485APOS 1 brkx_485apos-102424.htm POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT

AS FILED WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 24, 2024

 

1933 Registration File No. 333-221764
1940 Act File No. 811-23312

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-1A

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Pre-Effective Amendment No. __
Post-Effective Amendment No. 70
   
and/or
   
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Amendment No.  73

 

TIDAL TRUST III
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

234 West Florida Street, Suite 203
Milwaukee, WI 53204

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)

 

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code) (855) 843-2434

 

The Corporation Trust Company
1209 Orange Street
Corporation Trust Center
Wilmington, DE 19801

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

Copies to:

Eric W. Falkeis
Tidal ETF Services LLC
234 West Florida Street, Suite 203
Milwaukee, WI  53204
Domenick Pugliese
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
1251 Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10020

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

 

  immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
  60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
  75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485

 

Explanatory Note: This Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the registration statement of Tidal Trust III (the “Trust”) is adding a new series, Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF, to the Trust.

 

 

 

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

 

Dated October 24, 2024

 

THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

 

[insert logo]

 

Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF ([BRKX])

 

listed on [ NYSE ]

 

PROSPECTUS

 

[   ], 2025

 

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.

 

The Fund seeks daily leveraged investment results and is intended to be used as a short-term trading vehicle.

 

The Fund attempts to provide daily investment results that correspond to two times (200%) the share price performance of an underlying stock (an “Underlying Security”).

 

The Fund is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. The Fund is very different from most mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. Investors should note that:

 

(1) The Fund pursues a daily leveraged investment objective, which means that the Fund is riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because the Fund magnifies the performance of its Underlying Security.

 

(2) Seeking to replicate daily leveraged performance of the Underlying Security’s share price means that the return of the Fund for a period longer than a full trading day will be the product of a series of daily returns for each trading day during such period held.

 

As a consequence, especially in periods of market volatility, the volatility of the Underlying Security’s share price may affect the Fund’s return as much as, or more than, the return of the Underlying Security’s shares. The performance of the Fund for periods longer or shorter than a single day will very likely differ in amount, and possibly even direction, from 200% of the daily return of its Underlying Security’s shares for the same period, before accounting for fees and expenses. The Fund may not perform as expected.

 

The Fund is not suitable for all investors. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by sophisticated investors, such as traders and active investors employing dynamic strategies. Investors in the Fund should:

 

(a) understand the risks associated with the use of leverage;

(b) understand the consequences of seeking daily leveraged investment results; and

(c) intend to actively monitor and manage their investments.

 

Investors who do not understand the Fund, or do not intend to actively manage their funds and monitor their investments, should not buy shares of the Fund.

 

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and an investment in the Fund could lose a substantial amount of money over a short period of time. The Fund is not a complete investment program.

 

The Fund’s investment adviser will not attempt to position the Fund’s portfolio to ensure that the Fund does not gain or lose more than a maximum percentage of its net asset value on a given trading day.

 

As a consequence, if the Underlying Security’s share price referenced by the Fund decreases by more than 50% on a given trading day, the Fund’s investors could lose all of their money.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 

Summary Information 1
   
Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF - Fund Summary 1
   
Additional Information About the Fund 11
   
Portfolio Holdings 24
   
Management 24
   
How to Buy and Sell Shares 25
   
Dividends, Distributions, and Taxes 26
   
Distribution 28
   
Premium/Discount Information 29
   
Additional Notices 29
   
Financial Highlights 29

 

 

 

 

KICK BRK 2X LONG DAILY TARGET ETF – FUND SUMMARY

 

Important Information About the Fund

 

The Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF (the “Fund”) seeks daily leveraged investment results of two times (200%) the daily percentage change in the share price of common stock of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK.B) (the “Underlying Security” or “BRK.B”). Because the Fund seeks daily leveraged investment results, it is very different from most other exchange-traded funds. It is also riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage.

 

The return for investors that invest for periods longer or shorter than a trading day should not be expected to be 200% of the performance of the Underlying Security’s shares for the period. The return of the Fund for a period longer than a trading day will be the result of each trading day’s compounded return during such period held, which will very likely differ from 200% of the return of the Underlying Security’s shares for that period. Holding shares of the Fund for longer than a single day and higher volatility of the Underlying Security’s shares increase the impact of compounding on an investor’s returns, which may have a negative or positive impact on an investor’s returns. During periods of higher Underlying Security share price volatility, the volatility of the Underlying Security’s shares may affect the Fund’s return as much as, or more than, the return of the Underlying Security’s shares. The impact of compounding will impact each shareholder differently depending on the period of time an investment in the Fund is held and the volatility of the Underlying Security’s shares during a shareholder’s holding period of an investment in the Fund. See “Principal Investment Risks – Compounding and Market Volatility Risk” below for an example of how volatility of the Underlying Security’s shares may affect the Fund’s return as much as, or more than, the return of the Underlying Security’s shares.

 

The Fund is not suitable for all investors. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking daily leveraged (2X) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. The Fund is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. For periods longer than a single day, the Fund will lose money if the Underlying Security’s performance is flat, and it is possible that the Fund will lose money even if the Underlying Security’s performance increases over a period longer than a single day. An investor could lose the full principal value of his/her investment within a single day.

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks daily investment results, before fees and expenses, of two times (200%) the daily percentage change in the share price of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. – Class B (NYSE: BRK.B”) The Fund does not seek to achieve its stated investment objective for a period other than a single trading day.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

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.

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses(1) (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)        
Management Fee     [  ] %
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees     None  
Other Expenses(2)     0.00 %
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3)     [  ] %

 

(1) The Fund’s investment adviser, Tidal Investments LLC (the “Adviser”), a Tidal Financial Group company, will pay, or require a sub-adviser to pay, all expenses incurred by the Fund (except for advisory fees and sub-advisory fees, as the case may be) excluding 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, distribution fees and expenses paid by the Fund under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and litigation expenses and other non-routine or extraordinary expenses.
(2) Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
(3) The cost of investing in swaps, including the embedded cost of the swap and the operating expenses of the referenced assets, is an indirect expense that is not included in the above fee table and is not reflected in the expense example.

 

1 

 

 

Expense Example

 

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
$[  ] $[  ]

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

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 Example, affect the Fund’s performance. Because the Fund is newly organized, portfolio turnover information is not yet available.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund (“ETF”) that attempts to achieve two times (200%) the daily percentage change in the share price of the Underlying Security by entering into swap agreements on the Underlying Security. The Fund aims to achieve this daily percentage change for a single day, and not for any other period. A “single day” means the period “from the close of regular trading on one trading day to the close on the next trading day.”

 

The Fund will enter into one or more swap agreements with financial institutions for a specified period, which may range from one day to longer than a year. Through each swap agreement, the Fund and the financial institution will agree to exchange the return (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on the Underlying Security’s share price. The gross return (meaning the return before deducting any fees or expenses) to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties is calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” (meaning the face amount of the instrument) e.g., the return on or change in value of a particular dollar amount representing the Underlying Security. In the event the Fund is unable to achieve sufficient swap exposure or encounters other limitations, the Fund may not always achieve investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond to two times (2X) the daily performance of the Underlying Security, and may return substantially less during such periods.

 

At the end of each day, the Fund’s swaps are valued using market valuations and the Fund’s investment adviser rebalances the Fund’s holdings in an attempt to maintain leveraged exposure for the Fund equal to approximately 200% of the Underlying Security’s share price.

 

For examples of a hypothetical investment in the Fund, see “Additional Information About the Fund – Principal Investment Strategies” below.

 

Fund performance for periods greater than one single day is primarily (but not solely) a function of the following factors: a) the Underlying Security volatility; b) the Underlying Security’s performance; c) period of time; d) financing rates associated with leveraged exposure; and e) other Fund expenses.

 

The Fund will hold assets to serve as collateral for the Fund’s swap agreements. For those collateral holdings, the Fund may invest in (1) U.S. Government securities, such as bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury; (2) money market funds; (3) short term bond ETFs; and/or (4) corporate debt securities, such as commercial paper and other short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by businesses that are rated investment grade or of comparable quality.

 

To complement the Fund’s primary strategy of using swap agreements to achieve leveraged exposure, the Fund may employ listed options contracts as an additional tool to generate leverage on an as-needed basis. By incorporating listed options, such as call options, the Fund can gain leveraged exposure to the Underlying Security without relying solely on swaps. This flexibility allows the Fund to adjust its leverage strategy in response to market conditions, liquidity constraints, or other factors that may impact the availability or pricing of swap agreements. The use of options may help the Fund meet its daily investment objective more effectively under varying market conditions.

 

The Fund has adopted a policy to have at least 80% exposure to financial instruments with economic characteristics that should perform 2X the daily performance of the Underlying Security’s shares. The Fund is expected to allocate between 40% and 60% of its assets as collateral for swap agreements or as premiums for purchased options contracts.

 

The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act.

 

Because of daily rebalancing and the compounding of each day’s return over time, the return of the Fund for periods longer than a single day will be the result of each day’s returns compounded over the period, which will very likely differ from 200% of the return of the Underlying Security’s shares over the same period. The Fund will lose money if the Underlying Security’s performance is flat over time, and because of daily rebalancing, the Underlying Security’s shares’ volatility and the effects of compounding, the Fund may lose money over time while the Underlying Security’s performance increases over a period longer than a single day. As a consequence, investors should not plan to hold shares of the Fund unmonitored for periods longer than a single trading day.

 

2 

 

 

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

 

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in numerous diverse business activities. The most important of these are insurance businesses conducted on both a primary basis and a reinsurance basis, a freight rail transportation business and a group of utility and energy generation and distribution businesses. Berkshire also owns and operates numerous other businesses engaged in a variety of manufacturing, services, retailing and other activities. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. as of [ ] was approximately $[ ] billion.

 

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Information provided to or filed with the SEC by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. pursuant to the Exchange Act can be located by reference to the SEC file number 001-14905 through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, information regarding Berkshire Hathaway Inc. may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents.

 

This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to BRK.B or other securities of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding Berkshire Hathaway Inc. from the publicly available documents. None of the Fund, Tidal Trust III (the “Trust”), the Adviser, or their respective affiliates has participated in the preparation of such publicly available offering documents or made any due diligence inquiry regarding such documents with respect to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (and therefore the price of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning Berkshire Hathaway Inc. could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.

 

None of the Fund, the Trust, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of BRK.B.

 

THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC.

 

Due to the Fund’s investment strategy, the Fund’s investment exposure is concentrated in (or substantially exposed to) the same industries as that assigned to BRK.B. As of the date of the Prospectus, BRK.B is assigned to the insurance, freight rail transportation, and utility industries.

 

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 investment 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 Fund—Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund.”

 

An investment in the Fund entails risk. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective and there is a risk that you could lose all of your money invested in the Fund. The Fund is not a complete investment program. In addition, the Fund presents risks not traditionally associated with other ETFs. It is important that investors closely review all of the risks listed below and understand them before making an investment in the Fund.

 

Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.

 

BRK.B Risk. The Fund invests in swaps and options contracts that are based on the value of BRK.B. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of BRK.B, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s investments in options contracts that are based on the value of BRK.B, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:

 

Indirect Investment in BRK.B Risk. Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of the company but will be exposed to the performance of BRK.B (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.

 

3 

 

 

BRK.B Trading Risk. The trading price of BRK.B may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of BRK.B may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the common stock of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. may additionally impact BRK.B’s stock price due to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against Berkshire Hathaway Inc. in the past. While Berkshire Hathaway Inc. continues to defend such actions, any judgment against Berkshire Hathaway Inc., or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s attention and resources. If BRK.B trading is halted, trading in Shares of the Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.

 

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Performance Risk. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of BRK.B to decline. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance Berkshire Hathaway Inc. provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product manufacturing ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. could decline significantly.

 

Diversified Financial Services Industry Risk. The diversified financial services industry is comprised of financial services companies which have no dominant business line, but instead provide, or else hold interests in, a range of services which cross multiple financial industries. As such, investments in this industry may be subject to the same risks posed by investments in the preceding three industries, including adverse changes to interest rates, general economic conditions, market competition, and applicable regulations.

 

Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security, may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole. Additionally, the Fund will seek to employ its investment strategy as it relates to the underlying issuer regardless of whether there are significant corporate actions such as restructurings, enforcement activity, or acquisitions or periods adverse market, economic, or other conditions and will not seek to take temporary defensive positions during such periods.

 

Compounding and Market Volatility Risk. The Fund has a daily leveraged investment objective and the Fund’s performance for periods greater than a trading day will be the result of each day’s returns compounded over the period, which is very likely to differ from two times (200%) the Underlying Security’s performance, before the Fund’s management fee and other expenses. Compounding affects all investments but has a more significant impact on funds that aim to replicate leveraged daily returns and that rebalance daily. For the Fund aiming to replicate two times the daily performance of the Underlying Security, if adverse daily performance of the Underlying Security reduces the amount of a shareholder’s investment, any further adverse daily performance will lead to a smaller dollar loss because the shareholder’s investment had already been reduced by the prior adverse performance. Equally, however, if favorable daily performance of the Underlying Security increases the amount of a shareholder’s investment, the dollar amount lost due to future adverse performance will increase because the shareholder’s investment has increased.

 

The effect of compounding becomes more pronounced as the Underlying Security’s volatility and the holding period increase. The impact of compounding will impact each shareholder differently depending on the period of time an investment in the Fund is held and the volatility of the Underlying Security during a shareholder’s holding period of an investment in the Fund.

 

The chart below provides examples of how the Underlying Security’s volatility could affect the Fund’s performance. The chart illustrates the impact of two factors that affect the Fund’s performance – the Underlying Security’s volatility and the Underlying Security’s performance. The Underlying Security’s performance shows the percentage change in the share price of the Underlying Security over the specified time period, while the Underlying Security’s volatility is a statistical measure of the magnitude of fluctuations in the returns during that time period. As illustrated below, even if the Underlying Security’s performance over two equal time periods is identical, different Underlying Security volatility (i.e., in magnitude of fluctuations in the share price of the Underlying Security) during the two time periods could result in drastically different Fund performance for the two time periods because of compounding daily returns during the time periods.

 

4 

 

 

Fund performance for periods greater than one single day can be estimated given any set of assumptions for the following factors: a) the Underlying Security volatility; b) the Underlying Security performance; c) period of time; d) financing rates associated with leveraged exposure; and e) other Fund expenses. The chart shows estimated Fund returns for a number of combinations of Underlying Security volatility and Underlying Security performance over a one-year period. Performance shown in the chart assumes that: (i) there were no Fund expenses; (ii) borrowing/lending rates (to obtain leveraged exposure) of 0%. If Fund expenses and/or actual borrowing/lending rates were reflected the estimated returns would be different than those shown. Particularly during periods of higher Underlying Security volatility, compounding will cause results for periods longer than a trading day to vary from two times (200%) the performance of the Underlying Security.

 

As shown in the chart below, the Fund would be expected to lose 4% if there was no change in the share price of the Underlying Security over a one-year period during which the Underlying Security experienced annualized volatility of 25%. If the Underlying Security’s annualized volatility were to rise to 75%, the hypothetical loss for a one-year period would widen to approximately -30.9%. At higher ranges of volatility, there is a chance of a significant loss of value in the Fund, even if there were no change in the share price of the Underlying Security. For instance, if the Underlying Security’s annualized volatility is 100%, the Fund would be expected to lose 48.1% of its value, even if the cumulative Underlying Security change in the share price of the Underlying Security for the year was 0%.

 

Areas shaded red (or dark gray) represent those scenarios where the Fund can be expected to return less than two times (200%) the performance of the Underlying Security and those shaded green (or light gray) represent those scenarios where the Fund can be expected to return more than two times (200%) the performance of the Underlying Security. The Fund’s actual performance may be significantly better or worse than the performance shown below as a result of any of the factors discussed above or in the “Daily Correlation/Tracking Risk” below.

 

Estimated Returns of 200% or Two Times
Performance of the Underlying Security
       
             
Underlying Security Performance One Year Volatility Rate
One Year
Underlying
Security
  2X Times
(200%) the
One Year
Performance
10% 25% 50% 75% 100%
-60%   -120% -84.2% -85.0% -87.5% -90.9% -94.1%
-50%   -100% -75.2% -76.5% -80.5% -85.8% -90.8%
-40%   -80% -64.4% -66.2% -72.0% -79.5% -86.8%
-30%   -60% -51.5% -54.0% -61.8% -72.1% -82.0%
-20%   -40% -36.6% -39.9% -50.2% -63.5% -76.5%
-10%   -20% -19.8% -23.9% -36.9% -53.8% -70.2%
0%   0% -1.0% -6.1% -22.1% -43.0% -63.2%
10%   20% 19.8% 13.7% -5.8% -31.1% -55.5%
20%   40% 42.6% 35.3% 12.1% -18.0% -47.0%
30%   60% 67.3% 58.8% 31.6% -3.7% -37.8%
40%   80% 94.0% 84.1% 52.6% 11.7% -27.9%
50%   100% 122.8% 111.4% 75.2% 28.2% -17.2%
60%   120% 153.5% 140.5% 99.4% 45.9% -5.8%
               

The Underlying Security’s annualized historical volatility rate for the five-year period ended [ , 2024] was [ %]. The Underlying Security’s highest volatility rate for any one calendar year during this period was [ %] and volatility for a shorter period of time may have been substantially higher. The Underlying Security’s annualized performance during this period was [ %]. Historical Underlying Security volatility and performance are not indications of what Underlying Security volatility and performance will be in the future.

 

Daily Correlation/Tracking Risk. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of leveraged correlation to the Underlying Security and therefore achieve its daily leveraged investment objective. To achieve a high degree of leveraged correlation with the Underlying Security, the Fund seeks to rebalance its portfolio daily to keep exposure consistent with its daily leveraged investment objective. The possibility of the Fund being materially over- or under-exposed to the Underlying Security increases on days when the Underlying Security is volatile near the close of the trading day. Market disruptions, regulatory restrictions and extreme volatility will also adversely affect the Fund’s ability to adjust exposure to the required levels. If there is a significant intra-day market event and/or the Underlying Security experiences a significant increase or decline, the Fund may not meet its investment objective, be able to rebalance its portfolio appropriately, or may experience significant premiums or discounts, or widened bid-ask spreads.

 

5 

 

 

The Fund may have difficulty achieving its daily leveraged investment objective due to fees, expenses, transaction costs, financing costs related to the use of derivatives, investments in ETFs, directly or indirectly, income items, valuation methodology, accounting standards and disruptions or illiquidity in the markets for the securities or derivatives held by the Fund. The Fund may be subject to large movements of assets into and out of the Fund, potentially resulting in the Fund being over- or under-exposed to the Underlying Security. The Fund may take or refrain from taking positions to improve the tax efficiency or to comply with various regulatory restrictions, either of which may negatively impact the Fund’s leveraged correlation to the Underlying Security.

 

Leverage Risk. The Fund obtains investment exposure in excess of its net assets by utilizing leverage and may lose more money in market conditions that are adverse to its investment objective than a fund that does not utilize leverage. An investment in the Fund is exposed to the risk that a decline in the daily performance of the Underlying Security will be magnified. This means that an investment in the Fund will be reduced by an amount equal to 2% for every 1% daily decline in the share price of the Underlying Security, not including the costs of financing leverage and other operating expenses, which would further reduce its value. The Fund could theoretically lose an amount greater than its net assets in the event the share price of the Underlying Security declines more than 50%. Leverage will also have the effect of magnifying any differences in the Fund performance’s correlation with the Underlying Security’s share price.

 

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 share price of the Underlying Security 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:

 

Swap Agreements. The use of swap transactions is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Whether the Fund will be successful in using swap agreements to achieve its investment goal depends on the ability of the Adviser to structure such swap agreements in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and to identify counterparties for those swap agreements. If the Adviser is unable to enter into swap agreements that provide leveraged exposure to the Underlying Security, the Fund may not meet its stated investment objective. Additionally, any financing, borrowing or other costs associated with using swap transactions may also have the effect of lowering the Fund’s return.

 

The swap agreements in which the Fund invests are generally traded in the over-the-counter market, which generally has less transparency than exchange-traded derivatives instruments. In a standard swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the return (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined reference assets or underlying securities or instruments. The gross return to be exchanged or swapped between the parties is calculated based on a notional amount or the return on or change in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a basket of securities.

 

If the Underlying Security has a dramatic move that causes a material decline in the Fund’s net assets, the terms of a swap agreement between the Fund and its counterparty may permit the counterparty to immediately close out the swap transaction with the Fund. In that event, the Fund may be unable to enter into another swap agreement or invest in other derivatives to achieve exposure consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. This may prevent the Fund from achieving its leveraged investment objective, even if the Underlying Security later reverses all or a portion of its movement.

 

Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events. The value of the options contracts in which the Fund invests are substantially influenced by the value of the Underlying Security. The Fund may experience substantial downside from specific option positions and certain option positions held by the Fund may expire worthless. The options held by the Fund are exercisable at the strike price on their expiration date. As an option approaches its expiration date, its value typically increasingly moves with the value of the underlying instrument. However, prior to such date, the value of an option generally does not increase or decrease at the same rate as the underlying instrument. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in values options contracts and the underlying instrument, and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain options contracts. The value of the options held by the Fund will be determined based on market quotations or other recognized pricing methods. Additionally, as the Fund intends to continuously maintain indirect exposure to the Underlying Security through the use of options contracts, as the options contracts it holds are exercised or expire it will enter into new options contracts, a practice referred to as “rolling.” If the expiring options contracts do not generate proceeds enough to cover the cost of entering into new options contracts, the Fund may experience losses. The use of options to generate leverage introduces additional risks, including significant potential losses if the market moves unfavorably. The leverage inherent in options can amplify both gains and losses, leading to increased volatility and potential for substantial losses, particularly in periods of market uncertainty or low liquidity. Additionally, the Fund may incur losses if the value of the Underlying Security moves against its positions, potentially resulting in a complete loss of the premium paid.

 

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Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in derivatives which exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund and the Fund may be unable to recover its investment from such counterparty or may obtain a limited and/or delayed recovery.

 

In addition, the Fund may enter into swap agreements with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk. Further, there is a risk that no suitable counterparties will be willing to enter into, or continue to enter into, transactions with the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.

 

Intra-Day Investment Risk. The Fund seeks investment results from the close of the market on a given trading day until the close of the market on the subsequent trading day. The exact exposure of an investment in the Fund intraday in the secondary market is a function of the difference between the share price of the Underlying Security at the market close on the first trading day and the share price of the Underlying Security at the time of purchase. If the share price of the Underlying Security rises, the Fund’s net assets will rise by approximately twice the amount as the Fund’s exposure. Conversely, if the share price of the Underlying Security declines, the Fund’s net assets will decline by approximately two times the amount as the Fund’s exposure. Thus, an investor that purchases Shares intra-day may experience performance that is greater than, or less than, the Fund’s stated leveraged performance of the Underlying Security.

 

If there is a significant intra-day market event and/or the securities of the Underlying Security experience a significant increase or decrease, the Fund may not meet its investment objective or rebalance its portfolio appropriately.

