible default of the transaction’s counterparty and the illiquidity of derivatives, making them hard to sell or trade. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The derivatives used by the Fund will give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in derivatives could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns.
| ◦ | Swaps. Swaps are entered into primarily with major global financial institutions for specified periods. The swaps in which the Fund invests are generally traded in the over-the-counter market, which generally has less transparency than exchange-traded derivatives instruments. The Fund’s swap agreements are subject to mandatory clearing, which means they must be transacted through a futures commission merchant and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty. Swaps involve the risk that the party with whom the Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to pay the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a swap due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the swap in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. This risk is heightened with respect to OTC instruments, such as the swaps in which the Fund will invest, and may be greater during volatile market conditions. Other risks include the inability to close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid (particularly in the OTC markets) or the availability of counterparties becomes limited for a period of time. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in swaps could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns. |
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| ◦ | Options. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events. For the Fund in particular, the value of the options contracts in which it invests are substantially influenced by the value of the underlying stocks. The Fund may experience substantial downside from specific option positions and certain option positions held by the Fund may expire worthless. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund (i.e., “call” or “put,” respectively) a specific amount of the underlying stock at an agreed-upon price, typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile, and the use of options can lower total returns. |
Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in derivatives which exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparties may seek to hedge their exposure to individual clients (such as the Fund) by establishing offsetting exposures with other clients, however, there is no guarantee that counterparties will do so under all circumstances. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund and the Fund may be unable to recover its investment from such counterparty or may obtain a limited and/or delayed recovery.
In addition, the Fund may enter into swap agreements with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk. Further, there is a risk that no suitable counterparties will be willing to enter into, or continue to enter into, transactions with the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
Equity Market Risk. The prices of equity securities rise and fall daily. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual issuers, industries or the stock market as a whole. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles which may cause stock prices to fall over a short and extended periods of time. In a declining stock market, stock prices for all companies (including those in the Fund’s portfolio) may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s investments will be concentrated in same industry as that of the NVDA and INTC. The value of the Fund’s shares may rise and fall more than the value of shares that invest in securities of companies in a broader range of industries.
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ETF Risks
Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.
Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund’s investment strategy may require it to redeem Shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, the Fund may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the Fund (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the Fund may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used. By paying out higher annual capital gain distributions, investors may be subjected to increased capital gains taxes. Additionally, there may be brokerage costs or taxable gains or losses that may be imposed on the Fund in connection with a cash redemption that may not have occurred if the Fund had made a redemption in-kind. These costs could decrease the value of the Fund to the extent they are not offset by a transaction fee payable by an AP.
Trading. Although Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”), and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained or that the Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. This risk may be greater for the Fund as it seeks to have exposure to just two underlying stocks as opposed to a more diverse portfolio like a traditional pooled investment. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares. Shares trade on the Exchange at market price that may be below, at or above the Fund’s NAV. Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In the event of an unscheduled market close for derivatives that reference a single stock, such as either of the underlying company’s securities being halted or a market wide closure, settlement prices will be determined by the procedures of the listing exchange of the relevant derivatives. As a result, the Fund could be adversely affected and be unable to implement its investment strategies in the event of an unscheduled closing.
Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.
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Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund’s investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.
New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.
Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Frequent and active trading may lead to higher transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. In addition, there is the possibility of significantly increased short-term capital gains (which will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them). The Fund calculates portfolio turnover without including the short-term cash instruments or derivative transactions that comprise the majority of the Fund’s trading. As such, if the Fund’s extensive use of derivative instruments were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate would be significantly higher.
Market Events Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities and other financial instruments. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities and other financial markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. These conflicts have contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
Operational Risk. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
U.S. Government and U.S. Agency Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the U.S. Treasury. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises) where it is not obligated to do so.
Tax Risk. The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to Shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Code. If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. To comply with the asset diversification tests applicable to a RIC, the Fund will attempt to ensure that the value of stock, options and swaps it holds with respect to a single issuer is never 25% of the total value of Fund assets at the close of any quarter. If the Fund’s investments in such stock, options and swaps were to exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of a tax quarter, the Fund, generally, has a grace period to cure such lack of compliance. If the Fund fails to timely cure, it may no longer be eligible to be treated as a RIC. Further, at least half of the Fund’s assets at the close of each quarter must consist of cash, cash items, and securities of issuers in which its holdings are less than five percent of total fund assets; the Fund expects that this requirement will be met by the collateral which it holds for its swaps and options.
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Management
Investment Adviser: Tidal Investments LLC serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers:
The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Jay Pestrichelli, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2025.
Stephen Foy, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2025.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units,” which only Authorized Participants (Aps) (typically, broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of securities (the “Deposit Securities”) and/or a designated amount of U.S. cash.
Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the Exchange, and individual Shares may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through brokers at market prices, rather than NAV. Because Shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares (the “bid” price) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (the “ask” price) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market. This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “bid-ask spread.”
When available, information regarding the Fund’s NAV, market price, how often Shares traded on the Exchange at a premium or discount, and bid-ask spreads can be found on the Fund’s website at www.battle-shares.com.
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Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or a combination), unless an investment is in an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or other tax-advantaged account. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
Financial Intermediary Compensation
If you purchase Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an “Intermediary”), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training, or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediary’s website for more information.
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SUMMARY INFORMATION
The Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF (the “Fund”) seeks long-term capital appreciation.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.
| Management Fee | |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | |
| Other Expenses(2) | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| (1) | |
| (2) |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The Example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you may pay on your purchases and sales of Shares. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years |
| $ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in total annual fund operating expenses or in the expense example above, affect the Fund’s performance. Because the Fund is newly organized, portfolio turnover information is not yet available.
The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks long-term capital appreciation.
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The Fund’s investment strategy is designed to capitalize on the competitive dynamics within the automobiles industry by taking targeted positions in two specific companies, one which the Adviser views as a new leader in this industry: Tesla, Inc., (“TSLA”) and one which the Adviser views as a legacy leader in this industry: Ford Motor Company (“F” or “Ford”). The Fund establishes long exposure to TSLA and short exposure to F. That is, the Fund is designed to benefit if TSLA’s share price outperforms F’s share price after considering the effects of leverage (e.g., the potential magnified gains or losses arising from the Fund’s use of derivatives to increase exposure). In this context, “outperforms” means the Fund’s leveraged long position in TSLA, combined with its short position in F, results in net positive performance for the Fund, factoring in the effects of leverage.
The Fund’s strategy involves a leveraged long position in TSLA, generally targeting +180% to +220% of the Fund’s net assets, and a leveraged short position in F, generally targeting -80% to -120% of the Fund’s net assets. To be “long” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that its value will increase over time. Conversely, to be “short” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that it will fall in value. The pairing reflects the view that TSLA, with its focus on electric automobiles as well as energy generation and storage, may prove better positioned to benefit from current industry trends than F, which maintains its market leadership in traditional automobiles that run on fossil fuels. Because the Fund uses leverage, an investment in the Fund will typically increase or decrease in value to a greater degree than it would without the use of leverage.
In this long/short structure, the long and short positions may partially offset each other, resulting in a more balanced net exposure to market movements. This may occur because general market driven gains in one position (long TSLA) may be partially offset by losses in the other (short F), or vice versa. Under normal circumstances, the Fund generally targets a net long exposure between 100% and 120% of its net assets, which represents the difference between the total long and short positions. This structure may allow the Fund to benefit in various market environments, including those where both TSLA and F are rising. The Fund’s leveraged structure seeks to magnify the returns of its long and short positions, which also increases the potential for higher risk and volatility. If the share price of F (held short by the Fund) increases while the share price of TSLA (held long by the Fund) decreases, the Fund will incur losses on both positions simultaneously. Such a scenario can result in significant overall Fund losses due to the compounding impact of adverse price movements in both the long and short positions, magnified by the Fund’s leveraged exposure.
To implement the Fund’s strategy, the Adviser will utilize a mix of direct equity investments, short sales of securities, swaps, and listed options, which will be used to obtain both long and short exposure, as applicable, to the underlying securities. The Adviser selects these financial instruments based on considerations such as financing costs and liquidity. The Fund’s use of derivatives (swaps and listed options), is designed to enable it to achieve its objective of capital appreciation by providing flexible and efficient methods to gain both long and short exposure to the underlying securities.
Swaps are derivative contracts where two parties agree to exchange cash flows or returns on different assets. These contracts enable the Fund to establish long or short exposure to the underlying securities efficiently. Long positions in swaps generally benefit from increases in the security’s price but incur losses when prices decline, while short positions generally benefit from price decreases but experience losses when prices rise.
Options provide the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified price before a certain date. Call options allow the Fund to seek gains from upward price movements, while exposing it to potential losses if prices decline. Conversely, put options enable the Fund to benefit from downward price movements, while incurring losses if prices rise. By incorporating options, the Fund can create synthetic exposure to the underlying securities.
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The Fund will hold short-term U.S. Treasury securities as collateral in connection with the Fund’s derivatives transactions.
The Adviser’s active management approach involves frequent rebalancing to adjust within the anticipated exposure ranges, considering factors such as market volatility, company-specific announcements, price momentum, and other relevant indicators. As a result, the Fund is expected to have a high annual portfolio turnover rate.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to TSLA and/or F.
Portfolio Attributes
The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act.
Due to the Fund’s investment strategy, the Fund’s investment exposure is concentrated in (or substantially exposed to) the same industry as that assigned to TSLA and F. As of the date of the Prospectus, each of TSLA and F is assigned to the automobiles industry.
Tesla, Inc.
Tesla, Inc. is an operating company that designs develops, manufactures, leases and sells high performance fully electric vehicles, solar energy generation systems and energy storage products. Tesla, Inc. operates two segments: (i) automotive and (ii) energy generation and storage. The automotive segment includes the design, development, manufacturing, sales and leasing of electric vehicles as well as sales of automotive regulatory credits. The energy generation and storage segment includes the design, manufacture, installation, sales and leasing of solar energy generation and energy storage products and related services and sales of solar energy systems incentives. Tesla, Inc. is listed on Nasdaq. The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of Tesla, Inc., as of June 30, 2023 was $722.52 billion (based on the closing price for shares of the registrant’s Common Stock as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market on June 30, 2023).
Tesla, Inc. is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by Tesla, Inc. pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 001-34756 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding Tesla, Inc. may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to TSLA or other securities of Tesla, Inc. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding Tesla, Inc. from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to Tesla, Inc. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding Tesla, Inc. is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of Tesla, Inc. (and therefore the price of Tesla, Inc. at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning Tesla, Inc. could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of TSLA.
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THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH TESLA, INC.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an automotive manufacturer, and its primary activities include the production and sale of a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, sport utility vehicles, electric vehicles, commercial vans, cars, and luxury vehicles. Ford Motor Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. As of February 2, 2024, Ford had outstanding 3,902,781,032 shares of Common Stock and 70,852,076 shares of Class B Stock. Based on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transaction closing price of the Common Stock on that date, the aggregate market value of such Common Stock was approximately $47 billion.
Ford Motor Company is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by Ford Motor Company pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 1-3950 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding Ford Motor Company may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to F or other securities of Ford Motor Company. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding Ford Motor Company from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to Ford Motor Company. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding Ford Motor Company is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of Ford Motor Company (and therefore the price of Ford Motor Company at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning Ford Motor Company could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of F.
THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY.
The
principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below.
An investment in the Fund entails risk. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective and there is a risk that you could lose all of your money invested in the Fund. The Fund is not a complete investment program. It is important that investors closely review all of the risks listed below and understand them before making an investment in the Fund.
TSLA Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in TSLA either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). Through its long position, the Fund is subject to the risk that TSLA’s share price decreases. If the share price of TSLA decreases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. Therefore, as a result of the Fund’s exposure to the value of TSLA, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
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Indirect Investment in TSLA Risk. Tesla, Inc. is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of Tesla, Inc. but will be exposed to the performance of TSLA (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.
TSLA Trading Risk. The trading price of TSLA may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of TSLA may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the common stock of Tesla, Inc., further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Tesla, Inc. may additionally impact TSLA’s stock price due to Tesla, Inc. garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against Tesla, Inc. in the past. While Tesla, Inc. continues to defend such actions, any judgment against Tesla, Inc., or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of Tesla, Inc.’s attention and resources. If TSLA trading is halted, trading in Shares of the TSLA Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
Tesla, Inc. Performance Risk. Tesla, Inc. may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of TSLA to decline. Tesla, Inc. provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance Tesla, Inc. provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product manufacturing ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If Tesla, Inc.’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by Tesla, Inc. could decline significantly.
Electric Vehicles Risk. The future growth and success of Tesla, Inc. are dependent upon consumers’ demand for electric vehicles, and specifically, its vehicles in an automotive industry that is generally competitive, cyclical and volatile. If the market for electric vehicles in general and Tesla, Inc. vehicles in particular does not develop as Tesla, Inc. expects, develops more slowly than it expects, or if demand for its vehicles decreases in its markets or its vehicles compete with each other, the business, prospects, financial condition and operating results of Tesla, Inc. may be harmed. Tesla, Inc. is still at an earlier stage of development and have limited resources and production relative to established competitors that offer internal combustion engine vehicles. In addition, electric vehicles still comprise a small percentage of overall vehicle sales. As a result, the market for Tesla, Inc. vehicles could be negatively affected by numerous factors, such as: (i) perceptions about electric vehicle features, quality, safety, performance and cost; (ii) perceptions about the limited range over which electric vehicles may be driven on a single battery charge, and access to charging facilities; (iii) competition, including from other types of alternative fuel vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and high fuel-economy internal combustion engine vehicles; (iv) volatility in the cost of oil and gasoline, such as wide fluctuations in crude oil prices; (v) government regulations and economic incentives; and (vi) concerns about the future viability of Tesla, Inc. Finally, the target demographics for Tesla, Inc. vehicles are highly competitive. Sales of vehicles in the automotive industry tend to be cyclical in many markets, which may expose Tesla, Inc. to further volatility.
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Automotive Companies Risk. The automotive industry can be highly cyclical, and companies in the industry may suffer periodic operating losses. Automotive companies can be significantly affected by labor relations, fluctuating component prices and supplier disruptions. Developments in automotive technologies (e.g., autonomous vehicle technologies) may require significant capital expenditures that may not generate profits for several years, if ever. Automotive companies may be significantly subject to government policies and regulations regarding imports and exports of automotive products. Governmental policies affecting the automotive industry, such as taxes, tariffs, duties, subsidies, and import and export restrictions on automotive products can influence industry profitability. In addition, such companies must comply with environmental laws and regulations, for which there may be severe consequences for non-compliance. While most of the major automotive manufacturers are large companies, certain others may be non-diversified in both product line and customer base and may be more vulnerable to certain events that may negatively impact the automotive industry.
Ford Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell F shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of F, the Fund is subject to the risk that F’s share price increases. If the share price of F increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Ford’s ability to gain market share in the electric vehicle market may enhance its market position and result in increased stock prices. Market share gains against key competitors, such as TSLA, in the electric vehicle market may further support Ford’s stock performance. Moreover, strategic partnerships and successful acquisitions could drive significant growth and lead to stock appreciation.
Favorable macroeconomic and industry conditions, including strong global demand for automobiles, may contribute to robust financial performance for Ford. Effective supply chain management and mitigation of production delays could also enhance Ford’s operational efficiency, potentially resulting in outperformance.
Ford’s ability to consistently rely on critical suppliers to deliver components in accordance with Ford’s production schedule and specifications, including with respect to key components or raw materials, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and manganese, which are needed to maintain vehicle production.
Ford’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from Ford’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
Ford’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in Ford’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
Finally, Ford may benefit from favorable geopolitical developments, including advantageous trade policies or improved relations with key markets, such as China, which could positively impact its operations and stock performance. Conversely, any significant challenges faced by competitors, such as product delays or supply chain issues, may reduce competition and contribute to Ford’s stock outperformance.
Leveraging Risk. The Fund’s use of leverage amplifies both potential gains and potential losses, which can result in significant volatility and higher risk for investors. Specifically, TSLA, the Fund’s leveraged long position (“Long Position”) and, F, leveraged short position (“Short Position”) expose the Fund to heightened risk if the Long Position performs poorly while the Short Position performs well.
If the value of the Long Position declines, the Fund’s leveraged exposure could result in losses that are magnified by the leverage factor, potentially exceeding the losses that would occur in an unleveraged position. For example, if the Fund’s Long Position is at +200% of net assets, a 10% decline in the value of the Long Position could translate into a 20% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
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Conversely, if the value of the Short Position increases, the Fund’s leveraged short exposure could also lead to magnified losses. If the Short Position is at -100% of net assets, a 10% rise in the value of the Short Position could result in a 10% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
In scenarios where the Long Position underperforms and the Short Position outperforms simultaneously, the Fund could experience compounded losses from both positions. This dual risk could lead to significant declines in the Fund’s net asset value, particularly because the losses from one position may not be sufficiently offset by gains in the other, especially when leverage is applied.
Investors should be aware that the use of leverage increases the Fund’s sensitivity to market movements and can lead to substantial losses in a relatively short period. The Adviser’s active management and rebalancing efforts, while designed to manage exposure levels, cannot eliminate the inherent risks associated with leveraged positions. As such, the Fund may experience periods of extreme volatility, and the potential for loss is significant, particularly if market conditions do not align with the Fund’s investment strategy.
Industry Risks.
| ● | Long Position Risks: For the Fund’s Long Position (TSLA), the Fund is subject to the risk that the automobiles industry performs poorly. Automobile companies may be negatively affected by labor relations and costs, automotive technology developments (including autonomous vehicles) and consumer preferences. The automobiles industry may also be subject to significant government regulation, including tariffs, taxes, subsidies, import and export restrictions and environmental regulations. The automobiles industry may have a greater exposure to a single factor, such as an increase in the price of oil, which may adversely affect the sale of automobiles and, as a result, the value of the industry’s securities. |
The automobiles industry can be highly cyclical, and companies in the industry may suffer periodic operating losses. The industry can be significantly affected by labor relations and fluctuating component prices. While most of the major manufacturers are large, financially strong companies, many others are small and can be non-diversified in both product line and customer base. Additionally, developments in automotive technologies (e.g., autonomous vehicle technologies) may require significant capital expenditures that may not generate profits for several years, if any. Companies in the automobiles industry may be significantly subject to government policies and regulations regarding imports and exports of automotive products. Governmental policies affecting the automotive industry, such as taxes, tariffs, duties, subsidies, and import and export restrictions on automotive products can influence industry profitability. In addition, such companies must comply with environmental laws and regulations, for which there may be severe consequences for non-compliance.
| ● | Short Position Risks: For the Fund’s Short Position (F), the Fund is subject to the risk that the automobile industry performs well. For instance, strong consumer demand for electric vehicles, improvements in autonomous driving technology, or regulatory incentives promoting clean energy vehicles could negatively impact the Fund’s short position. If automobile companies experience growth due to advancements in fuel efficiency, successful expansion into emerging markets, or enhanced supply chain resilience, the Fund’s short positions may underperform, leading to potential losses. Additionally, if manufacturers manage to reduce production costs or adapt swiftly to new environmental regulations, the Fund’s Short Position could be adversely affected. |
| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
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Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s derivative investments carry risks such as an imperfect match between the derivative’s performance and its underlying assets, and the potential for loss of principal, which can exceed the initial investment. Additionally, there are risks related to the possible default of the transaction’s counterparty and the illiquidity of derivatives, making them hard to sell or trade. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The derivatives used by the Fund will give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in derivatives could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns.
| ◦ | Swaps. Swaps are entered into primarily with major global financial institutions for specified periods. The swaps in which the Fund invests are generally traded in the over-the-counter market, which generally has less transparency than exchange-traded derivatives instruments. The Fund’s swap agreements are subject to mandatory clearing, which means they must be transacted through a futures commission merchant and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty. Swaps involve the risk that the party with whom the Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to pay the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a swap due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the swap in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. This risk is heightened with respect to OTC instruments, such as the swaps in which the Fund will invest, and may be greater during volatile market conditions. Other risks include the inability to close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid (particularly in the OTC markets) or the availability of counterparties becomes limited for a period of time. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in swaps could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns. |
| ◦ | Options. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events. For the Fund in particular, the value of the options contracts in which it invests are substantially influenced by the value of the underlying stocks. The Fund may experience substantial downside from specific option positions and certain option positions held by the Fund may expire worthless. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund (i.e., “call” or “put,” respectively) a specific amount of the underlying stock at an agreed-upon price, typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile, and the use of options can lower total returns. |
Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in derivatives which exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparties may seek to hedge their exposure to individual clients (such as the Fund) by establishing offsetting exposures with other clients, however, there is no guarantee that counterparties will do so under all circumstances. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund and the Fund may be unable to recover its investment from such counterparty or may obtain a limited and/or delayed recovery.
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In addition, the Fund may enter into swap agreements with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk. Further, there is a risk that no suitable counterparties will be willing to enter into, or continue to enter into, transactions with the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
Equity Market Risk. The prices of equity securities rise and fall daily. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual issuers, industries or the stock market as a whole. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles which may cause stock prices to fall over a short and extended periods of time. In a declining stock market, stock prices for all companies (including those in the Fund’s portfolio) may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s investments will be concentrated in same industry as that of the TSLA and F. The value of the Fund’s shares may rise and fall more than the value of shares that invest in securities of companies in a broader range of industries.
ETF Risks
Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.
Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund’s investment strategy may require it to redeem Shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, the Fund may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the Fund (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the Fund may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used. By paying out higher annual capital gain distributions, investors may be subjected to increased capital gains taxes. Additionally, there may be brokerage costs or taxable gains or losses that may be imposed on the Fund in connection with a cash redemption that may not have occurred if the Fund had made a redemption in-kind. These costs could decrease the value of the Fund to the extent they are not offset by a transaction fee payable by an AP.
Trading. Although Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”), and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained or that the Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. This risk may be greater for the Fund as it seeks to have exposure to just two underlying stocks as opposed to a more diverse portfolio like a traditional pooled investment. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares. Shares trade on the Exchange at market price that may be below, at or above the Fund’s NAV. Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In the event of an unscheduled market close for derivatives that reference a single stock, such as either of the underlying company’s securities being halted or a market wide closure, settlement prices will be determined by the procedures of the listing exchange of the relevant derivatives. As a result, the Fund could be adversely affected and be unable to implement its investment strategies in the event of an unscheduled closing.
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Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.
Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund’s investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.
New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.
Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Frequent and active trading may lead to higher transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. In addition, there is the possibility of significantly increased short-term capital gains (which will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them). The Fund calculates portfolio turnover without including the short-term cash instruments or derivative transactions that comprise the majority of the Fund’s trading. As such, if the Fund’s extensive use of derivative instruments were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate would be significantly higher.
Market Events Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities and other financial instruments. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities and other financial markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. These conflicts have contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
Operational Risk. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
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U.S. Government and U.S. Agency Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the U.S. Treasury. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises) where it is not obligated to do so.
Tax Risk. The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to Shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Code. If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. To comply with the asset diversification tests applicable to a RIC, the Fund will attempt to ensure that the value of stock, options and swaps it holds with respect to a single issuer is never 25% of the total value of Fund assets at the close of any quarter. If the Fund’s investments in such stock, options and swaps were to exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of a tax quarter, the Fund, generally, has a grace period to cure such lack of compliance. If the Fund fails to timely cure, it may no longer be eligible to be treated as a RIC. Further, at least half of the Fund’s assets at the close of each quarter must consist of cash, cash items, and securities of issuers in which its holdings are less than five percent of total fund assets; the Fund expects that this requirement will be met by the collateral which it holds for its swaps and options.
Management
Investment Adviser: Tidal Investments LLC serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers:
The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Jay Pestrichelli, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2025.
Stephen Foy, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2025.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units,” which only Authorized Participants (Aps) (typically, broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of securities (the “Deposit Securities”) and/or a designated amount of U.S. cash.
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Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the Exchange, and individual Shares may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through brokers at market prices, rather than NAV. Because Shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares (the “bid” price) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (the “ask” price) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market. This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “bid-ask spread.”
When available, information regarding the Fund’s NAV, market price, how often Shares traded on the Exchange at a premium or discount, and bid-ask spreads can be found on the Fund’s website at www.battle-shares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or a combination), unless an investment is in an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or other tax-advantaged account. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
Financial Intermediary Compensation
If you purchase Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an “Intermediary”), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training, or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediary’s website for more information.
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SUMMARY INFORMATION
The Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF (the “Fund”) seeks long-term capital appreciation.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.
| Management Fee | |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | |
| Other Expenses(2) | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| (1) | |
| (2) |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The Example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you may pay on your purchases and sales of Shares. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years |
| $ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in total annual fund operating expenses or in the expense example above, affect the Fund’s performance. Because the Fund is newly organized, portfolio turnover information is not yet available.
The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks long-term capital appreciation.
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The Fund’s investment strategy is designed to capitalize on the competitive dynamics within the Broadline retail industry by taking targeted positions in two specific companies, one which the Adviser views as a new leader in this industry: Amazon.com Inc., (“AMZN”) and one which the Adviser views as a legacy leader in this industry: Macy’s, Inc. (“M” or “Macy’s”). The Fund establishes long exposure to AMZN and short exposure to M. That is, the Fund is designed to benefit if AMZN’s share price outperforms M’s share price after considering the effects of leverage (e.g., the potential magnified gains or losses arising from the Fund’s use of derivatives to increase exposure). In this context, “outperforms” means the Fund’s leveraged long position in AMZN, combined with its short position in M, results in net positive performance for the Fund, factoring in the effects of leverage.
The Fund’s strategy involves a leveraged long position in AMZN, generally targeting +180% to +220% of the Fund’s net assets, and a leveraged short position in M, generally targeting -80% to -120% of the Fund’s net assets. To be “long” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that its value will increase over time. Conversely, to be “short” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that it will fall in value. The pairing reflects the view that AMZN, with its focus on online retailing, may prove better positioned to benefit from current industry trends than M, which operates a more traditional brick and mortar retail business. Because the Fund uses leverage, an investment in the Fund will typically increase or decrease in value to a greater degree than it would without the use of leverage.
In this long/short structure, the long and short positions may partially offset each other, resulting in a more balanced net exposure to market movements. This may occur because general market driven gains in one position (long AMZN) may be partially offset by losses in the other (short M), or vice versa. Under normal circumstances, the Fund generally targets a net long exposure between 100% and 120% of its net assets, which represents the difference between the total long and short positions. This structure may allow the Fund to benefit in various market environments, including those where both AMZN and M are rising. The Fund’s leveraged structure seeks to magnify the returns of its long and short positions, which also increases the potential for higher risk and volatility. If the share price of M (held short by the Fund) increases while the share price of AMZN (held long by the Fund) decreases, the Fund will incur losses on both positions simultaneously. Such a scenario can result in significant overall Fund losses due to the compounding impact of adverse price movements in both the long and short positions, magnified by the Fund’s leveraged exposure.
To implement the Fund’s strategy, the Adviser will utilize a mix of direct equity investments, short sales of securities, swaps, and listed options, which will be used to obtain both long and short exposure, as applicable, to the underlying securities. The Adviser selects these financial instruments based on considerations such as financing costs and liquidity. The Fund’s use of derivatives (swaps and listed options), is designed to enable it to achieve its objective of capital appreciation by providing flexible and efficient methods to gain both long and short exposure to the underlying securities.
Swaps are derivative contracts where two parties agree to exchange cash flows or returns on different assets. These contracts enable the Fund to establish long or short exposure to the underlying securities efficiently. Long positions in swaps generally benefit from increases in the security’s price but incur losses when prices decline, while short positions generally benefit from price decreases but experience losses when prices rise.
Options provide the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified price before a certain date. Call options allow the Fund to seek gains from upward price movements, while exposing it to potential losses if prices decline. Conversely, put options enable the Fund to benefit from downward price movements, while incurring losses if prices rise. By incorporating options, the Fund can create synthetic exposure to the underlying securities.
The Fund will hold short-term U.S. Treasury securities as collateral in connection with the Fund’s derivatives transactions.
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The Adviser’s active management approach involves frequent rebalancing to adjust within the anticipated exposure ranges, considering factors such as market volatility, company-specific announcements, price momentum, and other relevant indicators. As a result, the Fund is expected to have a high annual portfolio turnover rate.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to AMZN and/or M.
Portfolio Attributes
The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act.
Due to the Fund’s investment strategy, the Fund’s investment exposure is concentrated in (or substantially exposed to) the same industry as that assigned to AMZN and M. As of the date of the Prospectus, AMZN is assigned to the Broadline retail industry and M is assigned to the Broadline retail industry.
Amazon.com, Inc.
Amazon.com, Inc. is an e-commerce company that operates retail websites and offers programs that enable third parties to sell products on their websites. Amazon.com, Inc. is listed on Nasdaq. The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of Amazon.com, Inc. as of June 30, 2023 was approximately $1.2 trillion.
Amazon.com, Inc. is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by Amazon.com, Inc. pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 000-22513 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding Amazon.com, Inc. may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to AMZN or other securities of Amazon.com, Inc. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding Amazon.com, Inc. from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to Amazon.com, Inc. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding Amazon.com, Inc. is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of Amazon.com, Inc. (and therefore the price of Amazon.com, Inc. at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning Amazon.com, Inc. could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of AMZN.
THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH AMAZON.COM, INC.
Macy’s, Inc.
Macy’s, Inc. is an omnichannel retailer that operates department stores, websites and mobile applications. Macy’s, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of Macy’s, Inc. as of July 28, 2023 was approximately $4.4 billion.
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Macy’s, Inc. is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by Macy’s, Inc. pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 1-13536 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding Macy’s, Inc. may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to M or other securities of Macy’s, Inc. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding Macy’s, Inc. from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to Macy’s, Inc. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding Macy’s, Inc. is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of Macy’s, Inc. (and therefore the price of Macy’s, Inc. at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning Macy’s, Inc. could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of M.
THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH MACY’S, INC.
The
principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below.
An investment in the Fund entails risk. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective and there is a risk that you could lose all of your money invested in the Fund. The Fund is not a complete investment program. It is important that investors closely review all of the risks listed below and understand them before making an investment in the Fund.
AMZN Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in AMZN either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). Through its long position, the Fund is subject to the risk that AMZN’s share price decreases. If the share price of AMZN decreases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. Therefore, as a result of the Fund’s exposure to the value of AMZN, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in AMZN Risk. Amazon.com, Inc. is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of Amazon.com, Inc. but will be exposed to the performance of AMZN (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.
AMZN Trading Risk. The trading price of AMZN may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of AMZN may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the common stock of Amazon.com, Inc., further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Amazon.com, Inc. may additionally impact AMZN’s stock price due to Amazon.com, Inc. garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against Amazon.com, Inc. in the past. While Amazon.com, Inc. continues to defend such actions, any judgment against Amazon.com, Inc., or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of Amazon.com, Inc.’s attention and resources. If AMZN trading is halted, trading in Shares of the AMZN Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
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Amazon.com, Inc. Performance Risk. Amazon.com, Inc. may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of AMZN to decline. Amazon.com, Inc. provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance Amazon.com, Inc. provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If Amazon.com, Inc.’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by Amazon.com, Inc. could decline significantly.
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail Risk. Companies, such as Amazon.com, Inc., that operate via the internet or direct marketing (e.g., online consumer services, online retail, travel) segments are subject to fluctuating consumer demand. Unlike traditional brick and mortar retailers, online marketplaces and retailers must assume shipping costs or pass such costs to consumers. Consumer access to price information for the same or similar products may cause companies that operate in the online marketplace, retail and travel segments to reduce profit margins in order to compete. Due to the nature of their business models, companies that operate in the online marketplace, retail, and travel segments may also be subject to heightened cybersecurity risk, including the risk of theft or damage to vital hardware, software, and information systems. The loss or public dissemination of sensitive customer information or other proprietary data may negatively affect the financial performance of such companies to a greater extent than traditional brick and mortar retailers. As a result of such companies being web-based and the fact that they process, store, and transmit large amounts of data, including personal information, for their customers, failure to prevent or mitigate data loss or other security breaches, including breaches of vendors’ technology and systems, could expose companies that operate via the internet or direct marketing retail to a risk of loss or misuse of such information, adversely affect their operating results, result in litigation or potential liability, and otherwise harm their businesses.
Macy’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell M shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of M, the Fund is subject to the risk that M’s share price increases. If the share price of M increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Macy’s ability to implement strategic plans and initiatives may result in sustainable, profitable growth, leading to increased stock prices. In addition, Macy’s investment in facilities, merchandise assortment and customer service may improve customer retention rates and overall customer satisfaction, leading to increased revenues and stock prices.
Macy’s ability to gain market share in the online retailing market may enhance its market position and result in increased stock prices. Market share gains against key competitors, such as AMZN, may further support Macy’s stock performance. Moreover, strategic partnerships and successful acquisitions could drive significant growth and lead to stock appreciation.
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Favorable global, domestic or regional economic or political conditions could positively affect Macy’s business and results of operations. For example, favorable changes related to interest rates, rates of economic growth, fiscal and monetary policies of governments, inflation, deflation, tax rates and policy, unemployment trends, energy prices, and other matters that influence the availability and cost of merchandise, consumer confidence, spending and tourism could positively affect Macy’s business and results of operations.
Macy’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from Macy’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
Macy’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in Macy’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
Macy’s stock performance may benefit from positive performance in the department stores industry. Companies in the department stores industry can be significantly affected by the performance of the overall economy, interest rates, competition, and consumer confidence. Success can depend heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of department store products.
Leveraging Risk. The Fund’s use of leverage amplifies both potential gains and potential losses, which can result in significant volatility and higher risk for investors. Specifically, AMZN, the Fund’s leveraged long position (“Long Position”) and, M, leveraged short position (“Short Position”) expose the Fund to heightened risk if the Long Position performs poorly while the Short Position performs well.
If the value of the Long Position declines, the Fund’s leveraged exposure could result in losses that are magnified by the leverage factor, potentially exceeding the losses that would occur in an unleveraged position. For example, if the Fund’s Long Position is at +200% of net assets, a 10% decline in the value of the Long Position could translate into a 20% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
Conversely, if the value of the Short Position increases, the Fund’s leveraged short exposure could also lead to magnified losses. If the Short Position is at -100% of net assets, a 10% rise in the value of the Short Position could result in a 10% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
In scenarios where the Long Position underperforms and the Short Position outperforms simultaneously, the Fund could experience compounded losses from both positions. This dual risk could lead to significant declines in the Fund’s net asset value, particularly because the losses from one position may not be sufficiently offset by gains in the other, especially when leverage is applied.
Investors should be aware that the use of leverage increases the Fund’s sensitivity to market movements and can lead to substantial losses in a relatively short period. The Adviser’s active management and rebalancing efforts, while designed to manage exposure levels, cannot eliminate the inherent risks associated with leveraged positions. As such, the Fund may experience periods of extreme volatility, and the potential for loss is significant, particularly if market conditions do not align with the Fund’s investment strategy.
Industry Risks.
| ● | Long Position Risks (Internet and Direct Marketing Retail Industry): For the Fund’s Long Position (AMZN), the Fund is subject to the risk that the internet and direct marketing retail industry performs poorly. Companies in the internet and direct marketing retail industry provide retail services primarily on the internet, through mail order and TV home shopping retailers, and rely heavily on consumer spending. Prices of securities of companies in this industry may fluctuate widely due to general economic conditions, consumer spending and the availability of disposable income, changing consumer tastes and preferences and consumer demographics. Legislative or regulatory changes and increased government supervision also may affect companies in this industry. |
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| ● | Short Position Risks (Department Stores Industry): For the Fund’s Short Position (M), the Fund is subject to the risk that the department stores industry may perform well. The Fund’s short position is vulnerable to positive developments in the sector. For instance, increased consumer spending, successful adaptation to e-commerce, or improvements in supply chain management could negatively impact the Fund’s short position. If department stores experience growth due to strong holiday sales, expansion into new markets, or enhancements in customer experience through technology, the Fund’s short positions may underperform, leading to potential losses. Additionally, if department stores effectively manage inventory, reduce operational costs, or capitalize on changing consumer preferences, the Fund’s short position could be adversely affected. |
| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s derivative investments carry risks such as an imperfect match between the derivative’s performance and its underlying assets, and the potential for loss of principal, which can exceed the initial investment. Additionally, there are risks related to the possible default of the transaction’s counterparty and the illiquidity of derivatives, making them hard to sell or trade. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The derivatives used by the Fund will give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in derivatives could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns.
| ◦ | Swaps. Swaps are entered into primarily with major global financial institutions for specified periods. The swaps in which the Fund invests are generally traded in the over-the-counter market, which generally has less transparency than exchange-traded derivatives instruments. The Fund’s swap agreements are subject to mandatory clearing, which means they must be transacted through a futures commission merchant and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty. Swaps involve the risk that the party with whom the Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to pay the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a swap due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the swap in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. This risk is heightened with respect to OTC instruments, such as the swaps in which the Fund will invest, and may be greater during volatile market conditions. Other risks include the inability to close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid (particularly in the OTC markets) or the availability of counterparties becomes limited for a period of time. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in swaps could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns. |
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| ◦ | Options. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events. For the Fund in particular, the value of the options contracts in which it invests are substantially influenced by the value of the underlying stocks. The Fund may experience substantial downside from specific option positions and certain option positions held by the Fund may expire worthless. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund (i.e., “call” or “put,” respectively) a specific amount of the underlying stock at an agreed-upon price, typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile, and the use of options can lower total returns. |
Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in derivatives which exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparties may seek to hedge their exposure to individual clients (such as the Fund) by establishing offsetting exposures with other clients, however, there is no guarantee that counterparties will do so under all circumstances. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund and the Fund may be unable to recover its investment from such counterparty or may obtain a limited and/or delayed recovery.
In addition, the Fund may enter into swap agreements with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk. Further, there is a risk that no suitable counterparties will be willing to enter into, or continue to enter into, transactions with the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
Equity Market Risk. The prices of equity securities rise and fall daily. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual issuers, industries or the stock market as a whole. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles which may cause stock prices to fall over a short and extended periods of time. In a declining stock market, stock prices for all companies (including those in the Fund’s portfolio) may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s investments will be concentrated in same industries as those of the AMZN and M. The value of the Fund’s shares may rise and fall more than the value of shares that invest in securities of companies in a broader range of industries.
ETF Risks
Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.
Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund’s investment strategy may require it to redeem Shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, the Fund may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the Fund (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the Fund may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used. By paying out higher annual capital gain distributions, investors may be subjected to increased capital gains taxes. Additionally, there may be brokerage costs or taxable gains or losses that may be imposed on the Fund in connection with a cash redemption that may not have occurred if the Fund had made a redemption in-kind. These costs could decrease the value of the Fund to the extent they are not offset by a transaction fee payable by an AP.
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Trading. Although Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”), and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained or that the Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. This risk may be greater for the Fund as it seeks to have exposure to just two underlying stocks as opposed to a more diverse portfolio like a traditional pooled investment. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares. Shares trade on the Exchange at market price that may be below, at or above the Fund’s NAV. Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In the event of an unscheduled market close for derivatives that reference a single stock, such as either of the underlying company’s securities being halted or a market wide closure, settlement prices will be determined by the procedures of the listing exchange of the relevant derivatives. As a result, the Fund could be adversely affected and be unable to implement its investment strategies in the event of an unscheduled closing.
Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.
Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund’s investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.
New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.
Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Frequent and active trading may lead to higher transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. In addition, there is the possibility of significantly increased short-term capital gains (which will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them). The Fund calculates portfolio turnover without including the short-term cash instruments or derivative transactions that comprise the majority of the Fund’s trading. As such, if the Fund’s extensive use of derivative instruments were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate would be significantly higher.
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Market Events Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities and other financial instruments. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities and other financial markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. These conflicts have contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
Operational Risk. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
U.S. Government and U.S. Agency Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the U.S. Treasury. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises) where it is not obligated to do so.
Tax Risk. The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to Shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Code. If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. To comply with the asset diversification tests applicable to a RIC, the Fund will attempt to ensure that the value of stock, options and swaps it holds with respect to a single issuer is never 25% of the total value of Fund assets at the close of any quarter. If the Fund’s investments in such stock, options and swaps were to exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of a tax quarter, the Fund, generally, has a grace period to cure such lack of compliance. If the Fund fails to timely cure, it may no longer be eligible to be treated as a RIC. Further, at least half of the Fund’s assets at the close of each quarter must consist of cash, cash items, and securities of issuers in which its holdings are less than five percent of total fund assets; the Fund expects that this requirement will be met by the collateral which it holds for its swaps and options.
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Management
Investment Adviser: Tidal Investments LLC serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers:
The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Jay Pestrichelli, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2025.
Stephen Foy, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2025.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units,” which only Authorized Participants (Aps) (typically, broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of securities (the “Deposit Securities”) and/or a designated amount of U.S. cash.
Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the Exchange, and individual Shares may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through brokers at market prices, rather than NAV. Because Shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares (the “bid” price) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (the “ask” price) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market. This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “bid-ask spread.”
When available, information regarding the Fund’s NAV, market price, how often Shares traded on the Exchange at a premium or discount, and bid-ask spreads can be found on the Fund’s website at www.battle-shares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or a combination), unless an investment is in an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or other tax-advantaged account. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
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Financial Intermediary Compensation
If you purchase Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an “Intermediary”), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training, or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediary’s website for more information.
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SUMMARY INFORMATION
The Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF (the “Fund”) seeks long-term capital appreciation.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.
| Management Fee | |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | |
| Other Expenses(2) | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| (1) | |
| (2) |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The Example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you may pay on your purchases and sales of Shares. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years |
| $ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in total annual fund operating expenses or in the expense example above, affect the Fund’s performance. Because the Fund is newly organized, portfolio turnover information is not yet available.
The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks long-term capital appreciation.
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The Fund’s investment strategy is designed to capitalize on the development of new industries and technologies within financial services by taking targeted positions in two specific companies, one which the Adviser views as a leader in a new industry: Coinbase Global, Inc., (“COIN”) and one which the Adviser views as a legacy leader in an older industry: Wells Fargo & Company (“WFC”). The Fund establishes long exposure to COIN and short exposure to WFC. That is, the Fund is designed to benefit if COIN’s share price outperforms WFC’s share price after considering the effects of leverage (e.g., the potential magnified gains or losses arising from the Fund’s use of derivatives to increase exposure). In this context, “outperforms” means the Fund’s leveraged long position in COIN, combined with its short position in WFC, results in net positive performance for the Fund, factoring in the effects of leverage.
The Fund’s strategy involves a leveraged long position in COIN, generally targeting +180% to +220% of the Fund’s net assets, and a leveraged short position in WFC, generally targeting -80% to -120% of the Fund’s net assets. To be “long” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that its value will increase over time. Conversely, to be “short” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that it will fall in value. The pairing reflects the view that COIN, with its focus on digital assets, may prove better positioned to benefit from current market trends than WFC, which operates in the more traditional banking industry. Because the Fund uses leverage, an investment in the Fund will typically increase or decrease in value to a greater degree than it would without the use of leverage.
In this long/short structure, the long and short positions may partially offset each other, resulting in a more balanced net exposure to market movements. This may occur because general market driven gains in one position (long COIN) may be partially offset by losses in the other (short WFC), or vice versa. Under normal circumstances, the Fund generally targets a net long exposure between 100% and 120% of its net assets, which represents the difference between the total long and short positions. This structure may allow the Fund to benefit in various market environments, including those where both COIN and WFC are rising. The Fund’s leveraged structure seeks to magnify the returns of its long and short positions, which also increases the potential for higher risk and volatility. If the share price of WFC (held short by the Fund) increases while the share price of COIN (held long by the Fund) decreases, the Fund will incur losses on both positions simultaneously. Such a scenario can result in significant overall Fund losses due to the compounding impact of adverse price movements in both the long and short positions, magnified by the Fund’s leveraged exposure.
To implement the Fund’s strategy, the Adviser will utilize a mix of direct equity investments, short sales of securities, swaps, and listed options, which will be used to obtain both long and short exposure, as applicable, to the underlying securities. The Adviser selects these financial instruments based on considerations such as financing costs and liquidity. The Fund’s use of derivatives (swaps and listed options), is designed to enable it to achieve its objective of capital appreciation by providing flexible and efficient methods to gain both long and short exposure to the underlying securities.
Swaps are derivative contracts where two parties agree to exchange cash flows or returns on different assets. These contracts enable the Fund to establish long or short exposure to the underlying securities efficiently. Long positions in swaps generally benefit from increases in the security’s price but incur losses when prices decline, while short positions generally benefit from price decreases but experience losses when prices rise.
Options provide the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified price before a certain date. Call options allow the Fund to seek gains from upward price movements, while exposing it to potential losses if prices decline. Conversely, put options enable the Fund to benefit from downward price movements, while incurring losses if prices rise. By incorporating options, the Fund can create synthetic exposure to the underlying securities.
The Fund will hold short-term U.S. Treasury securities as collateral in connection with the Fund’s derivatives transactions.
The Adviser’s active management approach involves frequent rebalancing to adjust within the anticipated exposure ranges, considering factors such as market volatility, company-specific announcements, price momentum, and other relevant indicators. As a result, the Fund is expected to have a high annual portfolio turnover rate.
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Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to COIN and/or WFC.
Portfolio Attributes
The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act.
Due to the Fund’s investment strategy, the Fund’s investment exposure is concentrated in (or substantially exposed to) the same industries as those assigned to COIN and WFC. As of the date of the Prospectus, COIN is assigned to the capital markets industry and WFC is assigned to the banking industry.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Coinbase Global, Inc. offers a variety of products and services that enable individuals, businesses, and developers to participate in the cryptoeconomy. It provides customers around the world with a platform for buying, selling, transferring, and storing digital assets. Coinbase Global, Inc. is listed on Nasdaq. The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of Coinbase Global, Inc. on June 30, 2023, was approximately $12 billion based on the closing sales price of Coinbase Global, Inc.’s Class A common stock as reported on Nasdaq on that date.
Coinbase Global, Inc. is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by Coinbase Global, Inc. pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 001-40289 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding Coinbase Global, Inc. may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to COIN or other securities of Coinbase Global, Inc. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding Coinbase Global, Inc. from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to Coinbase Global, Inc. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding Coinbase Global, Inc. is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of Coinbase Global, Inc. (and therefore the price of Coinbase Global, Inc. at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning Coinbase Global, Inc. could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of COIN.
THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
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Wells Fargo & Company
Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified, community-based financial services company. It is engaged in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage products and services, and consumer and commercial finance. Wells Fargo & Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company as of June 30, 2023was approximately $156.3 billion (based on its closing price).
Wells Fargo & Company is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by Wells Fargo & Company pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 001-02979 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding Wells Fargo & Company may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to WFC or other securities of Wells Fargo & Company. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding Wells Fargo & Company from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to Wells Fargo & Company. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding Wells Fargo & Company, Inc. is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of Wells Fargo & Company (and therefore the price of Wells Fargo & Company at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning Wells Fargo & Company could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of WFC.
THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH WELLS FARGO & COMPANY.
The
principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below.
An investment in the Fund entails risk. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective and there is a risk that you could lose all of your money invested in the Fund. The Fund is not a complete investment program. It is important that investors closely review all of the risks listed below and understand them before making an investment in the Fund.
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COIN Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in COIN either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). Through its long position, the Fund is subject to the risk that COIN’s share price decreases. If the share price of COIN decreases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. Therefore, as a result of the Fund’s exposure to the value of COIN, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in COIN Risk. Coinbase Global, Inc. is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of Coinbase Global, Inc. but will be exposed to the performance of COIN (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.
COIN Trading Risk. The trading price of COIN may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of COIN may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the common stock of Coinbase Global, Inc., further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Coinbase Global, Inc. may additionally impact COIN’s stock price due to Coinbase Global, Inc. garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against Coinbase Global, Inc. in the past. While Coinbase Global, Inc. continues to defend such actions, any judgment against Coinbase Global, Inc., or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of Coinbase Global, Inc.’s attention and resources. If COIN trading is halted, trading in Shares of the COIN Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
Coinbase Global, Inc. Performance Risk. Coinbase Global, Inc. may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of COIN to decline. Coinbase Global, Inc. provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance Coinbase Global, Inc. provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If Coinbase Global, Inc.’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by Coinbase Global, Inc. could decline significantly.
Digital Assets Risk. While the Fund will not directly invest in digital assets, it will be subject to the risks associated with digital assets by virtue of its investments in options contracts that reference COIN. The technologies underpinning digital assets are highly disruptive, and the future successes of such technologies are highly uncertain. Further, because the development of digital asset technologies is in a nascent stage, digital asset companies may be rapidly eclipsed by newer and more disruptive technological advances that render current digital assets or technologies outdated or undesirable. Further, digital asset companies may be subject to the risks posed by conflicting intellectual property claims among digital assets, which may reduce confidence in the viability of a digital asset. Because of the uncertainty of digital asset technologies, the values of the securities of these companies may be highly volatile. Digital assets may be traded on trading platforms that are unregulated and often located outside the United States. Digital asset trading platforms may stop operating or permanently shut down due to fraud, theft, disruption, technical glitches, hackers, malware or security compromises or failures in the underlying blockchain, ledger or software. Digital Assets are also at risk of possible manipulation and vulnerabilities surrounding the use of third-party products, which may be subject to technical defects beyond a company’s control. Further, digital assets are not maintained in traditional custodial arrangements, and instead are typically held in “wallets,” which are public digital addresses accessible only by “private keys.” If a private key is stolen, lost, damaged or destroyed, the digital assets attributable to such private key may be irreversibly lost without the possibility of recovery. Over their short history, digital assets have experienced tremendous price volatility compared to traditional asset classes, and may experience significant illiquidity in stressed market conditions. The values of digital assets should not be expected to be connected or correlated to traditional economic or market forces, and the value of the investments in digital assets could decline rapidly, including to zero, as a digital asset may decline in popularity, acceptance or use, thereby impairing its price.
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Coinbase Global, Inc. Regulatory Risk: Crypto asset trading platforms may be operating out of compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Such crypto asset trading platforms are, or may become, subject to enforcement actions by regulatory authorities. Any such enforcement actions may have a material adverse impact on the Fund, its investments, and its ability to implement its investment strategy. The SEC has brought an enforcement action alleging that Coinbase Global, Inc. provides, among other things: a trading platform that operates as an unregistered broker, unregistered exchange, and an unregistered clearing agency, a prime broker that operates as an unregistered broker; and a crypto asset staking program that constitutes the unregistered offer and sale of an investment contract, and thus a security.
