Form 485BPOS Tidal Trust III
June 25, 2026 12:33 PM EDTAS 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. 195 | ☒ |
| and/or | |
| REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | ☒ |
| Amendment No. 198 | ☒ |
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Tidal ETF Services LLC
234 West Florida Street, Suite 700
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 700 Milwaukee, WI 53204
|
Rachael L. Schwartz Sullivan & Worcester LLP 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor New York, New York 10020
|
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
| ☐ | immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) | |
| ☒ | on June 29, 2026 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. 195 to the Registration Statement of Tidal Trust III (the “Trust”) is being filed to add the 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 audited financial statements and certain related financial information for the fiscal period ended February 28, 2026 and to make other permissible changes under Rule 485(b).
![[logo]](http://www.streetinsider.com/images/secattach/20260625/26690688_qes1k7tr1mli8rak8.jpg)
VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF (OMAH)
VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF (UUSA)
VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF (VUSA)
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF (QUSA)
VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF (LUSA)
each 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
|
1 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
14 |
|
|
20 |
|
|
26 |
|
|
32 |
|
|
40 |
|
|
41 |
|
|
43 |
|
|
44 |
|
|
47 |
|
|
47 |
|
|
47 |
|
|
49 |
1
1
SUMMARY INFORMATION
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 (includes interest expense)
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
|
|
| ¹ |
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 hold or 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
|
5 Years
|
10 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. For the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that seeks income, and secondarily, long term capital appreciation. The Fund’s strategy involves two components: (1) investing in a portfolio of equity securities based on the Solactive VistaShares Berkshire Select Index (the “Equity Strategy”); and (2) generating income through an options portfolio (the “Options Strategies”), each as described below. Primarily through the Fund’s Options Strategies, the Fund seeks to achieve an annual income target of 15% as described more below.
The Fund’s strategies are overseen by the Adviser and the Fund’s investment sub-adviser, VistaShares, LLC (“VistaShares”). VistaShares selects the equity securities for the Fund’s Equity Strategy, and the Adviser is responsible for implementing the Fund’s Options Strategies.
Additionally, the Fund will maintain a minor allocation to cash or U.S. Treasuries, not exceeding ten percent of its total assets.
2
Equity Strategy – VistaShares
The Fund invests in U.S. equity securities (“Underlying Securities”) selected by VistaShares. The Fund’s equity strategy seeks to identify companies with high-quality characteristics through a quantitative methodology that prioritizes financial strength and stability. The selection process focuses on companies demonstrating:
● High return on equity (ROE): Generally reflecting efficient management and strong profitability relative to shareholders’ equity.
● Low debt-to-equity ratios: Typically indicating prudent use of leverage and financial stability.
● Low earnings variability: Generally associated with companies with consistent and predictable earnings over time.
VistaShares applies a disciplined and dynamic approach to managing the Fund’s equity portfolio. The Fund’s portfolio allocations are adjusted quarterly to reflect updated data and evolving market conditions. Additionally, VistaShares may reallocate the Fund’s equity holdings more frequently if necessary to comply with regulatory constraints. For additional information about VistaShares’ security selection processes, please the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds.”
The Fund’s equity strategy generally allocates to between 20 and 50 securities. This strategy aims to capture long-term growth potential by investing in high-quality companies while mitigating portfolio volatility. The Fund invests in both large-capitalization securities, defined as those with a market capitalization exceeding $10 billion, and mid-capitalization securities, defined as those with a market capitalization between $2 billion and $10 billion.
Options Strategies – the Adviser
The Fund seeks to generate income primarily through the use of options strategies involving options contracts on certain or all of its Underlying Securities. These strategies are expected to derive the majority of the Fund’s yield, with the Fund aiming to achieve an annual income target of 15% (the “Annual 15% Target”).
The Fund earns income by collecting premiums from selling (writing) options. When an option is sold, the buyer pays the Fund for the right to either purchase or sell the underlying asset at a predetermined price. The Adviser employs different options strategies based on its market outlook, selecting one or a combination of strategies it believes will achieve the Fund’s income target, while also allowing for potential capital appreciation (growth in asset value). The Adviser also evaluates the performance of the Underlying Securities when choosing which options strategies to deploy.
The specific options strategies the Fund employs may alter its overall risk and return profile, affecting volatility, income, potential for capital appreciation, and the preservation of capital. For instance, by writing covered calls (selling call options on securities already held by the Fund), the Fund may limit its potential gains in exchange for premium income.
Premiums received from selling options are influenced by market volatility, with higher levels of volatility generally leading to higher premiums. As such, the Adviser carefully monitors market conditions to determine when and which options strategies to implement, with a focus on enhancing the Fund’s income generation. Through the active management of its options positions, the Adviser seeks to optimize the Fund’s ability to generate consistent income. For additional information about options and options strategies, please the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds.”
Treasuries
In addition, the Fund will hold cash or short-term U.S. Treasury securities. These securities serve a dual purpose: providing collateral for the Options Strategies and contributing to the Fund’s income generation.
Why invest in the Fund?
● The Fund seeks to generate income at the Annual 15% Target, which is not dependent on the value of the Underlying Securities.
● The Fund seeks to participate in some of the potential gains experienced by increases in the share prices of the Underlying Securities.
The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act. The Fund’s investment strategy is expected to result in high portfolio turnover on an annual basis.
3
from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or has at least 50% of its assets located within the United States. For purposes of compliance with this investment policy, derivative contracts will be valued at their notional value.
Principal Investment Risks
The principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below. As with any investment, there is a risk that you could lose all or a portion of your investment in the Fund. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share, trading price, yield, total return, and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds—Principal Risks of Investing in the Funds.”
An investment in the Fund entails risk.
Berkshire Hathaway Management Change: The share price of Berkshire Hathaway’s stock (including BRK.B) has been significantly affected by the leadership and public profile of Warren E. Buffett, who has long shaped Berkshire Hathaway’s strategy and image. Mr. Buffett has stepped down as CEO on January 1, 2026, with Greg Abel succeeding him. While the succession plan offers continuity, Mr. Buffett’s continued role as Chairman and any changes in his involvement may impact investor sentiment and lead to increased volatility. The market’s perception of Mr. Abel’s leadership and potential strategic shifts could also introduce uncertainty and materially affect the Fund’s performance.
Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, leverage, imperfect daily correlations with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions. The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than directly investing in securities. When the Fund uses derivatives, there may be imperfect correlation between the return of the Index and the derivative, which may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective. Because derivatives often require only a limited initial investment, the use of derivatives may expose the Fund to losses in excess of those amounts initially invested.
The Fund will be subject to regulatory constraints relating to level of value at risk that the Fund may incur through its derivative portfolio. To the extent the Fund exceeds these regulatory thresholds over an extended period, the Fund may determine that it is necessary to make adjustments to the Fund’s investment strategy, including the desired daily leveraged performance for the Fund.
In addition, the Fund’s investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:
• Options. Purchasing and writing put and call options are highly specialized activities and entail greater than ordinary investment risks. The Fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on an option if changes in its value do not correspond as anticipated to changes in the value of the underlying securities. If the Fund is not able to sell an option held in its portfolio, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of the underlying securities. Ownership of options involves the payment of premiums, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
Counterparty Risk. Counterparty risk is the likelihood or probability that a party involved in a transaction might default on its contractual obligation. Where the Fund enters into derivative contracts that are exchange-traded, the Fund is subject to the counterparty risk associated with the Fund’s clearing broker or clearinghouse. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties.
Index / Strategy Risks. The Index’s holdings are derived from publicly available data, which may be delayed relative to the then-current portfolio of Berkshire Hathaway. Consequently, the Fund’s holdings, which are based on the Index, may not accurately reflect Berkshire Hathaway’s most recent publicly-disclosed investment positions and may deviate substantially from its actual current portfolio. The equity securities represented in the Index are subject to a range of risks, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market conditions, increased competition, and evolving regulatory environments, all of which could adversely affect their performance. Moreover, while the Fund seeks to incorporate aspects of Berkshire Hathaway’s investment philosophy, past
4
performance of the companies included in the Index does not guarantee future results. There is no assurance that these companies will deliver positive performance or generate long-term capital appreciation.
In addition, the Index includes an approximately 10% allocation to Berkshire Hathaway’s class B shares (BRK.B). Investing in BRK.B through the Fund presents several risks. Fund investors have no direct ownership in Berkshire Hathaway and lack voting rights or influence over corporate decisions, while remaining exposed to fluctuations in BRK.B’s stock price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Berkshire Hathaway may additionally impact BRK.B’s stock price due to Berkshire Hathaway garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. Additionally, Berkshire Hathaway’s performance may not meet expectations due to inaccurate projections or unforeseen challenges, and as part of the diversified financial services industry, BRK.B is exposed to broader economic risks, regulatory changes, and market competition.
Distribution Risk. Although the Fund has an annual income target, the Fund intends to distribute income on a monthly basis. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment.
NAV Decline Risk Due to Distributions. When the Fund makes a distribution, the Fund’s NAV will typically drop by the amount of the distribution on the related ex-dividend date. The repeated payment of distributions by the Fund, if any, may result in a decline in the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer losses to their investment.
Equity Market Risk. Common stocks are generally exposed to greater risk than other types of securities, such as preferred stock and debt obligations, because common stockholders generally have inferior rights to receive payment from specific issuers. The equity securities held in the Fund’s portfolio may experience sudden, unpredictable drops in value or long periods of decline in value. This may occur because of factors that affect securities markets generally or factors affecting specific issuers, industries, or sectors in which the Fund invests.
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. An ETF’s investment strategy may require it to redeem its shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, an ETF may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the ETF (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the ETF may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the ETF to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the ETF 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.
● Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Buying or selling Shares involves certain costs, including brokerage commissions, other charges imposed by brokers, and bid-ask spreads. The bid-ask spread represents the difference between the price at which an investor is willing to buy Shares and the price at which an investor is willing to sell Shares. The spread varies over time based on the Shares’ trading volume and market liquidity. The spread is generally lower if Shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if Shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, frequent trading of Shares may 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.
5
● Trading. Although Shares are listed for trading 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 Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares and the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio holdings may deteriorate.
Focused Portfolio Risk. The Fund will hold a relatively focused portfolio that may contain securities of fewer issuers than the portfolios of other ETFs. Holding a relatively concentrated portfolio may increase the risk that the value of the Fund could go down because of the poor performance of one or a few investments.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses. Frequent trading may also cause adverse tax consequences for investors in the Fund due to an increase in short-term capital gains.
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 actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the portfolio managers success or failure in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies.
Market Capitalization Risk.
|
|
●
|
Large-Capitalization Investing. The securities of large-capitalization companies may be relatively mature compared to smaller companies and therefore subject to slower growth during times of economic expansion. Large-capitalization companies may also be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes. |
|
|
●
|
Mid-Capitalization Investing. The securities of mid-capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse issuer, market, political, or economic developments than securities of large-capitalization companies. The securities of mid-capitalization companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than large-capitalization stocks or the stock market as a whole. |
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.
Newer Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with limited operating history. As a result, prospective investors have a limited track record or history on which to base their investment decisions. There can be no assurance that the Fund will maintain an economically viable size.
Newer Sub-Adviser Risk. The Sub-Adviser is newly registered with the SEC and has limited experience with managing an exchange-traded fund regulated under the 1940 Act, which may limit the Sub-Adviser’s effectiveness. As a result, there is no long-term track record against which an investor may judge the Sub-Adviser and it is possible the Sub-Adviser may not achieve the Fund’s intended investment objective.
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.
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
6
failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund, the Adviser, and the Sub-Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
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.
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.
Management
Investment Adviser
Tidal Investments LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Investment Sub-Adviser
VistaShares Advisors LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Investment Adviser
Scott Snyder, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since June of 2026.
Quinn Berry, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since June of 2026.
VistaShares
Adam Patti, Chief Executive Officer of the Sub-Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 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.”
7
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.vistashares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or some combination thereof), unless your 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.
7
8
8
SUMMARY INFORMATION
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 Expenses²
|
|
|
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 hold or 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 income, and secondarily, long term capital appreciation. The Fund’s strategy involves two components: (1) investing in a portfolio of equity securities based on the Solactive VistaShares Berkshire Select Index (the “Equity Strategy”); and (2) generating income through an options portfolio (the “Options Strategies”), each as described below. Primarily through the Fund’s Options Strategies, the Fund seeks to achieve an annual income target of 15% as described more below.
The Fund’s strategies are overseen by the Adviser and the Fund’s investment sub-adviser, VistaShares, LLC (“VistaShares”). VistaShares selects the equity securities for the Fund’s Equity Strategy, and the Adviser is responsible for implementing the Fund’s Options Strategies.
Additionally, the Fund will maintain a minor allocation to cash or U.S. Treasuries, not exceeding ten percent of its total assets.
9
Equity Strategy – VistaShares
The Fund invests in U.S. equity securities (“Underlying Securities”) selected by VistaShares. The Fund’s equity strategy seeks to identify companies with high-quality characteristics through a quantitative methodology that prioritizes financial strength and stability. The selection process focuses on companies demonstrating:
● High return on equity (ROE): Generally reflecting efficient management and strong profitability relative to shareholders’ equity.
● Low debt-to-equity ratios: Typically indicating prudent use of leverage and financial stability.
● Low earnings variability: Generally associated with companies with consistent and predictable earnings over time.
VistaShares applies a disciplined and dynamic approach to managing the Fund’s equity portfolio. The Fund’s portfolio allocations are adjusted quarterly to reflect updated data and evolving market conditions. Additionally, VistaShares may reallocate the Fund’s equity holdings more frequently if necessary to comply with regulatory constraints. For additional information about VistaShares’ security selection processes, please the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds.”
The Fund’s equity strategy generally allocates to between 20 and 50 securities. This strategy aims to capture long-term growth potential by investing in high-quality companies while mitigating portfolio volatility. The Fund invests in both large-capitalization securities, defined as those with a market capitalization exceeding $10 billion, and mid-capitalization securities, defined as those with a market capitalization between $2 billion and $10 billion.
Options Strategies – the Adviser
The Fund seeks to generate income primarily through the use of options strategies involving options contracts on certain or all of its Underlying Securities. These strategies are expected to derive the majority of the Fund’s yield, with the Fund aiming to achieve an annual income target of 15% (the “Annual 15% Target”).
The Fund earns income by collecting premiums from selling (writing) options. When an option is sold, the buyer pays the Fund for the right to either purchase or sell the underlying asset at a predetermined price. The Adviser employs different options strategies based on its market outlook, selecting one or a combination of strategies it believes will achieve the Fund’s income target, while also allowing for potential capital appreciation (growth in asset value). The Adviser also evaluates the performance of the Underlying Securities when choosing which options strategies to deploy.
The specific options strategies the Fund employs may alter its overall risk and return profile, affecting volatility, income, potential for capital appreciation, and the preservation of capital. For instance, by writing covered calls (selling call options on securities already held by the Fund), the Fund may limit its potential gains in exchange for premium income.
Premiums received from selling options are influenced by market volatility, with higher levels of volatility generally leading to higher premiums. As such, the Adviser carefully monitors market conditions to determine when and which options strategies to implement, with a focus on enhancing the Fund’s income generation. Through the active management of its options positions, the Adviser seeks to optimize the Fund’s ability to generate consistent income. For additional information about options and options strategies, please the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds.”
Treasuries
In addition, the Fund will hold cash or short-term U.S. Treasury securities. These securities serve a dual purpose: providing collateral for the Options Strategies and contributing to the Fund’s income generation.
Why invest in the Fund?
● The Fund seeks to generate income at the Annual 15% Target, which is not dependent on the value of the Underlying Securities.
● The Fund seeks to participate in some of the potential gains experienced by increases in the share prices of the Underlying Securities.
The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act. The Fund’s investment strategy is expected to result in high portfolio turnover on an annual basis.
10
from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or has at least 50% of its assets located within the United States. For purposes of compliance with this investment policy, derivative contracts will be valued at their notional value.
Principal Investment Risks
The principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below. As with any investment, there is a risk that you could lose all or a portion of your investment in the Fund. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share, trading price, yield, total return, and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds—Principal Risks of Investing in the Funds.”
An investment in the Fund entails risk.
Momentum Investing Risk. Securities that have previously exhibited price momentum may be more volatile than a broad cross-section of securities and their returns may be less than the returns of the overall stock market or other styles of investing. High momentum may also be a sign that the securities’ prices have peaked. Momentum can turn quickly and cause significant variation from other types of investments. The Fund may experience significant losses if momentum stops, turns or otherwise behaves differently than predicted.
Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, leverage, imperfect daily correlations with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions. The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than directly investing in securities. When the Fund uses derivatives, there may be imperfect correlation between the return of the Index and the derivative, which may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective. Because derivatives often require only a limited initial investment, the use of derivatives may expose the Fund to losses in excess of those amounts initially invested.
The Fund will be subject to regulatory constraints relating to level of value at risk that the Fund may incur through its derivative portfolio. To the extent the Fund exceeds these regulatory thresholds over an extended period, the Fund may determine that it is necessary to make adjustments to the Fund’s investment strategy, including the desired daily leveraged performance for the Fund.