 

Fixed Income Securities Risk. When the Fund invests in fixed income securities, the value of your investment in the Fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities owned by the Fund. In general, the market price of fixed income securities with longer maturities will increase or decrease more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. Other risk factors include credit risk (the debtor may default), extension risk (an issuer may exercise its right to repay principal on a fixed rate obligation held by the Fund later than expected), and prepayment risk (the debtor may pay its obligation early, reducing the amount of interest payments). These risks could affect the value of a particular investment by the Fund, possibly causing the Fund’s Share price and total return to be reduced and fluctuate more than other types of investments.

 

Rebalancing Risk. If for any reason the Fund is unable to rebalance all or a portion of its portfolio, or if all or a portion of the portfolio is rebalanced incorrectly, the Fund’s investment exposure may not be consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. In these instances, the Fund may have investment exposure to the Underlying Security that is significantly greater or less than its stated investment objective. As a result, the Fund may be exposed to leverage risk because it had not been properly rebalanced and may not achieve its investment objective.

 

ETF Risks.

 

Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.

 

Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund’s investment strategy may require it to redeem Shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, the Fund may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the Fund (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the Fund may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used. By paying out higher annual capital gain distributions, investors may be subjected to increased capital gains taxes. The costs associated with cash redemptions may include brokerage costs that the Fund may not have incurred if it had made the redemptions in-kind. These costs could be imposed on the Fund, decreasing its NAV, to the extent these costs are not offset by a transaction fee payable by an authorized participant.

 

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Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid-ask spreads, frequent trading of Shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in Shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.

 

Shares May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market price of Shares will approximate the Fund’s NAV, there may be times when the market price of Shares is more than the NAV intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount) due to supply and demand of Shares or during periods of market volatility. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility, periods of steep market declines, and periods when there is limited trading activity for Shares in the secondary market, in which case such premiums or discounts may be significant.

 

Trading. Although Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as [ ] (the “Exchange”), and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares. This adverse effect on liquidity for the Fund’s shares may lead to wider bid-ask spreads and differences between the market price of the Fund’s shares and the underlying value of the shares.

 

Liquidity Risk. In certain circumstances, such as the disruption of the orderly markets for the financial instruments in which the Fund invests, the Fund might not be able to acquire or dispose of certain holdings quickly or at prices that represent true market value in the judgment of the Adviser. Markets for the financial instruments in which the Fund invests may be disrupted by a number of events, including but not limited to economic crises, health crises, natural disasters, excessive volatility, new legislation, or regulatory changes inside or outside of the U.S. These situations may have an impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s own shares.”

 

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Daily rebalancing of the Fund’s holdings pursuant to its daily investment objective causes a much greater number of portfolio transactions when compared to most ETFs. Additionally, active market trading of the Fund’s Shares on exchanges (such as the Exchange), could cause more frequent creation and redemption activities, which could increase the number of portfolio transactions. Frequent and active trading may lead to higher transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. In addition, there is the possibility of significantly increased short-term capital gains (which will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them). The Fund calculates portfolio turnover without including the short-term cash instruments or derivative transactions that comprise the majority of the Fund’s trading. As such, if the Fund’s extensive use of derivative instruments were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate would be significantly higher.

 

Tracking Error Risk. Tracking error is the divergence of the Fund’s performance from that of its investment objective which aims to replicate two times the daily percentage change in the price of the Underlying Security. Tracking error may occur for a number of reasons. Tracking error may occur because of transaction costs, the Fund’s holding of cash, differences in accrual of dividends, being under- or overexposed to the Underlying Security or the need to meet new or existing regulatory requirements. Tracking error risk may be heightened during times of market volatility or other unusual market conditions such as market disruptions. The Fund may be required to deviate from its investment objectives, and therefore experience tracking error, as a result of market restrictions or other legal reasons, including regulatory limits or other restrictions on securities that may be purchased by the Adviser and its affiliates.

 

Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, epidemics/pandemics, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the United States. Illiquid securities may be difficult to value, especially in changing or volatile markets. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid security at an unfavorable time or price, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain market conditions or restrictions may prevent the Fund from limiting losses, realizing gains or achieving a high correlation with the Underlying Security. There is no assurance that a security that is deemed liquid when purchased will continue to be liquid. Market illiquidity may cause losses for the Fund.

 

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 (or expectations of inflation), deflation (or expectations of deflation), changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, general market liquidity, regulatory event, other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics.. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. These conflicts have contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.

 

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Money Market Instrument Risk. The Fund may use a variety of money market instruments for cash management purposes, including money market funds, depositary accounts and repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are contracts in which a seller of securities agrees to buy the securities back at a specified time and price. Repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk related to the collateral securing the repurchase agreement. Money market instruments may lose money.

 

New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors have no track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.

 

Trading Halt Risk. Although the Underlying Security’s shares are listed for trading on an exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will be available at all times and the Exchange may halt trading of such shares in certain circumstances. A halt in trading in the Underlying Security’s shares is expected, in turn, to result in a halt in the trading in the Fund’s Shares. Trading in the Underlying Security’s and/or Fund’s Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in the Underlying Security’s and/or Fund’s Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Underlying Security’s and/or Fund’s Shares on an exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to exchange “circuit breaker” rules.” In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute arrangements with swap counterparties that are necessary to implement the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

Operational Risk. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund’s investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

 

U.S. Government and U.S. Agency Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the U.S. Treasury. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises) where it is not obligated to do so.

 

Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment generally available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain diversification and other requirements. In particular, the Fund generally may not acquire a security if, as a result of the acquisition, more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets would be invested in (a) issuers in which the Fund has, in each case, invested more than 5% of the Fund’s assets and (b) issuers more than 10% of whose outstanding voting securities are owned by the Fund. The application of these requirements to certain investments (including swaps) that may be entered into by the Fund is unclear. In addition, the application of these requirements to the Fund’s investment objective is not clear, particularly because the Fund’s investment objective focuses on the performance of the stock of a single issuer. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, and distributions to its shareholders would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income.

 

Performance

 

Performance information for the Fund is not included because the Fund has not completed a full calendar year of operations as of the date of this Prospectus. When such information is included, this section will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance history from year to year and showing how the Fund’s average annual total returns compare with those of the Underlying Security and a broad measure of market performance. Although past performance of the Fund is no guarantee of how it will perform in the future, historical performance may give you some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. Updated performance information will be available on the Fund’s website at www.kick.etf.

 

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Management

 

Investment Adviser: Tidal Investments LLC serves as investment adviser to the Fund.

 

Portfolio Managers:

 

The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.

 

Qiao Duan, CFA, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception in 2025.

 

Christopher P. Mullen, Portfolio Manager for the 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 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.kick.etf.

 

Tax Information

 

Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, qualified dividend income, or capital gains (or a combination), unless an investment is in an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or other tax-advantaged account. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.

 

Financial Intermediary Compensation

 

If you purchase Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an “Intermediary”), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training, or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediary’s website for more information.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek daily investment results, before fees and expenses, of two times (200%) the daily percentage change in the share price of its Underlying Security.

 

An investment objective is fundamental if it cannot be changed without the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares. The Fund’s investment objective has not been adopted as a fundamental investment policy and therefore the Fund’s investment objective may be changed without the consent of that Fund’s shareholders upon approval by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Tidal Trust III (the “Trust”) and at least 60 days’ written notice to shareholders.

 

The Fund has adopted a policy to have at least 80% exposure to financial instruments with economic characteristics that should perform 2X the daily performance of its Underlying Security’s shares. The Fund’s 80% policy is non-fundamental and can be changed without shareholder approval. However, Fund shareholders would be given at least 60 days’ notice prior to any such change. To the extent swaps are used to meet the Fund’s 80% policy, the notional value of the swaps will be used when determining the Fund’s compliance.

 

The Fund seeks to provide a return of up to two times the daily performance of the share price its Underlying Security.

 

The Fund does not attempt to, and the Fund should not be expected to, achieve this daily percentage change for periods other than a single day. The Fund rebalances its implied exposure on a daily basis, increasing exposure to the Underlying Security in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in the Underlying Security in response to that day’s losses.

 

The exposure to the Underlying Security received by an investor who purchases the Fund intra-day will differ from the Fund’s stated daily investment objective by an amount determined by the movement of such Underlying Security from its share price at the end of the prior day. If the Underlying Security’s share price moves in a direction favorable to the Fund between the close of the market on one trading day through the time on the next trading day when the investor purchases Fund Shares, the investor will receive less exposure to the Underlying Security than the Fund’s stated daily investment objective. Conversely, if the Underlying Security’s share price moves in a direction adverse to the Fund, the investor will receive more exposure to the Underlying Security than the Fund’s stated daily investment objective.

 

As used in this Prospectus, the terms “daily,” “day,” and “trading day,” mean the period from the regular close of the markets on one trading day to the regular close of the markets on the next trading day.

 

The Fund is designed as a short-term trading vehicle. The Fund is intended to be used by investors who intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios.

 

Shares of the Fund upon commencement of operations will be listed and traded on the Exchange, where the market prices for the Shares may be different from the intra-day value of the Shares disseminated by the Exchange and from their NAV. Unlike conventional mutual funds, Shares are not individually redeemable directly with the Fund. Rather, the Fund issues and redeems Shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in large blocks of Shares called “Creation Units.” Creation Units of the Fund are issued and redeemed for cash. As a result, retail investors generally will not be able to purchase or redeem Shares directly from, or with, the Fund. Most retail investors will purchase or sell Shares in the secondary market through a broker.

 

The Fund is not suitable for all investors. In particular, the Fund is not suitable for investors with longer-term investment objectives. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by sophisticated investors, such as traders and active investors employing dynamic strategies. Such investors are expected to monitor and manage their portfolios frequently. Investors in the Fund should: (a) understand the consequences of seeking daily leveraged investment results and (b) understand the risks associated with the use of leverage. Investors who do not understand the Fund or do not intend to actively manage their funds and monitor their investments should not buy the Fund.

 

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and an investment in any Fund could lose a substantial amount of money over a short period of time. No single fund is a complete investment program.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

In order to achieve the Fund’s investment objective, the Adviser invests in a manner that is designed to correspond to two times (200%) the daily performance of the share price of the Fund’s Underlying Security.

 

The Fund attempts to achieve its investment objective by investing a substantial amount of its assets in financial instruments that provide exposure to its Underlying Security, such as swap agreements. At the end of each trading day, it is expected that for the 2X leveraged exposure the Fund seeks, the swap notional exposure against the Underlying Security will be approximately equal to two times the Fund’s NAV.

 

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To achieve a swap notional exposure equal two times the Fund’s NAV at the end of each trading day, the Adviser will adjust the swap notional exposure daily by sending orders to the swap provider(s) for execution at close. Such transactions will result in trading fees to be paid by the Fund.

 

The Fund will enter into swap agreements with major financial institutions for a specified period ranging from one day to more than one year whereby the Fund and the global financial institution will agree to exchange the return earned or realized on the underlying security. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” e.g., the return on or change in value of a particular dollar amount representing the underlying security. Each trading day, the Adviser adjusts the Fund’s exposure to its underlying security consistent with the Fund’s daily leveraged investment objective. The impact of market movements during the day determines whether the portfolio needs to be repositioned. If the share price of the underlying security has risen on a given day, the value of the Fund’s net assets should rise, meaning its exposure will typically need to be increased. Conversely, if the share price of the underlying security has fallen on a given day, the value of the Fund’s net assets should fall, meaning its exposure will typically need to be reduced.

 

The time and manner in which the Fund rebalances its portfolio may vary from day to day at the sole discretion of the Adviser depending upon market conditions and other circumstances. Generally, at or near the close of the market at each trading day, the Fund will position its portfolio to seek to ensure that the Fund’s exposure to its underlying security is consistent with its stated investment objective. The Fund reviews its notional exposure under each of its swap agreements, which reflects the extent of the Fund’s total investment exposure under the swap, to seek to ensure that the Fund’s exposure is in-line with its stated investment objective. The gross returns to be exchanged are calculated with respect to the notional amount and the underlying security share price returns to which the swap is linked. Swaps are typically closed out on a net basis. Thus, while the notional amount reflects the Fund’s total investment exposure under the swap, the net amount is the Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under the swap. That is the amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement. If for any reason the Fund is unable to rebalance all or a portion of its portfolio, or if all or a portion of the portfolio is rebalanced incorrectly, the Fund’s investment exposure may not be consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. As a result, the Fund may be more or less exposed to leverage risk than if it had been properly rebalanced and may not achieve its investment objective. To the extent that the Fund needs to “roll” its swap positions (i.e., enter into new swap positions with a later expiration date as the current positions approach expiration), it could be subjected to increased costs, which could negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Additionally, to complement the Fund’s primary strategy of using swap agreements to achieve leveraged exposure, the Fund may employ listed options contracts as an additional tool to generate leverage on an as-needed basis. By incorporating listed options, such as call options, the Fund can gain leveraged exposure to the Underlying Security without relying solely on swaps. This flexibility allows the Fund to adjust its leverage strategy in response to market conditions, liquidity constraints, or other factors that may impact the availability or pricing of swap agreements. The use of options may help the Fund meet its daily investment objective more effectively under varying market conditions.

 

The Fund will hold assets to serve as collateral for the Fund’s swap agreements. For those collateral holdings, the Fund may invest in (1) U.S. Government securities, such as bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury; (2) money market funds; (3) short term bond exchange-traded fund (ETFs); and/or (4) corporate debt securities, such as commercial paper and other short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by businesses that are rated investment grade or of comparable quality.

 

The Effects of Fees and Expenses on the Return of the Fund for a Single Trading Day

 

To create the necessary exposure, the Fund will enter into one or more swap agreements with financial institutions. The Fund will incur borrowing costs associated with the use of swaps. For instance, if the Underlying Security returns 1% on a given day, the gross expected return of applicable 2X Fund would be 2%, but the net expected return, which factors in the cost of financing the portfolio and the impact of operating expenses, would be lower.

 

The Fund may have difficulty in achieving its daily leveraged investment objective due to fees, expenses, transaction costs, income items, accounting standards, significant purchase and redemption activity by Fund shareholders and/or disruptions or a temporary lack of liquidity in the markets for the securities held by the Fund.

 

The Fund will be subject to regulatory constraints relating to level of value at risk that the Fund may incur through its derivative portfolio.

 

An exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur substantial trading losses.

 

If the Fund is unable to obtain sufficient exposure to its Underlying Security due to the limited availability of necessary investments or financial instruments, the Fund could, among other things, fail to meet its daily investment objective or experience increased transaction fees. Under such circumstances, the Fund could trade at significant bid-ask spreads, premiums or discounts to its NAV and could experience substantial redemptions.

 

12 

 

 

A Cautionary Note to Investor’s Regarding Dramatic Underlying Security Movement. The Adviser will not attempt to position the Fund’s portfolio to ensure that the Fund does not gain or lose more than maximum percentage of its NAV on a given day. The Fund could lose an amount greater than its net assets in the event of a movement of the Underlying Security’s share price in excess of 50% in a direction adverse to the Fund (meaning a loss in the value of the Underlying Security). As a result, the risk of total loss exists.

 

If the Underlying Security’s share price has a dramatic loss that causes a material decline in the Fund’s net assets, the terms of the Fund’s swap agreements may permit the counterparty to immediately close out the swap transaction. In that event, the Fund may be unable to enter into another swap agreement or invest in other derivatives to achieve exposure consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. This may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective, even if the Underlying Security later reverses all or a portion the move, and result in significant losses.

 

Examples

 

Examples of the Impact of Daily Compounding. Because the Fund’s exposure to the Underlying Security’s share price is repositioned on a daily basis, for a holding period longer than one day, the pursuit of the daily investment objective will result in daily compounding for the Fund. This means that the return of the Underlying Security’s share price over a period of time greater than one day multiplied by the Fund’s daily investment objective (e.g., 200% of such return) generally will not equal the Fund’s performance over that same period. As a consequence, investors should not plan to hold shares of the Fund unmonitored for periods longer than a single trading day. This deviation increases with higher volatility in the Underlying Security’s share price and longer holding periods. Further, the return for investors that invest for periods less than a full trading day or for a period different than a trading day will not be the product of the return of the Fund’s stated daily leveraged investment objective and the performance of the Underlying Security’s share price for the full trading day. The actual exposure will largely be a function of the performance of the Underlying Security’s share price from the end of the prior trading day. The examples assume a full daily leveraged amount of exactly 2X to the Underlying Security’s share price.

 

Consider the following examples (each of which assumes the investor purchases and sells shares at NAV):

 

Example A

 

Amy is considering investments in two Funds, Funds A and B. Fund A is an ETF which seeks (before fees and expenses) to match the performance of the hypothetical underlying security’s share price. Fund B is a leveraged ETF and seeks daily leveraged investment results (before fees and expenses) that correspond to 200% of the daily performance of the hypothetical underlying security’s share price.

 

On Day 1, the hypothetical underlying security’s share price increases in value from $100 to $105, a gain of 5%. On Day 2, the hypothetical underlying security’s share price declines from $105 back to $100, a loss of 4.76%. In the aggregate, the share price of the hypothetical underlying security has not moved.

 

An investment in Fund A would be expected to gain 5% on Day 1 and lose 4.76% on Day 2, returning the investment its original value. The following example assumes a $100 investment in Fund A when the hypothetical underlying security’s share price is $100:

 

Day Underlying Security Share Price Underlying Security
Performance
Value of Fund A Investment
      $100.00
1 $105.00 5.00% $105.00
2 $100.00 -4.76% $100.00

 

The same $100 investment in Fund B would be expected to gain 10% on Day 1 (200% of 5%) but decline 9.52% on Day 2.

 

Day Underlying Security Performance 200% of Underlying Security
Performance
Value of Fund B Investment
      $100.00
1 5.00% 10.0% $110.00
2 -4.76% -9.52% $99.52

 

Although the percentage decline in Fund B is smaller on Day 2 than the percentage gain on Day 1, the loss is applied to a higher principal amount, so the investment in Fund B experiences a loss even when the share price of the underlying security for the two-day period has not declined (these calculations do not include the charges for fund fees and expenses).

 

As you can see, an investment in Fund B has additional risks due to the effects of leverage and compounding.

 

An investor who purchases shares of the Fund intra-day will generally receive more, or less, than the applicable exposure to the underlying security’s share price from that point until the end of the trading day. The actual exposure will be largely a function of the performance of the underlying security from the end of the prior trading day. If the Fund’s shares are held for a period longer than a single trading day, the Fund’s performance is likely to deviate from the multiple return of the underlying security’s performance for the longer period. This deviation will increase with higher underlying security volatility and longer holding periods.

 

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Examples of the Impact of Volatility of the Underlying Security. The Fund rebalances its portfolio on a daily basis, increasing exposure in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that day’s losses. Daily rebalancing will typically cause the Fund to lose money if the Underlying Security’s shares experience volatility. A volatility rate is a statistical measure of the magnitude of fluctuations in the underlying security’s share price returns over a defined period. For periods longer than a trading day, volatility in the performance of the Underlying Security shares from day to day is the primary cause of any disparity between the Fund’s actual returns and the returns of the share of the Underlying Security for such period. Volatility causes such disparity because it exacerbates the effects of compounding on the Fund’s returns. In addition, the effects of volatility are magnified in the Fund due to leverage. Consider the following three examples that demonstrate the effect of volatility on a hypothetical fund (each of which assumes the investor purchases and sells shares at NAV):

 

Example 1 – Underlying Security Experiences Low Volatility

 

Amy invests $10.00 in a Hypothetical 2X Fund at the close of trading on Day 1. During Day 2, the hypothetical underlying security’s share price rises from 100 to 102, a 2% gain. Amy’s investment rises 4% to $10.40. Amy holds her investment through the close of trading on Day 3, during which the hypothetical underlying security’s share price rises from 102 to 104, a gain of 1.96%. Amy’s investment rises to $10.81, a gain during Day 3 of 3.92%. For the two-day period since Amy invested in the Hypothetical 2X Fund, the hypothetical underlying security gained 4% although Amy’s investment increased by 8.1%. Because the hypothetical underlying security’s shares continued to trend upwards with low volatility, Amy’s return closely correlates to the 200% return of the return of the hypothetical underlying security’s shares for the period.

 

Example 2 – Underlying Security Experiences High Volatility

 

Now Amy invests $10.00 in a Hypothetical 2X Fund after the close of trading on Day 1. During Day 2, the hypothetical underlying security’s share price rises from 100 to 102, a 2% gain, and Amy’s investment rises 4% to $10.40. Amy continues to hold her investment through the end of Day 3, during which the hypothetical underlying security’s shares decline from 102 to 98, a loss of 3.92%. Amy’s investment declines by 7.84%, from $10.40 to $9.58. For the two-day period since Amy invested in the Hypothetical 2X Fund, the hypothetical underlying security lost 2% while Amy’s investment decreased from $10 to $9.58, a 4.2% loss. The volatility of the hypothetical underlying security’s shares affected the correlation between the hypothetical underlying security’s return for the two-day period and Amy’s return. In this situation, Amy lost more than two times the return of the hypothetical underlying security.

 

Example 3 – Intra-day Investment with Volatility

 

Examples 1 and 2 assumed that Amy purchased the Hypothetical 2X Fund at the close of trading on Day 1 and sold her investment at the close of trading on a subsequent day. However, if she made an investment intra-day, she would have received notional exposure to the underlying security’s shares determined by the performance of the underlying security’s shares from the end of the prior trading day until her time of purchase on the next trading day.

 

Consider the following example.

 

Amy invests $10.00 in a Hypothetical 2X Fund at 11 a.m. on Day 2. From the close of trading on Day 1 until 11 a.m. on Day 2, the hypothetical underlying security’s share price moved from 100 to 102, a 2% gain. In light of that gain, the Hypothetical 2X Fund beta at the point at which Amy invests is 196%. During the remainder of Day 2, the hypothetical underlying security’s share price rises from 102 to 110, a gain of 7.84%, and Amy’s investment rises 15.4% (which is the hypothetical underlying security gain of 7.84% multiplied by the 196% beta that she received) to $11.54. Amy continues to hold her investment through the close of trading on Day 3, during which the hypothetical underlying security’s share price declines from 110 to 90, a loss of 18.18%. Amy’s investment declines by 36.4%, from $11.54 to $7.34. For the period of Amy’s investment, the hypothetical underlying security’s share price declined from 102 to 90, a loss of 11.76%, while Amy’s investment decreased from $10.00 to $7.34, a 27% loss. The volatility of the hypothetical underlying security’s shares affected the correlation between the hypothetical underlying security’s return for period and Amy’s return. In this situation, Amy lost more than two times the return of the hypothetical underlying security. Amy was also hurt because she missed the first 2% move of the hypothetical underlying security and had a beta of 196% for the remainder of Day 2.

 

Market Volatility. The Fund seeks to provide a return which is two times the daily performance of the Underlying Security’s share price. The Fund does not attempt to, and should not be expected to, provide returns which are two times the return of the Underlying Security’s share price for periods other than a single day. The Fund rebalances its portfolio on a daily basis, increasing exposure in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that day’s losses.

 

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Daily rebalancing will impair the Fund’s performance if its Underlying Security’s shares experience volatility. For instance, the Fund would be expected to lose 4% (as shown in Table 1 below) if its Underlying Security’s shares provided no return over a one-year period and experienced annualized volatility of 20%. If the Underlying Security’s shares’ annualized volatility were to rise to 40%, the hypothetical loss for a one-year period for the Fund widens to approximately -15%.

