AS FILED WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 26, 2016

File No. 333-192288

File No. 811-22911

 

 

 

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933    x
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 10    x

AND

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940    x
AMENDMENT NO. 14    x

 

 

REALITY SHARES ETF TRUST

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

402 West Broadway, Suite 2800

San Diego, CA 92101

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)

(619) 487-1445

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

Eric Ervin

c/o Reality Shares Advisors, LLC

402 West Broadway, Suite 2800

San Diego, CA 92101

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

 

Copy to:

Laura E. Flores, Esquire

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

1111 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20004-2541

 

 

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

 

  ¨ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
  x on February 29, 2016 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.

If appropriate check the following box:

 

  ¨ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

 

 

 


PROSPECTUS

February 29, 2016

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust

 

LOGO

 

Reality Shares DIVS ETF

 

 

TICKER SYMBOL   
DIVY   
PRINCIPAL U.S. LISTING EXCHANGE   
NYSE ARCA, INC.   

INVESTMENT ADVISER:

REALITY SHARES ADVISORS, LLC

  

THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION HAVE NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.


About This Prospectus

This prospectus has been arranged into different sections so that you can easily review this important information. For detailed information about the Fund please see:

 

Table of Contents

 

    Page  
Reality Shares DIVS ETF   

Investment Objective

    1   

Fund Fees and Expenses

    1   

Principal Investment Strategies

    1   

Principal Risks

    6   

Performance Information

    9   

Investment Adviser

    10   

Portfolio Manager

    10   

Summary Information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares and Taxes

    10   

More Information about the Fund’s Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies

    10   

More Information About the Fund’s Principal Risks

    12   
    Page  

Information about Portfolio Holdings

    15   

Investment Adviser and Portfolio Manager

    15   

Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares

    16   

Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares

    17   

Pricing of Fund Shares

    17   

Dividends and Distributions

    17   

Taxes

    18   

Premium/Discount Information

    20   

Investments by Registered Investment Companies

    20   

Financial Highlights

    20   

How to Obtain More Information about the Fund

    Back Cover   
 

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus   


Reality Shares DIVS ETF

 

Investment Objective

The Reality Shares DIVS ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to produce long-term capital appreciation.

Fund Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Most investors also will incur customary brokerage commissions when buying or selling shares of the Fund, which are not reflected in the table or the Example.

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

 

Management Fees

    0.85

Other Expenses

    0.00

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

    0.04

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses*

    0.89

Fee Waivers and Expense Assumption

    0.00

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers and Expense Assumption

    0.89
  *   The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses in this fee table may not correlate to the expense ratios in the Fund’s financial highlights and financial statements because the financial highlights and financial statements reflect only the operating expenses of the Fund and do not include Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, which are fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund through its investments in certain underlying investment companies.

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 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 when purchasing or selling shares of the Fund. If the commissions were included in the Example, your costs would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

      1 Year     3 Years     5 Years     10 Years  
      $  91        $  284        $  493        $  1,096   

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 Fund 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. During the fiscal period from December 18, 2014 (commencement of Fund operations) to October 31, 2015, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 1,475% of the value of its portfolio.

Pri ncipal Investment Strategies

Overview of Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund’s principal investment strategy is designed to provide exposure to the aggregate value of ordinary dividends expected to be paid on a portfolio of large capitalization equity securities listed for trading in the U.S., Europe and Japan (“Large Cap Securities”). These are sometimes referred to as the “expected dividend values” of the Large Cap Securities. Reality Shares Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, believes expected dividend values generally correspond to the aggregate value of actual dividend payments on the Large Cap Securities. Unlike more traditional products, the Fund does not seek to produce returns based on appreciation in the stock market price of Large Cap Securities. Instead, the Fund seeks to produce returns based primarily on increases in the expected dividend values of Large Cap Securities. The Fund uses a variety of investment strategies to achieve this objective. Under normal circumstances, the Fund generally invests in a

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      1   


combination of dividend swaps, listed option contracts, total return swaps, futures and forwards on indexes of Large Cap Securities (“Large Cap Securities Indexes”) or exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) designed to track Large Cap Securities Indexes (“Large Cap Securities ETFs”). These strategies and instruments are described in more detail below.

Description of Principal Investment Strategies and Instruments

Dividend Swaps

The Fund may buy index dividend swaps in order to gain exposure to changes in the expected dividend value of the Large Cap Securities. Index dividend swaps are over-the-counter derivative contracts that allow investors to take a view on the actual dividend value that will be paid by the constituents of an index over a period of time. In a typical index dividend swap transaction, the buyer and seller agree at inception to the aggregate value of dividends they expect to be paid on the index constituents over the life of the contract – the expected dividend value. At maturity of the contract, the buyer pays this amount to the seller and receives the aggregate value of actual dividends paid on the index constituents – the actual dividend value. During the life of the index dividend swap, the contract is valued on the current expected dividend value of the index for the specific maturity. As the contract approaches maturity, the expected dividend value will change primarily based on information about actual dividends until final settlement of the contract where expected dividend value and actual dividend value converge.

Option Contracts

An option contract is a financial contract in which the purchaser of the contract has the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) a financial asset, such as an index or ETF, at an agreed-upon price, known as the “strike price,” during a specific time period or on a specific exercise date. The seller of an option contract has a corresponding obligation to sell or buy, as applicable, the financial asset at the strike price during the option period or on the exercise date. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the issuer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying asset during the option period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the seller of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying asset during the option period.

The price of an option on Large Cap Securities reflects several factors, including:

 

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aggregate trading prices of the Large Cap Securities,

 

  n  

exposure to interest rate changes, and

 

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expected dividend values.

The Fund may purchase a series of option contracts that, when combined together, are designed to eliminate the effect of changes in the trading prices of the Large Cap Securities and the effect of interest rate changes on the prices of the option contracts. As a result, the value of the Fund’s options portfolio is designed to change based primarily on changes in the expected dividend values reflected in the options’ prices. These option combinations are designed to reflect expected dividend values and eliminate the Fund’s exposure to changes in the trading prices of the Large Cap Securities as illustrated below.

 

LOGO

 

2   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


This combination of option contracts is often referred to as a “jelly roll.” A typical jelly roll is created by buying and selling four options at the same time, at the same strike price, on the same underlying asset; in this case, either options on a Large Cap Securities Index or options on a Large Cap Securities Index ETF. The first combination consists of selling a call and buying a put at the same strike price with a longer-dated maturity (the “Longer-Dated Combination”). The second combination consists of buying a call and selling a put at the same strike price but with a shorter-dated maturity (the “Shorter-Dated Combination”). The simultaneous purchase of the Shorter-Dated Combination and Longer-Dated Combination at the same strike price is designed to eliminate the effect of changes in the trading prices of the Large Cap Securities on the price of each option. As a result, changes in the aggregate trading prices of Large Cap Securities should not change the value of the Fund’s options portfolio.

The Shorter-Dated Combination and Longer-Dated Combination do not, however, eliminate exposure to interest rate changes or changes in the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the options. The Fund therefore may invest in additional offsetting option contracts designed to eliminate the options’ exposure to interest rate changes, leaving exposure to the expected dividend values in the prices of each option contract. The value of the Fund’s options portfolio therefore is designed to change in accordance with changes in the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the option contracts, without the effect of trading prices or interest rate changes. As market expectations for dividends change over time, changes in the expected dividend values reflected in the options’ prices between the expiration of the Shorter-Dated Combination and the expiration of the Longer-Dated Combination change the value of the Fund’s options portfolio.

Total Return Swaps, Interest Rate Swaps, Futures and Forwards

In a typical total return swap, the buyer pays the swap counterparty a premium and is entitled to receive the total return of the underlying security or index, consisting of dividends, capital gains and price appreciation or depreciation. A futures contract is a standardized contract traded on a recognized exchange in which two parties agree to exchange either a specified financial asset or the cash equivalent of said asset at a specified future date and price. A forward contract involves the obligation to purchase or sell either a specified financial asset or the cash equivalent of said asset at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract.

As with options, the prices of total return swaps, futures and forwards on a Large Cap Securities Index or a Large Cap Securities Index ETF are influenced by the aggregate trading prices of the Large Cap Securities, exposure to interest rate changes, and expected dividend values, among other factors. The Fund may use combinations of total return swaps, futures and forwards to gain exposure to the expected dividend value of Large Cap Securities reflected in those portfolio holdings’ prices in a similar manner as it uses combinations of option pairs in a jelly roll trade. For example, the Fund may sell a total return swap on a Large Cap Securities Index or a Large Cap Securities Index ETF with a longer dated maturity (the “Longer-Dated Position”) and simultaneously buy a total return swap on the same underlying asset with a shorter dated maturity (the “Shorter-Dated Position”). The simultaneous purchase of the Shorter-Dated Combination and Longer-Dated Combination is designed to eliminate the effect of changes in the trading prices of the Large Cap Securities on the price of each total return swap. As a result, changes in the aggregate trading prices of Large Cap Securities should not change the value of the Fund’s total return swap portfolio. The Fund may invest in combinations of futures and forwards in a similar manner.