In addition, the Fund’s investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:
• Options. Purchasing and writing put and call options are highly specialized activities and entail greater than ordinary investment risks. The Fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on an option if changes in its value do not correspond as anticipated to changes in the value of the underlying securities. If the Fund is not able to sell an option held in its portfolio, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of the underlying securities. Ownership of options involves the payment of premiums, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
Counterparty Risk. Counterparty risk is the likelihood or probability that a party involved in a transaction might default on its contractual obligation. Where the Fund enters into derivative contracts that are exchange-traded, the Fund is subject to the counterparty risk associated with the Fund’s clearing broker or clearinghouse. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties.
Distribution Risk. Although the Fund has an annual income target, the Fund intends to distribute income on a monthly basis. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment.
NAV Decline Risk Due to Distributions. When the Fund makes a distribution, the Fund’s NAV will typically drop by the amount of the distribution on the related ex-dividend date. The repeated payment of distributions by the Fund, if any, may result in a decline in the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer losses to their investment.
11
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. An ETF’s investment strategy may require it to redeem its shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, an ETF may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the ETF (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the ETF may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the ETF to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the ETF 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.
● Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Buying or selling Shares involves certain costs, including brokerage commissions, other charges imposed by brokers, and bid-ask spreads. The bid-ask spread represents the difference between the price at which an investor is willing to buy Shares and the price at which an investor is willing to sell Shares. The spread varies over time based on the Shares’ trading volume and market liquidity. The spread is generally lower if Shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if Shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, frequent trading of Shares may 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 for trading 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 Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares and the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio holdings may deteriorate.
Focused Portfolio Risk. The Fund will hold a relatively focused portfolio that may contain securities of fewer issuers than the portfolios of other ETFs. Holding a relatively concentrated portfolio may increase the risk that the value of the Fund could go down because of the poor performance of one or a few investments.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses. Frequent trading may also cause adverse tax consequences for investors in the Fund due to an increase in short-term capital gains.
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 actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the portfolio managers success or failure in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies.
Market Capitalization Risk.
|
●
|
Large-Capitalization Investing. The securities of large-capitalization companies may be relatively mature compared to smaller companies and therefore subject to slower growth during times of economic expansion. Large-capitalization companies may also be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes.
|
12
|
●
|
Mid-Capitalization Investing. The securities of mid-capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse issuer, market, political, or economic developments than securities of large-capitalization companies. The securities of mid-capitalization companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than large-capitalization stocks or the stock market as a whole.
|
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.
New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with limited operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.
Newer Sub-Adviser Risk. The Sub-Adviser is newly registered with the SEC and has limited experience with managing an exchange-traded fund regulated under the 1940 Act, which may limit the Sub-Adviser’s effectiveness. As a result, there is no long-term track record against which an investor may judge the Sub-Adviser and it is possible the Sub-Adviser may not achieve the Fund’s intended investment objective.
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.
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, the Adviser, and the Sub-Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
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.
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.
13
Management
Investment Adviser
Tidal Investments LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Investment Sub-Adviser
VistaShares Advisors LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Investment Adviser
Scott Snyder, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2026.
Quinn Berry, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2026.
VistaShares
Adam Patti, Chief Executive Officer of the Sub-Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2026.
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.vistashares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or some combination thereof), unless your 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.
13
14
14
SUMMARY INFORMATION
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 Expenses²
|
|
|
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 hold or 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 income, and secondarily, long term capital appreciation. The Fund’s strategy involves two components: (1) purchasing a portfolio of U.S. equity securities with strong value characteristics (the “Equity Strategy”); and (2) generating income through an options portfolio (the “Options Strategies”), each as described below. Primarily through the Fund’s Options Strategies, the Fund seeks to achieve an annual income target of 15% as described more below.
The Fund’s strategies are overseen by the Adviser and the Fund’s investment sub-adviser, VistaShares, LLC (“VistaShares”). VistaShares selects the equity securities for the Fund’s Equity Strategy, and the Adviser is responsible for implementing the Fund’s Options Strategies.
Additionally, the Fund will maintain a minor allocation to cash or U.S. Treasuries, not exceeding ten percent of its total assets.
15
Equity Strategy – VistaShares
The Fund invests in U.S. equity securities (“Underlying Securities”) selected by VistaShares. The Fund’s equity strategy focuses on identifying value stocks, which are equity securities that are considered undervalued based on a systematic evaluation of their fundamental attributes. VistaShares employs a quantitatively driven methodology, selecting stocks with strong value characteristics using a composite score based on key valuation metrics, including:
● Price-to-Book Ratio (P/B): A company’s market value compared to its book value.
● Cash Flow-to-Price Ratio (CF/P): A company’s cash flow relative to its market price.
● Earnings-to-Price Ratio (E/P): A company’s earnings relative to its market price.
● EBITDA-to-Enterprise Value Ratio (EBITDA/EV): A measure of a company’s EBITDA compared to its enterprise value.
● Sales-to-Enterprise Value Ratio (Sales/P): A company’s sales relative to its enterprise value.
In addition to these primary metrics, the strategy considers complementary factors such as dividend yield (a measure of shareholder returns), free cash flow (cash generated after covering operating expenses and capital expenditures), and earnings quality (an assessment of the sustainability and reliability of a company’s profits).
The Fund’s strategy employs a quarterly reallocation process to align the Fund’s portfolio with updated value data and market conditions. Additionally, VistaShares may reallocate the Fund’s equity holdings more frequently if necessary to comply with regulatory constraints. For additional information about VistaShares’ security selection processes, please the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds.”
The Fund’s equity strategy will generally allocate to between 20 and 50 securities, aiming to maintain consistent exposure to value-driven opportunities across a broad range of industries. The Fund invests in both large-capitalization securities, defined as those with a market capitalization exceeding $10 billion, and mid-capitalization securities, defined as those with a market capitalization between $2 billion and $10 billion.
Options Strategies – the Adviser
The Fund seeks to generate income primarily through the use of options strategies involving options contracts on certain or all of its Underlying Securities. These strategies are expected to derive the majority of the Fund’s yield, with the Fund aiming to achieve an annual income target of 15% (the “Annual 15% Target”).
The Fund earns income by collecting premiums from selling (writing) options. When an option is sold, the buyer pays the Fund for the right to either purchase or sell the underlying asset at a predetermined price. The Adviser employs different options strategies based on its market outlook, selecting one or a combination of strategies it believes will achieve the Fund’s income target, while also allowing for potential capital appreciation (growth in asset value). The Adviser also evaluates the performance of the Underlying Securities when choosing which options strategies to deploy.
The specific options strategies the Fund employs may alter its overall risk and return profile, affecting volatility, income, potential for capital appreciation, and the preservation of capital. For instance, by writing covered calls (selling call options on securities already held by the Fund), the Fund may limit its potential gains in exchange for premium income.
Premiums received from selling options are influenced by market volatility, with higher levels of volatility generally leading to higher premiums. As such, the Adviser carefully monitors market conditions to determine when and which options strategies to implement, with a focus on enhancing the Fund’s income generation. Through the active management of its options positions, the Adviser seeks to optimize the Fund’s ability to generate consistent income. For additional information about options and options strategies, please the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds.”
Treasuries
In addition, the Fund will hold cash or short-term U.S. Treasury securities. These securities serve a dual purpose: providing collateral for the Options Strategies and contributing to the Fund’s income generation.
Why invest in the Fund?
● The Fund seeks to generate income at the Annual 15% Target, which is not dependent on the value of the Underlying Securities.
● The Fund seeks to participate in some of the potential gains experienced by increases in the share prices of the Underlying Securities.
16
The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act. The Fund’s investment strategy is expected to result in high portfolio turnover on an annual basis.
Principal Investment Risks
The principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below. As with any investment, there is a risk that you could lose all or a portion of your investment in the Fund. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share, trading price, yield, total return, and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds—Principal Risks of Investing in the Funds.”
An investment in the Fund entails risk.
Value Investing Risk. Investing in or having exposure to “value” securities presents the risk that the securities may never reach what the Sub-Adviser believes are their full market values, either because the market fails to recognize what the Sub-Adviser considers to be the security’s true value or because the Sub-Adviser misjudged that value. In addition, there may be periods during which the investment performance of the Fund while using a value strategy may suffer.
Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, leverage, imperfect daily correlations with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions. The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than directly investing in securities. When the Fund uses derivatives, there may be imperfect correlation between the return of the Index and the derivative, which may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective. Because derivatives often require only a limited initial investment, the use of derivatives may expose the Fund to losses in excess of those amounts initially invested.
The Fund will be subject to regulatory constraints relating to level of value at risk that the Fund may incur through its derivative portfolio. To the extent the Fund exceeds these regulatory thresholds over an extended period, the Fund may determine that it is necessary to make adjustments to the Fund’s investment strategy, including the desired daily leveraged performance for the Fund.
In addition, the Fund’s investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:
• Options. Purchasing and writing put and call options are highly specialized activities and entail greater than ordinary investment risks. The Fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on an option if changes in its value do not correspond as anticipated to changes in the value of the underlying securities. If the Fund is not able to sell an option held in its portfolio, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of the underlying securities. Ownership of options involves the payment of premiums, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
Counterparty Risk. Counterparty risk is the likelihood or probability that a party involved in a transaction might default on its contractual obligation. Where the Fund enters into derivative contracts that are exchange-traded, the Fund is subject to the counterparty risk associated with the Fund’s clearing broker or clearinghouse. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties.
Distribution Risk. Although the Fund has an annual income target, the Fund intends to distribute income on a monthly basis. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, monthly distributions, if any, may consist of
17
returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment.
NAV Decline Risk Due to Distributions. When the Fund makes a distribution, the Fund’s NAV will typically drop by the amount of the distribution on the related ex-dividend date. The repeated payment of distributions by the Fund, if any, may result in a decline in the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer losses to their investment.
Equity Market Risk. Common stocks are generally exposed to greater risk than other types of securities, such as preferred stock and debt obligations, because common stockholders generally have inferior rights to receive payment from specific issuers. The equity securities held in the Fund’s portfolio may experience sudden, unpredictable drops in value or long periods of decline in value. This may occur because of factors that affect securities markets generally or factors affecting specific issuers, industries, or sectors in which the Fund invests.
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. An ETF’s investment strategy may require it to redeem its shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, an ETF may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the ETF (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the ETF may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the ETF to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the ETF 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.
● Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Buying or selling Shares involves certain costs, including brokerage commissions, other charges imposed by brokers, and bid-ask spreads. The bid-ask spread represents the difference between the price at which an investor is willing to buy Shares and the price at which an investor is willing to sell Shares. The spread varies over time based on the Shares’ trading volume and market liquidity. The spread is generally lower if Shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if Shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, frequent trading of Shares may 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 for trading 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 Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares and the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio holdings may deteriorate.
Focused Portfolio Risk. The Fund will hold a relatively focused portfolio that may contain securities of fewer issuers than the portfolios of other ETFs. Holding a relatively concentrated portfolio may increase the risk that the value of the Fund could go down because of the poor performance of one or a few investments.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses. Frequent trading may also cause adverse tax consequences for investors in the Fund due to an increase in short-term capital gains.
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.
18
Management Risk. The Fund is actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the portfolio managers success or failure in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies.
Market Capitalization Risk.
|
|
●
|
Large-Capitalization Investing. The securities of large-capitalization companies may be relatively mature compared to smaller companies and therefore subject to slower growth during times of economic expansion. Large-capitalization companies may also be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes. |
|
|
●
|
Mid-Capitalization Investing. The securities of mid-capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse issuer, market, political, or economic developments than securities of large-capitalization companies. The securities of mid-capitalization companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than large-capitalization stocks or the stock market as a whole. |
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.
New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with limited operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.
Newer Sub-Adviser Risk. The Sub-Adviser is newly registered with the SEC and has limited experience with managing an exchange-traded fund regulated under the 1940 Act, which may limit the Sub-Adviser’s effectiveness. As a result, there is no long-term track record against which an investor may judge the Sub-Adviser and it is possible the Sub-Adviser may not achieve the Fund’s intended investment objective.
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.
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, the Adviser, and the Sub-Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
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.
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
19
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.
Management
Investment Adviser
Tidal Investments LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Investment Sub-Adviser
VistaShares Advisors LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Investment Adviser
Scott Snyder, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2026.
Quinn Berry, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2026.
VistaShares
Adam Patti, Chief Executive Officer of the Sub-Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2026.
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.vistashares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or some combination thereof), unless your 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.
19
20
20
SUMMARY INFORMATION
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 (includes interest expense)
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
|
|
| ¹ |
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 hold or 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
|
5 Years
|
10 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. For the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that seeks income, and secondarily, long term capital appreciation. The Fund’s strategy involves two components: (1) investing in a portfolio of equity securities based on the Solactive VistaShares Berkshire Select Index (the “Equity Strategy”); and (2) generating income through an options portfolio (the “Options Strategies”), each as described below. Primarily through the Fund’s Options Strategies, the Fund seeks to achieve an annual income target of 15% as described more below.
The Fund’s strategies are overseen by the Adviser and the Fund’s investment sub-adviser, VistaShares, LLC (“VistaShares”). VistaShares selects the equity securities for the Fund’s Equity Strategy, and the Adviser is responsible for implementing the Fund’s Options Strategies.
Additionally, the Fund will maintain a minor allocation to cash or U.S. Treasuries, not exceeding ten percent of its total assets.
21
Equity Strategy – VistaShares
The Fund invests in U.S. equity securities (“Underlying Securities”) selected by VistaShares. The Fund’s equity strategy seeks to identify companies with high-quality characteristics through a quantitative methodology that prioritizes financial strength and stability. The selection process focuses on companies demonstrating:
● High return on equity (ROE): Generally reflecting efficient management and strong profitability relative to shareholders’ equity.
● Low debt-to-equity ratios: Typically indicating prudent use of leverage and financial stability.
● Low earnings variability: Generally associated with companies with consistent and predictable earnings over time.
VistaShares applies a disciplined and dynamic approach to managing the Fund’s equity portfolio. The Fund’s portfolio allocations are adjusted quarterly to reflect updated data and evolving market conditions. Additionally, VistaShares may reallocate the Fund’s equity holdings more frequently if necessary to comply with regulatory constraints. For additional information about VistaShares’ security selection processes, please the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds.”
The Fund’s equity strategy generally allocates to between 20 and 50 securities. This strategy aims to capture long-term growth potential by investing in high-quality companies while mitigating portfolio volatility. The Fund invests in both large-capitalization securities, defined as those with a market capitalization exceeding $10 billion, and mid-capitalization securities, defined as those with a market capitalization between $2 billion and $10 billion.
Options Strategies – the Adviser
The Fund seeks to generate income primarily through the use of options strategies involving options contracts on certain or all of its Underlying Securities. These strategies are expected to derive the majority of the Fund’s yield, with the Fund aiming to achieve an annual income target of 15% (the “Annual 15% Target”).
The Fund earns income by collecting premiums from selling (writing) options. When an option is sold, the buyer pays the Fund for the right to either purchase or sell the underlying asset at a predetermined price. The Adviser employs different options strategies based on its market outlook, selecting one or a combination of strategies it believes will achieve the Fund’s income target, while also allowing for potential capital appreciation (growth in asset value). The Adviser also evaluates the performance of the Underlying Securities when choosing which options strategies to deploy.
The specific options strategies the Fund employs may alter its overall risk and return profile, affecting volatility, income, potential for capital appreciation, and the preservation of capital. For instance, by writing covered calls (selling call options on securities already held by the Fund), the Fund may limit its potential gains in exchange for premium income.
Premiums received from selling options are influenced by market volatility, with higher levels of volatility generally leading to higher premiums. As such, the Adviser carefully monitors market conditions to determine when and which options strategies to implement, with a focus on enhancing the Fund’s income generation. Through the active management of its options positions, the Adviser seeks to optimize the Fund’s ability to generate consistent income. For additional information about options and options strategies, please the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds.”
Treasuries
In addition, the Fund will hold cash or short-term U.S. Treasury securities. These securities serve a dual purpose: providing collateral for the Options Strategies and contributing to the Fund’s income generation.
Why invest in the Fund?
● The Fund seeks to generate income at the Annual 15% Target, which is not dependent on the value of the Underlying Securities.
● The Fund seeks to participate in some of the potential gains experienced by increases in the share prices of the Underlying Securities.
The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act. The Fund’s investment strategy is expected to result in high portfolio turnover on an annual basis.
22
from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or has at least 50% of its assets located within the United States. For purposes of compliance with this investment policy, derivative contracts will be valued at their notional value.
Principal Investment Risks
The principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below. As with any investment, there is a risk that you could lose all or a portion of your investment in the Fund. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share, trading price, yield, total return, and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds—Principal Risks of Investing in the Funds.”
An investment in the Fund entails risk.