 

Table 1
Volatility Fund
Range Loss
10% -1%
20% -4%
30% -9%
40% -15%
50% -23%
60% -33%
70% -47%
80% -55%
90% -76%
100% -84%

 

Note that at higher volatility levels, there is a chance of a complete loss of Fund assets even if the share price of the Underlying Security is flat. For instance, if annualized volatility of the Underlying Security’s shares were 90%, the Fund would be expected to lose 76%, even if the underlying security returned 0% for the year.

 

Table 2 shows the annualized historical volatility rate for the Underlying Security’s shares over the five-year period ended [ 2024].

 

Since market volatility has negative implications for the Fund which rebalances daily, investors should be sure to monitor and manage their investments in the Fund particularly in volatile markets. The negative implications of volatility in Table 1 can be combined with the recent volatility ranges of the shares of the Underlying Securities in Table 2 to give investors some sense of the risks of holding the Fund for longer periods. Historical volatility and performance for the Underlying Securities are not likely indicative of future volatility and performance.

 

Table 2 – Historic Volatility of the Underlying Securities

 

Underlying Security Name/Ticker 5-Year Historical Volatility Rate
Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.B) [  ]%

 

The Projected Returns of the Fund for Intra-Day Purchases. Because the Fund rebalances its portfolio once daily, an investor who purchases Shares intra-day will likely have more, or less, than 200% investment exposure to the share price Underlying Security. The exposure to the Underlying Security’s shares received by an investor who purchases the Fund intra-day will differ from the Fund’s stated daily investment objective (e.g., 200%) by an amount determined by the movement of the Underlying Security’s from its share price at the end of the prior day. If the Underlying Security’s share price moves in a direction favorable to the Fund between the close of the market on one trading day through the time on the next trading day when the investor purchases Fund shares, the investor will receive less exposure to such Underlying Security than the stated Fund’s daily investment objective (e.g., 200%). Conversely, if the Underlying Security’s shares move in a direction adverse to the funds, the investor will receive more exposure to such Underlying Security than the stated fund daily leveraged investment objective (e.g., 200%).

 

Table 3 below indicates the hypothetical exposure to the share price of the underlying security that an intra-day purchase of the Hypothetical 2X Fund would be expected to provide based upon the movement in the share price of the underlying security from the close of the market on the prior trading day. Such exposure holds until a subsequent sale on that same trading day or until the close of the market on that trading day. For instance, if the underlying security’s share price has moved 5% in a direction favorable to a Hypothetical 2X Fund, the investor would receive exposure to the performance of the underlying security from that point until the investor sells later that day or the end of the day equal to approximately 191% of the investor’s investment.

 

Conversely, if the underlying security’s share price moves 5% in a direction unfavorable to the Hypothetical 2X Fund, an investor at that point would receive exposure to the performance of the underlying security from that point until the investor sells later that day or the end of the day equal to approximately 211% of the investor’s investment.

 

15 

 

 

The table below includes a range of hypothetical underlying security share price moves from 20% to -20% and the corresponding exposure for the Hypothetical 2X Fund. Movement of the share price of an underlying security beyond the range noted below will result in exposure further from the Hypothetical 2X Fund’s daily investment objective.

 

Table 3

 

Underlying
Security
Share Price Move
Resulting Exposure for
Hypothetical 2X Fund
-20% 267%
-15% 243%
-10% 225%
-5% 211%
0% 200%
5% 191%
10% 183%
15% 177%
20% 171%

 

The Projected Returns of the Fund for Periods Other Than a Single Trading Day. The Fund seeks leveraged investment results on a daily basis — from the close of regular trading on one trading day to the close on the next trading day — which should not be equated with seeking an investment objective for any other period. For instance, if the Underlying Security’s shares gain 10% for a week, the Fund should not be expected to provide a return of 20% for the week even if it meets its daily investment objective throughout the week. This is true because of the financing charges noted above but also because the pursuit of daily goals may result in daily compounding, which means that the return of the Underlying Security over a period of time greater than one day multiplied by the Fund’s daily investment objective (e.g., 200%) will not generally equal the Fund’s performance over that same period. In addition, the effects of compounding become greater the longer shares of the Fund are held beyond a single trading day.

 

The following tables set out a range of hypothetical daily performances during a given 10 trading days for a Hypothetical 2X Fund compared to the underlying security and demonstrate how changes in the underlying security’s hypothetical performance would compare to the performance of a Hypothetical 2X Fund for a trading day and cumulatively up to, and including, the entire 10 trading day period. The charts are based on a hypothetical $100 investment in hypothetical funds at NAV over a 10-trading day period and do not reflect fees or expenses of any kind.

 

Table 4a – The Underlying Security Lacks a Clear Trend

 

Underlying Security Hypothetical 2X Fund
  NAV Daily
Performance
Cumulative
Performance
NAV Daily
Performance
Cumulative
Performance
  $100.00     $100.00    
Day 1 $105.00 5.00% 5.00% $110.00 10.00% 10.00%
Day 2 $110.00 4.76% 10.00% $120.48 9.52% 20.47%
Day 3 $100.00 -9.09% 0.00% $ 98.57 -18.18% -1.43%
Day 4 $90.00 -10.00% -10.00% $ 78.86 -20.00% -21.14%
Day 5 $85.00 -5.56% -15.00% $ 70.10 -11.12% -29.91%
Day 6 $100.00 17.65% 0.00% $ 94.83 35.30% -5.17%
Day 7 $95.00 -5.00% -5.00% $ 85.35 -10.00% -14.65%
Day 8 $100.00 5.26% 0.00% $ 94.34 10.52% -5.68%
Day 9 $105.00 5.00% 5.00% $103.77 10.00% 3.76%
Day 10 $100.00 -4.76% 0.00% $ 93.89 -9.52% -6.12%

 

The cumulative performance of the hypothetical underlying security’s shares in Table 5 is 0% for 10 trading days. The return of the Hypothetical 2X Fund for the 10-trading day period is -6.12%. The volatility of the underlying security’s performance and lack of a clear trend results in performance for the Hypothetical 2X Fund for the period which bears little relationship to the performance of the underlying security for the 10-trading day period.

 

Table 5 – The Underlying Security Rises in a Clear Trend

 

Underlying Security Hypothetical 2X Fund
  NAV Daily
Performance
Cumulative
Performance
NAV Daily
Performance
Cumulative
Performance
  $100.00     $100.00    
Day 1 $102.00 2.00% 2.00% $104.00 4.00% 4.00%
Day 2 $104.00 1.96% 4.00% $108.08 3.92% 8.08%
Day 3 $106.00 1.92% 6.00% $112.24 3.84% 12.23%
Day 4 $108.00 1.89% 8.00% $116.47 3.78% 16.47%
Day 5 $110.00 1.85% 10.00% $120.78 3.70% 20.78%
Day 6 $112.00 1.82% 12.00% $125.18 3.64% 25.17%
Day 7 $114.00 1.79% 14.00% $129.65 3.58% 29.66%
Day 8 $116.00 1.75% 16.00% $134.20 3.50% 34.19%
Day 9 $118.00 1.72% 18.00% $138.82 3.44% 38.81%
Day 10 $120.00 1.69% 20.00% $143.53 3.38% 43.50%

 

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The cumulative performance of the underlying security’s share price in Table 5 is 20% for 10 trading days. The return of the Hypothetical 2X Fund for the 10-trading day period is 43.50%. In this case, because of the positive underlying security trend, the Hypothetical 2X Fund’s gain is greater than 200% of the underlying security’s share price gain for the 10-trading day period.

 

Table 6 – The Underlying Security Declines in a Clear Trend

 

Underlying Security Hypothetical 2X Fund
  NAV Daily
Performance
Cumulative
Performance
NAV Daily
Performance
Cumulative
Performance
  $100.00     $100.00    
Day 1 $98.00 -2.00% -2.00% $ 96.00 -4.00% -4.00%
Day 2 $96.00 -2.04% -4.00% $ 92.08 -4.08% -7.92%
Day 3 $94.00 -2.08% -6.00% $ 88.24 -4.16% -11.75%
Day 4 $92.00 -2.13% -8.00% $ 84.49 -4.26% -15.51%
Day 5 $90.00 -2.17% -10.00% $ 80.82 -4.34% -19.17%
Day 6 $88.00 -2.22% -12.00% $ 77.22 -4.44% -22.76%
Day 7 $86.00 -2.27% -14.00% $ 73.71 -4.54% -26.27%
Day 8 $84.00 -2.33% -16.00% $ 70.29 -4.66% -29.71%
Day 9 $82.00 -2.38% -18.00% $ 66.94 -4.76% -33.05%
Day 10 $80.00 -2.44% -20.00% $ 63.67 -4.88% -36.32%

 

The cumulative performance of the underlying security’s share price in Table 6 is -20% for 10 trading days. The return of the Hypothetical 2X Fund for the 10-trading day period is -36.62%. In this case, because of the negative hypothetical underlying security’s share price trend, the Hypothetical 2X Fund’s loss is less than 200% of the hypothetical underlying security’s decline for the 10-trading day period.

 

Manager of Managers Structure

 

The Fund and the Adviser have received exemptive relief from the SEC permitting the Adviser (subject to certain conditions and the approval of the Board) to change or select new unaffiliated sub-advisers without obtaining shareholder approval. The relief also permits the Adviser to materially amend the terms of agreements with an unaffiliated sub-adviser (including an increase in the fee paid by the Adviser to the unaffiliated sub-adviser (and not paid by the Fund)) or to continue the employment of an unaffiliated sub-adviser after an event that would otherwise cause the automatic termination of services with Board approval, but without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be notified of any unaffiliated sub-adviser changes. The Adviser has the ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board, to oversee a sub-adviser and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement.

 

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 rules under the 1940 Act, subject to certain conditions. The Fund may rely on Rule 12d1-4 of the 1940 Act, which provides an exemption from Section 12(d)(1) that allows the Fund to invest beyond the 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).

 

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Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The following information is in addition to, and should be read along with, the description of the Fund’s principal investment risks in the section titled “Fund Summary— Principal Investment Risks” above. Following the underlying security risks, the Fund’s remaining 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 Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.

 

UNDERLYING SECURITY RISKS

 

BRK.B Risks. The Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF invests in swaps and options contracts that are based on the value of BRK.B. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of BRK.B, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s investments in options contracts that are based on the value of BRK.B, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:

 

Indirect Investment in BRK.B Risk. Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights and will not be able to influence management of the company but will be exposed to the performance of BRK.B (the underlying stock). Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying stock but will be subject to declines in the performance of the underlying stock.

 

BRK.B Trading Risk. The trading price of BRK.B may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors. The stock market in general, and the market for technology companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In particular, a large proportion of BRK.B may be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for the common stock of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., further influencing volatility in its market price. Public perception and other factors outside of the control of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. may additionally impact BRK.B’s stock price due to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. garnering a disproportionate degree of public attention, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies such as these. Moreover, stockholder litigation like this has been filed against Berkshire Hathaway Inc. in the past. While Berkshire Hathaway Inc. continues to defend such actions, any judgment against Berkshire Hathaway Inc., or any future stockholder litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of the management of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s attention and resources. If BRK.B trading is halted, trading in Shares of the Fund may be impacted, either temporarily or indefinitely.

 

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Performance Risk. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of BRK.B to decline. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. provides guidance regarding its expected financial and business performance, such as projections regarding sales and production, as well as anticipated future revenues, gross margins, profitability and cash flows. Correctly identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and the guidance Berkshire Hathaway Inc. provides may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product manufacturing ramps. The guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to global and local economic conditions, anticipated production and sales volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs, and planned cost reductions. If Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s guidance is not accurate or varies from actual results due to its inability to meet the assumptions or the impact on its financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of common stock issued by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. could decline significantly.

 

Diversified Financial Services Industry Risk. The diversified financial services industry is comprised of financial services companies which have no dominant business line, but instead provide, or else hold interests in, a range of services which cross multiple financial industries. As such, investments in this industry may be subject to the same risks posed by investments in the preceding three industries, including adverse changes to interest rates, general economic conditions, market competition, and applicable regulations.

 

Compounding and Market Volatility Risk. The Fund has a daily leveraged investment objective and the Fund’s performance for periods greater than a trading day will be the result of each day’s returns compounded over the period, which is very likely to differ from two times (200%) the Underlying Security’s performance, before the Fund’s management fee and other expenses. Compounding affects all investments but has a more significant impact on funds that aim to replicate leveraged daily returns and that rebalance daily. For the Fund aiming to replicate two times the daily performance of its Underlying Security, if adverse daily performance of the Underlying Security reduces the amount of a shareholder’s investment, any further adverse daily performance will lead to a smaller dollar loss because the shareholder’s investment had already been reduced by the prior adverse performance. Equally, however, if favorable daily performance of the Underlying Security increases the amount of a shareholder’s investment, the dollar amount lost due to future adverse performance will increase because the shareholder’s investment has increased.

 

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The effect of compounding becomes more pronounced as the Underlying Security’s volatility and the holding period increase. The impact of compounding will impact each shareholder differently depending on the period of time an investment in the Fund is held and the volatility of the Underlying Security during a shareholder’s holding period of an investment in the Fund.

 

The chart below provides examples of how the Underlying Security’s volatility could affect the Fund’s performance. The chart illustrates the impact of two factors that affect the Fund’s performance – its Underlying Security’s volatility and performance. The Underlying Security’s performance shows the percentage change in the share price of the Underlying Security over the specified time period, while the Underlying Security’s volatility is a statistical measure of the magnitude of fluctuations in the returns during that time period. As illustrated below, even if the Underlying Security’s performance over two equal time periods is identical, different Underlying Security volatility (i.e., in magnitude of fluctuations in the value of the Underlying Security) during the two time periods could result in drastically different Fund performance for the two time periods because of compounding daily returns during the time periods.

 

Fund performance for periods greater than one single day can be estimated given any set of assumptions for the following factors: a) the Underlying Security volatility; b) the Underlying Security performance; c) period of time; d) financing rates associated with leveraged exposure; and e) other Fund expenses. The chart shows estimated Fund returns for a number of combinations of Underlying Security volatility and Underlying Security performance over a one-year period. Performance shown in the chart assumes that: (i) there were no Fund expenses; (ii) borrowing/lending rates (to obtain leveraged exposure) of 0%. If Fund expenses and/or actual borrowing/lending rates were reflected the estimated returns would be different than those shown. Particularly during periods of higher Underlying Security volatility, compounding will cause results for periods longer than a trading day to vary from two times (200%) the performance of its Underlying Security.

 

As shown in the chart below, the Fund would be expected to lose 6.1% if there was no change in the share price of the Underlying Security over a one-year period during which the Underlying Security experienced annualized volatility of 25%. If the Underlying Security’s annualized volatility were to rise to 75%, the hypothetical loss for a one-year period would widen to approximately -43%. At higher ranges of volatility, there is a chance of a significant loss of value in the Fund, even if there were no change in the share price of the Underlying Security. For instance, if the Underlying Security’s annualized volatility is 100%, the Fund would be expected to lose 63.2% of its value, even if the cumulative Underlying Security change in the share price of the Underlying Security for the year was 0%.

 

Areas shaded red (or dark gray) represent those scenarios where the Fund can be expected to return less than two times (200%) the performance of its Underlying Security and those shaded green (or light gray) represent those scenarios where the Fund can be expected to return more than two times (200%) the performance of its Underlying Security. The Fund’s actual performance may be significantly better or worse than the performance shown below as a result of any of the factors discussed above or in the “Daily Correlation/Tracking Risk” below.

 

Estimated Returns of 200% or Two Times
Performance of the Underlying Security
       
             
Underlying Security Performance One Year Volatility Rate
One Year
Underlying
Stock
  2X Times
(200%) the
One Year
Performance
10% 25% 50% 75% 100%
-60%   -120% -84.2% -85.0% -87.5% -90.9% -94.1%
-50%   -100% -75.2% -76.5% -80.5% -85.8% -90.8%
-40%   -80% -64.4% -66.2% -72.0% -79.5% -86.8%
-30%   -60% -51.5% -54.0% -61.8% -72.1% -82.0%
-20%   -40% -36.6% -39.9% -50.2% -63.5% -76.5%
-10%   -20% -19.8% -23.9% -36.9% -53.8% -70.2%
0%   0% -1.0% -6.1% -22.1% -43.0% -63.2%
10%   20% 19.8% 13.7% -5.8% -31.1% -55.5%
20%   40% 42.6% 35.3% 12.1% -18.0% -47.0%
30%   60% 67.3% 58.8% 31.6% -3.7% -37.8%
40%   80% 94.0% 84.1% 52.6% 11.7% -27.9%
50%   100% 122.8% 111.4% 75.2% 28.2% -17.2%
60%   120% 153.5% 140.5% 99.4% 45.9% -5.8%

 

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Each Underlying Security’s annualized historical volatility rate for the five-year period ended [ , 2024] was as shown in the table below. Also, the Underlying Security’s highest volatility rate for any one calendar year during this period was as shown in the table below and volatility for a shorter period of time may have been substantially higher. The Underlying Security’s annualized performance during this period was as shown in the table below. Historical Underlying Security volatility and performance are not indications of what Underlying Security volatility and performance will be in the future.

 

Underlying Security Name/Ticker 5-Year Historical Volatility Rate
Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.B) [  ]%

 

Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in derivatives which exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund and the Fund may be unable to recover its investment from such counterparty or may obtain a limited and/or delayed recovery.

 

In addition, the Fund may enter into swap agreements with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk. Further, there is a risk that no suitable counterparties will be willing to enter into, or continue to enter into, transactions with the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.

 

Daily Correlation/Tracking Risk. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of leveraged correlation to the Underlying Security and therefore achieve its daily leveraged investment objective. To achieve a high degree of leveraged correlation with the Underlying Security, the Fund seeks to rebalance its portfolio daily to keep exposure consistent with its daily leveraged investment objective. The possibility of the Fund being materially over- or under-exposed to its Underlying Security increases on days when the Underlying Security is volatile near the close of the trading day. Market disruptions, regulatory restrictions and extreme volatility will also adversely affect the Fund’s ability to adjust exposure to the required levels. If there is a significant intra-day market event and/or the Underlying Security experiences a significant increase or decline, the Fund may not meet its investment objective, be able to rebalance its portfolio appropriately, or may experience significant premiums or discounts, or widened bid-ask spreads.

 

The Fund may have difficulty achieving its daily leveraged investment objective due to fees, expenses, transaction costs, financing costs related to the use of derivatives, investments in ETFs, directly or indirectly, income items, valuation methodology, accounting standards and disruptions or illiquidity in the markets for the securities or derivatives held by the Fund. The Fund may be subject to large movements of assets into and out of the Fund, potentially resulting in the Fund being over- or under-exposed to its Underlying Security. The Fund may take or refrain from taking positions to improve the tax efficiency or to comply with various regulatory restrictions, either of which may negatively impact the Fund’s leveraged correlation to the Underlying Security.

 

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 share price of its Underlying Security 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:

 

Swap Agreements. The use of swap transactions is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Whether the Fund will be successful in using swap agreements to achieve its investment goal depends on the ability of the Adviser to structure such swap agreements in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and to identify counterparties for those swap agreements. If the Adviser is unable to enter into swap agreements that provide leveraged exposure to the Underlying Security, the Fund may not meet its stated investment objective. Additionally, any financing, borrowing or other costs associated with using swap transactions may also have the effect of lowering the Fund’s return.

 

The swap agreements in which the Fund invests are generally traded in the over-the-counter market, which generally has less transparency than exchange-traded derivatives instruments. In a standard swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the return (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined reference assets or underlying securities or instruments. The gross return to be exchanged or swapped between the parties is calculated based on a notional amount or the return on or change in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a basket of securities.

 

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If the Underlying Security has a dramatic move that causes a material decline in the Fund’s net assets, the terms of a swap agreement between the Fund and its counterparty may permit the counterparty to immediately close out the swap transaction with the Fund. In that event, the Fund may be unable to enter into another swap agreement or invest in other derivatives to achieve exposure consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. This may prevent the Fund from achieving its leveraged investment objective, even if its Underlying Security later reverses all or a portion of its movement.

 

Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events. The value of the options contracts in which the Fund invests are substantially influenced by the value of the Underlying Security. The Fund may experience substantial downside from specific option positions and certain option positions held by the Fund may expire worthless. The options held by the Fund are exercisable at the strike price on their expiration date. As an option approaches its expiration date, its value typically increasingly moves with the value of the underlying instrument. However, prior to such date, the value of an option generally does not increase or decrease at the same rate as the underlying instrument. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in values options contracts and the underlying instrument, and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain options contracts. The value of the options held by the Fund will be determined based on market quotations or other recognized pricing methods. Additionally, as the Fund intends to continuously maintain indirect exposure to the Underlying Security through the use of options contracts, as the options contracts it holds are exercised or expire it will enter into new options contracts, a practice referred to as “rolling.” If the expiring options contracts do not generate proceeds enough to cover the cost of entering into new options contracts, the Fund may experience losses. The use of options to generate leverage introduces additional risks, including significant potential losses if the market moves unfavorably. The leverage inherent in options can amplify both gains and losses, leading to increased volatility and potential for substantial losses, particularly in periods of market uncertainty or low liquidity. Additionally, the Fund may incur losses if the value of the Underlying Security moves against its positions, potentially resulting in a complete loss of the premium paid.

 

ETF Risks.

 

Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.

 

Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund’s investment strategy may require it to redeem Shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, the Fund may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the Fund (e.g., derivative instruments). In such a case, the Fund may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used. By paying out higher annual capital gain distributions, investors may be subjected to increased capital gains taxes. The costs associated with cash redemptions may include brokerage costs that the Fund may not have incurred if it had made the redemptions in-kind. These costs could be imposed on the Fund, decreasing its NAV, to the extent these costs are not offset by a transaction fee payable by an authorized participant.

 

Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid-ask spreads, frequent trading of Shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in Shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.

 

Shares May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market price of Shares will approximate the Fund’s NAV, there may be times when the market price of Shares is more than the NAV intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount) due to supply and demand of Shares or during periods of market volatility. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility, periods of steep market declines, and periods when there is limited trading activity for Shares in the secondary market, in which case such premiums or discounts may be significant.

 

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Trading. Although Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as [ ] (the “Exchange”), and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares. This adverse effect on liquidity for the Fund’s shares may lead to wider bid-ask spreads and differences between the market price of the Fund’s shares and the underlying value of the shares.

 

Liquidity Risk. In certain circumstances, such as the disruption of the orderly markets for the financial instruments in which the Fund invests, the Fund might not be able to acquire or dispose of certain holdings quickly or at prices that represent true market value in the judgment of the Adviser. Markets for the financial instruments in which the Fund invests may be disrupted by a number of events, including but not limited to economic crises, health crises, natural disasters, excessive volatility, new legislation, or regulatory changes inside or outside of the U.S. These situations may have an impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s own shares.”

 

Fixed Income Securities Risk. When the Fund invests in fixed income securities, the value of your investment in that Fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities owned by the Fund. In general, the market price of fixed income securities with longer maturities will increase or decrease more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. Other risk factors include credit risk (the debtor may default), extension risk (an issuer may exercise its right to repay principal on a fixed rate obligation held by the Fund later than expected), and prepayment risk (the debtor may pay its obligation early, reducing the amount of interest payments). These risks could affect the value of a particular investment by the Fund, possibly causing the Fund’s Share price and total return to be reduced and fluctuate more than other types of investments.