The Fund may enter into interest rate swap transactions and futures transactions designed to eliminate the impact of changing interest rates on the value of the Fund’s investments. The Fund may also invest in money market mutual funds, short term fixed income securities, commercial paper and other money market securities, including short-term bank obligations and cash sweep programs, to serve as collateral for its derivatives positions. Subject to the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Fund may invest up to 80% of its assets in swaps, options, futures and forwards, and any one type of such portfolio holdings or any combination of such portfolio holdings may represent a substantial portion of the Fund’s portfolio at any time.

Before making an investment in the Fund you should know:

 

  n  

The Fund generally will have a positive rate of return if the actual future growth in dividends exceeds the expected growth in dividends as reflected in the market prices at which the Fund buys and sells the instruments that are used to implement the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

  n  

The Fund generally will have a zero rate of return , excluding fees and transaction costs, if the actual future growth in dividends equals the expected growth in dividends as reflected in the market prices at which the Fund buys and sells the instruments that are used to implement the Fund’s investment strategy, even though actual dividends may have grown during the holding period of this investment .

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      3   


  n  

The Fund generally will have a negative rate of return if the actual future growth in dividends is below the expected growth in dividends as reflected in the market prices at which the Fund buys and sells the instruments that are used to implement the Fund’s investment strategy, even though actual dividends may have grown during the holding period of this investment .

 

  n  

Unlike more traditional products, the Fund does not seek returns based on appreciation in the stock market price of equity securities. This means that the returns on your Fund investment are not intended to correlate to the returns of the overall stock market (for example, the value of your Fund investment may go down when overall equity markets go up, or vice versa) .

 

  n  

The Fund does not produce dividend income and is not an appropriate investment if you are seeking dividend income.

 

  n  

The investment returns of the Fund are treated for tax purposes as capital gains or losses, as applicable. See the section of this Prospectus entitled “Taxes” for more information.

Correlation of Actual and Expected Dividend Values

The Adviser’s research indicates there historically has been a high correlation between the value of actual dividend payments and expected dividend values. While actual dividend value and expected dividend value may at times differ significantly, the following diagrams present three scenarios illustrating the potential impact of changes in the value of actual dividend payments on the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings and how this may change the value of the Fund. The following diagrams do not represent all market scenarios, but are presented to show the potential relationship between actual dividend values and expected dividend values in accordance with the Adviser’s research. The diagrams do not represent the actual performance of the Fund.

The Black Dot in each diagram represents the starting (or purchased) expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings. The Gray Dot represents the actual dividend value on the same day. The Square reflects the point in time when the actual dividend value and expected dividend value converge.

Scenario 1: Actual dividend value increases and exceeds expected dividend value.

In this scenario, actual dividend value grows over time and pulls the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the Fund’s instruments up from the starting (or purchased) value. It is expected the value of the Fund will increase commensurate to a level where the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the instruments exceed the starting (or purchased) value.

 

LOGO

 

4   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


Scenario 2: Actual dividend value decreases and expected dividend value also decreases.

In this scenario, actual dividend value decreases over time and pulls the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the Fund’s instruments below the starting (or purchased) value. It is expected the value of the Fund will decrease commensurate to a level where the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option combinations fall from the starting (or purchased) value.

 

LOGO

Scenario 3: Actual dividend value increases but is below expected dividend value.

In this scenario, actual dividend value increases but to a level that is still below the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the Fund’s instruments. It is expected the value of the Fund will decrease.

 

LOGO

Market Capitalization and Diversification

The Adviser considers U.S. large capitalization companies to be those with market capitalizations within the range of market capitalizations of the companies included in the S&P 500 Index. As of January 31, 2016, the market capitalizations of companies included in the S&P 500 Index ranged from approximately $1.9 billion to $533.4 billion. The Adviser considers European large capitalization companies to be those with market capitalizations within the range of market capitalizations of the companies included in the Euro Stoxx 50 Index. As of January 31, 2016, the market capitalizations of companies included in the Euro Stoxx 50 ranged from approximately $20.4 billion to $202.0 billion. The Adviser considers Japanese large capitalization companies to be those with market capitalizations within the range of market capitalizations of the companies included in the Nikkei 225 Index. As of January 31, 2016, the market capitalizations of companies included in the Nikkei 225 ranged from approximately $238.7 million to $198.7 billion.

The Fund is considered to be “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and may invest in fewer instruments or in the securities of fewer issuers than a diversified fund.

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      5   


Pri ncipal Risks

As with all investments, the value of your investment in the Fund can be expected to go up or down. You can lose money on your investment, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of your investment. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The principal risk factors affecting your investments in the Fund are set forth below. Each of these factors could cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decline over short- or long-term periods.

Dividend Payout Risk – The success of the Fund’s investment strategy is highly dependent on the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings. The value of an investment in the Fund will decrease, and you could lose money, if the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings decrease. This generally will occur if the value of actual dividends paid on the Large Cap Securities goes down. The value of actual dividends paid on the Large Cap Securities and expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings may be lower for a variety of reasons, including an actual or potential decline in the health of the overall economy, lower corporate earnings levels, changes to corporate dividend policies, fluctuating interest rates and other factors. Each of these factors could have a negative impact on the value of the actual dividend payments on large the Large Cap Securities and the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings and could have a negative impact on Fund returns. Further, the expected dividend value reflected in the price of an instrument held by the Fund reflects only ordinary dividends and does not reflect the issuance of special dividends. Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund is not expected to increase in response to the issuance of any special dividends paid on the Large Cap Securities.

Active Management Risk – The Fund is actively managed using proprietary investment strategies. As with all actively managed funds, there can be no guarantee the Adviser’s strategies will be successful. As a result, you may lose money on your investment, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of your investment.

Cash Sweep Program Risk – The Fund may invest in cash sweep programs administered by the Fund’s custodian or another third party through which the Fund’s cash holdings are placed in interest-bearing savings accounts or demand deposit accounts at various banks. The vehicle through which a cash sweep program is administered may not be registered under the 1940 Act, in which case the Fund, as an investor in the vehicle, would not be entitled to the protections afforded by the 1940 Act. Cash sweep programs may also be subject to counterparty credit risk, which is described below.

Counterparty Credit Risk – The Fund may invest in financial instruments involving counterparties that attempt to gain exposure to a particular group of securities, index or asset class without actually purchasing those securities or investments, or to hedge a position. The Fund’s use of such financial instruments, including swap agreements, involves risks that are different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. For example, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the counterparty may be unwilling or unable to make timely payments to meet its contractual obligations or may fail to return holdings that are subject to the agreement with the counterparty. If the counterparty becomes bankrupt or defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, the Fund may not receive the full amount that it is entitled to receive. If this occurs, the value of your shares in the Fund will decrease. In addition, the Fund may engage in such investment transactions with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk. Listed futures contracts can be traded on futures exchanges without material counterparty credit.

Dividend Volatility Risk – The value of actual dividend payments on the Large Cap Securities and the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings are not constant and will vary from year to year and quarter to quarter. Companies and industries that have historically paid dividends may lower their dividends or may cease making such payments altogether. These changes can happen without warning and the variation in the value of actual dividends and expected dividend values from quarter to quarter or year to year can be significant. Furthermore, as with other securities based on future values, the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings may go up or down as a result of uncertainty of information, perceived differences in the value of the instruments over time, changes in supply and demand, and other factors. Each of these factors could have a negative impact on the performance of the Fund and cause Fund returns to vary significantly (i.e., go up or down) from period to period.

Dividend Isolation Strategy Risk – The investment returns of the Fund are based primarily on the change in expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings . More specifically, the investment returns of the Fund generally are expected to increase (or decrease) as actual dividend payments on the Large Cap Securities increase (or decrease) and these changes cause the expected dividend values reflected in the

 

6   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings to increase (or decrease) over time. There can be no guarantees that this investment strategy will be successful or that this strategy will produce positive investment returns. Furthermore, although the Adviser’s research indicates the value of actual dividend payments has historically been highly correlated to expected dividend values, there can be no guarantee that this correlation will continue or that the Fund’s investment returns will be highly correlated to the value of actual dividends paid on the Large Cap Securities over short or even long periods. Factors other than the value of actual dividends paid may, from time to time, cause an increase or decrease in the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings. For example, as with other types of market projections, expected dividend values reflected in the price of an instrument held by the Fund may go up or down as a result of uncertainty of information and perceived differences in value, changes in supply and demand or in response to market and other events, such as corporate earnings announcements, changing interest rates or potential economic or political developments. Although it is anticipated that actual dividend payments and expected dividend values will be highly correlated, there may be instances where the value of actual dividends paid on the Large Cap Securities increases, but the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings decreases. This would have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance and could cause you to lose money.