Quality Style Investing Risks. Securities included in the Fund’s Equity Strategy are deemed by VistaShares to be quality stocks, but there is no guarantee that the past performance of these stocks will continue. Companies that issue these stocks may experience a decline in value, as well as increased leverage, resulting in lower than expected or negative returns to Fund shareholders. Many factors can affect a stock’s quality and performance, and the impact of these factors on a stock or its price can be difficult to predict.
Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, leverage, imperfect daily correlations with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions. The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than directly investing in securities. When the Fund uses derivatives, there may be imperfect correlation between the return of the Index and the derivative, which may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective. Because derivatives often require only a limited initial investment, the use of derivatives may expose the Fund to losses in excess of those amounts initially invested.
The Fund will be subject to regulatory constraints relating to level of value at risk that the Fund may incur through its derivative portfolio. To the extent the Fund exceeds these regulatory thresholds over an extended period, the Fund may determine that it is necessary to make adjustments to the Fund’s investment strategy, including the desired daily leveraged performance for the Fund.
In addition, the Fund’s investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:
• Options. Purchasing and writing put and call options are highly specialized activities and entail greater than ordinary investment risks. The Fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on an option if changes in its value do not correspond as anticipated to changes in the value of the underlying securities. If the Fund is not able to sell an option held in its portfolio, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of the underlying securities. Ownership of options involves the payment of premiums, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
Counterparty Risk. Counterparty risk is the likelihood or probability that a party involved in a transaction might default on its contractual obligation. Where the Fund enters into derivative contracts that are exchange-traded, the Fund is subject to the counterparty risk associated with the Fund’s clearing broker or clearinghouse. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties.
Distribution Risk. Although the Fund has an annual income target, the Fund intends to distribute income on a monthly basis. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment.
NAV Decline Risk Due to Distributions. When the Fund makes a distribution, the Fund’s NAV will typically drop by the amount of the distribution on the related ex-dividend date. The repeated payment of distributions by the Fund, if any, may result in a decline in the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer losses to their investment.
23
Equity Market Risk. Common stocks are generally exposed to greater risk than other types of securities, such as preferred stock and debt obligations, because common stockholders generally have inferior rights to receive payment from specific issuers. The equity securities held in the Fund’s portfolio may experience sudden, unpredictable drops in value or long periods of decline in value. This may occur because of factors that affect securities markets generally or factors affecting specific issuers, industries, or sectors in which the Fund invests.
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. An ETF’s investment strategy may require it to redeem its shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, an ETF may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the ETF (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the ETF may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the ETF to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the ETF 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.
● Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Buying or selling Shares involves certain costs, including brokerage commissions, other charges imposed by brokers, and bid-ask spreads. The bid-ask spread represents the difference between the price at which an investor is willing to buy Shares and the price at which an investor is willing to sell Shares. The spread varies over time based on the Shares’ trading volume and market liquidity. The spread is generally lower if Shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if Shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, frequent trading of Shares may 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 for trading 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 Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares and the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio holdings may deteriorate.
Focused Portfolio Risk. The Fund will hold a relatively focused portfolio that may contain securities of fewer issuers than the portfolios of other ETFs. Holding a relatively concentrated portfolio may increase the risk that the value of the Fund could go down because of the poor performance of one or a few investments.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses. Frequent trading may also cause adverse tax consequences for investors in the Fund due to an increase in short-term capital gains.
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 actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the portfolio managers success or failure in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies.
24
Market Capitalization Risk.
|
|
●
|
Large-Capitalization Investing. The securities of large-capitalization companies may be relatively mature compared to smaller companies and therefore subject to slower growth during times of economic expansion. Large-capitalization companies may also be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes. |
|
|
●
|
Mid-Capitalization Investing. The securities of mid-capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse issuer, market, political, or economic developments than securities of large-capitalization companies. The securities of mid-capitalization companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than large-capitalization stocks or the stock market as a whole. |
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.
Newer Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with limited operating history. As a result, prospective investors have a limited track record or history on which to base their investment decisions. There can be no assurance that the Fund will maintain an economically viable size.
Newer Sub-Adviser Risk. The Sub-Adviser is newly registered with the SEC and has limited experience with managing an exchange-traded fund regulated under the 1940 Act, which may limit the Sub-Adviser’s effectiveness. As a result, there is no long-term track record against which an investor may judge the Sub-Adviser and it is possible the Sub-Adviser may not achieve the Fund’s intended investment objective.
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.
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, the Adviser, and the Sub-Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
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.
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.
25
Management
Investment Adviser
Tidal Investments LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Investment Sub-Adviser
VistaShares Advisors LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Investment Adviser
Scott Snyder, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since June of 2026.
Quinn Berry, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since June of 2026.
VistaShares
Adam Patti, Chief Executive Officer of the Sub-Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 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.”
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.vistashares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or some combination thereof), unless your 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.
25
26
26
SUMMARY INFORMATION
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 Expenses²
|
|
|
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 hold or 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 income, and secondarily, long term capital appreciation. The Fund’s strategy involves two components: (1) purchasing a portfolio of equity securities with low volatility (the “Equity Strategy”); and (2) generating income through an options portfolio (the “Options Strategies”), each as described below. Primarily through the Fund’s Options Strategies, the Fund seeks to achieve an annual income target of 15% as described more below.
The Fund’s strategies are overseen by the Adviser and the Fund’s investment sub-adviser, VistaShares, LLC (“VistaShares”). VistaShares selects the equity securities for the Fund’s Equity Strategy, and the Adviser is responsible for implementing the Fund’s Options Strategies.
Additionally, the Fund will maintain a minor allocation to cash or U.S. Treasuries, not exceeding ten percent of its total assets.
Equity Strategy - VistaShares
VistaShares selects the Fund’s U.S. equity securities (“Underlying Securities”). VistaShares manages the Fund’s equity portfolio using a quantitative methodology designed to identify companies with low volatility. This approach prioritizes companies reduced variability in their stock prices.
27
VistaShares employs a quantitative methodology to construct a portfolio of stocks with historically low price volatility and balanced distribution across sectors. The selection process considers:
● Historical price fluctuations: Identifying stocks with consistently smaller changes in price over time.
● Return Volatility: Measures how much a security’s daily returns vary over one year (that is, it calculates the degree of fluctuation in daily returns).
VistaShares further refines the Fund’s portfolio by evaluating downside risk (the potential for loss in a declining market) and adjusts sector weights to maintain balance and reduce reliance on any single industry.
VistaShares actively monitors market conditions and reallocates the Fund’s portfolio quarterly to incorporate updated data and ensure alignment with the Fund’s low-volatility objective. For additional information about VistaShares’ security selection processes, please the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds.”
The Fund’s equity strategy will generally allocate to between 20 and 50 securities, following a consistent and measured approach to risk management and portfolio stability. The Fund invests in both large-capitalization securities, defined as those with a market capitalization exceeding $10 billion, and mid-capitalization securities, defined as those with a market capitalization between $2 billion and $10 billion.
Options Strategies – the Adviser
The Fund seeks to generate income primarily through the use of options strategies involving options contracts on certain or all of its Underlying Securities. These strategies are expected to derive the majority of the Fund’s yield, with the Fund aiming to achieve an annual income target of 15% (the “Annual 15% Target”).
The Fund earns income by collecting premiums from selling (writing) options. When an option is sold, the buyer pays the Fund for the right to either purchase or sell the underlying asset at a predetermined price. The Adviser employs different options strategies based on its market outlook, selecting one or a combination of strategies it believes will achieve the Fund’s income target, while also allowing for potential capital appreciation (growth in asset value). The Adviser also evaluates the performance of the Underlying Securities when choosing which options strategies to deploy.
The specific options strategies the Fund employs may alter its overall risk and return profile, affecting volatility, income, potential for capital appreciation, and the preservation of capital. For instance, by writing covered calls (selling call options on securities already held by the Fund), the Fund may limit its potential gains in exchange for premium income.
Premiums received from selling options are influenced by market volatility, with higher levels of volatility generally leading to higher premiums. As such, the Adviser carefully monitors market conditions to determine when and which options strategies to implement, with a focus on enhancing the Fund’s income generation. Through the active management of its options positions, the Adviser seeks to optimize the Fund’s ability to generate consistent income. For additional information about options and options strategies, please the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds.”
Treasuries
In addition, the Fund will hold cash or short-term U.S. Treasury securities. These securities serve a dual purpose: providing collateral for the Options Strategies and contributing to the Fund’s income generation.
Why invest in the Fund?
● The Fund seeks to generate income at the Annual 15% Target, which is not dependent on the value of the Underlying Securities.
● The Fund seeks to participate in some of the potential gains experienced by increases in the share prices of the Underlying Securities.
The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act. The Fund’s investment strategy is expected to result in high portfolio turnover on an annual basis.
28
Principal Investment Risks
The principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below. As with any investment, there is a risk that you could lose all or a portion of your investment in the Fund. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share, trading price, yield, total return, and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Funds—Principal Risks of Investing in the Funds.”
An investment in the Fund entails risk.
Low Volatility Investing Risks. Securities included in the Fund’s Equity Strategy are selected based on low volatility metrics, yet there is no assurance that these stocks will maintain stable performance or meet anticipated return objectives. A low volatility strategy may lead the Fund to underperform during periods of strong market growth, as low-volatility stocks often lag behind higher-growth or more volatile stocks in rising markets. Additionally, low volatility does not eliminate the risk of losses; these stocks may still experience significant declines in value due to adverse market conditions, economic downturns, or unforeseen company-specific events. Moreover, low volatility stocks can become overvalued in prolonged periods of investor preference for stable returns, potentially resulting in sharp price declines if market sentiment shifts. Consequently, relying on low volatility characteristics may not protect the Fund from losses or provide the intended level of risk-adjusted returns.
Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, leverage, imperfect daily correlations with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions. The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than directly investing in securities. When the Fund uses derivatives, there may be imperfect correlation between the return of the Index and the derivative, which may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective. Because derivatives often require only a limited initial investment, the use of derivatives may expose the Fund to losses in excess of those amounts initially invested.
The Fund will be subject to regulatory constraints relating to level of value at risk that the Fund may incur through its derivative portfolio. To the extent the Fund exceeds these regulatory thresholds over an extended period, the Fund may determine that it is necessary to make adjustments to the Fund’s investment strategy, including the desired daily leveraged performance for the Fund.
In addition, the Fund’s investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:
• Options. Purchasing and writing put and call options are highly specialized activities and entail greater than ordinary investment risks. The Fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on an option if changes in its value do not correspond as anticipated to changes in the value of the underlying securities. If the Fund is not able to sell an option held in its portfolio, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of the underlying securities. Ownership of options involves the payment of premiums, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
Counterparty Risk. Counterparty risk is the likelihood or probability that a party involved in a transaction might default on its contractual obligation. Where the Fund enters into derivative contracts that are exchange-traded, the Fund is subject to the counterparty risk associated with the Fund’s clearing broker or clearinghouse. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties.
Distribution Risk. Although the Fund has an annual income target, the Fund intends to distribute income on a monthly basis. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment.
29
NAV Decline Risk Due to Distributions. When the Fund makes a distribution, the Fund’s NAV will typically drop by the amount of the distribution on the related ex-dividend date. The repeated payment of distributions by the Fund, if any, may result in a decline in the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer losses to their investment.
Equity Market Risk. Common stocks are generally exposed to greater risk than other types of securities, such as preferred stock and debt obligations, because common stockholders generally have inferior rights to receive payment from specific issuers. The equity securities held in the Fund’s portfolio may experience sudden, unpredictable drops in value or long periods of decline in value. This may occur because of factors that affect securities markets generally or factors affecting specific issuers, industries, or sectors in which the Fund invests.
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. An ETF’s investment strategy may require it to redeem its shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, an ETF may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the ETF (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the ETF may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the ETF to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the ETF 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.
● Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Buying or selling Shares involves certain costs, including brokerage commissions, other charges imposed by brokers, and bid-ask spreads. The bid-ask spread represents the difference between the price at which an investor is willing to buy Shares and the price at which an investor is willing to sell Shares. The spread varies over time based on the Shares’ trading volume and market liquidity. The spread is generally lower if Shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if Shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, frequent trading of Shares may 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 for trading 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 Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares and the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio holdings may deteriorate.
Focused Portfolio Risk. The Fund will hold a relatively focused portfolio that may contain securities of fewer issuers than the portfolios of other ETFs. Holding a relatively concentrated portfolio may increase the risk that the value of the Fund could go down because of the poor performance of one or a few investments.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses. Frequent trading may also cause adverse tax consequences for investors in the Fund due to an increase in short-term capital gains.
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 actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the portfolio managers success or failure in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies.
30
Market Capitalization Risk.
|
|
●
|
Large-Capitalization Investing. The securities of large-capitalization companies may be relatively mature compared to smaller companies and therefore subject to slower growth during times of economic expansion. Large-capitalization companies may also be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes. |
|
|
●
|
Mid-Capitalization Investing. The securities of mid-capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse issuer, market, political, or economic developments than securities of large-capitalization companies. The securities of mid-capitalization companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than large-capitalization stocks or the stock market as a whole. |
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.
New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with limited operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.
Newer Sub-Adviser Risk. The Sub-Adviser is newly registered with the SEC and has limited experience with managing an exchange-traded fund regulated under the 1940 Act, which may limit the Sub-Adviser’s effectiveness. As a result, there is no long-term track record against which an investor may judge the Sub-Adviser and it is possible the Sub-Adviser may not achieve the Fund’s intended investment objective.
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.
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, the Adviser, and the Sub-Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
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.
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.
31
Management
Investment Adviser
Tidal Investments LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Investment Sub-Adviser
VistaShares Advisors LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Investment Adviser
Scott Snyder, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2026.
Quinn Berry, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2026.
VistaShares
Adam Patti, Chief Executive Officer of the Sub-Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2026.
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.vistashares.com.
Tax Information
Fund distributions are generally taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or some combination thereof), unless your 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.
31
32
32
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
Investment Objective
The investment objective each Fund is primarily to seek income, and secondarily, 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’ prior written notice to shareholders.
Principal Investment Strategies
There is no guarantee that each Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of their investment.
Each 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.
Each Fund’s “Annual 15% Target “ is a numeric target that refers to the Fund’s income generation goal, which is fundamentally different from projecting a return. It does not imply capital appreciation or a guaranteed total return, but instead focuses on a specific aspect of the Fund’s income strategy.
Additional Information About the Solactive VistaShares Berkshire Select Index
The VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF’s equity portfolio is generally invested in the Index’s holdings. The Index is owned, calculated, administered and published by Solactive AG (“Solactive”), which also serves as the Index administrator.
The Index’s initial universe includes BRK-B and each U-S-listed equity holding of Berkshire Hathaway according to its most recent Form 13F filings.
On each day the Index’s constituents are reevaluated (a “Selection Day”), BRK-B is automatically designated as an Index component. Additionally, each other US-listed equity security in initial universe is ranked by its Berkshire Hathaway valuation (i.e., the market value of such holding in Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio). The Index selects the top 20 securities to be Index components. This selection process is entirely rule-based, and the Index administrator has no discretionary authority.
On each Selection Day, each Index component is assigned a weight as follows:
● 10% of the Index’s weight is assigned to BRK-B
● 90% of the weight is allocated to the remaining 20 Index components.
Furthermore, stocks with a weight greater than 4.5%, including BRK-B, are collectively capped at a maximum allocation of 45%. Additionally, no individual stock may exceed an Index weighting of 20%. In addition, no single stock may be assigned more than 20% of the Index’s total weight.
The Index is rebalanced on a quarterly basis.
Additional Information About VistaShares Security Selection Processes for the Funds:
For each Fund, other than the VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF, VistaShares continuously monitors the Fund’s equity investments using a combination of real-time market data, third-party analytics, and periodic fundamental reviews. Data is obtained from corporate filings, analyst estimates, and institutional research providers. The monitoring process entails tracking performance trends, earnings reports, liquidity changes (the ease with which assets can be converted into cash), and macroeconomic factors that may influence the investment thesis. In addition, VistaShares’ analysis for the respective Funds includes:
● VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF: Key metrics are reviewed on at least a quarterly basis. These include price momentum (the rate at which a security’s price changes), volatility (the degree of variation in a security’s returns), and earnings revisions (updates to analysts’ earnings forecasts). Additional analysis is conducted as market conditions warrant.
33
●. VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF: Key valuation metrics are reviewed at least quarterly, with additional analysis performed as necessary in response to market developments. These metrics include the Price-to-Book Ratio (the ratio of a company’s market value to its book value), the Cash Flow-to-Price Ratio (the ratio of operating cash flow to market price), the Earnings-to-Price Ratio (the ratio of earnings per share to market price), the EBITDA-to-Enterprise Value Ratio (operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization divided by enterprise value), and the Sales-to-Enterprise Value Ratio (the ratio of a company’s revenue to its enterprise value).
● VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF: Key performance and risk metrics are reviewed on a monthly basis. Supplementary analysis is conducted as needed in response to market developments. These metrics include Return on Equity (a measure of profitability relative to shareholders’ equity), Debt-to-Equity (a ratio comparing total liabilities to shareholders’ equity), and Earnings Variability (the degree of fluctuation in a company’s earnings over time).
●. VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF: Return Volatility is reviewed on a monthly basis as a key risk metric. This metric (the measure of how much a security’s returns fluctuate over time) is used to assess the risk profile of the Fund. Further analysis is conducted as necessary in response to market developments.
Options Terminology
A Fund’s options contracts derivative instruments whose value are based on the share prices of some or all of its Underlying Securities (as described above)(“Underlying Assets”). These contracts give a Fund the right or obligation to buy or sell shares of the Underlying Assets on or before the expiration date at the specified strike price, depending on whether it is a call option or a put option, and whether the Fund is the buyer or seller of the contract.
● In general, an option contract gives the purchaser of the option contract the right to purchase (for a call option) or sell (for a put option) the underlying asset (like shares of the Underlying Assets) at a specified price (the “strike price”).
● If exercised, an option contract obligates the seller to deliver shares (for a sold or “short” call) or buy shares (for a sold or “short” put) of the underlying asset at a specified price (the “strike price”).
● Options contracts must be exercised or traded to close within a specified time frame, or they can be left to expire.
● A traditional covered options strategy is an investment strategy where an investor (the Fund) sells a call option on an underlying asset it owns.
● A synthetic covered options strategy is similar to a traditional covered options strategy in that the investor sells a call option that is based on the share price of the underlying asset. However, in a synthetic covered options strategy, the investor (the Fund) does not own the underlying asset, but rather seeks to synthetically replicate 100% of the price movements of the underlying asset through the use of various investment instruments.
Options Strategies
As noted above under the Funds’ principal investment strategy disclosures, each Fund is managed using various options strategies. The following describes the options strategies that the Adviser plans to implement at various times to manage the Fund’s assets. The Fund’s options strategies using options contracts will be “covered.” That is, each Fund will implement an options strategy on an Underlying Security that the relevant Fund owns.
1. Selling Calls
Strategy Overview: Selling calls involves writing call options on a security, aiming to generate additional income from the premium received. This strategy profits if the security’s share price remains below the strike price.
Market Movement Scenarios:
1. Security Increases in Value: If the security’s share price rises above the strike price, the Fund will lose the difference between the security’s share price and strike price, offset by the premium received.
2. Security Remains the Same: If the security’s share price remains the same, the call option will expire worthless, and the Fund keeps the premium received as profit.
3. Security Decreases in Value: If the security’s share price decreases, the call option will expire worthless, and the Fund keeps the premium received as profit.
34
2. Selling Credit Spreads
Strategy Overview: Selling credit spreads involves writing a call option at one strike price and buying another call option at a higher strike price or writing a put option at one strike price and buying another put option at a lower strike price. This strategy limits the potential loss compared to selling an option outright by capping it at the difference between the strike prices minus the net premium received.
● Market Movement Scenarios (Call Example):
1. Security Increases in Value: If the security’s share price rises above the higher strike price, the Fund’s loss is capped at the difference between the strike prices minus the net premium received. Between strikes the Fund loses the difference between the security’s share price and the lower strike.
2. Security Remains the Same: If the security’s share price remains the same, both options will expire worthless, and the Fund keeps the net premium received as profit.
3. Security Decreases in Value: If the security’s share price decreases, both options will expire worthless, and the Fund keeps the net premium received as profit.
● Market Movement Scenarios (Put Example):
1. Security increases in Value: If the security’s share price increases, both options will expire worthless, and the Fund keeps the net premium received as profit.
2. Security Remains the Same: If the security’s share price remains the same, both options will expire worthless, and the Fund keeps the net premium received as profit.
3. Security decreases in Value: If the security’s share price decreases below the higher strike price, the Fund’s loss is capped at the difference between the strike prices minus the net premium received. Between strikes the Fund loses the difference between the security’s share price and the lower strike.
3. Selling Diagonal Call Spreads
Strategy Overview: Selling diagonal call spreads involves selling a call option with a nearer expiration date and buying a call option with a later expiration date at a different strike price. This strategy aims to benefit from the time decay (see below) of the nearer-term option.
● Time decay is the reduction in an option’s value as the time to its expiration date approaches. An option’s decay accelerates as its expiration date gets closer because there is less time for an investor to earn a profit from that option.
Market Movement Scenarios (at the max maturity date of the options):
1. Security Increases in Value: If the security’s share price rises above the higher strike price, the Fund’s loss is capped at the difference between the strike prices minus the net premium received. Between strikes the Fund loses the difference between the security’s share price and the lower strike.
2. Security Remains the Same: If the security’s share price remains the same, both options will expire worthless, and the Fund keeps the net premium received as profit.
3. Security Decreases in Value: If the security’s share price decreases, both options will expire worthless, and the Fund keeps the net premium received as profit.
4. Cash-Secured Put Selling
Strategy Overview: Cash-secured put selling involves selling put options while holding enough cash to buy the security at the strike price if assigned. This strategy generates income from the premium received.
Market Movement Scenarios:
1. Security Increases in Value: If the security’s share price rises, the put option will expire worthless, and the Fund keeps the premium received.
2. Security Remains the Same: If the security’s share price remains the same, the put option will expire worthless, and the Fund keeps the premium received.
35
3. Security Decreases in Value: If the security’s share price decreases, the Fund may be assigned the security at the strike price, but the Fund effectively buys it at a lower net price due to the premium received.
5. Selling Calendar Call Spreads
Strategy Overview: Selling calendar call spreads involves selling a short-term option and buying a longer-term option at the same strike price. This strategy benefits when the underlying remains near the strike price but loses if the price moves significantly away (up or down).
Market Movement Scenarios (between the two maturity dates):
1. Security Increases in Value: If the security’s share price rises above the strike, the short-term option will be exercised at a loss, but the long-term option increases in value, limiting some losses.
2. Security Remains the Same (below the strike): If the security’s share price remains the same, the short-term option expires worthless, and the Fund profits from the time decay differential.
3. Security Decreases in Value: If the security’s share price decreases, the short-term option expires worthless, and the Fund profits from the time decay differential.
6. Selling Collars
Strategy Overview: Selling collars involves selling a call option and buying a put option to protect against significant price movements. The premium received from selling the call offsets the cost of buying the put, while limiting potential losses.
Market Movement Scenarios:
1. Security Increases in Value: If the security’s share price rises above the call strike price, the Fund loses the difference between the security’s share price and strike price.
2. Security Remains the Same: If the security’s share price remains the same, both options expire worthless, and the Fund keeps the premium received from the call option but offset by the premium paid on the put option.
3. Security Decreases in Value: If the security’s share price falls below the put strike price, the Fund gains the difference between the security’s share price and strike price.
Supplemental Options Strategy (Debit Spreads)
In concert with one or more the foregoing Options Strategies, the Fund may buy call or put spreads, known as debit spreads. Although these transactions do not directly generate income, the Adviser may use them strategically with the other Options Strategies to offset margin requirements and enhance overall income potential. A Fund may “leg into” debit spreads by entering the spread in stages, starting with an initial position and later adding the second leg. For example, the Adviser may use debit spreads instead of covering a worthless call. In this case, a Fund would enter a call spread with a lower strike call, thereby increasing the Fund’s potential for gains while maintaining the cost efficiency of the position.
There is no guarantee that a Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment.
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 a 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).
36
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.
|
|
VistaShares |
VistaShares |
VistaShares |
VistaShares |
VistaShares |
|
Berkshire Hathaway |
X |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Counterparty Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Derivatives Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
— Options Contracts
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Distribution Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
ETF Risks
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
— Authorized Participants, |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
— Cash Redemption Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
— Costs of Buying or Selling Shares |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
— Shares May Trade at Prices |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
— Trading |
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Equity Market Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Focused Portfolio Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
General Market Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
High Portfolio Turnover Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Index Strategy Risks
|
X
|
— — — |
— — —
|
— — —
|
— — —
|
|
Inflation Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Low Volatility Investing Risks
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
X
|
|
Management Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Market Capitalization Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
— Large-Capitalization Investing |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
— Mid-Capitalization Investing |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Market Events Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Momentum Investing Risk
|
—
|
X
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
37
|
|
VistaShares |
VistaShares |
VistaShares |
VistaShares |
VistaShares |
|
NAV Decline Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
New Fund Risk New Fund Risk New Fund Risk
|
—
—
|
X
|
X
|
—
|
X
|
|
Newer Fund Risk |
X |
— |
— |
X |
— |
|
Newer Sub-Adviser Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Non-Diversification Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Operational Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Quality Style Investing Risk
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
X
|
—
|
|
Tax Risk
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
U.S. Government and |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Value Investing Risk |
—
|
—
|
X
|
—
|
—
|
Berkshire Hathaway Management Change: The share price of Berkshire Hathaway’s stock (including BRK.B) has been significantly affected by the leadership and public profile of Warren E. Buffett, who has long shaped Berkshire Hathaway’s strategy and image. Mr. Buffetthas stepped down as CEO on January 1, 2026, with Greg Abel succeeding him. While the succession plan offers continuity, Mr. Buffett’s continued role as Chairman and any changes in his involvement may impact investor sentiment and lead to increased volatility. The market’s perception of Mr. Abel’s leadership and potential strategic shifts could also introduce uncertainty and materially affect the Fund’s performance.
Counterparty Risk. Counterparty risk is the likelihood or probability that a party involved in a transaction might default on its contractual obligation. Where the Fund enters into derivative contracts that are exchange-traded, the Fund is subject to the counterparty risk associated with the Fund’s clearing broker or clearinghouse. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties.
Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, leverage, imperfect daily correlations with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions. The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than directly investing in securities. When the Fund uses derivatives, there may be imperfect correlation between the return of the Index and the derivative, which may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective. Because derivatives often require only a limited initial investment, the use of derivatives may expose the Fund to losses in excess of those amounts initially invested.
The Fund will be subject to regulatory constraints relating to level of value at risk that the Fund may incur through its derivative portfolio. To the extent the Fund exceeds these regulatory thresholds over an extended period, the Fund may determine that it is necessary to make adjustments to the Fund’s investment strategy, including the desired daily leveraged performance for the Fund.
In addition, the Fund’s investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:
• Options. Purchasing and writing put and call options are highly specialized activities and entail greater than ordinary investment risks. The Fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on an option if changes in its value do not correspond as anticipated to changes in the value of the underlying securities. If the Fund is not able to sell an option held in its portfolio, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of the underlying securities. Ownership of options involves the payment of premiums, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
38
Distribution Risk. Although the Fund has an annual income target, the Fund intends to distribute income on a monthly basis. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment.
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. An ETF’s investment strategy may require it to redeem its shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, an ETF may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the ETF (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the ETF may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the ETF to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the ETF 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.
● Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Buying or selling Shares involves certain costs, including brokerage commissions, other charges imposed by brokers, and bid-ask spreads. The bid-ask spread represents the difference between the price at which an investor is willing to buy Shares and the price at which an investor is willing to sell Shares. The spread varies over time based on the Shares’ trading volume and market liquidity. The spread is generally lower if Shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if Shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, frequent trading of Shares may 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 for trading 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 Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares and the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio holdings may deteriorate.
Equity Market Risk. Common stocks are generally exposed to greater risk than other types of securities, such as preferred stock and debt obligations, because common stockholders generally have inferior rights to receive payment from specific issuers. The equity securities held in the Fund’s portfolio may experience sudden, unpredictable drops in value or long periods of decline in value. This may occur because of factors that affect securities markets generally or factors affecting specific issuers, industries, or sectors in which the Fund invests.
Focused Portfolio Risk. The Fund will hold a relatively focused portfolio that may contain securities of fewer issuers than the portfolios of other ETFs. Holding a relatively concentrated portfolio may increase the risk that the value of the Fund could go down because of the poor performance of one or a few investments.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses. Frequent trading may also cause adverse tax consequences for investors in the Fund due to an increase in short-term capital gains.
Index / Strategy Risks. The Index’s holdings are derived from publicly available data, which may be delayed relative to the then-current portfolio of Berkshire Hathaway. Consequently, the Fund’s holdings, which are based on the Index, may not accurately reflect Berkshire Hathaway’s most recent publicly-disclosed investment positions and may deviate substantially from its actual current
39
portfolio. The equity securities represented in the Index are subject to a range of risks, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market conditions, increased competition, and evolving regulatory environments, all of which could adversely affect their performance. Moreover, while the Fund seeks to incorporate aspects of Berkshire Hathaway’s investment philosophy, past performance of the companies included in the Index does not guarantee future results. There is no assurance that these companies will deliver positive performance or generate long-term capital appreciation.
In addition, the Index includes an approximately 10% allocation to Berkshire Hathaway’s class B shares (BRK.B). Investing in BRK.B through the Fund presents several risks. Fund investors have no direct ownership in Berkshire Hathaway and lack voting rights or influence over corporate decisions, while remaining exposed to fluctuations in BRK.B’s stock price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Berkshire Hathaway may additionally impact BRK.B’s stock price due to Berkshire Hathaway garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. Additionally, Berkshire Hathaway’s performance may not meet expectations due to inaccurate projections or unforeseen challenges, and as part of the diversified financial services industry, BRK.B is exposed to broader economic risks, regulatory changes, and market competition.
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.
Low Volatility Investing Risks. Securities included in the Fund’s Equity Strategy are selected based on low volatility metrics, yet there is no assurance that these stocks will maintain stable performance or meet anticipated return objectives. A low volatility strategy may lead the Fund to underperform during periods of strong market growth, as low-volatility stocks often lag behind higher-growth or more volatile stocks in rising markets. Additionally, low volatility does not eliminate the risk of losses; these stocks may still experience significant declines in value due to adverse market conditions, economic downturns, or unforeseen company-specific events. Moreover, low volatility stocks can become overvalued in prolonged periods of investor preference for stable returns, potentially resulting in sharp price declines if market sentiment shifts. Consequently, relying on low volatility characteristics may not protect the Fund from losses or provide the intended level of risk-adjusted returns.
Management Risk. The Fund is actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the portfolio managers success or failure in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies.
Market Capitalization Risk.
|
|
●
|
Large-Capitalization Investing. The securities of large-capitalization companies may be relatively mature compared to smaller companies and therefore subject to slower growth during times of economic expansion. Large-capitalization companies may also be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes. |
|
|
●
|
Mid-Capitalization Investing. The securities of mid-capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse issuer, market, political, or economic developments than securities of large-capitalization companies. The securities of mid-capitalization companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than large-capitalization stocks or the stock market as a whole. |
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.
Momentum Investing Risk. Securities that have previously exhibited price momentum may be more volatile than a broad cross-section of securities and their returns may be less than the returns of the overall stock market or other styles of investing. High momentum may also be a sign that the securities’ prices have peaked. Momentum can turn quickly and cause significant variation from other types of investments. The Fund may experience significant losses if momentum stops, turns or otherwise behaves differently than predicted.
40
NAV Decline Risk Due to Distributions. When the Fund makes a distribution, the Fund’s NAV will typically drop by the amount of the distribution on the related ex-dividend date. The repeated payment of distributions by the Fund, if any, may result in a decline in the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer losses to their investment.
New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with limited operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.
Newer Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with limited operating history. As a result, prospective investors have a limited track record or history on which to base their investment decisions. There can be no assurance that the Fund will maintain an economically viable size.
Newer Sub-Adviser Risk. The Sub-Adviser is newly registered with the SEC and has limited experience with managing an exchange-traded fund regulated under the 1940 Act, which may limit the Sub-Adviser’s effectiveness. As a result, there is no long-term track record against which an investor may judge the Sub-Adviser and it is possible the Sub-Adviser may not achieve the Fund’s intended investment objective.
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.
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.
Quality Style Investing Risks. Securities included in the Fund’s Equity Strategy are deemed by VistaShares to be quality stocks, but there is no guarantee that the past performance of these stocks will continue. Companies that issue these stocks may experience a decline in value, as well as increased leverage, resulting in lower than expected or negative returns to Fund shareholders. Many factors can affect a stock’s quality and performance, and the impact of these factors on a stock or its price can be difficult to predict.
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.
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.
Value Investing Risk. The Fund may invest in companies that appear to be value-oriented. Investing in or having exposure to “value” securities presents the risk that the securities may never reach what the Sub-Adviser believes are their full market values, either because the market fails to recognize what the Sub-Adviser considers to be the security’s true value or because the Sub-Adviser misjudged that value. In addition, there may be periods during which the investment performance of the Fund while using a value strategy may suffer.
40
40
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
Information about the Fund’s daily portfolio holdings is available on the Fund’s website at www.vistashares.com. A complete description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”).
40
41
41
MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser
Tidal Investments LLC (the “Adviser” or “Tidal”), a Tidal Financial Group company, located at 234 West Florida Street, Suite 700, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204, is an SEC-registered investment adviser and a Delaware limited liability company. Tidal was founded in March 2012 and Tidal is dedicated to understanding, researching and managing assets within the expanding ETF universe. As of May 31, 2026, Tidal had assets under management of approximately $61.89 billion and served as the investment adviser or sub-adviser for 390 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 trading portfolio securities and financial instruments for the Fund, including selecting broker-dealers to execute purchase and sale transactions. The Adviser provides oversight of the Sub-Adviser and review of its performance. The Adviser also arranges for transfer agency, custody, fund administration, and all other related services necessary for the Fund to operate. For the 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 0.95% 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”).