Financials Companies Risk. Financial companies, such as retail and commercial banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and financial services companies, are especially subject to the adverse effects of economic recession, currency exchange rates, extensive government regulation, decreases in the availability of capital, volatile interest rates, portfolio concentrations in geographic markets, industries or products (such as commercial and residential real estate loans) and competition from new entrants and blurred distinctions in their fields of business. The extent to which the Fund may invest in a company that engages in securities-related activities or banking is limited by applicable law. Governmental regulation may change frequently and may have significant adverse consequences for companies in the financials sector, including effects not intended by such regulation. The impact of changes in capital requirements, or recent or future regulation, on any financial company or on the financials sector as a whole cannot be predicted. The financials sector can be a target or cyberattacks, and may experience technology malfunctions and disruptions. These risks may be amplified for companies that operate online and digital platforms. In recent years, cyberattacks and technology malfunctions and failures have become increasingly frequent in this sector and have reportedly caused losses to companies in this sector.
Blockchain Related Company Risk. The performance of COIN, and consequently the Fund’s performance, is subject to the risks relating to companies engaged in blockchain related activities. The “blockchain” is a peer to peer, shared, digital ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and tracking assets. Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that use blockchain technology to record and secure every transaction. Blockchain technology is new and its uses are in many cases untested or unclear. Blockchain related companies involved in cryptocurrencies may face volatile rates of adoption and face intense competition and potentially rapid product obsolescence. These companies may also have significant exposure to fluctuations in the spot prices of digital assets, particularly to the extent that demand for a service may increase as the spot price of digital assets increase. Many blockchain companies currently operate under less regulatory scrutiny than traditional financial services companies and banks, but there is significant risk that regulatory oversight could increase in the future. Higher levels of regulation could increase costs and adversely impact the current business models of some blockchain related companies and could even result in the outright prohibition of certain business activities. Any further restrictions imposed by governments on crypto-currency related activities may adversely impact blockchain companies. In contrast, a higher level of certainty relating to governmental regulation could serve to enhance the performance of certain blockchain-related companies. In addition, many blockchain companies store sensitive consumer information and could be the target of cybersecurity attacks and other types of theft, which could have a negative impact on these companies. Access to a given blockchain may require a specific cryptographic key (in effect a string of characters granting unique access to initiate transactions related to specific digital assets) or set of keys, the theft, loss, or destruction of which, either by accident or as a result of the efforts of a third-party, could irrevocably impair a claim to the digital assets stored on that blockchain.
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WFC’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell WFC shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of WFC, the Fund is subject to the risk that WFC’s share price increases. If the share price of WFC increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
WFC’s ability to develop and execute effective business plans or strategies or manage change effectively may improve its competitive standing and results of operations. WFC may undertake business plans or strategies related to, among other things, organizational structure, compliance and risk management framework, expenses and efficiency, the types of products and services offered, the types of businesses engaged in, the geographies in which WFC operates, the manner in which WFC serves its clients and customers, the third parties with which WFC does business, and the methods and distribution channels by which WFC offers products and services. Success in any of these areas could positively impact WFC’s share price.
Favorable economic conditions, and improvements in economic conditions or in the financial markets may materially benefit lending and other businesses, thereby positively impacting WFC’s share price. For example, WFC generates revenue from the interest and fees charged on the loans and other products and services it sells, and a substantial amount of its revenue and earnings comes from the net interest income and fee income earned from its consumer and commercial lending and banking businesses. These businesses have been, and will continue to be, materially affected by the state of the U.S. economy, particularly unemployment levels and home prices
Changes in interest rates could increase net interest income and earnings, as well as our other comprehensive income, thereby positively impacting WFC’s share price.
Maintenance or improvement in WFC’s credit ratings could positively affect WFC’s ability to borrow funds and lower the costs of its borrowings, which could have a positive impact on WFC’s share price.
WFC’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from WFC’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
WFC’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in WFC’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
WFS’s stock performance may benefit from positive performance in the banking industry. Companies in the banking industry are subject to the risk that economic, business, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on the banking industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were diversified across several different industries or sectors. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors such as interest rate changes, adverse developments in the real estate market, fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles.
Leveraging Risk. The Fund’s use of leverage amplifies both potential gains and potential losses, which can result in significant volatility and higher risk for investors. Specifically, COIN, the Fund’s leveraged long position (“Long Position”) and, WFC, leveraged short position (“Short Position”) expose the Fund to heightened risk if the Long Position performs poorly while the Short Position performs well.
If the value of the Long Position declines, the Fund’s leveraged exposure could result in losses that are magnified by the leverage factor, potentially exceeding the losses that would occur in an unleveraged position. For example, if the Fund’s Long Position is at +200% of net assets, a 10% decline in the value of the Long Position could translate into a 20% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
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Conversely, if the value of the Short Position increases, the Fund’s leveraged short exposure could also lead to magnified losses. If the Short Position is at -100% of net assets, a 10% rise in the value of the Short Position could result in a 10% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
In scenarios where the Long Position underperforms and the Short Position outperforms simultaneously, the Fund could experience compounded losses from both positions. This dual risk could lead to significant declines in the Fund’s net asset value, particularly because the losses from one position may not be sufficiently offset by gains in the other, especially when leverage is applied.
Investors should be aware that the use of leverage increases the Fund’s sensitivity to market movements and can lead to substantial losses in a relatively short period. The Adviser’s active management and rebalancing efforts, while designed to manage exposure levels, cannot eliminate the inherent risks associated with leveraged positions. As such, the Fund may experience periods of extreme volatility, and the potential for loss is significant, particularly if market conditions do not align with the Fund’s investment strategy.
Industry Risks.
| ● | Long Position Risks: For the Fund’s Long Position (COIN), the Fund is subject to the risk that the capital markets industry performs poorly. Capital markets companies may be significantly affected by stock and bank trading activity, changes in governmental regulation, continuing increases in price competition, decreases in fees or fee-related business, including investment banking, brokerage, asset management and other servicing fees, fluctuation in interest rates and other factors which could adversely affect financial markets. Furthermore, disruptions in credit markets, liquidity issues, geopolitical tensions, and technological disruptions, such as the rise of fintech or decentralized finance platforms, could pose further challenges. |
| ● | Short Position Risks: For the Fund’s Short Position (WFC), the Fund is exposed to the risk that the banking industry may perform well. Positive developments within the banking sector could negatively impact the Fund’s short position. For example, if banks experience increased lending activity, rising interest margins, or greater profitability from fees and other services, the Fund’s Short Position could underperform. Additionally, improvements in financial technology, effective risk management practices, or regulatory changes that favor the banking industry could further strengthen these institutions, resulting in potential losses for the Fund’s Short Position. If banks successfully navigate economic conditions, enhance their operational efficiencies, or benefit from strong consumer and business demand for financial services, the Fund’s Short Position may perform poorly. |
| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
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Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s derivative investments carry risks such as an imperfect match between the derivative’s performance and its underlying assets, and the potential for loss of principal, which can exceed the initial investment. Additionally, there are risks related to the possible default of the transaction’s counterparty and the illiquidity of derivatives, making them hard to sell or trade. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The derivatives used by the Fund will give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in derivatives could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns.
| ◦ | Swaps. Swaps are entered into primarily with major global financial institutions for specified periods. The swaps in which the Fund invests are generally traded in the over-the-counter market, which generally has less transparency than exchange-traded derivatives instruments. The Fund’s swap agreements are subject to mandatory clearing, which means they must be transacted through a futures commission merchant and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty. Swaps involve the risk that the party with whom the Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to pay the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a swap due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the swap in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. This risk is heightened with respect to OTC instruments, such as the swaps in which the Fund will invest, and may be greater during volatile market conditions. Other risks include the inability to close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid (particularly in the OTC markets) or the availability of counterparties becomes limited for a period of time. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in swaps could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns. |
| ◦ | Options. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events. For the Fund in particular, the value of the options contracts in which it invests are substantially influenced by the value of the underlying stocks. The Fund may experience substantial downside from specific option positions and certain option positions held by the Fund may expire worthless. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund (i.e., “call” or “put,” respectively) a specific amount of the underlying stock at an agreed-upon price, typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile, and the use of options can lower total returns. |
Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in derivatives which exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparties may seek to hedge their exposure to individual clients (such as the Fund) by establishing offsetting exposures with other clients, however, there is no guarantee that counterparties will do so under all circumstances. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund and the Fund may be unable to recover its investment from such counterparty or may obtain a limited and/or delayed recovery.
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In addition, the Fund may enter into swap agreements with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk. Further, there is a risk that no suitable counterparties will be willing to enter into, or continue to enter into, transactions with the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
Equity Market Risk. The prices of equity securities rise and fall daily. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual issuers, industries or the stock market as a whole. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles which may cause stock prices to fall over a short and extended periods of time. In a declining stock market, stock prices for all companies (including those in the Fund’s portfolio) may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s investments will be concentrated in same industries as those of the COIN and WFC. The value of the Fund’s shares may rise and fall more than the value of shares that invest in securities of companies in a broader range of industries.
ETF Risks
Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.
Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund’s investment strategy may require it to redeem Shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, the Fund may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the Fund (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the Fund may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used. By paying out higher annual capital gain distributions, investors may be subjected to increased capital gains taxes. Additionally, there may be brokerage costs or taxable gains or losses that may be imposed on the Fund in connection with a cash redemption that may not have occurred if the Fund had made a redemption in-kind. These costs could decrease the value of the Fund to the extent they are not offset by a transaction fee payable by an AP.
Trading. Although Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”), and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained or that the Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. This risk may be greater for the Fund as it seeks to have exposure to just two underlying stocks as opposed to a more diverse portfolio like a traditional pooled investment. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares. Shares trade on the Exchange at market price that may be below, at or above the Fund’s NAV. Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In the event of an unscheduled market close for derivatives that reference a single stock, such as either of the underlying company’s securities being halted or a market wide closure, settlement prices will be determined by the procedures of the listing exchange of the relevant derivatives. As a result, the Fund could be adversely affected and be unable to implement its investment strategies in the event of an unscheduled closing.
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Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.
Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund’s investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.
New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.
Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Frequent and active trading may lead to higher transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. In addition, there is the possibility of significantly increased short-term capital gains (which will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them). The Fund calculates portfolio turnover without including the short-term cash instruments or derivative transactions that comprise the majority of the Fund’s trading. As such, if the Fund’s extensive use of derivative instruments were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate would be significantly higher.
Market Events Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities and other financial instruments. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities and other financial markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. These conflicts have contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
Operational Risk. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
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U.S. Government and U.S. Agency Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the U.S. Treasury. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises) where it is not obligated to do so.
Tax Risk. The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to Shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Code. If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. To comply with the asset diversification tests applicable to a RIC, the Fund will attempt to ensure that the value of stock, options and swaps it holds with respect to a single issuer is never 25% of the total value of Fund assets at the close of any quarter. If the Fund’s investments in such stock, options and swaps were to exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of a tax quarter, the Fund, generally, has a grace period to cure such lack of compliance. If the Fund fails to timely cure, it may no longer be eligible to be treated as a RIC. Further, at least half of the Fund’s assets at the close of each quarter must consist of cash, cash items, and securities of issuers in which its holdings are less than five percent of total fund assets; the Fund expects that this requirement will be met by the collateral which it holds for its swaps and options.
Management
Investment Adviser: Tidal Investments LLC serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers:
The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Jay Pestrichelli, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2025.
Stephen Foy, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2025.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units,” which only Authorized Participants (Aps) (typically, broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of securities (the “Deposit Securities”) and/or a designated amount of U.S. cash.
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Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the Exchange, and individual Shares may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through brokers at market prices, rather than NAV. Because Shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares (the “bid” price) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (the “ask” price) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market. This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “bid-ask spread.”
When available, information regarding the Fund’s NAV, market price, how often Shares traded on the Exchange at a premium or discount, and bid-ask spreads can be found on the Fund’s website at www.battle-shares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or a combination), unless an investment is in an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or other tax-advantaged account. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
Financial Intermediary Compensation
If you purchase Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an “Intermediary”), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training, or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediary’s website for more information.
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SUMMARY INFORMATION
The Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF (the “Fund”) seeks long-term capital appreciation.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.
| Management Fee | |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | |
| Other Expenses(2) | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| (1) | |
| (2) |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The Example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you may pay on your purchases and sales of Shares. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years |
| $ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in total annual fund operating expenses or in the expense example above, affect the Fund’s performance. Because the Fund is newly organized, portfolio turnover information is not yet available.
The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks long-term capital appreciation.
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The Fund’s investment strategy is designed to capitalize on contrasting approaches to the growing crypto asset industry, particularly with respect to bitcoin, by taking targeted positions in two specific companies, one which is a proponent of bitcoin: MicroStrategy Incorporated, (“MSTR”) and one which historically has taken a less favorable view on bitcoin: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (“JPM”). The Fund establishes long exposure to MSTR and short exposure to JPM. That is, the Fund is designed to benefit if MSTR’s share price outperforms JPM’s share price after considering the effects of leverage (e.g., the potential magnified gains or losses arising from the Fund’s use of derivatives to increase exposure). In this context, “outperforms” means the Fund’s leveraged long position in MSTR, combined with its short position in JPM, results in net positive performance for the Fund, factoring in the effects of leverage. Please see the prospectus section entitled “Additional Information About the Funds” for information about blockchain technology.
The Fund’s strategy involves a leveraged long position in MSTR, generally targeting +180% to +220% of the Fund’s net assets, and a leveraged short position in JPM, generally targeting -80% to -120% of the Fund’s net assets. To be “long” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that its value will increase over time. Conversely, to be “short” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that it will fall in value. The pairing reflects the view that MSTR, which owns significant amounts of bitcoin, may prove better positioned to benefit from current market trends than JPM, which historically has taken a less favorable view of bitcoin. Because the Fund uses leverage, an investment in the Fund will typically increase or decrease in value to a greater degree than it would without the use of leverage.
In this long/short structure, the long and short positions may partially offset each other, resulting in a more balanced net exposure to market movements. This may occur because general market driven gains in one position (long MSTR) may be partially offset by losses in the other (short JPM), or vice versa. Under normal circumstances, the Fund generally targets a net long exposure between 100% and 120% of its net assets, which represents the difference between the total long and short positions. This structure may allow the Fund to benefit in various market environments, including those where both MSTR and JPM are rising. The Fund’s leveraged structure seeks to magnify the returns of its long and short positions, which also increases the potential for higher risk and volatility. If the share price of JPM (held short by the Fund) increases while the share price of MSTR (held long by the Fund) decreases, the Fund will incur losses on both positions simultaneously. Such a scenario can result in significant overall Fund losses due to the compounding impact of adverse price movements in both the long and short positions, magnified by the Fund’s leveraged exposure.
To implement the Fund’s strategy, the Adviser will utilize a mix of direct equity investments, short sales of securities, swaps, and listed options, which will be used to obtain both long and short exposure, as applicable, to the underlying securities. The Adviser selects these financial instruments based on considerations such as financing costs and liquidity. The Fund’s use of derivatives (swaps and listed options), is designed to enable it to achieve its objective of capital appreciation by providing flexible and efficient methods to gain both long and short exposure to the underlying securities.
Swaps are derivative contracts where two parties agree to exchange cash flows or returns on different assets. These contracts enable the Fund to establish long or short exposure to the underlying securities efficiently. Long positions in swaps generally benefit from increases in the security’s price but incur losses when prices decline, while short positions generally benefit from price decreases but experience losses when prices rise.
Options provide the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified price before a certain date. Call options allow the Fund to seek gains from upward price movements, while exposing it to potential losses if prices decline. Conversely, put options enable the Fund to benefit from downward price movements, while incurring losses if prices rise. By incorporating options, the Fund can create synthetic exposure to the underlying securities.
The Fund will hold short-term U.S. Treasury securities as collateral in connection with the Fund’s derivatives transactions.
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The Adviser’s active management approach involves frequent rebalancing to adjust within the anticipated exposure ranges, considering factors such as market volatility, company-specific announcements, price momentum, and other relevant indicators. As a result, the Fund is expected to have a high annual portfolio turnover rate.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to MSTR and/or JPM.
Portfolio Attributes
The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act.
Due to the Fund’s investment strategy, the Fund’s investment exposure is concentrated in (or substantially exposed to) the same industries as those assigned to MSTR and JPM. As of the date of the Prospectus, MSTR is assigned to the software industry and JPM is assigned to the banking industry.
MicroStrategy Incorporated
MSTR has two main strategies for its business operations. One is to acquire and hold bitcoin, while the other is to grow its enterprise analytics software business. MSTR is listed on Nasdaq. Per MSTR’s most recent Form 10-K filing, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of MSTR (based on the last reported sale price of its class A common stock on June 30, 2023 on Nasdaq) was approximately $4.133 billion. Additionally, per MSTR’s most recent 10-Q filing, digital assets represented approximately 82% of its total assets.
MSTR is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by MSTR pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 0-24435 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding MSTR may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to MSTR or other securities of MicroStrategy Incorporated. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding MicroStrategy Incorporated from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to MicroStrategy Incorporated. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding MicroStrategy Incorporated is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of MicroStrategy Incorporated (and therefore the price of MicroStrategy Incorporated at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning MicroStrategy Incorporated could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of MSTR.
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THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH MICROSTRATEGY INCORPORATED.
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a financial holding company that offers consumer and commercial banking, investment banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management solutions. JPMorgan Chase & Co. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of JPMorgan Chase & Co. as of June 30, 2023 was approximately $421 billion.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by JPMorgan Chase & Co. pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 1-5805 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding JPMorgan Chase & Co. may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to JPM or other securities of JPMorgan Chase & Co. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding JPMorgan Chase & Co. from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to JPMorgan Chase & Co. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding JPMorgan Chase & Co. is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (and therefore the price of JPMorgan Chase & Co. at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning JPMorgan Chase & Co. could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of JPM.
THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
The
principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below.
An investment in the Fund entails risk. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective and there is a risk that you could lose all of your money invested in the Fund. The Fund is not a complete investment program. It is important that investors closely review all of the risks listed below and understand them before making an investment in the Fund.
MSTR Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in MSTR either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). Through its long position, the Fund is subject to the risk that MSTR’s share price decreases. If the share price of MSTR decreases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. Therefore, as a result of the Fund’s exposure to the value of MSTR, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in MSTR Risk. MSTR is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of MSTR but will be exposed to the performance of MSTR (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.
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MSTR Trading Risk. The trading price of MSTR may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of MSTR may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the common stock of MSTR, further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of MSTR may additionally impact MSTR’s share price due to MSTR garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against MSTR in the past. While MSTR continues to defend such actions, any judgment against MSTR, or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of MSTR’s attention and resources. If MSTR trading is halted, trading in Shares of the Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
MSTR Performance Risk. MSTR may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of MSTR to decline. MSTR provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance MSTR provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If MSTR’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by MSTR could decline significantly.
Software Industry Risk. The software industry can be significantly affected by intense competition, aggressive pricing, technological innovations, and product obsolescence. Companies in the software industry are subject to significant competitive pressures, such as aggressive pricing, new market entrants, competition for market share, short product cycles due to an accelerated rate of technological developments and the potential for limited earnings and/or falling profit margins. These companies also face the risks that new services, equipment or technologies will not be accepted by consumers and businesses or will become rapidly obsolete. These factors can affect the profitability of these companies and, as a result, the value of their securities. Also, patent protection is integral to the success of many companies in this industry, and profitability can be affected materially by, among other things, the cost of obtaining (or failing to obtain) patent approvals, the cost of litigating patent infringement and the loss of patent protection for products (which significantly increases pricing pressures and can materially reduce profitability with respect to such products). In addition, many software companies have limited operating histories. Prices of these companies’ securities historically have been more volatile than other securities, especially over the short term.
Bitcoin Risk. While the Fund will not directly invest in digital assets, it will be subject to the risks associated with bitcoin by virtue of its investments in options contracts that reference MSTR. Investing in bitcoin exposes investors (such as MSTR and, in turn, MSTR shareholders) to significant risks that are not typically present in other investments. These risks include the uncertainty surrounding new technology, limited evaluation due to bitcoin’s short trading history, and the potential decline in adoption and value over the long term. The extreme volatility of bitcoin’s price is also a risk factor. Regulatory uncertainties, such as potential government interventions and conflicting regulations across jurisdictions, can impact the demand for bitcoin and restrict its usage. Additionally, risks associated with the sale of newly mined bitcoin, bitcoin trading platforms, competition from alternative digital assets, mining operations, network modifications, and intellectual property claims pose further challenges to bitcoin-linked investments.
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Bitcoin faces additional risks beyond those typically associated with traditional investments. Its adoption as a payment network is hindered by technological limitations, including slow transaction speeds, high fees, and the reliance on “Layer II” solutions like the Lightning Network to address scalability challenges. These solutions introduce risks related to transparency and security, which may further affect Bitcoin’s usability and adoption. The competitive landscape also poses a significant challenge, as blockchains like Ethereum, which support advanced applications such as smart contracts and decentralized finance, threaten Bitcoin’s dominance. Furthermore, proposed updates to Bitcoin’s protocol, such as forks, and its speculative nature as an asset class exacerbate the uncertainty surrounding its long-term value and utility. These factors, combined with the operational and regulatory risks associated with the broader digital asset market, could significantly impact the price of Bitcoin, MSTR’s financial performance, and, consequently, the Fund’s investments linked to MSTR.
JPM’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell JPM shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of JPM, the Fund is subject to the risk that JPM’s share price increases. If the share price of JPM increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
JPM’s ability to develop and execute effective business plans or strategies or manage change effectively may improve its competitive standing and results of operations. JPM may undertake business plans or strategies related to, among other things, products offered, geographies in which it operates, types of clients and customers it serves, and the methods, distribution channels and third party service providers by or through which it offers products and services. Success in any of these areas could positively impact WFC’s share price.
Favorable economic and market events can materially affect JPM’s businesses and investment and market-making position. For example, favorable investor sentiment, events that increase confidence in the financial markets, positive developments with respect to inflation, and strong U.S. and global economies could each positively impact JPM’s share price.
Changes in interest rates could increase net interest income and earnings, as well as our other comprehensive income, thereby positively impacting JPM’s share price.
Maintenance or improvement in JPM’s credit ratings could positively affect JPM’s ability to borrow funds and lower the costs of its borrowings, which could have a positive impact on JPM’s share price.
JPM’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from JPM’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
JPM’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in JPM’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
JPM’s stock performance may benefit from positive performance in the banking industry. Companies in the banking industry are subject to the risk that economic, business, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on the banking industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were diversified across several different industries or sectors. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors such as interest rate changes, adverse developments in the real estate market, fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles.
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Leveraging Risk. The Fund’s use of leverage amplifies both potential gains and potential losses, which can result in significant volatility and higher risk for investors. Specifically, MSTR, the Fund’s leveraged long position (“Long Position”) and, JPM, leveraged short position (“Short Position”) expose the Fund to heightened risk if the Long Position performs poorly while the Short Position performs well.
If the value of the Long Position declines, the Fund’s leveraged exposure could result in losses that are magnified by the leverage factor, potentially exceeding the losses that would occur in an unleveraged position. For example, if the Fund’s Long Position is at +200% of net assets, a 10% decline in the value of the Long Position could translate into a 20% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
Conversely, if the value of the Short Position increases, the Fund’s leveraged short exposure could also lead to magnified losses. If the Short Position is at -100% of net assets, a 10% rise in the value of the Short Position could result in a 10% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
In scenarios where the Long Position underperforms and the Short Position outperforms simultaneously, the Fund could experience compounded losses from both positions. This dual risk could lead to significant declines in the Fund’s net asset value, particularly because the losses from one position may not be sufficiently offset by gains in the other, especially when leverage is applied.
Investors should be aware that the use of leverage increases the Fund’s sensitivity to market movements and can lead to substantial losses in a relatively short period. The Adviser’s active management and rebalancing efforts, while designed to manage exposure levels, cannot eliminate the inherent risks associated with leveraged positions. As such, the Fund may experience periods of extreme volatility, and the potential for loss is significant, particularly if market conditions do not align with the Fund’s investment strategy.
Industry Risks.
| ● | Long Position Risks: For the Fund’s Long Position (MSTR), the Fund is subject to the risk that the software industry performs poorly. The software industry can be significantly affected by intense competition, aggressive pricing, technological innovations, and product obsolescence. Companies in the software industry are subject to significant competitive pressures, such as aggressive pricing, new market entrants, competition for market share, short product cycles due to an accelerated rate of technological developments and the potential for limited earnings and/or falling profit margins. These companies also face the risks that new services, equipment or technologies will not be accepted by consumers and businesses or will become rapidly obsolete. These factors can affect the profitability of these companies and, as a result, the value of their securities. Also, patent protection is integral to the success of many companies in this industry, and profitability can be affected materially by, among other things, the cost of obtaining (or failing to obtain) patent approvals, the cost of litigating patent infringement and the loss of patent protection for products (which significantly increases pricing pressures and can materially reduce profitability with respect to such products). In addition, many software companies have limited operating histories. Prices of these companies’ securities historically have been more volatile than other securities, especially over the short term. |
| ● | Short Position Risks: For the Fund’s Short Position (JPM), the Fund is exposed to the risk that the banking industry may perform well. Positive developments within the banking sector could negatively impact the Fund’s short position. For example, if banks experience increased lending activity, rising interest margins, or greater profitability from fees and other services, the Fund’s Short Position could underperform. Additionally, improvements in financial technology, effective risk management practices, or regulatory changes that favor the banking industry could further strengthen these institutions, resulting in potential losses for the Fund’s Short Position. If banks successfully navigate economic conditions, enhance their operational efficiencies, or benefit from strong consumer and business demand for financial services, the Fund’s Short Position may perform poorly. |
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| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s derivative investments carry risks such as an imperfect match between the derivative’s performance and its underlying assets, and the potential for loss of principal, which can exceed the initial investment. Additionally, there are risks related to the possible default of the transaction’s counterparty and the illiquidity of derivatives, making them hard to sell or trade. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The derivatives used by the Fund will give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in derivatives could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns.
| ◦ | Swaps. Swaps are entered into primarily with major global financial institutions for specified periods. The swaps in which the Fund invests are generally traded in the over-the-counter market, which generally has less transparency than exchange-traded derivatives instruments. The Fund’s swap agreements are subject to mandatory clearing, which means they must be transacted through a futures commission merchant and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty. Swaps involve the risk that the party with whom the Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to pay the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a swap due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the swap in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. This risk is heightened with respect to OTC instruments, such as the swaps in which the Fund will invest, and may be greater during volatile market conditions. Other risks include the inability to close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid (particularly in the OTC markets) or the availability of counterparties becomes limited for a period of time. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in swaps could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns. |
| ◦ | Options. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events. For the Fund in particular, the value of the options contracts in which it invests are substantially influenced by the value of the underlying stocks. The Fund may experience substantial downside from specific option positions and certain option positions held by the Fund may expire worthless. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund (i.e., “call” or “put,” respectively) a specific amount of the underlying stock at an agreed-upon price, typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile, and the use of options can lower total returns. |
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Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in derivatives which exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparties may seek to hedge their exposure to individual clients (such as the Fund) by establishing offsetting exposures with other clients, however, there is no guarantee that counterparties will do so under all circumstances. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund and the Fund may be unable to recover its investment from such counterparty or may obtain a limited and/or delayed recovery.
In addition, the Fund may enter into swap agreements with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk. Further, there is a risk that no suitable counterparties will be willing to enter into, or continue to enter into, transactions with the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
Equity Market Risk. The prices of equity securities rise and fall daily. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual issuers, industries or the stock market as a whole. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles which may cause stock prices to fall over a short and extended periods of time. In a declining stock market, stock prices for all companies (including those in the Fund’s portfolio) may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s investments will be concentrated in same industries as those of the MSTR and JPM. The value of the Fund’s shares may rise and fall more than the value of shares that invest in securities of companies in a broader range of industries.
ETF Risks
Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.
Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund’s investment strategy may require it to redeem Shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, the Fund may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the Fund (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the Fund may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used. By paying out higher annual capital gain distributions, investors may be subjected to increased capital gains taxes. Additionally, there may be brokerage costs or taxable gains or losses that may be imposed on the Fund in connection with a cash redemption that may not have occurred if the Fund had made a redemption in-kind. These costs could decrease the value of the Fund to the extent they are not offset by a transaction fee payable by an AP.
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Trading. Although Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”), and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained or that the Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. This risk may be greater for the Fund as it seeks to have exposure to just two underlying stocks as opposed to a more diverse portfolio like a traditional pooled investment. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares. Shares trade on the Exchange at market price that may be below, at or above the Fund’s NAV. Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In the event of an unscheduled market close for derivatives that reference a single stock, such as either of the underlying company’s securities being halted or a market wide closure, settlement prices will be determined by the procedures of the listing exchange of the relevant derivatives. As a result, the Fund could be adversely affected and be unable to implement its investment strategies in the event of an unscheduled closing.
Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.
Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund’s investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.
New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.
Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Frequent and active trading may lead to higher transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. In addition, there is the possibility of significantly increased short-term capital gains (which will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them). The Fund calculates portfolio turnover without including the short-term cash instruments or derivative transactions that comprise the majority of the Fund’s trading. As such, if the Fund’s extensive use of derivative instruments were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate would be significantly higher.
Market Events Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities and other financial instruments. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities and other financial markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. These conflicts have contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
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Operational Risk. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
U.S. Government and U.S. Agency Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the U.S. Treasury. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises) where it is not obligated to do so.
Tax Risk. The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to Shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Code. If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. To comply with the asset diversification tests applicable to a RIC, the Fund will attempt to ensure that the value of stock, options and swaps it holds with respect to a single issuer is never 25% of the total value of Fund assets at the close of any quarter. If the Fund’s investments in such stock, options and swaps were to exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of a tax quarter, the Fund, generally, has a grace period to cure such lack of compliance. If the Fund fails to timely cure, it may no longer be eligible to be treated as a RIC. Further, at least half of the Fund’s assets at the close of each quarter must consist of cash, cash items, and securities of issuers in which its holdings are less than five percent of total fund assets; the Fund expects that this requirement will be met by the collateral which it holds for its swaps and options.
Management
Investment Adviser: Tidal Investments LLC serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers:
The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
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Jay Pestrichelli, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2025.
Stephen Foy, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2025.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units,” which only Authorized Participants (Aps) (typically, broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of securities (the “Deposit Securities”) and/or a designated amount of U.S. cash.
Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the Exchange, and individual Shares may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through brokers at market prices, rather than NAV. Because Shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares (the “bid” price) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (the “ask” price) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market. This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “bid-ask spread.”
When available, information regarding the Fund’s NAV, market price, how often Shares traded on the Exchange at a premium or discount, and bid-ask spreads can be found on the Fund’s website at www.battle-shares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or a combination), unless an investment is in an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or other tax-advantaged account. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
Financial Intermediary Compensation
If you purchase Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an “Intermediary”), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training, or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediary’s website for more information.
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SUMMARY INFORMATION
The Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF (the “Fund”) seeks long-term capital appreciation.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.
| Management Fee | |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | |
| Other Expenses(2) | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| (1) | |
| (2) |
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The Example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you may pay on your purchases and sales of Shares. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years |
| $ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in total annual fund operating expenses or in the expense example above, affect the Fund’s performance. Because the Fund is newly organized, portfolio turnover information is not yet available.
The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks long-term capital appreciation.
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The Fund’s strategy is designed to capitalize on the competitive dynamics within the communication services sector by taking targeted positions in two specific companies, one which the Adviser views as a new leader: Netflix, Inc., (“NFLX”) and one which the Adviser views as a legacy leader: Comcast Corporation (“CMCSA”). The Fund establishes long exposure to NFLX and short exposure to CMCSA. That is, the Fund is designed to benefit if NFLX’s share price outperforms CMCSA’s share price after considering the effects of leverage (e.g., the potential magnified gains or losses arising from the Fund’s use of derivatives to increase exposure). In this context, “outperforms” means the Fund’s leveraged long position in NFLX, combined with its short position in CMCSA, results in net positive performance for the Fund, factoring in the effects of leverage.
The Fund’s strategy involves a leveraged long position in NFLX, generally targeting +180% to +220% of the Fund’s net assets, and a leveraged short position in CMCSA, generally targeting -80% to -120% of the Fund’s net assets. To be “long” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that its value will increase over time. Conversely, to be “short” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that it will fall in value. The pairing reflects the view that NFLX, with its focus on online streaming entertainment, may prove better positioned to benefit from current market trends than CMCSA, which operates as a more traditional cable and internet provider. Because the Fund uses leverage, an investment in the Fund will typically increase or decrease in value to a greater degree than it would without the use of leverage.
In this long/short structure, the long and short positions may partially offset each other, resulting in a more balanced net exposure to market movements. This may occur because general market driven gains in one position (long NFLX) may be partially offset by losses in the other (short CMCSA), or vice versa. Under normal circumstances, the Fund generally targets a net long exposure between 100% and 120% of its net assets, which represents the difference between the total long and short positions. This structure may allow the Fund to benefit in various market environments, including those where both NFLX and CMCSA are rising. The Fund’s leveraged structure seeks to magnify the returns of its long and short positions, which also increases the potential for higher risk and volatility. If the share price of CMCSA (held short by the Fund) increases while the share price of NFLX (held long by the Fund) decreases, the Fund will incur losses on both positions simultaneously. Such a scenario can result in significant overall Fund losses due to the compounding impact of adverse price movements in both the long and short positions, magnified by the Fund’s leveraged exposure.
To implement the Fund’s strategy, the Adviser will utilize a mix of direct equity investments, short sales of securities, swaps, and listed options, which will be used to obtain both long and short exposure, as applicable, to the underlying securities. The Adviser selects these financial instruments based on considerations such as financing costs and liquidity. The Fund’s use of derivatives (swaps and listed options), is designed to enable it to achieve its objective of capital appreciation by providing flexible and efficient methods to gain both long and short exposure to the underlying securities.
Swaps are derivative contracts where two parties agree to exchange cash flows or returns on different assets. These contracts enable the Fund to establish long or short exposure to the underlying securities efficiently. Long positions in swaps generally benefit from increases in the security’s price but incur losses when prices decline, while short positions generally benefit from price decreases but experience losses when prices rise.
Options provide the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified price before a certain date. Call options allow the Fund to seek gains from upward price movements, while exposing it to potential losses if prices decline. Conversely, put options enable the Fund to benefit from downward price movements, while incurring losses if prices rise. By incorporating options, the Fund can create synthetic exposure to the underlying securities.
The Fund will hold short-term U.S. Treasury securities as collateral in connection with the Fund’s derivatives transactions.
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The Adviser’s active management approach involves frequent rebalancing to adjust within the anticipated exposure ranges, considering factors such as market volatility, company-specific announcements, price momentum, and other relevant indicators. As a result, the Fund is expected to have a high annual portfolio turnover rate.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to NFLX and/or CMCSA.
Portfolio Attributes
The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act.
Due to the Fund’s investment strategy, the Fund’s investment exposure is concentrated in (or substantially exposed to) the same industries as those assigned to NFLX and CMCSA. As of the date of the Prospectus, NFLX is assigned to the entertainment industry and CMCSA is assigned to the media industry.
Netflix, Inc.
NFLX is an operating company that provides entertainment services with TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages. NFLX is a pioneer in the delivery of streaming entertainment. NFLX is listed on Nasdaq. As of June 30, 2023, the aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of NFLX, based upon the closing sales price for the registrant’s common stock, as reported on Nasdaq, was approximately $192 billion.
NFLX is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by NFLX pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 001-35727 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding NFLX may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to NFLX or other securities of Netflix, Inc. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding Netflix, Inc. from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to Netflix, Inc. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding Netflix, Inc. is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of Netflix, Inc. (and therefore the price of Netflix, Inc. at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning Netflix, Inc. could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of NFLX.
THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH NETFLIX, INC.
Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation is a provider of cable, video, voice-over internet protocol, and broadband services. Comcast Corporation is listed on Nasdaq. The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of Comcast Corporation as of June 30, 2023 was approximately $170 billion.
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Comcast Corporation is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by Comcast Corporation pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 001-32871 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding Comcast Corporation may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to CMCSA or other securities of Comcast Corporation. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding Comcast Corporation from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to Comcast Corporation. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding Comcast Corporation is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of Comcast Corporation (and therefore the price of Comcast Corporation at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning Comcast Corporation could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of CMCSA.
THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH COMCAST CORPORATION.
The
principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below.
An investment in the Fund entails risk. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective and there is a risk that you could lose all of your money invested in the Fund. The Fund is not a complete investment program. It is important that investors closely review all of the risks listed below and understand them before making an investment in the Fund.
NFLX Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in NFLX either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). Through its long position, the Fund is subject to the risk that NFLX’s share price decreases. If the share price of NFLX decreases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. Therefore, as a result of the Fund’s exposure to the value of NFLX, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in NFLX Risk. Netflix, Inc. is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of Netflix, Inc. but will be exposed to the performance of NFLX (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.
NFLX Trading Risk. The trading price of NFLX may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of NFLX may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the common stock of Netflix, Inc., further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Netflix, Inc. may additionally impact NFLX’s stock price due to Netflix, Inc. garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against Netflix, Inc. in the past. While Netflix, Inc. continues to defend such actions, any judgment against Netflix, Inc., or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of Netflix, Inc.’s attention and resources. If NFLX trading is halted, trading in Shares of the NFLX Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
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Netflix, Inc. Performance Risk. Netflix, Inc. may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of NFLX to decline. Netflix, Inc. provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance Netflix, Inc. provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If Netflix, Inc.’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by Netflix, Inc. could decline significantly.
Entertainment Industry Risk. The entertainment industry, which is a separate industry within the communication services sector, is highly competitive and relies on consumer spending and the availability of disposable income for success. The prices of the securities of companies in the entertainment industry may fluctuate widely due to competitive pressures, heavy expenses incurred for research and development of products, problems related to bringing products to market, consumer preferences and rapid obsolescence of products. Legislative or regulatory changes and increased government supervision also may affect companies in the entertainment industry.
CMCSA’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell CMCSA shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of CMCSA, the Fund is subject to the risk that CMCSA’s share price increases. If the share price of CMCSA increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
CMCSA’s ability to compete effectively and retain or improve market share in its core businesses, such as broadband internet, cable and video services, could positively impact CMCSA’s share price. Moreover, CMCSA’s ability to acquire, develop, adopt and leverage new and existing technologies could lead to increased demand for CMCSA’s products, which could also result in an increase in CMCSA’s share price.
Favorable economic conditions in the United States, in Europe or globally could positively affect demand for any of CMCSA’s products and services, including advertising, and have a positive impact on its results of operations.
CMCSA’s ability to implement strategic plans and initiatives may result in sustainable, profitable growth, leading to increased stock prices.
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CMCSA’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from CMCSA’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
CMCSA’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in CMCSA’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
CMCSA’s stock performance may benefit from positive performance in the cable & satellite industry. Companies in the cable & satellite industry are subject to government regulation and can be significantly affected by intense competition and technology changes.
Leveraging Risk. The Fund’s use of leverage amplifies both potential gains and potential losses, which can result in significant volatility and higher risk for investors. Specifically, NFLX, the Fund’s leveraged long position (“Long Position”) and, CMCSA, leveraged short position (“Short Position”) expose the Fund to heightened risk if the Long Position performs poorly while the Short Position performs well.
If the value of the Long Position declines, the Fund’s leveraged exposure could result in losses that are magnified by the leverage factor, potentially exceeding the losses that would occur in an unleveraged position. For example, if the Fund’s Long Position is at +200% of net assets, a 10% decline in the value of the Long Position could translate into a 20% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
Conversely, if the value of the Short Position increases, the Fund’s leveraged short exposure could also lead to magnified losses. If the Short Position is at -100% of net assets, a 10% rise in the value of the Short Position could result in a 10% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
In scenarios where the Long Position underperforms and the Short Position outperforms simultaneously, the Fund could experience compounded losses from both positions. This dual risk could lead to significant declines in the Fund’s net asset value, particularly because the losses from one position may not be sufficiently offset by gains in the other, especially when leverage is applied.
Investors should be aware that the use of leverage increases the Fund’s sensitivity to market movements and can lead to substantial losses in a relatively short period. The Adviser’s active management and rebalancing efforts, while designed to manage exposure levels, cannot eliminate the inherent risks associated with leveraged positions. As such, the Fund may experience periods of extreme volatility, and the potential for loss is significant, particularly if market conditions do not align with the Fund’s investment strategy.
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Industry Risks.
| ● | Long Position Risks: For the Fund’s Long Position (NFLX), the Fund is subject to the risk that the movies and entertainment industry performs poorly. The movies and entertainment industry is highly competitive and relies on consumer spending and the availability of disposable income for success. Companies in this industry face risks related to shifting consumer preferences, the rise of streaming platforms, and changing content consumption habits, all of which can significantly affect their profitability. The prices of securities in this industry may fluctuate due to competitive pressures, including the high costs of content creation, marketing, and distribution. Additionally, companies may face challenges in monetizing new content or technologies, and the success of a project can be unpredictable. Rapid technological advancements may render current entertainment models obsolete. Furthermore, legislative or regulatory changes, such as new copyright laws, content restrictions, or heightened government oversight, could impose additional operational or financial burdens on companies in this industry, further impacting their performance. |
| ● | Short Position Risks: For the Fund’s Short Position (CMCSA), the Fund is subject to the risk that the cable & satellite industry performs well. Positive developments within this industry could negatively impact the Fund’s Short Position. For example, if cable and satellite companies experience increased demand for their services, such as through bundling of internet, television, and phone services, or benefit from strong subscriber retention, the Fund’s Short Position may underperform. Additionally, advancements in content delivery technology, successful adaptation to streaming services, or regulatory changes that favor the industry, such as relaxed restrictions on service pricing, could further strengthen these companies, potentially leading to losses for the Fund’s Short Position. If companies in this sector manage to improve operational efficiencies, expand their customer base, or benefit from favorable consumer and business trends, the Fund’s Short Position may perform poorly. |
| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s derivative investments carry risks such as an imperfect match between the derivative’s performance and its underlying assets, and the potential for loss of principal, which can exceed the initial investment. Additionally, there are risks related to the possible default of the transaction’s counterparty and the illiquidity of derivatives, making them hard to sell or trade. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The derivatives used by the Fund will give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in derivatives could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns.
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| ◦ | Swaps. Swaps are entered into primarily with major global financial institutions for specified periods. The swaps in which the Fund invests are generally traded in the over-the-counter market, which generally has less transparency than exchange-traded derivatives instruments. The Fund’s swap agreements are subject to mandatory clearing, which means they must be transacted through a futures commission merchant and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty. Swaps involve the risk that the party with whom the Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to pay the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a swap due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the swap in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. This risk is heightened with respect to OTC instruments, such as the swaps in which the Fund will invest, and may be greater during volatile market conditions. Other risks include the inability to close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid (particularly in the OTC markets) or the availability of counterparties becomes limited for a period of time. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in swaps could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns. |
| ◦ | Options. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events. For the Fund in particular, the value of the options contracts in which it invests are substantially influenced by the value of the underlying stocks. The Fund may experience substantial downside from specific option positions and certain option positions held by the Fund may expire worthless. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund (i.e., “call” or “put,” respectively) a specific amount of the underlying stock at an agreed-upon price, typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile, and the use of options can lower total returns. |
Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in derivatives which exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparties may seek to hedge their exposure to individual clients (such as the Fund) by establishing offsetting exposures with other clients, however, there is no guarantee that counterparties will do so under all circumstances. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund and the Fund may be unable to recover its investment from such counterparty or may obtain a limited and/or delayed recovery.
In addition, the Fund may enter into swap agreements with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk. Further, there is a risk that no suitable counterparties will be willing to enter into, or continue to enter into, transactions with the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
Equity Market Risk. The prices of equity securities rise and fall daily. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual issuers, industries or the stock market as a whole. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles which may cause stock prices to fall over a short and extended periods of time. In a declining stock market, stock prices for all companies (including those in the Fund’s portfolio) may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects.
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Concentration Risk. The Fund’s investments will be concentrated in same industries as those of the NFLX and CMCSA. The value of the Fund’s shares may rise and fall more than the value of shares that invest in securities of companies in a broader range of industries.
ETF Risks
Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.
Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund’s investment strategy may require it to redeem Shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, the Fund may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the Fund (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the Fund may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used. By paying out higher annual capital gain distributions, investors may be subjected to increased capital gains taxes. Additionally, there may be brokerage costs or taxable gains or losses that may be imposed on the Fund in connection with a cash redemption that may not have occurred if the Fund had made a redemption in-kind. These costs could decrease the value of the Fund to the extent they are not offset by a transaction fee payable by an AP.
Trading. Although Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”), and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained or that the Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. This risk may be greater for the Fund as it seeks to have exposure to just two underlying stocks as opposed to a more diverse portfolio like a traditional pooled investment. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares. Shares trade on the Exchange at market price that may be below, at or above the Fund’s NAV. Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In the event of an unscheduled market close for derivatives that reference a single stock, such as either of the underlying company’s securities being halted or a market wide closure, settlement prices will be determined by the procedures of the listing exchange of the relevant derivatives. As a result, the Fund could be adversely affected and be unable to implement its investment strategies in the event of an unscheduled closing.
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Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.
Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund’s investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.
New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.
Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Frequent and active trading may lead to higher transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. In addition, there is the possibility of significantly increased short-term capital gains (which will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them). The Fund calculates portfolio turnover without including the short-term cash instruments or derivative transactions that comprise the majority of the Fund’s trading. As such, if the Fund’s extensive use of derivative instruments were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate would be significantly higher.
Market Events Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities and other financial instruments. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities and other financial markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. These conflicts have contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
Operational Risk. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
U.S. Government and U.S. Agency Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the U.S. Treasury. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises) where it is not obligated to do so.
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Tax Risk. The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to Shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Code. If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. To comply with the asset diversification tests applicable to a RIC, the Fund will attempt to ensure that the value of stock, options and swaps it holds with respect to a single issuer is never 25% of the total value of Fund assets at the close of any quarter. If the Fund’s investments in such stock, options and swaps were to exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of a tax quarter, the Fund, generally, has a grace period to cure such lack of compliance. If the Fund fails to timely cure, it may no longer be eligible to be treated as a RIC. Further, at least half of the Fund’s assets at the close of each quarter must consist of cash, cash items, and securities of issuers in which its holdings are less than five percent of total fund assets; the Fund expects that this requirement will be met by the collateral which it holds for its swaps and options.
Management
Investment Adviser: Tidal Investments LLC serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers:
The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Jay Pestrichelli, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2025.
Stephen Foy, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2025.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units,” which only Authorized Participants (Aps) (typically, broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of securities (the “Deposit Securities”) and/or a designated amount of U.S. cash.
Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the Exchange, and individual Shares may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through brokers at market prices, rather than NAV. Because Shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares (the “bid” price) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (the “ask” price) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market. This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “bid-ask spread.”
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When available, information regarding the Fund’s NAV, market price, how often Shares traded on the Exchange at a premium or discount, and bid-ask spreads can be found on the Fund’s website at www.battle-shares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or a combination), unless an investment is in an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or other tax-advantaged account. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
Financial Intermediary Compensation
If you purchase Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an “Intermediary”), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training, or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediary’s website for more information.
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SUMMARY INFORMATION
The Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF (the “Fund”) seeks long-term capital appreciation.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.
| Management Fee | |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | |
| Other Expenses(2) | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| (1) | ||
| (2) | ||
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The Example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you may pay on your purchases and sales of Shares. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years |
| $ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in total annual fund operating expenses or in the expense example above, affect the Fund’s performance. Because the Fund is newly organized, portfolio turnover information is not yet available.
The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks long-term capital appreciation.
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The Fund’s strategy is designed to take targeted positions in two specific companies, one which focuses on the discovery, development, manufacturing and sale of pharmaceutical products: Eli Lilly and Company, (“LLY”), and one which operates, franchises and licenses quick-service restaurants: Yum! Brands, Inc. (“YUM”). The Fund establishes long exposure to LLY and short exposure to YUM. That is, the Fund is designed to benefit if LLY’s share price outperforms YUM’s share price after considering the effects of leverage (e.g., the potential magnified gains or losses arising from the Fund's use of derivatives to increase exposure). In this context, "outperforms" means the Fund’s leveraged long position in LLY, combined with its short position in YUM, results in net positive performance for the Fund, factoring in the effects of leverage.
The Fund’s strategy involves a leveraged long position in LLY, generally targeting +180% to +220% of the Fund’s net assets, and a leveraged short position in YUM, generally targeting -80% to -120% of the Fund’s net assets. To be “long” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that its value will increase over time. Conversely, to be “short” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that it will fall in value. The pairing reflects a view that investing in a company like LLY, with its focus on the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical products with specific focus on obesity drugs, may prove a better investment than a company like YUM, which develops, operates, franchises and licenses quick-service restaurants which can negatively impact obesity. Because the Fund uses leverage, an investment in the Fund will typically increase or decrease in value to a greater degree than it would without the use of leverage.
In this long/short structure, the long and short positions may partially offset each other, resulting in a more balanced net exposure to market movements. This may occur because general market driven gains in one position (long LLY) may be partially offset by losses in the other (short YUM), or vice versa. Under normal circumstances, the Fund generally targets a net long exposure between 100% and 120% of its net assets, which represents the difference between the total long and short positions. This structure may allow the Fund to benefit in various market environments, including those where both LLY and YUM are rising. The Fund’s leveraged structure seeks to magnify the returns of its long and short positions, which also increases the potential for higher risk and volatility. If the share price of YUM (held short by the Fund) increases while the share price of LLY (held long by the Fund) decreases, the Fund will incur losses on both positions simultaneously. Such a scenario can result in significant overall Fund losses due to the compounding impact of adverse price movements in both the long and short positions, magnified by the Fund's leveraged exposure.
To implement the Fund’s strategy, the Adviser will utilize a mix of direct equity investments, short sales of securities, swaps, and listed options, which will be used to obtain both long and short exposure, as applicable, to the underlying securities. The Adviser selects these financial instruments based on considerations such as financing costs and liquidity. The Fund’s use of derivatives (swaps and listed options), is designed to enable it to achieve its objective of capital appreciation by providing flexible and efficient methods to gain both long and short exposure to the underlying securities.
Swaps are derivative contracts where two parties agree to exchange cash flows or returns on different assets. These contracts enable the Fund to establish long or short exposure to the underlying securities efficiently. Long positions in swaps generally benefit from increases in the security’s price but incur losses when prices decline, while short positions generally benefit from price decreases but experience losses when prices rise.
Options provide the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified price before a certain date. Call options allow the Fund to seek gains from upward price movements, while exposing it to potential losses if prices decline. Conversely, put options enable the Fund to benefit from downward price movements, while incurring losses if prices rise. By incorporating options, the Fund can create synthetic exposure to the underlying securities.
The Fund will hold short-term U.S. Treasury securities as collateral in connection with the Fund’s derivatives transactions.