Fixed Income Market Risk – The prices of the Fund’s fixed income securities respond to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to perceptions about the creditworthiness of individual issuers, including governments and their agencies. Generally, the Fund’s fixed income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and vice versa. Declines in dealer market-making capacity as a result of structural or regulatory changes could decrease liquidity and/or increase volatility in the fixed income markets. In the case of foreign securities, price fluctuations will reflect international economic and political events, as well as changes in currency valuations relative to the U.S. dollar. In response to these events, the Fund’s value may fluctuate and/or the Fund may experience increased redemptions from shareholders, which may impact the fund’s liquidity or force the fund to sell securities into a declining or illiquid market.

Foreign Securities Risk – Non-U.S. securities may be subject to additional risks due to, among other things, political, social and economic developments abroad, currency movements and different legal, regulatory and tax environments. Such risks may negatively impact the ability or willingness of non-U.S. companies to issue dividends, which, in turn, may adversely affect the value of the Fund and lower your investment return. Further, such risks may cause the prices of securities issued by non-U.S. companies to decrease to a greater degree than the prices of securities of U.S. companies. If the Fund is unsuccessful in minimizing its exposure to the price fluctuations of foreign Large Cap Securities, the price of the Fund’s portfolio holdings, and therefore the price of Fund shares, could decrease, and you could lose money.

Interest Rate Risk – The principal components of the value of an option contract held by the Fund are the trading prices of the Large Cap Securities, expected dividend value and interest rate exposure. By combining individual options through a series of transactions known as a “jelly roll,” the impact of market price is designed to be eliminated, while leaving exposure to expected dividend values, interest rates and carrying costs on the underlying security. Generally, if left unhedged, the value of a jelly roll option combination held by the Fund would be expected to decrease if interest rates rise and to increase if interest rates fall. The Fund’s other portfolio holdings also may be subject to interest rate risk such that the value of such holdings may decrease if interest rates increase. The Fund seeks to hedge, or eliminate, the impact of changing interest rates and carrying costs on the value of its option contract holdings through the use of additional offsetting option combinations, or swaps and futures contracts. However, there can be no guarantees that the Fund’s hedging strategies will be successful. The interest rate hedge may not fully capture the rate associated with carrying costs. To the extent these strategies are not successful, the value of the Fund could increase or decrease based on changes in interest rates and carrying costs, and you could lose money.

Investments in Europe Risk – The Fund’s investments in Europe are subject to the political, social or economic disruptions that occur in Europe, even if such disruptions occur in European countries in which the Fund is not invested.

Investments in Japan Risk – The Fund’s investments in Japan are subject to the political, social or economic disruptions that occur in Japan. Japan’s economy is heavily dependent on international trade and has been adversely affected by trade tariffs and competition from emerging economies. As such, economic growth is heavily dependent on continued growth in international trade, government support of the financial services sector, among other troubled sectors, and consistent government policy. Any changes or trends in these economic factors could have a significant impact on Japan’s economy overall and may negatively affect the Fund’s investment.

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      7   


Investments in Other ETFs Risk – The risks of owning shares of an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities of the ETF, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio securities. The shares of certain ETFs may trade at a premium or discount to their intrinsic value. When the Fund invests in an ETF, in addition to directly bearing the expenses associated with its own operations, it will bear a pro rata portion of the ETF’s expenses.

Leverage Risk – The Fund’s use of derivatives may result in the Fund’s total investment exposure substantially exceeding the value of its portfolio securities and the Fund’s investment returns depending substantially on the performance of securities that the Fund may not directly own. The use of leverage can amplify the effects of market volatility on the Fund’s share price and may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations. The Fund’s use of leverage may result in a heightened risk of investment loss. The Fund’s derivative investments will be consistent with its investment objective and will not be used to produce leveraged returns. The Fund will not borrow to produce leverage.

Liquidity Risk – Liquidity risk is the risk that certain instruments may be difficult or impossible to buy or sell at the time and the price that the Fund would like. The Fund may have to lower the price, sell other instruments instead or forego an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on Fund management or performance. With respect to swaps, volatile markets may increase the risk of illiquidity by both making swap positions more difficult to liquidate and increasing the losses incurred while trying to do so. With respect to options, shorter-dated options (i.e., options exercisable in the near future) may be more liquid than longer-dated options (i.e., options exercisable at a later date). There can be no guarantee that the trading markets of the Fund’s portfolio holdings that trade on an exchange will be liquid at all times.

Market Risk – Market risk is the risk that the market price of an instrument may move up and down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. The market prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings are influenced by many factors. Although the Fund seeks to limit the influence of all such factors other than the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of its portfolio holdings, there can be no guarantees these strategies will be successful. As a result, the performance of the Fund could vary from its stated objective and you could lose money.

New Fund Risk – The Fund has a limited operating history, and the Adviser has a limited history of managing ETFs. Accordingly, there is a risk that the Fund may not employ a successful investment strategy or successfully implement its strategy and that the Fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale. As a result, the performance of the Fund could vary from its stated objective and you could lose money.

Non-Correlation Risk – The Fund is not designed to produce investment returns based on the stock market price of the Large Cap Securities. This means that the returns on your Fund investment are not intended to correlate to the stock market returns of the Large Cap Securities or equity securities in general. The value of your Fund investment may go down when the stock market return of the Large Cap Securities or equity securities in general are up.

Non-Diversification Risk – The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it may invest in fewer instruments or issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or other occurrence and may therefore be more volatile than a more diversified fund.

Portfolio Turnover Risk – Due to its investment strategy, the Fund may buy and sell securities frequently. This may result in higher transaction costs and additional capital gains tax liabilities.

Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV – As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although market prices for Fund shares generally are expected to closely correspond to the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”), it is expected that, as with all ETFs, there will be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares are higher or lower than the NAV of such shares. The risk that shares of the Fund may trade at prices other than NAV is heightened in times of market stress or volatility. There can be no guarantee that an active market for Fund shares will develop or be maintained.

Tax Risk – The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments, such as swaps or option contracts tied to dividend returns, will generally not generate income eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income subject to lower capital gains rates when received by individual shareholders or be eligible for the dividends-received deduction when received by corporate shareholders. There is also uncertainty regarding characterization of the Fund’s investments in derivative instruments with respect to the income and asset diversification tests applicable to the Fund’s qualification as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. If the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) were to issue public guidance that results in an adverse determination

 

8   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


relating to the treatment of the Fund’s investments in such complex securities, it could fail to qualify as a regulated investment company and may likely need to significantly change its investment strategies, which could adversely affect the Fund. If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company, it would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and its distributions would generally be taxable as dividends. Please see the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) for a more detailed discussion, including the availability of relief for certain de minimis failures by the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company.

U.S. Government Securities Risk – Although U.S. Government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. Government agencies are backed by the U.S. Treasury, while others are backed solely by the ability of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the agency’s own resources.

Use of Derivatives Risk – Investments in swaps, options, forward contracts and futures contracts are subject to a number of risks, including correlation risk, interest rate risk, market risk, leverage risk and liquidity risk. Correlation risk is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the derivative’s underlying reference asset, rate or index. Interest rate risk, leverage risk, liquidity risk and market risk are described above. The Fund’s use of swaps and forward contracts is also subject to credit risk and valuation risk. Counterparty credit risk is described above. Valuation risk is the risk that the derivative may be difficult to value and/or valued incorrectly. Each of these factors could have a negative impact on the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy, could cause the Fund to lose money and could have a negative impact on the value of your investment.

Volatility Risk – The prices of the instruments held by the Fund, and, therefore, the value of your investment, may change rapidly and without warning throughout the trading day.

Perform ance Information

The bar chart and the performance table below illustrate the risks of an investment in the Fund by showing the Fund’s performance for the 2015 calendar year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual total returns for 1 year and since inception compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. Of course, the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Updated performance for the Fund is available at http://www.realityshares.com

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In addition, the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold Shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

LOGO

During the periods shown in the bar chart above, the Fund’s highest quarterly return was 0.98% (quarter ended June 30, 2015) and the Fund’s lowest quarterly return was 0.34% (quarter ended March 31, 2015).