Investment Sub-Adviser
VistaShares Advisors LLC (“Sub-Adviser”), a Delaware limited liability company, located at 1111B S Governors Avenue, Suite 20096, Dover, Delaware 19904 serves as the investment sub-adviser for the Fund. The Sub-Adviser was founded in 2024 and became an SEC-registered investment adviser in August 2024. As of May 31, 2026, the Sub-Adviser had assets under management of approximately $1.7 billion.
The Sub-Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio, including determining the securities and financial instruments purchased and sold by the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Adviser and the Board. The Sub-Adviser serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund, pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”).
For its services as sub-adviser, the Sub-Adviser is entitled to receive a fee from the Adviser, which fee is calculated daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.04% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. However, as Fund Sponsor, the Sub-Adviser may automatically waive all or a portion of its sub-advisory fee. See “Fund Sponsor” below for more information.
Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of theVistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF and VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF’s Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement are available in the Funds’ Semi-Annual filing on Form N-CSR for the period ending August 31, 2025.
The other Funds have not commenced operation as of the date of this Prospectus.
Portfolio Managers
Scott Snyder, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser
Scott Snyder joined the firm in 2025 as SVP of Trading. Mr. Snyder has over 40 years of experience in the financial markets and more specifically in the options market. Mr. Snyder led the trading team at ZEGA Financial, LLC (“ZEGA”) before joining Tidal. He started his career in 1983 and for 20 years was an independent market maker on the floor of the CBOE. In 2003, Mr. Snyder joined think or swim as Chief Options Strategist for a subsidiary of think or swim advisors. Mr. Snyder then helped lead the RIA trading, execution platform support and option education business for TD Ameritrade and then Schwab from 2009-2024.
42
Quinn Berry, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser
Quinn Berry serves as Portfolio Manager at the Adviser, having joined the firm in January 2025. From August 2023 to December 2024, he was a Trading Manager at ZEGA Financial, LLC ("ZEGA") where he managed option basedexchange-traded funds and conducted equity research. He was on the trading desk at SMArtX Advisory Solutions from November 2021 until August 2023 specializing in equity and option execution. Prior to that, he held treasury analyst positions at Pacific Life and Silicon Valley Bank from 2017-2021. Mr. Berry received a Master of Science in Finance from Florida State University in 2015 and a Bachelor of Science in Finance the year prior.
Adam Patti, Chief Executive Officer of the Sub-Adviser
Adam Patti began serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Sub-Adviser in 2024. Adam is a pioneer in Alternative Investments & Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). In 2006, Adam founded IndexIQ with a vision to combine institutional quality alternative investment strategies with the power of ETFs to enhance portfolio construction for all investors. IndexIQ established itself as the leading alternative investment manager in the ETF industry and was acquired by New York Life Insurance Company in 2015.
As Chairman & CEO of IndexIQ, Adam was the architect behind IndexIQ’s award winning product line of alternative investment strategies, built the firm and in 2015 sold it to New York Life Investment Management. From 2015 - 2018 Adam worked to successfully integrate the firm into the New York Life’s infrastructure, including the roll-out of IndexIQ branded ETFs globally. Since exiting IndexIQ/New York Life Investments in 2018, Adam had been a private investor and advisor to various initiatives until partnering with DVx Ventures in 2024 to launch VistaShares. Previously, Adam led Fortune Indexes, the creator of the first smart beta indexes. Fortune Indexes was an early entrant into the ETF industry, having launched the Fortune 500 ETF in partnership with State Street Global Advisors in 2000 and prior to that he was an investment banker at Salomon Smith Barney.
Adam is frequently featured in the media and has won numerous awards as an expert in alternative investments and Exchange-Traded Funds. He graduated in 1998 with an MBA from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management with a triple major in Finance, Marketing and Entrepreneurship, and in 1992 with a B.S. in Finance from University at Albany.
Fund Sponsor
The Adviser has entered into a fund sponsorship agreement with VistaShares and ZEGA pursuant to which each of VistaShares and ZEGA is a sponsor to the Funds. Under this arrangement, each of VistaShares and ZEGA have agreed to provide financial support (as described below) to the Funds. Every month, unitary management fees for the Funds are calculated and paid to the Adviser, and the Adviser retains a portion of the unitary management fees from the Funds.
In return for their financial support for the Funds, the Adviser has agreed to pay VistaShares and ZEGA a portion of any remaining profits generated by unitary management fee the Funds. If the amount of the unitary management fees for the Funds exceeds the Funds’ operating expenses (including the sub-advisory fees) 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 VistaShares and ZEGA.
During months when the funds generated by the unitary management fee are insufficient to cover the entire sub-advisory fees, those fees are automatically waived (and any such waived fees are not subject to recoupment). 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, VistaShares and ZEGA are obligated to reimburse the Adviser for a portion of the shortfall.
Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Ned Davis Research 360° Dynamic Allocation ETF Fund’s Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement is available in Ned Davis Research 360° Dynamic Allocation ETF's August 31, 2025 filing on Form . As of the date of this prospectus, Ned Davis Research 360° Core Equity ETF has not commenced operations.
42
43
43
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 applicable 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.
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 or other asset held by a Fund or is determined to be unreliable, the security or other asset will be valued at fair value estimates under guidelines established by the Board (as described below).
Exchange-traded options are valued at the composite mean price, calculated as the average of the highest bid and lowest ask prices across the exchanges on which the option is principally traded. Additionally, the Funds value swap agreements based on the nature of
44
the underlying reference asset or index. The Funds may use the closing price of the underlying reference asset, as provided by independent pricing services, or evaluated prices generated by pricing vendors’ models.
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, which have been approved by the Board, 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’s valuation procedures. The Adviser will fair value Fund investments whose market prices are not “readily available” or are deemed to be unreliable. 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.
Investments by Other Registered Investment Companies in the Funds
Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by registered investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including Shares. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in the Funds beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1), subject to certain terms and conditions of rules under the 1940 Act, including that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Fund.
Delivery of Shareholder Documents – Householding
Householding is an option available to certain investors of the Fund. 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 Fund 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.
44
44
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS, AND TAXES
Dividends and Distributions
The Funds intend to pay out dividends and interest income, if any, monthly, and distribute any net realized capital gains to its shareholders 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.
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 (the “Code”). 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 applicable Exchange, and when you purchase or redeem Creation Units (institutional investors only).
45
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 Prospectus. 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. For federal income tax purposes, distributions of net investment income are generally taxable to shareholders 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 to shareholders as long-term capital gains. Distributions of short-term capital gain will generally be taxable to shareholders 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).
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 (i) distributions of net investment income and (ii) distributions of net capital gain and the gross proceeds of a sale or redemption of Shares of a Fund paid to (A) certain “foreign financial institutions” unless such foreign financial institution agrees to verify, monitor, and report to the Internal Revenue Service (“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.
46
Each Fund (or a financial intermediary, such as a broker, through which a shareholder owns Shares) generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and sale or redemption proceeds paid to any shareholder who fails to properly furnish a correct taxpayer identification number, who has underreported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify that they are not subject to such withholding.
Taxes When Shares are Sold on an 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.
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 a Fund 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.
Important Tax Considerations When Purchasing Fund Shares
If you are investing through a taxable account, you should carefully consider the timing of your investment relative to a Fund’s distribution schedule. Purchasing Fund shares shortly before a distribution may increase your tax liability, a situation commonly referred to as “buying a dividend.”
When a Fund makes a distribution, its share price typically drops by an amount roughly equal to the distribution. As a hypothetical example, if you invest $5,000 to purchase 250 shares at $20 per share on December 15, and a Fund pays a $1 per share distribution on December 16, the share price would adjust to $19 (ignoring market fluctuations). Although your total investment value remains $5,000 (250 shares × $19 in share value plus 250 shares × $1 distribution), you would owe taxes on the $250 distribution, even if you reinvest the distribution rather than receiving it in cash.
Distributions are taxable to shareholders even if they are paid from income or gains realized by a Fund before you invested, and even if they were reflected in the purchase price of the shares. Consequently, you may incur taxes on income or gains that accrued before your investment, without corresponding benefit.
Unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA or an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you may wish to avoid purchasing Fund shares shortly before a distribution. You can minimize the potential tax impact by reviewing the relevant Fund’s distribution schedule prior to investing. When available, information about the Fund’s distribution schedule can be found on the Funds’ website at vistashares.com.
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.
46
47
47
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 Funds 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, the Funds are 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.
47
47
PREMIUM/DISCOUNT INFORMATION
Information regarding how often Shares traded on the Exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of a Fund can be found on the Fund’s website at www.vistashares.com.
47
47
ADDITIONAL NOTICES
Shares are not sponsored, endorsed, or promoted by an Exchange. The Exchanges are not responsible for, nor has any Exchange 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. An 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 any Exchange have any liability for any lost profits or indirect, punitive, special, or consequential damages even if notified of the possibility thereof.
The Adviser, the Sub-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 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.
48
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.
48
49
49
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Financial Highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the fiscal periods shown. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total return in each table represents the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in a Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Funds’ financial statements, is included in the Funds’ annual report, which is available upon request.
|
VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF |
For a share outstanding throughout the period presented
|
|
Period Ended |
|
|
PER SHARE DATA: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ 20.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
INVESTMENTS OPERATIONS: |
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)(b) |
0.12 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c) |
1.10 |
|
|
Total from investment operations |
1.22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM: |
|
|
|
Net investment income |
(1.51 |
) |
|
Return of capital |
(1.36 |
) |
|
Total distributions |
(2.87 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
ETF transaction fees per share |
0.00 |
%(d) |
|
Net asset value, end of period |
$ 18.35 |
|
|
TOTAL RETURN(e) |
6.61 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS: |
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) |
$ 688,503 |
|
|
Ratio of expenses to average net assets(f) |
0.98 |
% |
|
Ratio of interest expense to average net assets(f) |
0.03 |
% |
|
Ratio of operational expenses to average net assets excluding dividends, interest, |
0.95 |
% |
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(f) |
0.63 |
% |
|
Portfolio turnover rate(e)(g) |
34 |
%(e) |
(a) Inception date of the Fund was March 4, 2025.
(b) Net investment income per share has been calculated based on average shares outstanding during the periods.
(c) Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in the caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the periods, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statements of Operations due to share transactions for the periods.
(d) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(e) Not annualized for periods less than one year.
(f) Annualized for periods less than one year.
(g) Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions, if any.
50
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF |
For a share outstanding throughout the period presented
|
|
Period Ended |
|
|
PER SHARE DATA: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ 20.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
INVESTMENTS OPERATIONS: |
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)(b) |
0.05 |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)(c) |
0.56 |
|
|
Total from investment operations |
0.61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM: |
|
|
|
Net investment income |
(0.84 |
) |
|
Return of capital |
(1.57 |
) |
|
Total distributions |
(2.41 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
ETF transaction fees per share |
0.00 |
%(d) |
|
Net asset value, end of period |
$ 18.20 |
|
|
TOTAL RETURN(e) |
3.15 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS: |
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) |
$ 17,746 |
|
|
Ratio of expenses to average net assets(f) |
0.97 |
% |
|
Ratio of interest expense to average net assets(f) |
0.02 |
% |
|
Ratio of operational expenses to average net assets excluding dividends, interest, |
0.95 |
% |
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(f) |
0.32 |
% |
|
Portfolio turnover rate(e)(g) |
175 |
%(e) |
(a) Inception date of the Fund was May 5, 2025.
(b) Net investment income per share has been calculated based on average shares outstanding during the periods.
(c) Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in the caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the periods, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statements of Operations due to share transactions for the periods.
(d) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(e) Not annualized for periods less than one year.
(f) Annualized for periods less than one year.
(g) Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions, if any.
50
VistaShares Target 15 ETFs
|
Adviser |
Tidal Investments LLC
|
Sub-Adviser |
VistaShares Advisors LLC |
|
|
Distributor |
Foreside Fund Services, LLC |
Administrator |
Tidal ETF Services LLC |
|
|
Legal Counsel |
Sullivan & Worcester LLP |
Fund Accountant |
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, |
|
|
Independent |
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP |
Custodian |
U.S. Bank National Association 1555 N. Rivercenter Dr. |
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 June 29, 2026, 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 are available in the Funds’ annual and semi‑annual reports to shareholders and in Form N-CSR. In the annual report you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during each Fund’s prior fiscal year or period. In Form N‑CSR, you will find each Fund’s annual and semi-annual financial statements.
You can obtain free copies of these documents, when available, request other information or make general inquiries about the Funds by contacting the Funds at the VistaShares ETFs, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 or calling (844) 875-2288.
Shareholder reports, the Funds’ current Prospectus and SAI and other information about the Funds are 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 Funds’ Internet website at www.vistashares.com; or
● For a fee, by e-mail request to [email protected].
The SAI and other information are also available from a financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) through which each Fund’s shares may be purchased or sold.
(SEC Investment Company Act File No. 811-23312)
![[logo]](http://www.streetinsider.com/images/secattach/20260625/26690688_qes1k7tr1mli8rak8.jpg)
VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF (OMAH)
VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF (UUSA)
VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF (VUSA)
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF (QUSA)
VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF (LUSA)
each listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
June 29, 2026
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus for the 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, each listed on NYSE Arca, Inc. (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”), each a series of Tidal Trust III (the “Trust”), dated June 29, 2026, 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 (844) 875-2288, visiting vistashares.com, or writing to the VistaShares Target 15 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 end February 28, 2026, if any, are incorporated into this SAI by reference to such Fund’s most recent Annual Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR (File No. 811- 23312). 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
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
18 |
|
|
19 |
|
|
19 |
|
|
19 |
|
|
20 |
|
|
21 |
|
|
22 |
|
|
23 |
|
|
24 |
|
|
24 |
|
|
24 |
|
|
24 |
|
|
25 |
|
|
25 |
|
|
25 |
|
|
25 |
|
|
27 |
|
|
28 |
|
|
29 |
|
|
34 |
|
|
34 |
|
|
35 |
|
|
40 |
1
1
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 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. 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, and VistaShares Advisors LLC (“VistaShares” or a “Sub-Adviser”) serves as the investment sub-adviser to each Fund.
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 a basket of securities (“Deposit Securities”) together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (“Cash Component”). 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.
1
1
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 that 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”).
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.
2
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, the Sub-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.
2
2
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.
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
3
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.
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.
4
Foreign Securities
Each Fund may invest directly in foreign securities or have indirect exposure to foreign securities. Investing in securities of foreign companies and countries involves certain considerations and risks that are not typically associated with investing in U.S. government securities and securities of domestic companies. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign issuer than a domestic one, and foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards, and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. There may also be less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than exists in the United States. Interest and dividends paid by foreign issuers as well as gains or proceeds realized from the sale or other disposition of foreign securities may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may decrease the net return on such investments as compared to dividends and interest paid to a Fund by domestic companies or the U.S. government. There may be the possibility of expropriations, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, the imposition of economic sanctions, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability, or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of a Fund held in foreign countries. The establishment of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions could adversely affect the payment of obligations. In addition, investing in foreign securities will generally result in higher commissions than investing in similar domestic securities.
Decreases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which a Fund may invest relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding decrease in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in those currencies (and possibly a corresponding increase in the amount of securities required to be liquidated to meet distribution requirements). Conversely, increases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which a Fund invests relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding increase in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets (and possibly a corresponding decrease in the amount of securities to be liquidated).
Investing in emerging markets can have more risk than investing in developed foreign markets. The risks of investing in these markets may be exacerbated relative to investments in foreign markets. Governments of developing and emerging market countries may be more unstable as compared to more developed countries. Developing and emerging market countries may have less developed securities markets or exchanges, and legal and accounting systems. It may be more difficult to sell securities at acceptable prices and security prices may be more volatile than in countries with more mature markets. Currency values may fluctuate more in developing or emerging markets. Developing or emerging market countries may be more likely to impose government restrictions, including confiscatory taxation, expropriation or nationalization of a company’s assets, and restrictions on foreign ownership of local companies. In addition, emerging markets may impose restrictions on a Fund’s ability to repatriate investment income or capital and, thus, may adversely affect the operations of the Fund. Certain emerging markets may impose constraints on currency exchange and some currencies in emerging markets may have been devalued significantly against the U.S. dollar. For these and other reasons, the prices of securities in emerging markets can fluctuate more significantly than the prices of securities of companies in developed countries. The less developed the country, the greater effect these risks may have on a Fund.
Foreign Currencies
Although the Funds intend to only hold investments denominated in U.S. dollars, each Fund may have indirect exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. A Fund’s net asset value could decline if a relevant foreign currency depreciates against the U.S. dollar or if there are delays or limits on the repatriation of such currency. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, a Fund’s net asset value may change without warning, which could have a significant negative impact on such Fund.