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The Adviser’s active management approach involves frequent rebalancing to adjust within the anticipated exposure ranges, considering factors such as market volatility, company-specific announcements, price momentum, and other relevant indicators. As a result, the Fund is expected to have a high annual portfolio turnover rate.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to LLY and/or YUM.
Portfolio Attributes
The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act.
Due to the Fund’s investment strategy, the Fund’s investment exposure is concentrated in (or substantially exposed to) the same industries as those assigned to LLY and YUM. As of the date of the Prospectus, LLY is assigned to the pharmaceutical industry and YUM is assigned to the Hotels, Restaurants, & Leisure industry.
Eli Lilly and Company
Eli Lilly and Company is a global pharmaceutical company, which is dedicated to discovering, developing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative medicines in various therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and immunology. LLY’s portfolio encompasses a wide range of prescription drugs, biologics, and animal health products. LLY is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Per LLY’s most recent Form 10-K filing, the aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter: approximately $398 billion.
LLY is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by LLY pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 001-06351 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding LLY may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to LLY or other securities of Eli Lilly and Company. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding Eli Lilly and Company from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to Eli Lilly and Company. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding Eli Lilly and Company is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of Eli Lilly and Company (and therefore the price of Eli Lilly and Company at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning Eli Lilly and Company could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of LLY.
THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ELI LILLY AND COMPANY.
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Yum! Brands, Inc.
Yum! Brands, Inc. is a global quick-service restaurant company. The company develops, operates, franchises and licenses a global system of both traditional and non-traditional quick-service restaurants. Yum! Brands, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of Yum! Brands, Inc. as of June 30, 203 computed by reference to the closing price of the registrant’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on such date was approximately $39 billion.
Yum! Brands, Inc. is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by Yum! Brands, Inc. pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 1-13163 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding Yum! Brands, Inc. may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to YUM or other securities of Yum! Brands, Inc. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding Yum! Brands, Inc. from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to Yum! Brands, Inc. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding Yum! Brands, Inc. is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of Yum! Brands, Inc. (and therefore the price of Yum! Brands, Inc. at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning Yum! Brands, Inc. could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of YUM.
THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH YUM! BRANDS, INC.
The principal risks of investing in the
Fund are summarized below.
An investment in the Fund entails risk. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective and there is a risk that you could lose all of your money invested in the Fund. The Fund is not a complete investment program. It is important that investors closely review all of the risks listed below and understand them before making an investment in the Fund.
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LLY Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in LLY either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). Through its long position, the Fund is subject to the risk that LLY’s share price decreases. If the share price of LLY decreases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. Therefore, as a result of the Fund’s exposure to the value of LLY, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in LLY Risk. LLY is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of LLY but will be exposed to the performance of LLY (the Underlying Security). Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the Underlying Security but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Underlying Security.
LLY Trading Risk. The trading price of LLY may be subject to volatility and could experience wide fluctuations due to various factors. The pharmaceutical industry, including LLY, operates within a market that has historically witnessed significant price and volume fluctuations, sometimes unrelated to the companies’ operating performance. Short sellers may also play a significant role in trading LLY, potentially affecting the supply and demand dynamics and contributing to market price volatility. Public perception and external factors beyond the company’s control may influence LLY’s stock price disproportionately, as LLY often receives heightened public attention regardless of its operational performance. Additionally, following periods of market volatility, companies, including LLY, have faced securities class action litigation. LLY has been subject to such litigation in the past and continues to defend against such actions. However, any adverse judgment or future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources. In the event of a halt in trading of LLY, trading in shares of related funds may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
LLY Performance Risk. LLY may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of LLY to decline. LLY provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance LLY provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If LLY’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by LLY could decline significantly.
Pharmaceutical Industry Risks: Pharmaceutical research and development are very costly and highly uncertain; LLY may not succeed in developing, licensing, or acquiring commercially successful products sufficient in number or value to replace revenues of products that have lost or will lose intellectual property protection or are displaced by competing products or therapies. LLY and LLY’s products face intense competition from multinational pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, and lower-cost generic and biosimilar manufacturers, and such competition could have a material adverse effect on LLY’s business. LLY’s business is subject to increasing government price controls and other public and private restrictions on pricing, reimbursement, and access for LLY’s drugs, which could have a material adverse effect on LLY’s results of operations, reputation or business. Pharmaceutical products can develop safety or efficacy concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on LLY’s revenues, income, and reputation.
Intellectual Property Risks: LLY derives a significant percentage of its total revenue from relatively few products and sells products through increasingly consolidated supply chain entities, which may subject LLY to, or exacerbate, various risks. LLY depends on products with intellectual property protection for most of LLY’s revenues, cash flows, and earnings; the loss of effective intellectual property protection for certain of LLY’s products has resulted, and in the future is likely to continue to result, in rapid and severe declines in revenues for those products. LLY’s long-term success depends on intellectual property protection; if LLY’s intellectual property rights are invalidated, circumvented, or weakened, LLY’s business will be adversely affected.
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Operations Risks: Failure, inadequacy, breach of, or unauthorized access to, LLY’s IT systems or those of LLY’s third-party service providers, unauthorized access to LLY’s confidential information, or violations of data protection laws, could each result in material harm to LLY’s business and reputation. Manufacturing, quality, or supply chain difficulties, disruptions, or shortages could lead to product supply problems. Reliance on third-party relationships and outsourcing arrangements could adversely affect LLY’s business. LLY’s use of artificial intelligence or other emerging technologies could adversely impact LLY’s business and financial results.
International Business Risks: Uneven economic growth or downturns or international trade and other global disruptions, geopolitical tensions, or disputes could adversely affect LLY’s business and operating results. Changes in foreign currency rates, interest rate risks, and inflation affect LLY’s results of operations.
Government Regulation and Litigation Risks: LLY faces litigation and investigations related to its products, how LLY price or commercialize its products, and other aspects of LLY’s business, which could adversely affect LLY’s business, and LLY is self-insured for such matters. LLY is subject to evolving and complex tax laws, which may result in additional liabilities and affect LLY’s results of operations. Regulatory compliance problems could be damaging to LLY.
YUM’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell YUM shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of YUM, the Fund is subject to the risk that YUM’s share price increases. If the share price of YUM increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
YUM’s ability to consistently increase its number of profitable restaurants around the world could positively impact YUM’s share price. Moreover, such sustained growth and profitability is more likely to occur in the absence of catastrophic events, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Favorable economic conditions in the United States or globally could positively affect demand for YUM’s restaurants. In particular, a meaningful portion of YUM’s total business is conducted in China, meaning political and economic stability in China may result in greater profitability for the company as a whole.
YUM’s ability to implement strategic plans and initiatives, such as mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, minority investments (including minority investments in third parties, such as, franchisees or master franchisees) and other strategic transactions, may result in sustainable, profitable growth, leading to increased stock prices.
YUM’s ability to compete effectively and retain or improve market share in the highly competitive restaurant industry could positively impact YUM’s share price.
YUM’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from YUM’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
YUM’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in YUM’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
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YUM’s stock performance may benefit from positive performance in the restaurant industry. Companies in the restaurant industry may be affected by the performance of the domestic and international economy, interest rates, rates of inflation, exchange rates, competition, consumer confidence and reputational damage. The success of companies owning and operating restaurants depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending, and changes in demographics and consumer preferences can affect the success of such companies. These companies may be subject to severe competition, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. In addition, restaurants may be affected by nutritional and health concerns, and federal, state and local food inspection and processing controls. Changes in labor laws and other labor issues, such as increased labor costs, could adversely affect the financial performance of such companies.
Leveraging Risk. The Fund’s use of leverage amplifies both potential gains and potential losses, which can result in significant volatility and higher risk for investors. Specifically, LLY, the Fund’s leveraged long position (“Long Position”) and, YUM, leveraged short position (“Short Position”) expose the Fund to heightened risk if the Long Position performs poorly while the Short Position performs well.
If the value of the Long Position declines, the Fund’s leveraged exposure could result in losses that are magnified by the leverage factor, potentially exceeding the losses that would occur in an unleveraged position. For example, if the Fund’s Long Position is at +200% of net assets, a 10% decline in the value of the Long Position could translate into a 20% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
Conversely, if the value of the Short Position increases, the Fund’s leveraged short exposure could also lead to magnified losses. If the Short Position is at -100% of net assets, a 10% rise in the value of the Short Position could result in a 10% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
In scenarios where the Long Position underperforms and the Short Position outperforms simultaneously, the Fund could experience compounded losses from both positions. This dual risk could lead to significant declines in the Fund’s net asset value, particularly because the losses from one position may not be sufficiently offset by gains in the other, especially when leverage is applied.
Investors should be aware that the use of leverage increases the Fund’s sensitivity to market movements and can lead to substantial losses in a relatively short period. The Adviser’s active management and rebalancing efforts, while designed to manage exposure levels, cannot eliminate the inherent risks associated with leveraged positions. As such, the Fund may experience periods of extreme volatility, and the potential for loss is significant, particularly if market conditions do not align with the Fund’s investment strategy.
Industry Risks.
| ● | Long Position Risks: For the Fund’s Long Position (LLY), the Fund is subject to the risk that the pharmaceutical industry performs poorly. The profitability of these companies is highly dependent on the development, procurement and marketing of drugs and the development, protection and exploitation of intellectual property rights and other proprietary information. These companies may be significantly affected by the expiration of patents or the loss of, or the inability to enforce, intellectual property rights. Research and other costs associated with developing or procuring new drugs and the related intellectual property rights can be significant and may not be successful. Many pharmaceutical companies face intense competition from new products and less costly generic products, which may make it difficult to raise the prices of their products and may result in price discounting. In addition, the process for obtaining regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or other governmental regulatory authorities is long and costly and there is no assurance that the necessary approvals will be obtained or maintained by these companies. |
| ● | Short Position Risks: For the Fund’s Short Position (YUM), the Fund is subject to the risk that the restaurants industry may perform well. Positive developments within this industry could negatively impact the Fund’s Short Position. For example, if restaurant companies experience increased consumer spending, benefit from strong demand for dining out, or effectively adapt to changing consumer preferences such as the rise of delivery and takeout services, the Fund’s Short Position may underperform. Additionally, improvements in operational efficiencies, such as better supply chain management, cost controls, or the adoption of technology to streamline ordering and customer service, could further strengthen these companies, potentially leading to losses for the Fund’s Short Position. If restaurant companies successfully expand into new markets, enhance brand loyalty, or benefit from favorable economic conditions, the Fund’s short position may perform poorly. |
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| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s derivative investments carry risks such as an imperfect match between the derivative’s performance and its underlying assets, and the potential for loss of principal, which can exceed the initial investment. Additionally, there are risks related to the possible default of the transaction’s counterparty and the illiquidity of derivatives, making them hard to sell or trade. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The derivatives used by the Fund will give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in derivatives could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns.
| ◦ | Swaps. Swaps are entered into primarily with major global financial institutions for specified periods. The swaps in which the Fund invests are generally traded in the over-the-counter market, which generally has less transparency than exchange-traded derivatives instruments. The Fund’s swap agreements are subject to mandatory clearing, which means they must be transacted through a futures commission merchant and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty. Swaps involve the risk that the party with whom the Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to pay the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a swap due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the swap in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. This risk is heightened with respect to OTC instruments, such as the swaps in which the Fund will invest, and may be greater during volatile market conditions. Other risks include the inability to close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid (particularly in the OTC markets) or the availability of counterparties becomes limited for a period of time. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in swaps could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns. |
| ◦ |
Options. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events. For the Fund in particular, the value of the options contracts in which it invests are substantially influenced by the value of the underlying stocks. The Fund may experience substantial downside from specific option positions and certain option positions held by the Fund may expire worthless. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund (i.e., “call” or “put,” respectively) a specific amount of the underlying stock at an agreed-upon price, typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile, and the use of options can lower total returns.
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Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in derivatives which exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparties may seek to hedge their exposure to individual clients (such as the Fund) by establishing offsetting exposures with other clients, however, there is no guarantee that counterparties will do so under all circumstances. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund and the Fund may be unable to recover its investment from such counterparty or may obtain a limited and/or delayed recovery.
In addition, the Fund may enter into swap agreements with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk. Further, there is a risk that no suitable counterparties will be willing to enter into, or continue to enter into, transactions with the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
Equity Market Risk. The prices of equity securities rise and fall daily. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual issuers, industries or the stock market as a whole. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles which may cause stock prices to fall over a short and extended periods of time. In a declining stock market, stock prices for all companies (including those in the Fund’s portfolio) may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s investments will be concentrated in same industries as those of the LLY and YUM. The value of the Fund’s shares may rise and fall more than the value of shares that invest in securities of companies in a broader range of industries.
ETF Risks
Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.
Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund’s investment strategy may require it to redeem Shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, the Fund may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the Fund (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the Fund may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used. By paying out higher annual capital gain distributions, investors may be subjected to increased capital gains taxes. Additionally, there may be brokerage costs or taxable gains or losses that may be imposed on the Fund in connection with a cash redemption that may not have occurred if the Fund had made a redemption in-kind. These costs could decrease the value of the Fund to the extent they are not offset by a transaction fee payable by an AP.
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Trading. Although Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”), and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained or that the Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. This risk may be greater for the Fund as it seeks to have exposure to just two underlying stocks as opposed to a more diverse portfolio like a traditional pooled investment. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares. Shares trade on the Exchange at market price that may be below, at or above the Fund’s NAV. Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In the event of an unscheduled market close for derivatives that reference a single stock, such as either of the underlying company’s securities being halted or a market wide closure, settlement prices will be determined by the procedures of the listing exchange of the relevant derivatives. As a result, the Fund could be adversely affected and be unable to implement its investment strategies in the event of an unscheduled closing.
Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.
Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund’s investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.
New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.
Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Frequent and active trading may lead to higher transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. In addition, there is the possibility of significantly increased short-term capital gains (which will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them). The Fund calculates portfolio turnover without including the short-term cash instruments or derivative transactions that comprise the majority of the Fund’s trading. As such, if the Fund’s extensive use of derivative instruments were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate would be significantly higher.
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Market Events Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities and other financial instruments. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities and other financial markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. These conflicts have contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
Operational Risk. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
U.S. Government and U.S. Agency Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the U.S. Treasury. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises) where it is not obligated to do so.
Tax Risk. The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to Shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Code. If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. To comply with the asset diversification tests applicable to a RIC, the Fund will attempt to ensure that the value of stock, options and swaps it holds with respect to a single issuer is never 25% of the total value of Fund assets at the close of any quarter. If the Fund’s investments in such stock, options and swaps were to exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of a tax quarter, the Fund, generally, has a grace period to cure such lack of compliance. If the Fund fails to timely cure, it may no longer be eligible to be treated as a RIC. Further, at least half of the Fund’s assets at the close of each quarter must consist of cash, cash items, and securities of issuers in which its holdings are less than five percent of total fund assets; the Fund expects that this requirement will be met by the collateral which it holds for its swaps and options.
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Management
Investment Adviser: Tidal Investments LLC serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers:
The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Jay Pestrichelli, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2025.
Stephen Foy, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2025.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units,” which only Authorized Participants (Aps) (typically, broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of securities (the “Deposit Securities”) and/or a designated amount of U.S. cash.
Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the Exchange, and individual Shares may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through brokers at market prices, rather than NAV. Because Shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares (the “bid” price) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (the “ask” price) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market. This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “bid-ask spread.”
When available, information regarding the Fund’s NAV, market price, how often Shares traded on the Exchange at a premium or discount, and bid-ask spreads can be found on the Fund’s website at www.battle-shares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or a combination), unless an investment is in an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or other tax-advantaged account. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
Financial Intermediary Compensation
If you purchase Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an “Intermediary”), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training, or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediary’s website for more information.
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SUMMARY INFORMATION
The Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF (the “Fund”) seeks long-term capital appreciation.
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.
| Management Fee | |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | |
| Other Expenses(2) | |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
| (1) | ||
| (2) | ||
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The Example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you may pay on your purchases and sales of Shares. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
| 1 Year | 3 Years |
| $ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in total annual fund operating expenses or in the expense example above, affect the Fund’s performance. Because the Fund is newly organized, portfolio turnover information is not yet available.
The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks long-term capital appreciation.
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The Fund’s strategy is designed to take targeted positions in two specific companies, one which through its subsidiaries, the largest of which is Google, provides web-based search, advertisements, maps, software applications, mobile operating systems, consumer content, enterprise solutions, commerce, and hardware products: Alphabet Inc. (“GOOGL”), and one engaged in creation, collection, and distribution of news and information: The New York Times Company (“NYT”). The Fund establishes long exposure to GOOGL and short exposure to NYT. That is, the Fund is designed to benefit if GOOGL’s share price outperforms NYT’s share price after considering the effects of leverage (e.g., the potential magnified gains or losses arising from the Fund's use of derivatives to increase exposure). In this context, "outperforms" means the Fund’s leveraged long position in GOOGL, combined with its short position in NYT, results in net positive performance for the Fund, factoring in the effects of leverage.
The Fund’s strategy involves a leveraged long position in GOOGL, generally targeting +180% to +220% of the Fund’s net assets, and a leveraged short position in NYT, generally targeting -80% to -120% of the Fund’s net assets. To be “long” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that its value will increase over time. Conversely, to be “short” means to have exposure to an asset with the expectation that it will fall in value. The pairing reflects a view that investing in a company like GOOGL, with its focus on internet-based dissemination of news and information, may prove a better investment than a company like NYT, which operates as a more traditional news and media company. Because the Fund uses leverage, an investment in the Fund will typically increase or decrease in value to a greater degree than it would without the use of leverage.
In this long/short structure, the long and short positions may partially offset each other, resulting in a more balanced net exposure to market movements. This may occur because general market driven gains in one position (long GOOGL) may be partially offset by losses in the other (short NYT), or vice versa. Under normal circumstances, the Fund generally targets a net long exposure between 100% and 120% of its net assets, which represents the difference between the total long and short positions. This structure may allow the Fund to benefit in various market environments, including those where both GOOGL and NYT are rising. The Fund’s leveraged structure seeks to magnify the returns of its long and short positions, which also increases the potential for higher risk and volatility. If the share price of NYT (held short by the Fund) increases while the share price of GOOGL (held long by the Fund) decreases, the Fund will incur losses on both positions simultaneously. Such a scenario can result in significant overall Fund losses due to the compounding impact of adverse price movements in both the long and short positions, magnified by the Fund's leveraged exposure.
To implement the Fund’s strategy, the Adviser will utilize a mix of direct equity investments, short sales of securities, swaps, and listed options, which will be used to obtain both long and short exposure, as applicable, to the underlying securities. The Adviser selects these financial instruments based on considerations such as financing costs and liquidity. The Fund’s use of derivatives (swaps and listed options), is designed to enable it to achieve its objective of capital appreciation by providing flexible and efficient methods to gain both long and short exposure to the underlying securities.
Swaps are derivative contracts where two parties agree to exchange cash flows or returns on different assets. These contracts enable the Fund to establish long or short exposure to the underlying securities efficiently. Long positions in swaps generally benefit from increases in the security’s price but incur losses when prices decline, while short positions generally benefit from price decreases but experience losses when prices rise.
Options provide the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified price before a certain date. Call options allow the Fund to seek gains from upward price movements, while exposing it to potential losses if prices decline. Conversely, put options enable the Fund to benefit from downward price movements, while incurring losses if prices rise. By incorporating options, the Fund can create synthetic exposure to the underlying securities.
The Fund will hold short-term U.S. Treasury securities as collateral in connection with the Fund’s derivatives transactions.
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The Adviser’s active management approach involves frequent rebalancing to adjust within the anticipated exposure ranges, considering factors such as market volatility, company-specific announcements, price momentum, and other relevant indicators. As a result, the Fund is expected to have a high annual portfolio turnover rate.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to GOOGL and/or NYT.
Portfolio Attributes
The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act.
Due to the Fund’s investment strategy, the Fund’s investment exposure is concentrated in (or substantially exposed to) the same industries as those assigned to GOOGL and NYT. As of the date of the Prospectus, GOOGL is assigned to the interactive media & services industry and NYT is assigned to the media industry.
Alphabet Inc.
Alphabet Inc. is a holding company of a collection of businesses, the largest of which is Google. Alphabet Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides web-based search, advertisements, maps, software applications, mobile operating systems, consumer content, enterprise solutions, commerce, and hardware products. Alphabet Inc. reports in three segments: (i) Google Services, (ii) Google Cloud, and (iii) Other Bets (all other non-Google businesses). Alphabet Inc. is listed on Nasdaq. As of June 30, 2023, the aggregate market value of shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant (based upon the closing sale prices of such shares on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on June 30, 2023) was approximately $1,331.2 billion.
Alphabet Inc. is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by Alphabet Inc. pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 001-37580 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding Alphabet Inc. may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to GOOGL or other securities of Alphabet Inc. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding Alphabet Inc. from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to Eli Alphabet Inc. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding Alphabet Inc. is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of Alphabet Inc. (and therefore the price of Alphabet Inc. at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning Alphabet Inc. could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of GOOGL.
THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ALPHABET INC.
The New York Times Company
The New York Times Company is engaged in creation, collection, and distribution of news and information, delivering content through digital and print platforms and selected third-party platforms on a subscription basis. The New York Times Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The aggregate market value of Class A Common Stock held by non-affiliates, based on the closing price on June 30, 2023, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was approximately $6.3 billion.
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The New York Times Company is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by The New York Times Company pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 1-5837 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding The New York Times Company may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.
This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to NYT or other securities of The New York Times Company. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding The New York Times Company from publicly available documents. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to The New York Times Company. None of the Fund, the Trust, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding The New York Times Company is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of The New York Times Company (and therefore the price of The New York Times Company at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning The New York Times Company could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.
None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of NYT.
THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY.
The principal risks of investing in the
Fund are summarized below.
An investment in the Fund entails risk. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective and there is a risk that you could lose all of your money invested in the Fund. The Fund is not a complete investment program. It is important that investors closely review all of the risks listed below and understand them before making an investment in the Fund.
GOOGL Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in GOOGL either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). Through its long position, the Fund is subject to the risk that GOOGL’s share price decreases. If the share price of GOOGL decreases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. Therefore, as a result of the Fund’s exposure to the value of GOOGL, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in GOOGL Risk. Alphabet, Inc. is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of Alphabet, Inc. but will be exposed to the performance of GOOGL (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.
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GOOGL Trading Risk. The trading price of GOOGL may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of GOOGL may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the Class A common stock of Alphabet Inc., further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Alphabet Inc. may additionally impact GOOGL’s stock price due to Alphabet Inc. garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against Alphabet Inc. in the past. While Alphabet Inc. continues to defend such actions, any judgment against Alphabet Inc., or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of Alphabet Inc.’s attention and resources. If GOOGL trading is halted, trading in Shares of the GOOGL Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
Alphabet Inc. Performance Risk. Alphabet Inc. may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of GOOGL to decline. Alphabet Inc. provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance Alphabet Inc. provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If Alphabet Inc.’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by Alphabet Inc. could decline significantly.
Communication Services Sector Risk. Communication services companies may be subject to specific risks associated with legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions, intellectual property use and/or increased competition. Communication services companies are particularly vulnerable to rapid advancements in technology, the innovation of competitors, rapid product obsolescence and government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics and often unpredictable changes in consumer tastes can drastically affect a communication services company’s profitability. While all companies may be susceptible to network security breaches, certain communication services companies may be particular targets of hacking and potential theft of proprietary or consumer information or disruptions in service, which could have a material adverse effect on their businesses.
NYT’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell NYT shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of NYT, the Fund is subject to the risk that NYT’s share price increases. If the share price of NYT increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Favorable economic conditions could positively affect NYT’s revenue, thereby positively impacting its share price. For example, advertising spending is sensitive to economic, geopolitical and public health conditions. In addition, economic, geopolitical and public health conditions may lead to increases in the size and engagement of NYT’s audience, which can positively impact its ability to attract, engage and retain audience and subscribers.
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NYT’s ability to implement strategic plans and initiatives, such as possible acquisitions, divestitures, investments and other transactions, as well as enhancements and expansion of existing products and services, may result in sustainable, profitable growth, leading to increased stock prices.
NYT’s ability to compete effectively and retain or improve audience share and subscribers, as well as subscription, advertising and other revenues such as licensing and affiliate referral revenues, in a highly competitive industry, could positively impact NYT’s share price.
NYT’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from NYT’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
NYT’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in NYT’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
NYT’s stock performance may benefit from positive performance in the publishing industry. Companies in the publishing industry are more susceptible to the factors affecting those particular types of companies, including government regulation, greater price volatility for the overall market, rapid obsolescence of products and services, intense competition, and strong market reactions to technological developments.
Leveraging Risk. The Fund’s use of leverage amplifies both potential gains and potential losses, which can result in significant volatility and higher risk for investors. Specifically, GOOGL, the Fund’s leveraged long position (“Long Position”) and, NYT, leveraged short position (“Short Position”) expose the Fund to heightened risk if the Long Position performs poorly while the Short Position performs well.
If the value of the Long Position declines, the Fund’s leveraged exposure could result in losses that are magnified by the leverage factor, potentially exceeding the losses that would occur in an unleveraged position. For example, if the Fund’s Long Position is at +200% of net assets, a 10% decline in the value of the Long Position could translate into a 20% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
Conversely, if the value of the Short Position increases, the Fund’s leveraged short exposure could also lead to magnified losses. If the Short Position is at -100% of net assets, a 10% rise in the value of the Short Position could result in a 10% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
In scenarios where the Long Position underperforms and the Short Position outperforms simultaneously, the Fund could experience compounded losses from both positions. This dual risk could lead to significant declines in the Fund’s net asset value, particularly because the losses from one position may not be sufficiently offset by gains in the other, especially when leverage is applied.
Investors should be aware that the use of leverage increases the Fund’s sensitivity to market movements and can lead to substantial losses in a relatively short period. The Adviser’s active management and rebalancing efforts, while designed to manage exposure levels, cannot eliminate the inherent risks associated with leveraged positions. As such, the Fund may experience periods of extreme volatility, and the potential for loss is significant, particularly if market conditions do not align with the Fund’s investment strategy.
Industry Risks.
| ● | Long Position Risks: For the Fund’s Long Position (GOOGL), the Fund is subject to the risk that the interactive media & services industry performs poorly. The success of the interactive media & services industry may be tied closely to the performance of the overall global economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Also, companies in the interactive media & services industry may be subject to severe competition, which may have an adverse impact on their respective profitability. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, interactive media and services in the marketplace. The performance of companies in the interactive media and services industry may be affected by (without limitation) the following factors: failure to attract and retain a substantial number of new device manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, developers or users, or failing to develop products and technologies that work well on new devices and platforms; data privacy and security concerns; regulatory changes; and intellectual property concerns. |
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| ● | Short Position Risks: For the Fund’s Short Position (NYT), the Fund is subject to the risk that the publishing industry performs well. The Fund’s Short Position is exposed to risks of positive developments in the publishing industry. For example, increased demand for digital content, successful adaptation to evolving distribution platforms, or growth in subscription-based revenue models, all of which could negatively impact the Fund’s Short Position. If publishing companies experience higher readership, improvements in content monetization, or enhanced operational efficiencies, the Fund’s Short Positions may underperform, leading to potential losses. Additionally, if publishing companies effectively manage copyright protections or capitalize on new digital trends, the Fund’s Short Position may perform poorly. |
| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s derivative investments carry risks such as an imperfect match between the derivative’s performance and its underlying assets, and the potential for loss of principal, which can exceed the initial investment. Additionally, there are risks related to the possible default of the transaction’s counterparty and the illiquidity of derivatives, making them hard to sell or trade. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The derivatives used by the Fund will give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in derivatives could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns.
| ◦ | Swaps. Swaps are entered into primarily with major global financial institutions for specified periods. The swaps in which the Fund invests are generally traded in the over-the-counter market, which generally has less transparency than exchange-traded derivatives instruments. The Fund’s swap agreements are subject to mandatory clearing, which means they must be transacted through a futures commission merchant and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty. Swaps involve the risk that the party with whom the Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to pay the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a swap due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the swap in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. This risk is heightened with respect to OTC instruments, such as the swaps in which the Fund will invest, and may be greater during volatile market conditions. Other risks include the inability to close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid (particularly in the OTC markets) or the availability of counterparties becomes limited for a period of time. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in swaps could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns. |
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Options. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events. For the Fund in particular, the value of the options contracts in which it invests are substantially influenced by the value of the underlying stocks. The Fund may experience substantial downside from specific option positions and certain option positions held by the Fund may expire worthless. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund (i.e., “call” or “put,” respectively) a specific amount of the underlying stock at an agreed-upon price, typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile, and the use of options can lower total returns. |
Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in derivatives which exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparties may seek to hedge their exposure to individual clients (such as the Fund) by establishing offsetting exposures with other clients, however, there is no guarantee that counterparties will do so under all circumstances. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund and the Fund may be unable to recover its investment from such counterparty or may obtain a limited and/or delayed recovery.
In addition, the Fund may enter into swap agreements with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk. Further, there is a risk that no suitable counterparties will be willing to enter into, or continue to enter into, transactions with the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
Equity Market Risk. The prices of equity securities rise and fall daily. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual issuers, industries or the stock market as a whole. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles which may cause stock prices to fall over a short and extended periods of time. In a declining stock market, stock prices for all companies (including those in the Fund’s portfolio) may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects.
Concentration Risk. The Fund’s investments will be concentrated in same industries as those of the GOOGL and NYT. The value of the Fund’s shares may rise and fall more than the value of shares that invest in securities of companies in a broader range of industries.
ETF Risks
Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.
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Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund’s investment strategy may require it to redeem Shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, the Fund may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the Fund (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the Fund may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used. By paying out higher annual capital gain distributions, investors may be subjected to increased capital gains taxes. Additionally, there may be brokerage costs or taxable gains or losses that may be imposed on the Fund in connection with a cash redemption that may not have occurred if the Fund had made a redemption in-kind. These costs could decrease the value of the Fund to the extent they are not offset by a transaction fee payable by an AP.
Trading. Although Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”), and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained or that the Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. This risk may be greater for the Fund as it seeks to have exposure to just two underlying stocks as opposed to a more diverse portfolio like a traditional pooled investment. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares. Shares trade on the Exchange at market price that may be below, at or above the Fund’s NAV. Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In the event of an unscheduled market close for derivatives that reference a single stock, such as either of the underlying company’s securities being halted or a market wide closure, settlement prices will be determined by the procedures of the listing exchange of the relevant derivatives. As a result, the Fund could be adversely affected and be unable to implement its investment strategies in the event of an unscheduled closing.
Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.
Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund’s investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.
New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.
Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.
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High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Frequent and active trading may lead to higher transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. In addition, there is the possibility of significantly increased short-term capital gains (which will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them). The Fund calculates portfolio turnover without including the short-term cash instruments or derivative transactions that comprise the majority of the Fund’s trading. As such, if the Fund’s extensive use of derivative instruments were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate would be significantly higher.
Market Events Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities and other financial instruments. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities and other financial markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. These conflicts have contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
Operational Risk. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
U.S. Government and U.S. Agency Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the U.S. Treasury. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises) where it is not obligated to do so.
Tax Risk. The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to Shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Code. If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. To comply with the asset diversification tests applicable to a RIC, the Fund will attempt to ensure that the value of stock, options and swaps it holds with respect to a single issuer is never 25% of the total value of Fund assets at the close of any quarter. If the Fund’s investments in such stock, options and swaps were to exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of a tax quarter, the Fund, generally, has a grace period to cure such lack of compliance. If the Fund fails to timely cure, it may no longer be eligible to be treated as a RIC. Further, at least half of the Fund’s assets at the close of each quarter must consist of cash, cash items, and securities of issuers in which its holdings are less than five percent of total fund assets; the Fund expects that this requirement will be met by the collateral which it holds for its swaps and options.
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Management
Investment Adviser: Tidal Investments LLC serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers:
The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Jay Pestrichelli, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2025.
Stephen Foy, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since 2025.
Purchase and Sale of Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units,” which only Authorized Participants (Aps) (typically, broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of securities (the “Deposit Securities”) and/or a designated amount of U.S. cash.
Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the Exchange, and individual Shares may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through brokers at market prices, rather than NAV. Because Shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares (the “bid” price) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (the “ask” price) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market. This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “bid-ask spread.”
When available, information regarding the Fund’s NAV, market price, how often Shares traded on the Exchange at a premium or discount, and bid-ask spreads can be found on the Fund’s website at www.battle-shares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or a combination), unless an investment is in an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or other tax-advantaged account. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
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Financial Intermediary Compensation
If you purchase Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an “Intermediary”), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training, or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediary’s website for more information.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
Investment Objective
The investment objective of each Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation.
An investment objective is fundamental if it cannot be changed without the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares. No Fund’s investment objective has been adopted as a fundamental investment policy and therefore each Fund’s investment objective may be changed without the consent of that Fund’s shareholders upon approval by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Tidal Trust III (the “Trust”) and at least 60 days’ written notice to shareholders.
Investment Strategy
Under normal circumstances, the Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to NVDA and/or INTC. The Fund’s “80%” policy is non-fundamental and can be changed without shareholder approval. However, Fund shareholders would be given at least 60 days’ notice prior to any such change.
Under normal circumstances, the Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to TSLA and/or F. The Fund’s “80%” policy is non-fundamental and can be changed without shareholder approval. However, Fund shareholders would be given at least 60 days’ notice prior to any such change.
Under normal circumstances, the Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to AMZN and/or M. The Fund’s “80%” policy is non-fundamental and can be changed without shareholder approval. However, Fund shareholders would be given at least 60 days’ notice prior to any such change.
Under normal circumstances, the Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to COIN and/or WFC. The Fund’s “80%” policy is non-fundamental and can be changed without shareholder approval. However, Fund shareholders would be given at least 60 days’ notice prior to any such change.
Under normal circumstances, the Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to MSTR and/or JPM. The Fund’s “80%” policy is non-fundamental and can be changed without shareholder approval. However, Fund shareholders would be given at least 60 days’ notice prior to any such change.
Under normal circumstances, the Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to NFLX and/or CMCSA. The Fund’s “80%” policy is non-fundamental and can be changed without shareholder approval. However, Fund shareholders would be given at least 60 days’ notice prior to any such change.
Under normal circumstances, the Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to LLY and/or YUM. The Fund’s “80%” policy is non-fundamental and can be changed without shareholder approval. However, Fund shareholders would be given at least 60 days’ notice prior to any such change.
Under normal circumstances, the Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a combination of direct equity securities, swaps, and options that provide financial exposure to GOOGL and/or NYT. The Fund’s “80%” policy is non-fundamental and can be changed without shareholder approval. However, Fund shareholders would be given at least 60 days’ notice prior to any such change.
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Crypto Assets
Several of the Underlying Securities invest in or have substantial exposure to crypto assets and/or related technologies (e.g., MSTR and COIN). Although some crypto assets (e.g., Bitcoin and Ethereum) may be referred to as “cryptocurrencies” none of them is yet widely accepted as a means of payment.
Information About Bitcoin (MSTR)
As noted above, as of the date of this Prospectus, MSTR invests substantially in Bitcoin. The following provides an overview of Bitcoin, the Bitcoin Blockchain, the relationship between the two, as well as their use cases. Please see MSTR Risk (Long Position) below for information about the risks of investing in MSTR and, indirectly, in Bitcoin.
Bitcoin Description:
Bitcoin, the first and most well-known crypto asset, operates on a decentralized network using blockchain technology to facilitate secure and anonymous transactions. Bitcoin represents a digital asset that functions as a medium of exchange utilizing cryptographic protocols to secure transactional processes, control the creation of additional units, and verify the transfer of assets. Its operation on a decentralized blockchain network is designed to provide both transparency and immutability of records, without the need for a central authority. This innovative technology underpinning Bitcoin allows for peer-to-peer transactions and provides a framework for digital scarcity, making Bitcoin a unique investment commodity within the digital currency landscape.
Bitcoin Blockchain Description:
The Bitcoin blockchain constitutes a decentralized, digital ledger technology that chronologically and publicly records all Bitcoin transactions. This technology is characterized by its use of blocks, which are structurally linked in a chain through cryptographic hashes. Each block contains a list of transactions that, once verified and added to the blockchain through a consensus process known as proof of work, is designed to be irreversible and tamper-evident. The integrity, transparency, and security of the transactional data are maintained autonomously within the Bitcoin network.
The Relationship between Bitcoin and Bitcoin Blockchain:
Bitcoin is a digital asset that operates on the Bitcoin blockchain, a decentralized and cryptographic ledger system. The Bitcoin blockchain underpins the entire Bitcoin network, providing mechanism (designed to be secure and transparent) for recording Bitcoin transactions. Each Bitcoin transaction is verified by network participants and permanently recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain, designed to ensure the integrity and traceability of the digital currency. Thus, while Bitcoin serves as a medium of exchange or store of value, the Bitcoin blockchain is designed to act as the immutable record-keeping system that facilitates and authenticates the circulation and ownership of Bitcoin. This symbiotic relationship seeks to ensure that Bitcoin operates in a trustless and decentralized manner, with the Bitcoin blockchain maintaining the currency's history and scarcity.
Bitcoin and Bitcoin Blockchain Use Cases:
Bitcoin and the Bitcoin blockchain serve as innovative financial instruments within the digital economy, offering multiple use cases. However, their adoption has been limited. Key applications include:
1. Decentralized Transactions: Bitcoin facilitates peer-to-peer financial transactions globally without the need for intermediaries, reducing transaction costs and times. This feature makes it an attractive option for cross-border transfers and remittances.
2. Store of Value: Due to its limited supply and decentralized nature, Bitcoin is perceived as a digital alternative to traditional stores of value like gold, potentially serving as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.
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3. Smart Contracts: While primarily associated with other blockchain platforms, the Bitcoin blockchain can execute smart contracts—self-executing contractual agreements with the terms directly written into code—thereby enabling automated and conditional transactions.
4. Asset Tokenization: The Bitcoin blockchain provides a platform for tokenizing assets, converting rights to an asset into a digital token on the blockchain. This can include real estate, stocks, or other forms of assets, enhancing liquidity and market efficiency.
5. Digital Identity Verification: Leveraging the security and immutability of the Bitcoin blockchain, companies can develop digital identity verification systems, enhancing privacy and reducing identity theft.
Permissionless Public Blockchain:
In connection with certain Underlying Securities (such as MSTR and COIN), it is important to understand blockchain technology and its role in the crypto asset ecosystem. Blockchain technology underpins the crypto asset industry and consists of decentralized, permissionless public ledgers designed to record and verify transactions securely and transparently. These blockchains, such as the Bitcoin network, operate without a central authority and rely on distributed networks of computers to validate and record transactions.
Permissionless public blockchains are governed through consensus mechanisms, such as proof-of-work or proof-of-stake protocols, which enable participants to agree on the validity of transactions. They are maintained by a network of nodes (computers running the blockchain software) and are designed to resist censorship and ensure the integrity of the ledger. Access to these blockchains is open to anyone with an internet connection, allowing users to transact, verify transactions, and participate in network governance.
Native crypto assets, such as Bitcoin, are integral to the functioning of these blockchains. They serve as incentives for network participants to validate transactions and maintain the blockchain. Additionally, native crypto assets often play a central role in applications built on the blockchain, such as facilitating payments, enabling smart contracts, or serving as collateral in decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms.
Public permissionless blockchains face several inherent risks and challenges. The integrity and viability of their consensus mechanisms, such as proof-of-work or proof-of-stake, are critical to their operation but may be subject to vulnerabilities, including the risk of malicious attacks or inadequate participation by network validators. These blockchains may also experience capacity constraints, leading to delays in transaction execution and settlement during periods of high network activity. Such congestion can result in unpredictable and elevated transaction fees, potentially reducing the blockchain’s utility and adoption. Furthermore, the development, maintenance, and governance of public permissionless blockchains are typically open-source and decentralized, making them susceptible to “forks,” where users, miners, or validators split the blockchain into separate versions. Forks can create uncertainty regarding the value and viability of the affected crypto assets and may impact the reliability of the original blockchain.
Differing Views of Crypto Assets - Permissionless vs Permissioned Blockchain Technology
As of the date of this Prospectus, JPM has historically taken a less favorable view on Bitcoin as a crypto asset, often citing concerns related to its volatility, regulatory uncertainties, and potential use in illicit activities. Despite this stance, JPM has expressed a favorable view of the underlying blockchain technology that powers Bitcoin. Through its blockchain business unit, Onyx by J.P. Morgan, JPM has demonstrated a strong commitment to the development and deployment of private, permissioned blockchain technology. This commitment is evident in its efforts to develop blockchain-based products and services, such as the JPM Coin for payments and Liink for interbank information sharing, which are designed to improve efficiency and transparency in financial transactions.
While Bitcoin relies on public, permissionless blockchain technology (described above), JPM’s focus has been on leveraging private, permissioned blockchains, which provide enhanced control, security, and scalability tailored to enterprise use cases. This strategic approach highlights JPM’s recognition of blockchain’s potential to revolutionize financial services, even as it maintains a cautious outlook on Bitcoin itself.
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In contrast, MSTR has tied its business strategy closely to Bitcoin. MSTR’s financial performance, and consequently the price performance of its stock, is substantially influenced by the price of Bitcoin due to its primary business activity of investing in and holding significant amounts of Bitcoin. Unlike MSTR, JPM’s diversified business model spans traditional banking, investment services, and innovative financial technologies, and its performance is not directly driven by the price movements of Bitcoin. This fundamental difference underscores the distinct roles that Bitcoin and blockchain technology play in the strategic approaches of these two companies.
Additional Fund Attributes
Each Fund will employ its investment strategy regardless of whether there are periods of adverse market, economic, or other conditions and will not take temporary defensive positions during such periods.
Manager of Managers Structure
Although the Funds are not currently sub-advised, the Funds and the Adviser have received exemptive relief from the SEC permitting the Adviser (subject to certain conditions and the approval of the Board) to change or select new unaffiliated sub-advisers without obtaining shareholder approval. The relief also permits the Adviser to materially amend the terms of agreements with an unaffiliated sub-adviser (including an increase in the fee paid by the Adviser to the unaffiliated sub-adviser (and not paid by the Fund)) or to continue the employment of an unaffiliated sub-adviser after an event that would otherwise cause the automatic termination of services with Board approval, but without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be notified of any unaffiliated sub-adviser changes. The Adviser has the ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board, to oversee a sub-adviser and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The exemptive relief applies to sub-advisers that are either wholly-owned by the Adviser or its parent company, as well as to unaffiliated sub-advisers, including those whose affiliation arises solely from their sub-advisory relationship.
Investments by Registered Investment Companies
Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies. However, registered investment companies are permitted to invest in other investment companies beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) in recently adopted rules under the 1940 Act, subject to certain conditions. Each Fund may rely on Rule 12d1-4 of the 1940 Act, which provides an exemption from Section 12(d)(1) that allows the Fund to invest beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) if the Fund satisfies certain conditions specified in Rule 12d1-4, including, among other conditions, that the Fund and its advisory group will not control (individually or in the aggregate) an acquired fund (e.g., hold more than 25% of the outstanding voting securities of an acquired fund that is a registered open-end management investment company).
Principal Risks of Investing in the Funds
The principal risks are presented in alphabetical order to facilitate finding particular risks and comparing them with those of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Funds, regardless of the order in which it appears. As with any investment, there is a risk that you could lose all or a portion of your investment in a Fund. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect a Fund’s NAV per share, trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its investment objective. The following risks could affect the value of your performance in the Funds: The risks below apply to each Fund as indicated in the following table. Additional information about each such risk and its potential impact on a Fund is set forth below the table.
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| NVDA
vs INTC |
TSLA
vs F |
AMZN
vs M |
COIN
vs WFC |
MSTR
vs JPM |
NFLX
vs CMCSA |
LLY
vs YUM |
GOOGL
vs NYT | |
| AMZN Risk (Long Position) | X | |||||||
| CMCSA’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position) | X | |||||||
| COIN Risk (Long Position) | X | |||||||
| Concentration Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Counterparty Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Derivatives Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| — Swaps | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| — Options | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Equity Market Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| ETF Risks | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| — Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| — Costs of Buying or Selling Shares | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| — Management Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| — Shares May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| — Trading | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Ford Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position) | X | |||||||
| GOOGL Risk (Long Position) | X | |||||||
| High Portfolio Turnover Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Industry Risks | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| — Long Position Risks | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| — Short Position Risks | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| — Opposing Performance Risks | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Inflation Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| INTC Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position) | X | |||||||
| JPM’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position) | X | |||||||
| Leveraging Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| LLY Risk (Long Position) | X | |||||||
| Macy’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position) | X | |||||||
| Management Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Market Events Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Movies and Entertainment Industry Risk | X | |||||||
| MSTR Risk (Long Position) | X | |||||||
| New Fund Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| NFLX Risk (Long Position) | X | |||||||
| Non-Diversification Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| NVDA Risk (Long Position) | X | |||||||
| NYT’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position) | X | |||||||
| Operational Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Tax Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| TSLA Risk (Long Position) | X | |||||||
| U.S. Government and U.S. Agency Obligations Risk | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| WFC’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position) | X | |||||||
| YUM’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position) | X |
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AMZN Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in AMZN either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). By virtue of the Fund’s exposure to the value of AMZN, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in AMZN Risk. Amazon.com, Inc. is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of Amazon.com, Inc. but will be exposed to the performance of AMZN (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.
AMZN Trading Risk. The trading price of AMZN may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of AMZN may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the common stock of Amazon.com, Inc., further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Amazon.com, Inc. may additionally impact AMZN’s stock price due to Amazon.com, Inc. garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against Amazon.com, Inc. in the past. While Amazon.com, Inc. continues to defend such actions, any judgment against Amazon.com, Inc., or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of Amazon.com, Inc.’s attention and resources. If AMZN trading is halted, trading in Shares of the AMZN Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
Amazon.com, Inc. Performance Risk. Amazon.com, Inc. may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of AMZN to decline. Amazon.com, Inc. provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance Amazon.com, Inc. provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If Amazon.com, Inc.’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by Amazon.com, Inc. could decline significantly.
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail Risk. Companies, such as Amazon.com, Inc., that operate via the internet or direct marketing (e.g., online consumer services, online retail, travel) segments are subject to fluctuating consumer demand. Unlike traditional brick and mortar retailers, online marketplaces and retailers must assume shipping costs or pass such costs to consumers. Consumer access to price information for the same or similar products may cause companies that operate in the online marketplace, retail and travel segments to reduce profit margins in order to compete. Due to the nature of their business models, companies that operate in the online marketplace, retail, and travel segments may also be subject to heightened cybersecurity risk, including the risk of theft or damage to vital hardware, software, and information systems. The loss or public dissemination of sensitive customer information or other proprietary data may negatively affect the financial performance of such companies to a greater extent than traditional brick and mortar retailers. As a result of such companies being web-based and the fact that they process, store, and transmit large amounts of data, including personal information, for their customers, failure to prevent or mitigate data loss or other security breaches, including breaches of vendors’ technology and systems, could expose companies that operate via the internet or direct marketing retail to a risk of loss or misuse of such information, adversely affect their operating results, result in litigation or potential liability, and otherwise harm their businesses.
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CMCSA’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell CMCSA shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of CMCSA, the Fund is subject to the risk that CMCSA’s share price increases. If the share price of CMCSA increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
CMCSA’s ability to compete effectively and retain or improve market share in its core businesses, such as broadband internet, cable and video services, could positively impact CMCSA’s share price. Moreover, CMCSA’s ability to acquire, develop, adopt and leverage new and existing technologies could lead to increased demand for CMCSA’s products, which could also result in an increase in CMCSA’s share price.
Favorable economic conditions in the United States, in Europe or globally could positively affect demand for any of CMCSA’s products and services, including advertising, and have a positive impact on its results of operations.
CMCSA’s ability to implement strategic plans and initiatives may result in sustainable, profitable growth, leading to increased stock prices.
CMCSA’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from CMCSA’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
CMCSA’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in CMCSA’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
CMCSA’s stock performance may benefit from positive performance in the cable & satellite industry. Companies in the cable & satellite industry are subject to government regulation and can be significantly affected by intense competition and technology changes.
COIN Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in COIN either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). By virtue of the Fund’s exposure to the value of COIN, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in COIN Risk. Coinbase Global, Inc. is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of Coinbase Global, Inc. but will be exposed to the performance of COIN (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.
COIN Trading Risk. The trading price of COIN may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of COIN may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the common stock of Coinbase Global, Inc., further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Coinbase Global, Inc. may additionally impact COIN’s stock price due to Coinbase Global, Inc. garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against Coinbase Global, Inc. in the past. While Coinbase Global, Inc. continues to defend such actions, any judgment against Coinbase Global, Inc., or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of Coinbase Global, Inc.’s attention and resources. If COIN trading is halted, trading in Shares of the COIN Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
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Coinbase Global, Inc. Performance Risk. Coinbase Global, Inc. may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of COIN to decline. Coinbase Global, Inc. provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance Coinbase Global, Inc. provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If Coinbase Global, Inc.’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by Coinbase Global, Inc. could decline significantly.
Coinbase Global, Inc. Regulatory Risk: Crypto asset trading platforms may be operating out of compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Such crypto asset trading platforms are, or may become, subject to enforcement actions by regulatory authorities. Any such enforcement actions may have a material adverse impact on the Fund, its investments, and its ability to implement its investment strategy. The SEC has brought an enforcement action alleging that Coinbase Global, Inc. provides, among other things: a trading platform that operates as an unregistered broker, unregistered exchange, and an unregistered clearing agency, a prime broker that operates as an unregistered broker; and a crypto asset staking program that constitutes the unregistered offer and sale of an investment contract, and thus a security.
Digital Assets Risk. While the Fund will not directly invest in digital assets, it will be subject to the risks associated with digital assets by virtue of its investments in options contracts that reference COIN. The technologies underpinning digital assets are highly disruptive, and the future successes of such technologies are highly uncertain. Further, because the development of digital asset technologies is in a nascent stage, digital asset companies may be rapidly eclipsed by newer and more disruptive technological advances that render current digital assets or technologies outdated or undesirable. Further, digital asset companies may be subject to the risks posed by conflicting intellectual property claims among digital assets, which may reduce confidence in the viability of a digital asset. Because of the uncertainty of digital asset technologies, the values of the securities of these companies may be highly volatile. Digital assets may be traded on trading platforms that are unregulated and often located outside the United States. Digital asset trading platforms may stop operating or permanently shut down due to fraud, theft, disruption, technical glitches, hackers, malware or security compromises or failures in the underlying blockchain, ledger or software. Digital Assets are also at risk of possible manipulation and vulnerabilities surrounding the use of third-party products, which may be subject to technical defects beyond a company’s control. Further, digital assets are not maintained in traditional custodial arrangements, and instead are typically held in “wallets,” which are public digital addresses accessible only by “private keys.” If a private key is stolen, lost, damaged or destroyed, the digital assets attributable to such private key may be irreversibly lost without the possibility of recovery. Over their short history, digital assets have experienced tremendous price volatility compared to traditional asset classes, and may experience significant illiquidity in stressed market conditions. The values of digital assets should not be expected to be connected or correlated to traditional economic or market forces, and the value of the investments in digital assets could decline rapidly, including to zero, as a digital asset may decline in popularity, acceptance or use, thereby impairing its price.