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      9   


Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015

 

      1 Year    

Since Inception
(12/18/14)

 

Return Before Taxes

    2.24     3.40

Return After Taxes on Distributions

    1.67     2.84

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares

    1.55     2.48

HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index (reflects no deduction for fees,

expenses or taxes)

    -3.5     -1.7

Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses

or taxes)

    0.5     0.7

Investment Adviser

Reality Shares Advisors, LLC

Portfolio Man ager

Eric Ervin, President of the Adviser, has managed the Fund since its inception in December 2014.

Summary Information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares and Taxes

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

As with all ETFs, the Fund’s shares are listed on national securities exchanges, are bought and sold through broker-dealers and may not be purchased or redeemed directly with the Fund. The Fund’s shares trade in the secondary market at market prices, which may be different from the Fund’s NAV. As a result, the Fund’s shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions or other charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer.

The Fund issues and redeems shares at NAV only in large blocks of 25,000 shares or more (“Creation Units”) and only with large institutional investors that have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor in exchange for the deposit or delivery of a basket of securities and/or cash. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares of the Fund are not redeemable securities.

Tax Information

The Fund’s distributions are taxable and will generally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.

More Information About the Fund’s Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund’s Investment Objective

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek to produce long term capital appreciation.

The Fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the board of trustees (the “Board”) of Reality Shares ETF Trust (the “Trust”) without shareholder approval.

More Information About the Fund’s Investments

Below is additional information about the securities and other instruments that the Fund may purchase or sell in connection with its principal investment strategies.

Swaps

The Fund engages in swap transactions. In a typical swap transaction, the parties agree to make future payments to each other based on the change in value a specified rate, index, or asset. Swap transactions are usually done on a net basis, the Fund receiving or paying only the net amount of the two payments. The Fund may engage in dividend swap, total return swap and interest rate swap transactions. In a typical dividend swap transaction, the buyer pays the swap counterparty a negotiated value to receive the difference between the expected dividend value of the underlying stock or index constituents and the actual dividend value paid on the stock or index constituents during the term of the swap contract if the contract was held to maturity. In a typical total return swap, the buyer pays the swap counterparty a premium and is entitled to receive the total return of the underlying security or index, consisting of dividends, capital gains and price appreciation or depreciation. In a typical interest

 

10   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


rate swap transaction, one stream of future interest payments is exchanged for another. Such transactions often take the form of an exchange of a fixed payment for a variable payment based on a future interest rate.

Options

The Fund may enter into option contracts. An option is a type of financial contract in which the purchaser of the contract has the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a financial asset, such as a stock, index or ETF, at an agreed-upon price known as the “strike price” during a specific period or on a specific date. The Fund may buy ( i.e. , hold a “long” position in) and sell ( i.e. , hold a “short” position in) put and call options. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the issuer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying security or index during the option period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the seller of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying security or index during the option period.

When a put or call option on a security is exercised, the underlying security is delivered at settlement. 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.

When the Fund sells an option, it receives premium payments from the option’s purchaser. The Fund retains the premium if the purchaser does not exercise the option before the option’s expiration date. If the purchaser exercises the option, the Fund will pay the purchaser the difference between the value of the underlying index or security and the exercise price of the option. The Fund’s gain or loss when selling an option typically will be determined by the premium, the exercise price and the value of the underlying security or index. At the time of selling a call option, the Fund may cover the call option by owning, among other things: (i) the underlying security or, with respect to an index, the portfolio of securities that corresponds to the index; (ii) a call option on the same security or index with the same or lesser exercise price; (iii) a call option on the same security or index with a greater exercise price and segregating cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise prices, or (iv) cash or liquid securities equal to at least the market value of the underlying securities or index. At the time of selling a put option, the Fund may cover the put option by, among other things: (i) purchasing a put option on the same security or index with the same or greater exercise price; (ii) purchasing a put option on the same security or index with a lesser exercise price and segregating cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise prices; or (iii) maintaining the entire exercise price in cash or liquid securities.

Futures Contracts and Forward Contracts

The Fund also may invest in exchange-listed futures contracts and forward contracts.

Futures contracts, or “futures,” provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security, index or other asset at a specified future time and at a specified price (with or without delivery required). Futures contracts are standardized contracts traded on a recognized exchange.

Forward contracts, or “forwards,” involve a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a security, index or other asset at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery of a specified lot of a particular security or currency for the Fund’s account.

Temporary Defensive Measures

The Fund may, from time to time, invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or money market instruments that would not ordinarily be consistent with its investment objective in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. If the Fund invests in this manner, it may not achieve its investment objective. The Fund will do so only if the Adviser believes that the risk of loss outweighs the opportunity to pursue its investment objective.

Additional Investments

This prospectus describes the Fund’s principal investment strategies and risks, and the Fund will normally invest in the types of securities described in this prospectus. In addition to the instruments and strategies described in

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      11   


this prospectus, the Fund may invest in other instruments, or use other investment strategies to a lesser extent. These instruments and strategies are described in detail in the Fund’s SAI (for information on how to obtain a copy of the SAI see the back cover of this prospectus).

As with all investments, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goal.

More I nformation About the Fund’s Principal Risks

Investing in the Fund involves risk. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goals. In fact, no matter how good a job the Adviser does, you could lose money on your investment in the Fund, just as you could with other investments. Each of the below risk factors could cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decline.

Although the Fund’s strategy is designed to produce returns based on the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of its portfolio holdings and to eliminate the impact of changes in trading prices of its portfolio holdings, there is no guarantee this strategy will be successful. The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the value of the instruments the Fund holds. These prices change daily due to economic and other events that affect particular instruments and the market as a whole. These price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or lesser depending on the types of instruments the Fund owns and the markets in which it trades. The impact on the Fund of a change in the value of a single instrument will depend in part on how widely the Fund diversifies its holdings.

The following descriptions provide additional information about some of the risks of investing in the Fund:

Cash Sweep Program Risk – The Fund may invest in cash sweep programs administered by the Fund’s custodian or another third party through which the Fund’s cash holdings are placed in interest-bearing savings accounts or demand deposit accounts at various banks. The vehicle through which a cash sweep program is administered may not be registered under the 1940 Act, in which case the Fund, as an investor in the vehicle, would not be entitled to the protections afforded by the 1940 Act. Cash sweep programs may also be subject to counterparty credit risk, which is described below.

Counterparty Credit Risk The Fund may invest in financial instruments involving counterparties for the purpose of attempting to gain exposure to a particular group of securities, index or asset class without actually purchasing those securities or investments, or to hedge a position. Such financial instruments may include, among others, dividend, total return, index, and interest rate swap agreements. The Fund may use short-term counterparty agreements to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized in particular predetermined investments or instruments. The use of swap agreements and similar instruments involves risks that are different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. For example, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, the default will likely cause the value of your investment in the Fund to decrease. The Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding and the Fund may obtain only limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. The Funds seek to mitigate risks by generally requiring that the counterparties for the Fund agree to post collateral for the benefit of the Fund, marked to market daily, in an amount approximately equal to what the counterparty owes the Fund, subject to certain minimum thresholds. To the extent any such collateral is insufficient or there are delays in accessing the collateral, the Fund will be exposed to the risks described above. The Fund also generally structures agreements with counterparties to permit either party to terminate the contract without penalty prior to the termination date.

The Fund may enter into swap agreements with a limited number of counterparties, which may increase the Fund’s exposure to counterparty credit risk. The Fund, however, will not enter into any agreement with a counterparty unless the Advisor believes that such counterparty is creditworthy. The Adviser considers factors such as counterparty credit ratings and financial statements, among others, when determining whether a counterparty is creditworthy. The Adviser regularly monitors the creditworthiness of each counterparty with which the Fund transacts. The counterparties with which the Fund transacts generally are major, global financial institutions. To the extent the Fund’s financial instrument counterparties are concentrated in the financial services sector, the Fund bears the risk that those counterparties may be adversely affected by legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions, increased competition, and/or wide scale credit losses resulting from financial difficulties or borrowers affecting that economic sector.