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. If, through the appreciation of illiquid investments or the depreciation of liquid investments, the Fund were to be in a position where more than 15% of the value of its net assets are invested in illiquid securities, including restricted investments which are not readily marketable, such Fund will take such steps as set forth in its procedures as adopted by the Board.
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
5
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.
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. The Funds generally may purchase or redeem, without limitation, shares of any affiliated or unaffiliated money market mutual funds, including unregistered money market funds, so long as a Fund does not pay a sales load or service fee in connection with the purchase, sale, or redemption or if such fees are paid, the Adviser waives its management fee in an amount necessary to offset the amounts paid.
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.
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”). The Funds may also rely on Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, which provides an exemption from Section 12(d)(1) that allows a Fund to invest all of its assets in other registered funds, including ETFs, if such Fund satisfies certain conditions specified in the Rule.
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.
6
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.
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 or Sub-Adviser seek 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 or Sub-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 a 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 a Fund obtains leverage. Among other things, under Rule 18f-4, a 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 a Fund may enter into based on the value-at-risk (“VaR”) of the Fund inclusive of derivatives. A 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.” As a result of the Relative VaR Test, a Fund may not seek returns in excess of 2x the designated reference portfolio.
In addition, among other requirements, Rule 18f-4 requires a 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 a 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
7
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 a Fund to increase or decrease its exposure to the underlying reference instrument without having to buy the actual instrument.
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.
Options. Each Fund may purchase or sell options contracts on equity securities in its portfolio, exchange traded funds, and indices. 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 a 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, a 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). A Fund may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to call options, exercise them, or permit them to expire. For example, a 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 a 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.
As the buyer of a put option, a 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. A Fund may buy a put option on an underlying reference instrument owned by a 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. A 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 or Sub-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
8
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, a 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 a Fund to sell the underlying instrument at the exercise price. In that case, a Fund will sell the underlying reference instrument to the option buyer for less than its market value, and a Fund will experience a loss (which will be offset by the premium received by a 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 a 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, a 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. A 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 a Fund expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium received.
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 a Fund to terminate its positions in written and purchased options. A 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 a 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 a 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. A 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 a 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 a Fund originally wrote the option. A Fund
9
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, a 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 a Fund buys an interest rate cap and the Adviser or Sub-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.
Correctly predicting the value of an interest rate cap requires an understanding of the referenced interest rate, and a Fund bears the risk that the Adviser or Sub-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 a Fund may have difficulty effecting closing transactions in particular options. Therefore, a 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. A Fund could then incur transaction costs upon the sale of the underlying reference instruments. Similarly, when a Fund cannot affect a closing transaction with respect to a put option it wrote, and the buyer exercises, a 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, a 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 or Sub-Adviser is not successful in using options in managing the Fund’s investments, the Fund’s performance will be worse than if the Adviser or Sub-Adviser did not employ such strategies.
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.
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
10
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.
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.
10
10
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.
11
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.
6. Concentrate its investments (i.e., hold more than 25% of its total assets) in any industry or group of related industries. For purposes of this limitation, securities of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities), repurchase agreements collateralized by securities of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities), 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.
In determining its compliance with the fundamental investment restriction on concentration, the Funds will look through to the underlying holdings of any affiliated investment company and will consider its entire investment in any investment company with a policy to concentrate, or having otherwise disclosed that it is concentrated, in a particular industry or group of related industries 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.
For purposes of applying the limitation set forth in the concentration policy set forth above, a Fund may use the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes, North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes, MSCI Global Industry Classification System, FTSE/Dow Jones Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB) system, or any other reasonable industry classification system (including systems developed by the Adviser) to identify each industry. A Fund’s method applying the limitations in the above concentration policy, including the classification levels used, may differ from those of the Trust’s other series.
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.
11
11
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.
11
11
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
Board Responsibilities. The Board oversees the management and operations of the Trust. Like all registered investment companies, 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 Sub-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
12
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 Treasurer and the Trust’s independent public accounting firm to discuss, among other things, the internal control structure of the Trust’s financial reporting function.
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, the Sub-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, four of whom are not interested persons of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”). Mr. Eric W. Falkeis serves as Chairman of the Board and is an interested person of the Trust.
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.
13
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 700, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204.
|
Name and |
Position Held |
Term of Office |
Principal Occupation(s) |
Number of |
Other |
|
Independent Trustees³ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monica H. Byrd Born: 1979 |
Trustee
|
Indefinite term; since 2023
|
Chief Financial Officer of LFO Management, LLC (since 2019). |
94
|
None
|
|
Pamela Cytron Born: 1966
|
Trustee
|
Indefinite term; since 2023
|
President, The Founder’s Arena (since 2023); CEO & Founder, Pendo Systems, Inc. (2020 to 2023); Non-executive Board advisor, RegAlytics (2021 to 2022). |
94
|
Serves on the Boards of First Rate Inc. (since 2015); First Rate Ventures (since 2022); Privacy Lock (since 2022) (nonexecutive Board role); and World Technology Partners (since 2022) (Vice President). Served on the Board of Global Recovery Initiatives Foundation (2011 to 2022) (Chairman). |
|
Lawrence Jules Born: 1968
|
Trustee
|
Indefinite term; since 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). |
94
|
Serves as a director of the 600 Atlantic/Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Federal Credit Union.
|
|
Ethan Powell Born: 1975 |
Trustee |
Indefinite term; |
Principal and CIO of Brookmont Capital; President and Founder of Impact Shares LLC (“Impact Shares”) (2015 to 2025). |
94 |
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. |
|
Interested Trustees⁴ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eric W. Falkeis⁴ Born: 1973 |
President, Principal Executive Officer, Trustee, and Chairman |
Indefinite term; Trustee and Chairman since 2025; Indefinite term; President and Principal Executive Officer since 2024 |
Chief Operating Officer, Tidal Investments LLC (since 2023); Chief Executive Officer, Tidal ETF Services LLC (since 2018). |
626 |
Independent Director, Muzinich Direct Lending Income Fund, Inc. (since 2023); Independent Director, Muzinich BDC, Inc. (since 2019); Trustee, Professionally Managed Portfolios (27 series) (since 2011); Trustee and Chairman of Tidal Trust I (since 2018); Trustee and Chairman of Tidal Trust II (since 2022); Trustee and Chairman of Tidal Trust IV (since 2025); Trustee and Chairman of Tidal Trust V (since 2025). |
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 Trust I, Tidal Trust II, Tidal Trust III, Tidal Trust IV and Tidal Trust V.
³ All Independent Trustees of the Trust are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act.
⁴ Mr. Falkeis is considered an “interested person” of the Trust due to his positions as Principal Executive Officer and Chairman of the Trust, and Chief Executive Officer of Tidal ETF Services LLC, a Tidal Financial Group company and an affiliate of the Adviser.
14
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. Ms. Byrd’s experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills, on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees, led to the Board's 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 Governance Committee. Ms. Cytron experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills, on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees, led to the Board's 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 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. Mr. Jules’ experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills, on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees, led to the Board's 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. Mr. Powell’s experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees led to the Board's 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. Falkeis should serve as a Trustee because of his substantial investment company experience and his experience with financial, accounting, investment, and regulatory matters through his former position as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (and other positions) of U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Global Fund Services”), a full service provider to ETFs, mutual funds, and alternative investment products, from 1997 to 2013, as well as a Trustee and Chairman of Tidal Trust I, from 2018 to present, Trustee and Chairman of Tidal Trust II, from 2022 to present, Trustee and Chairman of Tidal Trust IV, from 2025 to present and Trustee and Chairman of Tidal Trust V, from 2025 to present. In addition, he has experience consulting with investment advisors regarding the legal structure of mutual funds, distribution channel analysis, and actual distribution of those funds. Mr. Falkeis also has substantial managerial, operational, technological, and risk oversight related experience through his former position as Chief Operating Officer of the advisers to the Direxion mutual fund and ETF complex. Mr. Falkeis’ experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees led to the Board's 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 certain of the Independent Trustees of the Trust (Mses. Byrd and Cytron, and Mr. Jules) 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
15
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. For the fiscal period ended February 28, 2026, the Audit Committee did not meet with respect to the Funds.
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). For the fiscal period ended February 28, 2026, the QLCC did not meet with respect to the Trust.
Nominating and 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. For the fiscal period ended February 28, 2026, the Nominating and Governance Committee met four times with respect to the Trust.
16
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 Street, Suite 700, 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 Operating Officer, Tidal Investments LLC (since 2023); Chief Executive Officer, Tidal ETF Services LLC (since 2018).
|
|
William H. Woolverton, Esq.
Born: 1951
|
Chief Compliance Officer and AML Compliance Officer
|
Indefinite Term;
since 2023
|
Chief Compliance Officer (since 2023), Compliance Adviser (2022 to 2023), Tidal Investments LLC; Senior Compliance Adviser, ACA Global (2020 to 2023); Director, Hadron Specialty Insurance Company (since 2023) Operating Partner, Altamont Capital Partners (private equity firm) (2021 to present).
|
|
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
|
Vice President and Secretary
|
Vice President since
2025; Indefinite term;
Secretary since 2023;
Indefinite term
|
VP of Fund Governance and Compliance (since 2024); ETF Regulatory Manager, (2021 to 2024).
|
|
Jennifer Smith
Born: 1985
|
Assistant Treasurer
|
Indefinite term;
since 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”).
17
As of the end of the most recent fiscal period ended February 28, 2026, the VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF, and VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF had not commenced operations.
As of December 31, 2025, the following Trustees beneficially owned shares of certain other series of the Trust as follows, and no other Trustee owned shares of any series of the Trust:
|
Name of Trustee
|
Dollar Range of Shares Owned of the Funds
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of Shares of Series of the Trust
|
|---|---|---|
|
Monica H. Byrd
|
None
|
$50,001 – $100,000
|
|
Lawrence Jules
|
None
|
$1 - $10,000
|
|
Ethan Powell
|
None
|
$10,001 – $50,000
|
As of December 31, 2025, neither the Independent Trustees nor members of their immediate family, owned securities beneficially or of record in the Adviser the Distributor (as defined below), or an affiliate of the Adviser or the Distributor. Accordingly, neither the Independent Trustees nor members of their immediate family, have direct or indirect interest, the value of which exceeds $120,000, in the Adviser Distributor or any of their affiliates. In addition, during the two most recently completed calendar years, neither the Independent Trustees nor members of their immediate families have conducted any transactions (or series of transactions) in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and to which the Adviser Distributor or any affiliate thereof was a party.
Board Compensation
Effective January 1, 2026, the Independent Trustees each receive an annual retainer of $50,000. The Independent Trustees also receive $6,000 per regularly scheduled meeting attended and $4,000 per special 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 $12,000 and the Nominating and Governance Committee Chair receives an annual retainer of $6,000. Prior to January 1, 2026, 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 received an annual retainer of $10,000 and the Nominating and Governance Committee Chair received 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’ current fiscal year ending February 28, 2026. 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.
|
Name
|
Aggregate
Compensation From Funds
|
Total Compensation
From Fund Complex Paid to Trustees
|
|---|---|---|
|
Interested Trustee
|
|
|
|
Eric Falkeis
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Independent Trustees
|
|
|
|
Monica H. Byrd
|
$0
|
$93,750
|
|
Pamela Cytron
|
$0
|
$88,750
|
|
Lawrence Jules
|
$0
|
$83,750
|
|
Ethan Powell
|
$0
|
$67,500
|
17
18
18
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 June 1, 2026, to the best of the Trust’s knowledge, the following shareholders were considered to be principal shareholders of the Funds:
|
VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Name & Address
|
% of Ownership
|
Type of Ownership
|
|
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
211 Main Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905
|
36.97%
|
Record
|
|
National Financial Services LLC
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
|
21.57%
|
Record
|
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Customers
1 New York Plz, Fl 12
New York, NY 10004-1932
|
11.03%
|
Record
|
|
|
|
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Name & Address
|
% of Ownership
|
Type of Ownership
|
|
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
211 Main Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905
|
41.59%
|
Record
|
|
National Financial Services LLC
245 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
|
21.37%
|
Record
|
|
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Customers
1 New York Plz, Fl 12
New York, NY 10004-1932
|
10.69%
|
Record
|
|
Raymond James Financial, Inc.
880 Carillion Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
|
7.09%
|
Record
|
As of February 28, 2026, to the best of the Trust’s knowledge, no person was a control person of the Fund and the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
18
19
19
CODES OF ETHICS
The Trust, the Adviser, and the Sub-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, the Adviser, and the Sub-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, the Adviser, or the Sub-Adviser, and no officer, director, or general partner of the Distributor serves as an officer, director, or general partner of the Trust, Adviser, or the Sub-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.
19
19
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
The Board 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.
Information on how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 875-2288, (2) on the Fund’s website at www.vistashares.com, or (3) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
19
19
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Tidal Investments LLC, ("Tidal" or the "Adviser"), a Tidal Financial Group company, located at 234 West Florida Street, Suite 700, 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 trading portfolio securities and financial instruments for the Fund, including selecting broker-dealers to execute purchase and sale transactions. 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 the Sub-Adviser and reviews the 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 0.95% 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.
20
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.
As of the end of the most recent fiscal period ended February 28, 2026, the VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF, and VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF had not commenced operations.
The table below shows management fees paid by the Funds to the Adviser for the fiscal period indicated.
|
|
Management Fee
|
|---|---|
|
VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF
|
|
|
March 4, 2025 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2026
|
$3,960,945
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF
|
|
|
May 5, 2025 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2026
|
$119,306
|
20
20
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISER
VistaShares
The Adviser has retained VistaShares, located at 1111B S Governors Avenue, Suite 20096, Dover, Delaware 19904, to serve as investment sub-adviser for each Fund pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and VistaShares (the “VistaShares Sub-Advisory Agreement”). VistaShares is responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund’s Equity Strategy, subject to the supervision of the Adviser and the Board. For its services, VistaShares is paid a fee by the Adviser, which fee is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.04% of each Fund’s average daily net assets.
VistaShares has agreed to assume a portion of the Adviser’s obligation to pay expenses incurred by one or more of the Funds, except for the sub-advisory fee payable to VistaShares and Excluded Expenses. For assuming the payment obligations for each Fund, the Adviser has agreed to pay VistaShares a portion of the profits, if any, generated by the Fund’s unitary management fee. Such expenses incurred by a Fund and paid by VistaShares include fees charged by Tidal ETF Services, LLC, the Fund’s administrator and an affiliate of the Adviser.
Sub-Advisory Agreement
The Sub-Advisory Agreement with respect to each Fund will continue in force for an initial period of two years. Thereafter, the Sub-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 at a meeting (or in another manner permitted by the 1940 Act or pursuant to exemptive relief therefrom) called for that purpose, of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust; and (2) by the majority vote of either the full Board or the vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares. A Sub-Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, and is terminable at any time, without penalty, by the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of respective Fund, on 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, or by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser on 60 days’ written notice to the Trust and the other party. The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that VistaShares shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder.
As of the end of the most recent fiscal period ended February 28, 2026, the VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF, and VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF had not commenced operations.
The table below shows management fees paid by the Funds to the Sub-Adviser for the fiscal period indicated.
|
|
Sub-Advisory Fee
|
|---|---|
|
VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF
|
|
|
March 4, 2025 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2026
|
$166,777
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF
|
|
|
May 5, 2025 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2026
|
$5,023
|
20
21
21
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Mr. Patti is responsible for VistaShares’ role in the day-to-day management of each Fund’s Equity Strategy. Ms. Duan, Mr. Mullen, and Mr. Pestrichelli are primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management and trading of each Fund’s Options Strategy and oversee trading and execution for the Funds.
Other Accounts. In addition to the Funds, the portfolio managers managed the following other accounts as of May 31, 2026.
Adam Patti, Chief Executive Officer of VistaShares
|
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
|
9
|
$1,700
|
0
|
$0
|
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0
|
$0
|
0
|
$0
|
|
Other Accounts
|
0
|
$0
|
0
|
$0
|
Scott Snyder, 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
|
79
|
$10,713.55
|
0
|
$0
|
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0
|
$0
|
0
|
$0
|
|
Other Accounts
|
0
|
$0
|
0
|
$0
|
Quinn Berry, 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
|
22
|
$3,171.33
|
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 end of the most recent fiscal period ended February 28, 2026, the VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF, and VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF had not commenced operations.
As of February 28, 2026, the portfolio managers did not own Shares of the Funds.
Portfolio Manager Compensation.
Mr. Patti is an equity owner of VistaShares’s holding company and therefore benefits indirectly from the revenue generated from the Fund’s Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement with the Adviser. In addition, he is compensated with a fixed salary paid by the Sub-Adviser’s holding company.
The portfolio managers are 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 Funds. To the extent a portfolio manager is an equity owner of the Adviser, such portfolio manager may benefit indirectly from the revenue generated by the Funds’ Advisory Agreement with the Adviser.
22
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 and the Sub-Adviser have each established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities among all accounts the firms manage are fairly and equitably allocated.