Financials Companies Risk. Financial companies, such as retail and commercial banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and financial services companies, are especially subject to the adverse effects of economic recession, currency exchange rates, extensive government regulation, decreases in the availability of capital, volatile interest rates, portfolio concentrations in geographic markets, industries or products (such as commercial and residential real estate loans) and competition from new entrants and blurred distinctions in their fields of business. The extent to which the Fund may invest in a company that engages in securities-related activities or banking is limited by applicable law. Governmental regulation may change frequently and may have significant adverse consequences for companies in the financials sector, including effects not intended by such regulation. The impact of changes in capital requirements, or recent or future regulation, on any financial company or on the financials sector as a whole cannot be predicted. The financials sector can be a target or cyberattacks, and may experience technology malfunctions and disruptions. These risks may be amplified for companies that operate online and digital platforms. In recent years, cyberattacks and technology malfunctions and failures have become increasingly frequent in this sector and have reportedly caused losses to companies in this sector.
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Blockchain Related Company Risk. The performance of COIN, and consequently the Fund’s performance, is subject to the risks relating to companies engaged in blockchain related activities. The “blockchain” is a peer to peer, shared, digital ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and tracking assets. Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that use blockchain technology to record and secure every transaction. Blockchain technology is new and its uses are in many cases untested or unclear. Blockchain related companies involved in cryptocurrencies may face volatile rates of adoption and face intense competition and potentially rapid product obsolescence. These companies may also have significant exposure to fluctuations in the spot prices of digital assets, particularly to the extent that demand for a service may increase as the spot price of digital assets increase. Many blockchain companies currently operate under less regulatory scrutiny than traditional financial services companies and banks, but there is significant risk that regulatory oversight could increase in the future. Higher levels of regulation could increase costs and adversely impact the current business models of some blockchain related companies and could even result in the outright prohibition of certain business activities. Any further restrictions imposed by governments on crypto-currency related activities may adversely impact blockchain companies. In contrast, a higher level of certainty relating to governmental regulation could serve to enhance the performance of certain blockchain-related companies. In addition, many blockchain companies store sensitive consumer information and could be the target of cybersecurity attacks and other types of theft, which could have a negative impact on these companies. Access to a given blockchain may require a specific cryptographic key (in effect a string of characters granting unique access to initiate transactions related to specific digital assets) or set of keys, the theft, loss, or destruction of which, either by accident or as a result of the efforts of a third-party, could irrevocably impair a claim to the digital assets stored on that blockchain.
Concentration Risk. A Fund’s investments will be concentrated in same industry as that of the companies it holds long and short. The value of a Fund’s shares may rise and fall more than the value of shares that invest in securities of companies in a broader range of industries.
Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in derivatives which exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparties may seek to hedge their exposure to individual clients (such as the Fund) by establishing offsetting exposures with other clients, however, there is no guarantee that counterparties will do so under all circumstances. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund and the Fund may be unable to recover its investment from such counterparty or may obtain a limited and/or delayed recovery.
In addition, the Fund may enter into swap agreements with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk. Further, there is a risk that no suitable counterparties will be willing to enter into, or continue to enter into, transactions with the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
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Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s derivative investments carry risks such as an imperfect match between the derivative’s performance and its underlying assets, and the potential for loss of principal, which can exceed the initial investment. Additionally, there are risks related to the possible default of the transaction’s counterparty and the illiquidity of derivatives, making them hard to sell or trade. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The derivatives used by the Fund will give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in derivatives could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns.
| ◦ | Swaps. Swaps are entered into primarily with major global financial institutions for specified periods. The swaps in which the Fund invests are generally traded in the over-the-counter market, which generally has less transparency than exchange-traded derivatives instruments. The Fund’s swap agreements are subject to mandatory clearing, which means they must be transacted through a futures commission merchant and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty. Swaps involve the risk that the party with whom the Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to pay the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a swap due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the swap in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. This risk is heightened with respect to OTC instruments, such as the swaps in which the Fund will invest, and may be greater during volatile market conditions. Other risks include the inability to close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid (particularly in the OTC markets) or the availability of counterparties becomes limited for a period of time. Certain of the Fund’s transactions in swaps could also affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders, which may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may adversely impact the Fund’s after-tax returns. |
| ◦ |
Options. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events. For the Fund in particular, the value of the options contracts in which it invests are substantially influenced by the value of the underlying stocks. The Fund may experience substantial downside from specific option positions and certain option positions held by the Fund may expire worthless. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund (i.e., “call” or “put,” respectively) a specific amount of the underlying stock at an agreed-upon price, typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile, and the use of options can lower total returns. |
Equity Market Risk. The prices of equity securities rise and fall daily. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual issuers, industries or the stock market as a whole. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles which may cause stock prices to fall over a short and extended periods of time. In a declining stock market, stock prices for all companies (including those in the Fund’s portfolio) may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects.
ETF Risks.
Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Funds have a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.
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Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid-ask spreads, frequent trading of Shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in Shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.
Shares May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market price of Shares will approximate the Fund’s NAV, there may be times when the market price of Shares is more than the NAV intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount) due to supply and demand of Shares or during periods of market volatility. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility, periods of steep market declines, and periods when there is limited trading activity for Shares in the secondary market, in which case such premiums or discounts may be significant.
Trading. Although Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the Exchange, and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained or that the Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. This risk may be greater for the Fund as it seeks to have exposure to just two underlying stocks, as opposed to a more diverse portfolio like a traditional pooled investment. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of a Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares. Shares trade on the Exchange at a market price that may be below, at or above a Fund’s NAV. Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of a Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged.
Ford Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell F shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of F, the Fund is subject to the risk that F’s share price increases. If the share price of F increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Ford’s ability to gain market share in the electric vehicle market may enhance its market position and result in increased stock prices. Market share gains against key competitors, such as TSLA, in the electric vehicle market may further support Ford’s stock performance. Moreover, strategic partnerships and successful acquisitions could drive significant growth and lead to stock appreciation.
Favorable macroeconomic and industry conditions, including strong global demand for automobiles, may contribute to robust financial performance for Ford. Effective supply chain management and mitigation of production delays could also enhance Ford’s operational efficiency, potentially resulting in outperformance.
Ford’s ability to consistently rely on critical suppliers to deliver components in accordance with Ford’s production schedule and specifications, including with respect to key components or raw materials, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and manganese, which are needed to maintain vehicle production.
Ford’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from Ford’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
Ford’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in Ford’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
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Finally, Ford may benefit from favorable geopolitical developments, including advantageous trade policies or improved relations with key markets, such as China, which could positively impact its operations and stock performance. Conversely, any significant challenges faced by competitors, such as product delays or supply chain issues, may reduce competition and contribute to Ford’s stock outperformance.
GOOGL Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in GOOGL either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). By virtue of the Fund’s exposure to the value of GOOGL, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in GOOGL Risk. Alphabet, Inc. is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of Alphabet, Inc. but will be exposed to the performance of GOOGL (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.
GOOGL Trading Risk. The trading price of GOOGL may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of GOOGL may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the Class A common stock of Alphabet Inc., further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Alphabet Inc. may additionally impact GOOGL’s stock price due to Alphabet Inc. garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against Alphabet Inc. in the past. While Alphabet Inc. continues to defend such actions, any judgment against Alphabet Inc., or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of Alphabet Inc.’s attention and resources. If GOOGL trading is halted, trading in Shares of the GOOGL Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
Alphabet Inc. Performance Risk. Alphabet Inc. may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of GOOGL to decline. Alphabet Inc. provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance Alphabet Inc. provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If Alphabet Inc.’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by Alphabet Inc. could decline significantly.
Communication Services Sector Risk. Communication services companies may be subject to specific risks associated with legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions, intellectual property use and/or increased competition. Communication services companies are particularly vulnerable to rapid advancements in technology, the innovation of competitors, rapid product obsolescence and government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics and often unpredictable changes in consumer tastes can drastically affect a communication services company’s profitability. While all companies may be susceptible to network security breaches, certain communication services companies may be particular targets of hacking and potential theft of proprietary or consumer information or disruptions in service, which could have a material adverse effect on their businesses.
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High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Frequent and active trading may lead to higher transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. In addition, there is the possibility of significantly increased short-term capital gains (which will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them). The Fund calculates portfolio turnover without including the short-term cash instruments or derivative transactions that comprise the majority of the Fund’s trading. As such, if the Fund’s extensive use of derivative instruments were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate would be significantly higher.
Industry Risks.
Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF:
| ● | Long Position Risks: For the Fund’s Long Position (NVDA), the Fund is subject to the risk that the semiconductor industry performs poorly. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services. Semiconductor companies may rely on a limited number of suppliers, or upon suppliers in a single location, for certain materials, equipment or tools. Finding and qualifying alternate or additional suppliers can be a lengthy process that can cause production delays or impose unforeseen costs, and such alternatives may not be available at all. Production can be disrupted by the unavailability of resources, such as water, silicon, electricity, gases and other materials. Suppliers may also increase prices or encounter cybersecurity or other issues that can disrupt production or increase production costs. |
The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
| ● | Short Position Risks: For the Fund’s Short Position (INTC), the Fund is subject to the risk that the semiconductor industry performs well. The Fund’s short position is subject to risks of positive developments in the semiconductor industry. For example, increased competition leading to higher profit margins, successful product innovation, or the strengthening of supply chains, which could negatively impact the Fund’s Short Position. If semiconductor companies experience growth, technological advancements, or improvements in operational efficiencies, the Fund’s Short Positions may underperform, leading to potential losses. Additionally, if semiconductor companies effectively protect their intellectual property or overcome supply chain challenges, the Fund’s Short Position may perform poorly. |
| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
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Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF:
| ● | Long Position Risks: For the Fund’s Long Position (TSLA), the Fund is subject to the risk that the automobiles industry performs poorly. Automobile companies may be negatively affected by labor relations and costs, automotive technology developments (including autonomous vehicles) and consumer preferences. The automobiles industry may also be subject to significant government regulation, including tariffs, taxes, subsidies, import and export restrictions and environmental regulations. The automobiles industry may have a greater exposure to a single factor, such as an increase in the price of oil, which may adversely affect the sale of automobiles and, as a result, the value of the industry’s securities. |
The automobiles industry can be highly cyclical, and companies in the industry may suffer periodic operating losses. The industry can be significantly affected by labor relations and fluctuating component prices. While most of the major manufacturers are large, financially strong companies, many others are small and can be non-diversified in both product line and customer base. Additionally, developments in automotive technologies (e.g., autonomous vehicle technologies) may require significant capital expenditures that may not generate profits for several years, if any. Companies in the automobiles industry may be significantly subject to government policies and regulations regarding imports and exports of automotive products. Governmental policies affecting the automotive industry, such as taxes, tariffs, duties, subsidies, and import and export restrictions on automotive products can influence industry profitability. In addition, such companies must comply with environmental laws and regulations, for which there may be severe consequences for non-compliance.
| ● | Short Position Risks: For the Fund’s Short Position (F), the Fund is subject to the risk that the automobile industry performs well. For instance, strong consumer demand for electric vehicles, improvements in autonomous driving technology, or regulatory incentives promoting clean energy vehicles could negatively impact the Fund’s short position. If automobile companies experience growth due to advancements in fuel efficiency, successful expansion into emerging markets, or enhanced supply chain resilience, the Fund’s short positions may underperform, leading to potential losses. Additionally, if manufacturers manage to reduce production costs or adapt swiftly to new environmental regulations, the Fund’s Short Position could be adversely affected. |
| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF:
| ● | Long Position Risks (Internet and Direct Marketing Retail Industry): For the Fund’s Long Position (AMZN), the Fund is subject to the risk that the internet and direct marketing retail industry performs poorly. Companies in the internet and direct marketing retail industry provide retail services primarily on the internet, through mail order and TV home shopping retailers, and rely heavily on consumer spending. Prices of securities of companies in this industry may fluctuate widely due to general economic conditions, consumer spending and the availability of disposable income, changing consumer tastes and preferences and consumer demographics. Legislative or regulatory changes and increased government supervision also may affect companies in this industry. |
| ● | Short Position Risks (Department Stores Industry): For the Fund’s Short Position (M), the Fund is subject to the risk that the department stores industry may perform well. The Fund’s short position is vulnerable to positive developments in the sector. For instance, increased consumer spending, successful adaptation to e-commerce, or improvements in supply chain management could negatively impact the Fund’s short position. If department stores experience growth due to strong holiday sales, expansion into new markets, or enhancements in customer experience through technology, the Fund’s short positions may underperform, leading to potential losses. Additionally, if department stores effectively manage inventory, reduce operational costs, or capitalize on changing consumer preferences, the Fund’s short position could be adversely affected. |
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| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF:
| ● | Long Position Risks: For the Fund’s Long Position (COIN), the Fund is subject to the risk that the capital markets industry performs poorly. Capital markets companies may be significantly affected by stock and bank trading activity, changes in governmental regulation, continuing increases in price competition, decreases in fees or fee-related business, including investment banking, brokerage, asset management and other servicing fees, fluctuation in interest rates and other factors which could adversely affect financial markets. Furthermore, disruptions in credit markets, liquidity issues, geopolitical tensions, and technological disruptions, such as the rise of fintech or decentralized finance platforms, could pose further challenges. |
| ● | Short Position Risks: For the Fund’s Short Position (WFC), the Fund is exposed to the risk that the banking industry may perform well. Positive developments within the banking sector could negatively impact the Fund’s short position. For example, if banks experience increased lending activity, rising interest margins, or greater profitability from fees and other services, the Fund’s Short Position could underperform. Additionally, improvements in financial technology, effective risk management practices, or regulatory changes that favor the banking industry could further strengthen these institutions, resulting in potential losses for the Fund’s Short Position. If banks successfully navigate economic conditions, enhance their operational efficiencies, or benefit from strong consumer and business demand for financial services, the Fund’s Short Position may perform poorly. |
| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF:
| ● | Long Position Risks: For the Fund’s Long Position (MSTR), the Fund is subject to the risk that the software industry performs poorly. The software industry can be significantly affected by intense competition, aggressive pricing, technological innovations, and product obsolescence. Companies in the software industry are subject to significant competitive pressures, such as aggressive pricing, new market entrants, competition for market share, short product cycles due to an accelerated rate of technological developments and the potential for limited earnings and/or falling profit margins. These companies also face the risks that new services, equipment or technologies will not be accepted by consumers and businesses or will become rapidly obsolete. These factors can affect the profitability of these companies and, as a result, the value of their securities. Also, patent protection is integral to the success of many companies in this industry, and profitability can be affected materially by, among other things, the cost of obtaining (or failing to obtain) patent approvals, the cost of litigating patent infringement and the loss of patent protection for products (which significantly increases pricing pressures and can materially reduce profitability with respect to such products). In addition, many software companies have limited operating histories. Prices of these companies’ securities historically have been more volatile than other securities, especially over the short term. |
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| ● | Short Position Risks: For the Fund’s Short Position (JPM), the Fund is exposed to the risk that the banking industry may perform well. Positive developments within the banking sector could negatively impact the Fund’s short position. For example, if banks experience increased lending activity, rising interest margins, or greater profitability from fees and other services, the Fund’s Short Position could underperform. Additionally, improvements in financial technology, effective risk management practices, or regulatory changes that favor the banking industry could further strengthen these institutions, resulting in potential losses for the Fund’s Short Position. If banks successfully navigate economic conditions, enhance their operational efficiencies, or benefit from strong consumer and business demand for financial services, the Fund’s Short Position may perform poorly. |
| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF:
| ● | Long Position Risks: For the Fund’s Long Position (NFLX), the Fund is subject to the risk that the movies and entertainment industry performs poorly. The movies and entertainment industry is highly competitive and relies on consumer spending and the availability of disposable income for success. Companies in this industry face risks related to shifting consumer preferences, the rise of streaming platforms, and changing content consumption habits, all of which can significantly affect their profitability. The prices of securities in this industry may fluctuate due to competitive pressures, including the high costs of content creation, marketing, and distribution. Additionally, companies may face challenges in monetizing new content or technologies, and the success of a project can be unpredictable. Rapid technological advancements may render current entertainment models obsolete. Furthermore, legislative or regulatory changes, such as new copyright laws, content restrictions, or heightened government oversight, could impose additional operational or financial burdens on companies in this industry, further impacting their performance. |
| ● | Short Position Risks: For the Fund’s Short Position (CMCSA), the Fund is subject to the risk that the cable & satellite industry performs well. Positive developments within this industry could negatively impact the Fund’s Short Position. For example, if cable and satellite companies experience increased demand for their services, such as through bundling of internet, television, and phone services, or benefit from strong subscriber retention, the Fund’s Short Position may underperform. Additionally, advancements in content delivery technology, successful adaptation to streaming services, or regulatory changes that favor the industry, such as relaxed restrictions on service pricing, could further strengthen these companies, potentially leading to losses for the Fund’s Short Position. If companies in this sector manage to improve operational efficiencies, expand their customer base, or benefit from favorable consumer and business trends, the Fund’s Short Position may perform poorly. |
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| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF:
| ● | Long Position Risks: For the Fund’s Long Position (LLY), the Fund is subject to the risk that the pharmaceutical industry performs poorly. The profitability of these companies is highly dependent on the development, procurement and marketing of drugs and the development, protection and exploitation of intellectual property rights and other proprietary information. These companies may be significantly affected by the expiration of patents or the loss of, or the inability to enforce, intellectual property rights. Research and other costs associated with developing or procuring new drugs and the related intellectual property rights can be significant and may not be successful. Many pharmaceutical companies face intense competition from new products and less costly generic products, which may make it difficult to raise the prices of their products and may result in price discounting. In addition, the process for obtaining regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or other governmental regulatory authorities is long and costly and there is no assurance that the necessary approvals will be obtained or maintained by these companies. |
| ● | Short Position Risks: For the Fund’s Short Position (YUM), the Fund is subject to the risk that the restaurants industry may perform well. Positive developments within this industry could negatively impact the Fund’s Short Position. For example, if restaurant companies experience increased consumer spending, benefit from strong demand for dining out, or effectively adapt to changing consumer preferences such as the rise of delivery and takeout services, the Fund’s Short Position may underperform. Additionally, improvements in operational efficiencies, such as better supply chain management, cost controls, or the adoption of technology to streamline ordering and customer service, could further strengthen these companies, potentially leading to losses for the Fund’s Short Position. If restaurant companies successfully expand into new markets, enhance brand loyalty, or benefit from favorable economic conditions, the Fund’s short position may perform poorly. |
| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
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Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF:
| ● | Long Position Risks: For the Fund’s Long Position (GOOGL), the Fund is subject to the risk that the interactive media & services industry performs poorly. The success of the interactive media & services industry may be tied closely to the performance of the overall global economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Also, companies in the interactive media & services industry may be subject to severe competition, which may have an adverse impact on their respective profitability. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, interactive media and services in the marketplace. The performance of companies in the interactive media and services industry may be affected by (without limitation) the following factors: failure to attract and retain a substantial number of new device manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, developers or users, or failing to develop products and technologies that work well on new devices and platforms; data privacy and security concerns; regulatory changes; and intellectual property concerns. |
| ● | Short Position Risks: For the Fund’s Short Position (NYT), the Fund is subject to the risk that the publishing industry performs well. The Fund’s Short Position is exposed to risks of positive developments in the publishing industry. For example, increased demand for digital content, successful adaptation to evolving distribution platforms, or growth in subscription-based revenue models, all of which could negatively impact the Fund’s Short Position. If publishing companies experience higher readership, improvements in content monetization, or enhanced operational efficiencies, the Fund’s Short Positions may underperform, leading to potential losses. Additionally, if publishing companies effectively manage copyright protections or capitalize on new digital trends, the Fund’s Short Position may perform poorly. |
| ● | Opposing Performance Risks: The Fund’s strategy of holding a long position in one Underlying Security and a short position in another Underlying Security involves significant risks. From time to time, both positions may experience losses (i.e., the value of the Underlying Security held long declines, while the value of the Underlying Security held short increases). Such outcomes could occur due to a range of factors, including adverse market conditions, unexpected developments, or macroeconomic events that create opposing price movements in the paired securities. Additionally, company-specific risks, such as changes in competitive positioning or differing reactions to industry developments, could drive divergent performance between the long and short positions. |
Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.
INTC Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell INTC shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of INTC, the Fund is subject to the risk that INTC’s share price increases. If the share price of INTC increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Intel’s ability to introduce new and innovative products, such as advanced microprocessors, chipsets, or AI-related hardware, may enhance its market position and result in increased stock prices. Additionally, advancements in semiconductor manufacturing technology, including leadership in smaller node processes (e.g., 7nm or 5nm), could bolster Intel’s competitiveness and investor confidence.
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Market share gains against key competitors, such as NVDA, in critical segments like data centers, personal computing, or gaming, may further support Intel’s stock performance. Moreover, strategic partnerships and successful acquisitions, particularly in high-growth areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, or cloud computing, could drive significant growth and lead to stock appreciation.
Favorable macroeconomic and industry conditions, including strong global demand in sectors like consumer electronics, cloud computing, and 5G, may contribute to robust financial performance for Intel. Effective supply chain management and mitigation of production delays could also enhance Intel’s operational efficiency, potentially resulting in outperformance.
Intel’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from Intel’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
Resolution of legal or regulatory challenges in Intel’s favor may alleviate uncertainties that have previously weighed on the stock. Continued dominance in key markets, such as personal computing and data centers, or successful penetration into emerging markets like AI, autonomous vehicles, or the Internet of Things (IoT), could reinforce Intel’s market leadership and investor confidence.
Intel’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in Intel’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
Finally, Intel may benefit from favorable geopolitical developments, including advantageous trade policies or improved relations with key markets, such as China, which could positively impact its operations and stock performance. Conversely, any significant challenges faced by competitors, such as product delays or supply chain issues, may reduce competition and contribute to Intel’s stock outperformance.
JPM’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell JPM shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of JPM, the Fund is subject to the risk that JPM’s share price increases. If the share price of JPM increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
JPM’s ability to develop and execute effective business plans or strategies or manage change effectively may improve its competitive standing and results of operations. JPM may undertake business plans or strategies related to, among other things, products offered, geographies in which it operates, types of clients and customers it serves, and the methods, distribution channels and third party service providers by or through which it offers products and services. Success in any of these areas could positively impact WFC’s share price.
Favorable economic and market events can materially affect JPM’s businesses and investment and market-making position. For example, favorable investor sentiment, events that increase confidence in the financial markets, positive developments with respect to inflation, and strong U.S. and global economies could each positively impact JPM’s share price.
Changes in interest rates could increase net interest income and earnings, as well as our other comprehensive income, thereby positively impacting JPM’s share price.
Maintenance or improvement in JPM’s credit ratings could positively affect JPM’s ability to borrow funds and lower the costs of its borrowings, which could have a positive impact on JPM’s share price.
JPM’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from JPM’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
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JPM’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in JPM’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
JPM’s stock performance may benefit from positive performance in the banking industry. Companies in the banking industry are subject to the risk that economic, business, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on the banking industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were diversified across several different industries or sectors. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors such as interest rate changes, adverse developments in the real estate market, fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles.
Leveraging Risk. The Fund’s use of leverage amplifies both potential gains and potential losses, which can result in significant volatility and higher risk for investors. Specifically, a Fund’s leveraged long position (“Long Position”) and its leveraged short position (“Short Position”) expose the Fund to heightened risk if the Long Position performs poorly while the Short Position performs well.
If the value of the Long Position declines, the Fund’s leveraged exposure could result in losses that are magnified by the leverage factor, potentially exceeding the losses that would occur in an unleveraged position. For example, if the Fund’s Long Position is at +200% of net assets, a 10% decline in the value of the Long Position could translate into a 20% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
Conversely, if the value of the Short Position increases, the Fund’s leveraged short exposure could also lead to magnified losses. If the Short Position is at -100% of net assets, a 10% rise in the value of the Short Position could result in a 10% loss for the Fund’s net asset value attributable to that position.
In scenarios where the Long Position underperforms and the Short Position outperforms simultaneously, the Fund could experience compounded losses from both positions. This dual risk could lead to significant declines in the Fund’s net asset value, particularly because the losses from one position may not be sufficiently offset by gains in the other, especially when leverage is applied.
Investors should be aware that the use of leverage increases the Fund’s sensitivity to market movements and can lead to substantial losses in a relatively short period. The Adviser’s active management and rebalancing efforts, while designed to manage exposure levels, cannot eliminate the inherent risks associated with leveraged positions. As such, the Fund may experience periods of extreme volatility, and the potential for loss is significant, particularly if market conditions do not align with the Fund’s investment strategy.
LLY Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in LLY either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). By virtue of the Fund’s exposure to the value of LLY, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in LLY Risk. LLY is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of LLY but will be exposed to the performance of LLY (the Underlying Security). Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the Underlying Security but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Underlying Security.
LLY Trading Risk. The trading price of LLY may be subject to volatility and could experience wide fluctuations due to various factors. The pharmaceutical industry, including LLY, operates within a market that has historically witnessed significant price and volume fluctuations, sometimes unrelated to the companies’ operating performance. Short sellers may also play a significant role in trading LLY, potentially affecting the supply and demand dynamics and contributing to market price volatility. Public perception and external factors beyond the company’s control may influence LLY’s stock price disproportionately, as LLY often receives heightened public attention regardless of its operational performance. Additionally, following periods of market volatility, companies, including LLY, have faced securities class action litigation. LLY has been subject to such litigation in the past and continues to defend against such actions. However, any adverse judgment or future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources. In the event of a halt in trading of LLY, trading in shares of related funds may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
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LLY Performance Risk. LLY may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of LLY to decline. LLY provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance LLY provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If LLY’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by LLY could decline significantly.
Pharmaceutical Industry Risks: Pharmaceutical research and development are very costly and highly uncertain; LLY may not succeed in developing, licensing, or acquiring commercially successful products sufficient in number or value to replace revenues of products that have lost or will lose intellectual property protection or are displaced by competing products or therapies. LLY and LLY’s products face intense competition from multinational pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, and lower-cost generic and biosimilar manufacturers, and such competition could have a material adverse effect on LLY’s business. LLY’s business is subject to increasing government price controls and other public and private restrictions on pricing, reimbursement, and access for LLY’s drugs, which could have a material adverse effect on LLY’s results of operations, reputation or business. Pharmaceutical products can develop safety or efficacy concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on LLY’s revenues, income, and reputation.
Intellectual Property Risks: LLY derives a significant percentage of its total revenue from relatively few products and sells products through increasingly consolidated supply chain entities, which may subject LLY to, or exacerbate, various risks. LLY depends on products with intellectual property protection for most of LLY’s revenues, cash flows, and earnings; the loss of effective intellectual property protection for certain of LLY’s products has resulted, and in the future is likely to continue to result, in rapid and severe declines in revenues for those products. LLY’s long-term success depends on intellectual property protection; if LLY’s intellectual property rights are invalidated, circumvented, or weakened, LLY’s business will be adversely affected.
Operations Risks: Failure, inadequacy, breach of, or unauthorized access to, LLY’s IT systems or those of LLY’s third-party service providers, unauthorized access to LLY’s confidential information, or violations of data protection laws, could each result in material harm to LLY’s business and reputation. Manufacturing, quality, or supply chain difficulties, disruptions, or shortages could lead to product supply problems. Reliance on third-party relationships and outsourcing arrangements could adversely affect LLY’s business. LLY’s use of artificial intelligence or other emerging technologies could adversely impact LLY’s business and financial results.
International Business Risks: Uneven economic growth or downturns or international trade and other global disruptions, geopolitical tensions, or disputes could adversely affect LLY’s business and operating results. Changes in foreign currency rates, interest rate risks, and inflation affect LLY’s results of operations.
Government Regulation and Litigation Risks: LLY faces litigation and investigations related to its products, how LLY price or commercialize its products, and other aspects of LLY’s business, which could adversely affect LLY’s business, and LLY is self-insured for such matters. LLY is subject to evolving and complex tax laws, which may result in additional liabilities and affect LLY’s results of operations. Regulatory compliance problems could be damaging to LLY.
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Macy’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell M shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of M, the Fund is subject to the risk that M’s share price increases. If the share price of M increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Macy’s ability to implement strategic plans and initiatives may result in sustainable, profitable growth, leading to increased stock prices. In addition, Macy’s investment in facilities, merchandise assortment and customer service may improve customer retention rates and overall customer satisfaction, leading to increased revenues and stock prices.
Macy’s ability to gain market share in the online retailing market may enhance its market position and result in increased stock prices. Market share gains against key competitors, such as AMZN, may further support Macy’s stock performance. Moreover, strategic partnerships and successful acquisitions could drive significant growth and lead to stock appreciation.
Favorable global, domestic or regional economic or political conditions could positively affect Macy’s business and results of operations. For example, favorable changes related to interest rates, rates of economic growth, fiscal and monetary policies of governments, inflation, deflation, tax rates and policy, unemployment trends, energy prices, and other matters that influence the availability and cost of merchandise, consumer confidence, spending and tourism could positively affect Macy’s business and results of operations
Macy’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from Macy’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
Macy’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in Macy’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
Macy’s stock performance may benefit from positive performance in the department stores industry. Companies in the department stores industry can be significantly affected by the performance of the overall economy, interest rates, competition, and consumer confidence. Success can depend heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of department store products.
Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund’s investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.
Market Events Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities and other financial instruments. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities and other financial markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. These conflicts have contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
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MSTR Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in MSTR either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). By virtue of the Fund’s exposure to the value of MSTR, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in MSTR Risk. MSTR is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of MSTR but will be exposed to the performance of MSTR (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock
MSTR Trading Risk. The trading price of MSTR may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of MSTR may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the common stock of MSTR, further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of MSTR may additionally impact MSTR’s share price due to MSTR garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against MSTR in the past. While MSTR continues to defend such actions, any judgment against MSTR, or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of MSTR’s attention and resources. If MSTR trading is halted, trading in Shares of the Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
MSTR Performance Risk. MSTR may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of MSTR to decline. MSTR provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance MSTR provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If MSTR’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by MSTR could decline significantly.
Software Industry Risk. The software industry can be significantly affected by intense competition, aggressive pricing, technological innovations, and product obsolescence. Companies in the software industry are subject to significant competitive pressures, such as aggressive pricing, new market entrants, competition for market share, short product cycles due to an accelerated rate of technological developments and the potential for limited earnings and/or falling profit margins. These companies also face the risks that new services, equipment or technologies will not be accepted by consumers and businesses or will become rapidly obsolete. These factors can affect the profitability of these companies and, as a result, the value of their securities. Also, patent protection is integral to the success of many companies in this industry, and profitability can be affected materially by, among other things, the cost of obtaining (or failing to obtain) patent approvals, the cost of litigating patent infringement and the loss of patent protection for products (which significantly increases pricing pressures and can materially reduce profitability with respect to such products). In addition, many software companies have limited operating histories. Prices of these companies’ securities historically have been more volatile than other securities, especially over the short term.
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Bitcoin Risk. While the Fund will not directly invest in digital assets, it will be subject to the risks associated with bitcoin by virtue of its investments in options contracts that reference MSTR. Investing in bitcoin exposes investors (such as MSTR and, in turn, MSTR shareholders) to significant risks that are not typically present in other investments. These risks include the uncertainty surrounding new technology, limited evaluation due to bitcoin’s short trading history, and the potential decline in adoption and value over the long term. The extreme volatility of bitcoin’s price is also a risk factor. Regulatory uncertainties, such as potential government interventions and conflicting regulations across jurisdictions, can impact the demand for bitcoin and restrict its usage. Additionally, risks associated with the sale of newly mined bitcoin, bitcoin trading platforms, competition from alternative digital assets, mining operations, network modifications, and intellectual property claims pose further challenges to bitcoin-linked investments.
Bitcoin faces additional risks beyond those typically associated with traditional investments. Its adoption as a payment network is hindered by technological limitations, including slow transaction speeds, high fees, and the reliance on “Layer II” solutions like the Lightning Network to address scalability challenges. These solutions introduce risks related to transparency and security, which may further affect Bitcoin’s usability and adoption. The competitive landscape also poses a significant challenge, as blockchains like Ethereum, which support advanced applications such as smart contracts and decentralized finance, threaten Bitcoin’s dominance. Furthermore, proposed updates to Bitcoin’s protocol, such as forks, and its speculative nature as an asset class exacerbate the uncertainty surrounding its long-term value and utility. These factors, combined with the operational and regulatory risks associated with the broader digital asset market, could significantly impact the price of Bitcoin, MSTR’s financial performance, and, consequently, the Fund’s investments linked to MSTR.
The risks associated with Bitcoin include the possibility of fraud, theft, market manipulation, and security breaches in trading platforms. A small group of large Bitcoin holders, known as "whales," can significantly influence Bitcoin's price. The largely unregulated nature of Bitcoin and its trading venues heightens risks of fraudulent activities and market manipulation, which could affect Bitcoin's price. For example, if a group of miners gains control over a majority of the Bitcoin network, they could manipulate transactions to their advantage. Historical instances have seen Bitcoin trading venues shut down due to fraud or security breaches, often leaving investors without recourse and facing significant losses.
Updates to Bitcoin's software, proposed by developers, can lead to the creation of new digital assets, or "forks," if not broadly adopted. This can impact Bitcoin's demand and the Fund's performance. The extreme volatility of Bitcoin's market price can result in shareholder losses. Furthermore, the operation of Bitcoin trading platforms may be disrupted or cease altogether due to various issues, further affecting Bitcoin's price and the Fund's investments.
The value of Bitcoin has historically been subject to significant speculation, making trading and investing in Bitcoin reliant on market sentiment rather than traditional fundamental analysis.
Bitcoin's price can be influenced by events unrelated to its security or utility, including instability in other speculative areas of the crypto/blockchain space, potentially leading to substantial declines in its value.
Risks associated with crypto asset trading platforms include fragmentation, regulatory non-compliance, and the possibility of enforcement actions by regulatory authorities, which could impact the valuation of Bitcoin-linked derivatives held by the Underlying ETPs.
The security of the Bitcoin blockchain may be compromised if a single miner or group controls more than 50% of the network's hashing power, where hashing power refers to the computational capacity used to validate and secure transactions on the blockchain.
Proposed changes to the Bitcoin protocol may not be universally adopted, leading to the creation of competing blockchains (forks) with different assets and participants, exemplified by past forks like Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin SV.
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The Bitcoin blockchain protocol may contain vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit to disrupt its operation, potentially compromising the security and reliability of the network.
Emerging alternative public blockchains, particularly those emphasizing privacy through technologies like zero-knowledge cryptography, pose risks and challenges to the dominance of the Bitcoin blockchain as a payment system.
Common impediments to adopting the Bitcoin blockchain as a payment network include slow transaction processing, variability in transaction fees, and the volatility of Bitcoin's price, which may deter widespread adoption by businesses and consumers.
The Bitcoin blockchain faces significant challenges as a payment network, including slow transaction processing, lack of finality, and variable transaction fees, which can deter widespread adoption by businesses and consumers. To address these limitations, the blockchain’s scalability and functionality increasingly rely on “Layer II” solutions, such as the Lightning Network. These off-chain protocols process transactions outside the main blockchain network, alleviating congestion, reducing transaction costs, and improving speed. However, Layer II solutions introduce additional risks, including reduced transparency, potential security vulnerabilities, and dependence on separate networks for execution.
The development and adoption of Layer II solutions are critical to the Bitcoin blockchain’s ability to achieve scalability and support its intended use as a payment network. MicroStrategy Incorporated (“MSTR”) has shown particular interest in advancing technologies like the Lightning Network as part of its Bitcoin-focused strategy. The success or failure of these innovations could significantly influence Bitcoin’s adoption, market value, and, consequently, MSTR’s financial performance.
● Competition from Advanced Blockchains: The competitive landscape for blockchain technology includes alternative blockchains like Ethereum, which support advanced applications such as smart contracts and decentralized finance (DeFi). These platforms offer more diverse use cases than Bitcoin, potentially reducing its dominance as a blockchain network. The broader functionality and adaptability of competing blockchains may attract developers and users, diverting demand away from Bitcoin. Such shifts could adversely affect the price and adoption of Bitcoin, directly impacting MSTR’s stock performance and, consequently, the value of the Fund’s investment in MSTR.
● Speculation and Market Sentiment: The value of Bitcoin has historically been driven by speculation rather than traditional fundamental factors. This speculative nature makes Bitcoin highly sensitive to market sentiment and external events, which may lead to significant and unpredictable price fluctuations. Any adverse developments, including regulatory actions, technological setbacks, or increased competition, could erode confidence in Bitcoin, reducing its value and negatively affecting MSTR and the Fund’s investment performance. Adoption and use of other blockchains supporting advanced applications like smart contracts present challenges to the dominance of the Bitcoin blockchain, potentially impacting its long-term relevance and utility in the evolving landscape of blockchain technology.
● Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. The trading platforms for digital assets are relatively new, largely unregulated, and thus more vulnerable to fraud and failures compared to traditional, regulated exchanges. Shutdowns of these platforms due to fraud, technical glitches, or security issues can significantly affect digital asset prices and market volatility.
● Digital Asset Markets Risk: The digital asset market, particularly Bitcoin, has experienced considerable volatility, leading to market disruptions and erosion of confidence among market participants. This instability and the resultant negative publicity could adversely affect the Fund's reputation and trading prices. Ongoing market turbulence could significantly impact the value of the Fund's share.
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● Blockchain Technology Risk: Blockchain technology, which underpins Bitcoin and other digital assets, is relatively new, and many of its applications are untested. The adoption of blockchain and the development of competing platforms or technologies could affect its usage. Investments in companies or vehicles that utilize blockchain technology are subject to market volatility and may experience lower trading volumes compared to more established industries. Additionally, regulatory changes, internet disruptions, cybersecurity incidents, and intellectual property disputes could further affect the adoption and functionality of blockchain technology.
New Fund Risk. Each Fund is recently organized with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions. There can be no assurance that the Funds will grow to or maintain an economically viable size.
NFLX Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in NFLX either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). By virtue of the Fund’s exposure to the value of NFLX, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in NFLX Risk. Netflix, Inc. is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of Netflix, Inc. but will be exposed to the performance of NFLX (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.
NFLX Trading Risk. The trading price of NFLX may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of NFLX may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the common stock of Netflix, Inc., further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Netflix, Inc. may additionally impact NFLX’s stock price due to Netflix, Inc. garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against Netflix, Inc. in the past. While Netflix, Inc. continues to defend such actions, any judgment against Netflix, Inc., or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of Netflix, Inc.’s attention and resources. If NFLX trading is halted, trading in Shares of the NFLX Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
Netflix, Inc. Performance Risk. Netflix, Inc. may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of NFLX to decline. Netflix, Inc. provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance Netflix, Inc. provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If Netflix, Inc.’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by Netflix, Inc. could decline significantly.
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Entertainment Industry Risk. The entertainment industry, which is a separate industry within the communication services sector, is highly competitive and relies on consumer spending and the availability of disposable income for success. The prices of the securities of companies in the entertainment industry may fluctuate widely due to competitive pressures, heavy expenses incurred for research and development of products, problems related to bringing products to market, consumer preferences and rapid obsolescence of products. Legislative or regulatory changes and increased government supervision also may affect companies in the entertainment industry.
Non-Diversification Risk. Because each Fund is “non-diversified,” a Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause a Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if such Fund held a more diversified portfolio. This may increase the Fund’s volatility and have a greater impact on such Fund’s performance.
NVDA Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in NVDA either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). By virtue of the Fund’s exposure to the value of NVDA, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in NVDA Risk. Nvidia Corporation is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of Nvidia Corporation. but will be exposed to the performance of NVDA (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.
NVDA Trading Risk. The trading price of NVDA may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of NVDA may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the common stock of Nvidia Corporation, further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Nvidia Corporation may additionally impact NVDA’s stock price due to Nvidia Corporation garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against Nvidia Corporation in the past. While Nvidia Corporation continues to defend such actions, any judgment against Nvidia Corporation, or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of Nvidia Corporation’s attention and resources. If NVDA trading is halted, trading in Shares of the NVDA Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
Nvidia Corporation Performance Risk. Nvidia Corporation may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of NVDA to decline. Nvidia Corporation provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance Nvidia Corporation provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product manufacturing ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If Nvidia Corporation’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by Nvidia Corporation could decline significantly.
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NVDA’s accelerated computing platforms address four large markets: Gaming, Data Center, Professional Visualization, and Automotive. These markets experience rapid changes in technology, customer requirements, new product introductions and enhancements, and industry standards.
Semiconductor Company Risk. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition of semiconductor companies and, as product cycles shorten and manufacturing capacity increases, these companies may become increasingly subject to aggressive pricing, which hampers profitability. Reduced demand for end-user products, under-utilization of manufacturing capacity, and other factors could adversely impact the operating results of companies in the semiconductor sector. Semiconductor companies typically face high capital costs and may be heavily dependent on intellectual property rights. The semiconductor sector is highly cyclical, which may cause the operating results of many semiconductor companies to vary significantly. The stock prices of companies in the semiconductor sector have been and likely will continue to be extremely volatile.
NYT’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell NYT shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of NYT, the Fund is subject to the risk that NYT’s share price increases. If the share price of NYT increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Favorable economic conditions could positively affect NYT’s revenue, thereby positively impacting its share price. For example, advertising spending is sensitive to economic, geopolitical and public health conditions. In addition, economic, geopolitical and public health conditions may lead to increases in the size and engagement of NYT’s audience, which can positively impact its ability to attract, engage and retain audience and subscribers.
NYT’s ability to implement strategic plans and initiatives, such as possible acquisitions, divestitures, investments and other transactions, as well as enhancements and expansion of existing products and services, may result in sustainable, profitable growth, leading to increased stock prices.
NYT’s ability to compete effectively and retain or improve audience share and subscribers, as well as subscription, advertising and other revenues such as licensing and affiliate referral revenues, in a highly competitive industry, could positively impact NYT’s share price.
NYT’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from NYT’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
NYT’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in NYT’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
NYT’s stock performance may benefit from positive performance in the publishing industry. Companies in the publishing industry are more susceptible to the factors affecting those particular types of companies, including government regulation, greater price volatility for the overall market, rapid obsolescence of products and services, intense competition, and strong market reactions to technological developments.
Operational Risk. Each Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Funds’ service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. Each Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect a Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Funds and the Funds’ investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
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Tax Risk. The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to Shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Code. If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. To comply with the asset diversification tests applicable to a RIC, the Fund will attempt to ensure that the value of stock, options and swaps it holds with respect to a single issuer is never 25% of the total value of Fund assets at the close of any quarter. If the Fund’s investments in such stock, options and swaps were to exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of a tax quarter, the Fund, generally, has a grace period to cure such lack of compliance. If the Fund fails to timely cure, it may no longer be eligible to be treated as a RIC. Further, at least half of the Fund’s assets at the close of each quarter must consist of cash, cash items, and securities of issuers in which its holdings are less than five percent of total fund assets; the Fund expects that this requirement will be met by the collateral which it holds for its swaps and options.
TSLA Risk (Long Position). The Fund invests in TSLA either directly or indirectly through derivative instruments (i.e., via options and swaps). By virtue of the Fund’s exposure to the value of TSLA, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
Indirect Investment in TSLA Risk. Tesla, Inc. is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of Tesla, Inc. but will be exposed to the performance of TSLA (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.
TSLA Trading Risk. The trading price of TSLA may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of TSLA may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the common stock of Tesla, Inc., further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Tesla, Inc. may additionally impact TSLA’s stock price due to Tesla, Inc. garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against Tesla, Inc. in the past. While Tesla, Inc. continues to defend such actions, any judgment against Tesla, Inc., or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of Tesla, Inc.’s attention and resources. If TSLA trading is halted, trading in Shares of the TSLA Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.
Tesla, Inc. Performance Risk. Tesla, Inc. may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of TSLA to decline. Tesla, Inc. provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance Tesla, Inc. provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product manufacturing ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If Tesla, Inc.’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by Tesla, Inc. could decline significantly.
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Electric Vehicles Risk. The future growth and success of Tesla, Inc. are dependent upon consumers’ demand for electric vehicles, and specifically, its vehicles in an automotive industry that is generally competitive, cyclical and volatile. If the market for electric vehicles in general and Tesla, Inc. vehicles in particular does not develop as Tesla, Inc. expects, develops more slowly than it expects, or if demand for its vehicles decreases in its markets or its vehicles compete with each other, the business, prospects, financial condition and operating results of Tesla, Inc. may be harmed. Tesla, Inc. is still at an earlier stage of development and have limited resources and production relative to established competitors that offer internal combustion engine vehicles. In addition, electric vehicles still comprise a small percentage of overall vehicle sales. As a result, the market for Tesla, Inc. vehicles could be negatively affected by numerous factors, such as: (i) perceptions about electric vehicle features, quality, safety, performance and cost; (ii) perceptions about the limited range over which electric vehicles may be driven on a single battery charge, and access to charging facilities; (iii) competition, including from other types of alternative fuel vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and high fuel-economy internal combustion engine vehicles; (iv) volatility in the cost of oil and gasoline, such as wide fluctuations in crude oil prices; (v) government regulations and economic incentives; and (vi) concerns about the future viability of Tesla, Inc. Finally, the target demographics for Tesla, Inc. vehicles are highly competitive. Sales of vehicles in the automotive industry tend to be cyclical in many markets, which may expose Tesla, Inc. to further volatility.
Automotive Companies Risk. The automotive industry can be highly cyclical, and companies in the industry may suffer periodic operating losses. Automotive companies can be significantly affected by labor relations, fluctuating component prices and supplier disruptions. Developments in automotive technologies (e.g., autonomous vehicle technologies) may require significant capital expenditures that may not generate profits for several years, if ever. Automotive companies may be significantly subject to government policies and regulations regarding imports and exports of automotive products. Governmental policies affecting the automotive industry, such as taxes, tariffs, duties, subsidies, and import and export restrictions on automotive products can influence industry profitability. In addition, such companies must comply with environmental laws and regulations, for which there may be severe consequences for non-compliance. While most of the major automotive manufacturers are large companies, certain others may be non-diversified in both product line and customer base and may be more vulnerable to certain events that may negatively impact the automotive industry.
U.S. Government and U.S. Agency Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the U.S. Treasury. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises) where it is not obligated to do so.
WFC’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell WFC shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of WFC, the Fund is subject to the risk that WFC’s share price increases. If the share price of WFC increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
WFC’s ability to develop and execute effective business plans or strategies or manage change effectively may improve its competitive standing and results of operations. WFC may undertake business plans or strategies related to, among other things, organizational structure, compliance and risk management framework, expenses and efficiency, the types of products and services offered, the types of businesses engaged in, the geographies in which WFC operates, the manner in which WFC serves its clients and customers, the third parties with which WFC does business, and the methods and distribution channels by which WFC offers products and services. Success in any of these areas could positively impact WFC’s share price.
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Favorable economic conditions, and improvements in economic conditions or in the financial markets may materially benefit lending and other businesses, thereby positively impacting WFC’s share price. For example, WFC generates revenue from the interest and fees charged on the loans and other products and services it sells, and a substantial amount of its revenue and earnings comes from the net interest income and fee income earned from its consumer and commercial lending and banking businesses. These businesses have been, and will continue to be, materially affected by the state of the U.S. economy, particularly unemployment levels and home prices
Changes in interest rates could increase net interest income and earnings, as well as our other comprehensive income, thereby positively impacting WFC’s share price.
Maintenance or improvement in WFC’s credit ratings could positively affect WFC’s ability to borrow funds and lower the costs of its borrowings, which could have a positive impact on WFC’s share price.
WFC’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from WFC’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
WFC’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in WFC’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
WFS’s stock performance may benefit from positive performance in the banking industry. Companies in the banking industry are subject to the risk that economic, business, political or other conditions that have a negative effect on the banking industry will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were diversified across several different industries or sectors. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors such as interest rate changes, adverse developments in the real estate market, fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles.
YUM’s Price Appreciation Risk (Short Position). As part of the Fund’s short strategy, the Fund may sell YUM shares short, either directly or through the use of derivatives. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the share price of YUM, the Fund is subject to the risk that YUM’s share price increases. If the share price of YUM increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:
YUM’s ability to consistently increase its number of profitable restaurants around the world could positively impact YUM’s share price. Moreover, such sustained growth and profitability is more likely to occur in the absence of catastrophic events, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Favorable economic conditions in the United States or globally could positively affect demand for YUM’s restaurants. In particular, a meaningful portion of YUM’s total business is conducted in China, meaning political and economic stability in China may result in greater profitability for the company as a whole.
YUM’s ability to implement strategic plans and initiatives, such as mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, minority investments (including minority investments in third parties, such as, franchisees or master franchisees) and other strategic transactions, may result in sustainable, profitable growth, leading to increased stock prices.
YUM’s ability to compete effectively and retain or improve market share in the highly competitive restaurant industry could positively impact YUM’s share price.
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YUM’s stock price may benefit from consistent or unexpectedly strong earnings reports, driven by revenue growth, cost management, or margin expansion. Positive forward guidance from YUM’s management or upgrades from financial analysts could further bolster investor sentiment and drive up the stock price.
YUM’s stock performance may also improve due to shareholder-friendly actions, such as share buybacks or dividend increases, which may enhance investor sentiment. Additionally, stability in YUM’s leadership or strategic direction could positively influence market perceptions and support stock price growth.
YUM’s stock performance may benefit from positive performance in the restaurant industry. Companies in the restaurant industry may be affected by the performance of the domestic and international economy, interest rates, rates of inflation, exchange rates, competition, consumer confidence and reputational damage. The success of companies owning and operating restaurants depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending, and changes in demographics and consumer preferences can affect the success of such companies. These companies may be subject to severe competition, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. In addition, restaurants may be affected by nutritional and health concerns, and federal, state and local food inspection and processing controls. Changes in labor laws and other labor issues, such as increased labor costs, could adversely affect the financial performance of such companies.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
Information about each Fund’s daily portfolio holdings will be available on the Funds’ website at www.battle-shares.com.
A complete description of each Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s SAI.
MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser
Tidal Investments LLC (“Tidal” or the “Adviser”), located at 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204, is an SEC registered investment adviser and a Delaware limited liability company. Tidal was founded in March 2012 and is dedicated to understanding, researching and managing assets within the expanding ETF universe. As of December 31, 2024, Tidal had assets under management of approximately $27.68 billion and served as the investment adviser or sub-adviser for 193 registered funds.