Although the counterparty to a centrally cleared swap agreement and/or exchange-traded futures contract is often backed by a futures commission merchant (“FCM”) or clearing organization that is further backed by a group of

 

12   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


financial institutions, there may be instances in which the FCM or the clearing organization could fail to perform its obligations, causing significant losses to the Fund. For example, the Fund could lose margin payments it has deposited with a clearing organization as well as any gains owed but not paid to the Fund, if the clearing organization becomes insolvent or otherwise fails to perform its obligations. Under current Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) regulations, a FCM maintains customers’ assets in a bulk segregated account. If a FCM fails to do so, or is unable to satisfy a substantial deficit in a customer account, its other customers may be subject to risk of loss of their funds in the event of that FCM’s bankruptcy. In that event, in the case of futures and options on futures, the FCM’s customers are entitled to recover, even in respect of property specifically traceable to them, only a proportional share of all property available for distribution to all of that FCM’s customers. Certain swap agreements also may be considered to be illiquid.

Dividend Payout Risk – The value of dividends paid by issuers is not constant and will vary from year to year and quarter to quarter. Companies that have historically paid dividends may lower their dividends or may cease making such payments. The success of the Fund’s strategy is highly dependent on the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings. The Fund’s returns can be expected to be lower and the Fund may not produce positive investment returns if expected dividend values or actual dividend values remain flat or declines. The aggregate value of actual dividends paid on the securities underlying the Fund’s portfolio holdings and expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings may be lower than expected for a variety of reasons, including an actual or potential decline in the health of the overall economy, lower corporate earnings levels, changes to corporate dividend policies, fluctuating interest rates and other factors. Such declines may be unexpected and can be short-term or last for a number of years. Since the value of your investment in the Fund is based largely on the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings, decreases in the amount of actual dividends paid or expected dividend values generally will adversely affect the value of the Fund and lower your investment return. Further, the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings reflects only ordinary dividends and does not reflect the issuance of special dividends. Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund is not expected to increase in response to the issuance of any special dividends.

Dividend Isolation Strategy Risk – Unlike more traditional funds, the Fund does not seek investment returns based on increases in the secondary market trading price of their portfolio holdings over short or long periods of time. Instead, the Fund seeks to produce investment returns based on strategies designed to provide exposure to the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of their portfolio holdings. The value of an investment in the Fund is generally expected to increase as the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of its portfolio holdings goes up. The value of an investment in the Fund is generally expected to decrease as the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of its portfolio holdings goes down. The value of an investment in the Fund is not intended to track the price returns of the securities underlying its portfolio holdings or general equity market returns. There can be no guarantee that the Fund’s investment strategies will be successful or that this strategy will produce positive investment returns.

ETF Shares Trading Risk – Shares of the Fund typically trade at prices that differ from (and can be below) their NAV. The NAV of Fund shares will fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s holdings, and the exchange-traded prices of Fund shares may not fully reflect these market values. These differences may be more pronounced for newer or smaller ETFs, for ETFs that own less liquid securities or in certain market conditions. For example, supply and demand for shares of an ETF or market disruptions may cause the market price of the ETF to deviate from the value of the ETF’s investments, which may be emphasized in less liquid or volatile markets. These price fluctuations may be significant. Shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange (the “Exchange”). Although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for Fund shares will develop or be maintained. An unanticipated early closing of the Exchange may result in your inability to buy or sell shares of the Fund on that day. The Exchange may halt trading in Fund shares because of market conditions or other reasons. You may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund if a trading halt occurs.

Interest Rate Risk – The price the Fund pays when purchasing, or receives when selling, options and other derivatives may be based in part on expected future interest rates. If interest rates rise, or are expected to rise, such instruments may become more expensive for the Fund to purchase. This may negatively impact the performance of the Fund. If interest rates fall or are expected to fall, the contract price of options and other derivatives contract held by the Fund may decrease, in which case the Fund would receive a lower price when selling such instruments. Since the Fund seeks to eliminate the impact of price fluctuations on the value of its portfolio, in either case the performance of the Fund would be negatively impacted. The Fund will look to offset the effect of changing interest rates through the use of swaps, option combinations and futures designed to neutralize interest rate exposure.

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      13   


Investments in Europe Risk – The Fund’s investments in Europe are subject to the political, social or economic disruptions that occur in Europe, even if such disruptions occur in European countries in which the Fund is not invested. The European financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about rising government debt levels of certain European countries, each of which may require external assistance to meet its obligations and run the risk of default on its debt, possible bail-out by the rest of the European Union (“EU”) or debt restructuring. Assistance given to an EU member state may be dependent on a country’s implementation of reforms in order to curb the risk of default on its debt, and a failure to implement these reforms or increase revenues could result in a deep economic downturn. These events may adversely affect the economic and market environment in Europe, which in turn may adversely affect the price or liquidity of securities issued by European issuers and therefore may adversely affect the Fund and its investments in or exposure to such securities.

Investments in Japan Risk – The Japanese economy has recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since 2000, Japan’s economic growth rate has remained relatively low. Its economy is characterized by government intervention and protectionism, an unstable financial services sector and relatively high unemployment. Japan’s economy is heavily dependent on international trade and has been adversely affected by trade tariffs and competition from emerging economies. As such, economic growth is heavily dependent on continued growth in international trade, government support of the financial services sector, among other troubled sectors, and consistent government policy. Any changes or trends in these economic factors could have a significant impact on Japan’s economy overall and may negatively affect the Fund’s investment. Japan’s economy is also closely tied to its two largest trading partners, the U.S. and China. Economic volatility in either nation may create volatility for Japan’s economy as well. Additionally, as China has increased its role with Japan as a trading partner, political tensions between the countries has become strained. Any increase or decrease in such tension may have consequences for investment in or exposure to Japanese issuers.

Leverage Risk – The Fund’s derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. The use of leverage can amplify the effects of market volatility on the Fund’s share prices and make the Fund’s returns more volatile. This is because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations.

Liquidity Risk – Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or sell. The market for certain investments may become illiquid due to specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer or under adverse market or economic conditions independent of the issuer. A Fund’s investments in illiquid securities may reduce the returns of the Fund because it may be unable to sell the illiquid securities at an advantageous time or price. Further, transactions in illiquid securities may entail transaction costs that are higher than those for transactions in liquid securities.

Market Risk – Although the Fund’s investment strategy seeks to eliminate the Fund’s exposure to price fluctuations and market risk of its portfolio holdings, there can be no guarantees these strategies will be successful. As a result, the Fund is subject to the market risk associated with its portfolio holdings. Market risk is the risk that the market price of an instrument may move up and down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, an instrument type, an industry, a sector or markets as a whole. As a result, the price of the Fund’s investments, and therefore the price of Fund shares, may fluctuate significantly. You could lose money on your investment over short or long periods of time.

New Fund Risk – The Fund has a limited operating history, and the Adviser has a limited history of managing ETFs. Accordingly, investors in the Fund bear the risk that the Fund may not employ a successful investment strategy or successfully implement its strategy, and that the Fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale. These factors could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance and, if they persist over time, could result in the Fund being liquidated. While shareholders would be provided with prior notice of liquidation, liquidation does not require shareholder approval, may occur at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders and could have negative tax consequences for shareholders.

Options Risk – The Fund may utilize various options strategies, and, therefore, the Fund is subject to options risk. An option is a contract between two parties for the purchase and sale of a financial instrument for a specified price at any time during the option period. Unlike a futures contract, an option grants a right (not an obligation) to buy or sell a financial instrument. For example, an option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The seller of an uncovered call option assumes the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the market price of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option. The securities necessary to satisfy the exercise of the call option may be unavailable for purchase except at much higher prices. Purchasing

 

14   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


securities to satisfy the exercise of the call option can itself cause the price of the securities to rise further, sometimes by a significant amount, thereby exacerbating the loss. The buyer of a call option assumes the risk of losing its entire premium invested in the call option. The seller (writer) of a put option that is covered (e.g., the writer has a short position in the underlying security) assumes the risk of an increase in the market price of the underlying security above the sales price (in establishing the short position) of the underlying security plus the premium received and gives up the opportunity for gain on the underlying security below the exercise price of the option. The seller of an uncovered put option assumes the risk of a decline in the market price of the underlying security below the exercise price of the option. The buyer of a put option assumes the risk of losing his entire premium invested in the put option.

Portfolio Turnover Risk – The Fund may buy and sell investments frequently. Such a strategy often involves higher expenses, including brokerage commissions, and may increase the amount of capital gains (in particular, short term gains) realized by the Fund. Shareholders may pay tax on such capital gains.

Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV – As with all ETFs, the Fund’s shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although market prices for Fund shares generally are expected to closely correspond to the Fund’s NAV, it is expected that, as with all ETFs, there will be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares are higher or lower than the NAV of such shares. This may be especially true during periods where the trading volume of the Fund’s shares is low. The risk that shares of the Fund may trade at prices other than NAV is heightened in times of market stress or volatility. Secondary market trading in ETF shares may be disrupted or halted because of market conditions or other reasons. In such instances the price of the Fund’s shares could change dramatically and without warning, you may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund and you may not be able to exit your position during periods of market declines.