 

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Daily rebalancing of the Fund’s holdings pursuant to its daily investment objective causes a much greater number of portfolio transactions when compared to most ETFs. Additionally, active market trading of the Fund’s Shares on exchanges (such as the Exchange), could cause more frequent creation and redemption activities, which could increase the number of portfolio transactions. Frequent and active trading may lead to higher transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. In addition, there is the possibility of significantly increased short-term capital gains (which will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them). The Fund calculates portfolio turnover without including the short-term cash instruments or derivative transactions that comprise the majority of the Fund’s trading. As such, if the Fund’s extensive use of derivative instruments were reflected, the calculated portfolio turnover rate would be significantly higher.

 

Intra-Day Investment Risk. The Fund seeks investment results from the close of the market on a given trading day until the close of the market on the subsequent trading day. The exact exposure of an investment in the Fund intraday in the secondary market is a function of the difference between the share price of its Underlying Security at the market close on the first trading day and the share price of the Underlying Security at the time of purchase. If the share price of the Underlying Security rises, the Fund’s net assets will rise by approximately twice the amount as the Fund’s exposure. Conversely, if the share price of the Underlying Security declines, the Fund’s net assets will decline by approximately two times the amount as the Fund’s exposure. Thus, an investor that purchases Shares intra-day may experience performance that is greater than, or less than, the Fund’s stated leveraged performance of the Underlying Security.

 

If there is a significant intra-day market event and/or the securities of the Underlying Security experience a significant increase or decrease, the Fund may not meet its investment objective or rebalance its portfolio appropriately.

 

Leverage Risk. The Fund obtains investment exposure in excess of its net assets by utilizing leverage and may lose more money in market conditions that are adverse to its investment objective than a fund that does not utilize leverage. An investment in the Fund is exposed to the risk that a decline in the daily performance of its Underlying Security will be magnified. This means that an investment in the Fund will be reduced by an amount equal to 2% for every 1% daily decline in the share prices of the Underlying Security, not including the costs of financing leverage and other operating expenses, which would further reduce its value. The Fund could theoretically lose an amount greater than its net assets in the event the share price of the Underlying Security declines more than 50%. Leverage will also have the effect of magnifying any differences in the Fund performance’s correlation with the Underlying Security’s share price.

 

Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, epidemics/pandemics, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the United States. Illiquid securities may be difficult to value, especially in changing or volatile markets. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid security at an unfavorable time or price, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain market conditions or restrictions may prevent the Fund from limiting losses, realizing gains or achieving a high correlation with the Underlying Security. There is no assurance that a security that is deemed liquid when purchased will continue to be liquid. Market illiquidity may cause losses for the Fund.

 

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 (or expectations of inflation), deflation (or expectations of deflation), changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, general market liquidity, regulatory event, other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics.. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the related region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. These conflicts have contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.

 

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Money Market Instrument Risk. The Fund may use a variety of money market instruments for cash management purposes, including money market funds, depositary accounts and repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are contracts in which a seller of securities agrees to buy the securities back at a specified time and price. Repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk related to the collateral securing the repurchase agreement. Money market instruments may lose money.

 

New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have any (or only a limited) track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.

 

Operational Risk. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund and the Fund’s investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

 

Rebalancing Risk. If for any reason the Fund is unable to rebalance all or a portion of its portfolio, or if all or a portion of the portfolio is rebalanced incorrectly, the Fund’s investment exposure may not be consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. In these instances, the Fund may have investment exposure to its Underlying Security that is significantly greater or less than its stated investment objective. As a result, the Fund may be exposed to leverage risk because it had not been properly rebalanced and may not achieve its investment objective.

 

Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security, may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole. Additionally, the Fund will seek to employ its investment strategy as it relates to the underlying issuer regardless of whether there are significant corporate actions such as restructurings, enforcement activity, or acquisitions or periods adverse market, economic, or other conditions and will not seek to take temporary defensive positions during such periods.

 

Tax Risk. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment generally available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain diversification and other requirements. In particular, the Fund generally may not acquire a security if, as a result of the acquisition, more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets would be invested in (a) issuers in which the Fund has, in each case, invested more than 5% of the Fund’s assets and (b) issuers more than 10% of whose outstanding voting securities are owned by the Fund. The application of these requirements to certain investments (including swaps) that may be entered into by the Fund is unclear. In addition, the application of these requirements to the Fund’s investment objective is not clear, particularly because the Fund’s investment objective focuses on the performance of the stock of a single issuer. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, and distributions to its shareholders would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income.

 

Tracking Error Risk. Tracking error is the divergence of the Fund’s performance from that of its investment objective which aims to replicate two times the daily percentage change in the price of its Underlying Security. Tracking error may occur for a number of reasons. Tracking error may occur because of transaction costs, the Fund’s holding of cash, differences in accrual of dividends, being under- or overexposed to the Underlying Security or the need to meet new or existing regulatory requirements. Tracking error risk may be heightened during times of market volatility or other unusual market conditions such as market disruptions. The Fund may be required to deviate from its investment objectives, and therefore experience tracking error, as a result of market restrictions or other legal reasons, including regulatory limits or other restrictions on securities that may be purchased by the Adviser and its affiliates.

 

Trading Halt Risk. Although the Underlying Security’s shares are listed for trading on an exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will be available at all times and the Exchange may halt trading of such shares in certain circumstances. A halt in trading in the Underlying Security’s shares is expected, in turn, to result in a halt in the trading in the Fund’s Shares. Trading in the Underlying Security’s and/or the Fund’s Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in the Underlying Security’s and/or Fund’s Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in the Underlying Security’s and/or Fund’s Shares on an exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to exchange “circuit breaker” rules.” In the event of a trading halt for an extended period of time, the Fund may be unable to execute arrangements with swap counterparties that are necessary to implement the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

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U.S. Government and U.S. Agency Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the U.S. Treasury. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises) where it is not obligated to do so.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

Information about the Fund’s daily portfolio holdings is, or will be, available on the Fund’s website at www.kick.etf.

 

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 SAI.

 

MANAGEMENT

 

Investment Adviser

 

Tidal Investments LLC (the “Adviser”), located at 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204, is an SEC registered investment adviser and a Delaware limited liability company. Tidal was founded in March 2012 and is dedicated to understanding, researching and managing assets within the expanding ETF universe. As of [ ], 2024, Tidal had assets under management of approximately $[ ] billion and served as the investment adviser or sub-adviser for [ ] registered funds.

 

Tidal serves as investment adviser to the Fund and has overall responsibility for the general management and administration of the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). The Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio, including determining the securities purchased and sold by the Fund and trading portfolio securities for the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board. The Adviser also arranges for sub-advisory, transfer agency, custody, fund administration, and all other related services necessary for the Fund to operate. For the services provided to the Fund, the Fund pays the Adviser a unitary management fee of [ ]%, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate based on the 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 the Fund except for interest charges on any borrowings made for investment purposes, 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 the 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”).

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement will be available in the [ ] [annual/semi-annual] filing on Form N-CSR.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The following individuals (each, a “Portfolio Manager”) have served as portfolio managers of the Fund since inception in 2025. Ms. Duan and Mr. Mullen are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.

 

Qiao Duan, CFA, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser

 

Qiao Duan serves as Portfolio Manager at the Adviser, having joined the firm in October 2020. From February 2017 to October 2020, she was an execution Portfolio Manager at Exponential ETFs, where she managed research and analysis relating to all Exponential ETF strategies. Ms. Duan previously served as a portfolio manager for the Exponential ETFs from their inception in May 2019 until October 2020. Ms. Duan received a Master of Science in Quantitative Finance and Risk Management from the University of Michigan in 2016 and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics from Xiamen University in 2014. She holds the CFA designation.

 

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Christopher P. Mullen, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser

 

Christopher P. Mullen serves as Portfolio Manager at the Adviser, having joined the firm in January 2024. From September 2019 to December 2023, he was a Portfolio Manager at Vest Financial LLC, where he managed exchange-traded funds, mutual funds and retirement fund portfolios. Mr. Mullen previously served as a Senior Portfolio Analyst at ProShares Advisors LLC from September 2016 until September 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Mullen served as associate portfolio manager at USCF Investments LLC from February 2013 to September 2016. Mr. Mullen received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland. He also holds a dual bachelor’s degree in global politics and history from Marquette University.

 

CFA® is a registered trademark owned by the CFA Institute.

 

The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about each portfolio manager’s compensation structure, other accounts that each portfolio manager manages, and each portfolio manager’s ownership of Shares.

 

Fund Sponsor

 

The Adviser has entered into a fund sponsorship agreement with Kiwoom Securities Co., Ltd. (“Kiwoom Securities”) pursuant to which Kiwoom Securities is a sponsor to the Fund. Under these arrangements, Kiwoom Securities has agreed to provide financial support (as described below) to the Fund. Every month, unitary management fees for the Fund are calculated and paid to the Adviser, and the Adviser retains a portion of the unitary management fees from the Fund.

 

In return for its financial support for the Fund, the Adviser has agreed to pay Kiwoom Securities a portion of any remaining profits generated by the unitary management fee from the Fund. If the amount of the unitary management fees for the Fund exceeds the Fund’s operating expenses and the Adviser-retained amount, that excess amount is considered “remaining profit.” In that case, the Adviser will pay the remaining profits to Kiwoom Securities.

 

Further, if the amount of the unitary management fee for the Fund is less than the Fund’s operating expenses and the Adviser-retained amount, Kiwoom Securities is obligated to reimburse the Adviser for the amount of the shortfall.

 

HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES

 

The 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 the Fund, and only APs may tender their Shares for redemption directly to the Fund, 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 the 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 the 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 Fund 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 the Fund, and thus decrease the Fund’s NAV, to the extent that the costs are not offset by a transaction fee payable by an AP.

 

Most investors buy and sell Shares in secondary market transactions through brokers. Individual Shares are listed for trading on the secondary market on the Exchange and can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities.

 

When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges, and you may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offer price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction. In addition, because secondary market transactions occur at market prices, you may pay more than NAV when you buy Shares, and receive less than NAV when you sell those Shares.

 

Book Entry

 

Shares are held in book-entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding Shares.

 

Investors owning Shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all Shares. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of Shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have Shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of Shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of Shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply to any other securities that you hold in book-entry or “street name” through your brokerage account.

 

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Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Shares

 

The Fund does not impose 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 the Fund’s shareholders. Purchases and redemptions by APs, who are the only parties that may purchase or redeem Shares directly with the Fund, are an essential part of the ETF process and help keep Share trading prices in line with the NAV. As such, the Fund accommodates 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, the 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 the Fund in effecting trades. In addition, the Fund and the Adviser reserve the right to reject any purchase order at any time.

 

Determination of Net Asset Value

 

The 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 Fund is calculated by dividing the Fund’s net assets by its Shares outstanding.

 

In calculating its NAV, the Fund generally value its assets on the basis of market quotations, last sale prices, or estimates of value furnished by a pricing service or brokers who make markets in such instruments. If such information is not available for a security held by the Fund or is determined to be unreliable, the security will be valued at fair value estimates under guidelines established by the Adviser (as described below).

 

Debt securities are valued by using an evaluated mean of the bid and asked prices provided by independent pricing agents. The independent pricing agents may employ methodologies that utilize actual market transactions (if the security is actively traded), broker dealer supplied valuations, or other methodologies designed to identify the market value for such securities. In arriving at valuations, such methodologies generally consider factors such as security prices, yields, maturities, call features, ratings and developments relating to specific securities. 

 

Generally, trading in non-U.S. securities and money market instruments is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of regular trading hours of the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the NAV of the Fund are determined as of such times. 

 

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. 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.

 

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.

 

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS, AND TAXES

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

The Fund intends to pay out dividends and interest income, if any, [annually], and distribute any net realized capital gains to its shareholders at least annually.

 

The Fund 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 Fund. Your investment in the Fund may have other tax implications. Please consult your tax advisor about the tax consequences of an investment in Shares, including the possible application of foreign, state, and local tax laws.

 

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The Fund intends to qualify each year for treatment as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. If it meets certain minimum distribution requirements, a RIC is not subject to tax at the fund level on income and gains from investments that are timely distributed to shareholders. However, the 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 the Fund makes distributions, when you sell your Shares listed on the Exchange, and when you purchase or redeem Creation Units (institutional investors only).

 

The following general discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences is based on provisions of the Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.

 

Taxes on Distributions. For federal income tax purposes, distributions of net investment income are generally taxable as ordinary income or qualified dividend income. Taxes on distributions of net capital gains (if any) are determined by how long the Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned their Shares. Sales of assets held by the Fund for more than one year generally result in long-term capital gains and losses, and sales of assets held by the Fund for one year or less generally result in short-term capital gains and losses. Distributions of the Fund’s net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) that are reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends (“Capital Gain Dividends”) will be taxable as long-term capital gains. Distributions of short-term capital gain will generally be taxable as ordinary income. Dividends and distributions are generally taxable to you whether you receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional Shares.

 

Distributions reported by the 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 the 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 the Fund that are attributable to dividends received by the Fund from U.S. corporations, subject to certain limitations. Given the investment strategies of the Fund, it is unlikely that any dividends paid by the Fund will be qualified dividends or be eligible for the corporate dividends paid deduction.

 

Shortly after the close of each calendar year, you will be informed of the character of any distributions received from the 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). The 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 the 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 the Fund before your investment (and thus were included in the Shares’ NAV when you purchased your Shares).

 

You may wish to avoid investing in the 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 the Fund will generally be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30%, unless a lower treaty rate applies. The 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.

 

Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”), the Fund may be required to withhold a generally nonrefundable 30% tax on distributions of net taxable income 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 the 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 the 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.

 

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The 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 the Exchange

 

Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Shares generally is treated as a long-term capital gain or loss if Shares have been held for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if Shares have been held for one year or less. However, any capital loss on a sale of Shares held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of Capital Gain Dividends paid with respect to such Shares. Any loss realized on a sale will be disallowed to the extent Shares of the 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 Fund 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 Fund may sell portfolio securities to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize investment income and/or capital gains or losses that they might not have recognized if they had completely satisfied the redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may be less tax efficient if they include such a cash payment in the proceeds paid upon the redemption of Creation Units.

 

The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the possible consequences under current federal tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. You also may be subject to foreign, state and local tax on Fund distributions and sales of Shares. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in Shares under all applicable tax laws. For more information, please see the section entitled “Federal Income Taxes” in the SAI.

 

DISTRIBUTION

 

Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”), the Fund’s distributor, is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC. The Distributor distributes Creation Units for the Fund on an agency basis and does not maintain a secondary market in Shares. The Distributor has no role in determining the policies of the Fund or the securities that are purchased or sold by the Fund. 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 Fund is authorized to pay an amount up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets each year to pay distribution fees for the sale and distribution of its Shares.

 

No Rule 12b-1 fees are currently paid by the Fund, 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 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.

 

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PREMIUM/DISCOUNT INFORMATION

 

When available, information regarding how often Shares of the Fund traded on the Exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of the Fund can be found on the Fund’s website at www.kick.etf.

 

ADDITIONAL NOTICES

 

Shares are not sponsored, endorsed, or promoted by the Exchange. The Exchange is not responsible for, nor has it participated in the determination of, the timing, prices, or quantities of Shares to be issued, nor in the determination or calculation of the equation by which Shares are redeemable. The Exchange has no obligation or liability to owners of Shares in connection with the administration, marketing, or trading of Shares.

 

Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Exchange have any liability for any lost profits or indirect, punitive, special, or consequential damages even if notified of the possibility thereof.

 

The Adviser and the Fund make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of Shares or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in any Fund particularly.

 

The Third Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust (“Declaration of Trust”) provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative or direct actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction, and other harm that can be caused to the Fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand by three unrelated shareholders must first be made on the Fund’s Trustees. The Declaration of Trust details various information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgments that must be included in the demand. Following receipt of the demand, the trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the Trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the Fund, the Trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholders may not proceed with the derivative action unless the shareholders are able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the Trustees not to pursue the requested action was not a good faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust further provides that shareholders owning Shares representing no less than a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares must join in bringing the derivative action. If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholders will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Fund in connection with the consideration of the demand, if a court determines that the demand was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose. If a derivative action is brought in violation of the Declaration of Trust, the shareholders bringing the action may be responsible for the Fund’s costs, including attorneys’ fees, if a court determines that the action was brought without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose. The Declaration of Trust provides that no shareholder may bring a direct action claiming injury as a shareholder of the Trust, or any Fund, where the matters alleged (if true) would give rise to a claim by the Trust or by the Trust on behalf of the Fund, unless the shareholder has suffered an injury distinct from that suffered by the shareholders of the Trust, or the Fund, generally. Under the Declaration of Trust, a shareholder bringing a direct claim must be a shareholder of the Fund with respect to which the direct action is brought at the time of the injury complained of or have acquired the shares afterwards by operation of law from a person who was a shareholder at that time. The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Fund shall be responsible for payment of attorneys’ fees and legal expenses incurred by a complaining shareholder only if required by law, and any attorneys’ fees that the Fund is obligated to pay shall be calculated using reasonable hourly rates. These provisions do not apply to claims brought under the federal securities laws.

 

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 traveling expenses of witnesses and counsel, requiring retaining local counsel, and may limit shareholders’ ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that shareholders find favorable for disputes, which may discourage such actions.

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This section would ordinarily include Financial Highlights. The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the performance of the Fund for its periods of operations. Because the Fund has not yet commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, no Financial Highlights are shown.

 

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The Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF

 

Adviser Tidal Investments LLC
234 West Florida Street, Suite 203
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204
Administrator Tidal ETF Services LLC
234 West Florida Street, Suite 203
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204
Distributor Foreside Fund Services, LLC
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100
Portland, Maine 04101
Sub-Administrator,
Fund Accountant, and
Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC,
doing business as U.S. Bank Global
Fund Services

615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Legal Counsel Sullivan & Worcester LLP
1251 Avenue of the Americas 19th Floor
New York, New York 10020
Custodian U.S. Bank National Association
1555 North Rivercenter Dr.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
Independent
Registered Public
Accounting Firm
[  ]    

 

Investors may find more information about the Fund in the following documents:

 

Statement of Additional Information: The Fund’s SAI provides additional details about the investments of the Fund and certain other additional information. A current SAI dated [ ], 2025, as supplemented from time to time, is on file with the SEC and is herein incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. It is legally considered a part of this Prospectus.

 

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports: Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the annual report you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance after the first fiscal year the Fund is in operation.

 

You can obtain free copies of these documents request other information or make general inquiries about the Fund by contacting the Fund at the [Kick ETFs], c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 or calling [phone number].

 

Shareholder reports and other information about the Fund is also available:

 

  Free of charge from the SEC’s EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov; or
  Free of charge from the Fund’s Internet website at www.kick.etf; or
  For a fee, by e-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov.

 

(SEC Investment Company Act File No. 811-23312)

 

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SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

 

Dated October 24, 2024

 

THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

 

[LOGO]

 

Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF ([BRKX])

 

   listed on [ ]  

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

[ ], 2025

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus for the Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF (the “Fund”), a series of Tidal Trust III (the “Trust”), dated [ ], 2025, as may be supplemented from time to time (the “Prospectus”). Capitalized terms used in this SAI that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge, by calling the Fund at [phone], visiting www.kick.etf, or writing to the [ ], c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701.

 

The Fund’s audited financial statements for the most recent fiscal year (when available) will be incorporated into this SAI by reference to the Fund’s most recent Annual Report to Shareholders (File No. 811- 23312). When available, a copy of the Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders may be obtained at no charge by contacting the Fund at the address or phone number noted above.

 

1

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

General Information about the Trust 1
Additional Information about Investment Objectives, Policies, and Related Risks 1
Description of Permitted Investments 3
Investment Restrictions 10
Exchange Listing and Trading 11
Management of the Trust 11
Principal Shareholders, Control Persons and Management Ownership 16
Codes of Ethics 16
Proxy Voting Policies 16
Investment Adviser 16
Portfolio Managers 17
The Distributor 18
Administrator 19
Transfer Agent and Fund Accountant 19
Custodian 20
Legal Counsel 20
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 20
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Policies and Procedures 20
Description of Shares 20
Limitation of Trustees’ Liability 20
Brokerage Transactions 21
Portfolio Turnover Rate 22
Book Entry Only System 22
Purchase and Redemption of Shares in Creation Units 23
Determination of NAV 28
Dividends and Distributions 28
Federal Income Taxes 29
Financial Statements 34

 

2

 

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUST

 

The Trust is an open-end management investment company consisting of multiple series, including the Fund. This SAI relates to the Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF (the “Fund”). 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 the 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”). The Fund’s investment objective is to seeks daily leveraged investment results of two times (200%) the daily percentage change in the share price of common stock of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK.B) (the “Underlying Security” or “BRK.B”). Because the Fund seeks daily leveraged investment results, it is very different from most other exchange-traded funds. It is also riskier. Tidal Investments LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as investment adviser to the Fund.

 

The 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 Fund 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 [Exchange] (the “Exchange”). Shares trade on the Exchange at market prices that may differ from the Shares’ NAV. Shares are also redeemable only in Creation Unit aggregations, primarily for a basket of Deposit Securities together with a Cash Component. As a practical matter, only institutions or large investors, known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs,” purchase or redeem Creation Units. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not individually redeemable.

 

Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on deposit with the Trust cash at least equal to a specified percentage of the value of the missing Deposit Securities, as set forth in the Participant Agreement (as defined below). The Trust may impose a transaction fee for each creation or redemption. In all cases, such fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the SEC applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities. As in the case of other publicly traded securities, brokers’ commissions on transactions in the secondary market will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, AND RELATED RISKS

 

The 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 the 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

 

The Fund is classified as a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act. A non-diversified classification means that the Fund is not limited by the 1940 Act’s diversification requirements with regard to the percentage of its assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. This means that the 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 the Fund’s portfolio. This may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s performance or subject its Shares to greater price volatility than more diversified investment companies.

 

Moreover, in pursuing its objective, the 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 the Fund is non-diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act, it 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 the Fund of any liability for federal income tax to the extent that its earnings are distributed to shareholders. Compliance with the diversification requirements of the Code may limit the investment flexibility of the Fund and may make it less likely that the Fund will meet its investment objectives. See “Federal Income Taxes” in this SAI for further discussion.

 

1

 

General Risks

 

The value of the 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 the 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 the 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 the Fund’s portfolio securities are limited or absent, or if bid/ask spreads are wide.

 

Financial markets, both domestic and foreign, have recently experienced an unusually high degree of volatility. Continuing events and possible continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on Fund performance.

 

Cyber Security Risk. Investment companies, such as the Fund, 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 Fund or the Adviser, Custodian (defined below), Transfer Agent (defined below), intermediaries or other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential company information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses, and cause reputational damage. The Fund 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 the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Fund’s investment in such portfolio companies to lose value.

 

Special Considerations and Risks

 

The Fund seeks to provide daily investment results that, before fees and expenses, are approximately two times (200%) the daily percentage change of the Index.