Tidal serves as investment adviser to the Funds and has overall responsibility for the general management and administration of the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Trust, on behalf of each Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). The Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds’ portfolios, including determining the securities purchased and sold by each Fund and trading portfolio securities for each Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board. The Adviser also arranges for transfer agency, custody, fund administration, and all other related services necessary for the Funds to operate. For the services provided to the Funds, each Fund pays the Adviser a unitary management fee of 1.29%, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate based on such Fund’s average daily net assets.
Under the Advisory Agreement, in exchange for a single unitary management fee from the Fund, the Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses incurred by such Fund except for interest charges on any borrowings, dividends and other expenses on securities sold short, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability, extraordinary expenses, distribution fees and expenses paid by a Fund under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, and the unitary management fee payable to the Adviser (collectively, the “Excluded Expenses”).
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A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of each Fund’s Advisory Agreement will be available in the Fund’s Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR for period ending July 31, 2025.
Portfolio Managers
The following individuals (each, a “Portfolio Manager”) have served as portfolio managers of each Fund since inception in 2024. Messrs. Venuto and Weiskopf are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund.
Jay Pestrichelli, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser
Mr. Pestrichelli joined the firm in 2025 and is Chief Trading Officer of the Adviser’s ETF Trading and Portfolio Management team. Mr. Pestrichelli has over 30 years of experience in the financial markets. Prior to joining the Adviser, Mr. Pestrichelli co-founded Zega Financial, LLC where he led the development and execution of the firm’s investment strategies since its inception in 2011. He is also the author of the best-selling book “Buy & Hedge: The Five Iron Rules for Investing Over the Long Term.” Prior to founding Zega Financial, LLC in 2011, Mr. Pestrichelli spent 12 years managing and growing the online trading business for TD Ameritrade from 1999 to 2010. Mr. Pestrichelli has a Bachelor degree in Behavioral Science from Concordia College.
Stephen Foy, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser
Mr. Foy joined Tidal in 2024 and is Senior Vice President of Trading and Co-Head of Tidal’s ETF Trading and Portfolio Management team. He previously oversaw Invesco ETF Services from 2021 to 2024, including middle and back-office operations as well as portfolio implementation for all equity and alternative ETFs. Mr. Foy holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins University and spent five years in ETF Portfolio Management at ProShares from 2016 to 2021. He brings a robust portfolio management background across a wide array of strategies and asset classes. Throughout his career, he has led global teams through hundreds of product launches, organizational changes, and technological and operational transformations.
The Funds’ SAI provides additional information about each portfolio manager’s compensation structure, other accounts that each portfolio manager manages, and each portfolio manager’s ownership of Shares.
Fund Sponsor
The Adviser has entered into a fund sponsorship agreement with Defiance ETFs, LLC (Sponsor) pursuant to which Sponsor is a sponsor to each Fund. Under this arrangement, Sponsor has agreed to provide financial support (as described below) to each Fund. Every month, unitary management fees for each Fund are calculated and paid to the Adviser, and the Adviser retains a portion of the unitary management fees from each Fund.
In return for its financial support for each Fund, the Adviser has agreed to pay Sponsor a portion of any remaining profits generated by unitary management fee each Fund. If the amount of the unitary management fees for a Fund exceeds the Fund’s operating expenses and the Adviser-retained amount, that excess amount is considered “remaining profit.” In that case, the Adviser will pay a portion of the remaining profits to Sponsor. Further, if the amount of the unitary management fee for a Fund is less than the Fund’s operating expenses and the Adviser retained amount, Sponsor is obligated to reimburse the Adviser for a portion of the shortfall.
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HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES
Each Fund issues and redeems Shares only in Creation Units at the NAV per share next determined after receipt of an order from an AP. Only APs may acquire Shares directly from a Fund, and only APs may tender their Shares for redemption directly to the Funds, at NAV. APs must be a member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC and must execute a Participant Agreement that has been agreed to by the Distributor (defined below), and that has been accepted by a Fund’s transfer agent, with respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units. Once created, Shares trade in the secondary market in quantities less than a Creation Unit.
In order to purchase Creation Units of a Fund, an AP must generally deposit a designated portfolio of equity securities (the “Deposit Securities”) and/or a designated amount of U.S. cash. Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units primarily with cash, rather than through in-kind delivery of portfolio securities, may cause the Funds to incur certain costs. These costs could include brokerage costs or taxable gains or losses that it might not have incurred if it had made redemption in-kind. These costs could be imposed on a Fund, and thus decrease the Fund’s NAV, to the extent that the costs are not offset by a transaction fee payable by an AP. Most investors buy and sell Shares in secondary market transactions through brokers. Individual Shares are listed for trading on the secondary market on the Exchange and can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities.
When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges, and you may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offer price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction. In addition, because secondary market transactions occur at market prices, you may pay more than NAV when you buy Shares, and receive less than NAV when you sell those Shares.
Book Entry
Shares are held in book-entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding Shares.
Investors owning Shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all Shares. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of Shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have Shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of Shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of Shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply to any other securities that you hold in book-entry or “street name” through your brokerage account.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Shares
None of the Funds imposes any restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions of Shares. In determining not to approve a written, established policy, the Board evaluated the risks of market timing activities by a Fund’s shareholders. Purchases and redemptions by APs, who are the only parties that may purchase or redeem Shares directly with a Fund, are an essential part of the ETF process and help keep Share trading prices in line with the NAV. As such, the Funds accommodate frequent purchases and redemptions by APs. However, the Board has also determined that frequent purchases and redemptions for cash may increase tracking error and portfolio transaction costs and may lead to the realization of capital gains. To minimize these potential consequences of frequent purchases and redemptions, each Fund employs fair value pricing and may impose transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation Units to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by such Fund in effecting trades. In addition, the Funds and the Adviser reserve the right to reject any purchase order at any time.
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Determination of Net Asset Value
Each Fund’s NAV is calculated as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, each day the NYSE is open for regular business. The NAV for the Funds is calculated by dividing such Fund’s net assets by its Shares outstanding.
In calculating its NAV, each Fund generally value its assets on the basis of market quotations, last sale prices, or estimates of value furnished by a pricing service or brokers who make markets in such instruments. If such information is not available for a security held by a Fund or is determined to be unreliable, the security will be valued at fair value estimates under guidelines established by the Adviser (as described below).
Fair Value Pricing
The Board has designated the Adviser as the “valuation designee” for the Fund under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, subject to its oversight. The Adviser has adopted procedures and methodologies to fair value Fund investments whose market prices are not “readily available” or are deemed to be unreliable. For example, such circumstances may arise when: (i) an investment has been delisted or has had its trading halted or suspended; (ii) an investment’s primary pricing source is unable or unwilling to provide a price; (iii) an investment’s primary trading market is closed during regular market hours; or (iv) an investment’s value is materially affected by events occurring after the close of the investment’s primary trading market. Generally, when fair valuing an investment, the Adviser will take into account all reasonably available information that may be relevant to a particular valuation including, but not limited to, fundamental analytical data regarding the issuer, information relating to the issuer’s business, recent trades or offers of the investment, general and/or specific market conditions, and the specific facts giving rise to the need to fair value the investment. Fair value determinations are made in good faith and in accordance with the fair value methodologies included in the Adviser-adopted valuation procedures. Due to the subjective and variable nature of fair value pricing, there can be no assurance that the Adviser will be able to obtain the fair value assigned to the investment upon the sale of such investment.
Delivery of Shareholder Documents – Householding
Householding is an option available to certain investors of the Funds. Householding is a method of delivery, based on the preference of the individual investor, in which a single copy of certain shareholder documents can be delivered to investors who share the same address, even if their accounts are registered under different names. Householding for the Funds is available through certain broker-dealers. If you are interested in enrolling in householding and receiving a single copy of prospectuses and other shareholder documents, please contact your broker-dealer. If you are currently enrolled in householding and wish to change your householding status, please contact your broker-dealer.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS, AND TAXES
Dividends and Distributions
Each Fund intends to pay out dividends and interest income, as well as net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.
The Funds will declare and pay income and capital gain distributions, if any, in cash. Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Shares only if the broker through whom you purchased Shares makes such option available. Your broker is responsible for distributing the income and capital gain distributions to you.
Taxes
The following discussion is a summary of some important U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Funds. Your investment in a Fund may have other tax implications. Please consult your tax advisor about the tax consequences of an investment in Shares, including the possible application of foreign, state, and local tax laws.
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Each Fund intends to qualify each year for treatment as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. If it meets certain minimum distribution requirements, a RIC is not subject to tax at the fund level on income and gains from investments that are timely distributed to shareholders. However, a Fund’s failure to qualify as a RIC or to meet minimum distribution requirements would result (if certain relief provisions were not available) in fund-level taxation and, consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders.
Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA plan, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when a Fund makes distributions, when you sell your Shares listed on the Exchange, and when you purchase or redeem Creation Units (institutional investors only).
The following general discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences is based on provisions of the Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.
Taxes on Distributions. Each Fund intends to pay out dividends and interest income, if any, monthly, and distribute any net realized capital gains to its shareholders at least annually. For federal income tax purposes, distributions of net investment income are generally taxable as ordinary income or qualified dividend income. Taxes on distributions of net capital gains (if any) are determined by how long the Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned their Shares. Sales of assets held by a Fund for more than one year generally result in long-term capital gains and losses, and sales of assets held by such Fund for one year or less generally result in short-term capital gains and losses. Distributions of a Fund’s net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) that are reported by such Fund as capital gain dividends (“Capital Gain Dividends”) will be taxable as long-term capital gains. Distributions of short-term capital gain will generally be taxable as ordinary income. Dividends and distributions are generally taxable to you whether you receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional Shares.
Distributions reported by a Fund as “qualified dividend income” are generally taxed to non-corporate shareholders at rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided certain holding period and other requirements are met. “Qualified dividend income” generally is income derived from dividends paid by U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that a Fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations may be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market. Corporate shareholders may be entitled to a dividends-received deduction for the portion of dividends they receive from a Fund that are attributable to dividends received by such Fund from U.S. corporations, subject to certain limitations.
Shortly after the close of each calendar year, you will be informed of the character of any distributions received from a Fund.
In addition to the federal income tax, certain individuals, trusts, and estates may be subject to a Net Investment Income (“NII”) tax of 3.8%. The NII tax is imposed on the lesser of: (i) a taxpayer’s investment income, net of deductions properly allocable to such income; or (ii) the amount by which such taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds ($250,000 for married individuals filing jointly, $200,000 for unmarried individuals and $125,000 for married individuals filing separately). Each Fund’s distributions are includable in a shareholder’s investment income for purposes of this NII tax. In addition, any capital gain realized by a shareholder upon a sale or redemption of shares of a Fund is includable in such shareholder’s investment income for purposes of this NII tax.
In general, your distributions are subject to federal income tax for the year in which they are paid. Certain distributions paid in January, however, may be treated as paid on December 31 of the prior year. Distributions are generally taxable even if they are paid from income or gains earned by a Fund before your investment (and thus were included in the Shares’ NAV when you purchased your Shares).
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You may wish to avoid investing in a Fund shortly before a dividend or other distribution, because such a distribution will generally be taxable even though it may economically represent a return of a portion of your investment.
If you are neither a resident nor a citizen of the United States or if you are a foreign entity, distributions (other than Capital Gain Dividends) paid to you by a Fund will generally be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30%, unless a lower treaty rate applies. The Funds may, under certain circumstances, report all or a portion of a dividend as an “interest-related dividend” or a “short-term capital gain dividend,” which would generally be exempt from this 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided certain other requirements are met.
Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”), the Funds may be required to withhold a generally nonrefundable 30% tax on distributions of net investment income paid to (a) certain “foreign financial institutions” unless such foreign financial institution agrees to verify, monitor, and report to the IRS the identity of certain of its account holders, among other items (or unless such entity is otherwise deemed compliant under the terms of an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and the foreign financial institution’s country of residence), and (b) certain “non-financial foreign entities” unless such entity certifies to the Fund that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or provides the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner, among other items. This FATCA withholding tax could also affect a Fund’s return on its investments in foreign securities or affect a shareholder’s return if the shareholder holds its Fund shares through a foreign intermediary. You are urged to consult your tax adviser regarding the application of this FATCA withholding tax to your investment in a Fund and the potential certification, compliance, due diligence, reporting, and withholding obligations to which you may become subject in order to avoid this withholding tax.
For foreign shareholders to qualify for an exemption from backup withholding, described above, the foreign shareholder must comply with special certification and filing requirements. Foreign shareholders in a Fund should consult their tax advisors in this regard.
Taxes When Shares are Sold on the Exchange
Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Shares generally is treated as a long-term capital gain or loss if Shares have been held for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if Shares have been held for one year or less. However, any capital loss on a sale of Shares held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of Capital Gain Dividends paid with respect to such Shares. Any loss realized on a sale will be disallowed to the extent Shares of a Fund are acquired, including through reinvestment of dividends, within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the sale of substantially identical Shares.
Taxes on Purchases and Redemptions of Creation Units
An AP having the U.S. dollar as its functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally recognizes a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and the exchanging AP’s aggregate basis in the securities delivered plus the amount of any cash paid for the Creation Units. An AP who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanging AP’s basis in the Creation Units and the aggregate U.S. dollar market value of the securities received, plus any cash received for such Creation Units. The IRS may assert, however, that a loss that is realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units may not be currently deducted under the rules governing “wash sales” (for an AP who does not mark-to-market their holdings) or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.
Any capital gain or loss realized upon redemption of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if Shares comprising the Creation Units have been held for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if such Shares have been held for one year or less.
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The Funds may include a payment of cash in addition to, or in place of, the delivery of a basket of securities upon the redemption of Creation Units. The Funds may sell portfolio securities to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Funds to recognize investment income and/or capital gains or losses that it might not have recognized if it had completely satisfied the redemption in-kind. As a result, a Fund may be less tax efficient if it includes such a cash payment in the proceeds paid upon the redemption of Creation Units.
The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the possible consequences under current federal tax law of an investment in the Funds. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. You also may be subject to foreign, state and local tax on Fund distributions and sales of Shares. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in Shares under all applicable tax laws. For more information, please see the section entitled “Federal Income Taxes” in the SAI.
DISTRIBUTION
Foreside Fund Services, LLC a wholly owned subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group (dba ACA Group) (the “Distributor”), the Funds’ distributor, is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC. The Distributor distributes Creation Units for the Fund on an agency basis and does not maintain a secondary market in Shares. The Distributor has no role in determining the policies of the Funds or the securities that are purchased or sold by the Funds. The Distributor’s principal address is Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101.
The Board has adopted a Distribution (Rule 12b-1) Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Plan, each Fund is authorized to pay an amount up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets each year to pay distribution fees for the sale and distribution of its Shares.
No Rule 12b-1 fees are currently paid by the Funds, and there are no plans to impose these fees. However, in the event Rule 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, because the fees are paid out of assets of the respective Fund on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than certain other types of sales charges.
PREMIUM/DISCOUNT INFORMATION
When available, information regarding how often Shares of the Funds traded on the Exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of such Fund can be found on the Funds’ website at www.battle-shares.com.
ADDITIONAL NOTICES
Shares are not sponsored, endorsed, or promoted by the Exchange. The Exchange is not responsible for, nor has it participated in the determination of, the timing, prices, or quantities of Shares to be issued, nor in the determination or calculation of the equation by which Shares are redeemable. The Exchange has no obligation or liability to owners of Shares in connection with the administration, marketing, or trading of Shares.
Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Exchange have any liability for any lost profits or indirect, punitive, special, or consequential damages even if notified of the possibility thereof.
The Adviser and the Funds make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of Shares or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in any Fund particularly.
The Third Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust (“Declaration of Trust”) provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative or direct actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction, and other harm that can be caused to the Fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand by three unrelated shareholders must first be made on the Fund’s Trustees. The Declaration of Trust details various information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgments that must be included in the demand. Following receipt of the demand, the trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the Trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the Fund, the Trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholders may not proceed with the derivative action unless the shareholders are able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the Trustees not to pursue the requested action was not a good faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust further provides that shareholders owning Shares representing no less than a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares must join in bringing the derivative action. If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholders will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Fund in connection with the consideration of the demand, if a court determines that the demand was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose. If a derivative action is brought in violation of the Declaration of Trust, the shareholders bringing the action may be responsible for the Fund’s costs, including attorneys’ fees, if a court determines that the action was brought without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose. The Declaration of Trust provides that no shareholder may bring a direct action claiming injury as a shareholder of the Trust, or any Fund, where the matters alleged (if true) would give rise to a claim by the Trust or by the Trust on behalf of the Fund, unless the shareholder has suffered an injury distinct from that suffered by the shareholders of the Trust, or the Fund, generally. Under the Declaration of Trust, a shareholder bringing a direct claim must be a shareholder of the Fund with respect to which the direct action is brought at the time of the injury complained of or have acquired the shares afterwards by operation of law from a person who was a shareholder at that time. The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Fund shall be responsible for payment of attorneys’ fees and legal expenses incurred by a complaining shareholder only if required by law, and any attorneys’ fees that the Fund is obligated to pay shall be calculated using reasonable hourly rates. These provisions do not apply to claims brought under the federal securities laws.
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The Declaration of Trust also requires that actions by shareholders against the Fund be brought exclusively in a federal or state court located within the State of Delaware. This provision will not apply to claims brought under the federal securities laws. Limiting shareholders’ ability to bring actions only in courts located in Delaware may cause shareholders economic hardship to litigate the action in those courts, including paying for travel expenses of witnesses and counsel, requiring retaining local counsel, and may limit shareholders’ ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that shareholders find favorable for disputes, which may discourage such actions.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
This section would ordinarily include Financial Highlights for the Funds. The Financial Highlights tables are intended to help you understand the performance of each Fund for that Fund’s periods of operations. Because the Funds have not yet commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, no Financial Highlights are shown.
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Battleshares™
Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF (JNSN)
Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF (ELON)
Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF (BEZO)
Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF (RIPB)
Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF (SLOR)
Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF (CHLL)
Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF (LLBS)
Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF (CLCK)
| Adviser | Tidal Investments LLC 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204 |
Administrator | Tidal ETF Services LLC 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204 |
| Distributor | Foreside Fund Services, LLC Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100 Portland, Maine 04101 |
Sub-Administrator, Fund Accountant, and Transfer Agent |
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services 615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 |
| Legal Counsel | Sullivan & Worcester LLP 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor New York, New York 10019 |
Custodian | U.S. Bank National Association 1555 North Rivercenter Drive Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212 |
| Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP Two Liberty Place 50 South 16th Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102 |
Investors may find more information about the Funds in the following documents:
Statement of Additional Information: The Funds’ SAI provides additional details about the investments of each Fund and certain other additional information. A current SAI dated January 23, 2025, as supplemented from time to time, is on file with the SEC and is herein incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. It is legally considered a part of this Prospectus.
Annual/Semi-Annual Reports: Additional information about the Funds’ investments will be available in the Funds’ annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the annual Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected each Fund’s performance after the first fiscal year each Fund is in operation.
You can obtain free copies of these documents, when available, request other information or make general inquiries about the Fund by contacting the Fund at the Battleshares™ ETFs, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 or calling (866) 532-3886.
Shareholder reports and other information about the Fund are also available:
| ● | Free of charge from the SEC’s EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov; or |
| ● | Free of charge from the Fund’s Internet website at www.battle-shares.com; or |
| ● | For a fee, by e-mail request to [email protected]. |
(SEC Investment Company Act File No. 811-23312)
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Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF (JNSN)
Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF (ELON)
Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF (BEZO)
Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF (RIPB)
Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF (SLOR)
Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF (CHLL)
Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF (LLBS)
Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF (CLCK)
each listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
January 23, 2025
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus for the Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF, Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF, Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF, Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF, Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF, Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF, Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF and Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”), each a series of Tidal Trust III (the “Trust”), dated January 23, 2025, as may be supplemented from time to time (the “Prospectus”). Capitalized terms used in this SAI that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge, by calling the Funds at (866) 532-3886, visiting www.battle-shares.com, or writing to the Battleshares™ ETFs, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701.
Each Fund’s audited financial statements for the most recent fiscal year (when available) will be incorporated into this SAI by reference to such Fund’s most recent annual Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR (File No. 811-23312). When available, a copy of each Fund’s annual Certified Shareholder Report may be obtained at no charge by contacting the Funds at the address or phone number noted above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUST
The Trust is an open-end management investment company consisting of multiple series, including the Funds. This SAI relates to the Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF, Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF, Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF, Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF, Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF, Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF, Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF and Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF. The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on May 19, 2016. The Trust is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (together with the rules and regulations adopted thereunder, as amended, the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company and the offering of each Fund’s shares (“Shares”) is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Tidal Investments LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as investment adviser to the Funds.
Each Fund offers and issues Shares at their net asset value (“NAV”) only in aggregations of a specified number of Shares (each, a “Creation Unit”). The Funds generally offers and issues Shares in exchange for cash. In addition, the Fund may offer and issue shares in exchange for a basket of securities (“Deposit Securities”) together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (“Cash Component”). In that case, the Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of a “cash in lieu” amount (“Deposit Cash”) to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security. Shares are or will be listed on NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”). Shares of each Fund trade on the Exchange at market prices that may differ from the Shares’ respective NAV. Shares are also redeemable only in Creation Unit aggregations, primarily for a basket of Deposit Securities together with a Cash Component. As a practical matter, only institutions or large investors, known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs,” purchase or redeem Creation Units. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not individually redeemable.
Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on deposit with the Trust cash at least equal to a specified percentage of the value of the missing Deposit Securities, as set forth in the Participant Agreement (as defined below). The Trust may impose a transaction fee for each creation or redemption. In all cases, such fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the SEC applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities. As in the case of other publicly traded securities, brokers’ commissions on transactions in the secondary market will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND RELATED RISKS
Each Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies are described in the Prospectus, under “Investment Objective” and “Principal Investment Strategies,” respectively. The following information supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the Prospectus. For a description of certain permitted investments, see “Description of Permitted Investments” in this SAI.
With respect to a Fund’s investments, unless otherwise noted, if a percentage limitation on investment is adhered to at the time of investment or contract, a subsequent increase or decrease as a result of market movement or redemption will not result in a violation of such investment limitation.
Non-Diversification
Each Fund is classified as a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act’s diversification requirements. A “non-diversified” classification means that the Fund is not limited by the 1940 Act with regard to the percentage of its assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. This means that each Fund may invest a greater portion of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a small number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund, and therefore, those issuers may constitute a greater portion of a Fund’s portfolio. This may have an adverse effect on a Fund’s performance or subject its Shares to greater price volatility than more diversified investment companies. Moreover, in pursuing its objective, each Fund may hold the securities of a single issuer in an amount exceeding 10% of the value of the outstanding securities of the issuer, subject to restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
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Although each Fund is non-diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act, each Fund intends to maintain the required level of diversification and otherwise conduct its operations so as to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) for purposes of the Code, and to relieve each Fund of any liability for federal income tax to the extent that their earnings are distributed to shareholders. Compliance with the diversification requirements of the Code may limit the investment flexibility of each Fund and may make it less likely that a Fund will meet its investment objectives. See “Federal Income Taxes” in this SAI for further discussion.
General Risks
The value of a Fund’s portfolio securities may fluctuate with changes in the financial condition of an issuer or counterparty, changes in specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular security or issuer and changes in general economic or political conditions. An investor in a Fund could lose money over short or long periods of time.
There can be no guarantee that a liquid market for the securities held by a Fund will be maintained. The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be sold and the value of Shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for a Fund’s portfolio securities are limited or absent, or if bid/ask spreads are wide.
Cyber Security Risk. Investment companies, such as the Funds, and their service providers may be subject to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber attacks. Cyber attacks include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber security breaches. Cyber attacks affecting the Funds or the Adviser, Custodian (defined below), Transfer Agent (defined below), intermediaries or other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Funds. For instance, cyber attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact each Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential company information, impede trading, subject the Funds to regulatory fines or financial losses, and cause reputational damage. The Funds may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which a Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause a Fund’s investment in such portfolio companies to lose value.
DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS
The following are descriptions of the permitted investments and investment practices and associated risk factors. The Funds will invest in any of the following instruments or engage in any of the following investment practices only if such investment or activity is consistent with such Fund’s investment objective and permitted by such Fund’s stated investment policies. In addition, certain of the techniques and investments discussed in this SAI are not principal strategies of the Funds as disclosed in the Prospectus, and while such techniques and investments are permissible for a Fund to utilize, such Fund is not required to utilize such non-principal techniques or investments.
Borrowing
Although the Funds do not intend to borrow money, a Fund may do so to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, a Fund may borrow up to one-third (1/3) of its total assets. Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on NAV of any increase or decrease in the market value of a Fund’s portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs that may or may not be recovered by earnings on the securities purchased. The Funds also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with a borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.
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Equity Securities
Equity securities, such as the common stocks of an issuer, are subject to stock market fluctuations and therefore may experience volatile changes in value as market conditions, consumer sentiment or the financial condition of the issuers change. A decrease in value of the equity securities in a Fund’s portfolio may also cause the value of the Fund’s Shares to decline.
An investment in the Funds should be made with an understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in equity securities, including the risk that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition of the stock market may deteriorate (either of which may cause a decrease in the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities and therefore a decrease in the value of Shares of a Fund). Common stocks are susceptible to general stock market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence and perceptions change. These investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable factors, including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies; inflation and interest rates; economic expansion or contraction; and global or regional political, economic or banking crises.
Holders of common stocks incur more risk than holders of preferred stocks and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of the issuer, generally have inferior rights to receive payments from the issuer in comparison with the rights of creditors or holders of debt obligations or preferred stocks. Further, unlike debt securities, which typically have a stated principal amount payable at maturity (whose value, however, is subject to market fluctuations prior thereto), or preferred stocks, which typically have a liquidation preference and which may have stated optional or mandatory redemption provisions, common stocks have neither a fixed principal amount nor a maturity. Common stock values are subject to market fluctuations as long as the common stock remains outstanding.
Types of Equity Securities:
Common Stocks. Common stocks represent units of ownership in a company. Common stocks usually carry voting rights and earn dividends. Unlike preferred stocks, which are described below, dividends on common stocks are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the company’s board of directors.
Preferred Stocks. Preferred stocks are also units of ownership in a company. Preferred stocks normally have preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of the company. However, in all other respects, preferred stocks are subordinated to the liabilities of the issuer. Unlike common stocks, preferred stocks are generally not entitled to vote on corporate matters. Types of preferred stocks include adjustable-rate preferred stock, fixed dividend preferred stock, perpetual preferred stock, and sinking fund preferred stock.
Generally, the market values of preferred stock with a fixed dividend rate and no conversion element vary inversely with interest rates and perceived credit risk.
Rights and Warrants. A right is a privilege granted to existing shareholders of a corporation to subscribe to shares of a new issue of common stock before it is issued. Rights normally have a short life of usually two to four weeks, are freely transferable and entitle the holder to buy the new common stock at a lower price than the public offering price. Warrants are securities that are usually issued together with a debt security or preferred stock and that give the holder the right to buy proportionate amount of common stock at a specified price. Warrants are freely transferable and are traded on major exchanges. Unlike rights, warrants normally have a life that is measured in years and entitles the holder to buy common stock of a company at a price that is usually higher than the market price at the time the warrant is issued. Corporations often issue warrants to make the accompanying debt security more attractive.
An investment in warrants and rights may entail greater risks than certain other types of investments. Generally, rights and warrants do not carry the right to receive dividends or exercise voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. In addition, their value does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and they cease to have value if they are not exercised on or before their expiration date. Investing in rights and warrants increases the potential profit or loss to be realized from the investment as compared with investing the same amount in the underlying securities.
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Smaller Companies. The securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse issuer, market, political, or economic developments than securities of larger-capitalization companies. The securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than larger capitalization stocks or the stock market as a whole. Some small- or mid-capitalization companies have limited product lines, markets, and financial and managerial resources and tend to concentrate on fewer geographical markets relative to larger capitalization companies. There is typically less publicly available information concerning small- and mid-capitalization companies than for larger, more established companies. Small- and mid-capitalization companies also may be particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates, government regulation, borrowing costs, and earnings.
Tracking Stocks. The Funds may invest in tracking stocks. A tracking stock is a separate class of common stock whose value is linked to a specific business unit or operating division within a larger company and which is designed to “track” the performance of such business unit or division. The tracking stock may pay dividends to shareholders independent of the parent company. The parent company, rather than the business unit or division, generally is the issuer of tracking stock. However, holders of the tracking stock may not have the same rights as holders of the company’s common stock.
When-Issued Securities. A when-issued security is one whose terms are available and for which a market exists, but which has not been issued. When a Fund engages in when-issued transactions, it relies on the other party to consummate the sale. If the other party fails to complete the sale, a Fund may miss the opportunity to obtain the security at a favorable price or yield.
When purchasing a security on a when-issued basis, a Fund assumes the rights and risks of ownership of the security, including the risk of price and yield changes. At the time of settlement, the value of the security may be more or less than the purchase price. The yield available in the market when the delivery takes place also may be higher than those obtained in the transaction itself. Because a Fund does not pay for the security until the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with its other investments.
Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act permits the Funds to invest in securities on a when-issued or forward-settling basis, or with a non-standard settlement cycle, notwithstanding the limitation on the issuance of senior securities in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, provided that a Fund intends to physically settle the transaction and the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date (the “Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision”). A when-issued, forward-settling, or non-standard settlement cycle security that does not satisfy the Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision is treated as a derivatives transaction under Rule 18f-4.
Convertible Securities
A Fund, subject to its investment strategies and policies, may invest in preferred stocks or fixed-income securities which are convertible into common stock. Convertible securities are securities that may be converted either at a stated price or rate within a specified period of time into a specified number of shares of common stock. Traditionally, convertible securities have paid dividends or interest greater than on the related common stocks, but less than fixed income non-convertible securities. By investing in a convertible security, a Fund may participate in any capital appreciation or depreciation of a company’s stock, but to a lesser degree than if it had invested in that company’s common stock. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure and, therefore, entail less risk than the corporation’s common stock. The value of a convertible security is a function of its “investment value” (its value as if it did not have a conversion privilege), and its “conversion value” (the security’s worth if it were to be exchanged for the underlying security, at market value, pursuant to its conversion privilege). A Fund may attempt to hedge certain of its investments in convertible debt securities by selling short the issuer’s common stock.
Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”)
MLPs are limited partnerships in which the ownership units are publicly traded. MLP units are registered with the SEC and are freely traded on a securities exchange or in the OTC market. MLPs often own several properties or businesses (or own interests) that are related to real estate development and oil and gas industries, but they also may finance motion pictures, research and development and other projects. Generally, a MLP is operated under the supervision of one or more managing general partners. Limited partners are not involved in the day-to-day management of the partnership.
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The risks of investing in a MLP are generally those involved in investing in a partnership as opposed to a corporation. For example, state law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded investors in a MLP than investors in a corporation. Additional risks involved with investing in a MLP are risks associated with the specific industry or industries in which the partnership invests, such as the risks of investing in real estate, or oil and gas industries.
MLPs are generally treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. When a Fund invests in the equity securities of a MLP or any other entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund will be treated as a partner in the entity for tax purposes. Accordingly, in calculating a Fund’s taxable income, it will be required to take into account its allocable share of the income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits recognized by each such entity, regardless of whether the entity distributes cash to the Fund. Distributions from such an entity to a Fund are not generally taxable unless the cash amount (or, in certain cases, the fair market value of marketable securities) distributed to the Fund exceeds the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in its interest in the entity. In general, a Fund’s allocable share of such an entity’s net income will increase the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in its interest in the entity, and distributions to the Fund from such an entity and the Fund’s allocable share of the entity’s net losses will decrease the Fund’s adjusted basis in its interest in the entity, but not below zero. A Fund may receive cash distributions from such an entity in excess of the net amount of taxable income the Fund is allocated from its investment in the entity. In other circumstances, the net amount of taxable income a Fund is allocated from its investment in such an entity may exceed cash distributions received from the entity. Thus, a Fund’s investments in such an entity may lead the Fund to make distributions in excess of its earnings and profits, or the Fund may be required to sell investments, including when not otherwise advantageous to do so, to satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs under the Code.
Depreciation or other cost recovery deductions passed through to a Fund from any investments in MLPs in a given year will generally reduce the Fund’s taxable income, but those deductions may be recaptured in the Fund’s income in one or more subsequent years. When recognized and distributed, recapture income will generally be taxable to a Fund’s shareholders at the time of the distribution at ordinary income tax rates, even though those shareholders might not have held Shares in the Fund at the time the deductions were taken, and even though those shareholders may not have corresponding economic gain on their Shares at the time of the recapture. To distribute recapture income or to fund redemption requests, a Fund may need to liquidate investments, which may lead to additional taxable income.
U.S. Government Securities
The Funds may invest in U.S. government securities. Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury securities, which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury and which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. U.S. Treasury bills have initial maturities of one-year or less; U.S. Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and U.S. Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years. Certain U.S. government securities are issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government including, but not limited to, obligations of U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), the Small Business Administration, the Federal Farm Credit Administration, the Federal Home Loan Banks, Banks for Cooperatives (including the Central Bank for Cooperatives), the Federal Land Banks, the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Federal Financing Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association, the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac).
Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities, including, for example, GNMA pass- through certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those securities issued by the FNMA, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the federal agency, while other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, while the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored federal agencies, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will always do so, since the U.S. government is not so obligated by law. U.S. Treasury notes and bonds typically pay coupon interest semi-annually and repay the principal at maturity.
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On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced a federal takeover of the FNMA and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), placing the two federal instrumentalities in conservatorship. Under the takeover, the U.S. Treasury agreed to acquire $1 billion of senior preferred stock of each instrumentality and obtained warrants for the purchase of common stock of each instrumentality (the “Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement” or “Agreement”). Under the Agreement, the U.S. Treasury pledged to provide up to $200 billion per instrumentality as needed, including the contribution of cash capital to the instrumentalities in the event their liabilities exceed their assets. This was intended to ensure that the instrumentalities maintain a positive net worth and meet their financial obligations, preventing mandatory triggering of receivership. As a result of this Agreement, the investments of holders, including the Fund, of mortgage-backed securities and other obligations issued by the FNMA and Freddie Mac are protected.
On December 24, 2009, the U.S. Treasury amended the Agreement to allow the $200 billion cap on the U.S. Treasury’s funding commitment to increase as necessary to accommodate any cumulative reduction in net worth over the next three years. On August 17, 2012, the U.S. Treasury announced the Third Amendment to the Agreement that recalibrated the calculation of the quarterly dividends that Freddie Mac pays to the U.S. Treasury which eliminated the need for Freddie Mac circularly to borrow from the U.S. Treasury only then to pay dividends back to the U.S. Treasury. The Third Amendment suspended the periodic commitment fee for so long as the dividend amounts were based on net worth. The Third Amendment also eliminated the requirement that Freddie Mac obtain the U.S. Treasury’s consent for asset dispositions with a fair market value (individually or in aggregate) of less than $250 million, but required Freddie Mac to submit annual risk management plans to the U.S. Treasury. On December 21, 2017, a letter agreement between the U.S. Treasury and Freddie Mac changed the terms of the senior preferred stock certificates to permit Freddie Mac to retain a $3 billion capital reserve, quarterly. On September 30, 2019, the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), acting as Conservator to Freddie Mac, announced amendments to the senior preferred stock certificates that will permit Freddie Mac to retain earnings beyond the $3 billion capital reserves previously allowed through the letter agreements. Since January 6, 2014, FHFA has conducted an ongoing assessment of its obligations and statutory mandates in preparation for Freddie Mac’s eventual exit from conservatorship.
Illiquid Investments and Restricted Securities
Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, a Fund may not acquire any “illiquid investment” if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. An “illiquid investment” is any investment that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Each Fund has implemented a liquidity risk management program and related procedures to identify illiquid investments pursuant to Rule 22e-4. The 15% limit shall be observed continuously.
Each Fund may purchase certain restricted securities that can be resold to institutional investors and which may be determined not to be illiquid investments pursuant to such Fund’s liquidity risk management program. In many cases, those securities are traded in the institutional market under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and are called Rule 144A securities.
Investments in illiquid investments involve more risks than investments in similar securities that are readily marketable. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments. Investment of a Fund’s assets in illiquid investments may restrict the ability of such Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and for a fair price as well as its ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute where a Fund’s operations require cash, such as when the Fund has net redemptions, and could result in such Fund borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring losses on the sale of illiquid investments.
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Illiquid investments are often restricted securities sold in private placement transactions between issuers and their purchasers and may be neither listed on an exchange nor traded in other established markets. In many cases, the privately placed securities may not be freely transferable under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. To the extent privately placed securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales could be less than those originally paid by a Fund or less than the fair value of the securities. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If any privately placed securities held by a Fund are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, such Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration. Private placement investments may involve investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks than investments in more established companies. These issuers may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In making investments in private placement securities, a Fund may obtain access to material non-public information, which may restrict such Fund’s ability to conduct transactions in those securities.
Investment Company Securities
The Funds may invest in the securities of other investment companies, including money market funds and ETFs, subject to applicable limitations under Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. Investing in another pooled vehicle exposes the Funds to all the risks of that pooled vehicle. If a Fund invests in and, thus, is a shareholder of another investment company, such Fund’s shareholders will indirectly bear the Fund’s proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by such other investment company, including advisory fees, in addition to both the management fees payable directly by the Fund to the Adviser and the other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.
Pursuant to Section 12(d)(1), each Fund may invest in the securities of another investment company (the “acquired company”) provided that such Fund, immediately after such purchase or acquisition, does not own in the aggregate: (1) more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the acquired company; (2) securities issued by the acquired company having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund; or (3) securities issued by the acquired company and all other investment companies (other than treasury stock of the Fund) having an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the value of the total assets of the Fund. To the extent allowed by law or regulation, each Fund may invest its assets in securities of investment companies that are money market funds in excess of the limits discussed above.
However, registered investment companies are permitted to invest in other investment companies beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1), subject to certain conditions. The Fund may rely on Rule 12d1-4 of the 1940 Act, which provides an exemption from Section 12(d)(1) that allows the Fund to invest beyond the stated limits in other registered funds, including ETFs, if the Fund satisfies certain conditions specified in the Rule, including, among other conditions, that the Fund and its advisory group will not control (individually or in the aggregate) an acquired fund (e.g., hold more than 25% of the outstanding voting securities of an acquired fund that is a registered open-end management investment company).
The Funds may rely on Section 12(d)(1)(F) and Rule 12d1-3 of the 1940 Act, which provide an exemption from Section 12(d)(1) that allows a Fund to invest all of its assets in other registered funds, including ETFs, if, among other conditions: (1) the Fund, together with its affiliates, acquires no more than three percent of the outstanding voting stock of any acquired fund; and (2) the sales load charged on Shares is no greater than the limits set forth in Rule 2830 of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).
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Money Market Funds
The Funds may invest in underlying money market funds that either seek to maintain a stable $1 NAV (“stable NAV money market funds”) or that have a share price that fluctuates (“variable NAV market funds”). Although an underlying stable NAV money market fund seeks to maintain a stable $1 NAV, it is possible for the Funds to lose money by investing in such a money market fund. Because the share price of an underlying variable NAV market fund will fluctuate, when a Fund sells the shares it owns they may be worth more or less than what such Fund originally paid for them. In addition, neither type of money market fund is designed to offer capital appreciation. Certain underlying money market funds may impose a fee upon the sale of shares or may temporarily suspend the ability to sell shares if such fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums.
Other Short-Term Instruments
The Funds may invest in short-term instruments, including money market instruments, on an ongoing basis to provide liquidity or for other reasons. Money market instruments are generally short-term investments that may include but are not limited to: (1) shares of money market funds; (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies, or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises); (3) negotiable certificates of deposit (“CDs”), bankers’ acceptances, fixed time deposits, and other obligations of U.S. and foreign banks (including foreign branches) and similar institutions; (4) commercial paper rated at the date of purchase “Prime-1” by Moody’s Investors Service or “A-1” by S&P Global Ratings or, if unrated, of comparable quality as determined by the Adviser; (5) non-convertible corporate debt securities (e.g., bonds and debentures) with remaining maturities at the date of purchase of not more than 397 days and that satisfy the rating requirements set forth in Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act; and (6) short-term U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign banks (including U.S. branches) that, in the opinion of the Adviser, are of comparable quality to obligations of U.S. banks which may be purchased by a Fund. Any of these instruments may be purchased on a current or a forward-settled basis. Money market instruments also include shares of money market funds. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers’ acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers, usually in connection with international transactions.
Short Sales
The Fund may take short positions in securities and financial instruments expected to decline in price. However, the Fund’s investments in short sales will be limited to 5% of the Fund’s net assets at the time the Fund enters into the shorting transaction. To effect a short sale, the Fund arranges through a broker to borrow the security it does not own to be delivered to a buyer of such security. In borrowing the security to be delivered to the buyer, the Fund will become obligated to replace the security borrowed at the time of replacement, regardless of the market price at that time. A short sale results in a gain when the price of the securities sold short declines between the date of the short sale and the date on which a security is purchased to replace the borrowed security. Conversely, a short sale will result in a loss if the price of the security sold short increases. When the Fund makes a short sale, the broker effecting the short sale typically holds the proceeds as part of the collateral securing the Fund’s obligation to cover the short position. Short sales may involve substantial risk and leverage.
The Fund will suffer a loss if it sells a security short and the value of the security rises rather than falls. It is possible that the Fund’s long positions will decline in value at the same time that the value of its short positions increase, thereby increasing potential losses to the Fund. Short sales expose the Fund to the risk that it will be required to buy the security sold short (also known as “covering” the short position) at a time when the security has appreciated in value, thus resulting in a loss to the Fund. In addition, the Fund may be subject to expenses related to short sales that are not typically associated with investing in securities directly, such as costs of borrowing, which may negatively impact performance. Short positions introduce more risk to the Fund than long positions (purchases) because the maximum sustainable loss on a security purchased (held long) is limited to the amount paid for the security plus the transaction costs, whereas there is no maximum attainable price of the shorted security. Therefore, in theory, securities sold short have unlimited risk.
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Derivative Instruments
Generally, derivatives are financial instruments whose value depends on or is derived from, the value of one or more underlying assets, reference rates, or indices or other market factors (a “reference instrument”) and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, credit, currencies, commodities or related indices. Derivative instruments can provide an efficient means to gain or reduce exposure to the value of a reference instrument without actually owning or selling the instrument. Some common types of derivatives include options, futures, forwards and swaps.
Derivative instruments may be used to modify the effective duration of the Fund’s portfolio investments. Derivative instruments may also be used for “hedging,” which means that they may be used when the Adviser seeks to protect the Fund’s investments from a decline in value resulting from changes to interest rates, market prices, currency fluctuations, or other market factors. Derivative instruments may also be used for other purposes, including to seek to increase liquidity, provide efficient portfolio management, broaden investment opportunities (including taking short or negative positions), implement a tax or cash management strategy, gain exposure to a particular security or segment of the market and/or enhance total return. However derivative instruments are used, their successful use is not assured and will depend upon, among other factors, the Adviser’s ability to gauge relevant market movements.
Derivative instruments may be used for the purpose of direct hedging. Direct hedging means that the transaction must be intended to reduce a specific risk exposure of a portfolio security or its denominated currency and must also be directly related to such security or currency. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments may be limited from time to time by policies adopted by the Board or the Adviser.
SEC Rule 18f-4 (“Rule 18f-4” or the “Derivatives Rule”) regulates the ability of the Fund to enter into derivative transactions and other leveraged transactions. The Derivatives Rule defines the term “derivatives” to include short sales and forward contracts, such as TBA transactions, in addition to instruments traditionally classified as derivatives, such as swaps, futures, and options. Rule 18f-4 also regulates other types of leveraged transactions, such as reverse repurchase transactions and transactions deemed to be “similar to” reverse repurchase transactions, such as certain securities lending transactions in connection with which the Fund obtains leverage. Among other things, under Rule 18f-4, the Fund is prohibited from entering into these derivatives transactions except in reliance on the provisions of the Derivatives Rule. The Derivatives Rule establishes limits on the derivatives transactions that the Fund may enter into based on the value-at-risk (“VaR”) of the Fund inclusive of derivatives. The Fund will generally satisfy the limits under the Rule if the VaR of its portfolio (inclusive of derivatives transactions) does not exceed 200% of the VaR of its “designated reference portfolio.” The “designated reference portfolio” is a representative unleveraged index or the Fund’s own portfolio absent derivatives holdings, as determined by the Fund’s derivatives risk manager. This limits test is referred to as the “Relative VaR Test.” If a Fund determines that the Relative VaR Test is not appropriate in light of its strategy, subject to specified conditions, the Fund may instead comply with the “Absolute VaR Test.” A Fund will satisfy the Absolute VaR Test if the VaR of its portfolio does not exceed 20% of the value of the Fund’s net assets.
In addition, among other requirements, Rule 18f-4 requires the Fund to establish a derivatives risk management program, appoint a derivatives risk manager, and carry out enhanced reporting to the Board, the SEC and the public regarding the Fund’s derivatives activities. These new requirements will apply unless the Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” which the Derivatives Rule defines as a fund that limits its derivatives exposure to 10% of its net assets. It is possible that the limits and compliance costs imposed by the Derivatives Rule may adversely affect the Fund’s performance, efficiency in implementing its strategy, liquidity and/or ability to pursue its investment objectives and may increase the cost of the Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.
Futures contracts. Generally, a futures contract is a standard binding agreement to buy or sell a specified quantity of an underlying reference instrument, such as a specific security, currency or commodity, at a specified price at a specified later date. A “sale” of a futures contract means the acquisition of a contractual obligation to deliver the underlying reference instrument called for by the contract at a specified price on a specified date. A “purchase” of a futures contract means the acquisition of a contractual obligation to acquire the underlying reference instrument called for by the contract at a specified price on a specified date. The purchase or sale of a futures contract will allow the Fund to increase or decrease its exposure to the underlying reference instrument without having to buy the actual instrument.
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The underlying reference instruments to which futures contracts may relate include non-U.S. currencies, interest rates, stock and bond indices, and debt securities, including U.S. government debt obligations. In certain types of futures contracts, the underlying reference instrument may be a swap agreement. In most cases the contractual obligation under a futures contract may be offset, or “closed out,” before the settlement date so that the parties do not have to make or take delivery. The closing out of a contractual obligation is usually accomplished by buying or selling, as the case may be, an identical, offsetting futures contract. This transaction, which is effected through a member of an exchange, cancels the obligation to make or take delivery of the underlying instrument or asset. Although some futures contracts by their terms require the actual delivery or acquisition of the underlying instrument or asset, some require cash settlement.
Futures contracts may be bought and sold on U.S. and non-U.S. exchanges. Futures contracts in the U.S. have been designed by exchanges that have been designated “contract markets” by the CFTC and must be executed through a futures commission merchant (“FCM”), which is a brokerage firm that is a member of the relevant contract market. Each exchange guarantees performance of the contracts as between the clearing members of the exchange, thereby reducing the risk of counterparty default. Futures contracts may also be entered into on certain exempt markets, including exempt boards of trade and electronic trading facilities, available to certain market participants. Because all transactions in the futures market are made, offset or fulfilled by an FCM through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the contracts are traded, the Fund will incur brokerage fees when they buy or sell futures contracts.
To the extent the Fund invests in futures contracts, the Fund will generally buy and sell futures contracts only on contract markets (including exchanges or boards of trade) where there appears to be an active market for the futures contracts, but there is no assurance that an active market will exist for any particular contract or at any particular time. An active market makes it more likely that futures contracts will be liquid and bought and sold at competitive market prices. In addition, many of the futures contracts available may be relatively new instruments without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active market will develop or continue to exist.
When the Fund enters into a futures contract, it must deliver to an account controlled by the FCM (that has been selected by the Fund), an amount referred to as “initial margin” that is typically calculated as an amount equal to the volatility in market value of a contract over a fixed period. Initial margin requirements are determined by the respective exchanges on which the futures contracts are traded and the FCM. Thereafter, a “variation margin” amount may be required to be paid by the Fund or received by the Fund in accordance with margin controls set for such accounts, depending upon changes in the marked-to-market value of the futures contract. The account is marked-to-market daily and the variation margin is monitored by the Adviser and Custodian (defined below) on a daily basis. When the futures contract is closed out, if the Fund has a loss equal to or greater than the margin amount, the margin amount is paid to the FCM along with any loss in excess of the margin amount. If the Fund has a loss of less than the margin amount, the excess margin is returned to the Fund. If the Fund has a gain, the full margin amount and the amount of the gain is paid to the Fund.
Some futures contracts provide for the delivery of securities that are different than those that are specified in the contract. For a futures contract for delivery of debt securities, on the settlement date of the contract, adjustments to the contract can be made to recognize differences in value arising from the delivery of debt securities with a different interest rate from that of the particular debt securities that were specified in the contract. In some cases, securities called for by a futures contract may not have been issued when the contract was written.
Risks of futures contracts. The Fund’s use of futures contracts is subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments generally. In addition, a purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses to the Fund in excess of the amount that the Fund delivered as initial margin. Because of the relatively low margin deposits required, futures trading involves a high degree of leverage; as a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss, or gain, to the Fund. In addition, if the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements or close out a futures position, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. Adverse market movements could cause the Fund to experience substantial losses on an investment in a futures contract.
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There is a risk of loss by the Fund of the initial and variation margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of the FCM with which the Fund has an open position in a futures contract. The assets of the Fund may not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the FCM or central counterparty because the Fund might be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds and margin segregated on behalf of an FCM’s customers. If the FCM does not provide accurate reporting, the Fund is also subject to the risk that the FCM could use the Fund’s assets, which are held in an omnibus account with assets belonging to the FCM’s other customers, to satisfy its own financial obligations or the payment obligations of another customer to the central counterparty.
The Fund may not be able to properly hedge or effect its strategy when a liquid market is unavailable for the futures contract the Fund wishes to close, which may at times occur. In addition, when futures contracts are used for hedging, there may be an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the underlying reference instrument on which the futures contract is based and movements in the prices of the assets sought to be hedged.
If the Adviser’s investment judgment about the general direction of market prices or interest or currency exchange rates is incorrect, the Fund’s overall performance will be poorer than if it had not entered into a futures contract. For example, if the Fund has purchased futures to hedge against the possibility of an increase in interest rates that would adversely affect the price of bonds held in its portfolio and interest rates instead decrease, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of the bonds which it has hedged. This is because its losses in its futures positions will offset some or all of its gains from the increased value of the bonds.