Information regarding the Fund’s IIV is disseminated every 15 seconds throughout the trading day by the Fund’s Exchange or by other market data providers. The IIV is based on the current value of the assets held by the Fund that will form the basis for the Fund’s calculation of its NAV at the end of the applicable business day. The IIV does not necessarily reflect the precise composition or the most accurate valuation of the current portfolio of instruments held by the Fund at a particular point in time. The Fund’s IIV may deviate, at times substantially, from its NAV, which is computed only once a day. Therefore, you should not view the IIV as a “real-time” update of the Fund’s NAV.

Swap Agreements Risk – The Fund engages in swap transactions and is therefore subject to swap agreements risk. Swaps are agreements in which two parties agree to exchange future payments based on a rate, index, instrument or other asset at a predetermined amount. The risks of swaps include: (i) an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of the dividend swap and the dividends paid by stocks underlying them; (ii) lack of liquidity; (iii) difficulty in obtaining an accurate value for the swaps; (iv) the risk that the counterparty to the swap will default or otherwise fail to honor or become delayed in its ability to honor its obligation; and (v) the risk that the Fund may not be able to enter into a new swap agreement at a favorable price after a swap agreement to which it is currently a party expires or is terminated. Dividend swaps are also subject to Dividend Payout Risk, which is described in the “Principal Risks” section of this prospectus. For example, issuers of the stocks underlying the dividend swap could choose to return capital to their shareholders through means other than dividends, such as return of capital or share buybacks. Further, an issuer of a stock underlying the dividend swap could purchase or be purchased by another company, which could affect their decisions on whether to issue dividends to shareholders.

Information about Portfolio Holdings

Information about the Fund’s daily portfolio holdings is available at www.realityshares.com . In addition, a description of the Fund’s policy and procedures with respect to the circumstances under which the Fund discloses its portfolio holdings is available in the SAI.

Investment Adviser and Portfolio Manager

Investment Adviser

Reality Shares Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser’s principal place of business is located at 402 West Broadway, Suite 2800, San Diego, California 92101. The Adviser has served as the investment adviser of the Fund since its inception.

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      15   


Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser is responsible for managing the investment activities of the Fund and the Fund’s business affairs and other administrative matters. For its services to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of the average daily net assets of the Fund, as set forth below:

 

Fund   Advisory Fee  

Reality Shares DIVS ETF

    0.85

Under the Investment Advisory Agreement for the Fund, the Adviser has agreed to pay generally all expenses of the Fund. For a detailed description of the Investment Advisory Agreement for the Fund, please see the section of the SAI entitled “The Adviser.”

The Adviser has registered with the National Futures Association as a “commodity pool operator” under the Commodities Exchange Act with respect to the Fund.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement is available in the Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders dated October 31, 2015, which covers the period from December 18, 2014 (commencement of Fund operations) through October 31, 2015.

Portfolio Manager

The portfolio manager currently responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio is Eric Ervin, President of the Adviser. Prior to founding the Adviser in 2013, he spent 14 years building the Ervin Miller Group wealth management franchise at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Mr. Ervin is a Certified Financial Planner practitioner, and a Chartered Financial Consultant.

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager and his ownership, if any, of securities in the Fund.

Purchasing and Sell ing Fund Shares

Most investors will buy and sell shares in secondary market transactions through brokers and, therefore, must have a brokerage account to buy and sell shares. Shares can be bought or sold through your broker throughout the trading day like shares of any publicly traded security. When buying or selling shares through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and other charges. The price at which you buy or sell the Fund’s shares ( i.e. , the market price) may be more or less than the NAV of the shares. Unless imposed by your broker, there is no minimum dollar amount you must invest in the Fund and no minimum number of shares you must buy when buying or selling shares in secondary market transactions. Shares of the Fund may be purchased or redeemed directly from the Fund only in Creation Units or multiples thereof, as discussed in the SAI.

Shares of the Fund are listed on the Exchange under the following symbol:

 

Fund   Exchange     Symbol  

Reality Shares DIVS ETF

    NYSE Arca, Inc.        DIVY   

The Exchange is generally open Monday through Friday and are closed for weekends and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

For information about buying and selling shares, please contact your broker or dealer.

Share Trading Prices. The trading prices of the Fund’s shares may differ from the Fund’s daily NAV and are expected to vary based on a number of factors. These factors include supply and demand for the Fund’s shares, the level of dividends paid on the Fund’s portfolio securities, the prices of the Fund’s portfolio securities, economic conditions, the existence of market disruptions and other factors. The Exchange or another market information provider will disseminate the approximate value of the Fund’s portfolio every fifteen seconds. This approximate value should not be viewed as a “real-time” update of the NAV of the Fund because the approximate value may not be calculated in the same manner, or at the same time, as the NAV, which is computed once a day. The Fund is not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the approximate values and makes no warranty as to the accuracy of these values.

 

16   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


Frequent P urchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares

The Board has determined not to adopt policies and procedures designed to prevent or monitor for frequent purchases and redemptions of the Fund’s shares. As an ETF, the Fund sells and redeems its shares at NAV only in Creation Units to authorized participants that have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor (“Authorized Participants”). Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units by Authorized Participants are essential to keeping the market price of the Fund’s shares at or close to their NAV and therefore frequent purchases and redemptions of Creation Units are not discouraged. Frequent purchases and redemptions of Creation Units for cash may increase portfolio transaction costs and may lead to realization of capital gains. To minimize these consequences, the Fund imposes a transaction fee on such Creation Unit transactions that is designed to offset the transfer and other transaction costs the Fund incurs.

Prici ng of Fund Shares

The Fund will calculate its NAV by: (i) taking the current market value of its total assets; (ii) subtracting any liabilities; and (iii) dividing that amount by the total number of Shares outstanding. The Fund will calculate NAV once each day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open as of the regularly scheduled close of trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time).

In calculating the Fund’s NAV per Share, the Fund’s investments will be valued in accordance with procedures approved by the Board. These procedures, which may be changed by the Board from time to time, generally require investments to be valued using market valuations. A market valuation generally means a valuation (i) obtained from an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker or dealer, (ii) 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 (iii) based on amortized cost. The Trust may use various pricing services, or discontinue the use of any pricing service, as determined by the Board from time to time. The Fund’s daily NAV can be found at www.realityshares.com.

The Trust will generally value exchange listed securities (other than option contracts) at market closing prices. Market closing prices are generally determined on the basis of last reported sales prices, or if no sales are reported, based on the last reported quotes. In general, the Trust will value exchange-listed option contracts up until 4:15 p.m. Eastern time, the normal close of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, on the basis of last reported sales prices, bid/ask quotes or equivalent indications of value supplied by dealers and third-party pricing sources. The Trust will generally value listed futures and options on futures at the settlement price determined by the applicable exchange. Non-exchange-traded derivatives, such as swap transactions, will normally be valued on the basis of quotations or equivalent indication of value supplied by a pricing service or major market makers or dealers. Fixed income securities generally are valued based on prices provided by independent pricing services, which may use valuation models or matrix pricing to determine current value. The Trust may use (a) amortized cost to value fixed income or money market securities that have a remaining maturity of 60 days or less, if it can reasonably conclude at the time of each such valuation that the amortized cost value is approximately the same as the securities value determined in accordance with market-based factors, or (b) the price provided by an independent third party pricing agent.

In the event that current market valuations are not readily available or the Trust or Adviser believes such valuations do not reflect current market value, the Trust’s procedures require that a security’s fair value be determined. In determining such value, the Trust or the Adviser may consider, among other things, (i) price comparisons among multiple sources, (ii) a review of corporate actions and news events, and (iii) a review of relevant financial indicators. In these cases, the Fund’s NAV may reflect certain portfolio securities’ fair values rather than their market prices. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security.

Dividends a nd Distributions

The Fund intends to distribute its net investment income, if any, at least annually and make distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, annually. The Fund does not intend to invest in dividend paying equity securities and therefore does not anticipate making significant, if any, dividend payments that would result from investments in such securities. The Fund’s investment strategies, if successful, will generate capital gains and ordinary income. Brokers may make available to their customers who are also Fund shareholders the DTC book-entry dividend reinvestment service. You should contact your broker to determine the availability and costs of this service. Brokers may require you to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income (which may include a return of capital) and net realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the distributing Fund purchased in the secondary market. Without this service, you would receive your distributions in cash.