 

Daily Correlation/Tracking Risk. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of leveraged correlation to the Index and therefore achieve its daily leveraged investment objective. To achieve a high degree of leveraged correlation with the Index, the Fund seeks to rebalance its portfolio daily to keep exposure consistent with its daily leveraged investment objective. The possibility of the Fund being materially over- or under-exposed to the Index increases on days when the Index is volatile near the close of the trading day. Market disruptions, regulatory restrictions and extreme volatility will also adversely affect the Fund’s ability to adjust exposure to the required levels. If there is a significant intra-day market event and/or the Index experiences a significant increase or decline, the Fund may not meet its investment objective, be able to rebalance its portfolio appropriately, or may experience significant premiums or discounts, or widened bid-ask spreads.

 

The Fund may have difficulty achieving its daily leveraged investment objective due to fees, expenses, transaction costs, financing costs related to the use of derivatives, investments in ETFs, directly or indirectly, income items, valuation methodology, accounting standards and disruptions or illiquidity in the markets for the securities or derivatives held by the Fund. The Fund may be subject to large movements of assets into and out of the Fund, potentially resulting in the Fund being over- or under-exposed to the Index. The Fund may take or refrain from taking positions to improve the tax efficiency or to comply with various regulatory restrictions, either of which may negatively impact the Fund’s leveraged correlation to the Index.

 

Special Note Regarding the Daily Correlation Risks of the Fund. As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund is “leveraged” in the sense that it has an investment objective to match 200% of the performance of the Index on a given day. The Fund is subject to all of the correlation risks described in the Prospectus.

 

In addition, there is a special form of correlation risk that derives from the Fund’s use of leverage, which is that for periods greater than one day, the use of leverage tends to cause the performance of the Fund to be either greater than, or less than, 200% of the performance of the Index.

 

The Fund’s return for periods longer than one day is primarily (but not solely) a function of the following:

a.Performance of the Index;
b.Volatility of the Index;
c.Financing rates associated with leverage;
d.Other Fund expenses;
e.Dividends paid by companies in the applicable Index; and
f.Period of time.

 

2

 

Fund performance for periods greater than one single day can be estimated given any set of assumptions for the following factors: a) the Index’s volatility; b) the Index’s performance; c) period of time; d) financing rates associated with leveraged exposure; and e) other Fund expenses. The chart shows estimated Fund returns for a number of combinations of Index volatility and Index performance over a one-year period. Performance shown in the chart assumes that: (i) there were no Fund expenses; (ii) borrowing/lending rates (to obtain leveraged exposure) of 0%. If Fund expenses and/or actual borrowing/lending rates were reflected the estimated returns would be different than those shown. Particularly during periods of higher Index volatility, compounding will cause results for periods longer than a trading day to vary from two times (200%) the performance of the Index.

 

As shown in the chart below, the Fund would be expected to lose 6.1% if there was no change in the share price of the Index over a one-year period during which the Index experienced annualized volatility of 25%. If the Index’s annualized volatility were to rise to 75%, the hypothetical loss for a one-year period would widen to approximately -43%. At higher ranges of volatility, there is a chance of a significant loss of value in the Fund, even if there were no change in the share price of the Index. For instance, if the Index’s annualized volatility is 100%, the Fund would be expected to lose 63.2% of its value, even if the cumulative Index change in the share price of the Index for the year was 0%.

 

Areas shaded red (or dark gray) represent those scenarios where the Fund can be expected to return less than two times (200%) the performance of the Index and those shaded green (or light gray) represent those scenarios where the Fund can be expected to return more than two times (200%) the performance of the Index. The Fund’s actual performance may be significantly better or worse than the performance shown below as a result of any of the factors discussed above or in the “Daily Correlation/Tracking Risk” below.

 

The table below is intended to underscore the fact that the Fund is designed as a short-term trading vehicle for investors who intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. It is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. For additional information regarding correlation and volatility risk for the Fund, see “Compounding and Market Volatility Risk” in the Prospectus.

 

Estimated Returns of 200% or Two Times
Performance of the Index
       
Index Performance One Year Volatility Rate
One Year
Performance
2X Times
(200%) the
One Year
Performance
10% 25% 50% 75% 100%
-60% -120% -84.2% -85.0% -87.5% -90.9% -94.1%
-50% -100% -75.2% -76.5% -80.5% -85.8% -90.8%
-40% -80% -64.4% -66.2% -72.0% -79.5% -86.8%
-30% -60% -51.5% -54.0% -61.8% -72.1% -82.0%
-20% -40% -36.6% -39.9% -50.2% -63.5% -76.5%
-10% -20% -19.8% -23.9% -36.9% -53.8% -70.2%
0% 0% -1.0% -6.1% -22.1% -43.0% -63.2%
10% 20% 19.8% 13.7% -5.8% -31.1% -55.5%
20% 40% 42.6% 35.3% 12.1% -18.0% -47.0%
30% 60% 67.3% 58.8% 31.6% -3.7% -37.8%
40% 80% 94.0% 84.1% 52.6% 11.7% -27.9%
50% 100% 122.8% 111.4% 75.2% 28.2% -17.2%
60% 120% 153.5% 140.5% 99.4% 45.9% -5.8%

 

DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS

 

The following are descriptions of the permitted investments and investment practices and associated risk factors. The Fund 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 the Fund’s investment objective and permitted by the Fund’s stated investment policies. In addition, certain of the techniques and investments discussed in this SAI are not principal strategies of the Fund as disclosed in the Prospectus, and while such techniques and investments are permissible for the Fund to utilize, the Fund is not required to utilize such non-principal techniques or investments.

 

3

 

Borrowing

 

Although the Fund does not intend to borrow money, the Fund may do so to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may borrow up to one-third (1/3) of its total assets. To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, or the rules and regulations thereunder, the Fund may also borrow an additional 5% of its total assets without regard to the foregoing limitation for temporary purposes, such as the clearance of portfolio transactions. The Fund will borrow money only for short-term or emergency purposes. To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act requires the Fund to maintain at all times an “asset coverage” of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings. Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of a Fund’s total assets, minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings.

 

Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on NAV of any increase or decrease in the market value of the 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 Fund 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.

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund may borrow funds for temporary purposes by entering into reverse repurchase agreements in accordance with the Fund’s investment restrictions. Pursuant to such agreements, the Fund would sell portfolio securities to financial institutions such as banks and broker-dealers and agree to repurchase the securities at the mutually agreed-upon date and price. Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act permits the Fund to enter into reverse repurchase agreements, provided that the Fund treats the reverse repurchase agreements as a borrowing subject to the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act (see “Borrowing” above) or as a derivative (see “Derivative Instruments” below).

 

The use of reverse repurchase agreements by the Fund creates leverage which increases the Fund’s investment risk. If the income and gains on securities purchased with the proceeds of reverse repurchase agreements exceed the cost of the agreements, the Fund’s earnings or NAV will increase faster than otherwise would be the case. Conversely, if the income and gains fail to exceed the costs, earnings or NAV would decline faster than otherwise would be the case.

 

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 will be used to seek to meet the Fund’s investment objective. Derivative instruments may also be used for “hedging,” which means that they may be used when the Adviser seeks to protect the Fund’s investments from a decline in value resulting from changes to interest rates, market prices, currency fluctuations, or other market factors. Derivative instruments may also be used for other purposes, including to seek to increase liquidity, provide efficient portfolio management, broaden investment opportunities (including taking short or negative positions), implement a tax or cash management strategy, gain exposure to a particular security or segment of the market and/or enhance total return. However derivative instruments are used, their successful use is not assured and will depend upon, among other factors, the Adviser’s ability to gauge relevant market movements.

 

Derivative instruments may be used for purposes of direct hedging. Direct hedging means that the transaction must be intended to reduce a specific risk exposure of a portfolio security or its denominated currency and must also be directly related to such security or currency. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments may be limited from time to time by policies adopted by the Board or the Adviser.

 

SEC Rule 18f-4 (“Rule 18f-4” or the “Derivatives Rule”) regulates the ability of the Fund to enter into derivative transactions and other leveraged transactions. The Derivatives Rule defines the term “derivatives” to include short sales and forward contracts, such as TBA transactions, in addition to instruments traditionally classified as derivatives, such as swaps, futures, and options. Rule 18f-4 also regulates other types of leveraged transactions, such as reverse repurchase transactions and transactions deemed to be “similar to” reverse repurchase transactions, such as certain securities lending transactions in connection with which the Fund obtains leverage. Among other things, under Rule 18f-4, the Fund is prohibited from entering into these derivatives transactions except in reliance on the provisions of the Derivatives Rule. The Derivatives Rule establishes limits on the derivatives transactions that the Fund may enter into based on the value-at-risk (“VaR”) of the Fund inclusive of derivatives. The Fund will generally satisfy the limits under the Rule if the VaR of its portfolio (inclusive of derivatives transactions) does not exceed 200% of the VaR of its “designated reference portfolio.” The “designated reference portfolio” is a representative unleveraged index or the Fund’s own portfolio absent derivatives holdings, as determined by the Fund’s derivatives risk manager. This limits test is referred to as the “Relative VaR Test.”

 

4

 

In addition, among other requirements, Rule 18f-4 requires the Fund to establish a derivatives risk management program, appoint a derivatives risk manager, and carry out enhanced reporting to the Board, the SEC and the public regarding the Fund’s derivatives activities.

 

Futures contracts. Generally, a futures contract is a standard binding agreement to buy or sell a specified quantity of an underlying reference instrument, such as a specific security, currency or commodity, at a specified price at a specified later date. A “sale” of a futures contract means the acquisition of a contractual obligation to deliver the underlying reference instrument called for by the contract at a specified price on a specified date. A “purchase” of a futures contract means the acquisition of a contractual obligation to acquire the underlying reference instrument called for by the contract at a specified price on a specified date. The purchase or sale of a futures contract will allow the Fund to increase or decrease its exposure to the underlying reference instrument without having to buy the actual instrument.

 

The underlying reference instruments to which futures contracts may relate include non-U.S. currencies, interest rates, stock and bond indices, and debt securities, including U.S. government debt obligations. In certain types of futures contracts, the underlying reference instrument may be a swap agreement. In most cases the contractual obligation under a futures contract may be offset, or “closed out,” before the settlement date so that the parties do not have to make or take delivery. The closing out of a contractual obligation is usually accomplished by buying or selling, as the case may be, an identical, offsetting futures contract. This transaction, which is effected through a member of an exchange, cancels the obligation to make or take delivery of the underlying instrument or asset. Although some futures contracts by their terms require the actual delivery or acquisition of the underlying instrument or asset, some require cash settlement.

 

Futures contracts may be bought and sold on U.S. and non-U.S. exchanges. Futures contracts in the U.S. have been designed by exchanges that have been designated “contract markets” by the CFTC and must be executed through a futures commission merchant (“FCM”), which is a brokerage firm that is a member of the relevant contract market. Each exchange guarantees performance of the contracts as between the clearing members of the exchange, thereby reducing the risk of counterparty default. Futures contracts may also be entered into on certain exempt markets, including exempt boards of trade and electronic trading facilities, available to certain market participants. Because all transactions in the futures market are made, offset or fulfilled by an FCM through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the contracts are traded, the Fund will incur brokerage fees when they buy or sell futures contracts.

 

To the extent the Fund invests in futures contracts, the Fund will generally buy and sell futures contracts only on contract markets (including exchanges or boards of trade) where there appears to be an active market for the futures contracts, but there is no assurance that an active market will exist for any particular contract or at any particular time. An active market makes it more likely that futures contracts will be liquid and bought and sold at competitive market prices. In addition, many of the futures contracts available may be relatively new instruments without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active market will develop or continue to exist.

 

When the Fund enters into a futures contract, it must deliver to an account controlled by the FCM (that has been selected by the Fund), an amount referred to as “initial margin” that is typically calculated as an amount equal to the volatility in market value of a contract over a fixed period. Initial margin requirements are determined by the respective exchanges on which the futures contracts are traded and the FCM. Thereafter, a “variation margin” amount may be required to be paid by the Fund or received by the Fund in accordance with margin controls set for such accounts, depending upon changes in the marked-to market value of the futures contract. The account is marked-to market daily and the variation margin is monitored the Adviser and Custodian (defined below) on a daily basis. When the futures contract is closed out, if the Fund has a loss equal to or greater than the margin amount, the margin amount is paid to the FCM along with any loss in excess of the margin amount. If the Fund has a loss of less than the margin amount, the excess margin is returned to the Fund. If the Fund has a gain, the full margin amount and the amount of the gain is paid to the Fund.

 

Some futures contracts provide for the delivery of securities that are different than those that are specified in the contract. For a futures contract for delivery of debt securities, on the settlement date of the contract, adjustments to the contract can be made to recognize differences in value arising from the delivery of debt securities with a different interest rate from that of the particular debt securities that were specified in the contract. In some cases, securities called for by a futures contract may not have been issued when the contract was written.

 

Risks of futures contracts. The Fund’s use of futures contracts is subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments generally. In addition, a purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses to the Fund in excess of the amount that the Fund delivered as initial margin. Because of the relatively low margin deposits required, futures trading involves a high degree of leverage; as a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss, or gain, to the Fund. In addition, if the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements or close out a futures position, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. Adverse market movements could cause the Fund to experience substantial losses on an investment in a futures contract.

 

5

 

There is a risk of loss by the Fund of the initial and variation margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of the FCM with which the Fund has an open position in a futures contract. The assets of the Fund may not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the FCM or central counterparty because the Fund might be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds and margin segregated on behalf of an FCM’s customers. If the FCM does not provide accurate reporting, the Fund are also subject to the risk that the FCM could use the Fund’s assets, which are held in an omnibus account with assets belonging to the FCM’s other customers, to satisfy its own financial obligations or the payment obligations of another customer to the central counterparty.

 

The Fund may not be able to properly hedge or effect its strategy when a liquid market is unavailable for the futures contract the Fund wishes to close, which may at times occur. In addition, when futures contracts are used for hedging, there may be an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the underlying reference instrument on which the futures contract is based and movements in the prices of the assets sought to be hedged.

 

If the Adviser’s investment judgment about the general direction of market prices or interest or currency exchange rates is incorrect, the Fund’s overall performance will be poorer than if it had not entered into a futures contract. For example, if the Fund has purchased futures to hedge against the possibility of an increase in interest rates that would adversely affect the price of bonds held in its portfolio and interest rates instead decrease, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of the bonds which it has hedged. This is because its losses in its futures positions will offset some or all of its gains from the increased value of the bonds.

 

The difference (called the “spread”) between prices in the cash market for the purchase and sale of the underlying reference instrument and the prices in the futures market is subject to fluctuations and distortions due to differences in the nature of those two markets. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to initial deposit and variation margin requirements. Rather than meeting additional variation margin requirements, investors may close futures contracts through offsetting transactions that could distort the normal pricing spread between the cash and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery of the underlying instrument. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced, resulting in pricing distortion. Third, from the point of view of speculators, the margin deposit requirements that apply in the futures market are less onerous than similar margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price distortions.

 

Futures contracts that are traded on non-U.S. exchanges may not be as liquid as those purchased on CFTC-designated contract markets. In addition, non-U.S. futures contracts may be subject to varied regulatory oversight. The price of any non-U.S. futures contract and, therefore, the potential profit and loss thereon, may be affected by any change in the non-U.S. exchange rate between the time a particular order is placed and the time it is liquidated, offset or exercised.

 

The CFTC and the various exchanges have established limits referred to as “speculative position limits” on the maximum net long or net short position that any person, such as the Fund, may hold or control in a particular futures contract. Trading limits are also imposed on the maximum number of contracts that any person may trade on a particular trading day. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of these limits and it may impose other sanctions or restrictions. The regulation of futures, as well as other derivatives, is a rapidly changing area of law.

 

Futures exchanges may also limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in certain futures contract prices during a single trading day. This daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day’s settlement price. Once the daily limit has been reached in a futures contract subject to the limit, no more trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and does not limit potential losses because the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses.

 

Options

 

The Fund may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on indices and enter into related closing transactions. A put option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying security at any time during the option period. The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract.

 

Put and call options on indices are similar to options on securities except that options on an index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number. Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the particular market represented by the index generally, rather than the price movements in individual securities.

 

6

 

The Fund may trade put and call options on securities, securities indices and currencies, as the Adviser determines is appropriate in seeking the Fund’s investment objective, and except as restricted by the Fund’s investment limitations.

 

The initial purchase (sale) of an option contract is an “opening transaction.” In order to close out an option position, the Fund may enter into a “closing transaction,” which is simply the purchase of an option contract on the same security with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option contract originally opened. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option it has written, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or the Fund delivers the security upon exercise.

 

The Fund may purchase put and call options on securities to protect against a decline in the market value of the securities in its portfolio or to anticipate an increase in the market value of securities that the Fund may seek to purchase in the future. The Fund purchasing put and call options pays a premium; therefore, if price movements in the underlying securities are such that exercise of the options would not be profitable for the Fund, loss of the premium paid may be offset by an increase in the value of the Fund’s securities or by a decrease in the cost of acquisition of securities by the Fund.

 

The Fund may write call options on securities as a means of increasing the yield on its assets and as a means of providing limited protection against decreases in its market value. When the Fund writes an option, if the underlying securities do not increase or decrease to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option generally will expire without being exercised and the Fund will realize as profit the premium received for such option. When a call option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to sell the underlying securities to the option holder at the strike price, and will not participate in any increase in the price of such securities above the strike price. When a put option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the market value of such securities.

 

The Fund may purchase and write options on an exchange or over-the-counter. OTC options differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. They are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation, and therefore entail the risk of nonperformance by the dealer. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities and for a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than are available for exchange-traded options. Because OTC options are not traded on an exchange, pricing is done normally by reference to information from a market maker. It is the SEC’s position that OTC options are generally illiquid.

 

The market value of an option generally reflects the market price of an underlying security. Other principal factors affecting market value include supply and demand, interest rates, the pricing volatility of the underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date.

 

Risks associated with options transactions include (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates, (2) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the securities underlying them, (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for options, and (4) while the Fund will receive a premium when it writes covered call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the market value of the underlying security.

 

Illiquid Investments and Restricted Securities

 

Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the 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 the 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. The Fund has implemented a liquidity risk management program and related procedures to identify illiquid investments pursuant to Rule 22e-4. The 15% limits are applied as of the date the Fund purchases an illiquid investment. It is possible that the Fund’s holding of illiquid investment could exceed the 15% limit, for example as a result of market developments or redemptions.

 

The 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 the 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 the Fund’s assets in illiquid investments may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and for a fair price as well as its ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute where the Fund’s operations require cash, such as when the Fund has net redemptions, and could result in the 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 the 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 the Fund are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the 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, the Fund may obtain access to material non-public information, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to conduct transactions in those securities.

 

7

 

Foreign Securities

 

The 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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the Fund.

 

Investment Company Securities

 

The Fund 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 Fund to all the risks of that pooled vehicle. If the Fund invests in and, thus, is a shareholder of, another investment company, the 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), the Fund may invest in the securities of another investment company (the “acquired company”) provided that the 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, the Fund may invest its assets in securities of investment companies that are money market funds in excess of the limits discussed above.

 

8

 

If the Fund invests in and, thus, is a shareholder of another investment company, the 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 the Fund’s own operations.

 

However, registered investment companies are permitted to invest in other investment companies beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1), subject to certain conditions. The Fund may rely on Rule 12d1-4 of the 1940 Act, which provides an exemption from Section 12(d)(1) that allows the Fund to invest beyond the stated limits in other registered funds, including ETFs, if the Fund satisfies certain conditions specified in the Rule, including, among other conditions, that the Fund and its advisory group will not control (individually or in the aggregate) an acquired fund (e.g., hold more than 25% of the outstanding voting securities of an acquired fund that is a registered open-end management investment company)

 

The Fund 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 the 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”).

 

Money Market Funds

 

The Fund 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 Fund 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 the Fund sells the shares it owns they may be worth more or less than what the Fund originally paid for them. In addition, neither type of money market fund is designed to offer capital appreciation. Certain underlying money market funds may impose a fee upon the sale of shares or may temporarily suspend the ability to sell shares if such fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums.

 

Other Short-Term Instruments

 

The Fund 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 the 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.

 

Securities Lending

 

If approved by the Board, the 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. The Fund may terminate a loan at any time and obtain the return of the securities loaned. The 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. The Fund is compensated by the difference between the amount earned on the reinvestment of cash collateral and the fee paid to the borrower. In the case of collateral other than cash, the Fund is compensated by a fee paid by the borrower equal to a percentage of the value of the loaned securities. Any cash collateral may be reinvested in certain short-term instruments either directly on behalf of the lending Fund or through one or more joint accounts or money market funds, which may include those managed by the Adviser.

 

The 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 the Fund in accordance with guidelines approved by the Board. In such capacity, the lending agent causes the delivery of loaned securities from the Fund to borrowers, arranges for the return of loaned securities to the 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.

 

9

 

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 the Fund has agreed to pay a borrower), and credit, legal, counterparty and market risk. In the event a borrower does not return the Fund’s securities as agreed, the 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.

 

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 the Fund makes distributions or you sell Shares.

 

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

 

The Trust has adopted the following investment restrictions as fundamental policies with respect to the Fund. These restrictions cannot be changed with respect to the Fund without the approval of the holders of a majority of the 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, the Fund may not:

 

  1. Borrow money or issue senior securities (as defined under the 1940 Act), except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act.
     
  2. Make loans, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act.
     
  3. Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. This shall not prevent the Fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) or securities of companies engaged in the real estate business.
     
  4. Purchase or sell commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. This shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities.
     
  5. Underwrite securities issued by other persons, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act.
     
  6. Concentrate its investments (i.e., hold more than 25% of its total assets) in any industry or group of related industries, except that the Fund will concentrate in the industry or group of industries assigned to BRK.B. 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 Fund will look through to the underlying holdings of any investment company that publicly publishes its underlying holdings on a daily basis. In addition, if an underlying investment company does not publish its holdings daily but has a policy to concentrate or has otherwise disclosed that it is concentrated in a particular industry or group of related industries, the Fund will consider such investment company as being invested in such industry or group of related industries. Additionally, in determining its compliance with the fundamental investment restriction on concentration, the Fund will look through to the user or use of private activity municipal bonds to determine their industry.

 

10

 

If a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment or contract, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or total or net assets will not result in a violation of such restriction, except that the percentage limitations with respect to the borrowing of money and illiquid investments will be observed continuously.

 

EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING

 

Shares are listed for trading and trade throughout the day on the Exchange.

 

There can be no assurance that the 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 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 from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund.

 

The Trust reserves the right to adjust the price levels of Shares in the future to help maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the Fund.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST

 

Board Responsibilities. The Board oversees the management and operations of the Trust. Like all mutual funds, the day-to-day management and operation of the Trust is the responsibility of the various service providers to the Trust, such as the Adviser, the Distributor, the Administrator, the Custodian, and the Transfer Agent, each of whom is discussed in greater detail in this Statement of Additional Information. The Board has appointed various senior employees of the Administrator as officers of the Trust, with responsibility to monitor and report to the Board on the Trust’s operations. In conducting this oversight, the Board receives regular reports from these officers and the service providers. For example, the Treasurer reports as to financial reporting matters and the President reports as to matters relating to the Trust’s operations. In addition, the Adviser provides regular reports on the investment strategy and performance of the Fund. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer who administers the Trust’s compliance program and regularly reports to the Board as to compliance matters. These reports are provided as part of formal “Board Meetings” which are typically held quarterly, in person, and involve the Board’s review of recent operations. In addition, various members of the Board also meet with management in less formal settings, between formal “Board Meetings,” to discuss various topics. In all cases, however, the role of the Board and of any individual Trustee is one of oversight and not of management of the day-to-day affairs of the Trust and its oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Trust’s investments, operations or activities.