The difference (called the “spread”) between prices in the cash market for the purchase and sale of the underlying reference instrument and the prices in the futures market is subject to fluctuations and distortions due to differences in the nature of those two markets. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to initial deposit and variation margin requirements. Rather than meeting additional variation margin requirements, investors may close futures contracts through offsetting transactions that could distort the normal pricing spread between the cash and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery of the underlying instrument. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced, resulting in pricing distortion. Third, from the point of view of speculators, the margin deposit requirements that apply in the futures market are less onerous than similar margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price distortions.
Futures contracts that are traded on non-U.S. exchanges may not be as liquid as those purchased on CFTC-designated contract markets. In addition, non-U.S. futures contracts may be subject to varied regulatory oversight. The price of any non-U.S. futures contract and, therefore, the potential profit and loss thereon, may be affected by any change in the non-U.S. exchange rate between the time a particular order is placed and the time it is liquidated, offset or exercised.
The CFTC and the various exchanges have established limits referred to as “speculative position limits” on the maximum net long or net short position that any person, such as the Fund, may hold or control in a particular futures contract. Trading limits are also imposed on the maximum number of contracts that any person may trade on a particular trading day. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of these limits and it may impose other sanctions or restrictions. The regulation of futures, as well as other derivatives, is a rapidly changing area of law. For more information, see “Developing government regulation of derivatives” below.
Futures exchanges may also limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in certain futures contract prices during a single trading day. This daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day’s settlement price. Once the daily limit has been reached in a futures contract subject to the limit, no more trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and does not limit potential losses because the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses.
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Options on futures contracts. Options on futures contracts trade on the same contract markets as the underlying futures contract. When the Fund buys an option, it pays a premium for the right, but does not have the obligation, to purchase (call) or sell (put) a futures contract at a set price (the exercise price). The purchase of a call or put option on a futures contract, whereby the Fund has the right to purchase or sell, respectively, a particular futures contract, is similar in some respects to the purchase of a call or put option on an individual security or currency. Depending on the premium paid for the option compared to either the price of the futures contract upon which it is based or the price of the underlying reference instrument, the option may be less risky than direct ownership of the futures contract or the underlying reference instrument. For example, the Fund could purchase a call option on a long futures contract when seeking to hedge against an increase in the market value of the underlying reference instrument, such as appreciation in the value of a non-U.S. currency against the U.S. dollar.
The seller (writer) of an option becomes contractually obligated to take the opposite futures position if the buyer of the option exercises its rights to the futures position specified in the option. In return for the premium paid by the buyer, the seller assumes the risk of taking a possibly adverse futures position. In addition, the seller will be required to post and maintain initial and variation margin with the FCM. One goal of selling (writing) options on futures may be to receive the premium paid by the option buyer. For more general information about the mechanics of purchasing and writing options, see “Options” below.
Risks of options on futures contracts. The Fund’s use of options on futures contracts is subject to the risks related to derivative instruments generally. In addition, the amount of risk the Fund assumes when it purchases an option on a futures contract is the premium paid for the option plus related transaction costs. The purchase of an option also entails the risk that changes in the value of the underlying futures contract will not be fully reflected in the value of the option purchased. The seller (writer) of an option on a futures contract is subject to the risk of having to take a possibly adverse futures position if the purchaser of the option exercises its rights. If the seller were required to take such a position, it could bear substantial losses. An option writer has potentially unlimited economic risk because its potential loss, except to the extent offset by the premium received, is equal to the amount the option is “in-the-money” at the expiration date. A call option is in-the-money if the value of the underlying futures contract exceeds the exercise price of the option. A put option is in-the-money if the exercise price of the option exceeds the value of the underlying futures contract.
Options. An option is a contract that gives the purchaser of the option, in return for the premium paid, the right to buy an underlying reference instrument, such as a specified security, currency, index, or other instrument, from the writer of the option (in the case of a call option), or to sell a specified reference instrument to the writer of the option (in the case of a put option) at a designated price during the term of the option. The premium paid by the buyer of an option will reflect, among other things, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price and the volatility of the underlying reference instrument, the remaining term of the option, supply, demand, interest rates and/or currency exchange rates. An American style put or call option may be exercised at any time during the option period while a European style put or call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior thereto. Put and call options are traded on national securities exchanges and in the OTC market.
Options traded on national securities exchanges are within the jurisdiction of the SEC or other appropriate national securities regulator, as are securities traded on such exchanges. As a result, many of the protections provided to traders on organized exchanges will be available with respect to such transactions. In particular, all option positions entered into on a national securities exchange in the United States are cleared and guaranteed by the Options Clearing Corporation, thereby reducing the risk of counterparty default. Furthermore, a liquid secondary market in options traded on a national securities exchange may be more readily available than in the OTC market, potentially permitting the Fund to liquidate open positions at a profit prior to exercise or expiration, or to limit losses in the event of adverse market movements. There is no assurance, however, that higher than anticipated trading activity or other unforeseen events might not temporarily render the capabilities of the Options Clearing Corporation inadequate, and thereby result in the exchange instituting special procedures which may interfere with the timely execution of the Fund’s orders to close out open options positions.
Purchasing call and put options. As the buyer of a call option, the Fund has a right to buy the underlying reference instrument (e.g., a currency or security) at the exercise price at any time during the option period (for American style options). The Fund may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to call options, exercise them, or permit them to expire. For example, the Fund may buy call options on underlying reference instruments that it intends to buy with the goal of limiting the risk of a substantial increase in their market price before the purchase is effected. Unless the price of the underlying reference instrument changes sufficiently, a call option purchased by the Fund may expire without any value to the Fund, in which case the Fund would experience a loss to the extent of the premium paid for the option plus related transaction costs.
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As the buyer of a put option, the Fund has the right to sell the underlying reference instrument at the exercise price at any time during the option period (for American style options). Like a call option, the Fund may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to put options, exercise them or permit them to expire. The Fund may buy a put option on an underlying reference instrument owned by the Fund (a protective put) as a hedging technique in an attempt to protect against an anticipated decline in the market value of the underlying reference instrument. Such hedge protection is provided only during the life of the put option when the Fund, as the buyer of the put option, is able to sell the underlying reference instrument at the put exercise price, regardless of any decline in the underlying instrument’s market price. The Fund may also seek to offset a decline in the value of the underlying reference instrument through appreciation in the value of the put option. A put option may also be purchased with the intent of protecting unrealized appreciation of an instrument when the Adviser deems it desirable to continue to hold the instrument because of tax or other considerations. The premium paid for the put option and any transaction costs would reduce any short-term capital gain that may be available for distribution when the instrument is eventually sold. Buying put options at a time when the buyer does not own the underlying reference instrument allows the buyer to benefit from a decline in the market price of the underlying reference instrument, which generally increases the value of the put option.
If a put option was not terminated in a closing sale transaction when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying reference instrument remains equal to or greater than the exercise price during the life of the put option, the buyer would not make any gain upon exercise of the option and would experience a loss to the extent of the premium paid for the option plus related transaction costs. In order for the purchase of a put option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying reference instrument must decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs.
Writing call and put options. Writing options may permit the writer to generate additional income in the form of the premium received for writing the option. The writer of an option may have no control over when the underlying reference instruments must be sold (in the case of a call option) or purchased (in the case of a put option) because the writer may be notified of exercise at any time prior to the expiration of the option (for American style options). In general, though, options are infrequently exercised prior to expiration. Whether or not an option expires unexercised, the writer retains the amount of the premium. Writing “covered” call options means that the writer owns the underlying reference instrument that is subject to the call option. Call options may also be written on reference instruments that the writer does not own.
As the writer of a covered call option, the Fund gives up the potential for capital appreciation above the exercise price of the option should the underlying reference instrument rise in value. If the value of the underlying reference instrument rises above the exercise price of the call option, the reference instrument will likely be “called away,” requiring the Fund to sell the underlying instrument at the exercise price. In that case, the Fund will sell the underlying reference instrument to the option buyer for less than its market value, and the Fund will experience a loss (which will be offset by the premium received by the Fund as the writer of such option). If a call option expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium received. If the market price of the underlying reference instrument decreases, the call option will not be exercised and the Fund will be able to use the amount of the premium received to hedge against the loss in value of the underlying reference instrument. The exercise price of a call option will be chosen based upon the expected price movement of the underlying reference instrument. The exercise price of a call option may be below, equal to (at-the-money), or above the current value of the underlying reference instrument at the time the option is written.
As the writer of a put option, the Fund has a risk of loss should the underlying reference instrument decline in value. If the value of the underlying reference instrument declines below the exercise price of the put option and the put option is exercised, the Fund, as the writer of the put option, will be required to buy the instrument at the exercise price, which will exceed the market value of the underlying reference instrument at that time. The Fund will incur a loss to the extent that the current market value of the underlying reference instrument is less than the exercise price of the put option. However, the loss will be offset in part by the premium received from the buyer of the put. If a put option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium received.
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Closing out options (exchange-traded options). If the writer of an option wants to terminate its obligation, the writer may effect a “closing purchase transaction” by buying an option of the same series as the option previously written. The effect of the purchase is that the clearing corporation will cancel the option writer’s position. However, a writer may not effect a closing purchase transaction after being notified of the exercise of an option. Likewise, the buyer of an option may recover all or a portion of the premium that it paid by effecting a “closing sale transaction” by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased and receiving a premium on the sale. There is no guarantee that either a closing purchase or a closing sale transaction may be made at a time desired by the Fund. Closing transactions allow the Fund to terminate its positions in written and purchased options. The Fund will realize a profit from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the premium received from writing the original option (in the case of written options) or is more than the premium paid by the Fund to buy the option (in the case of purchased options). For example, increases in the market price of a call option sold by the Fund will generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying reference instrument. As a result, any loss resulting from a closing transaction on a written call option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying instrument owned by the Fund.
Over-the-counter options. Like exchange-traded options, OTC options give the holder the right to buy from the writer, in the case of OTC call options, or sell to the writer, in the case of OTC put options, an underlying reference instrument at a stated exercise price. OTC options, however, differ from exchange-traded options in certain material respects.
OTC options are arranged directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation or exchange. Consequently, there is a risk of non-performance by the dealer, including because of the dealer’s bankruptcy or insolvency. While the Fund uses only counterparties, such as dealers, that meet its credit quality standards, in unusual or extreme market conditions, a counterparty’s creditworthiness and ability to perform may deteriorate rapidly, and the availability of suitable replacement counterparties may become limited. Because there is no exchange, pricing is typically done based on information from market makers or other dealers. OTC options are available for a greater variety of underlying reference instruments and in a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than exchange-traded options.
There can be no assurance that a continuous liquid secondary market will exist for any particular OTC option at any specific time. The Fund may be able to realize the value of an OTC option it has purchased only by exercising it or entering into a closing sale transaction with the dealer that issued it. When the Fund writes an OTC option, it generally can close out that option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase transaction with the dealer with which the Fund originally wrote the option. The Fund may suffer a loss if it is not able to exercise (in the case of a purchased option) or enter into a closing sale transaction on a timely basis.
The staff of the SEC has taken the position that purchased OTC options on securities are considered illiquid securities. Pending a change in the staff’s position, the Fund will treat such OTC options on securities as illiquid and subject to the Fund’s limitation on illiquid securities.
Interest rate caps. An interest rate cap is a type of OTC option. The buyer of an interest rate cap pays a premium to the seller in exchange for payments at set intervals for which a floating interest rate exceeds an agreed upon interest rate. The floating interest rate may be tied to a reference rate, a long-term swap rate or other benchmark. The amount of each payment is determined by reference to a specified “notional” amount of money. Interest rate caps do not involve the delivery of securities, other underlying instruments, or principal amounts. Accordingly, barring counterparty risk, the risk of loss to the purchaser of an interest rate cap is limited to the amount of the premium paid.
An interest rate cap can be used to increase or decrease exposure to various interest rates, including to hedge interest rate risk. By purchasing an interest rate cap, the buyer of the cap can benefit from rising interest rates while limiting its downside risk to the amount of the premium paid. If the Fund buys an interest rate cap and the Adviser is correct at predicting the direction of interest rates, the interest rate cap will increase in value. But if the Adviser is incorrect at predicting the direction, the interest rate cap will expire worthless.
By writing (selling) an interest rate cap, the seller of the cap can benefit by receiving a premium in exchange for assuming an obligation to make payments at set intervals for which a floating interest rate exceeds an agreed upon interest rate. If interest rates rise above the agreed upon cap, the seller’s obligation to make payments may result in losses in excess of the premium received.
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Correctly predicting the value of an interest rate cap requires an understanding of the referenced interest rate, and the Fund bears the risk that the Adviser will not correctly forecast future market events, such as interest rate movements. Interest rate caps also involve the risks associated with derivative instruments generally, as described herein, including the risks associated with OTC options.
Risks of options. The Fund’s options investments involve certain risks, including general risks related to derivative instruments. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and the Fund may have difficulty effecting closing transactions in particular options. Therefore, the Fund would have to exercise the options it purchased in order to realize any profit, thus taking or making delivery of the underlying reference instrument when not desired. The Fund could then incur transaction costs upon the sale of the underlying reference instruments. Similarly, when the Fund cannot affect a closing transaction with respect to a put option it wrote, and the buyer exercises, the Fund would be required to take delivery and would incur transaction costs upon the sale of the underlying reference instruments purchased. If the Fund, as a covered call option writer, is unable to affect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying reference instrument until the option expires, it delivers the underlying instrument upon exercise, or it segregates enough liquid assets to purchase the underlying reference instrument at the marked-to-market price during the term of the option. When trading options on non-U.S. exchanges or in the OTC market, many of the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be available. For example, there may be no daily price fluctuation limits, and adverse market movements could therefore continue to an unlimited extent over an indefinite period of time.
The effectiveness of an options strategy for hedging depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying reference instruments correlate with price movements in the relevant portion of the Fund’s portfolio that is being hedged. In addition, the Fund bears the risk that the prices of its portfolio investments will not move in the same amount as the option it has purchased or sold for hedging purposes, or that there may be a negative correlation that would result in a loss on both the investments and the option. If the Adviser is not successful in using options in managing the Fund’s investments, the Fund’s performance will be worse than if the Adviser did not employ such strategies.
Swaps. Generally, swap agreements are contracts between the Fund and another party (the swap counterparty) involving the exchange of payments on specified terms over periods ranging from a few days to multiple years. A swap agreement may be negotiated bilaterally and traded OTC between the two parties (for an uncleared swap) or, in some instances, must be transacted through an FCM and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty (for a cleared swap). In a basic swap transaction, the Fund agrees with the swap counterparty to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) and/or cash flows earned or realized on a particular “notional amount” or value of predetermined underlying reference instruments. The notional amount is the set dollar or other value selected by the parties to use as the basis on which to calculate the obligations that the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. The parties typically do not actually exchange the notional amount. Instead, they agree to exchange the returns that would be earned or realized if the notional amount were invested in given investments or at given interest rates. Examples of returns that may be exchanged in a swap agreement are those of a particular security, a particular fixed or variable interest rate, a particular non-U.S. currency, or a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. Swaps can also be based on credit and other events.
The Fund will generally enter into swap agreements on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams that are to be made by the Fund and its counterparty with respect to a particular swap agreement are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net difference in the two payments. The Fund’s obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement that is entered into on a net basis will generally be the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the obligations of each party upon termination of the agreement or at set valuation dates. The Fund will accrue its obligations under a swap agreement daily (offset by any amounts the counterparty owes the Fund). If the swap agreement does not provide for that type of netting, the full amount of the Fund’s obligations will be accrued on a daily basis.
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Comprehensive swaps regulation. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and related regulatory developments imposed comprehensive regulatory requirements on swaps and swap market participants. The regulatory framework includes: (1) registration and regulation of swap dealers and major swap participants; (2) requiring central clearing and execution of standardized swaps; (3) imposing margin requirements on swap transactions; (4) regulating and monitoring swap transactions through position limits and large trader reporting requirements; and (5) imposing record keeping and centralized and public reporting requirements, on an anonymous basis, for most swaps. The CFTC is responsible for the regulation of most swaps. The SEC has jurisdiction over a small segment of the market referred to as “security-based swaps,” which includes swaps on single securities or credits, or narrow-based indices of securities or credits.
Uncleared swaps. In an uncleared swap, the swap counterparty is typically a brokerage firm, bank or other financial institution. The Fund customarily enter into uncleared swaps based on the standard terms and conditions of an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement. ISDA is a voluntary industry association of participants in the over-the-counter derivatives markets that has developed standardized contracts used by such participants that have agreed to be bound by such standardized contracts. In the event that one party to a swap transaction defaults and the transaction is terminated prior to its scheduled termination date, one of the parties may be required to make an early termination payment to the other. An early termination payment may be payable by either the defaulting or non-defaulting party, depending upon which of them is “in-the-money” with respect to the swap at the time of its termination. Early termination payments may be calculated in various ways, but are intended to approximate the amount the “in-the-money” party would have to pay to replace the swap as of the date of its termination.
During the term of an uncleared swap, the Fund is required to pledge to the swap counterparty, from time to time, an amount of cash and/or other assets equal to the total net amount (if any) that would be payable by the Fund to the counterparty if all outstanding swaps between the parties were terminated on the date in question, including any early termination payments (“variation margin”). Periodically, changes in the amount pledged are made to recognize changes in value of the contract resulting from, among other things, interest on the notional value of the contract, market value changes in the underlying investment, and/or dividends paid by the issuer of the underlying instrument. Likewise, the counterparty will be required to pledge cash or other assets to cover its obligations to the Fund. However, the amount pledged may not always be equal to or more than the amount due to the other party. Therefore, if a counterparty defaults in its obligations to the Fund, the amount pledged by the counterparty and available to the Fund may not be sufficient to cover all the amounts due to the Fund and the Fund may sustain a loss.
Currently, the Fund does not intend to typically provide initial margin in connection with uncleared swaps. However, rules requiring initial margin for uncleared swaps have been adopted and are being phased in over time. When these rules take effect, if the Fund is deemed to have material swaps exposure under applicable swap regulations, the Fund will be required to post initial margin in addition to variation margin.
Cleared swaps. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and exchange-trading. The Dodd-Frank Act and implementing rules will ultimately require the clearing and exchange-trading of many swaps. Mandatory exchange-trading and clearing will occur on a phased-in basis based on the type of market participant, CFTC approval of contracts for central clearing and public trading facilities making such cleared swaps available to trade. To date, the CFTC has designated only certain of the most common types of credit default index swaps and interest rate swaps as subject to mandatory clearing and certain public trading facilities have made certain of those cleared swaps available to trade, but it is expected that additional categories of swaps will in the future be designated as subject to mandatory clearing and trade execution requirements. Central clearing is intended to reduce counterparty credit risk and increase liquidity, but central clearing does not eliminate these risks and may involve additional costs and risks not involved with uncleared swaps. See “Risks of cleared swaps” below.
In a cleared swap, the Fund’s ultimate counterparty is a central clearinghouse rather than a brokerage firm, bank or other financial institution. Cleared swaps are submitted for clearing through each party’s FCM, which must be a member of the clearinghouse that serves as the central counterparty. Transactions executed on a swap execution facility (“SEF”) may increase market transparency and liquidity but may require the Fund to incur increased expenses to access the same types of swaps that it has used in the past. When the Fund enters into a cleared swap, it must deliver to the central counterparty (via the FCM) an amount referred to as “initial margin.” Initial margin requirements are determined by the central counterparty and are typically calculated as an amount equal to the volatility in market value of the cleared swap over a fixed period, but an FCM may require additional initial margin above the amount required by the central counterparty. During the term of the swap agreement, a “variation margin” amount may also be required to be paid by the Fund or may be received by the Fund in accordance with margin controls set for such accounts. If the value of the Fund’s cleared swap declines, the Fund will be required to make additional “variation margin” payments to the FCM to settle the change in value. Conversely, if the market value of the Fund’s position increases, the FCM will post additional “variation margin” to the Fund’s account. At the conclusion of the term of the swap agreement, if the Fund has a loss equal to or greater than the margin amount, the margin amount is paid to the FCM along with any loss in excess of the margin amount. If the Fund has a loss of less than the margin amount, the excess margin is returned to the Fund. If the Fund has a gain, the full margin amount and the amount of the gain is paid to the Fund.
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Credit default swaps. The “buyer” of protection in a credit default swap agreement is obligated to pay the “seller” a periodic stream of payments over the term of the agreement in return for a payment by the “seller” that is contingent upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to a specific underlying reference debt obligation (whether as a single debt instrument or as part of an index of debt instruments). The contingent payment by the seller generally is the face amount of the debt obligation, in return for the buyer’s obligation to make periodic cash payments and deliver in physical form the reference debt obligation or a cash payment equal to the then-current market value of that debt obligation at the time of the credit event. If no credit event occurs, the seller would receive a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, while the buyer would lose the amount of its payments and recover nothing. The buyer is also subject to the risk that the seller will not satisfy its contingent payment obligation, if and when due.
Purchasing protection through a credit default swap may be used to attempt to hedge against a decline in the value of debt security or securities due to a credit event. The seller of protection under a credit default swap receives periodic payments from the buyer but is exposed to the risk that the value of the reference debt obligation declines due to a credit event and that it will have to pay the face amount of the reference obligation to the buyer. Selling protection under a credit default swap may also permit the seller to gain exposure that is similar to owning the reference debt obligation directly. As the seller of protection, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total assets, the Fund would be subject to the risk that there would be a credit event and the Fund would have to make a substantial payment in the future.
Generally, a credit event means bankruptcy, failure to timely pay interest or principal, obligation acceleration or default, or repudiation or restructuring of the reference debt obligation. There may be disputes between the buyer or seller of a credit default swap agreement or within the swaps market as a whole as to whether or not a credit event has occurred or what the payout should be which could result in litigation. In some instances where there is a dispute in the credit default swap market, a regional Determinations Committee set up by ISDA may make an official binding determination regarding the existence of credit events with respect to the reference debt obligation of a credit default swap agreement or, in the case of a credit default swap on an index, with respect to a component of the index underlying the credit default swap agreement. In the case of a credit default swap on an index, the existence of a credit event is determined according to the index methodology, which may in turn refer to determinations made by ISDA’s Determinations Committees with respect to particular components of the index.
ISDA’s Determinations Committees are comprised principally of dealers in the OTC derivatives markets which may have a conflicting interest in the determination regarding the existence of a particular credit event. In addition, in the sovereign debt market, a credit default swap agreement may not provide the protection generally anticipated because the government issuer of the sovereign debt instruments may be able to restructure or renegotiate the debt in such a manner as to avoid triggering a credit event. Moreover, (1) sovereign debt obligations may not incorporate common, commercially acceptable provisions, such as collective action clauses, or (2) the negotiated restructuring of the sovereign debt may be deemed non-mandatory on all holders. As a result, the determination committee might then not be able to determine, or may be able to avoid having to determine, that a credit event under the credit default agreement has occurred.
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For these and other reasons, the buyer of protection in a credit default swap agreement is subject to the risk that certain occurrences, such as particular restructuring events affecting the value of the underlying reference debt obligation, or the restructuring of sovereign debt, may not be deemed credit events under the credit default swap agreement. Therefore, if the credit default swap was purchased as a hedge or to take advantage of an anticipated increase in the value of credit protection for the underlying reference obligation, it may not provide any hedging benefit or otherwise increase in value as anticipated. Similarly, the seller of protection in a credit default swap agreement is subject to the risk that certain occurrences may be deemed to be credit events under the credit default swap agreement, even if these occurrences do not adversely impact the value or creditworthiness of the underlying reference debt obligation.
Interest rate swaps. An interest rate swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange interest rate payment obligations. Typically, one party’s obligation is based on an interest rate fixed to maturity while the other party’s obligation is based on an interest rate that changes in accordance with changes in a designated benchmark (for example, SOFR, prime rate, commercial paper rate, or other benchmarks). Alternatively, both payment obligations may be based on an interest rate that changes in accordance with changes in a designated benchmark (also known as a “basis swap”). In a basis swap, the rates may be based on different benchmarks (for example, SOFR versus commercial paper) or on different terms of the same benchmark (for example, one-month SOFR versus three-month SOFR). Each party’s payment obligation under an interest rate swap is determined by reference to a specified “notional” amount of money. Therefore, interest rate swaps generally do not involve the delivery of securities, other underlying instruments, or principal amounts; rather they entail the exchange of cash payments based on the application of the designated interest rates to the notional amount. Accordingly, barring swap counterparty or FCM default, the risk of loss in an interest rate swap is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is obligated to make or receive (as applicable), as well as any early termination payment payable by or to the Fund upon early termination of the swap.
By swapping fixed interest rate payments for floating payments, an interest rate swap can be used to increase or decrease the Fund’s exposure to various interest rates, including to hedge interest rate risk. Interest rate swaps are generally used to permit the party seeking a floating rate obligation the opportunity to acquire such obligation at a rate lower than is directly available in the credit markets, while permitting the party desiring a fixed-rate obligation the opportunity to acquire such a fixed-rate obligation, also frequently at a rate lower than is directly available in the credit markets. The success of such a transaction depends in large part on the availability of fixed-rate obligations at interest (or coupon) rates low enough to cover the costs involved. Similarly, a basis swap can be used to increase or decrease the Fund’s exposure to various interest rates, including to hedge against or speculate on the spread between the two indexes, or to manage duration. An interest rate swap transaction is affected by change in interest rates, which, in turn, may affect the prepayment rate of any underlying debt obligations upon which the interest rate swap is based.
Inflation index swaps. An inflation index swap is a contract between two parties, whereby one party makes payments based on the cumulative percentage increase in an index that serves as a measure of inflation (typically, the Consumer Price Index) and the other party makes a regular payment based on a compounded fixed rate. Each party’s payment obligation under the swap is determined by reference to a specified “notional” amount of money. Typically, an inflation index swap has payment obligations netted and exchanged upon maturity. The value of an inflation index swap is expected to change in response to changes in the rate of inflation. If inflation increases at a faster rate than anticipated at the time the swap is entered into, the swap will increase in value. Similarly, if inflation increases at a rate slower than anticipated at the time the swap is entered into, the swap will decrease in value.
Equity total return swaps. A total return swap (also sometimes referred to as a synthetic equity swap or “contract for difference” when written with respect to an equity security or basket of equity securities) is an agreement between two parties under which the parties agree to make payments to each other so as to replicate the economic consequences that would apply had a purchase or short sale of the underlying reference instrument or index thereof taken place. For example, one party agrees to pay the other party the total return earned or realized on the notional amount of an underlying equity security and any dividends declared with respect to that equity security. In return the other party makes payments, typically at a floating rate, calculated based on the notional amount.
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Options on swap agreements. An option on a swap agreement generally is an OTC option (see the discussion above on OTC options) that gives the buyer of the option the right, but not the obligation, in return for payment of a premium to the seller, to enter into a previously negotiated swap agreement, or to extend, terminate or otherwise modify the terms of an existing swap agreement. The writer (seller) of an option on a swap agreement receives premium payments from the buyer and, in exchange, becomes obligated to enter into or modify an underlying swap agreement upon the exercise of the option by the buyer. When the Fund purchases an option on a swap agreement, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised, plus any related transaction costs.
There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option on a swap agreement, or at any particular time, and the Fund may have difficulty affecting closing transactions in particular options on swap agreements. Therefore, the Fund may have to exercise the options that it purchases in order to realize any profit and take delivery of the underlying swap agreement. The Fund could then incur transaction costs upon the sale or closing out of the underlying swap agreement. In the event that the option on a swap is exercised, the counterparty for such option would be the same counterparty with whom the Fund entered into the underlying swap.
However, if the Fund writes (sells) an option on a swap agreement, the Fund is bound by the terms of the underlying swap agreement upon exercise of the option by the buyer, which may result in losses to the Fund in excess of the premium it received. Options on swap agreements involve the risks associated with derivative instruments generally, as described above, as well as the additional risks associated with both options and swaps generally.
Options on swap agreements are considered to be swaps for purposes of CFTC regulation. Although they are traded OTC, the CFTC may in the future designate certain options on swaps as subject to mandatory clearing. For more information, see “Cleared swaps” and “Risks of cleared swaps.”
An option on an interest rate swap (also sometimes referred to as a “swaption”) is a contract that gives the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, in return for payment of a premium, to enter into a new interest rate swap. A pay fixed option on an interest rate swap gives the buyer the right to establish a position in an interest rate swap where the buyer will pay (and the writer will receive) the fixed-rate cash flows and receive (and the writer will pay) the floating-rate cash flows. In general, most options on interest rate swaps are “European” exercise, which means that they can only be exercised at the end of the option term. Depending on the movement of interest rates between the time of purchase and expiration, the value of the underlying interest rate swap and therefore also the value of the option on the interest rate swap will change.
An option on a credit default swap is a contract that gives the buyer the right (but not the obligation), in return for payment of a premium to the option seller, to enter into a new credit default swap on a reference entity at a predetermined spread on a future date. This spread is the price at which the contract is executed (the option strike price). Similar to a put option, in a payer option on a credit default swap, the option buyer pays a premium to the option seller for the right, but not the obligation, to buy credit protection on a reference entity (e.g., a particular portfolio security) at a predetermined spread on a future date. Similar to a call option, in a receiver option on a credit default swap the option buyer pays a premium for the right, but not the obligation to sell credit default swap protection on a reference entity or index. Depending on the movement of market spreads with respect to the particular referenced debt securities between the time of purchase and expiration of the option, the value of the underlying credit default swap and therefore the value of the option will change. Options on credit default swaps currently are traded OTC and the specific terms of each option on a credit default swap are negotiated directly with the counterparty.
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Commodity-linked total return swaps. A commodity-linked total return swap is an agreement between two parties under which the parties agree to exchange a fixed return or interest rate on the notional amount of the swap for the return of a particular commodities index, commodity contract or basket of commodity contracts as if such notional amount had been invested in such index, commodity contract or basket of commodity contracts. For example, one party agrees to pay the other party the return on a particular index multiplied by the notional amount of the swap. In return, the other party makes periodic payments, such as at a floating interest rate, calculated based on such notional amount. If the commodity swap is for one period, the Fund may pay a fixed fee, established at the outset of the swap. However, if the term of the commodity swap is more than one period, with interim swap payments, the Fund may pay an adjustable or floating fee. With a “floating” rate, the fee may be pegged to a base rate, such as the SOFR, and is adjusted each period. Therefore, if interest rates increase over the term of the swap contract, the Fund may be required to pay a higher fee at each swap reset date.
Risks of swaps generally. The use of swap transactions is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Whether the Fund will be successful in using swap agreements to achieve its investment goal depends on the ability of the Adviser to correctly to predict which types of investments are likely to produce greater returns. If the Adviser, in using swap agreements, is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates, inflation, currency exchange rates or other applicable factors, the investment performance of the Fund will be less than its performance would have been if it had not used the swap agreements.
The risk of loss to the Fund for swap transactions that are entered into on a net basis depends on which party is obligated to pay the net amount to the other party. If the counterparty is obligated to pay the net amount to the Fund, the risk of loss to the Fund is loss of the entire amount that the Fund is entitled to receive. If the Fund is obligated to pay the net amount, the Fund’s risk of loss is generally limited to that net amount. If the swap agreement involves the exchange of the entire principal value of a security, the entire principal value of that security is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations. In addition, the Fund’s risk of loss also includes any margin at risk in the event of default by the counterparty (in an uncleared swap) or the central counterparty or FCM (in a cleared swap), plus any transaction costs.
Because bilateral swap agreements are structured as two-party contracts and may have terms of greater than seven days, these swaps may be considered to be illiquid and, therefore, subject to the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. If a swap transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, the Fund may not be able to establish or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses. Participants in the swap markets are not required to make continuous markets in the swap contracts they trade. Participants could refuse to quote prices for swap contracts or quote prices with an unusually widespread between the price at which they are prepared to buy and the price at which they are prepared to sell. Some swap agreements entail complex terms and may require a greater degree of subjectivity in their valuation. However, the swap markets have grown substantially in recent years, with a large number of financial institutions acting both as principals and agents, utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap markets have become increasingly liquid. In addition, central clearing and the trading of cleared swaps on public facilities are intended to increase liquidity. The Adviser, under the supervision of the Board, is responsible for determining and monitoring the liquidity of the Fund’s swap transactions.
Rules adopted under the Dodd-Frank Act require centralized reporting of detailed information about many swaps, whether cleared or uncleared. This information is available to regulators and, also, to a more limited extent and on an anonymous basis, to the public. Reporting of swap data is intended to result in greater market transparency. This may be beneficial to funds that use swaps in their trading strategies. However, public reporting imposes additional recordkeeping burdens on these funds, and the safeguards established to protect anonymity are not yet tested and may not provide protection of the funds’ identities as intended.
Certain U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) positions may limit the Fund’s ability to use swap agreements in a desired tax strategy. It is possible that developments in the swap markets and/or the laws relating to swap agreements, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to benefit from using swap agreements, or could have adverse tax consequences. For more information about potentially changing regulation, see “Developing government regulation of derivatives” below.
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Risks of uncleared swaps. Uncleared swaps are typically executed bilaterally with a swap dealer rather than traded on exchanges. As a result, swap participants may not be as protected as participants on organized exchanges. Performance of a swap agreement is the responsibility only of the swap counterparty and not of any exchange or clearinghouse. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that a counterparty will be unable or will refuse to perform under such agreement, including because of the counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency. The Fund risks the loss of the accrued but unpaid amounts under a swap agreement, which could be substantial, in the event of a default, insolvency or bankruptcy by a swap counterparty. In such an event, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the swap agreements, but bankruptcy and insolvency laws could affect the Fund’s rights as a creditor. If the counterparty’s creditworthiness declines, the value of a swap agreement would likely decline, potentially resulting in losses. In unusual or extreme market conditions, a counterparty’s creditworthiness and ability to perform may deteriorate rapidly, and the availability of suitable replacement counterparties may become limited.
Risks of cleared swaps. As noted above, under recent financial reforms, certain types of swaps are, and others eventually are expected to be, required to be cleared through a central counterparty, which may affect counterparty risk and other risks faced by the Fund.
Central clearing is designed to reduce counterparty credit risk and increase liquidity compared to uncleared swaps because central clearing interposes the central clearinghouse as the counterparty to each participant’s swap, but it does not eliminate those risks completely. There is also a risk of loss by the Fund of the initial and variation margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of the FCM with which the Fund has an open position, or the central counterparty in a swap contract. The assets of the Fund may not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the FCM or central counterparty because the Fund might be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds and margin segregated on behalf of an FCM’s customers. If the FCM does not provide accurate reporting, the Fund is also subject to the risk that the FCM could use the Fund’s assets, which are held in an omnibus account with assets belonging to the FCM’s other customers, to satisfy its own financial obligations or the payment obligations of another customer to the central counterparty. Credit risk of cleared swap participants is concentrated in a few clearinghouses, and the consequences of insolvency of a clearinghouse are not clear.
With cleared swaps, the Fund may not be able to obtain as favorable terms as it would be able to negotiate for a bilateral, uncleared swap. In addition, an FCM may unilaterally amend the terms of its agreement with the Fund, which may include the imposition of position limits or additional margin requirements with respect to the Fund’s investment in certain types of swaps. Central counterparties and FCMs can require termination of existing cleared swap transactions upon the occurrence of certain events, and can also require increases in margin above the margin that is required at the initiation of the swap agreement.
Finally, the Fund is subject to the risk that, after entering into a cleared swap with an executing broker, no FCM or central counterparty is willing or able to clear the transaction. In such an event, the Fund may be required to break the trade and make an early termination payment to the executing broker.
Combined transactions. The Fund may enter into multiple derivative instruments, and any combination of derivative instruments as part of a single or combined strategy (a “Combined Transaction”) when the Adviser believes it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so. A Combined Transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of its component transactions.
Although Combined Transactions are normally entered into based on the Adviser’s judgment that the combined strategies will reduce risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management goal(s), it is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.
Securities Lending
If approved by the Board, each Fund may lend portfolio securities to certain creditworthy borrowers. The borrowers provide collateral that is maintained in an amount at least equal to the current value of the securities loaned. A Fund may terminate a loan at any time and obtain the return of the securities loaned. A lending Fund receives the value of any interest or cash or non-cash distributions paid on the loaned securities. Distributions received on loaned securities in lieu of dividend payments (i.e., substitute payments) would not be considered qualified dividend income.
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With respect to loans that are collateralized by cash, the borrower will be entitled to receive a fee based on the amount of cash collateral. A Fund is compensated by the difference between the amount earned on the reinvestment of cash collateral and the fee paid to the borrower. In the case of collateral other than cash, the Fund is compensated by a fee paid by the borrower equal to a percentage of the value of the loaned securities. Any cash collateral may be reinvested in certain short-term instruments either directly on behalf of a lending Fund or through one or more joint accounts or money market funds, which may include those managed by the Adviser.
Each Fund may pay a portion of the interest or fees earned from securities lending to a borrower as described above, and to one or more securities lending agents approved by the Board who administer the lending program for each Fund in accordance with guidelines approved by the Board. In such capacity, the lending agent causes the delivery of loaned securities from a Fund to borrowers, arranges for the return of loaned securities to such Fund at the termination of a loan, requests deposit of collateral, monitors the daily value of the loaned securities and collateral, requests that borrowers add to the collateral when required by the loan agreements, and provides recordkeeping and accounting services necessary for the operation of the program.
Securities lending involves exposure to certain risks, including operational risk (i.e., the risk of losses resulting from problems in the settlement and accounting process), “gap” risk (i.e., the risk of a mismatch between the return on cash collateral reinvestments and the fees a Fund has agreed to pay a borrower), and credit, legal, counterparty and market risk. In the event a borrower does not return a Fund’s securities as agreed, such Fund may experience losses if the proceeds received from liquidating the collateral do not at least equal the value of the loaned security at the time the collateral is liquidated plus the transaction costs incurred in purchasing replacement securities.
Repurchase Agreements
Each Fund may invest in repurchase agreements with commercial banks, brokers or dealers to generate income from its excess cash balances. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a Fund acquires a financial instrument (e.g., a security issued by the U.S. government or an agency thereof, a banker’s acceptance or a certificate of deposit) from a seller, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date (normally, the next Business Day). A “Business Day” is any day on which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for regular trading. A repurchase agreement may be considered a loan collateralized by securities. The resale price reflects an agreed upon interest rate effective for the period the instrument is held by a Fund and is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying instrument.
In these repurchase agreement transactions, the securities acquired by a Fund (including accrued interest earned thereon) must have a total value in excess of the value of the repurchase agreement and are held by the Fund’s custodian bank until repurchased. No more than an aggregate of 15% of a Fund’s net assets will be invested in illiquid securities, including repurchase agreements having maturities longer than seven days and securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, or for which there are no readily available market quotations.
The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if the other party to the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the underlying security at a time when the value of the security has declined, a Fund may incur a loss upon disposition of the security. If the other party to the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or other laws, a court may determine that the underlying security is collateral for a loan by the Fund not within the control of such Fund and, therefore, the Fund may not be able to substantiate its interest in the underlying security and may be deemed an unsecured creditor of the other party to the agreement.
Tax Risks
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in Shares will be taxed. The tax information in the Prospectus and this SAI is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in Shares.
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Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-deferred retirement account or other tax-advantaged arrangement, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when a Fund makes distributions or you sell Shares.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Trust has adopted the following investment restrictions as fundamental policies with respect to the Funds. These restrictions cannot be changed with respect to a Fund without the approval of the holders of a majority of such Fund’s outstanding voting securities. For the purposes of the 1940 Act, a “majority of outstanding shares” means the vote of the lesser of: (1) 67% or more of the voting securities of the Fund present at the meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
Except with the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, each Fund may not:
| 1. | Borrow money or issue senior securities (as defined under the 1940 Act), except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. | |
| 2. | Make loans, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. | |
| 3. | Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. This shall not prevent the Fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) or securities of companies engaged in the real estate business. | |
| 4. | Purchase or sell commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. This shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities. | |
| 5. | Underwrite securities issued by other persons, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. | |
| With respect to the Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF: | ||
| 6. | Concentrate its investments (i.e., hold more than 25% of its total assets) in any industry or group of related industries, except that the Fund will have economic exposure that is concentrated to the industry or industries assigned to NVDA and INTC. For purposes of this limitation, securities of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities), repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities, investment companies, and tax-exempt securities of state or municipal governments and their political subdivisions are not considered to be issued by members of any industry. | |
| With respect to the Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF: | ||
| 6. | Concentrate its investments (i.e., hold more than 25% of its total assets) in any industry or group of related industries, except that the Fund have economic exposure that is concentrated to the industry or industries assigned to TSLA and F. For purposes of this limitation, securities of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities), repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities, investment companies, and tax-exempt securities of state or municipal governments and their political subdivisions are not considered to be issued by members of any industry. | |
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| With respect to the Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF: | ||
| 6. | Concentrate its investments (i.e., hold more than 25% of its total assets) in any industry or group of related industries, except that the Fund will have economic exposure that is concentrated to the industry or industries assigned to AMZN and M. For purposes of this limitation, securities of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities), repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities, investment companies, and tax-exempt securities of state or municipal governments and their political subdivisions are not considered to be issued by members of any industry. | |
| With respect to the Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF: | ||
| 6. | Concentrate its investments (i.e., hold more than 25% of its total assets) in any industry or group of related industries, except that the Fund will have economic exposure that is concentrated to the industry or industries assigned to COIN and WFC. For purposes of this limitation, securities of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities), repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities, investment companies, and tax-exempt securities of state or municipal governments and their political subdivisions are not considered to be issued by members of any industry. | |
| With respect to the Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF: | ||
| 6. | Concentrate its investments (i.e., hold more than 25% of its total assets) in any industry or group of related industries, except that the Fund will have economic exposure that is concentrated to the industry or industries assigned to MSTR and JPM. For purposes of this limitation, securities of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities), repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities, investment companies, and tax-exempt securities of state or municipal governments and their political subdivisions are not considered to be issued by members of any industry. | |
| With respect to the Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF: | ||
| 6. | Concentrate its investments (i.e., hold more than 25% of its total assets) in any industry or group of related industries, except that the Fund will have economic exposure that is concentrated to the industry or industries assigned to NFLX and CMCSA. For purposes of this limitation, securities of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities), repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities, investment companies, and tax-exempt securities of state or municipal governments and their political subdivisions are not considered to be issued by members of any industry. | |
| With respect to the Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF: | ||
| 6. | Concentrate its investments (i.e., hold more than 25% of its total assets) in any industry or group of related industries, except that the Fund will have economic exposure that is concentrated to the industry or industries assigned to LLY and YUM. For purposes of this limitation, securities of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities), repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities, investment companies, and tax-exempt securities of state or municipal governments and their political subdivisions are not considered to be issued by members of any industry. | |
| With respect to the Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF: | ||
| 6. | Concentrate its investments (i.e., hold more than 25% of its total assets) in any industry or group of related industries, except that the Fund will have economic exposure that is concentrated to the industry or industries assigned to GOOGL and NYT. For purposes of this limitation, securities of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities), repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities, investment companies, and tax-exempt securities of state or municipal governments and their political subdivisions are not considered to be issued by members of any industry. | |
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In determining its compliance with the fundamental investment restriction on concentration, a Fund will look through to the underlying holdings of any investment company that publicly publishes its underlying holdings on a daily basis. In addition, if an underlying investment company does not publish its holdings daily but has a policy to concentrate or has otherwise disclosed that it is concentrated in a particular industry or group of related industries, the Fund will consider such investment company as being invested in such industry or group of related industries. Additionally, in determining its compliance with the fundamental investment restriction on concentration, the Funds will look through to the user or use of private activity municipal bonds to determine their industry.
If a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment or contract, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or total or net assets will not result in a violation of such restriction, except that the percentage limitations with respect to the borrowing of money and illiquid investments will be observed continuously.
EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING
Shares are listed for trading and trade throughout the day on the Exchange.
There can be no assurance that a Fund will continue to meet the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of Shares. The Exchange may, but is not required to, remove Shares of a Fund from the listing under any of the following circumstances: (1) the Exchange becomes aware that the Fund is no longer eligible to operate in reliance on Rule 6c-11 of the Investment Company Act of 1940; (2) the Fund no longer complies with the Exchange’s requirements for Shares; or (3) such other event shall occur or condition shall exist that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange will remove the Shares of a Fund from listing and trading upon termination of such Fund.
The Trust reserves the right to adjust the price levels of Shares in the future to help maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the Fund.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
Board Responsibilities. The Board oversees the management and operations of the Trust. Like all mutual funds, the day-to-day management and operation of the Trust is the responsibility of the various service providers to the Trust, such as the Adviser, the Distributor, the Administrator, the Custodian, and the Transfer Agent, each of whom is discussed in greater detail in this Statement of Additional Information. The Board has appointed various senior employees of the Administrator as officers of the Trust, with responsibility to monitor and report to the Board on the Trust’s operations. In conducting this oversight, the Board receives regular reports from these officers and the service providers. For example, the Treasurer reports as to financial reporting matters and the President reports as to matters relating to the Trust’s operations. In addition, the Adviser provides regular reports on the investment strategy and performance of the Funds. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer who administers the Trust’s compliance program and regularly reports to the Board as to compliance matters. These reports are provided as part of formal “Board Meetings” which are typically held quarterly, in person, and involve the Board’s review of recent operations. In addition, various members of the Board also meet with management in less formal settings, between formal “Board Meetings,” to discuss various topics. In all cases, however, the role of the Board and of any individual Trustee is one of oversight and not of management of the day-to-day affairs of the Trust and its oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Trust’s investments, operations or activities.
As part of its oversight function, the Board receives and reviews various risk management reports and discusses these matters with appropriate management and other personnel. Because risk management is a broad concept comprised of many elements (e.g., investment risk, issuer and counterparty risk, compliance risk, operational risks, business continuity risks, etc.), the oversight of different types of risks is handled in different ways. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Trust’s independent public accounting firms to discuss, among other things, the internal control structure of the Trust’s financial reporting function.
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The full Board also receives reports from the Adviser as to investment risks of the Funds. In addition to these reports, from time to time the full Board receives reports from the Administrator and the Adviser as to enterprise risk management.
The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Funds can be identified and/or quantified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve each Fund’s goals, and that the processes, procedures, and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Board as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. Most of each Fund’s investment management and business affairs are carried out by or through the Adviser and other service providers, each of which has an independent interest in risk management but whose policies and the methods by which one or more risk management functions are carried out may differ from a Fund’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available, or the effectiveness of relevant controls. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s ability to monitor and manage risk, as a practical matter, is subject to limitations.
Members of the Board. There are five members of the Board, three of whom are not interested persons of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”).
The Board is composed of a majority (60 percent) of Independent Trustees. The Trust has determined its leadership structure is appropriate given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust, even though there is no Lead Independent Trustee. The Trust made this determination in consideration of, among other things, the fact that the Independent Trustees of the Trust constitute a majority of the Board, the amount of assets under management in the Trust, and the number of funds overseen by the Board. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from Fund management.
Additional information about each Trustee of the Trust is set forth below. The address of each Trustee of the Trust is c/o Tidal Trust III, 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204.
| Name
and Year of Birth |
Position Held with the Trust |
Term
of Office and Length of Time Served(1) |
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number
of Portfolios in Fund Complex(2) Overseen by Trustee |
Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years |
| Independent Trustees(3) | |||||
| Monica
H. Byrd Born: 1979 |
Trustee | Indefinite Term; since August 2023 | Chief Financial Officer of LFO Management, LLC (since 2019); Chief Financial Officer of Glencoe Capital/Stockwell Capital (2018 to 2019); Vice President Finance of Glencoe Capital/Stockwell Capital (2016 to 2018). | 35 | None |
| Pamela
Cytron Born: 1966 |
Trustee | Indefinite
Term; since August 2023 |
President, The Founder’s Arena (since 2023); CEO & Founder, Pendo Systems, Inc. (2020 to 2023); Non-executive Board advisor, RegAlytics (2021 to 2022). | 35 | Serves on the Boards of First Rate Inc. (since 2015); First Rate Ventures (since 2022); Privacy Lock (since 2022) (nonexecutive4Board role); and World Technology Partners (since 2022) (Vice President). Served on the Board of Global Recovery Initiatives Foundation (2011 to 2022) (Chairman). |
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| Name
and Year of Birth |
Position Held with the Trust |
Term
of Office and Length of Time Served(1) |
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number
of Portfolios in Fund Complex(2) Overseen by Trustee |
Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years |
| Independent Trustees(3) | |||||
| Lawrence
Jules Born: 1968 |
Trustee | Indefinite
Term; since August 2023 |
Vice President and Head Trader at 3Edge Asset Management LLC (since 2022); and Director and Head Trader at Charles Schwab Investment Management (2008 to 2022). | 35 | Serves as a director of the 600 Atlantic/Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Federal Credit Union |
| Interested Trustee(4) | |||||
| Ethan
Powell Born: 1975 |
Trustee | Indefinite Term; since May 2016 | Principal and CIO of Brookmont Capital; President and Founder of Impact Shares LLC (“Impact Shares”) (since 2015); Trustee of the Highland and Nexpoint Fund Complex (since 2012); and Independent director of Kelly Strategic ETF Trust (Since 2022). | 35 | Serves as Independent Chairman of the Board of the Highland Fund Complex and the NexPoint Credit Strategies Fund Complex (collectively, 25 funds) and is a member of the Board of Kelly Strategic Management Fund |
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| Name
and Year of Birth |
Position Held with the Trust |
Term
of Office and Length of Time Served(1) |
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number
of Portfolios in Fund Complex(2) Overseen by Trustee |
Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years |
| Independent Trustees(3) | |||||
| Guillermo
Trias Born: 1976 |
Trustee; Chairman of the Board | Indefinite Term; Trustee since August 2023 and Chairman of the Board since May 2024 | Co-Founder & CEO of the Tidal Financial Group of companies (since 2016). | 35 | Manager (director) of Tidal Investments LLC |
| (1) | The Trustees have designated a mandatory retirement age of 78, such that each Trustee, serving as such on the date he or she reaches the age of 78, shall submit his or her resignation not later than the last day of the calendar year in which his or her 78th birthday occurs. |
| (2) | The group of Funds sponsored by Tidal and managed by Tidal or its affiliates, including Tidal ETF Trust, Tidal Trust II and Tidal Trust III. |
| (3) | All Independent Trustees of the Trust are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act. |
| (4) | Mr. Powell is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, because of his current affiliation with Impact Shares, Corp., an investment sub-adviser to other separate series of the Trust. Mr. Trias is deemed an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, because of his current affiliation with Tidal Investments LLC, the Funds’ investment adviser. |
Individual Trustee Qualifications
The Board believes that each of the Trustees has the qualifications, experience, attributes and skills (“Trustee Attributes”) appropriate to their service as Trustees of the Trust in light of the Trust’s business and structure. Each of the Trustees has substantial business and professional backgrounds that indicate they have the ability to critically review, evaluate and access information provided to them. Certain of these business and professional experiences are set forth in detail in the table above. The Board annually conducts a ‘self-assessment’ wherein the effectiveness of the Board and individual Trustees is reviewed.