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      17   


Ta xes

Please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific questions about U.S. federal, state and local income taxes. Below is a summary of some important tax issues that affect the Fund and its shareholders. This summary is based on current tax laws, which may change.

The Fund intends to qualify for the special tax treatment afforded to regulated investment companies. As long as the Fund qualifies for treatment as a regulated investment company, it pays no federal income tax on the earnings it timely distributes to shareholders.

The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any. The dividends and distributions you receive may be subject to U.S. federal, state and local taxation, depending upon your tax situation. Distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable whether or not you reinvest them. Dividend distributions, including distributions of short-term capital gains are generally taxable at ordinary income tax rates. Distributions of long-term capital gains and distributions of qualified dividend income are generally taxable at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains. The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments, such as option contracts or swaps tied to dividend returns, will generally not generate income eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income when received by individual shareholders or be eligible for the dividends-received deduction when received by corporate shareholders. Therefore, even though the Fund is designed to isolate the level of expected dividends on equity securities, the Fund’s use of derivative instruments means that the Fund is unlikely to generate income eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income or eligible for the dividend-received deduction.

The Fund may on occasion, however, receive dividend income from direct investments in the equity securities of issuers of certain indexes such as the NASDAQ-100, S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, as well as from investments in ETFs designed to track the performance of such indexes. The Fund may be eligible to distribute such dividend income as qualified dividend income when received by individual shareholders or eligible for the dividends-received deduction when received by corporate shareholders, subject to certain limitations.

The Fund will invest in complex securities which are subject to numerous special and complex rules. These rules could affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Fund are treated as ordinary income or capital gain, accelerate the recognition of income to the Fund and/or defer the Fund’s ability to recognize losses. In turn, these rules may affect the amount, timing or character of distributions you receive from the Fund. In addition, there is uncertainty regarding characterization of such complex securities with respect to the income and asset diversification tests applicable to the Fund’s qualification as a regulated investment company. If the IRS were to issue public guidance that results in an adverse determination relating to the treatment of the Fund’s investments in such complex securities, the Fund may likely need to significantly change its investment strategies, which could adversely affect the Fund. If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company, it would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and its distributions would generally be taxable as dividends. Please see the SAI for a more detailed discussion, including the availability of relief for certain de minimis failures by the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company.

The Fund’s writing (selling) and purchasing of options and futures contracts involves complex rules that will determine for federal income tax purposes the amount, character and timing of recognition of the gains and losses the Fund realizes in connection with such transactions. The Fund distributes to shareholders at least annually any net capital gains which have been recognized for federal income tax purposes, including unrealized gains at the end of the Fund’s fiscal year on futures or certain options transactions. Such distributions are combined with distributions of capital gains realized on the Fund’s investments and shareholders are advised on the nature of the distributions.

The Fund may invest in certain futures and forward contracts and intend to enter into certain types of listed options on broad based securities indexes (“Section 1256 contracts”), which will be required to be “marked-to-market” for federal income tax purposes, that is, treated as having been sold at their market value on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year. These provisions may require the Fund to recognize income or gains without a concurrent receipt of cash. Any gain or loss recognized on actual or deemed sales of Section 1256 contracts will be treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Transactions that qualify as designated hedges are exempt from this mark-to-market rule, but may require the Fund to defer the recognition of losses on these options to the extent of any unrecognized gains on related positions held by it.

The tax provisions described above applicable to options, futures and forward contracts may affect the amount, timing, and character of the Fund’s distributions to its shareholders. For example, the Section 1256 rules described above may operate to increase the amount the Fund must distribute to satisfy the minimum distribution requirement for the portion treated as short-term capital gain which will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary

 

18   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


income, and to increase the net capital gain it recognizes, without, in either case, increasing the cash available to it. The Fund may elect to exclude certain transactions from the operation of Section 1256, although doing so may have the effect of increasing the relative proportion of net short-term capital gain (taxable as ordinary income) and thus increasing the amount of dividends it must distribute. Accordingly, in order to avoid certain income and excise taxes, the Fund may be required to liquidate its investments at a time when the investment adviser might not otherwise have chosen to do so. Section 1256 contracts also may be marked-to-market for purposes of the Excise Tax.

To the extent the Fund writes options that are not subject to the rules of section 1256 of the Code, the amount of the premium received by the Fund for writing such options will be entirely short-term capital gain to the Fund. In addition, if such an option is closed by the Fund, any gain or loss realized by the Fund as a result of the closing the transaction will also be short-term capital gain or loss. If the holder of a put option exercises the holder’s right under the option, any gain or loss realized by the Fund upon the sale of the underlying security pursuant to such exercise will be short-term or long-term capital gain or loss to the Fund depending on the Fund’s holding period for the underlying security.

The sale of Fund shares may be a taxable event. For tax purposes, an exchange of the Fund’s shares for shares of a different fund is the same as a sale. The gain or loss on the sale of Fund shares generally is required to be treated as a short-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for 12 months or less or as long-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for longer. Any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions received (or deemed received) by you with respect to Fund shares. All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be disallowed if you purchase other substantially identical shares within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

Distributions paid in January but declared by the Fund in October, November or December of the previous year may be taxable to you in the previous year.

Your broker should inform you of the amount of your ordinary income dividends, qualified dividend income, and capital gains distributions shortly after the close of each calendar year.

U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) are subject to a new 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on their “net investment income,” including interest, dividends and capital gains (including capital gains realized on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund). This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.

Unless you fall within certain exceptions, the custodian, broker or other administrative agent holding your shares in the Fund on your behalf must report to the IRS and furnish to you the cost basis information for shares of the Fund. In addition to reporting the gross proceeds from the sale of shares of the Fund, you will receive cost basis information for such shares, which will indicate whether these shares had a short-term or long-term holding period. For each sale of shares of the Fund, you are to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods, including the average basis method. In the absence of an election, the custodian, broker or other administrative agent holding your shares in the Fund will use a default cost basis method they have chosen, which should have been communicated to you. The cost basis method elected by you (or the cost basis method applied by default) for each sale of shares of the Fund may not be changed after the settlement date of each such sale. You should consult with your tax advisor to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for your tax situation and to obtain more information about how cost basis reporting applies to you.

Distributions (other than capital gain dividends) paid to individual shareholders that are neither citizens nor residents of the U.S. or to foreign entities 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.

A U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate will be imposed on dividends beginning after June 30, 2014 (and proceeds of sales in respect of the Fund’s shares received by the Fund’s shareholders beginning after December 31, 2008) for shareholders who own their shares through foreign accounts or foreign intermediaries if certain disclosure requirements related to U.S. accounts or ownership are not satisfied.

If you hold your shares in a tax-qualified retirement account, you generally will not be subject to federal taxation on income and capital gains distribution from the Fund, until you begin receiving payments from your retirement account. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax rules that apply to your retirement account.

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      19   


Because each shareholder’s tax situation is different, you should consult your tax advisor about the tax implications of an investment in the Fund.

A person who purchases a Creation Unit by exchanging securities in-kind generally will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and any net amount of cash received by the purchaser in the exchange and (ii) the sum of the purchaser’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and any net amount of cash paid for the Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units and receives securities in-kind from the Fund will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the redeemer’s basis in the Creation Units, and the aggregate market value of the securities received and any net cash received. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an in-kind exchange of securities for Creation Units or an exchange of Creation Units for securities cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons effecting in-kind creations or redemptions should consult their own tax adviser with respect to these matters.

Additional important information about taxes is in the SAI.

Premium/ Discount Information

Information showing the number of days that the end of day market price of the Fund’s shares was greater than the Fund’s NAV ( i.e. , a “premium”) and the number of days that the end of day market price of the Fund’s shares was less than the Fund’s NAV ( i.e. , a “discount”) for various time periods is available by visiting the Fund’s website at www.realityshares.com.

Investments by Registered Investment Companies

Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by registered investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of the Fund. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in the Fund beyond the limits set forth in section 12(d)(1) subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in an SEC exemptive order issued to the Trust, including that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Fund.

Financial Highligh ts

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the period of the Fund’s operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information below has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, whose reports are included in the Fund’s 2015 Annual Report along with the Fund’s financial statements. The 2015 Annual Report is available upon request.

 

20   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


Financial Highlights

Reality Shares DIVS ETF

For the period December 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2015.

 

  

 

 

Per Share Operational Performance:         

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 23.00   

Investment operations:

  

Net investment loss 1

     (0.17

Net realized and unrealized gain

     1.13   

Total from investment operations

     0.96   

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 23.96   

Total Return at Net Asset Value 2

     4.17

Net assets, end of period (000’s) omitted

   $ 30,053   

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

  

Ratio to average net assets of:

  

Expenses

     0.85 % 3  

Net investment loss

     (0.82 )% 3  

Portfolio turnover rate 4

     1,475

 

1  

Based on average daily shares outstanding.