 

As part of its oversight function, the Board receives and reviews various risk management reports and discusses these matters with appropriate management and other personnel. Because risk management is a broad concept comprised of many elements (e.g., investment risk, issuer and counterparty risk, compliance risk, operational risks, business continuity risks, etc.), the oversight of different types of risks is handled in different ways. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the 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 Fund. 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 Fund 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 the 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 the Fund’s investment management and business affairs are carried out by or through the Adviser, and other service providers, each of which has an independent interest in risk management but whose policies and the methods by which one or more risk management functions are carried out may differ from the Fund’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available, or the effectiveness of relevant controls. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s ability to monitor and manage risk, as a practical matter, is subject to limitations.

 

Members of the Board. There are five members of the Board, three of whom are not interested persons of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”).

 

The Board is composed of a majority (60 percent) of Independent Trustees. The Trust has determined its leadership structure is appropriate given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust, even though there is no Lead Independent Trustee. The Trust made this determination in consideration of, among other things, the fact that the Independent Trustees of the Trust constitute a majority of the Board, the amount of assets under management in the Trust, and the number of funds overseen by the Board. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from Fund management.

 

11

 

Additional information about each Trustee of the Trust is set forth below. The address of each Trustee of the Trust is c/o Tidal Trust III, 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204.

 

Name and
Year of Birth
Position
Held
with
the
Trust
Term of
Office
and Length
of
Time
Served(1)
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number
of
Portfolios
in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Trustee
Other
Directorships
Held
by Trustee
During
Past 5 Years
Independent Trustees(2)
Monica H. Byrd
Born: 1979
Trustee Indefinite Term; since August 2023 Chief Financial Officer of LFO Management, LLC (since 2019); Chief Financial Officer of Glencoe Capital/Stockwell Capital (2018 to 2019); Vice President Finance of Glencoe Capital/Stockwell Capital (2016 to 2018). [ ] None
Pamela Cytron
Born: 1966
Trustee Indefinite Term;
since August 2023
President, The Founder’s Arena (since 2023); CEO & Founder, Pendo Systems, Inc. (2020 to 2023); Non-executive Board advisor, RegAlytics (2021 to 2022). [ ] 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 August 2023
Vice President and Head Trader at 3Edge Asset Management LLC (since 2022); and Director and Head Trader at Charles Schwab Investment Management (2008 to 2022). [ ] Serves as a director of the 600 Atlantic/Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Federal Credit Union.
Interested Trustees(3)
Ethan Powell
Born: 1975
Trustee Indefinite Term; Trustee since May 2016 Principal and CIO of Brookmont Capital; President and Founder of Impact Shares LLC (“Impact Shares”) (since 2015); Trustee of the Highland and Nexpoint Fund Complex (since 2012); and Independent director of Kelly Strategic ETF Trust (Since 2022). [ ] 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.
Guillermo Trias
Born: 1976
Trustee; Chairman of the Board Indefinite Term;
Trustee since August 2023 and Chairman of the Board since May 2024
Co-Founder & CEO of the Tidal Financial Group of companies (since 2016). [ ] Manager (director) of Tidal Investments LLC.
(1) The Trustees have designated a mandatory retirement age of 78, such that each Trustee, serving as such on the date he or she reaches the age of 78, shall submit his or her resignation not later than the last day of the calendar year in which his or her 78th birthday occurs.
(2) All Independent Trustees of the Trust are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act.
(3) Mr. Powell is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, because of his current affiliation with Impact Shares, Corp., an investment sub-adviser to other separate series of the Trust. Mr. Trias is deemed an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, because of his current affiliation with Tidal Investments LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

12

 

Individual Trustee Qualifications.

 

The Board believes that each of the Trustees has the qualifications, experience, attributes and skills (“Trustee Attributes”) appropriate to their service as Trustees of the Trust in light of the Trust’s business and structure. Each of the Trustees has substantial business and professional backgrounds that indicate they have the ability to critically review, evaluate and access information provided to them. Certain of these business and professional experiences are set forth in detail in the table above. The Board annually conducts a ‘self-assessment’ wherein the effectiveness of the Board and individual Trustees is reviewed.

 

In addition to the information provided in the table above, below is certain additional information concerning each particular Trustee and certain of their Trustee Attributes. The information provided below, and in the table above, is not all-inclusive. Many Trustee Attributes involve intangible elements, such as intelligence, integrity, work ethic, the ability to work together, the ability to communicate effectively, the ability to exercise judgment, the ability to ask incisive questions, and commitment to shareholder interests. In conducting its annual self-assessment, the Board has determined that the Trustees have the appropriate attributes and experience to serve effectively as Trustees of the Trust.

 

The Board has concluded that Ms. Byrd should serve as a Trustee because of her substantial financial services experience through her current position as CFO at LFO Management, LLC, as well as through former positions. Ms. Byrd, CPA serves as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee. The Board believes Ms. Byrd’s experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills, on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees, led to the conclusion that she possesses the requisite skills and attributes as a Trustee to carry out oversight responsibilities with respect to the Trust.

 

The Board has concluded that Ms. Cytron should serve as a Trustee because of her substantial executive experience through her current position as President of The Founder’s Arena and her former position as CEO & Founder, Pendo Systems, Inc., as well as through service on other boards. Ms. Cytron serves as the Chairperson of the Governance Committee. The Board believes Ms. Cytron’s experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills, on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees, led to the conclusion that she possesses the requisite skills and attributes as a Trustee to carry out oversight responsibilities with respect to the Trust.

 

The Board has concluded that Mr. Jules should serve as a Trustee because of his substantial financial services experience through his current position as Vice President and Head Trader at 3Edge Asset Management LLC, as well as through former positions. The Board believes Mr. Jules’ experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills, on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees, led to the conclusion that he possesses the requisite skills and attributes as a Trustee to carry out oversight responsibilities with respect to the Trust.

 

The Board has concluded that Mr. Trias should serve as a Trustee because of his substantial financial industry experience, executive experience and administrative and managerial experience as CEO of Tidal Financial Group. The Board believes Mr. Trias’ experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees led to the conclusion that he possesses the requisite skills and attributes as a Trustee to carry out oversight responsibilities with respect to the Trust.

 

The Board has concluded that Mr. Powell should serve as a Trustee because of his substantial financial industry experience and his board service for other registered investment companies. The Board believes Mr. Powell’s experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees led to the conclusion that he possesses the requisite skills and attributes as a Trustee to carry out oversight responsibilities with respect to the Trust.

 

Board Committees. The Board has established the following standing committees of the Board:

 

Audit Committee. The Board has a standing Audit Committee that is composed of each of the Independent Trustees of the Trust and is chaired by an Independent Trustee. Ms. Byrd is chair of the Audit Committee, and she presides at the Audit Committee meetings, participates in formulating agendas for Audit Committee meetings, and coordinates with management to serve as a liaison between the Independent Trustees and management on matters within the scope of responsibilities of the Audit Committee as set forth in its Board-approved written charter. The principal responsibilities of the Audit Committee include overseeing the Trust’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and its internal controls; overseeing the quality, objectivity and integrity of the Trust’s financial statements and the independent audits thereof; monitoring the independent auditor’s qualifications, independence, and performance; acting as a liaison between the Trust’s independent auditors and the full Board; pre-approving all auditing services to be performed for the Trust; reviewing the compensation and overseeing the work of the independent auditor (including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work; pre-approving all permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for the Trust; pre-approving all permitted non-audit services to be performed for any investment adviser or sub-adviser to the Trust by any of the Trust’s independent auditors if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Trust; meeting with the Trust’s independent auditors as necessary to (1) review the arrangement for and scope of the annual audits and any special audits, (2) discuss any matters of concern relating to the 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 the Fund’s shareholders; discussing with management and the independent auditor significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the 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 the Fund’s Form N-CSR. As of the date of this SAI, the Audit Committee met one time with respect to the Fund.

 

13

 

The Audit Committee also serves as the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee (“QLCC”) for the Trust for the purpose of compliance with Rules 205.2(k) and 205.3(c) of the Code of Federal Regulations, regarding alternative reporting procedures for attorneys retained or employed by an issuer who appear and practice before the SEC on behalf of the issuer (the “issuer attorneys”). An issuer attorney who becomes aware of evidence of a material violation by the Trust, or by any officer, director, employee, or agent of the Trust, may report evidence of such material violation to the QLCC as an alternative to the reporting requirements of Rule 205.3(b) (which requires reporting to the chief legal officer and potentially escalating further to other entities). As of the date of this SAI, the QLCC has not met with respect to the Trust.

 

Governance Committee. The Board has a standing Governance Committee that is composed of each of the Independent Trustees of the Trust. The Governance Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board. The 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 Governance Committee generally will not consider nominees recommended by shareholders. The 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 Governance Committee. The Governance Committee meets periodically, as necessary, but at least annually. Because the Fund has not yet commenced operations, the Governance Committee has not yet met or taken any action with respect to the Fund as of the date of the SAI.

 

Principal Officers of the Trust

 

The officers of the Trust conduct and supervise its daily business. The address of each officer of the Trust is c/o Tidal Trust III, 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204, unless otherwise indicated. Additional information about the Trust’s officers is as follows:

 

Name and
Year of Birth
Position(s) Held
with the Trust
Term of Office
and
Length of Time Served1
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Eric W. Falkeis
Born: 1973
President

Indefinite term;

since May 2024

Chief Executive Officer, Tidal ETF Services LLC (since 2018); President, Principal Executive Officer, President, Principal Executive Officer, Interested Trustee and Chairman of Tidal ETF Trust (since 2018); President, Principal Executive Officer, President, Principal Executive Officer, Interested Trustee and Chairman of Tidal Trust II (since 2022); Chief Operating Officer (and other positions), Rafferty Asset Management, LLC (2013 to 2018) and Direxion Advisors, LLC (2017 to 2018).
Hatim Banaja
Born: 1981
Vice President

Indefinite term;

since 2023

SVP of Operations (since 2024), Head of Strategic Projects, Tidal Financial Group (2024 to 2022). Global Head of Equity Client Solutions Business Development, Bank of America Corporate and Investment Bank (2019 to 2021). Global Equity Volatility Business Manager, JP Morgan Corporate and Investment Bank (2014 to 2019).

 

14

 

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
William H. Woolverton, Esq.
Born: 1951
Chief Compliance Officer and AML Compliance Officer

Indefinite term;

since 2023

Chief Compliance Officer (since 2023), Compliance Advisor (2022 to 2023), Tidal Investments LLC; Chief Compliance Officer, Tidal ETF Services LLC (since 2022); Senior Compliance Advisor, ACA Global (2020 to 2022); Operating Partner, Altamont Capital Partners (private equity firm) (since 2021); Director, Hadron Specialty Insurance Company; Managing Director and Head of Legal - US, Waystone (global governance solutions) (2016 to 2019).
Aaron J. Perkovich
Born: 1973
Treasurer

Indefinite term;

since 2023

SVP of Fund Administration (since 2024), Head of Fund Administration (2023 to 2024), Fund Administration Manager, (2022 to 2023), Tidal ETF Services LLC; Assistant Director Investments, Mason Street Advisors, LLC (2021 to 2022); Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (2006 to 2021).
Lissa M. Richter
Born: 1979
Secretary

Indefinite term;

since 2023

VP of Fund Governance and Compliance (since 2024); ETF Regulatory Manager, (2021 to 2023) Tidal ETF Services LLC; Senior Paralegal, Rafferty Asset Management, LLC (2013 to 2020); Senior Paralegal, Officer, U.S Bancorp Fund Services LLC, (2005 to 2013).

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. The Fund is required to show the dollar amount ranges of each Trustee’s “beneficial ownership” of Shares and each other series of the Trust as of the end of the most recently completed calendar year. Dollar amount ranges disclosed are established by the SEC. “Beneficial ownership” is determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”).

 

As of the date of this SAI, the Fund had not yet commenced operations and no Shares were outstanding.

 

Board Compensation

 

Each Independent Trustee receives $2,500 payable for each regular meeting attended and allocated among each fund in the Tidal Trust III Fund Complex. The Trust has no pension or retirement plan.

 

The following table shows the compensation estimated to be earned by each Trustee for the Fund’s current fiscal year ending [ ], 2025. Independent Trustee fees are an obligation of the Trust and are paid by the Adviser, as are other Trust expenses. The Trust pays the Adviser a unitary fee which the Adviser uses to pay Trust expenses. Trustee compensation shown below does not include reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses in connection with attendance at meetings.

 

Name Estimated Aggregate Compensation
 From Fund
Estimated Total Compensation From
Fund Complex Paid to Trustees(1)
Interested Trustees
Ethan Powell $0 $0
Guillermo Trias $0 $0
Independent Trustees
Monica H. Byrd $0 $[ ]
Pamela Cytron $0 $[ ]
Lawrence Jules $0 $[ ]
(1) Compensation is based on estimated amounts for the fiscal year ending [ ], 2025.

 

15

 

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 Fund.

 

As of the date of this SAI, the Fund had not yet commenced operations and no Shares were outstanding.

 

CODES OF ETHICS

 

The Trust and the Adviser have each adopted codes of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. These codes of ethics are designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust and the Adviser from engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the 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 Fund. The Distributor (as defined below) relies on the principal underwriters exception under Rule 17j-1(c)(3), specifically where the Distributor is not affiliated with the Trust or the Adviser, and no officer, director, or general partner of the Distributor serves as an officer, director, or general partner of the Trust or the Adviser.

 

There can be no assurance that the codes of ethics will be effective in preventing such activities. Each code of ethics may be found on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES

 

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 the 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 Fund.

 

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 the 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.

 

When available, information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 will be available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling [phone], (2) on the Fund’s website at www.kick.etf and (3) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

Tidal Investments LLC, a Tidal Financial Group company, located at 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204, serves as investment adviser to the Fund and has overall responsibility for the general management and administration of the Fund.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”), the Adviser provides investment advice to the Fund and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Fund subject to the direction and oversight of the Board. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is also responsible for arranging transfer agency, custody, fund administration and accounting, and other related services necessary for the Fund to operate. The Adviser is also responsible for trading portfolio securities and financial instruments for the Fund, including selecting broker-dealers to execute purchase and sale transactions. The Adviser administers the 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 the Fund, the Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses incurred by the Fund except for the Excluded Expenses, as defined in the Prospectus. For services provided to the Fund, the Fund pays the Adviser a unitary management fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of [ ]% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

16

 

The Advisory Agreement with respect to the Fund 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 the Fund, so long as its continuance is approved at least annually (1) by the vote, cast in person (or in another manner permitted by the 1940 Act or pursuant to exemptive relief therefrom) at a meeting called for that purpose, of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Adviser or the Trust; and (2) by the majority vote of either the full Board or the vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares. The Advisory Agreement automatically terminates on assignment and is terminable on a 60-day written notice either by the Trust or the Adviser.

 

The Adviser shall not be liable to the Trust or any shareholder for anything done or omitted by it, except acts or omissions involving willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties imposed upon it by its agreement with the Trust or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding, or sale of any security.

 

The Fund is new and has not paid fees to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement as of the date of this SAI.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

The Fund is managed by Qiao Duan, CFA, Portfolio Manager of the Adviser and Christopher Mullen, Portfolio Manager for the Adviser.

 

Other Accounts. In addition to the Fund, the portfolio managers managed the following other accounts as of [ ], 2024.

 

Qiao Duan, CFA, 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   $   $
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles   $   $
Other Accounts   $   $

 

Christopher P. Mullen, 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   $   $
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles   $   $
Other Accounts   $   $

 

Portfolio Manager Fund Ownership. The Fund is required to show the dollar range of each portfolio manager’s “beneficial ownership” of Shares as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. Dollar amount ranges disclosed are established by the SEC. “Beneficial ownership” is determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the 1934 Act. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund had not yet commenced operations and no Shares were owned by the portfolio managers.

 

Portfolio Manager Compensation. Ms. Duan and Mr. Mullen are compensated by the Adviser with a fixed salary and discretionary bonus based on the financial performance and profitability of the Adviser and not based on the performance of the Fund.

 

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 Fund’s 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 Fund. 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 Fund trades, 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 Fund, 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 Fund. To mitigate these conflicts, the Adviser has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities among all accounts the firm manages are fairly and equitably allocated.

 

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THE DISTRIBUTOR

 

The Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) are parties to a distribution agreement (“Distribution Agreement”), whereby the Distributor acts as principal underwriter for the Fund and distributes Shares on a best efforts basis. Shares are continuously offered for sale by the Distributor only in Creation Units. The Distributor will not distribute Shares in amounts less than a Creation Unit and does not maintain a secondary market in Shares. The principal business address of the Distributor is Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101.

 

Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor, as agent for the Trust, will review orders for the purchase and redemption of Creation Units, provided that any subscriptions and orders will not be binding on the Trust until accepted by the Trust. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a member of FINRA.

 

The Distributor may also enter into agreements with securities dealers (“Soliciting Dealers”) who will solicit purchases of Creation Units of Shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Authorized Participants (as discussed in “Procedures for Purchase of Creation Units” below) or DTC participants (as defined below).

 

The Distribution Agreement will continue for two years from its effective date and is renewable annually thereafter. The continuance of the Distribution Agreement must be specifically approved at least annually (1) by the vote of the Trustees or by a vote of the shareholders of the 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 Fund is new and has not incurred any underwriting commissions and the Distributor has not retained any amounts as of the date of this SAI.

 

Intermediary Compensation. The Adviser or its affiliates, out of their own resources and not out of Fund assets (i.e., without additional cost to the Fund or its shareholders), may pay certain broker dealers, banks, and other financial intermediaries (“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 and educational training or support. These arrangements are not financed by the Fund 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 Fund’s 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 Fund, including marketing and education support (such as through conferences, webinars, and printed communications). The Adviser will periodically assess the advisability of continuing to make these payments. Payments to an Intermediary may be significant to the Intermediary, and amounts that Intermediaries pay to your adviser, broker, or other investment professional, if any, may also be significant to such adviser, broker, or investment professional. Because an Intermediary may make decisions about what investment options it will make available or recommend, and what services to provide in connection with various products, based on payments it receives or is eligible to receive, such payments create conflicts of interest between the Intermediary and its clients. For example, these financial incentives may cause the Intermediary to recommend the 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.

 

Intermediary information is current only as of the date of this SAI. Please contact your adviser, broker, or other investment professional for more information regarding any payments their Intermediary firm may receive. Any payments made by the Adviser or its affiliates to an Intermediary may create the incentive for an Intermediary to encourage customers to buy Shares.

 

If you have any additional questions, please call [phone].

 

Distribution (Rule 12b-1) Plan. The Trust has adopted a Distribution (Rule 12b-1) Plan (the “Plan”) in accordance with the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. No payments pursuant to the Plan are expected to be made during the twelve (12) month period from the date of this SAI. Rule 12b-1 fees to be paid by the Fund under the Plan may only be imposed after approval by the Board.

 

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Continuance of the Plan must be approved annually by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plan or in any agreements related to the Plan (“Disinterested Trustees”). The Plan may be continued from year-to-year only if the Board, including a majority of the Disinterested Trustees, concludes at least annually that continuation of the Plan is likely to benefit shareholders. The Board has determined that the Plan is likely to benefit the Fund by providing an incentive for brokers, dealers, and other financial intermediaries to engage in sales and marketing efforts on behalf of the Fund and to provide enhanced services to shareholders. The Board also determined that the Plan may enhance the Fund’s ability to sell shares and access important distribution channels.

 

The Plan requires that quarterly written reports of amounts spent under the Plan and the purposes of such expenditures be furnished to and reviewed by the Trustees. The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount that may be spent thereunder without approval by a majority of the outstanding Shares. All material amendments of the Plan will require approval by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and of the Disinterested Trustees.

 

The Plan provides that the 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, the 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 the 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.

 

ADMINISTRATOR

 

Tidal ETF Services LLC (the “Administrator”), a Tidal Financial Group company and an affiliate of the Adviser, serves as the Fund’s administrator. The Administrator is located at 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204. Pursuant to a Fund Administration Servicing Agreement between the Trust and the Administrator. The Administrator provides the Trust with, or arranges for, administrative, compliance, and management services (other than investment advisory services) to be provided to the Trust and the Board. Pursuant to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement, officers or employees of the Administrator serve as the Trust’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and chief compliance officer, the Administrator coordinates the payment of Fund-related expenses, and the Administrator manages the Trust’s relationships with its various service providers. As compensation for the services it provides, the Administrator receives a fee based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, subject to a minimum annual fee. The Administrator also is entitled to certain out-of-pocket expenses for the services mentioned above.

 

The Fund is new, and the Administrator has not received any fees for administrative services to the Fund as of the date of this SAI.

 

TRANSFER AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Global Fund Services”), located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the Fund’s transfer agent (“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 Fund. In this capacity, Global Fund Services does not have any responsibility or authority for the management of the Fund, 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 the 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.

 

19

 

The Fund is new, and Global Fund Services has not received any fees for transfer agency services or fund accounting services to the Fund as of the date of this SAI.

 

CUSTODIAN

 

Pursuant to a Custody Agreement, U.S. Bank National Association (“U.S. Bank”), 1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, serves as the custodian (the “Custodian”) of the Fund’s assets. U.S. Bank is the parent company of Global Fund Services. The Custodian holds and administers the assets in the Fund’s portfolio. Pursuant to the Custody Agreement, the Custodian receives an annual fee from the Adviser based on the Trust’s total average daily net assets, subject to a minimum annual fee, and certain settlement charges. The Custodian also is entitled to certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

 

Sullivan & Worcester LLP, 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10020, serves as legal counsel for the Trust and the Independent Trustees.

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

[ ], serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

The Board has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Fund’s security holdings. The Fund’s entire portfolio holdings are publicly disseminated each day that the Fund is open for business and through financial reporting and news services including publicly available internet web sites. In addition, the composition of the Deposit Securities is publicly disseminated daily prior to the opening of the Exchange via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”).

 

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

 

The Third Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust (“Declaration of Trust”) authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of funds and shares. Each share represents an equal proportionate interest in the Fund with each other share. Shares are entitled upon liquidation to a pro rata share in the net assets of the 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 the Fund without shareholder approval. While the Trustees have no present intention of exercising this power, they may do so if the Fund fails to reach a viable size within a reasonable amount of time or for such other reasons as may be determined by the Board.

 

LIMITATION OF TRUSTEES’ LIABILITY

 

The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee shall be liable only for his or her own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee, and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust shall indemnify each person who is, or has been, a Trustee or officer of the Trust, and upon the due approval of the Trustees, each person who is, or has been an employee or agent of the Trust, and, upon due approval of the Trustees, any person who is serving or has served at the Trust’s request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, agent, or fiduciary of another organization with respect to any alleged acts or omissions while acting within the scope of a Trustee’s service in such a position. However, nothing in the Declaration of Trust shall protect or indemnify a Trustee against any liability for a Trustee’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee. Nothing contained in this section attempts to disclaim a Trustee’s individual liability in any manner inconsistent with the federal securities laws.