22
22
THE DISTRIBUTOR
The Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group (dba ACA Group) (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 190 Middle Street, Suite 301, 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 received any amounts as of the date of this SAI.
|
|
Intermediary Compensation. The Adviser, the Sub-Adviser, or their 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 and the Sub-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.
23
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, the Sub-Adviser, or their 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 (844) 875-2288.
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. Currently, no 12b-1 fees are charged, and 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 (“Independent Trustees”). None of the Independent 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 Independent 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 Independent 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.
23
23
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 700, 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
24
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.
As of the end of the most recent fiscal period ended February 28, 2026, the VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF, and VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF had not commenced operations.
The table below shows the fees paid to the Administrator by the Funds for the fiscal period indicated below:
|
|
Fees Paid to the Administrator
|
|---|---|
|
VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF
|
|
|
March 4, 2025 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2026
|
$150,676
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF
|
|
|
May 5, 2025 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2026
|
$28,671
|
24
24
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.
As of the end of the most recent fiscal period ended February 28, 2026, the VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF, and VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF had not commenced operations.
The table below shows the fees paid to Global Fund Services by the Funds for the fiscal period indicated below:
|
|
Fees Paid to Global Fund Services
|
|---|---|
|
VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF
|
|
|
March 4, 2025 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2026
|
$150,448
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF
|
|
|
May 5, 2025 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2026
|
$24,575
|
24
24
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.
24
24
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.
24
24
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.
24
25
25
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”).
25
25
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.
25
25
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.
25
25
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 and Sub-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 and Sub-Adviser will rely upon their respective 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.
The Adviser and Sub-Adviser owe fiduciary duties to their clients to seek to provide best execution on trades effected. In selecting a broker/ dealer for each specific transaction, the Adviser and Sub-Adviser each 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
26
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 and Sub-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 and Sub-Adviser each 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 and Sub-Adviser do not “pay up” for the value of any such proprietary research. Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act permits the Adviser and Sub-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 or Sub-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 or Sub-Adviser but only if the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, 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 and Sub-Adviser each faces a potential conflict of interest when it uses client trades to obtain brokerage or research services. This conflict exists because the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, can use the brokerage or research services to manage client accounts without paying cash for such services, which reduces the Adviser’s or Sub-Adviser’s expenses to the extent that the Adviser or Sub-Adviser would have purchased such products had they not been provided by brokers. Section 28(e) permits the Adviser and Sub-Adviser to use brokerage or research services for the benefit of any account it manages. Certain accounts managed by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser may generate soft dollars used to purchase brokerage or research services that ultimately benefit the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser, the Affiliates, or other accounts managed by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser effectively cross subsidizing the other accounts managed by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser that benefit directly from the product. The Adviser and Sub-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.
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.
As of the end of the most recent fiscal period ended February 28, 2026, the VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF, and VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF had not commenced operations.
27
The table below shows brokerage commissions paid with respect to Funds for the fiscal period indicated below:
|
|
Brokerage Commissions Paid
|
|---|---|
|
VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF
|
|
|
March 4, 2025 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2026
|
$518,434
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF
|
|
|
May 5, 2025 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2026
|
$17,544
|
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.
For the fiscal period ended February 28, 2026, the Funds did not pay any brokerage commissions to any registered broker-dealer affiliates of the Funds or the Adviser.
|
|
|
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 or Sub-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.
For the fiscal period ended February 28, 2026, no Fund acquired any securities of its “regular brokers or dealers” or their parent companies.
|
|
|
27
27
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.
As of the end of the most recent fiscal period ended February 28, 2026, the VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income ETF, VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF, and VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF had not commenced operations.
The table below shows the portfolio turnover rate with respect to the Funds for the fiscal period indicated.
|
|
Portfolio Turnover
|
|---|---|
|
VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF
|
|
|
March 4, 2025 (commencement of operations) to Februry 28, 2026
|
34%
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF
|
|
|
May 5, 2025 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2026
|
175%
|
27
28
28
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 the Fund at any time by giving reasonable notice to the relevant 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.
28
29
29
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. In general, any Fund Deposit (as defined below) or Additional Cash Deposit (as also defined below) corresponding to the placement of an order to purchase Creation Units must be transferred and delivered to the Custodian by no later than 2 p.m. Eastern Time for a Fund on the contractual settlement date (or such other time as specified by the Trust and disclosed to Authorized Participants) (in each instance, the “Deposit Deadline”).
Placement of Creation or Redemption Orders. All orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units are to be governed according to the applicable Participant Agreement that each Authorized Participant has executed. In general, all orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units must be received by the transfer agent in the proper form required by the Participant Agreement no later than the closing time of the regular trading session of the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each day the NYSE is open for business (the “Closing Time”) in order for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of shares of a Fund as next determined on such date after receipt of the order in proper form. At its discretion, a Fund may require an Authorized Participant to submit an order to purchase or redeem Creation Units earlier in the day, including in circumstances in which an applicable market for a security included in the creation or redemption basket closes earlier than usual, or in such other circumstances as the Fund may determine and disclose to Authorized Participants. In general, any Fund Deposit (as defined below) or Additional Cash Deposit (as also defined below) corresponding to the placement of an order to purchase Creation Units must be transferred and delivered to the Custodian by no later than 2 p.m. Eastern Time for a Fund on the contractual settlement date (or such other time as specified by the Trust and disclosed to Authorized Participants) (in each instance, the “Deposit Deadline”).
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,
30
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.
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 generally the Closing Time, which time may be modified by a Fund from time-to-time by amendment to the Participant Agreement and/or applicable order form or as noted under "Placement of Creation or Redemption Orders." 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 the Deposit Deadline. 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 with the Custodian by no later than the Deposit Deadline. If the order is not placed in proper form as required, or federal funds in the appropriate amount are not received by the Deposit Deadline, 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.
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,
31
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 1:00 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.
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 any current or future SEC rulemaking or guidance relating thereto; provided that, no such suspension of the issuance of creation units will be done in a manner that impairs 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
32
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
|
|---|---|---|
|
VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF
|
$300
|
2%
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF
|
$300
|
2%
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF
|
$300
|
2%
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF
|
$300
|
2%
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income 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.
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 FUND 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.
33
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.
|
Name of Fund
|
Fixed Creation
Transaction Fee
|
Maximum Variable
Transaction Fee
|
|---|---|---|
|
VistaShares Target 15 Berkshire Select Income ETF
|
$300
|
2%
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Momentum Income ETF
|
$300
|
2%
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Value Income ETF
|
$300
|
2%
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF
|
$300
|
2%
|
|
VistaShares Target 15 USA Low Volatility Income 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 generally be submitted in proper form to the Transfer Agent prior to the Closing Time, subject to a Fund's right to require an earlier submission as indicated under "Placement of Creation or Redemption Orders.". 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.
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
34
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.
34
34
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 a Fund’s NAV per Share, the Fund’s investments are generally valued 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. The Fund may use various pricing services, or discontinue the use of any pricing service, as approved by the Board 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.
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.
34
34
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, monthly 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.
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
35
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.
35
35
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.
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”).
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
36
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.
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.
37
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.
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.
The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes on income earned with respect to securities of foreign corporations.
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.
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.
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.
38
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.
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.
Foreign 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
39
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.
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.
Foreign Investments. Dividends and interest received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. The Fund does not expect to satisfy the requirements for passing through to its shareholders any share of foreign taxes paid by the Fund, with the result that shareholders will not include such taxes in their gross incomes and will not be entitled to a tax deduction or credit for such taxes on their own tax returns.
If more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets at the close of any taxable year consists of stock or securities of foreign corporations, which for this purpose may include obligations of foreign governmental issuers, the Fund may elect, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to treat any foreign income or withholding taxes paid by the Fund as paid by its shareholders. For any year that the Fund is eligible for and makes such an election, each shareholder of the Fund will be required to include in income an amount equal to his or her allocable share of qualified foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, and shareholders will be entitled, subject to certain holding period requirements and other limitations, to credit their portions of these amounts against their U.S. federal income tax due, if any, or to deduct their portions from their U.S. taxable income, if any. No deductions for foreign taxes paid by the Fund may be claimed, however, by non-corporate shareholders who do not itemize deductions. No deduction for such taxes will be permitted to individuals in computing their alternative minimum tax liability. Foreign taxes paid by the Fund will reduce the return from the Fund’s investments.
40
If the Fund holds shares in a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”), it may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on the Fund in respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains.
The Fund may be eligible to treat a PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”) under the Code in which case, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, the Fund will be required to include in income each year a portion of the ordinary earnings and net capital gains of the qualified electing fund, even if not distributed to the Fund, and such amounts will be subject to the 90% and excise tax distribution requirements described above. To make this election, the Fund would be required to obtain certain annual information from the PFICs in which it invests, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain. Alternatively, the Fund may make a mark-to-market election that will result in the Fund being treated as if it had sold and repurchased its PFIC stock at the end of each year. In such case, the Fund would report any gains resulting from such deemed sales as ordinary income and would deduct any losses resulting from such deemed sales as ordinary losses to the extent of previously recognized gains. The election must be made separately for each PFIC owned by the Fund and, once made, is effective for all subsequent taxable years, unless revoked with the consent of the IRS. By making the election, the Fund could potentially ameliorate the adverse tax consequences with respect to its ownership of shares in a PFIC, but in any particular year may be required to recognize income in excess of the distributions it receives from PFICs and its proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock. The Fund may have to distribute this excess income to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement and to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax. To distribute this income and avoid a tax at the Fund level, the Fund might be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss. Amounts included in income each year by the Fund arising from a QEF election, will be “qualifying income” under the Qualifying Income Requirement (as described above) even if not distributed to the Fund, if the Fund derives such income from its business of investing in stock, securities or currencies.
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.
40
40
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Additional information about each Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders and in Form N-CSR. In the Fund’s annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund’s annual and semi-annual financial statements. You may request a copy of each Fund’s annual report at no charge by calling (844) 875-2288 or through the Funds’ website at www.vistashares.com.
40
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. | |
| (i) | 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. | ||
| (ii) | 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 Undertaking, 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 Stoneport Advisors Commodity Long Short ETF). | ||
| (1) | Investment Advisory Agreement, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 on Form N-1A on September 12, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (2) | Memorandum and Articles of Association, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 on Form N-1A on September 12, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (3) | Certificate of Incorporation, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 on Form N-1A on September 12, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (4) | Tax Undertaking, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 on Form N-1A on September 12, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (5) | Private Investment Company Custodian Agreement, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 147 on Form N-1A on November 12, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (v) | Organizational Documents for Cayman Subsidiary (for the Defiance Bitcoin vs Gold ETF). | ||
| (1) | Investment Advisory Agreement, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 176 on Form N-1A on March 16, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference | ||
| (2) | Memorandum and Articles of Association, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 176 on Form N-1A on March 16, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (3) | Certificate of Incorporation, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 176 on Form N-1A on March 16, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (4) | Tax Undertaking, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 176 on Form N-1A on March 16, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (5) | Private Investment Company Custodian Agreement, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 180 on Form N-1A on April 6, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (vi) | Organizational Documents for Cayman Subsidiary (for Defiance Gold vs Bitcoin ETF). | ||
| (1) | Investment Advisory Agreement, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 176 on Form N-1A on March 16, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (2) | Memorandum and Articles of Association, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 176 on Form N-1A on March 16, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (3) | Certificate of Incorporation, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 176 on Form N-1A on March 16, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
| (4) | Tax Undertaking, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 176 on Form N-1A on March 16, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference. | ||
C-1
C-2
C-3
C-4
C-5
C-6
C-7
C-8
C-9
C-10
C-11
C-12
| (viii) | Fee Waiver Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust (on behalf of the Ned Davis Research 360º Dynamic Allocation ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (ix) | Fee Waiver Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust (on behalf of the 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. | |
| (x) | Rule 12d1-4 Fund of Funds Investment Agreement between the Trust (on behalf of certain series of the Trust) and between Northern Lights Fund Trust III (on behalf of certain series), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 171 on Form N-1A on February 13, 2026 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (i) | (i) | Opinion of legal counsel relating to Impact Shares NAACP Minority Empowerment ETF, dated July 9, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File No. 333-221764, filed on July 10, 2018. |
| (ii) | Opinion of legal counsel relating to Impact Shares Women’s Empowerment ETF, dated August 22, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File No. 333-221764, filed on August 22, 2018. | |
| (iii) | 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. | |
| (iv) | 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. | |
| (v) | 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. | |
| (vi) | 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. | |
| (vii) | 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. | |
| (viii) | 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. | |
| (ix) | 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. | |
| (x) | 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. | |
| (xi) | 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. | |
| (xii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC 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), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 on Form N-1A on January 23, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xiii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Intech S&P Large Cap Diversified Alpha ETF and Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 on Form N-1A on February 26, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xiv) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for World Dynamic Momentum Leaders ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 98 on Form N-1A on January 27, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xv) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for MRP SynthEquity ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 102 on Form N-1A on February 26, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xvi) | 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), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 on Form N-1A on February 28, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xvii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Alpha Brands™ Consumption Leaders ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 on Form N-1A on May 21, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xviii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for VistaShares Animal Spirits Strategy ETF and VistaShares Animal Spirits Daily 2X Strategy ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 on Form N-1A on May 30, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. |
C-13
| (xix) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Defiance Bitcoin vs Ether ETF, Defiance Ether vs Bitcoin ETF, Defiance Bitcoin vs Gold ETF and Defiance Gold vs Bitcoin ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 176 on Form N-1A on March 16, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xx) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for VistaShares ACKtivist Select ETF, VistaShares Target 15 ACKtivist Distribution ETF, VistaShares BigShort Select ETF, VistaShares Target 15 BigShort Distribution ETF, VistaShares DRUKMacro Select ETF, VistaShares Target 15 DRUKMacro Distribution ETF and VistaShares Berkshire Select ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 on Form N-1A on August 18, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxi) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Stoneport Advisors Commodity Long Short ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 on Form N-1A on September 12, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 135 on Form N-1A on September 12, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxiii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for VistaShares BitBonds 1-3 Yr Enhanced Weekly Distribution ETF, VistaShares BitBonds 5 Yr Enhanced Weekly Distribution ETF, VistaShares BitBonds 10 Yr Enhanced Weekly Distribution ETF and VistaShares BitBonds 20 Yr Enhanced Weekly Distribution ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 153 on Form N-1A on November 26, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxiv) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Fundstrat Granny Shots US Small- & Mid-Cap ETF and Fundstrat Granny Shots US Large Cap & Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 146 on Form N-1A on November 11, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxv) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (VistaShares Bitcoin Treasury Income ETF, VistaShares Ethereum Treasury Income ETF, VistaShares Ethereum Treasury ETF and VistaShares IPO and Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 154 on Form N-1A on December 1, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxvi) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for VistaShares Target 15TM International Innovators Distribution ETF, VistaShares Target 15TM European High Dividend Payers Distribution ETF, VistaShares Target 15TM Global 100 Distribution ETF, and VistaShares Target 15TM S&P 100 Distribution ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 152 on Form N-1A on November 26, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxvii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for VistaShares DIVBoost Dividend Nobles Distribution ETF, VistaShares DIVBoost Dividend Kings Distribution ETF, VistaShares DIVBoost Sector Distribution ETF, VistaShares DIVBoost Utilities Distribution ETF, VistaShares DIVBoost High Yield Bond Distribution ETF, VistaShares DIVBoost REIT Distribution ETF and VistaShares DIVBoost Energy Distribution ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 on Form N-1A on January 8, 2026 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxviii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for VistaShares TEPRTantrum Contrarian Select ETF, VistaShares Target 15 TEPRTantrum Contrarian Distribution ETF, VistaShares TPLoeb Event Driven Select ETF, VistaShares Target 15 TPLoeb Event Driven Distribution ETF, VistaShares TIGR Cub NextGen Select ETF, VistaShares Target 15 TIGR Cub NextGen Distribution ETF, VistaShares LAFFTech Select ETF, and VistaShares Target 15 LAFFTech Distribution ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 164 on Form N-1A on January 16, 2026 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxix) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for VistaShares HRVD Select ETF, VistaShares Target 15 HRVD Distribution ETF, VistaShares GATE Endowment Select ETF, VistaShares Target 15 GATE Endowment Distribution ETF, VistaShares Gulf Sovereign Select ETF, VistaShares Target 15 Gulf Sovereign Distribution ETF, VistaShares Nordic Wealth Select ETF and VistaShares Target 15 Nordic Wealth Distribution ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 on Form N-1A on January 26, 2026 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxx) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for RCN Pareto Strategic Allocation ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 177 on Form N-1A on March 23, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxxi) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for U.S. Defense ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 180 on Form N-1A on April 6, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxxii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Worth Charting Options Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 on Form N-1A on April 23, 2026 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxxiii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Alki Consolidated Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 194 on Form N-1A on June 16, 2026 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxxiv) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for VistaShares Space Supercycle ETF, VistaShares Robotics Supercycle ETF, and VistaShares Defense Supercycle ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | |
| (xxxv) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for VistaShares Shield S&P 500 Enhanced Protection ETF, VistaShares Shield MSCI EAFE Enhanced Protection ETF, VistaShares Shield MSCI EM Enhanced Protection ETF, VistaShares Shield Russell 2000 Enhanced Protection ETF, VistaShares Shield Nasdaq 100 Enhanced Protection ETF, VistaShares Shield Diversified Equity Enhanced Protection ETF, VistaShares Shield Diversified Commodity Enhanced Protection ETF and VistaShares Shield Diversified Income Enhanced Protection ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | |
| (xxxvi) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Aura AI Photonics ETF) – to be filed by amendment. | |
| (xxxvii) | Opinion and Consent of Counsel (adding VistaShares AI Computing Power ETF) – to be filed by amendment. |
C-14
| (xxxviii) | 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 – filed herewith. | |
| (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, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 on Form N-1A on April 23, 2026 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (n) | Not applicable. | |
| (o) | Reserved. | |
| (p) | (i) | Code of Ethics for Tidal Trust III, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 on Form N-1A on December 23, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. |
| (ii) | Code of Ethics for Tidal Investments LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 152 on Form N-1A on November 26, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (iii) | Code of Ethics for Foreside Fund Services, LLC – not applicable per Rule 17j-1(c)(3). | |
| (iv) | Code of Ethics for Rockefeller Capital Management – filed herewith. | |
| (v) | 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. | |
| (vi) | 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. | |
| (vii) | Code of Ethics for VistaShares Advisors LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 177 on Form N-1A on March 23, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (viii) | 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. | |
| (ix) | 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. | |
| (x) | Code of Ethics for Fundstrat Capital, LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 146 on Form N-1A on November 11, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xi) | Code of Ethics for Cannell & Spears LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 110 on Form N-1A on April 28, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xii) | Code of Ethics for Harmonic Capital, LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 135 on Form N-1A on September 12, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xiii) | Code of Ethics for Nest Egg ETFs, LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 on Form N-1A on May 30, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xiv) | 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. | |
| (xv) | 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. | |
| (xvi) | Code of Ethics for Intech Investment Management LLC – filed herewith. | |
| (xvii) | Code of Ethics for Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc., previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 102 on Form N-1A on February 26, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xviii) | Code of Ethics for Accuvest Global Advisors Inc., previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 on Form N-1A on May 21, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xix) | Code of Ethics for RCN Wealth Advisors, Inc., previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 177 on Form N-1A on March 23, 2026, and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xx) | Code of Ethics for Worth Charting Group LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 on Form N-1A on April 23, 2026 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| (xxi) | Code of Ethics for Hohimer Wealth Management, LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 194 on Form N-1A on June 16, 2026 and is incorporated herein by reference. | |
| Item 29. | Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant. |
| Not Applicable. |
C-15
| 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.