In addition to the information provided in the table above, below is certain additional information concerning each particular Trustee and certain of their Trustee Attributes. The information provided below, and in the table above, is not all-inclusive. Many Trustee Attributes involve intangible elements, such as intelligence, integrity, work ethic, the ability to work together, the ability to communicate effectively, the ability to exercise judgment, the ability to ask incisive questions, and commitment to shareholder interests. In conducting its annual self-assessment, the Board has determined that the Trustees have the appropriate attributes and experience to serve effectively as Trustees of the Trust.
The Board has concluded that Ms. Byrd should serve as a Trustee because of her substantial financial services experience through her current position as CFO at LFO Management, LLC, as well as through former positions. Ms. Byrd, CPA serves as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee. The Board believes Ms. Byrd’s experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills, on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees, leads to the conclusion that she possesses the requisite skills and attributes as a Trustee to carry out oversight responsibilities with respect to the Trust.
The Board has concluded that Ms. Cytron should serve as a Trustee because of her substantial executive experience through her current position as President of The Founder’s Arena and her former position as CEO & Founder, Pendo Systems, Inc., as well as through service on other boards. Ms. Cytron serves as the Chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board believes Ms. Cytron experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills, on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees, leads to the conclusion that she possesses the requisite skills and attributes as a Trustee to carry out oversight responsibilities with respect to the Trust.
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The Board has concluded that Mr. Jules should serve as a Trustee because of his substantial financial services experience through his current position as Vice President and Head Trader at 3Edge Asset Management LLC, as well as through former positions. The Board believes Mr. Jules’ experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills, on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees, leads to the conclusion that he possesses the requisite skills and attributes as a Trustee to carry out oversight responsibilities with respect to the Trust.
The Board has concluded that Mr. Powell should serve as a Trustee because of his substantial financial industry experience and his board service for other registered investment companies. The Board believes Mr. Powell’ experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees leads to the conclusion that he possesses the requisite skills and attributes as a Trustee to carry out oversight responsibilities with respect to the Trust.
The Board has concluded that Mr. Trias should serve as a Trustee because of his substantial financial industry experience, executive experience and administrative and managerial experience as CEO of Tidal Financial Group. The Board believes Mr. Trias’ experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees leads to the conclusion that he possesses the requisite skills and attributes as a Trustee to carry out oversight responsibilities with respect to the Trust.
Board Committees. The Board has established the following standing committees of the Board:
Audit Committee. The Board has a standing Audit Committee that is composed of each of the Independent Trustees of the Trust and is chaired by an Independent Trustee. Ms. Byrd is chair of the Audit Committee, and she presides at the Audit Committee meetings, participates in formulating agendas for Audit Committee meetings, and coordinates with management to serve as a liaison between the Independent Trustees and management on matters within the scope of responsibilities of the Audit Committee as set forth in its Board-approved written charter. The principal responsibilities of the Audit Committee include overseeing the Trust’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and its internal controls; overseeing the quality, objectivity and integrity of the Trust’s financial statements and the independent audits thereof; monitoring the independent auditor’s qualifications, independence, and performance; acting as a liaison between the Trust’s independent auditors and the full Board; pre-approving all auditing services to be performed for the Trust; reviewing the compensation and overseeing the work of the independent auditor (including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work; pre-approving all permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for the Trust; pre-approving all permitted non-audit services to be performed for any investment adviser or sub-adviser to the Trust by any of the Trust’s independent auditors if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Trust; meeting with the Trust’s independent auditors as necessary to (1) review the arrangement for and scope of the annual audits and any special audits, (2) discuss any matters of concern relating to each Fund’s financial statements, (3) consider the independent auditors’ comments with respect to the Trust’s financial policies, procedures and internal accounting controls and Trust management’s responses thereto, and (4) review the form of opinion the independent auditors propose to render to the Board and each Fund’s shareholders; discussing with management and the independent auditor significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of each Fund’s financial statements; and reviewing and discussing reports from the independent auditors on (1) all critical accounting policies and practices to be used, (2) all alternative treatments within generally accepted accounting principles for policies and practices related to material items that have been discussed with management, (3) other material written communications between the independent auditor and management, including any management letter, schedule of unadjusted differences, or management representation letter, and (4) all non-audit services provided to any entity in the Trust that were not pre-approved by the Committee; and reviewing disclosures made to the Committee by the Trust’s principal executive officer and principal accounting officer during their certification process for each Fund’s Form N-CSR. As of the date of this SAI, the Audit Committee met one time with respect to the Funds.
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The Audit Committee also serves as the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee (“QLCC”) for the Trust for the purpose of compliance with Rules 205.2(k) and 205.3(c) of the Code of Federal Regulations, regarding alternative reporting procedures for attorneys retained or employed by an issuer who appear and practice before the SEC on behalf of the issuer (the “issuer attorneys”). An issuer attorney who becomes aware of evidence of a material violation by the Trust, or by any officer, director, employee, or agent of the Trust, may report evidence of such material violation to the QLCC as an alternative to the reporting requirements of Rule 205.3(b) (which requires reporting to the chief legal officer and potentially escalating further to other entities). As of the date of this SAI, the QLCC has not met with respect to the Trust.
Governance Committee. The Board has a standing Nominating and Governance Committee that is composed of each of the Independent Trustees of the Trust. The Nominating and Governance Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board. The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for seeking and reviewing candidates for consideration as nominees for Trustees as is considered necessary from time to time and meets only as necessary. The Nominating and Governance Committee generally will not consider nominees recommended by shareholders. The Nominating and Governance Committee is also responsible for, among other things, reviewing and making recommendations regarding Independent Trustee compensation and the Trustees’ annual “self-assessment.” Ms. Cytron is the chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee meets periodically, as necessary, but at least annually. Because the Funds have not yet commenced operations, the Nominating and Governance Committee has not yet met or taken any action with respect to the Funds as of the date of the SAI.
Principal Officers of the Trust
The officers of the Trust conduct and supervise its daily business. The address of each officer of the Trust is c/o Tidal Trust III, 234 West Florida St, Suite 203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204, unless otherwise indicated. Additional information about the Trust’s officers is as follows:
| Name
and Year of Birth |
Position(s)
Held with the Trust |
Term
of Office and Length of Time Served1 |
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
| Eric
W. Falkeis Born: 1973 |
President and Principal Executive Officer | Indefinite term; since May 2024 | Chief Executive Officer, Tidal ETF Services LLC (since 2018); President, Principal Executive Officer, President, Principal Executive Officer, Interested Trustee and Chairman of Tidal ETF Trust (since 2018); President, Principal Executive Officer, President, Principal Executive Officer, Interested Trustee and Chairman of Tidal Trust II (since 2022); Chief Operating Officer (and other positions), Rafferty Asset Management, LLC (2013 to 2018) and Direxion Advisors, LLC (2017 to 2018). |
| Hatim
Banaja Born: 1981 |
Vice President | Indefinite Term; since 2023 | SVP of Operations (since 2024), Head of Strategic Projects, Tidal Financial Group (2024 to 2022); Global Head of Equity Client Solutions Business Development, Bank of America Corporate and Investment Bank (2019 to 2021); Global Equity Volatility Business Manager, JP Morgan Corporate and Investment Bank (2014 to 2019). |
| William
H. Woolverton, Esq. Born: 1951 |
Chief Compliance Officer and AML Compliance Officer | Indefinite Term; since 2023 | Chief Compliance Officer (since 2023), Compliance Advisor (2022 to 2023), Tidal Investments LLC; Chief Compliance Officer, Tidal ETF Services LLC (since 2022); Senior Compliance Advisor, ACA Global (2020 to 2022); Operating Partner, Altamont Capital Partners (private equity firm) (since 2021); Director, Hadron Specialty Insurance Company; Managing Director and Head of Legal - US, Waystone (global governance solutions) (2016 to 2019). |
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| Name
and Year of Birth |
Position(s)
Held with the Trust |
Term
of Office and Length of Time Served1 |
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
| Aaron
J. Perkovich Born: 1973 |
Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer | Treasurer since 2023, Indefinite term; Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer since 2024; Indefinite term | SVP of Fund Administration (since 2024), Head of Fund Administration (2023 to 2024), Fund Administration Manager, (2022 to 2023), Tidal ETF Services LLC; Assistant Director Investments, Mason Street Advisors, LLC (2021 to 2022); Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (2006 to 2021). |
| Lissa
M. Richter Born: 1979 |
Secretary | Indefinite Term; since 2023 | VP of Fund Governance and Compliance (since 2024); ETF Regulatory Manager, (2021 to 2023) Tidal ETF Services LLC; Senior Paralegal, Rafferty Asset Management, LLC (2013 to 2020); Senior Paralegal, Officer, U.S Bancorp Fund Services LLC, (2005 to 2013). |
| Jennifer
Smith Born: 1985 |
Assistant Treasurer | Indefinite term; since December 2024 | Assistant Vice President of Fund Administration, Tidal ETF Services LLC (Since 2024); Analyst, Tidal ETF Services, LLC (2023 to 2024); Fund Administrator, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (2006 to 2023). |
1 The Officers hold office until the next annual meeting of the Board of Trustees and until their successors have been elected and qualified.
Trustee Ownership of Shares. Each Fund is required to show the dollar amount ranges of each Trustee’s “beneficial ownership” of Shares and each other series of the Trust as of the end of the most recently completed calendar year. Dollar amount ranges disclosed are established by the SEC. “Beneficial ownership” is determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”).
As of the date of this SAI, the Funds had not yet commenced operations and no Shares were outstanding.
Board Compensation
Effective January 1, 2025, the Independent Trustees each receive an annual retainer of $25,000 and $5,000 per each meeting attended, as well as reimbursement for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with serving as a Trustee. In addition, the Audit Committee Chair receives an annual retainer of $10,000 and the Nominating and Governance Committee Chair receives an annual retainer of $5,000. The Trust has no pension or retirement plan.
The following table shows the compensation estimated to be earned by each Trustee for the Funds’ fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Independent Trustee fees are an obligation of the Trust and are paid by the Adviser, as are other Trust expenses. The Trust pays the Adviser a unitary fee which the Adviser uses to pay Trust expenses. Trustee compensation shown below does not include reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses in connection with attendance at meetings.
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| Name | Estimated
Aggregate Compensation From Funds |
Estimated
Total Compensation From Fund Complex Paid to Trustees(1) |
| Interested Trustees | ||
| Ethan Powell | $0 | $0 |
| Guillermo Trias | $0 | $0 |
| Independent Trustees | ||
| Monica H. Byrd | $0 | $50,000 |
| Pamela Cytron | $0 | $45,000 |
| Lawrence Jules | $0 | $55,000 |
| (1) | Compensation is based on estimated amounts for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. |
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS, CONTROL PERSONS AND MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP
A principal shareholder is any person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding Shares. A control person is a shareholder that owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control. Shareholders owning voting securities in excess of 25% may determine the outcome of any matter affecting and voted on by shareholders of the Funds.
As of the date of this SAI, the Funds had not yet commenced operations and no Shares were outstanding.
CODES OF ETHICS
The Trust and the Adviser have each adopted codes of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. These codes of ethics are designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust and the Adviser from engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by a Fund (which may also be held by persons subject to the codes of ethics). Each code of ethics permits personnel subject to that code of ethics to invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, subject to certain limitations, including limitations related to securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds. The Distributor (as defined below) relies on the principal underwriters exception under Rule 17j-1(c)(3), specifically where the Distributor is not affiliated with the Trust or the Adviser and no officer, director, or general partner of the Distributor serves as an officer, director, or general partner of the Trust or the Adviser.
There can be no assurance that the codes of ethics will be effective in preventing such activities. Each code of ethics may be found on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
Each Fund has delegated proxy voting responsibilities to the Adviser, subject to the Board’s oversight. In delegating proxy responsibilities, the Board has directed that proxies be voted consistent with each Fund’s and its shareholders’ best interests and in compliance with all applicable proxy voting rules and regulations. The Adviser has adopted proxy voting policies and guidelines for this purpose (“Proxy Voting Policies”), which have been adopted by the Trust as the policies and procedures that will be used when voting proxies on behalf of the Funds.
In the absence of a conflict of interest, the Adviser will generally vote “for” routine proposals, such as the election of directors, approval of auditors, and amendments or revisions to corporate documents to eliminate outdated or unnecessary provisions. Unusual or disputed proposals will be reviewed and voted on a case-by-case basis. The Proxy Voting Policies address, among other things, material conflicts of interest that may arise between the interests of each Fund and the interests of the Adviser. The Proxy Voting Policies will ensure that all issues brought to shareholders are analyzed in light of the Adviser’s fiduciary responsibilities.
The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the Proxy Voting Policies.
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When available, information on how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 will be available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling (866) 532-3886, (2) on the Fund’s website at www.battle-shares.com, or (2) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Tidal Investments LLC, a Tidal Financial Group company, located at 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204, serves as investment adviser to each Fund and has overall responsibility for the general management and administration of each Fund.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”), the Adviser provides investment advice to each Fund and oversees the day-to-day operations of each Fund subject to the direction and oversight of the Board. The Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds’ portfolios, including determining the securities purchased and sold by each Fund and trading portfolio securities for each Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is also responsible for arranging sub-advisory, transfer agency, custody, fund administration and accounting, and other related services necessary for the Funds to operate. The Adviser provides oversight of any sub-adviser and reviews such sub-adviser’s performance. The Adviser administers each Fund’s business affairs, provides office facilities and equipment and certain clerical, bookkeeping, and administrative services. Under the Advisory Agreement, in exchange for a single unitary management fee from each Fund, the Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses incurred by such Fund except for the Excluded Expenses, as defined in the Prospectus. For services provided to the Funds, each Fund pays the Adviser a unitary management fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 1.29% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets.
The Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds will continue in force for an initial period of two years. Thereafter, the Advisory Agreement will be renewable from year to year with respect to each Fund, so long as its continuance is approved at least annually (1) by the vote, cast in person (or in another manner permitted by the 1940 Act or pursuant to exemptive relief therefrom) at a meeting called for that purpose, of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Adviser or the Trust; and (2) by the majority vote of either the full Board or the vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares. The Advisory Agreement automatically terminates on assignment and is terminable on a 60-day written notice either by the Trust or the Adviser.
The Adviser shall not be liable to the Trust or any shareholder for anything done or omitted by it, except acts or omissions involving willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties imposed upon it by its agreement with the Trust or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding, or sale of any security.
The Funds are new and have not paid fees to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement as of the date of this SAI.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Funds are managed by Jay Pestrichelli, Chief Trading Officer and Portfolio Manager of the Adviser and Stephen Foy, Portfolio Manager of the Adviser.
Other Accounts. In addition to the Funds, the portfolio managers managed the following other accounts as of November 30, 2024.
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Jay Pestrichelli, Chief Trading Officer and Portfolio Manager for the Adviser
| Type of Accounts | Total
Number of Accounts |
Total
Assets of Accounts (in millions) |
Total
Number of Accounts Subject to a Performance- Based Fee |
Total
Assets of Accounts Subject to a Performance- Based Fee (in millions) |
| Registered Investment Companies | 55 | $9,334 | 0 | $0 |
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| Other Accounts | 5 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Stephen Foy, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser
| Type of Accounts | Total
Number of Accounts |
Total
Assets of Accounts (in millions) |
Total
Number of Accounts Subject to a Performance- Based Fee |
Total
Assets of Accounts Subject to a Performance- Based Fee (in millions) |
| Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| Other Accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Portfolio Manager Fund Ownership. The Funds are required to show the dollar range of each portfolio manager’s “beneficial ownership” of Shares as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. Dollar amount ranges disclosed are established by the SEC. “Beneficial ownership” is determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the 1934 Act. As of the date of this SAI, the Funds had not yet commenced operations and no Shares were owned by the portfolio managers.
Portfolio Manager Compensation. Mr. Pestrichelli is compensated by the Adviser with a base salary and discretionary bonus based on the financial performance and profitability of the Adviser and not based on the performance of the Fund. Mr. Pestrichelli is an equity owner of the Adviser, and therefore may benefit indirectly from the revenue generated by the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser. Mr. Foy is compensated by the Adviser with a base salary and a discretionary bonus based on the financial performance and profitability of the Adviser, and not based on the performance of the Fund. As of the date of this SAI, he has been issued membership units in the Adviser that have not yet vested. Once the membership units vest, Mr. Foy may benefit indirectly from the revenue generated by the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser.
Description of Material Conflicts of Interest. The portfolio managers’ management of “other accounts” may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Funds’ investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The other accounts may have similar investment objectives or strategies as the Funds. A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result, whereby a portfolio manager could favor one account over another. Another potential conflict could include a portfolio manager’s knowledge about the size, timing, and possible market impact of trades by a Fund, whereby a portfolio manager could use this information to the advantage of other accounts and to the disadvantage of the Fund. For instance, the portfolio managers may receive fees from certain accounts that are higher than the fees received from the Funds, or receive a performance-based fee on certain accounts. In those instances, a portfolio manager has an incentive to favor the higher and/or performance-based fee accounts over the Funds. To mitigate these conflicts, the Adviser has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities among all accounts the firms manage are fairly and equitably allocated.
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THE DISTRIBUTOR
The Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) are parties to a distribution agreement (“Distribution Agreement”), whereby the Distributor acts as principal underwriter for the Funds and distributes Shares on a best efforts basis. Shares are continuously offered for sale by the Distributor only in Creation Units. The Distributor will not distribute Shares in amounts less than a Creation Unit and does not maintain a secondary market in Shares. The principal business address of the Distributor is Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101.
Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor, as agent for the Trust, will review orders for the purchase and redemption of Creation Units, provided that any subscriptions and orders will not be binding on the Trust until accepted by the Trust. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a member of FINRA.
The Distributor may also enter into agreements with securities dealers (“Soliciting Dealers”) who will solicit purchases of Creation Units of Shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Authorized Participants (as discussed in “Procedures for Purchase of Creation Units” below) or DTC participants (as defined below).
The Distribution Agreement will continue for two years from its effective date and is renewable annually thereafter. The continuance of the Distribution Agreement must be specifically approved at least annually (1) by the vote of the Trustees or by a vote of the shareholders of each Fund and (2) by the vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operations of the Distribution Agreement or any related agreement, cast in person (or in another manner permitted by the 1940 Act or pursuant to exemptive relief therefrom) at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by majority vote of its outstanding voting Shares or by a vote of a majority of its Board (including a majority of the Independent Trustees), or by the Distributor on 60 days’ written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Distribution Agreement provides that, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on the part of the Distributor, or reckless disregard by it of its obligations thereunder, the Distributor shall not be liable for any action or failure to act in accordance with its duties thereunder.
The Funds are new and have not incurred any underwriting commissions and the Distributor has not retained any amounts as of the date of this SAI.
Intermediary Compensation. The Adviser, or its affiliates, out of their own resources and not out of Fund assets (i.e., without additional cost to each Fund or its shareholders), may pay certain broker dealers, banks, and other financial intermediaries (“Intermediaries”) for certain activities related to the Funds, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Funds, or for other activities, such as marketing and educational training or support. These arrangements are not financed by the Funds and, thus, do not result in increased Fund expenses. They are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fees and expenses sections of the Funds’ Prospectus and they do not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of Shares or the amount received by a shareholder as proceeds from the redemption of Shares.
Such compensation may be paid to Intermediaries that provide services to the Funds, including marketing and education support (such as through conferences, webinars, and printed communications). The Adviser will periodically assess the advisability of continuing to make these payments. Payments to an Intermediary may be significant to the Intermediary, and amounts that Intermediaries pay to your adviser, broker, or other investment professional, if any, may also be significant to such adviser, broker, or investment professional. Because an Intermediary may make decisions about what investment options it will make available or recommend, and what services to provide in connection with various products, based on payments it receives or is eligible to receive, such payments create conflicts of interest between the Intermediary and its clients. For example, these financial incentives may cause the Intermediary to recommend a Fund over other investments. The same conflict of interest exists with respect to your financial adviser, broker, or investment professional if they receive similar payments from their Intermediary firm.
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Intermediary information is current only as of the date of this SAI. Please contact your adviser, broker, or other investment professional for more information regarding any payments their Intermediary firm may receive. Any payments made by the Adviser or its affiliates to an Intermediary may create the incentive for an Intermediary to encourage customers to buy Shares.
If you have any additional questions, please call (866) 532-3886.
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) Plan. The Trust has adopted a Distribution (Rule 12b-1) Plan (the “Plan”) in accordance with the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. No payments pursuant to the Plan are expected to be made during the twelve (12) month period from the date of this SAI. Rule 12b-1 fees to be paid by a Fund under the Plan may only be imposed after approval by the Board.
Continuance of the Plan must be approved annually by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plan or in any agreements related to the Plan (“Disinterested Trustees”). None of the Trustees have a direct or indirect financial interest in the Plan or in any agreements related to the Plan. The Plan may be continued from year-to-year only if the Board, including a majority of the Disinterested Trustees, concludes at least annually that continuation of the Plan is likely to benefit shareholders. The Board has determined that the Plan is likely to benefit the Funds by providing an incentive for brokers, dealers, and other financial intermediaries to engage in sales and marketing efforts on behalf of the Funds and to provide enhanced services to shareholders. The Board also determined that the Plan may enhance the Funds’ ability to sell shares and access important distribution channels.
The Plan requires that quarterly written reports of amounts spent under the Plan and the purposes of such expenditures be furnished to and reviewed by the Trustees. The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount that may be spent thereunder without approval by a majority of the outstanding Shares. All material amendments of the Plan will require approval by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and of the Disinterested Trustees.
The Plan provides that each Fund pays the Distributor an annual fee of up to a maximum of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Shares. Under the Plan, the Distributor may make payments pursuant to written agreements to financial institutions and intermediaries such as banks, savings and loan associations, and insurance companies including, without limit, investment counselors, broker-dealers, and the Distributor’s affiliates and subsidiaries (collectively, “Agents”) as compensation for services and reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with distribution assistance. The Plan is characterized as a compensation plan since the distribution fee will be paid to the Distributor without regard to the distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor or the amount of payments made to other financial institutions and intermediaries. The Trust intends to operate the Plan in accordance with its terms and with FINRA rules concerning sales charges.
Under the Plan, subject to the limitations of applicable law and regulations, each Fund is authorized to compensate the Distributor up to the maximum amount to finance any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Creation Units of the Fund or for providing, or arranging for others to provide, shareholder services and for the maintenance of shareholder accounts. Such activities may include, but are not limited to: (1) delivering copies of a Fund’s then current reports, prospectuses, notices, and similar materials, to prospective purchasers of Creation Units; (2) marketing and promotional services, including advertising; (3) paying the costs of and compensating others, including Authorized Participants with whom the Distributor has entered into written Authorized Participant Agreements, for performing shareholder servicing on behalf of the Fund; (4) compensating certain Authorized Participants for providing assistance in distributing the Creation Units of the Fund, including the travel and communication expenses and salaries and/or commissions of sales personnel in connection with the distribution of the Creation Units of the Fund; (5) payments to financial institutions and intermediaries such as banks, savings and loan associations, insurance companies, and investment counselors, broker-dealers, mutual fund supermarkets, and the affiliates and subsidiaries of the Trust’s service providers as compensation for services or reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with distribution assistance; (6) facilitating communications with beneficial owners of Shares, including the cost of providing, or paying others to provide, services to beneficial owners of Shares, including, but not limited to, assistance in answering inquiries related to Shareholder accounts; and (7) such other services and obligations as are set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
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ADMINISTRATOR
Tidal ETF Services LLC (the “Administrator”), a Tidal Financial Group company and an affiliate of the Adviser, serves as the Funds’ administrator. The Administrator is located at 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204. Pursuant to a Fund Administration Servicing Agreement between the Trust and the Administrator. The Administrator provides the Trust with, or arranges for, administrative, compliance, and management services (other than investment advisory services) to be provided to the Trust and the Board. Pursuant to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement, officers or employees of the Administrator serve as the Trust’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and chief compliance officer, the Administrator coordinates the payment of Fund-related expenses, and the Administrator manages the Trust’s relationships with its various service providers. As compensation for the services it provides, the Administrator receives a fee based on each Fund’s average daily net assets, subject to a minimum annual fee. The Administrator also is entitled to certain out-of-pocket expenses for the services mentioned above.
The Funds are new, and the Administrator has not received any fees for administrative services to the Funds as of the date of this SAI.
TRANSFER AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Global Fund Services”), located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the Funds’ transfer agent and fund accountant.
Pursuant to a Transfer Agent/Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement between the Trust and Global Fund Services, Global Fund Services provides transfer agency and fund accounting services to the Funds. In this capacity, Global Fund Services does not have any responsibility or authority for the management of the Funds, the determination of investment policy, or for any matter pertaining to the distribution of Shares. As compensation for the transfer agency and fund accounting services, the Adviser pays Global Fund Services a fee based on each Fund’s average daily net assets, subject to a minimum annual fee. Global Fund Services also is entitled to certain out-of-pocket expenses for the services mentioned above, including pricing expenses.
The Funds are new, and Global Fund Services has not received any fees for transfer agency services or fund accounting services to the Funds as of the date of this SAI.
CUSTODIAN
Pursuant to a Custody Agreement, U.S. Bank National Association (“U.S. Bank”), 1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, serves as the custodian (the “Custodian”) of each Fund’s assets. U.S. Bank is the parent company of Global Fund Services. The Custodian holds and administers the assets in the Funds’ portfolio. Pursuant to the Custody Agreement, the Custodian receives an annual fee from the Adviser based on the Trust’s total average daily net assets, subject to a minimum annual fee, and certain settlement charges. The Custodian also is entitled to certain out-of-pocket expenses.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Sullivan & Worcester LLP, 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10020, serves as legal counsel for the Trust and the Independent Trustees.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, Two Liberty Place 50 South 16th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds.
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PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Board has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about each Fund’s security holdings. Each Fund’s entire portfolio holdings are publicly disseminated each day that the Funds are open for business and through financial reporting and news services including publicly available internet web sites. In addition, the composition of the Deposit Securities is publicly disseminated daily prior to the opening of the Exchange via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”).
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The Third Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust (“Declaration of Trust”) authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of funds and shares. Each share represents an equal proportionate interest in such Fund with each other share. Shares are entitled upon liquidation to a pro rata share in the net assets of such Fund. Shareholders have no preemptive rights. The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees may create additional series or classes of shares. All consideration received by the Trust for shares of any additional funds and all assets in which such consideration is invested would belong to that fund and would be subject to the liabilities related thereto. Share certificates representing Shares will not be issued. Shares, when issued, are fully paid and non-assessable.
Each Share has one vote with respect to matters upon which a shareholder vote is required, consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. Shares of all funds in the Trust vote together as a single class, except that if the matter being voted on affects only a particular fund it will be voted on only by that fund and if a matter affects a particular fund differently from other funds, that fund will vote separately on such matter. As a Delaware statutory trust, the Trust is not required, and does not intend, to hold annual meetings of shareholders. Approval of shareholders will be sought, however, for certain changes in the operation of the Trust and for the election of Trustees under certain circumstances.
Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees have the power to liquidate each Fund without shareholder approval. While the Trustees have no present intention of exercising this power, they may do so if a Fund fails to reach a viable size within a reasonable amount of time or for such other reasons as may be determined by the Board.
LIMITATION OF TRUSTEES’ LIABILITY
The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee shall be liable only for his or her own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee, and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust shall indemnify each person who is, or has been, a Trustee or officer of the Trust, and upon the due approval of the Trustees, each person who is, or has been an employee or agent of the Trust, and, upon due approval of the Trustees, any person who is serving or has served at the Trust’s request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, agent, or fiduciary of another organization with respect to any alleged acts or omissions while acting within the scope of a Trustee’s service in such a position. However, nothing in the Declaration of Trust shall protect or indemnify a Trustee against any liability for a Trustee’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee. Nothing contained in this section attempts to disclaim a Trustee’s individual liability in any manner inconsistent with the federal securities laws.
BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS
The policy of the Trust regarding purchases and sales of securities for a Fund is that primary consideration will be given to obtaining the most favorable prices and efficient executions of transactions. Consistent with this policy, when securities transactions are effected on a stock exchange, the Trust’s policy is to pay commissions which are considered fair and reasonable without necessarily determining that the lowest possible commissions are paid in all circumstances. The Trust believes that a requirement always to seek the lowest possible commission cost could impede effective portfolio management and preclude a Fund and the Adviser from obtaining a high quality of brokerage and research services. In seeking to determine the reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid in any transaction, the Adviser will rely upon its experience and knowledge regarding commissions generally charged by various brokers and on its judgment in evaluating the brokerage services received from the broker effecting the transaction. Such determinations are necessarily subjective and imprecise, as in most cases, an exact dollar value for those services is not ascertainable. The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that prohibit the consideration of sales of Shares as a factor in the selection of a broker or dealer to execute its portfolio transactions.
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The Adviser owes fiduciary duties to its clients to seek to provide best execution on trades effected. In selecting a broker/ dealer for each specific transaction, the Adviser chooses the broker/dealer deemed most capable of providing the services necessary to obtain the most favorable execution. “Best execution” is generally understood to mean the most favorable cost or net proceeds reasonably obtainable under the circumstances. The full range of brokerage services applicable to a particular transaction may be considered when making this judgment, which may include, but is not limited to liquidity, price, commission, timing, aggregated trades, capable floor brokers or traders, competent block trading coverage, ability to position, capital strength and stability, reliable and accurate communications and settlement processing, use of automation, knowledge of other buyers or sellers, arbitrage skills, administrative ability, underwriting, and provision of information on a particular security or market in which the transaction is to occur. The specific criteria will vary depending upon the nature of the transaction, the market in which it is executed, and the extent to which it is possible to select from among multiple broker/ dealers. The Adviser will also use electronic crossing networks (“ECNs”) when appropriate.
Subject to the foregoing policies, brokers or dealers selected to execute a Fund’s portfolio transactions may include such Fund’s Authorized Participants (as discussed in “Purchase and Redemption of Shares in Creation Units — Procedures for Purchase of Creation Units” below) or their affiliates. An Authorized Participant or its affiliates may be selected to execute a Fund’s portfolio transactions in conjunction with an all-cash Creation Unit order or an order including “cash-in-lieu” (as described below under “Purchase and Redemption of Shares in Creation Units”), so long as such selection is in keeping with the foregoing policies. As described below under “Purchase and Redemption of Shares in Creation Units — Creation Transaction Fee” and “ — Redemption Transaction Fee”, a Fund may determine to not charge a variable fee on certain orders when the Adviser has determined that doing so is in the best interests of a Fund’s shareholders, even if the decision to not charge a variable fee could be viewed as benefiting the Authorized Participant or its affiliate selected to execute such Fund’s portfolio transactions in connection with such orders.
The Adviser may use a Fund’s assets for, or participate in, third-party soft dollar arrangements, in addition to receiving proprietary research from various full-service brokers, the cost of which is bundled with the cost of the broker’s execution services. The Adviser does not “pay up” for the value of any such proprietary research. Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act permits the Adviser under certain circumstances, to cause a Fund to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction in recognition of the value of brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer. The Adviser may receive a variety of research services and information on many topics, which it can use in connection with its management responsibilities with respect to the various accounts over which it exercises investment discretion or otherwise provides investment advice. The research services may include qualifying order management systems, portfolio attribution and monitoring services, and computer software and access charges which are directly related to investment research.
Accordingly, a Fund may pay a broker commission higher than the lowest available in recognition of the broker’s provision of such services to the Adviser, but only if the Adviser determines the total commission (including the soft dollar benefit) is comparable to the best commission rate that could be expected to be received from other brokers. The amount of soft dollar benefits received depends on the amount of brokerage transactions effected with the brokers. A conflict of interest exists because there is an incentive to (1) cause clients to pay a higher commission than the firm might otherwise be able to negotiate, (2) cause clients to engage in more securities transactions than would otherwise be optimal, and (3) only recommend brokers that provide soft dollar benefits.
The Adviser faces a potential conflict of interest when it uses client trades to obtain brokerage or research services. This conflict exists because the Adviser can use the brokerage or research services to manage client accounts without paying cash for such services, which reduces the Adviser’s expenses to the extent that the Adviser would have purchased such products had they not been provided by brokers. Section 28(e) permits the Adviser to use brokerage or research services for the benefit of any account it manages. Certain accounts managed by the Adviser may generate soft dollars used to purchase brokerage or research services that ultimately benefit the Adviser, the Affiliates, or other accounts managed by the Adviser, effectively cross subsidizing the other accounts managed by the Adviser that benefit directly from the product. The Adviser may not necessarily use all of the brokerage or research services in connection with managing a Fund whose trades generated the soft dollars used to purchase such products.
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The Adviser is responsible, subject to oversight by the Board, for placing orders on behalf of each Fund for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities. If purchases or sales of portfolio securities of a Fund and one or more other investment companies or clients supervised by the Adviser or any other Affiliate are considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities are allocated among them in a manner deemed equitable and consistent with relevant fiduciary obligations. In some cases, this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security so far as the Funds are concerned. However, in other cases, it is possible that the ability to participate in volume transactions and to negotiate lower brokerage commissions will be beneficial to the Funds. The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders at the most favorable net price.
The Funds may deal with affiliates in principal transactions to the extent permitted by exemptive order or applicable rule or regulation.
The Funds are new and have not paid any brokerage commissions as of the date of this SAI.
Brokerage with Fund Affiliates. The Funds may execute brokerage or other agency transactions through registered broker-dealer affiliates of the Funds or the Adviser for a commission in conformity with the 1940 Act, the 1934 Act and rules promulgated by the SEC. These rules require that commissions paid to the affiliate by the Funds for exchange transactions not exceed “usual and customary” brokerage commissions. The rules define “usual and customary” commissions to include amounts which are “reasonable and fair compared to the commission, fee or other remuneration received or to be received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on a securities exchange during a comparable period of time.” The Trustees, including those who are not “interested persons” of the Funds, have adopted procedures for evaluating the reasonableness of commissions paid to affiliates and review these procedures periodically.
The Funds are required to identify the securities of their “regular brokers or dealers” that the Funds has acquired during its most recent fiscal year. The Funds are new and did not own equity securities of its regular broker-dealers or their parent companies as of the date of this SAI.
Directed Brokerage
The Funds are new and did not pay any commissions on brokerage transactions directed to brokers pursuant to an agreement or understanding whereby the broker provides research or other brokerage services to the Adviser.
Securities of “Regular Broker-Dealers.” The Funds are required to identify any securities of its “regular brokers and dealers” (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) that it may hold at the close of its most recent fiscal year. “Regular brokers or dealers” of the Funds are the ten brokers or dealers that, during the most recent fiscal year: (1) received the greatest dollar amounts of brokerage commissions from a Fund’s portfolio transactions; (2) engaged as principal in the largest dollar amounts of portfolio transactions of a Fund; or (3) sold the largest dollar amounts of Shares.
The Funds are new and did not own equity securities of its regular broker-dealers or their parent companies as of the date of this SAI.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE
A portfolio turnover rate is, in summary, the percentage computed by dividing the lesser of a Fund’s purchases or sales of securities (excluding short-term securities and securities transferred in-kind) by the average market value of such Fund. A rate of 100% indicates that the equivalent of all of a Fund’s assets have been sold and reinvested in a year. High portfolio turnover may affect the amount, timing and character of distributions, and, as a result, may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders. Higher portfolio turnover also results in higher transaction costs. To the extent that net short-term capital gains are realized by a Fund, any distributions resulting from such gains are considered ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.
The Funds are new and does not have a portfolio turnover rate to report as of the date of this SAI.
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BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM
The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) acts as securities depositary for Shares. Shares are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Except in limited circumstances set forth below, certificates will not be issued for Shares.
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company that was created to hold securities of its participants (the “DTC Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants and by the NYSE and FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers, and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (the “Indirect Participants”).
Beneficial ownership of Shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants, and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in Shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to in this SAI as “Beneficial Owners”) is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of Shares. The Trust recognizes DTC or its nominee as the record owner of all Shares for all purposes. Beneficial Owners of Shares are not entitled to have Shares registered in their names, and will not receive or be entitled to physical delivery of Share certificates. Each Beneficial Owner must rely on the procedures of DTC and any DTC Participant and/or Indirect Participant through which such Beneficial Owner holds its interests, to exercise any rights of a holder of Shares.
Conveyance of all notices, statements, and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. DTC will make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee a listing of Shares held by each DTC Participant. The Trust shall obtain from each such DTC Participant the number of Beneficial Owners holding Shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust shall provide each such DTC Participant with copies of such notice, statement, or other communication, in such form, number, and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement, or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all Shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the Funds as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of Shares held through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such DTC Participants.
The Trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interest in Shares, or for maintaining, supervising, or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants.
DTC may determine to discontinue providing its service with respect to a Fund at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Fund and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Fund shall act either to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such replacement is unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of Shares, unless the Trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to the Exchange.
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PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES IN CREATION UNITS
The Trust issues and redeems Shares only in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Transfer Agent, without a sales load (but subject to transaction fees, if applicable), at their NAV per share next determined after receipt of an order, on any Business Day, in proper form pursuant to the terms of the Authorized Participant Agreement (“Participant Agreement”). The NAV of Shares is calculated each Business Day as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE, generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The Funds will not issue fractional Creation Units. A “Business Day” is any day on which the NYSE is open for regular trading.
Fund Deposit. The consideration for purchase of a Creation Unit of a Fund generally consists of the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities (the “Deposit Securities”) per each Creation Unit and the Cash Component (defined below), computed as described below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of a “cash in lieu” amount (“Deposit Cash”) to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security. When accepting purchases of Creation Units for all or a portion of Deposit Cash, a Fund may incur additional costs associated with the acquisition of Deposit Securities that would otherwise be provided by an in-kind purchaser.
Together, the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the Cash Component constitute the “Fund Deposit,” which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of a Fund. The “Cash Component” is an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of Shares (per Creation Unit) and the value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. If the Cash Component is a positive number (i.e., the NAV per Creation Unit exceeds the value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such positive amount. If the Cash Component is a negative number (i.e., the NAV per Creation Unit is less than the value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such negative amount and the creator will be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to the Cash Component. The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. Computation of the Cash Component excludes any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, if applicable, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant (as defined below).
Each Fund, through NSCC, makes available on each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time), the list of the names and the required number of Shares of each Deposit Security or the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, to be included in the current Fund Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for the Fund. Such Fund Deposit is subject to any applicable adjustments as described below, to effect purchases of Creation Units of the applicable Fund until such time as the next-announced composition of the Deposit Securities or the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, is made available.
The identity and number of Shares of the Deposit Securities or the amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, required for the Fund Deposit for a Fund may change from time to time.
Procedures for Purchase of Creation Units. To be eligible to place orders with the Transfer Agent to purchase a Creation Unit of a Fund, an entity must be (i) a “Participating Party” (i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the “Clearing Process”)), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC; or (ii) a DTC Participant (see “Book Entry Only System”). In addition, each Participating Party or DTC Participant (each, an “Authorized Participant”) must execute a Participant Agreement with respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units. Each Authorized Participant will agree, pursuant to the terms of a Participant Agreement, on behalf of itself or any investor on whose behalf it will act, to certain conditions, including that it will pay to the Trust, an amount of cash sufficient to pay the Cash Component together with the creation transaction fee (described below), if applicable, and any other applicable fees and taxes.
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All orders to purchase Shares directly from a Fund must be placed for one or more Creation Units and in the manner and by the time set forth in the Participant Agreement and/or applicable order form. The order cut-off time for orders to purchase Creation Units is expected to be 3:00 p.m. Eastern time, which time may be modified by a Fund from time-to-time by amendment to the Participant Agreement and/or applicable order form. The date on which an order to purchase Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units, as set forth below) is received and accepted is referred to as the “Order Placement Date.”
An Authorized Participant may require an investor to make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to the order (e.g., to provide for payments of cash, when required). Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and that, therefore, orders to purchase Shares directly from a Fund in Creation Units must be placed by the investor’s broker through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. In such cases there may be additional charges to such investor. At any given time, there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement and only a small number of such Authorized Participants may have international capabilities.
On days when the Exchange closes earlier than normal, each Fund may require orders to create Creation Units to be placed earlier in the day. In addition, if a market or markets on which a Fund’s investments are primarily traded is closed, the Fund will also generally not accept orders on such day(s). Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Transfer Agent pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement and in accordance with the applicable order form. On behalf of a Fund, the Transfer Agent will notify the Custodian of such order. The Custodian will then provide such information to the appropriate local sub-custodian(s). Those placing orders through an Authorized Participant should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the purchase order to the Transfer Agent by the cut-off time on such Business Day. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure may impede the ability to reach the Transfer Agent or an Authorized Participant.
Fund Deposits must be delivered by an Authorized Participant through the Federal Reserve System (for cash) or through DTC (for corporate securities), through a subcustody agent (for foreign securities) and/or through such other arrangements allowed by the Trust or its agents. With respect to foreign Deposit Securities, the Custodian shall cause the subcustodian of a Fund to maintain an account into which the Authorized Participant shall deliver, on behalf of itself or the party on whose behalf it is acting, such Deposit Securities (or Deposit Cash for all or a part of such securities, as permitted or required), with any appropriate adjustments as advised by the Trust. Foreign Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the applicable local subcustodian. A Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the Authorized Participant in a timely fashion to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, to the account of the Fund or its agents by no later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time for the Fund (or such other time as specified by the Trust) on the contractual settlement date. If the applicable Fund or its agents do not receive all of the Deposit Securities, or the required Deposit Cash in lieu thereof, by such time, then the order may be deemed rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash to be delivered, as applicable, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities or cash, as applicable, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The amount of cash represented by the Cash Component must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner to be received by the Custodian no later than the contractual settlement date. If the Cash Component and the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, are not received by the Custodian in a timely manner by the contractual settlement date, the creation order may be cancelled. Upon written notice to the Transfer Agent, such canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using a Fund Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the then current NAV of such Fund.
The order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to the applicable cut-off time and the federal funds in the appropriate amount are deposited by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time for the applicable Fund, with the Custodian on the contractual settlement date. If the order is not placed in proper form as required, or federal funds in the appropriate amount are not received by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time for the applicable Fund on the contractual settlement date, then the order may be deemed to be rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the applicable Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. A creation request is in “proper form” if all procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement, order form and this SAI are properly followed.
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Issuance of a Creation Unit. Except as provided in this SAI, Creation Units will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Trust of the Deposit Securities or payment of Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the payment of the Cash Component have been completed. When the required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the Custodian (or sub-custodian, as applicable), the Transfer Agent, and the Adviser, shall be notified of such delivery, and the Trust will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Units. The typical settlement date for each transaction will be within one day of the transaction (commonly referred to as “T+1”), unless the Fund and Authorized Participant agree to a different timeline for settlement or the transaction is exempt from the requirements of Rule 15c6-1 under the 1934 Act. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of Shares may take longer than one Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is received. In such cases, the local market settlement procedures will not commence until the end of local holiday periods. The Authorized Participant shall be liable to the Funds for losses, if any, resulting from unsettled orders.
Creation Units may be purchased in advance of receipt by the Trust of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities as described below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater than the NAV of the Shares on the date the order is placed in proper form since, in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component, plus (ii) an additional amount of cash equal to a percentage of the value as set forth in the Participant Agreement, of the undelivered Deposit Securities (the “Additional Cash Deposit”), which shall be maintained in a separate non-interest bearing collateral account. The Authorized Participant must deposit with the Custodian the Additional Cash Deposit, as applicable, by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time for the applicable Fund (or such other time as specified by the Trust) on the contractual settlement date. If the applicable Fund or its agents do not receive the Additional Cash Deposit in the appropriate amount, by such time, then the order may be deemed rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the applicable Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the Trust, pending delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain the Additional Cash Deposit with the Trust in an amount at least equal to the applicable percentage, as set forth in the Participant Agreement, of the daily market value of the missing Deposit Securities. The Participant Agreement will permit the Trust to buy the missing Deposit Securities at any time. Authorized Participants will be liable to the Trust for the costs incurred by the Trust in connection with any such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the value of such Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by the Transfer Agent plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases. The Trust will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the missing Deposit Securities have been properly received by the Custodian or purchased by the Trust and deposited into the Trust. In addition, a transaction fee, as described below under “Creation Transaction Fee,” may be charged. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the contractual settlement date.
Acceptance of Orders of Creation Units. The Trust reserves the right to reject an order for Creation Units transmitted to it by the Transfer Agent with respect to a Fund including if (1) the order is not in proper form; (2) the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, delivered by the Authorized Participant are not as disseminated through the facilities of the NSCC for that date by the Custodian; (3) the investor(s), upon obtaining Shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding Shares of the Fund; (4) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (5) the acceptance or receipt of the order for a Creation Unit would, in the opinion of counsel to the Trust, be unlawful; or (6) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Custodian, the Transfer Agent and/or the Adviser make it for all practical purposes not feasible to process orders for Creation Units.
Examples of such circumstances include acts of God; public service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme weather conditions, and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy, and computer failures; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the Trust, the Distributor, the Custodian, a sub-custodian, the Transfer Agent, DTC, NSCC, Federal Reserve System, or any other participant in the creation process; and other extraordinary events. The Transfer Agent shall notify a prospective creator of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of the creator of a Creation Unit of its rejection of the order of such person. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian, any sub-custodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall either of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian and the Distributor shall not be liable for the rejection of any purchase order for Creation Units.
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All questions as to the number of Shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility, and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and the Trust’s determination shall be final and binding.
Notwithstanding the Trust’s ability to reject an order for creation units, the Trust will only do so in a manner consistent with Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act, and SEC guidance relating thereto, including the ability of the Trust to suspend orders only in limited times and extraordinary circumstances. Additionally, a suspension of creation units by the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, will not impair the arbitrage mechanism for investors.
Creation Transaction Fee. A fixed purchase (i.e., creation) transaction fee, payable to the Custodian, may be imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase of Creation Units (“Creation Order Costs”). The standard fixed creation transaction fee for each Fund, regardless of the number of Creation Units created in the transaction, can be found in the table below. Each Fund may adjust the standard fixed creation transaction fee from time to time. The fixed creation fee may be waived on certain orders if the Custodian has determined to waive some or all of the Creation Order Costs associated with the order or another party, such as the Adviser, has agreed to pay such fee.
In addition, a variable fee, payable to the Funds, of up to the maximum percentage listed in the table below of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction may be imposed for cash purchases, non-standard orders, or partial cash purchases of Creation Units. The variable charge is primarily designed to cover additional costs (e.g., brokerage, taxes) involved with buying the securities with cash. Each Fund may determine to not charge a variable fee on certain orders when the Adviser has determined that doing so is in the best interests of Fund shareholders.
| Name of Fund | Fixed
Creation Transaction Fee |
Maximum
Variable Transaction Fee |
| Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF | $300 | 2% |
| Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF | $300 | 2% |
| Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF | $300 | 2% |
| Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF | $300 | 2% |
| Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF | $300 | 2% |
| Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF | $300 | 2% |
| Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF | $300 | 2% |
| Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF | $300 | 2% |
Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. Investors are responsible for the fixed costs of transferring the Fund Securities (defined below) from the Trust to their account or on their order.
Risks of Purchasing Creation Units. There are certain legal risks unique to investors purchasing Creation Units directly from a Fund. Because Shares may be issued on an ongoing basis, a “distribution” of Shares could be occurring at any time. Certain activities that a shareholder performs as a dealer could, depending on the circumstances, result in the shareholder being deemed a participant in the distribution in a manner that could render the shareholder a statutory underwriter and subject to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act. For example, a shareholder could be deemed a statutory underwriter if it purchases Creation Units from a Fund, breaks them down into the constituent Shares, and sells those Shares directly to customers, or if a shareholder chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new Shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary-market demand for Shares. Whether a person is an underwriter depends upon all of the facts and circumstances pertaining to that person’s activities, and the examples mentioned here should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could cause you to be deemed an underwriter.
Dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary-market transactions), and thus dealing with Shares as part of an “unsold allotment” within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act.
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Redemption. Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the Funds through the Transfer Agent and only on a Business Day. EXCEPT UPON LIQUIDATION OF A FUND, THE TRUST WILL NOT REDEEM SHARES IN AMOUNTS LESS THAN CREATION UNITS. Investors must accumulate enough Shares in the secondary market to constitute a Creation Unit to have such Shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of Shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.
With respect to each Fund, the Custodian, through the NSCC, makes available prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time) on each Business Day, the list of the names and Share quantities of each Fund’s portfolio securities that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day (“Fund Securities”). Fund Securities received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities.
Redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit are paid either in-kind or in cash, or combination thereof, as determined by the Trust. With respect to in-kind redemptions of the Funds, redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit will consist of Fund Securities—as announced by the Custodian on the Business Day of the request for redemption received in proper form plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of Shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of a request in proper form, and the value of the Fund Securities (the “Cash Redemption Amount”), less a fixed redemption transaction fee, as applicable, as set forth below. If the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of Shares, a compensating cash payment equal to the differential is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the Trust’s discretion, an Authorized Participant may receive the corresponding cash value of the securities in lieu of the in-kind securities value representing one or more Fund Securities.
The typical settlement date for each redemption transaction will be within one day of the transaction (or T+1), unless the Fund and Authorized Participant agree to a different timeline for settlement or the transaction is exempt from the requirements of Rule 15c6-1 under the 1934 Act. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the receipt of redemption proceeds may take longer than one Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is received. In such cases, the local market settlement procedures will not commence until the end of local holiday periods.
Redemption Transaction Fee. A fixed redemption transaction fee, payable to the Custodian, may be imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the redemption of Creation Units (“Redemption Order Costs”). The standard fixed redemption transaction fee for a Fund, regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed in the transaction, can be found in the table below. Each Fund may adjust the redemption transaction fee from time to time. The fixed redemption fee may be waived on certain orders if the Custodian has determined to waive some or all of the Redemption Order Costs associated with the order or another party, such as the Adviser, has agreed to pay such fee.
In addition, a variable fee, payable to each Fund, of up to the maximum percentage listed in the table below of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction may be imposed for cash redemptions, non-standard orders, or partial cash redemptions (when cash redemptions are available) of Creation Units. The variable charge is primarily designed to cover additional costs (e.g., brokerage, taxes) involved with selling portfolio securities to satisfy a cash redemption. Each Fund may determine to not charge a variable fee on certain orders when the Adviser has determined that doing so is in the best interests of Fund shareholders.