 

20

 

BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS

 

The policy of the Trust regarding purchases and sales of securities for the 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 the Fund and the Adviser from obtaining a high quality of brokerage and research services. In seeking to determine the reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid in any transaction, the Adviser will rely upon its experience and knowledge regarding commissions generally charged by various brokers and on its judgment in evaluating the brokerage services received from the broker effecting the transaction. Such determinations are necessarily subjective and imprecise, as in most cases, an exact dollar value for those services is not ascertainable. The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that prohibit the consideration of sales of Shares as a factor in the selection of a broker or dealer to execute its portfolio transactions.

 

The Adviser owes fiduciary duties to its clients to seek to provide best execution on trades effected. In selecting a broker/ dealer for each specific transaction, the Adviser chooses the broker/dealer deemed most capable of providing the services necessary to obtain the most favorable execution. “Best execution” is generally understood to mean the most favorable cost or net proceeds reasonably obtainable under the circumstances. The full range of brokerage services applicable to a particular transaction may be considered when making this judgment, which may include, but is not limited to liquidity, price, commission, timing, aggregated trades, capable floor brokers or traders, competent block trading coverage, ability to position, capital strength and stability, reliable and accurate communications and settlement processing, use of automation, knowledge of other buyers or sellers, arbitrage skills, administrative ability, underwriting, and provision of information on a particular security or market in which the transaction is to occur. The specific criteria will vary depending upon the nature of the transaction, the market in which it is executed, and the extent to which it is possible to select from among multiple broker/ dealers. The Adviser will also use electronic crossing networks (“ECNs”) when appropriate.

 

Subject to the foregoing policies, brokers or dealers selected to execute the Fund’s portfolio transactions may include the 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 the 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”, the 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, even if the decision to not charge a variable fee could be viewed as benefiting the Authorized Participant or its affiliate selected to execute the Fund’s portfolio transactions in connection with such orders.

 

The Adviser may use the Fund’s assets for, or participate in, third-party soft dollar arrangements, in addition to receiving proprietary research from various full-service brokers, the cost of which is bundled with the cost of the broker’s execution services. The Adviser does not “pay up” for the value of any such proprietary research. Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act permits the Adviser under certain circumstances, to cause the Fund to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction in recognition of the value of brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer. The Adviser may receive a variety of research services and information on many topics, which it can use in connection with its management responsibilities with respect to the various accounts over which it exercises investment discretion or otherwise provides investment advice. The research services may include qualifying order management systems, portfolio attribution and monitoring services, and computer software and access charges which are directly related to investment research.

 

Accordingly, the Fund may pay a broker commission higher than the lowest available in recognition of the broker’s provision of such services to the Adviser but only if the Adviser determines the total commission (including the soft dollar benefit) is comparable to the best commission rate that could be expected to be received from other brokers. The amount of soft dollar benefits received depends on the amount of brokerage transactions effected with the brokers. A conflict of interest exists because there is an incentive to (1) cause clients to pay a higher commission than the firm might otherwise be able to negotiate, (2) cause clients to engage in more securities transactions than would otherwise be optimal, and (3) only recommend brokers that provide soft dollar benefits.

 

The Adviser faces a potential conflict of interest when it uses client trades to obtain brokerage or research services. This conflict exists because the Adviser can use the brokerage or research services to manage client accounts without paying cash for such services, which reduces the Adviser’s expenses to the extent that the Adviser would have purchased such products had they not been provided by brokers. Section 28(e) permits the Adviser to use brokerage or research services for the benefit of any account it manages. Certain accounts managed by the Adviser may generate soft dollars used to purchase brokerage or research services that ultimately benefit the Adviser, the Affiliates, or other accounts managed by the Adviser effectively cross subsidizing the other accounts managed by the Adviser that benefit directly from the product. The Adviser may not necessarily use all of the brokerage or research services in connection with managing the Fund whose trades generated the soft dollars used to purchase such products.

 

21

 

The Adviser is responsible, subject to oversight by the Board, for placing orders on behalf of the Fund for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities. If purchases or sales of portfolio securities of the 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 its fiduciary obligations. In some cases, this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security so far as the Fund is 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 Fund. The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders at the most favorable net price.

 

The Fund may deal with affiliates in principal transactions to the extent permitted by exemptive order or applicable rule or regulation.

 

The Fund is new and has not paid any brokerage commissions as of the date of this SAI.

 

Brokerage with Fund Affiliates. The Fund may execute brokerage or other agency transactions through registered broker-dealer affiliates of the Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund, have adopted procedures for evaluating the reasonableness of commissions paid to affiliates and review these procedures periodically.

 

The Fund is required to identify the securities of their “regular brokers or dealers” that the Fund has acquired during its most recent fiscal year. The Fund is new and did not own equity securities of its regular broker-dealers or their parent companies as of the date of this SAI.

 

Directed Brokerage

 

The Fund is new and did not pay any commissions on brokerage transactions directed to brokers pursuant to an agreement or understanding whereby the broker provides research or other brokerage services to the Adviser.

 

Securities of “Regular Broker-Dealers.” The Fund is 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 Fund are the ten brokers or dealers that, during the most recent fiscal year: (1) received the greatest dollar amounts of brokerage commissions from the Fund’s portfolio transactions; (2) engaged as principal in the largest dollar amounts of portfolio transactions of the Fund; or (3) sold the largest dollar amounts of Shares.

 

The Fund is new and did not own equity securities of its regular broker-dealers or their parent companies as of the date of this SAI.

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

 

A portfolio turnover rate is, in summary, the percentage computed by dividing the lesser of the Fund’s purchases or sales of securities (excluding short-term securities and securities transferred in-kind) by the average market value of the Fund. A rate of 100% indicates that the equivalent of all of the 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 the Fund, any distributions resulting from such gains are considered ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The Fund is new and does not have a portfolio turnover rate to report as of the date of this SAI.

 

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.

 

22

 

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 New York Stock Exchange (“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 Fund 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 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.

 

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 Fund will not issue fractional Creation Units. A “Business Day” is any day on which the NYSE is open for regular trading.

 

Fund Deposit. The consideration for purchase of a Creation Unit of the 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, the Fund may incur additional costs associated with the acquisition of Deposit Securities that would otherwise be provided by an in-kind purchaser.

 

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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 the 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).

 

The 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 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 the 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 the Fund, an entity must be (i) a “Participating Party” (i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the “Clearing Process”)), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC; or (ii) a DTC Participant (see “Book Entry Only System”). In addition, each Participating Party or DTC Participant (each, an “Authorized Participant”) must execute a Participant Agreement with respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units. Each Authorized Participant will agree, pursuant to the terms of a Participant Agreement, on behalf of itself or any investor on whose behalf it will act, to certain conditions, including that it will pay to the Trust, an amount of cash sufficient to pay the Cash Component together with the creation transaction fee (described below), if applicable, and any other applicable fees and taxes.

 

All orders to purchase Shares directly from the Fund must be placed for one or more Creation Units and in the manner and by the time set forth in the Participant Agreement and/or applicable order form. The order cut-off time for orders to purchase Creation Units is expected to be [4:00] p.m. Eastern time, which time may be modified by the Fund from time-to-time by amendment to the Participant Agreement and/or applicable order form. The date on which an order to purchase Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units, as set forth below) is received and accepted is referred to as the “Order Placement Date.”

 

An Authorized Participant may require an investor to make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to the order (e.g., to provide for payments of cash, when required). Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and that, therefore, orders to purchase Shares directly from the 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, the Fund may require orders to create Creation Units to be placed earlier in the day. In addition, if a market or markets on which the 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 the 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 the 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 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time for the Fund (or such other time as specified by the Trust) on the contractual settlement date. If the 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 the Fund.

 

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The order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to the applicable cut-off time and the federal funds in the appropriate amount are deposited by [4:00] p.m. Eastern Time for the Fund, with the Custodian on the contractual settlement date. If the order is not placed in proper form as required, or federal funds in the appropriate amount are not received by [4:00] p.m. Eastern Time for the Fund on the contractual settlement date, then the order may be deemed to be rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the 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, 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 Fund 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 [4:00] p.m. Eastern Time for the Fund (or such other time as specified by the Trust) on the contractual settlement date. If the 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 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 the 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; (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.

 

25

 

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 Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act, and SEC guidance relating thereto, including the ability of the Trust to suspend orders only in limited times and extraordinary circumstances. Additionally, a suspension of creation units by the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, will not impair the arbitrage mechanism for investors.

 

Creation Transaction Fee. A fixed purchase (i.e., creation) transaction fee, payable to the Custodian, may be imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase of Creation Units (“Creation Order Costs”). The standard fixed creation transaction fee for the Fund, regardless of the number of Creation Units created in the transaction, can be found in the table below. The 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 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 purchases, non-standard orders, or partial cash purchases of Creation Units. The variable charge is primarily designed to cover additional costs (e.g., brokerage, taxes) involved with buying the securities with cash. The 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

Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF $[ ] [ ]%

 

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 the 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 the 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 Fund through the Transfer Agent and only on a Business Day. EXCEPT UPON LIQUIDATION OF THE FUND, THE TRUST WILL NOT REDEEM SHARES IN AMOUNTS LESS THAN CREATION UNITS. Investors must accumulate enough Shares in the secondary market to constitute a Creation Unit to have such Shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of Shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.

 

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With respect to the 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 the 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 Fund, 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 the Fund, regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed in the transaction, can be found in the table below. The 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 the 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. The 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

Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF $[ ] [ ]%

 

Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. Investors are responsible for the fixed costs of transferring the Fund Securities from the Trust to their account or on their order.

 

Procedures for Redemption of Creation Units. Orders to redeem Creation Units must be submitted in proper form to the Transfer Agent prior to [4:00] p.m. Eastern time. A redemption request is considered to be in “proper form” if (i) an Authorized Participant has transferred or caused to be transferred to the Trust’s Transfer Agent the Creation Unit(s) being redeemed through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be effective by the time as set forth in the Participant Agreement and (ii) a request in form satisfactory to the Trust is received by the Transfer Agent from the Authorized Participant on behalf of itself or another redeeming investor within the time periods specified in the Participant Agreement. If the Transfer Agent does not receive the investor’s Shares through DTC’s facilities by the times and pursuant to the other terms and conditions set forth in the Participant Agreement, the redemption request shall be rejected.

 

The Authorized Participant must transmit the request for redemption, in the form required by the Trust, to the Transfer Agent in accordance with procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed an Authorized Participant Agreement, and that, therefore, requests to redeem Creation Units may have to be placed by the investor’s broker through an Authorized Participant who has executed an Authorized Participant Agreement. Investors making a redemption request should be aware that such request must be in the form specified by such Authorized Participant. Investors making a request to redeem Creation Units should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the request by an Authorized Participant and transfer of the Shares to the Trust’s Transfer Agent; such investors should allow for the additional time that may be required to effect redemptions through their banks, brokers or other financial intermediaries if such intermediaries are not Authorized Participants.

 

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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 the 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 Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. In either case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its Shares based on the NAV of Shares 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). The 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 the Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Trust could not lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or an investor for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular security included in the Fund Securities applicable to the redemption of Creation Units may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming investor of the Shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment. Further, an Authorized Participant that is not a “qualified institutional buyer,” (“QIB”) as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, will not be able to receive Fund Securities that are restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A. An Authorized Participant may be required by the Trust to provide a written confirmation with respect to QIB status to receive Fund Securities.

 

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to the 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 or determination of the NAV of the Shares is not reasonably practicable; or (4) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.

 

DETERMINATION OF NAV

 

NAV per Share for the Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of the 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 the 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 the Fund’s NAV per Share, the Fund’s investments are generally valued using pricing services. The Fund may use various pricing services, or discontinue the use of any pricing service, as approved by the Adviser from time to time. A price obtained from a pricing service based on such pricing service’s valuation matrix may be considered a market valuation. Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at the current market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more sources. For assets traded on an exchange, the Fund may value investments using market valuations. A market valuation generally means a valuation (1) obtained from an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer), (2) based on a price quotation or other equivalent indication of value supplied by an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer) or (3) based on amortized cost. In the case of shares of other funds that are not traded on an exchange, a market valuation means such fund’s published NAV per share.

 

When market prices are not “readily available” or are deemed to be unreliable, consistent with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Trust and the Adviser have adopted procedures and methodologies wherein the Adviser, serving as the Fund’s Valuation Designee (as defined in Rule 2a-5), determines the fair value of Fund investments.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled “Dividends, Distributions, and Taxes.”

 

General Policies. The Fund intends to pay out dividends and interest income, if any, [annually] and distribute any net realized capital gains to its shareholders at least annually. Distributions of net realized capital gains, if any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code, in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act.

 

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The 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.

 

The 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 the 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 Fund through DTC Participants for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Investors should contact their brokers to ascertain the availability and description of these services. Beneficial Owners should be aware that each broker may require investors to adhere to specific procedures and timetables to participate in the dividend reinvestment service and investors should ascertain from their brokers such necessary details. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole Shares issued by the Trust of the Fund at NAV per Share. Distributions reinvested in additional Shares will nevertheless be taxable to Beneficial Owners acquiring such additional Shares to the same extent as if such distributions had been received in cash.

 

FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

 

The following is only a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its 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 Fund or its shareholders, and the discussion here and in the Prospectus is not intended to be a substitute for careful tax planning.

 

The following general discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences is based on provisions of the Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.

 

The tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) made significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules for taxation of individuals and corporations, generally effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Many of the changes applicable to individuals are temporary and would apply only to taxable years before January 1, 2026. There were only minor changes with respect to the specific rules applicable to RICs, such as the Fund. The Tax Act, however, also made numerous other changes to the tax rules that may affect shareholders and the Fund. Subsequent legislation has modified certain changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules made by the Tax Act which may, in addition, affect shareholders and the Fund. You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor regarding how this legislation affects your investment in the Fund.

 

Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the application of the provisions of tax law described in this SAI in light of the particular tax situations of the shareholders and regarding specific questions as to federal, state, local, or foreign taxes.

 

Taxation of the Fund. The Fund will elect and intends to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under the Code. As such, the 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, the 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 the 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 the Fund’s taxable year, the Fund’s assets must be diversified so that (a) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect to any one issuer, to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, the securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (the “Diversification Requirement”).

 

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To the extent the Fund makes investments that may generate income that is not qualifying income, including certain derivatives, the 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 the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and may distribute its capital gains for any taxable year, the Fund will be subject to federal income taxation to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed. The Fund is treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes. The 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 the 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 the 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, the Fund may be required to dispose of certain assets. If these relief provisions were not available to the 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 Fund as ordinary income dividends, subject to the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders and the lower tax rates on qualified dividend income received by noncorporate shareholders, subject to certain limitations. To requalify for treatment as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, the Fund would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification requirements for that year and to distribute any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC. If the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, it would generally be required to pay a fund-level tax on certain net built in gains recognized with respect to certain of its assets upon disposition of such assets within five years of qualifying as a RIC in a subsequent year. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund for treatment as a RIC if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders. If the Fund determines that it will not qualify as a RIC, the Fund will establish procedures to reflect the anticipated tax liability in the Fund’s NAV.

 

The 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.

 

The 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. The 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.

 

The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gain to shareholders for each taxable year. If the 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.

 

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Taxation of Shareholders – Distributions. The 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.

 

The 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 the 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 the 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 the 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, the Fund may report all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income.

 

Fund dividends will not be treated as qualified dividend income if the Fund does not meet certain holding period and other requirements with respect to dividend paying stocks in its portfolio, or the shareholder does not meet certain holding period and other requirements with respect to the Shares on which the dividends were paid. Distributions by the Fund of its net short-term capital gains will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

 

In the case of corporate shareholders, certain dividends received by the Fund from U.S. corporations (generally, dividends received by the Fund in respect of any share of stock (1) with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend and (2) that is held in an unleveraged position) and distributed and appropriately so reported by the Fund may be eligible for the 50% dividends-received deduction. Certain preferred stock must have a holding period of at least 91 days during the 181-day period beginning on the date that is 90 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend to be eligible. Capital gain dividends distributed to the Fund from other RICs are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction. To qualify for the deduction, corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding period requirement stated above with respect to their Shares, taking into account any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their Shares, and, if they borrow to acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to Shares, they may be denied a portion of the dividends-received deduction with respect to those Shares.

 

Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, any dividend declared by the 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). The 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 Fund may report and distribute, as ordinary dividends or capital gain dividends, a percentage of income that is not equal to the percentage of the 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 the 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.

 

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To the extent that the Fund makes a distribution of income received by the Fund in lieu of dividends (a “substitute payment”) with respect to securities on loan pursuant to a securities lending transaction, such income will not constitute qualified dividend income to individual shareholders and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders.

 

If the 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.

 

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 the 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 the 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 Fund to mark to market certain types of positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out) which may cause the 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. The 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 the Fund invests in an underlying fund that is taxable as a RIC, the rules applicable to the tax treatment of complex securities will also apply to the underlying funds that also invest in such complex securities and investments.

 

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Backup Withholding. The 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 the 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. The Fund may, under certain circumstances, report all or a portion of a dividend as an “interest-related dividend” or a “short-term capital gain dividend,” which would generally be exempt from this 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided certain other requirements are met. Short-term capital gain dividends received by a nonresident alien individual who is present in the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year are not exempt from this 30% withholding tax. Gains realized by foreign shareholders from the sale or other disposition of Shares generally are not subject to U.S. taxation, unless the recipient is an individual who is physically present in the U.S. for 183 days or more per year (based on a formula that factors in presence in the U.S. during the two preceding years as well). Foreign shareholders who fail to provide an applicable IRS form may be subject to backup withholding on certain payments from the Fund. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that are subject to the 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax described in this paragraph. Different tax consequences may result if the foreign shareholder is engaged in a trade or business within the United States. In addition, the tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of a tax treaty may be different than those described above.

 

Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”), the Fund 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 the 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 the 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 the 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, the 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) the Fund invests in residual interests of Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits (“REMICs”), (2) the 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 the 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.

 

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Other Issues. In those states which have income tax laws, the tax treatment of the Fund and of Fund shareholders with respect to distributions by the Fund may differ from federal tax treatment.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Financial statements and annual reports will be available after the Fund has completed a fiscal year of operations. When available, you may request a copy of the Fund’s annual report at no charge by calling [phone] or through the Fund’s website at www.kick.etf.

 

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PART C
OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 28 Exhibits

 

(a) (i) Certificate of Trust of Impact Shares Fund Trust I (the “Trust” or the “Registrant”) dated May 19, 2016 – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 on Form N-1A on July 2, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
    (a)     First Amendment to the Certificate of Trust of Impact Shares Trust I (the “Trust” or the “Registrant”) dated February 2, 2018 – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 on Form N-1A on July 2, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (b)    Second Amendment to the Certificate of Trust of Tidal Trust III (the “Trust” or the “Registrant”) dated March 19, 2024 – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 on Form N-1A on July 2, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
  (ii) Third Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Registrant, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (iii) Organizational Documents for Cayman Subsidiary (for the USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF).

 

    (1) Investment Advisory Agreement – to be filed by amendment.
    (2) Sub-Advisory Agreement – to be filed by amendment.
    (3) Memorandum and Articles of Association – to be filed by amendment.
    (4) Certificate of Incorporation – to be filed by amendment.
    (5) Tax Underwriting – to be filed by amendment.
    (6) Private Investment Company Custodian Agreement – to be filed by amendment.

 

(b) Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant dated August 23, 2024, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
   
(c) Instruments defining rights of security holders with respect to the Registrant are contained in the Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Amended and Restated By-Laws, which are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 on Form N-1A on May 22, 2024.
   
(d) (i) Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant (with respect to the NACP and YWCA) and Impact Shares, Corp., dated July 16, 2021, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File No. 333-221764, filed on August 26, 2021.
     
    (a) First Amendment to Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement (with respect to the YWCA Fund), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 on Form N-1A October 27, 2023 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
  (ii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant (for the YWCA Fund), and Tidal Investments, LLC (formerly, Toroso Investments, LLC), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 on Form N-1A on October 27, 2023 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (iii) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (iv) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for Rockefeller Opportunistic Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller California Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller New York Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF and Rockefeller Global Equity ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (v) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for TradersAI Large Cap Equity & Cash ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.

C-1 

 

  (vi) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for 4E Quality Growth ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (vii) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for GammaRoad Market Navigation ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 on Form N-1A on August 20, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (viii) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF and VistaShares Electrification Supercycle ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on Form N-1A on September 13, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (ix) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for Fundstrat Granny Shots US Large CAP ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 on Form N-1A on October 21, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (x) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for Ned Davis Research 360º Dynamic Allocation ETF and Ned Davis Research 360º Core Equity ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (xi) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for Ninepoint Energy ETF and Ninepoint Energy Income ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 on Form N-1A on October 18, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (xii) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for The Beehive ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xiii) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for FIRE Funds™ Wealth Builder ETF and FIRE Funds™ Income ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xiv) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xv) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for NestYield Total Return Guard ETF, NestYield Dynamic Income Shield ETF and NestYield Visionary ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xvi) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xvii) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF, Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF, Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF, Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF, Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF, Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF, Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF and Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xviii) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust (for Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF) and Tidal Investments LLC – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xix) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Unity Wealth Partners LLC (for Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (xx) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Rockefeller Asset Management (for Rockefeller Opportunistic Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller California Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller New York Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF and Rockefeller Global Equity ETF) – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.

C-2 

 

 

  (xxi) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Traders A.I., Inc. (for TradersAI Large Cap Equity & Cash ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (xxii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Route 20 Private Wealth Inc. (for 4E Quality Growth ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (xxiii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and VistaShares Advisors LLC (for VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF and VistaShares Electrification Supercycle ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on Form N-1A on September 13, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (xxiv) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Fundstrat Capital, LLC (for Fundstrat Granny Shots US Large CAP ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 on Form N-1A on October 21, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (xxv) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Ned Davis Research Inc. (for Ned Davis Research 360º Dynamic Allocation ETF and Ned Davis Research 360º Core Equity ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (xxvi) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Ninepoint Partners LP (for Ninepoint Energy ETF and Ninepoint Energy Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 on Form N-1A on October 18, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (xxvii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Cannell & Spears LLC (for The Beehive ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
     
   (xxviii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Harmonic Capital, LLC (for NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
  (xxix) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Nest Egg ETFs, LLC. (for NestYield Total Return Guard ETF, NestYield Dynamic Income Shield ETF and NestYield Visionary ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xxx) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and ZEGA Financial, LLC (for NestYield Total Return Guard ETF, NestYield Dynamic Income Shield ETF and NestYield Visionary ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xxxi) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and USCF Advisers LLC (for USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
     
 (e) (i) Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 on Form N-1A on July 2, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

    (i)

First Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

    (ii) Second Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding Rockefeller Opportunistic Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller California Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller New York Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF, Rockefeller Global Equity ETF, TradersAI Large Cap Equity & Cash ETF, 4E Quality Growth ETF and GammaRoad Market Navigation ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (iii) Third Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding Impact Shares YWCA Women’s Empowerment ETF, Impact Shares NAACP Minority Empowerment ETF, VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF and VistaShares Electrification Supercycle ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.