| Investment Adviser | SEC File No. |
| Tidal Investments LLC (f/k/a Toroso Investments, LLC) | 801-76857 |
| Investment Sub-Advisers | |
| Impact Shares Corp. | 801-112391 |
| Unity Wealth Partners LLC | 801-130370 |
| Rockefeller Global Investment 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 | 801-132705 |
| Nest Egg ETFs, LLC | 801-131316 |
| USCF Advisers LLC | 801-79985 |
| AlphaQuest LLC | 801-108500 |
| Intech Investment Management LLC | 801-60987 |
| Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. | 801-80124 |
| Accuvest Global Advisors Inc. | 801-68887 |
| RCN Wealth Advisors, Inc. | 801-135338 |
| Worth Charting Group LLC | 801-135744 |
| Hohimer Wealth Management, LLC | 801-114746 |
| 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. | ActivePassive Core Bond ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 4. | ActivePassive Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 5. | ActivePassive International Equity ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 6. | ActivePassive U.S. Equity ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 7. | AdvisorShares Trust |
| 8. | AFA Private Credit Fund |
C-16
| 9. | AGF Investments Trust |
| 10. | AIM ETF Products Trust |
| 11. | Alexis Practical Tactical ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 12. | AlphaCentric Prime Meridian Income Fund |
| 13. | Alternative Strategies Income Fund |
| 14. | American Century ETF Trust |
| 15. | AMG ETF Trust |
| 16. | Amplify ETF Trust |
| 17. | Applied Finance Dividend Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 18. | Applied Finance Explorer Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 19. | Applied Finance Select Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 20. | Ardian Access LLC |
| 21. | ARK ETF Trust |
| 22. | ARK Venture Fund |
| 23. | Bitwise Funds Trust |
| 24. | BondBloxx ETF Trust |
| 25. | Bramshill Multi-Strategy Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
| 26. | Bridgeway Funds, Inc. |
| 27. | Brinker Capital Destinations Trust |
| 28. | Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. |
| 29. | Build Funds Trust |
| 30. | Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund |
| 31. | Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund |
| 32. | Calamos Dynamic Convertible and Income Fund |
| 33. | Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund |
| 34. | Calamos Global Total Return Fund |
| 35. | Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund |
| 36. | Carlyle Tactical Private Credit Fund |
| 37. | Cascade Private Capital Fund |
| 38. | Catalyst/Perini Strategic Income Fund |
| 39. | CBRE Global Real Estate Income Fund |
| 40. | Center Coast Brookfield MLP & Energy Infrastructure Fund |
| 41. | Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund |
| 42. | Cliffwater Enhanced Lending Fund |
| 43. | Coatue Innovative Strategies Fund |
| 44. | Cohen & Steers ETF Trust |
| 45. | Convergence Long/Short Equity ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 46. | CrossingBridge Ultra-Short Duration ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 47. | Curasset Capital Management Core Bond Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 48. | Curasset Capital Management Limited Term Income Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 49. | CYBER HORNET S&P 500® and Bitcoin 75/25 Strategy ETF, Series of CYBER HORNET Trust |
| 50. | Davis Fundamental ETF Trust |
| 51. | Defiance BMNR Option Income ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions |
| 52. | Defiance Connective Technologies ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions |
| 53. | Defiance Drone and Modern Warfare ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions |
| 54. | Defiance Quantum ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions |
| 55. | Defiance Retail Kings ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions |
| 56. | Denali Structured Return Strategy Fund |
| 57. | Dodge & Cox Funds |
| 58. | DoubleLine ETF Trust |
| 59. | DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund |
| 60. | DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund |
| 61. | DoubleLine Yield Opportunities Fund |
| 62. | DriveWealth ETF Trust |
| 63. | EIP Investment Trust |
| 64. | Ellington Income Opportunities Fund |
| 65. | ETF Opportunities Trust |
| 66. | Exchange Listed Funds Trust |
| 67. | Exchange Place Advisors Trust |
| 68. | FIS Trust |
C-17
| 69. | FlexShares Trust |
| 70. | Fortuna Hedged Bitcoin ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 71. | Forum Funds |
| 72. | Forum Funds II |
| 73. | Forum Real Estate Income Fund |
| 74. | GMO ETF Trust |
| 75. | GoldenTree Opportunistic Credit Fund |
| 76. | Gramercy Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
| 77. | Grayscale Funds Trust |
| 78. | Guinness Atkinson Funds |
| 79. | Harbor ETF Trust |
| 80. | Harris Oakmark ETF Trust |
| 81. | Hawaiian Tax-Free Trust |
| 82. | Horizon Kinetics Blockchain Development ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 83. | Horizon Kinetics Energy and Remediation ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 84. | Horizon Kinetics Inflation Beneficiaries ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 85. | Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 86. | Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 87. | Horizon Kinetics SPAC Active ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 88. | Horizon Kinetics Texas ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 89. | Innovator ETFs Trust |
| 90. | Ironwood Institutional Multi-Strategy Fund LLC |
| 91. | Ironwood Multi-Strategy Fund LLC |
| 92. | Jensen Quality Growth ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 93. | John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust |
| 94. | Kurv ETF Trust |
| 95. | Lazard Active ETF Trust |
| 96. | LDR Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 97. | Lone Peak Value Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 98. | Mairs & Power Balanced Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 99. | Mairs & Power Growth Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 100. | Mairs & Power Minnesota Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 101. | Mairs & Power Small Cap Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
| 102. | Manor Investment Funds |
| 103. | MoA Funds Corporation |
| 104. | Moerus Worldwide Fund, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV |
| 105. | Morgan Stanley ETF Trust |
| 106. | Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF, Series of Morgan Stanley Pathway Funds |
| 107. | Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF, Series of Morgan Stanley Pathway Funds |
| 108. | Morningstar Funds Trust |
| 109. | NEOS ETF Trust |
| 110. | Niagara Income Opportunities Fund |
| 111. | NXG Cushing® Midstream Energy Fund |
| 112. | NXG NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund |
| 113. | OTG Latin American Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 114. | Overlay Shares Core Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 115. | Overlay Shares Foreign Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 116. | Overlay Shares Hedged Large Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 117. | Overlay Shares Large Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 118. | Overlay Shares Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 119. | Overlay Shares Short Term Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 120. | Overlay Shares Small Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 121. | Palmer Square Funds Trust |
| 122. | Palmer Square Opportunistic Income Fund |
| 123. | Partners Group Private Income Opportunities, LLC |
| 124. | Perkins Discovery Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 125. | Philotimo Focused Growth and Income Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 126. | Plan Investment Fund, Inc. |
| 127. | Point Bridge America First ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions |
| 128. | Precidian ETFs Trust |
C-18
| 129. | Rareview 2x Bull Cryptocurrency & Precious Metals ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust |
| 130. | Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust |
| 131. | Rareview Systematic Equity ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust |
| 132. | Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust |
| 133. | Rareview Total Return Bond ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust |
| 134. | Renaissance Capital Greenwich Funds |
| 135. | REX ETF Trust |
| 136. | Reynolds Funds, Inc. |
| 137. | RMB Investors Trust |
| 138. | Robinson Opportunistic Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
| 139. | Robinson Tax Advantaged Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
| 140. | Roundhill Ball Metaverse ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 141. | Roundhill Cannabis ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 142. | Roundhill ETF Trust |
| 143. | Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 144. | Roundhill Sports Betting & iGaming ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 145. | Roundhill Video Games ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 146. | Rule One Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 147. | Russell Investments Exchange Traded Funds |
| 148. | Securian AM Real Asset Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
| 149. | Six Circles Trust |
| 150. | Sound Shore Fund, Inc. |
| 151. | SP Funds Trust |
| 152. | Sparrow Funds |
| 153. | Spear Alpha ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 154. | STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 155. | STF Tactical Growth ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 156. | Strategic Trust |
| 157. | Strategy Shares |
| 158. | Swan Hedged Equity US Large Cap ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust |
| 159. | Tekla World Healthcare Fund |
| 160. | Tema ETF Trust |
| 161. | The 2023 ETF Series Trust |
| 162. | The Community Development Fund |
| 163. | The Cook & Bynum Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 164. | The Private Shares Fund |
| 165. | The SPAC and New Issue ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust |
| 166. | Third Avenue Trust |
| 167. | Third Avenue Variable Series Trust |
| 168. | Tidal Trust I |
| 169. | Tidal Trust II |
| 170. | Tidal Trust III |
| 171. | Tidal Trust IV |
| 172. | TIFF Investment Program |
| 173. | Timothy Plan High Dividend Stock ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan |
| 174. | Timothy Plan International ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan |
| 175. | Timothy Plan Market Neutral ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan |
| 176. | Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core 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. | Trailmark Series Trust |
| 181. | T-Rex 2X Inverse Bitcoin Daily Target ETF, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 182. | T-Rex 2x Inverse Ether Daily Target ETF, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 183. | T-Rex 2X Long Bitcoin Daily Target ETF, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 184. | T-Rex 2x Long Ether Daily Target ETF |
| 185. | U.S. Global Investors Funds |
| 186. | Union Street Partners Value Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 187. | Vest Bitcoin Strategy Managed Volatility Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 188. | Vest S&P 500® Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
C-19
| 189. | Vest US Large Cap 10% Buffer Strategies Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 190. | Vest US Large Cap 20% Buffer Strategies Fund, Series of World Funds Trust |
| 191. | Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund |
| 192. | Volatility Shares Trust |
| 193. | WEBs ETF Trust |
| 194. | Wedbush Series Trust |
| 195. | Wellington Global Multi-Strategy Fund |
| 196. | Wilshire Mutual Funds, Inc. |
| 197. | Wilshire Variable Insurance Trust |
| 198. | WisdomTree Trust |
| 199. | 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 190 Middle Street, Suite 301, Portland, Maine 04101. |
| Name | Address | Position with Underwriter | Position with Registrant |
| Teresa Cowan | 190 Middle Street, Suite 301, Portland, ME 04101 |
President/Manager | None |
| Chris Lanza | 190 Middle Street, Suite 301, Portland, ME 04101 |
Vice President | None |
| Kate Macchia | 190 Middle Street, Suite 301, Portland, ME 04101 |
Vice President | None |
| Alicia Strout | 190 Middle Street, Suite 301, Portland, ME 04101 |
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer | None |
| Gabriel E. Edelman | 190 Middle Street, Suite 301, Portland, ME 04101 |
Secretary | None |
| Susan L. LaFond | 190 Middle Street, Suite 301, Portland, ME 04101 |
Treasurer | None |
| Weston Sommers | 190 Middle Street, Suite 301, Portland, ME 04101 |
Financial and Operations Principal and Chief Financial Officer | None |
| Item 32(c) | Not applicable. |
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records
The books and records required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 are maintained at the following locations:
| Records Relating to: | Are located at: |
| (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 700, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204 |
| (3) | Tidal ETF Services LLC, 234 West Florida Street, Suite 700, 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, 190 Middle Street, Suite 301, Portland, Maine 04101 |
| (7) | Unity Wealth Partners LLC, 4050 W. Metropolitan Dr., Suite 150, Orange, CA 92868 |
| (8) | Rockefeller Global Investment Management (a division of Rockefeller & Co. LLC), 510 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10022 |
C-20
| (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, 1111B S Governors Avenue, Suite 20096, Dover, Delaware 19904 |
| (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, 444 North Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 |
| (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) | AlphaQuest LLC, 126 East 56th Street, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10022 |
| (20) | Intech Investment Management LLC, 250 S. Australian Avenue, Suite 1700, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 |
| (21) | Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc., 5230 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 224, San Diego, CA 92121 |
| (22) | Accuvest Global Advisors Inc., 3575 N. 100 E. Suite 350, Provo, UT 84604 |
| (23) | RCN Wealth Advisors, Inc., 116 Terrapin Ln. Stevensville, MD 21666 |
| (24) | Worth Charting Group LLC, located at 445 Park Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10022 |
| (25) | Hohimer Wealth Management, LLC, One Union Square 600 University Street, Suite 2401, Seattle, WA 98101 |
Item 34. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 35. Undertakings
Not applicable.
C-21
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. 195 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. 195 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 June 25, 2026.
| Tidal Trust III | |
| /s/ Eric W. Falkeis | |
| Eric W. Falkeis President |
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 June 25, 2026.
| Signature | Title | ||
| /s/ Eric W. Falkeis | President, Principal Executive Officer and Trustee | ||
| Eric W. Falkeis | |||
| /s/ Monica H. Byrd* | Trustee | ||
| Monica H. Byrd | |||
| /s/ Pamela Cytron* | Trustee | ||
| Pamela Cytron | |||
| /s/ Lawrence Jules* | Trustee | ||
| Lawrence Jules | |||
| /s/ Ethan Powell* | Trustee | ||
| Ethan Powell | |||
| /s/ Aaron Perkovich | Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer | ||
| Aaron Perkovich | |||
| *By: | /s/ Eric W. Falkeis | ||
| Eric W. Falkeis, Attorney in Fact | |||
| By Power of Attorney | |||
C-22
Exhibit Index
| Exhibit No. | Description |
| (i)(xxxviii) | Consent of Counsel |
| (j) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
| (p)(iv) | Code of Ethics |
| (p)(xvi) | Code of Ethics |
C-23
ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
FREE Breaking News Alerts from StreetInsider.com!
- Wall St ends mixed as tech megacap declines outweigh upbeat chip outlook
- Micron posts record profit as AI memory demand fuels explosive growth
- Brent settles at lowest since before start of Iran war as more tankers exit Hormuz
- IBM surges on unveiling sub-1nm chip technology breakthrough
- 'Long-term deals significant positive for stock:' Analysts react to Micron results
- Two major earthquakes strike Venezuela, killing at least 32 and injuring hundreds
- Needham Starts NeoVolta (NEOV) at Buy
- Hertz cuts guidance, announces notes and stock offerings, shares sink
- Rockstar Games opens GTA VI pre-orders, priced at $79.99
- Rubio meets Gulf leaders, pledges security amid Iran deal doubts
Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!
You May Also Be Interested In
- Thomas Ferguson Irish Linen Releases One of Paul Costelloe’s Final Original Projects
- Dongfeng unveils global expansion strategy at Hong Kong auto expo
- Tractor Supply Gears up for a Star-Spangled Fourth of July With Special Offers, Giveaways and a Full Assortment of Americana Items
Create E-mail Alert Related Categories
SEC FilingsSign up for StreetInsider Free!
Receive full access to all new and archived articles, unlimited portfolio tracking, e-mail alerts, custom newswires and RSS feeds - and more!



Tweet
Share