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| Name of Fund | Fixed Creation Transaction Fee |
Maximum Variable Transaction Fee |
| Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF | $300 | 2% |
| Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF | $300 | 2% |
| Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF | $300 | 2% |
| Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF | $300 | 2% |
| Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF | $300 | 2% |
| Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF | $300 | 2% |
| Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF | $300 | 2% |
| Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF | $300 | 2% |
Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. Investors are responsible for the fixed costs of transferring the Fund Securities from the Trust to their account or on their order.
Procedures for Redemption of Creation Units. Orders to redeem Creation Units must be submitted in proper form to the Transfer Agent prior to 3:00 p.m. Eastern time. A redemption request is considered to be in “proper form” if (i) an Authorized Participant has transferred or caused to be transferred to the Trust’s Transfer Agent the Creation Unit(s) being redeemed through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be effective by the time as set forth in the Participant Agreement and (ii) a request in form satisfactory to the Trust is received by the Transfer Agent from the Authorized Participant on behalf of itself or another redeeming investor within the time periods specified in the Participant Agreement. If the Transfer Agent does not receive the investor’s Shares through DTC’s facilities by the times and pursuant to the other terms and conditions set forth in the Participant Agreement, the redemption request shall be rejected.
The Authorized Participant must transmit the request for redemption, in the form required by the Trust, to the Transfer Agent in accordance with procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed an Authorized Participant Agreement, and that, therefore, requests to redeem Creation Units may have to be placed by the investor’s broker through an Authorized Participant who has executed an Authorized Participant Agreement. Investors making a redemption request should be aware that such request must be in the form specified by such Authorized Participant. Investors making a request to redeem Creation Units should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the request by an Authorized Participant and transfer of the Shares to the Trust’s Transfer Agent; such investors should allow for the additional time that may be required to effect redemptions through their banks, brokers or other financial intermediaries if such intermediaries are not Authorized Participants.
Additional Redemption Procedures. In connection with taking delivery of Shares of Fund Securities upon redemption of Creation Units, a redeeming shareholder or Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such Shareholder must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank, or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the Fund Securities are customarily traded, to which account such Fund Securities will be delivered. Deliveries of redemption proceeds will generally be made by the next Business Day following the trade date, as discussed above.
The Trust may in its discretion exercise its option to cause a Fund to redeem such Shares in cash, and the redeeming investor will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash. In addition, an investor may request a redemption in cash that the applicable Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. In either case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its Shares of such Fund based on the NAV of Shares of such Fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee, if applicable, and additional charge for requested cash redemptions specified above, to offset the Trust’s brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Fund Securities). A Fund may also, in its sole discretion, upon request of a shareholder, provide such redeemer a portfolio of securities that differs from the exact composition of the Fund Securities but does not differ in NAV.
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Redemptions of Shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and each Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Trust could not lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or an investor for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular security included in the Fund Securities applicable to the redemption of Creation Units may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming investor of the Shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment. Further, an Authorized Participant that is not a “qualified institutional buyer,” (“QIB”) as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, will not be able to receive Fund Securities that are restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A. An Authorized Participant may be required by the Trust to provide a written confirmation with respect to QIB status to receive Fund Securities.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to a Fund (1) for any period during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading on the Exchange is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares of the Fund or determination of the NAV of the Shares is not reasonably practicable; or (4) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
NAV per Share for each Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of such Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by the total number of Shares outstanding, rounded to the nearest cent. Expenses and fees, including the management fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for purposes of determining NAV. The NAV of each Fund is calculated by Global Fund Services and determined at the scheduled close of the regular trading session on the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day that the NYSE is open, provided that fixed-income assets may be valued as of the announced closing time for trading in fixed-income instruments on any day that the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”) announces an early closing time.
In calculating each Fund’s NAV per Share, such Fund’s investments are generally valued using pricing services. The Funds may use various pricing services, or discontinue the use of any pricing service, as approved by the Adviser from time to time. A price obtained from a pricing service based on such pricing service’s valuation matrix may be considered a market valuation. Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at the current market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more sources. For assets traded on an exchange, the Funds may value investments using market valuations. A market valuation generally means a valuation (1) obtained from an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer), (2) based on a price quotation or other equivalent indication of value supplied by an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer) or (3) based on amortized cost. In the case of shares of other funds that are not traded on an exchange, a market valuation means such fund’s published NAV per share.
When market prices are not “readily available” or are deemed to be unreliable, consistent with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Trust and the Adviser have adopted procedures and methodologies wherein the Adviser, serving as the Fund’s Valuation Designee (as defined in Rule 2a-5), determines the fair value of Fund investments.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled “Dividends, Distributions, and Taxes.”
General Policies. Each Fund intends to pay out dividends and interest income, if any, annually and distribute any net realized capital gains to its shareholders at least annually. Distributions of net realized capital gains, if any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code, in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act.
Each Fund will declare and pay income and capital gain distributions, if any, in cash. Dividends and other distributions on Shares are distributed, as described below, on a pro rata basis to Beneficial Owners of such Shares. Dividend payments are made through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners then of record with proceeds received from the Trust.
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Each Fund makes additional distributions to the extent necessary (1) to distribute the entire annual taxable income of the Fund, plus any net capital gains and (2) to avoid imposition of the excise tax imposed by Section 4982 of the Code. Management of the Trust reserves the right to declare special dividends if, in its reasonable discretion, such action is necessary or advisable to preserve each Fund’s eligibility for treatment as a RIC or to avoid imposition of income or excise taxes on undistributed income at the Fund level.
Dividend Reinvestment Service. The Trust will not make the DTC book-entry dividend reinvestment service available for use by Beneficial Owners for reinvestment of their cash proceeds, but certain individual broker-dealers may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by Beneficial Owners of the applicable Fund through DTC Participants for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Investors should contact their brokers to ascertain the availability and description of these services. Beneficial Owners should be aware that each broker may require investors to adhere to specific procedures and timetables to participate in the dividend reinvestment service and investors should ascertain from their brokers such necessary details. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole Shares issued by the Trust of such Fund at NAV per Share. Distributions reinvested in additional Shares will nevertheless be taxable to Beneficial Owners acquiring such additional Shares to the same extent as if such distributions had been received in cash.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The following is only a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their respective shareholders that supplements the discussion in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a comprehensive explanation of the federal, state, local or foreign tax treatment of the Funds or their respective shareholders, and the discussion here and in the Prospectus is not intended to be a substitute for careful tax planning.
The following general discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences is based on provisions of the Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.
The tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) made significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules for taxation of individuals and corporations, generally effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Many of the changes applicable to individuals are temporary and would apply only to taxable years before January 1, 2026. There were only minor changes with respect to the specific rules applicable to RICs, such as the Funds. The Tax Act, however, also made numerous other changes to the tax rules that may affect shareholders and the Funds. Subsequent legislation has modified certain changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules made by the Tax Act which may, in addition, affect shareholders and the Funds. You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor regarding how this legislation affects your investment in a Fund.
Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the application of the provisions of tax law described in this SAI in light of the particular tax situations of the shareholders and regarding specific questions as to federal, state, local, or foreign taxes.
Taxation of the Funds. Each Fund will elect and intends to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under the Code. As such, each Fund should not be subject to federal income taxes on its net investment income and capital gains, if any, to the extent that it timely distributes such income and capital gains to its shareholders. Generally, to be taxed as a RIC, a Fund must distribute in each taxable year at least 90% of its “investment company taxable income” (before the deduction for dividends paid) for the taxable year, which includes, among other items, dividends, interest, net short-term capital gain, and net foreign currency gain, less expenses, as well as 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income, if any (the “Distribution Requirement”), and also must meet several additional requirements. Among these requirements are the following: (1) at least 90% of each Fund’s gross income each taxable year must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities, or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or foreign currencies, and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (the “Qualifying Income Requirement”); and (2) at the end of each quarter of a Fund’s taxable year, the Fund’s assets must be diversified so that (a) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect to any one issuer, to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, the securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (the “Diversification Requirement”).
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To the extent a Fund makes investments that may generate income that is not qualifying income, including certain derivatives, such Fund will seek to restrict the resulting income from such investments so that the Fund’s non-qualifying income does not exceed 10% of its gross income.
Although each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and may distribute its capital gains for any taxable year, a Fund will be subject to federal income taxation to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed. Each Fund is treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes. Each Fund therefore is considered to be a separate entity in determining its treatment under the rules for RICs described herein. The requirements (other than certain organizational requirements) for qualifying RIC status are determined at the Fund level rather than at the Trust level.
If a Fund fails to satisfy the Qualifying Income Requirement or the Diversification Requirement in any taxable year, the Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the Diversification Requirement where a Fund corrects the failure within a specified period of time. To be eligible for the relief provisions with respect to a failure to meet the Diversification Requirement, a Fund may be required to dispose of certain assets. If these relief provisions were not available to a Fund and it were to fail to qualify for treatment as a RIC for a taxable year, all of its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and its distributions (including capital gains distributions) generally would be taxable to the shareholders of the applicable Fund as ordinary income dividends, subject to the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders and the lower tax rates on qualified dividend income received by noncorporate shareholders, subject to certain limitations. To requalify for treatment as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, the Fund would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification requirements for that year and to distribute any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC. If the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, it would generally be required to pay a fund-level tax on certain net built in gains recognized with respect to certain of its assets upon disposition of such assets within five years of qualifying as a RIC in a subsequent year. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of a Fund for treatment as a RIC if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders. If a Fund determines that it will not qualify as a RIC, the Fund will establish procedures to reflect the anticipated tax liability in such Fund’s NAV.
Each Fund may elect to treat part or all of any “qualified late year loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in determining the Fund’s taxable income, net capital gain, net short-term capital gain, and earnings and profits. The effect of this election is to treat any such “qualified late year loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in characterizing Fund distributions for any calendar year. A “qualified late year loss” generally includes net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year, subject to special rules in the event the Fund makes an election under Section 4982(e)(4) of the Code, (commonly referred to as “post-October losses”), and certain other late-year losses.
Capital losses in excess of capital gains (“net capital losses”) are not permitted to be deducted against a RIC’s net investment income. Instead, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, potentially subject to certain limitations, the Fund may carry a net capital loss from any taxable year forward indefinitely to offset its capital gains, if any, in years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses, they will not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the Fund and may not be distributed as capital gains to its shareholders. Generally, the Fund may not carry forward any losses other than net capital losses. The carryover of capital losses may be limited under the general loss limitation rules if the Fund experiences an ownership change as defined in the Code.
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Each Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax on certain undistributed income if it does not distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year an amount at least equal to 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98.2% of its capital gain net income for either the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, or, if the Fund makes an election under Section 4982(e)(4) of the Code, the Fund’s fiscal year, subject to an increase for any shortfall in the prior year’s distribution. Each Fund intends to declare and distribute dividends and distributions in the amounts and at the times necessary to avoid the application of the excise tax, but can make no assurances that all such tax liability will be eliminated.
Each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gain to shareholders for each taxable year. If a Fund meets the Distribution Requirement but retains some or all of its income or gains, it will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed. The Fund may elect to designate certain amounts retained as undistributed net capital gain as deemed distributions in a notice to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount so designated, (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax paid by the Fund on that undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities and to claim refunds to the extent such credits exceed their tax liabilities, and (iii) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for federal income tax purposes, in their Shares by an amount equal to the excess of the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in their respective income over their respective income tax credits.
Taxation of Shareholders – Distributions. Each Fund intends to distribute annually to its shareholders substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), its net tax-exempt income, if any, and any net capital gain (net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses, taking into account any capital loss carryforwards). The distribution of investment company taxable income (as so computed) and net capital gain will be taxable to Fund shareholders regardless of whether the shareholder receives these distributions in cash or reinvests them in additional Shares.
Each Fund (or your broker) will report to shareholders annually the amounts of dividends paid from ordinary income, the amount of distributions of net capital gain, the portion of dividends which may qualify for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders, and the portion of dividends which may qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income, which is taxable to non-corporate shareholders at long-term capital gain rates.
Distributions from a Fund’s net capital gain will be taxable to shareholders at long-term capital gains rates, regardless of how long shareholders have held their Shares. Distributions may be subject to state and local taxes.
Qualified dividend income includes, in general, subject to certain holding period and other requirements, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain “qualified foreign corporations.” Subject to certain limitations, “qualified foreign corporations” include those incorporated in territories of the United States, those incorporated in certain countries with comprehensive tax treaties with the United States, and other foreign corporations if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Dividends received by a Fund from an ETF or an underlying fund taxable as a RIC or a REIT may be treated as qualified dividend income generally only to the extent so reported by such ETF, underlying fund or REIT. If 95% or more of a Fund’s gross income (calculated without taking into account net capital gain derived from sales or other dispositions of stock or securities) consists of qualified dividend income, such Fund may report all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income.
Fund dividends will not be treated as qualified dividend income if the Fund does not meet certain holding period and other requirements with respect to dividend paying stocks in its portfolio, or the shareholder does not meet certain holding period and other requirements with respect to the Shares on which the dividends were paid. Distributions by the Fund of its net short-term capital gains will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
In the case of corporate shareholders, certain dividends received by the Fund from U.S. corporations (generally, dividends received by the Fund in respect of any share of stock (1) with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend and (2) that is held in an unleveraged position) and distributed and appropriately so reported by the Fund may be eligible for the 50% dividends-received deduction. Certain preferred stock must have a holding period of at least 91 days during the 181-day period beginning on the date that is 90 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend to be eligible. Capital gain dividends distributed to the Fund from other RICs are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction. To qualify for the deduction, corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding period requirement stated above with respect to their Shares, taking into account any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their Shares, and, if they borrow to acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to Shares, they may be denied a portion of the dividends-received deduction with respect to those Shares.
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Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, any dividend declared by a Fund in October, November or December and payable to shareholders of record in such a month that is paid during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which it was declared.
In addition to the federal income tax, certain individuals, trusts and estates may be subject to a Net Investment Income (“NII”) tax of 3.8%. The NII tax is imposed on the lesser of: (i) a taxpayer’s investment income, net of deductions properly allocable to such income; or (ii) the amount by which such taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds ($250,000 for married individuals filing jointly, $200,000 for unmarried individuals and $125,000 for married individuals filing separately). Each Fund’s distributions are includable in a shareholder’s investment income for purposes of this NII tax. In addition, any capital gain realized by a shareholder upon a sale or redemption of Fund shares is includable in such shareholder’s investment income for purposes of this NII tax.
Shareholders who have not held Shares for a full year should be aware that the Funds may report and distribute, as ordinary dividends or capital gain dividends, a percentage of income that is not equal to the percentage of such Fund’s ordinary income or net capital gain, respectively, actually earned during the applicable shareholder’s period of investment in the Fund. A taxable shareholder may wish to avoid investing in a Fund shortly before a dividend or other distribution, because the distribution will generally be taxable to the shareholder even though it may economically represent a return of a portion of the shareholder’s investment.
To the extent that the Fund makes a distribution of income received by the Fund in lieu of dividends (a “substitute payment”) with respect to securities on loan pursuant to a securities lending transaction, such income will not constitute qualified dividend income to individual shareholders and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders.
If a Fund’s distributions exceed its earnings and profits, all or a portion of the distributions made for a taxable year may be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable, but will reduce each shareholder’s cost basis in the Fund and result in a higher capital gain or lower capital loss when the Shares on which the distribution was received are sold. After a shareholder’s basis in the Shares has been reduced to zero, distributions in excess of earnings and profits will be treated as gain from the sale of the shareholder’s Shares.
If more than 50 percent of the value of a Fund’s total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will be eligible and may elect to “pass-through” to the Fund’s shareholders the amount of foreign income and similar taxes paid by the Fund. Pursuant to this election, if made, a shareholder will be required to include in gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his or her pro rata share of the foreign income and similar taxes paid by the Fund, and will be entitled either to deduct his or her pro rata share of foreign income and similar taxes in computing taxable income or to apply the amount of foreign taxes as a foreign tax credit against his or her U.S. Federal income taxes attributable to such foreign income, subject to limitations. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Foreign taxes generally may not be deducted by a shareholder who is an individual in computing the alternative minimum tax.
Taxation of Shareholders – Sale of Shares. A sale or redemption of Shares may give rise to a gain or loss. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if Shares have been held for more than 12 months. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of Shares will generally be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss, rather than short-term capital loss, to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the shareholder of long-term capital gain with respect to such Shares (including any amounts credited to the shareholder as undistributed capital gains). All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Shares may be disallowed if substantially identical Shares are acquired (through the reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly acquired Shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
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The cost basis of Shares acquired by purchase will generally be based on the amount paid for Shares and then may be subsequently adjusted for other applicable transactions as required by the Code. The difference between the selling price and the cost basis of Shares generally determines the amount of the capital gain or loss realized on the sale of Shares. Contact the broker through whom you purchased your Shares to obtain information with respect to the available cost basis reporting methods and elections for your account.
An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus the amount of cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of any securities received plus the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS,”),, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot currently be deducted under the rules governing “wash sales” (for an exchanger who does not mark-to-market its portfolio) or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position.
Any capital gain or loss realized upon the creation of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the securities exchanged for such Creation Units have been held for more than one year. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the redemption of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares composing the Creation Units have been held for more than one year. Otherwise, such capital gains or losses will generally be treated as short-term capital gains or losses. Any loss upon a redemption of Creation Units held for six months or less may be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the applicable Authorized Participant of long-term capital gain with respect to the Creation Units (including any amounts credited to the Authorized Participant as undistributed capital gains).
The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the Creation Units so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding Shares and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Code, the Fund would have a basis in the deposit securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Trust also has the right to require the provision of information necessary to determine beneficial Share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If the Fund does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or a group of purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the Creation Units so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding Shares, the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) will not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation Units.
Persons purchasing or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction and whether the wash sales rule applies and when a loss may be deductible.
Taxation of Fund Investments. Certain of each Fund’s investments may be subject to complex provisions of the Code (including provisions relating to hedging transactions, straddles, integrated transactions, foreign currency contracts, forward foreign currency contracts, and notional principal contracts) that, among other things, may affect the Fund’s ability to qualify as a RIC, affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Fund (e.g., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund and defer losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also may require the Funds to mark to market certain types of positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out) which may cause a Fund to recognize income without the Fund receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts sufficient to enable the Fund to satisfy the RIC distribution requirements for avoiding Fund-level income and excise taxes. Each Fund intends to monitor its transactions, intends to make appropriate tax elections, and intends to make appropriate entries in its books and records to mitigate the effect of these rules and preserve the Fund’s qualification for treatment as a RIC. To the extent a Fund invests in an underlying fund that is taxable as a RIC, the rules applicable to the tax treatment of complex securities will also apply to the underlying funds that also invest in such complex securities and investments.
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Backup Withholding. Each Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold (as “backup withholding”) on amounts payable to any shareholder who (1) fails to provide a correct taxpayer identification number certified under penalty of perjury; (2) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report all payments of interest or dividends; (3) fails to provide a certified statement that they are not subject to “backup withholding;” or (4) fails to provide a certified statement that they are a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). The backup withholding rate is at a rate set under Section 3406 of the Code. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s ultimate U.S. federal income tax liability. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax on shareholders who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the United States.
Non-U.S. Shareholders. Any non-U.S. investors in a Fund may be subject to U.S. withholding and estate tax and are encouraged to consult their tax advisors prior to investing in the Fund. Foreign shareholders (i.e., nonresident alien individuals and foreign corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates) are generally subject to a U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or a lower tax treaty rate) on distributions derived from taxable ordinary income. A Fund may, under certain circumstances, report all or a portion of a dividend as an “interest-related dividend” or a “short-term capital gain dividend,” which would generally be exempt from this 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided certain other requirements are met. Short-term capital gain dividends received by a nonresident alien individual who is present in the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year are not exempt from this 30% withholding tax. Gains realized by foreign shareholders from the sale or other disposition of Shares generally are not subject to U.S. taxation, unless the recipient is an individual who is physically present in the U.S. for 183 days or more per year (based on a formula that factors in presence in the U.S. during the two preceding years as well). Foreign shareholders who fail to provide an applicable IRS form may be subject to backup withholding on certain payments from the Fund. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that are subject to the 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax described in this paragraph. Different tax consequences may result if the foreign shareholder is engaged in a trade or business within the United States. In addition, the tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of a tax treaty may be different than those described above.
Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”), the Funds may be required to withhold a generally nonrefundable 30% tax on distributions of net investment income paid to (a) certain “foreign financial institutions” unless such foreign financial institution agrees to verify, monitor, and report to the IRS the identity of certain of its account holders, among other items (or unless such entity is otherwise deemed compliant under the terms of an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and the foreign financial institution’s country of residence), and (b) certain “non-financial foreign entities” unless such entity certifies to the Fund that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or provides the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner, among other items. This FATCA withholding tax could also affect a Fund’s return on its investments in foreign securities or affect a shareholder’s return if the shareholder holds its Fund shares through a foreign intermediary. You are urged to consult your tax adviser regarding the application of this FATCA withholding tax to your investment in a Fund and the potential certification, compliance, due diligence, reporting, and withholding obligations to which you may become subject in order to avoid this withholding tax.
For foreign shareholders to qualify for an exemption from backup withholding, described above, the foreign shareholder must comply with special certification and filing requirements. Foreign shareholders in a Fund should consult their tax advisors in this regard.
Tax-Exempt Shareholders. Certain tax-exempt shareholders, including qualified pension plans, individual retirement accounts, salary deferral arrangements, 401(k) plans, and other tax-exempt entities, generally are exempt from federal income taxation, except with respect to their unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”). Tax-exempt entities are generally not permitted to offset losses from one unrelated trade or business against the income or gain of another unrelated trade or business. Certain net losses incurred prior to January 1, 2018 are permitted to offset gain and income created by an unrelated trade or business, if otherwise available. Under current law, each Fund generally serves to block UBTI from being realized by its tax-exempt shareholders with respect to their shares of Fund income. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, tax-exempt shareholders could realize UBTI by virtue of their investment in the Fund if, for example, (1) such Fund invests in residual interests of Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits (“REMICs”), (2) such Fund invests in a REIT that is a taxable mortgage pool (“TMP”) or that has a subsidiary that is a TMP or that invests in the residual interest of a REMIC, or (3) Shares in such Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholders within the meaning of section 514(b) of the Code. Charitable remainder trusts are subject to special rules and should consult their tax advisers. The IRS has issued guidance with respect to these issues and prospective shareholders, especially charitable remainder trusts, are strongly encouraged to consult with their tax advisers regarding these issues.
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Certain Potential Tax Reporting Requirements. Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss on disposition of the Shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. Significant penalties may be imposed for the failure to comply with the reporting requirements. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Other Issues. In those states which have income tax laws, the tax treatment of the Funds and of Funds’ shareholders with respect to distributions by the Funds may differ from federal tax treatment.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial statements and annual reports will be available after the Funds have completed a fiscal year of operations. When available, you may request a copy of each Fund’s annual report at no charge by calling (866) 532-3886 or through the Funds’ website at www.battle-shares.com.
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PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
| Item 28 | Exhibits |
| (a) | (i) | Certificate of Trust of Impact Shares Fund Trust I (the “Trust” or the “Registrant”) dated May 19, 2016 – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 on Form N-1A on July 2, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. |
| (a) | First Amendment to the Certificate of Trust of Impact Shares Trust I (the “Trust” or the “Registrant”) dated February 2, 2018 – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 on Form N-1A on July 2, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (b) | Second Amendment to the Certificate of Trust of Tidal Trust III (the “Trust” or the “Registrant”) dated March 19, 2024 – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 on Form N-1A on July 2, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. |
| (ii) | Third Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Registrant, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (iii) | Organizational Documents for Cayman Subsidiary (for the USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF). | ||
| (1) | Investment Advisory Agreement, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (2) | Sub-Advisory Agreement, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (3) | Memorandum and Articles of Association, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (4) | Certificate of Incorporation, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (5) | Tax Underwriting, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (6) | Private Investment Company Custodian Agreement, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. |
| (iv) | Organizational Documents for Cayman Subsidiary (for the PEO AlphaQuest™ Thematic PE ETF). |
| (1) | Investment Advisory Agreement, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (2) | Future Trading Advisory Agreement, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (3) | Memorandum and Articles of Association, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (4) | Certificate of Incorporation, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (5) | Tax Underwriting, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (6) | Private Investment Company Custodian Agreement, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
C-1
C-2
| (xx) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for PEO AlphaQuest™ Thematic PE ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (xxi) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for World Dynamic Momentum Leaders ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC – to be filed by amendment. | ||
| (xxii) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for Intech S&P Large Cap Diversified Alpha ETF and Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC – to be filed by amendment. | ||
| (xxiii) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for SynthEquity MRP Core ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC – to be filed by amendment. | ||
| (xxiv) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF and VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC – to be filed by amendment. | ||
| (xxv) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Unity Wealth Partners LLC (for Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
| ||
| (xxvi) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Rockefeller Asset Management (for Rockefeller Opportunistic Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller California Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller New York Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF and Rockefeller Global Equity ETF) – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
| ||
| (xxvii) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Traders A.I., Inc. (for TradersAI Large Cap Equity & Cash ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (xxviii) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Route 20 Private Wealth Inc. (for 4E Quality Growth ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (xxix) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and VistaShares Advisors LLC (for VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF and VistaShares Electrification Supercycle ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on Form N-1A on September 13, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (xxx) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Fundstrat Capital, LLC (for Fundstrat Granny Shots US Large CAP ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 on Form N-1A on October 21, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (xxxi) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Ned Davis Research Inc. (for Ned Davis Research 360º Dynamic Allocation ETF and Ned Davis Research 360º Core Equity ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (xxxii) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Ninepoint Partners LP (for Ninepoint Energy ETF and Ninepoint Energy Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 on Form N-1A on October 18, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (xxxiii) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Cannell & Spears LLC (for The Beehive ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 on Form N-1A on December 9, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (xxxiv) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Harmonic Capital, LLC (for NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | ||
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| (xxxv) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Nest Egg ETFs, LLC. (for NestYield Total Return Guard ETF, NestYield Dynamic Income ETF and NestYield Visionary ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 on Form N-1A on December 20, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxxvi) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and USCF Advisers LLC (for USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxxvii) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and TH GARP ETFS LTD (for TH GARP Global Rising Leaders ETF and TH GARP India Rising Leaders ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 91 on Form N-1A on January 13, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxxviii) |
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and PEO Partners, LLC (for PEO AlphaQuest™ Thematic PE ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxxix) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and AlphaQuest LLC (for PEO AlphaQuest™ Thematic PE ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xl) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Intech Investment Management LLC (for Intech S&P Large Cap Diversified Alpha ETF and Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF) - to be filed by amendment. | |
| (xli) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. (for SynthEquity MRP Core ETF) - to be filed by amendment. | |
| (e) | (i) | Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 on Form N-1A on July 2, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. |
| (i) | First Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. |
| (ii) | Second Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding Rockefeller Opportunistic Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller California Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller New York Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF, Rockefeller Global Equity ETF, TradersAI Large Cap Equity & Cash ETF, 4E Quality Growth ETF and GammaRoad Market Navigation ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. |
| (iii) | Third Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding Impact Shares YWCA Women’s Empowerment ETF, Impact Shares NAACP Minority Empowerment ETF, VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF and VistaShares Electrification Supercycle ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. |
| (iv) | Fourth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding FIRE Funds™ Wealth Builder ETF and FIRE Funds™ Income Target ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (v) | Fifth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding Fundstrat Granny Shots US Large Cap ETF, Ned Davis Research 360º Dynamic Allocation ETF, Ned Davis Research 360º Core Equity ETF, Ninepoint Energy ETF and Ninepoint Energy Income), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. |
| (vi) | Sixth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding The Beehive ETF, NestYield Total Return Guard ETF, NestYield Dynamic Income Shield ETF, NestYield Visionary ETF and USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 on Form N-1A on December 9, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
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| (ii) | Distribution Services Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Foreside Fund Services, LLC – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 on Form N-1A on July 2, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (iii) | Form of Authorized Participant Agreement between the Registrant and Foreside Fund Services, LLC – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 on Form N-1A on July 2, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (f) | Not applicable. | |
| (g) | (i) | Custodian Agreement between the Trust and U.S. Bank National Association (covering Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. |
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| (v) | Fifth Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding The Beehive ETF, NestYield Total Return Guard ETF, NestYield Dynamic Income Shield ETF, NestYield Visionary ETF and USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 on Form N-1A on December 9, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. |
| (vi) | Sixth Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF, Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF, Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF, Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF, Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF, Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF, Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF, Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF, Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF, TH GARP Global Rising Leaders ETF and TH GARP India Rising Leaders ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 91 on Form N-1A on January 13, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (vii) | Seventh Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding PEO AlphaQuest™ Thematic PE ETF, World Dynamic Momentum Leaders ETF, VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF and VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF – filed herewtih. | ||
| (viii) | Eighth Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | ||
| (ix) | Ninth Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding Intech S&P Large Cap Diversified Alpha ETF and Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF – to be filed by amendment. | ||
| (x) | Tenth Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding SynthEquity MRP Core ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | ||
| (h) | (i) | Administration Agreement between Registrant and Tidal ETF Services LLC (covering NACP and YWCA) – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 on Form N-1A on October 27, 2023 and is incorporated herein by reference. |
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| (ii) | Transfer Agent Agreement between Registration and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (covering Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. |
C-7
| (vi) | Sixth Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF, Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF, Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF, Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF, Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF, Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF, Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF, Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF, Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF, TH GARP Global Rising Leaders ETF and TH GARP India Rising Leaders ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 91 on Form N-1A on January 13, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (vii) | Seventh Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding PEO AlphaQuest™ Thematic PE ETF, World Dynamic Momentum Leaders ETF, VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF and VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF) – filed herewith. | ||
| (viii) | Eighth Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | ||
(ix)
|
Ninth Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding Intech S&P Large Cap Diversified Alpha ETF and Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | ||
| (x) | Tenth Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding SynthEquity MRP Core ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | ||
| (iii) | Fund Accounting Agreement between Registration and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
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| (vi) | Sixth Amendment to the Fund Accounting Agreement (adding Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF, Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF, Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF, Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF, Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF, Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF, Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF, Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF, Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF, TH GARP Global Rising Leaders ETF and TH GARP India Rising Leaders ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 91 on Form N-1A on January 13, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (vii) | Seventh Amendment to the Fund Accounting Agreement (adding PEO AlphaQuest™ Thematic PE ETF, World Dynamic Momentum Leaders ETF, VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF and VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF) – filed herewith. | ||
| (viii) | Eighth Amendment to the Fund Accounting Agreement (adding NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
| ||
| (ix) | Ninth Amendment to the Fund Accounting Agreement (adding Intech S&P Large Cap Diversified Alpha ETF and Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | ||
| (x) | Tenth Amendment to the Fund Accounting Agreement (adding SynthEquity MRP Core ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | ||
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| (iii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for the Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (iv) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for the Rockefeller Opportunistic Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller California Municipal Bond ETF and Rockefeller New York Municipal Bond ETF) previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (v) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for the TradersAI Large Cap Equity & Cash ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (vi) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for the 4E Quality Growth ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (vii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for the GammaRoad Market Navigation ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 on Form N-1A on August 20, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (viii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF and Rockefeller Global Equity ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 on Form N-1A on August 23, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (ix) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for the VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF and VistaShares Electrification Supercycle ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on Form N-1A on September 13, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (x) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for the Fundstrat Granny Shots US Large Cap ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 on Form N-1A on October 21, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xi) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Ned Davis Research 360º Dynamic Allocation ETF and Ned Davis Research 360º Core Equity ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Ninepoint Energy ETF and Ninepoint Energy Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 on Form N-1A on October 18, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xiii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for The Beehive ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 on Form N-1A on December 9, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xiv) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for FIRE Funds™ Wealth Builder ETF and FIRE Funds™ Income Target ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 on Form N-1A on November 8, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xv) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | |
| (xvi) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for NestYield Total Return Guard ETF, NestYield Dynamic Income ETF and NestYield Visionary ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 on Form N-1A on December 20, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xvii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xviii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF, Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF, Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF, Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF, Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF, Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF, Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF and Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF) – filed herewith. | |
| (xix) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Intech S&P Large Cap Diversified Alpha ETF and Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | |
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| (xix) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | |
| (xx) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for TH GARP Global Rising Leaders ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 91 on Form N-1A on January 13, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.. | |
| (xxi) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for PEO AlphaQuest™ Thematic PE ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for World Dynamic Momentum Leaders ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | |
| (xxiii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for TH GARP India Rising Leaders ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | |
| (xxiv) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Intech S&P Large Cap Diversified Alpha ETF and Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | |
| (xxv) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for SynthEquity MRP Core ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | |
| (xxvi) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF and VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF) – to be filed by amendment. |
| (j) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – filed herewith. |
| (k) | Not applicable. |
| (l) | Not applicable. |
| (m) | Amended and Restated Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan dated January 15, 2025, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference. |
| (n) | Not applicable. |
| (o) | Reserved. |
| (p) | (i) | Code of Ethics of the Registrant and Impact Shares, Corp is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File No. 333-221764, filed on March 20, 2018. |
| (ii) | Code of Ethics of Tidal Investments LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 on Form N-1A on December 9, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (iii) | Code of Ethics of Foreside Fund Services, LLC not applicable per Rule 17j-1(c)(3). | |
| (iv) | Code of Ethics for Unity Wealth Partners LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (v) | Code of Ethics for Rockefeller Asset Management previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (vi) | Code of Ethics for Traders A.I., Inc., previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (vii) | Code of Ethics for Route 20 Private Wealth Inc., previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (viii) | Code of Ethics for VistaShares Advisors LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on Form N-1A on September 13, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (ix) | Code of Ethics for Ned Davis Research Inc., previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
C-11
| (x) | Code of Ethics for Ninepoint Partners LP, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xi) | Code of Ethics for Fundstrat Capital, LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xii) | Code of Ethics for Cannell & Spears LLC – to be filed by amendment. | |
| (xiii) | Code of Ethics for Harmonic Capital, LLC – to be filed by amendment. | |
| (xiv) | Code of Ethics for Nest Egg ETFs, LLC – to be filed by amendment. | |
| (xv) | Code of Ethics for USCF Advisers LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xvi) | Code of Ethics for TH GARP ETFS LTD, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 91 on Form N-1A on January 13, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xvii) | Code of Ethics for PEO Partners, LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xviii) | Code of Ethics for AlphaQuest LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 on Form N-1A on January 17, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xix) | Code of Ethics for Intech Investment Management LLC – to be filed by amendment. | |
| (xx) | Code of Ethics for Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. – to be filed by amendment. |
| (xxi) | Code of Ethics for VistaShares Advisors LLC – to be filed by amendment. |
| Item 29. | Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant. |
Not Applicable.
| Item 30. | Indemnification |
Reference is made to Article IV of the Registrant’s Third Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust. The general effect of this provision is to indemnify the Trustees, officers, employees and other agents of the Trust who are parties pursuant to any proceeding by reason of their actions performed in their scope of service on behalf of the Trust.
Pursuant to Rule 484 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), the Registrant furnishes the following undertaking: Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
| Item 31. | Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser |
Each of the investment advisers and investment sub-advisers to one or more of the Funds is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). The list required by this Item 31 of officers and directors of each adviser/sub-adviser together with information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors during the past two years, is incorporated by reference to the respective Schedules A and D of Form ADV filed by each such firm pursuant to the Advisers Act. Each adviser’s/sub-adviser’s state of organization and SEC Advisers Act file number is noted below.
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| Investment Adviser | SEC File No. |
| Tidal Investments LLC (f/k/a Toroso Investments, LLC) | 801-76857 |
| Impact Shares Corp. | 801-112391 |
| Unity Wealth Partners LLC | 801-130370 |
| Rockefeller Asset Management, a division of Rockefeller & Co. LLC | 801-113009 |
| Traders A.I., Inc. | 801-130642 |
| Route 20 Private Wealth Inc. | 801-130981 |
| VistaShares Advisors LLC | 801-130962 |
| Fundstrat Capital, LLC | 801-131012 |
| Ned Davis Research Inc. | 801-60241 |
| Ninepoint Partners LP | 801-111715 |
| Cannell & Spears LLC | 801-67401 |
| Harmonic Capital, LLC | [ ] |
| Nest Egg ETFs, LLC. | 801-131316 |
| USCF Advisers LLC | 801-79985 |
| TH GARP ETFS LTD | 801-131592 |
| PEO Partners, LLC | 801-131277 |
| AlphaQuest LLC | 801-108500 |
| Intech Investment Management LLC | 801-60987 |
| Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. | 801-80124 |
| Item 32. | Foreside Fund Services, LLC |
| Item 32(a) | Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended: |
| 1. | AB Active ETFs, Inc. |
| 2. | ABS Long/Short Strategies Fund |
| 3. | Absolute Shares Trust |
| 4. | ActivePassive Core Bond ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 5. | ActivePassive Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 6. | ActivePassive International Equity ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 7. | ActivePassive U.S. Equity ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 8. | AdvisorShares Trust |
| 9. | AFA Private Credit Fund |
| 10. | AGF Investments Trust |
| 11. | AIM ETF Products Trust |
| 12. | Alexis Practical Tactical ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 13. | AlphaCentric Prime Meridian Income Fund |
| 14. | American Century ETF Trust |
| 15. | Amplify ETF Trust |
| 16. | Applied Finance Dividend Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 17. | Applied Finance Explorer Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 18. | Applied Finance Select Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 19. | ARK ETF Trust |
| 20. | ARK Venture Fund |
| 21. | Bitwise Funds Trust |
| 22. | Bluestone Community Development Fund |
| 23. | BondBloxx ETF Trust |
| 24. | Bramshill Multi-Strategy Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
| 25. | Bridgeway Funds, Inc. |
| 26. | Brinker Capital Destinations Trust |
| 27. | Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. |
| 28. | Build Funds Trust |
| 29. | Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund |
| 30. | Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund |
| 31. | Calamos Dynamic Convertible and Income Fund |
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| 32. | Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund |
| 33. | Calamos Global Total Return Fund |
| 34. | Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund |
| 35. | Carlyle Tactical Private Credit Fund |
| 36. | Cascade Private Capital Fund |
| 37. | Catalyst Strategic Income Opportunities Fund |
| 38. | CBRE Global Real Estate Income Fund |
| 39. | Center Coast Brookfield MLP & Energy Infrastructure Fund |
| 40. | Clifford Capital Focused Small Cap Value Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 41. | Clifford Capital International Value Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 42. | Clifford Capital Partners Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 43. | Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund |
| 44 | Cliffwater Enhanced Lending Fund |
| 45. | Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund, Inc. |
| 46. | Convergence Long/Short Equity ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 47. | CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series |
| 48. | CrossingBridge Pre-Merger SPAC ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 49. | Curasset Capital Management Core Bond Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 50. | Curasset Capital Management Limited Term Income Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 51. | CYBER HORNET S&P 500® and Bitcoin 75/25 Strategy ETF, Series of ONEFUND Trust |
| 52. | Davis Fundamental ETF Trust |
| 53. | Defiance Connective Technologies ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions |
| 54. | Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions |
| 55. | Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions |
| 56. | Defiance Quantum ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions |
| 57. | Denali Structured Return Strategy Fund |
| 58. | Dividend Performers ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 59. | Dodge & Cox Funds |
| 60. | DoubleLine ETF Trust |
| 61. | DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund |
| 62. | DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund |
| 63. | DoubleLine Yield Opportunities Fund |
| 64. | DriveWealth ETF Trust |
| 65. | EIP Investment Trust |
| 66. | Ellington Income Opportunities Fund |
| 67. | ETF Opportunities Trust |
| 68. | Evanston Alternative Opportunities Fund |
| 69. | Exchange Listed Funds Trust |
| 70. | Exchange Place Advisors Trust |
| 71. | FlexShares Trust |
| 72. | Forum Funds |
| 73. | Forum Funds II |
| 74. | Forum Real Estate Income Fund |
| 75. | Gramercy Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
| 76. | Grayscale Future of Finance ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions |
| 77. | Guinness Atkinson Funds |
| 78. | Harbor ETF Trust |
| 79. | Hawaiian Tax-Free Trust |
| 80. | Horizon Kinetics Blockchain Development ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 81. | Horizon Kinetics Energy and Remediation ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 82. | Horizon Kinetics Inflation Beneficiaries ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 83. | Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 84. | Horizon Kinetics SPAC Active ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 85. | IDX Funds |
| 86. | Innovator ETFs Trust |
| 87. | Ironwood Institutional Multi-Strategy Fund LLC |
| 88. | Ironwood Multi-Strategy Fund LLC |
| 89. | Jensen Quality Growth ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 90. | John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust |
| 91. | LDR Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
C-14
| 92. | Mairs & Power Balanced Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 93. | Mairs & Power Growth Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 94. | Mairs & Power Minnesota Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 95. | Mairs & Power Small Cap Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 96. | Manor Investment Funds |
| 97. | Milliman Variable Insurance Trust |
| 98. | Moerus Worldwide Value Fund, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV |
| 99. | Morgan Stanley ETF Trust |
| 100. | Morningstar Funds Trust |
| 101. | Mutual of America Investment Corporation |
| 102. | NEOS ETF Trust |
| 103. | Niagara Income Opportunities Fund |
| 104. | NXG Cushing® Midstream Energy Fund |
| 105. | Opal Dividend Income ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 106. | OTG Latin American Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 107. | Overlay Shares Core Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 108. | Overlay Shares Foreign Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 109. | Overlay Shares Hedged Large Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 110. | Overlay Shares Large Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 111. | Overlay Shares Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 112. | Overlay Shares Short Term Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 113. | Overlay Shares Small Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 114. | Palmer Square Funds Trust |
| 115. | Palmer Square Opportunistic Income Fund |
| 116. | Partners Group Private Income Opportunities, LLC |
| 117. | Performance Trust Mutual Funds, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 118. | Performance Trust Short Term Bond ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 119. | Perkins Discovery Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 120. | Philotimo Focused Growth and Income Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 121. | Plan Investment Fund, Inc. |
| 122. | Point Bridge America First ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions |
| 123. | Precidian ETFs Trust |
| 124. | Preferred-Plus ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 125. | Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust |
| 126. | Rareview Systematic Equity ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust |
| 127. | Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust |
| 128. | Rareview Total Return Bond ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust |
| 129. | Renaissance Capital Greenwich Funds |
| 130. | Reynolds Funds, Inc. |
| 131. | RiverNorth Enhanced Pre-Merger SPAC ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 132. | RiverNorth Patriot ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 133. | RMB Investors Trust |
| 134. | Robinson Opportunistic Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
| 135. | Robinson Tax Advantaged Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
| 136. | Roundhill Alerian LNG ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 137. | Roundhill Ball Metaverse ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 138. | Roundhill Cannabis ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 139. | Roundhill ETF Trust |
| 140. | Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 141. | Roundhill S&P Global Luxury ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 142. | Roundhill Sports Betting & iGaming ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 143. | Roundhill Video Games ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 144. | Rule One Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 145. | Securian AM Real Asset Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
| 146. | Six Circles Trust |
| 147. | Sound Shore Fund, Inc. |
| 148. | SP Funds Trust |
| 149. | Sparrow Funds |
| 150. | Spear Alpha ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 151. | STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
C-15
| 152. | STF Tactical Growth ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 153. | Strategic Trust |
| 154. | Strategy Shares |
| 155. | Swan Hedged Equity US Large Cap ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 156. | Tekla World Healthcare Fund |
| 157. | Tema ETF Trust |
| 158. | The 2023 ETF Series Trust |
| 159. | The 2023 ETF Series Trust II |
| 160. | The Cook & Bynum Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 161. | The Community Development Fund |
| 162. | The Finite Solar Finance Fund |
| 163. | The Private Shares Fund |
| 164. | The SPAC and New Issue ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust |
| 165. | Third Avenue Trust |
| 166. | Third Avenue Variable Series Trust |
| 167. | Tidal ETF Trust |
| 168. | Tidal Trust II |
| 169. | Tidal Trust III |
| 170. | TIFF Investment Program |
| 171. | Timothy Plan High Dividend Stock Enhanced ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan |
| 172. | Timothy Plan High Dividend Stock ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan |
| 173. | Timothy Plan International ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan |
| 174. | Timothy Plan Market Neutral ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan |
| 175. | Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan |
| 176. | Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Core Enhanced ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan |
| 177. | Timothy Plan US Small Cap Core ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan |
| 178. | Total Fund Solution |
| 179. | Touchstone ETF Trust |
| 180. | T-Rex 2X Inverse Bitcoin Daily Target ETF, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 181. | T-Rex 2X Long Bitcoin Daily Target ETF, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 182. | TrueShares Active Yield ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 183. | TrueShares Eagle Global Renewable Energy Income ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 184. | TrueShares Structured Outcome (April) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 185. | TrueShares Structured Outcome (August) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 186. | TrueShares Structured Outcome (December) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 187. | TrueShares Structured Outcome (February) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 188. | TrueShares Structured Outcome (January) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 189. | TrueShares Structured Outcome (July) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 190. | TrueShares Structured Outcome (June) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 191. | TrueShares Structured Outcome (March) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 192. | TrueShares Structured Outcome (May) ETF, Listed Funds Trust |
| 193. | TrueShares Structured Outcome (November) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 194. | TrueShares Structured Outcome (October) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 195. | TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 196. | TrueShares Technology, AI & Deep Learning ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 197. | U.S. Global Investors Funds |
| 198. | Union Street Partners Value Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 199. | Vest Bitcoin Strategy Managed Volatility Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 200. | Vest S&P 500® Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 201. | Vest US Large Cap 10% Buffer Strategies Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 202. | Vest US Large Cap 10% Buffer Strategies VI Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 203. | Vest US Large Cap 20% Buffer Strategies Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 204. | Vest US Large Cap 20% Buffer Strategies VI Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 205. | VictoryShares Core Intermediate Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 206. | VictoryShares Core Plus Intermediate Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 207. | VictoryShares Corporate Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 208. | VictoryShares Developed Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 209. | VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 210. | VictoryShares Emerging Markets Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 211. | VictoryShares Free Cash Flow ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
C-16
| 212. | VictoryShares Hedged Equity Income ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 213. | VictoryShares International High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 214. | VictoryShares International Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 215. | VictoryShares International Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 216. | VictoryShares NASDAQ Next 50 ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 217. | VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 218. | VictoryShares THB Mid Cap ESG ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 219. | VictoryShares US 500 Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 220. | VictoryShares US 500 Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 221. | VictoryShares US Discovery Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 222. | VictoryShares US EQ Income Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 223. | VictoryShares US Large Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 224. | VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 225. | VictoryShares US Small Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 226. | VictoryShares US Small Cap Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 227. | VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 228. | VictoryShares US Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 229. | VictoryShares WestEnd Economic Cycle Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 230. | VictoryShares WestEnd Global Equity ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 231. | VictoryShares WestEnd US Sector ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
| 232. | Volatility Shares Trust |
| 233. | West Loop Realty Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
| 234. | Wilshire Mutual Funds, Inc. |
| 235. | Wilshire Variable Insurance Trust |
| 236. | WisdomTree Digital Trust |
| 237. | WisdomTree Trust |
| 238. | WST Investment Trust |
| 239. | XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Term Trust |
| Item 32(b) | The following are the Officers and Manager of the Distributor, the Registrant’s underwriter. The Distributor’s main business address is Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101. |
| Name | Address | Position with Underwriter | Position with Registrant |
| Teresa Cowan | Three
Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
President/Manager | None |
| Chris Lanza | Three
Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
Vice President | None |
| Kate Macchia | Three
Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
Vice President | None |
| Nanette K. Chern | Three
Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer | None |
| Kelly B. Whetstone | Three
Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
Secretary | None |
| Susan L. LaFond | Three
Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
Treasurer | None |
| Weston Sommers | Three
Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 |
Financial and Operations Principal and Chief Financial Officer | None |
| Item 32(c) | Not applicable. |
| Item 33. | Location of Accounts and Records |
| (1) | Impact Shares, Corp, 5950 Berkshire Lane, Suite 1420, Dallas, Texas 75225 |
| (2) | Tidal Investments LLC formerly Toroso Investments, LLC, 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204 |
| (3) | Tidal ETF Services LLC, 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204 |
| (4) | U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 E. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 |
| (5) | U.S. Bank, National Association, 1555 N. Rivercenter Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 |
| (6) | Foreside Fund Service, LLC, Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101 |
| (7) | Unity Wealth Partners LLC, 4050 W. Metropolitan Dr., Suite 150, Orange, CA 92868 |
C-17
| (8) | Rockefeller Asset Management (a division of Rockefeller & Co. LLC), 510 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10022. |
| (9) | Traders A.I., Inc., 10300 Eaton Pl, Suite 440/448, Fairfax, VA 22030 |
| (10) | Route 20 Private Wealth Inc., 401 East Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 1400, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 |
| (11) | VistaShares Advisors LLC 150 NE 6th Avenue, Unit S Delray Beach, FL 33483 |
| (12) | Fundstrat Capital, LLC, 150 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022 |
| (13) | Ned Davis Research Inc., 3665 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 306 Sarasota, Florida 34233 |
| (14) | Ninepoint Partners LP, Royal Bank Plaza, South Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2J1 |
| (15) | Cannell & Spears LLC, 545 Madison Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10022 |
| (16) | Harmonic Capital, LLC [ ] |
| (17) | Nest Egg ETFs, LLC., 8141 2nd Street, Suite 330, Downey, California 90241 |
| (18) | USCF Advisers LLC, 1850 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Suite 640, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 |
| (19) | TH GARP ETFS LTD, 99 Bishopsgate, London, UK EC2M 3XD |
| (20) | PEO Partners, LLC, 100 Park Avenue, 26th Floor, New York, New York 10017 |
| (21) | AlphaQuest LLC, 126 East 56th Street, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10022 |
| (22) | Intech Investment Management LLC, |
| (23) | Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc., 5230 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 224, San Diego, CA 92121 |
| (24) | VistaShares Advisors LLC, 150 NE 6th Avenue, Unit S, Delray Beach, FL 33483 |
| Item 34. | Management Services |
Not applicable.
| Item 35. | Undertakings |
Not applicable.
C-18
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all requirements for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of Wisconsin, on January 23, 2025.
| Tidal Trust III | ||
| /s/ Eric Falkeis | ||
Eric
Falkeis |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on January 23, 2025.
| Signature | Title | |
| /s/ Eric Falkeis | President and Principal Executive Officer | |
| Eric Falkeis | ||
| /s/ Monica H. Byrd* | Trustee | |
| Monica H. Byrd | ||
| /s/ Pamela Cytron* | Trustee | |
| Pamela Cytron | ||
| /s/ Lawrence Jules* | Trustee | |
| Lawrence Jules | ||
| /s/ Guillermo Trias* | Trustee | |
| Guillermo Trias | ||
| /s/ Ethan Powell* | Trustee | |
| Ethan Powell | ||
| /s/ Aaron Perkovich | Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer | |
| Aaron Perkovich |
| *By: | /s/ Eric Falkeis | |
| Eric Falkeis, Attorney in Fact | ||
| By Power of Attorney |
C-19
Exhibit Index
C-20
ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS
SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO THE CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO THE TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO THE FUND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
OPINION AND CONSENT OF COUNSEL
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
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