C-3 

 

    (iv) Fourth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding FIRE Funds™ Wealth Builder ETF and FIRE Funds™ Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (v) Fifth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding Fundstrat Granny Shots US Large Cap ETF, Ned Davis Research 360º Dynamic Allocation ETF, Ned Davis Research 360º Core Equity ETF, Ninepoint Energy ETF and Ninepoint Energy Income), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (vi) Sixth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding The Beehive ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (vii) Seventh Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (viii) Eighth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding NestYield Total Return Guard ETF, NestYield Dynamic Income Shield ETF and NestYield Visionary ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (ix) Ninth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (x) Tenth Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF, Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF, Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF, Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF, Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF, Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF, Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF, and Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (xi) Eleventh Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (adding Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
  (ii) Distribution Services Agreement between Tidal Investments LLC and Foreside Fund Services, LLC – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 on Form N-1A on July 2, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (iii) Form of Authorized Participant Agreement between the Registrant and Foreside Fund Services, LLC – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 on Form N-1A on July 2, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (f) Not applicable.
   
 (g) (i) Custodian Agreement between the Trust and U.S. Bank National Association (covering Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

    (i) First Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding Rockefeller Opportunistic Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller California Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller New York Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF, Rockefeller Global Equity ETF, TradersAI Large Cap Equity & Cash ETF, 4E Quality Growth ETF and GammaRoad Market Navigation ETF, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (ii) Second Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding Impact Shares YWCA Women’s Empowerment ETF, Impact Shares NAACP Minority Empowerment ETF, VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF and VistaShares Electrification Supercycle ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

    (iii) Third Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding FIRE Funds™ Wealth Builder ETF and FIRE Funds™ Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (iv) Fourth Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding Fundstrat Granny Shots US Large Cap ETF, Ned Davis Research 360º Dynamic Allocation ETF, Ned Davis Research 360º Core Equity ETF, Ninepoint Energy ETF and Ninepoint Energy Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.

C-4 

 

    (v) Fifth Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding The Beehive ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (vi) Sixth Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (vii) Seventh Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding NestYield Total Return Guard ETF, NestYield Dynamic Income Shield ETF and NestYield Visionary ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (viii) Eighth Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF) – to be filed by amendment.

 

    (ix) Ninth Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF, Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF, Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF, Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF, Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF, Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF, Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF and Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (x) Tenth Amendment to the Custodian Agreement (adding Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
(h) (i) Administration Agreement between Registrant and Tidal ETF Services LLC (covering NACP and YWCA) – previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 on Form N-1A on October 27, 2023 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
    (i) First Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (adding Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (ii) Second Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (adding Rockefeller Opportunistic Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller California Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller New York Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF, Rockefeller Global Equity ETF, TradersAI Large Cap Equity & Cash ETF, 4E Quality Growth ETF and GammaRoad Market Navigation ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
    (iii) Third Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (adding VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF and VistaShares Electrification Supercycle ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (iv)

Fourth Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (adding FIRE Funds™ Wealth Builder ETF and FIRE Funds™ Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

    (v) Fifth Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (adding Fundstrat Granny Shots US Large Cap ETF, Ned Davis Research 360º Dynamic Allocation ETF, Ned Davis Research 360º Core Equity ETF, Ninepoint Energy ETF and Ninepoint Energy Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (vi) Sixth Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (adding NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF) – to be filed by amendment.

 

    (vii) Seventh Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (adding NestYield Total Return Guard ETF, NestYield Dynamic Income Shield ETF and NestYield Visionary ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (viii) Eighth Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (adding USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (ix) Ninth Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (adding Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF, Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF, Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF, Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF, Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF, Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF, Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF and Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF) – to be filed by amendment.

C-5 

 

    (x) Tenth Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement (adding Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
  (ii) Transfer Agent Agreement between Registration and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (covering Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (i) First Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding Rockefeller Opportunistic Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller California Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller New York Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF, Rockefeller Global Equity ETF, TradersAI Large Cap Equity & Cash ETF, 4E Quality Growth ETF and GammaRoad Market Navigation ETF, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (ii) Second Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding Impact Shares YWCA Women’s Empowerment ETF, Impact Shares NAACP Minority Empowerment ETF, VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF and VistaShares Electrification Supercycle ETF, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (iii) Third Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding FIRE Funds™ Wealth Builder ETF and FIRE Funds™ Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (iv) Fourth Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding Fundstrat Granny Shots US Large Cap ETF, Ned Davis Research 360º Dynamic Allocation ETF, Ned Davis Research 360º Core Equity ETF, Ninepoint Energy ETF and Ninepoint Energy Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (v) Fifth Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding The Beehive ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (vi) Sixth Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (vii) Seventh Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding NestYield Total Return Guard ETF, NestYield Dynamic Income Shield ETF and NestYield Visionary ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (viii) Eighth Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (ix) Ninth Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF, Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF, Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF, Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF, Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF, Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF, Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF and Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (x) Tenth Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement (adding Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF) – to be filed by amendment.

 

  (iii) Fund Accounting Agreement between Registration and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (i) First Amendment to the Fund Accounting Agreement (adding Rockefeller Opportunistic Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller California Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller New York Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF, Rockefeller Global Equity ETF, TradersAI Large Cap Equity & Cash ETF, 4E Quality Growth ETF and GammaRoad Market Navigation ETF, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.

C-6 

 

    (ii) Second Amendment to the Fund Accounting Agreement (adding Impact Shares YWCA Women’s Empowerment ETF, Impact Shares NAACP Minority Empowerment ETF, VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF and VistaShares Electrification Supercycle ETF, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (iii) Third Amendment to the Fund Accounting Agreement (adding FIRE Funds™ Wealth Builder ETF and FIRE Funds™ Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (iv) Fourth Amendment to the Fund Accounting Agreement (adding Fundstrat Granny Shots US Large Cap ETF, Ned Davis Research 360º Dynamic Allocation ETF, Ned Davis Research 360º Core Equity ETF, Ninepoint Energy ETF and Ninepoint Energy Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
       
    (v) Fifth Amendment to the Fund Accounting Agreement (adding NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (vi) Sixth Amendment to the Fund Accounting Agreement (adding NestYield Total Return Guard ETF, NestYield Dynamic Income Shield ETF and NestYield Visionary ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (vii) Seventh Amendment to the Fund Accounting Agreement (adding USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (viii) Eighth Amendment to the Fund Accounting Agreement (adding Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF, Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF, Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF, Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF, Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF, Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF, Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF and Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
       
    (ix) Nineth Amendment to the Fund Accounting Agreement (adding Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF) – to be filed by amendment.

 

  (iv) Sub-License Agreement with Impact Shares, Corp dated July 17, 2018, as amended, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.  9 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File No. 333-221764, filed on August 23, 2019.
     
  (v) Powers of Attorney, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 on Form N-1A on May 22, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

  (vi) Form of ETF Support Agreement by and among Tidal Investments LLC, Tidal ETF Services, LLC, and one or more fund sponsor(s), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 on Form N-1A on August 20, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (vii) Fee Waiver Agreement between the Trust (on behalf of the GammaRoad Market Navigation ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 on Form N-1A on August 20, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (viii) Fee Waiver Agreement between 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.
     
 (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 YWCA 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 Unity Wealth Partners Dynamic Capital Appreciation & Options ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.

C-7 

 

  (iv) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for the Rockefeller Opportunistic Municipal Bond ETF, Rockefeller California Municipal Bond ETF and Rockefeller New York Municipal Bond ETF) previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (v) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for the TradersAI Large Cap Equity & Cash ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (vi) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for the 4E Quality Growth ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (vii) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for the GammaRoad Market Navigation ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 on Form N-1A on August 20, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (viii) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Rockefeller U.S. Small-Mid Cap ETF and Rockefeller Global Equity ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 on Form N-1A on August 23, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (ix) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for the VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF and VistaShares Electrification Supercycle ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on Form N-1A on September 13, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (x) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for the Fundstrat Granny Shots US Large Cap ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 on Form N-1A on October 21, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (xi) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Ned Davis Research 360º Dynamic Allocation ETF and Ned Davis Research 360º Core Equity ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (xii) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Ninepoint Energy ETF and Ninepoint Energy Income ETF), previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 on Form N-1A on October 18, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (xiii) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for The Beehive ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xiv) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for FIRE Funds™ Wealth Builder ETF and FIRE Funds™ Income ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xv) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xvi) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for NestYield Total Return Guard ETF, NestYield Dynamic Income Shield ETF and NestYield Visionary ETF) – to be filed by amendment.  
     
  (xvii) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for USCF Daily Target 2X Copper Index ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xvii) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Battleshares™ NVDA vs INTC ETF, Battleshares™ TSLA vs F ETF, Battleshares™ AMZN vs M ETF, Battleshares™ COIN vs WFC ETF, Battleshares™ MSTR vs JPM ETF, Battleshares™ NFLX vs CMCSA ETF, Battleshares™ LLY vs YUM ETF and Battleshares™ GOOGL vs NYT ETF) – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xviii) Opinion and Consent of Counsel (for Kick BRK 2X Long Daily Target ETF) – to be filed by amendment.  

 

(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Not applicable.
   
(k) Not applicable.
   
(l) Not applicable.
     
(m) Amended and Restated Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan dated October 10, 2024, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
   
(n) Not applicable.
   
(o) Reserved.

C-8 

 

(p) (i) Code of Ethics of the Registrant and Impact Shares, Corp is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, File No. 333-221764, filed on March 20, 2018.
     
  (ii) Code of Ethics of Tidal Investments LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 on Form N-1A on October 27, 2023 and is herein by reference.
     
  (iii) Code of Ethics of Foreside Fund Services, LLC not applicable per Rule 17j-1(c)(3).
     
  (iv) Code of Ethics for Unity Wealth Partners LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 on Form N-1A on July 16, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (v) Code of Ethics for Rockefeller Asset Management previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (vi) Code of Ethics for Traders A.I., Inc., previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 on Form N-1A on August 5, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (vii) Code of Ethics for Route 20 Private Wealth Inc., previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 on Form N-1A on September 6, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (viii) Code of Ethics for VistaShares Advisors LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 on Form N-1A on September 13, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (ix) Code of Ethics for Ned Davis Research Inc., previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (x) Code of Ethics for Ninepoint Partners LP, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (xi) Code of Ethics for Fundstrat Capital, LLC, previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 on Form N-1A on October 15, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
  (xii) Code of Ethics for Cannell & Spears LLC – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xiii) Code of Ethics for Harmonic Capital, LLC – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xiv) Code of Ethics for Nest Egg ETFs, LLC – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xv) Code of Ethics for ZEGA Financial, LLC – to be filed by amendment.
     
  (xvi) Code of Ethics for USCF Advisers LLC – to be filed by amendment.

 

Item 29. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 30. Indemnification

 

Article IV of the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust provides as follows:

 

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.

C-9 

 

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
Impact Shares Corp.   801-112391
Unity Wealth Partners LLC   801-130370
Rockefeller Asset Management, a division of Rockefeller & Co. LLC   801-113009
Traders A.I., Inc.   801-130642
Route 20 Private Wealth Inc.   801-130981
VistaShares Advisors LLC   801-130962
Fundstrat Capital, LLC   801-131012
Ned Davis Research Inc.   801-60241
Ninepoint Partners LP   801-111715
Cannell & Spears LLC   801-67401
Harmonic Capital, LLC   [  ]
Nest Egg ETFs, LLC.   [  ]
ZEGA Financial, LLC   801-78723
USCF Advisers LLC   801-79985

 

 

Item 32.

Foreside Fund Services, LLC

 

  Item 32(a) Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:

 

1. AB Active ETFs, Inc.
2. ABS Long/Short Strategies Fund
3. Absolute Shares Trust
4. ActivePassive Core Bond ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
5. ActivePassive Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
6. ActivePassive International Equity ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
7. ActivePassive U.S. Equity ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
8. AdvisorShares Trust
9. AFA Private Credit Fund
10. AGF Investments Trust
11. AIM ETF Products Trust
12. Alexis Practical Tactical ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
13. AlphaCentric Prime Meridian Income Fund
14. American Century ETF Trust
15. Amplify ETF Trust
16. Applied Finance Dividend Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
17. Applied Finance Explorer Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
18. Applied Finance Select Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
19. ARK ETF Trust
20. ARK Venture Fund
21. Bitwise Funds Trust
22. Bluestone Community Development Fund
23. BondBloxx ETF Trust
24. Bramshill Multi-Strategy Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
25. Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
26. Brinker Capital Destinations Trust

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27. Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc.
28. Build Funds Trust
29. Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund
30. Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund
31. Calamos Dynamic Convertible and Income Fund
32. Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund
33. Calamos Global Total Return Fund
34. Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund
35. Carlyle Tactical Private Credit Fund
36. Cascade Private Capital Fund
37. Catalyst Strategic Income Opportunities Fund
38. CBRE Global Real Estate Income Fund
39. Center Coast Brookfield MLP & Energy Infrastructure Fund
40. Clifford Capital Focused Small Cap Value Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
41. Clifford Capital International Value Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
42. Clifford Capital Partners Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
43. Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund
44 Cliffwater Enhanced Lending Fund
45. Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund, Inc.
46. Convergence Long/Short Equity ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
47. CornerCap Small-Cap Value Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
48. CrossingBridge Pre-Merger SPAC ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
49. Curasset Capital Management Core Bond Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
50. Curasset Capital Management Limited Term Income Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
51. CYBER HORNET S&P 500® and Bitcoin 75/25 Strategy ETF, Series of ONEFUND Trust
52. Davis Fundamental ETF Trust
53. Defiance Connective Technologies ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
54. Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
55. Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
56. Defiance Quantum ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
57. Denali Structured Return Strategy Fund
58. Dividend Performers ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
59. Dodge & Cox Funds
60. DoubleLine ETF Trust
61. DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund
62. DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund
63. DoubleLine Yield Opportunities Fund
64. DriveWealth ETF Trust
65. EIP Investment Trust
66. Ellington Income Opportunities Fund
67. ETF Opportunities Trust
68. Evanston Alternative Opportunities Fund
69. Exchange Listed Funds Trust
70. Exchange Place Advisors Trust
71. FlexShares Trust
72. Forum Funds
73. Forum Funds II
74. Forum Real Estate Income Fund
75. Gramercy Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
76. Grayscale Future of Finance ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
77. Guinness Atkinson Funds
78. Harbor ETF Trust
79. Hawaiian Tax-Free Trust
80. Horizon Kinetics Blockchain Development ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
81. Horizon Kinetics Energy and Remediation ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
82. Horizon Kinetics Inflation Beneficiaries ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
83. Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
84. Horizon Kinetics SPAC Active ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
85. IDX Funds
86. Innovator ETFs Trust

C-11 

 

87. Ironwood Institutional Multi-Strategy Fund LLC
88. Ironwood Multi-Strategy Fund LLC
89. Jensen Quality Growth ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
90. John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust
91. LDR Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
92. Mairs & Power Balanced Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
93. Mairs & Power Growth Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
94. Mairs & Power Minnesota Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
95. Mairs & Power Small Cap Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
96. Manor Investment Funds
97. Milliman Variable Insurance Trust
98. Moerus Worldwide Value Fund, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
99. Morgan Stanley ETF Trust
100. Morningstar Funds Trust
101. Mutual of America Investment Corporation
102. NEOS ETF Trust
103. Niagara Income Opportunities Fund
104. NXG Cushing® Midstream Energy Fund
105. Opal Dividend Income ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
106. OTG Latin American Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
107. Overlay Shares Core Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
108. Overlay Shares Foreign Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
109. Overlay Shares Hedged Large Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
110. Overlay Shares Large Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
111. Overlay Shares Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
112. Overlay Shares Short Term Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
113. Overlay Shares Small Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
114. Palmer Square Funds Trust
115. Palmer Square Opportunistic Income Fund
116. Partners Group Private Income Opportunities, LLC
117. Performance Trust Mutual Funds, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
118. Performance Trust Short Term Bond ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
119. Perkins Discovery Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
120. Philotimo Focused Growth and Income Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
121. Plan Investment Fund, Inc.
122. Point Bridge America First ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
123. Precidian ETFs Trust
124. Preferred-Plus ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
125. Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
126. Rareview Systematic Equity ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
127. Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
128. Rareview Total Return Bond ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
129. Renaissance Capital Greenwich Funds
130. Reynolds Funds, Inc.
131. RiverNorth Enhanced Pre-Merger SPAC ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
132. RiverNorth Patriot ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
133. RMB Investors Trust
134. Robinson Opportunistic Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
135. Robinson Tax Advantaged Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
136. Roundhill Alerian LNG ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
137. Roundhill Ball Metaverse ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
138. Roundhill Cannabis ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
139. Roundhill ETF Trust
140. Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
141. Roundhill S&P Global Luxury ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
142. Roundhill Sports Betting & iGaming ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
143. Roundhill Video Games ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
144. Rule One Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
145. Securian AM Real Asset Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
146. Six Circles Trust

C-12 

 

147. Sound Shore Fund, Inc.
148. SP Funds Trust
149. Sparrow Funds
150. Spear Alpha ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
151. STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
152. STF Tactical Growth ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
153. Strategic Trust
154. Strategy Shares
155. Swan Hedged Equity US Large Cap ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
156. Tekla World Healthcare Fund
157. Tema ETF Trust
158. The 2023 ETF Series Trust
159. The 2023 ETF Series Trust II
160. The Cook & Bynum Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
161. The Community Development Fund
162. The Finite Solar Finance Fund
163. The Private Shares Fund
164. The SPAC and New Issue ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
165. Third Avenue Trust
166. Third Avenue Variable Series Trust
167. Tidal ETF Trust
168. Tidal Trust II
169. Tidal Trust III
170. TIFF Investment Program
171. Timothy Plan High Dividend Stock Enhanced ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
172. Timothy Plan High Dividend Stock ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
173. Timothy Plan International ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
174. Timothy Plan Market Neutral ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
175. Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
176. Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Core Enhanced ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
177. Timothy Plan US Small Cap Core ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
178. Total Fund Solution
179. Touchstone ETF Trust
180. T-Rex 2X Inverse Bitcoin Daily Target ETF, Series of World Funds Trust
181. T-Rex 2X Long Bitcoin Daily Target ETF, Series of World Funds Trust
182. TrueShares Active Yield ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
183. TrueShares Eagle Global Renewable Energy Income ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
184. TrueShares Structured Outcome (April) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
185. TrueShares Structured Outcome (August) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
186. TrueShares Structured Outcome (December) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
187. TrueShares Structured Outcome (February) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
188. TrueShares Structured Outcome (January) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
189. TrueShares Structured Outcome (July) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
190. TrueShares Structured Outcome (June) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
191. TrueShares Structured Outcome (March) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
192. TrueShares Structured Outcome (May) ETF, Listed Funds Trust
193. TrueShares Structured Outcome (November) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
194. TrueShares Structured Outcome (October) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
195. TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
196. TrueShares Technology, AI & Deep Learning ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
197. U.S. Global Investors Funds
198. Union Street Partners Value Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
199. Vest Bitcoin Strategy Managed Volatility Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
200. Vest S&P 500® Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
201. Vest US Large Cap 10% Buffer Strategies Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
202. Vest US Large Cap 10% Buffer Strategies VI Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
203. Vest US Large Cap 20% Buffer Strategies Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
204. Vest US Large Cap 20% Buffer Strategies VI Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
205. VictoryShares Core Intermediate Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
206. VictoryShares Core Plus Intermediate Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

C-13 

 

207. VictoryShares Corporate Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
208. VictoryShares Developed Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
209. VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
210. VictoryShares Emerging Markets Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
211. VictoryShares Free Cash Flow ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
212. VictoryShares Hedged Equity Income ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
213. VictoryShares International High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
214. VictoryShares International Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
215. VictoryShares International Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
216. VictoryShares NASDAQ Next 50 ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
217. VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
218. VictoryShares THB Mid Cap ESG ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
219. VictoryShares US 500 Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
220. VictoryShares US 500 Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
221. VictoryShares US Discovery Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
222. VictoryShares US EQ Income Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
223. VictoryShares US Large Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
224. VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
225. VictoryShares US Small Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
226. VictoryShares US Small Cap Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
227. VictoryShares US Small Mid Cap Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
228. VictoryShares US Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
229. VictoryShares WestEnd Economic Cycle Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
230. VictoryShares WestEnd Global Equity ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
231. VictoryShares WestEnd US Sector ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
232. Volatility Shares Trust
233. West Loop Realty Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
234. Wilshire Mutual Funds, Inc.
235. Wilshire Variable Insurance Trust
236. WisdomTree Digital Trust
237. WisdomTree Trust
238. WST Investment Trust
239. XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Term Trust

 

Item 32(b) The following are the Officers and Manager of the Distributor, the Registrant’s underwriter. The Distributor’s main business address is Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101.

 

Name Address Position with Underwriter

Position with Registrant

Teresa Cowan Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101 President/Manager None

Chris Lanza

Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101

Vice President

None

Kate Macchia Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 Vice President None
Nanette K. Chern Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer None

Kelly B. Whetstone

Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101

Secretary

None

Susan L. LaFond Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 Treasurer None
Weston Sommers Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101 Financial and Operations Principal and Chief Financial Officer None

 

Item 32(c) Not applicable.

 

C-14 

 

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

 

(1) Impact Shares, Corp, 5950 Berkshire Lane, Suite 1420, Dallas, Texas 75225
(2) Tidal Investments LLC formerly Toroso Investments, LLC, 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204
(3) Tidal ETF Services LLC, 234 West Florida Street, Suite 203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204
(4) U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 E. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(5) U.S. Bank, National Association, 1555 N. Rivercenter Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(6) Foreside Fund Service, LLC, Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101
(7) Unity Wealth Partners LLC, 4050 W. Metropolitan Dr., Suite 150, Orange, CA 92868
(8) Rockefeller Asset Management (a division of Rockefeller & Co. LLC), 510 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10022.
(9) Traders A.I., Inc., 10300 Eaton Pl, Suite 440/448, Fairfax, VA 22030
(10) Route 20 Private Wealth Inc., 401 East Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 1400, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
(11) VistaShares Advisors LLC  150 NE 6th Avenue, Unit S Delray Beach, FL 33483
(12) Fundstrat Capital, LLC, 150 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022
(13) Ned Davis Research Inc., 3665 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 306 Sarasota, Florida 34233
(14) Ninepoint Partners LP, Royal Bank Plaza, South Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2J1
(15) Cannell & Spears LLC, 545 Madison Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10022
(16) Harmonic Capital, LLC [  ]
(17) Nest Egg ETFs, LLC. [  ]
(18) ZEGA Financial, LLC, 3801 PGA Boulevard. Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
(19) USCF Advisers LLC, 1850 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Suite 640, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

 

Item 34. Management Services

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 35. Undertakings

 

Not applicable.

 

C-15 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 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 October 24, 2024.

 

  Tidal Trust III  
     
  /s/ Eric Falkeis  
  Eric 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 October 24, 2024.

 

Signature   Title
     
/s/ Eric Falkeis   President and Principal Executive Officer
Eric Falkeis    
     
/s/ Monica H. Byrd*   Trustee
Monica H. Byrd    
     
/s/ Pamela Cytron*   Trustee
Pamela Cytron    
     
/s/ Lawrence Jules*   Trustee
Lawrence Jules    
     
/s/ Guillermo Trias*   Trustee
Guillermo Trias    
     
/s/ Ethan Powell*   Trustee
Ethan Powell    
     
/s/ Aaron Perkovich   Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
Aaron Perkovich    

 

*By: /s/ Eric Falkeis  
  Eric Falkeis, Attorney in Fact  
  By Power of Attorney  

C-16