 

2  

Periods less than one year are not annualized.

 

3  

Annualized.

 

4  

Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered in-kind and is not annualized for periods of less than one year.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      21   


Investment Adviser

Reality Shares Advisors, LLC

402 West Broadway, Suite 2800

San Diego, California 92101

Distributor

ALPS Distributors, Inc.

1290 Broadway, Suite 1100

Denver, Colorado 80203

Legal Counsel

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20004-2541

 

LOGO

 

More information about the Fund is available, without charge, through the following:

Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”): The SAI, dated February 29, 2016, includes detailed information about the Fund. The SAI is on file with the SEC and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This means that the SAI, for legal purposes, is a part of this prospectus.

Annual and Semi-Annual Reports: These reports list the Fund’s holdings and contain information from the Adviser about investment strategies, and recent market conditions and trends and their impact on Fund performance. The reports also contain detailed financial information about the Fund.

To Obtain an SAI, Annual or Semi-Annual Report, or More Information:

 

By Telephone:   855-595-0240   By Mail:  

402 W Broadway, 28 th Fl,

San Diego, CA 92101

     
By Internet:   www.realityshares.com    

From the SEC: You can also obtain the SAI or the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, as well as other information about Reality Shares ETF Trust, from the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at: http://www.sec.gov. You may review and copy documents at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (for information on the operation of the Public Reference Room, call 202-551-8090). You may request documents by mail from the SEC, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520. You may also obtain this information, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by e-mailing the SEC at the following address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

 

THE TRUST’S INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT REGISTRATION NUMBER IS 811-22911


STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

REALITY SHARES DIVS ETF

 

T ICKER S YMBOL

   P RINCIPAL  U.S. L ISTING  E XCHANGE

DIVY

   NYSE A RCA , I NC .

a series of Reality Shares ETF Trust

February 29, 2016

Investment Adviser:

Reality Shares Advisors, LLC

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus. This SAI is intended to provide additional information regarding the activities and operations of the Reality Shares ETF Trust (the “Trust”) and the Reality Shares DIVS ETF ( the “Fund”). This SAI is incorporated by reference into and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s prospectus (the “Prospectus”) dated February 29, 2016. Capitalized terms not defined herein are defined in the prospectus.

The Fund’s financial statements and financial highlights including notes thereto, and the report of Ernst & Young LLP for the fiscal period ended October 31, 2015 are contained in the 2015 Annual Report to Shareholders and are incorporated by reference into and are deemed to be part of this SAI. A copy of the Fund’s 2015 Annual Report to Shareholders accompanies the delivery of this SAI. Shareholders may obtain copies of the Prospectus or Annual Report free of charge by writing to the Trust at 402 W Broadway, 28th Fl, San Diego, CA 92101, or by calling the Trust at (855) 595-0240.


T ABLE OF CONTENTS

 

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUST

   S-1

DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS AND RISK FACTORS

   S-1

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

   S-15

CONTINUOUS OFFERING

   S-17

EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING

   S-18

THE ADMINISTRATOR

   S-18

THE ADVISER

   S-19

THE DISTRIBUTOR

   S-20

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST

   S-20

BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM

   S-22

CREATION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS

   S-25

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

   S-31

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

   S-32

TAXES

   S-32

BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS

   S-38

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

   S-39

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUST

   S-40

LIMITATION OF TRUSTEES’ LIABILITY

   S-40

CODES OF ETHICS

   S-40

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

   S-41

CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT

   S-41

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

   S-41

LEGAL COUNSEL

   S-41

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   S-42

APPENDIX A – DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

   A-1

APPENDIX B – PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

   B-1


GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUST

The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 26, 2013. The Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust currently offers shares of six (6) separate and distinct series, representing separate portfolios of investments. This SAI relates solely to the Reality Shares DIVS ETF (the “Fund”). The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” and, therefore, may invest in relatively fewer issuers and is not required to meet certain diversification requirements under the 1940 Act. Additional series and/or classes may be created from time to time.

The shares of the Fund are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”). The shares of the Fund will trade on the Exchange, and other secondary markets, at market prices that may be below, at, or above the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund. The Fund issues and redeems shares at NAV only in aggregated lots of 25,000 shares or more (each, a “Creation Unit”). These transactions are usually in exchange for a basket of securities and an amount of cash. As a practical matter, only institutions or large investors purchase or redeem Creation Units. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares of the Fund are not redeemable securities.

DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS AND RISK FACTORS

The following are descriptions of the permitted investments and investment practices of the Fund and the associated risk factors. The Fund may purchase any of these instruments and/or engage in any of these investment practices if, in the opinion of Reality Shares Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, such investments or investment practices will be advantageous to the Fund. The Fund is free to reduce or eliminate its activity in any of these areas. There is no assurance that any of these strategies or any other strategies and methods of investment available to the Fund will result in the achievement of the Fund’s investment objective.

The Fund’s principal investment strategies and the risks associated with the same are described in the “Summary Section” and “More Information about the Fund’s Investment Objectives, Strategies and Risks” sections of the prospectus. The following discussion provides additional information about those principal investment strategies and related risks, as well as information about investment strategies (and related risks) that the Fund may utilize, even though they are not considered to be “principal” investment strategies. Accordingly, an investment strategy (and related risk) that is described below, but which is not described in the Fund’s prospectus, should not be considered to be a principal strategy (or related risk) applicable to the Fund.

COMMERCIAL PAPER —The Fund may invest in high-quality, short-term commercial paper. Commercial paper is the term used to designate unsecured, short-term promissory notes issued by corporations and other entities. Maturities on these issues vary from a few days up to 270 days. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in commercial paper for investment purposes but is not limited in its ability to purchase commercial paper to serve as collateral for its other investments.

CYBER-SECURITY RISK —Investment companies, such as the Fund, and their service providers may be vulnerable 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 monitoring, release, misuse, loss destruction or corruption of confidential information, unauthorized access to relevant systems, compromises to networks or devices that the Fund and its service providers use to service the Fund’s operations, operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Fund and its service providers, or various other forms of cyber security breaches. Cyber-attacks affecting the Fund or the Adviser, distributor, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses or the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business. For example, cyber-attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, affect the Fund’s ability to calculate their NAVs, 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 cybersecurity risk management efforts designed to mitigate or prevent the risk of cyber-attacks. Such costs may be ongoing because threats of cyber-attacks are constantly evolving as cyber-attackers become more sophisticated and their techniques become more complex. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Fund’s investments in such portfolio companies to lose value. There can be no assurance that the Fund, the Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of the securities in which the Fund may invest will be able to prevent cyber-attacks or avoid losses or other adverse consequences relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches in the future.

EQUITY SECURITIES —Equity securities, such as common stock, represent ownership interests in a company. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks, which may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Further, fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which the Fund invests will cause the net asset value of the Fund to fluctuate. The Fund may purchase and sell equity securities in various ways, including through registered exchanges in the U.S. or the over-the-counter market. The equity securities in which the Fund may invest are common stocks, which represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock. The Fund does not currently intend to invest more than 5% of its net assets in common stocks.

 

S-1


FIXED INCOME SECURITIES —The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high-quality, short-term fixed income securities for investment purposes but is not limited in its ability to purchase such securities to serve as collateral for its other investments. Fixed income securities consist primarily of debt obligations issued by governments, corporations, municipalities and other borrowers. The market value of the fixed income securities in which the Fund invests will change in response to interest rate changes and other factors. During periods of falling interest rates, the value of outstanding fixed income securities generally rises. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of such securities generally declines. Moreover, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, the prices of longer maturity securities are also subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. Changes by recognized agencies in the rating of any fixed income security and in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal also affect the value of these investments. Changes in the value of these securities will not necessarily affect cash income derived from these securities, but will affect the Fund’s net asset value.

Fixed income securities are subject to the risk of an issuer’s ability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligation (known as “credit risk”) and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (known as “market risk”). Lower-rated or unrated ( i.e. , high yield) securities are more likely to react to developments affecting market and credit risk than are more highly rated securities, which primarily react to movements in the general level of interest rates. Yields and market values of high yield securities will fluctuate over time, reflecting not only changing interest rates but also the market’s perception of credit quality and the outlook for economic growth. When economic conditions appear to be deteriorating, medium- to lower-rated securities may decline in value due to heightened concern over credit quality, regardless of prevailing interest rates. Investors should carefully consider the relative risks of investing in high yield securities and understand that such securities are not generally meant for short-term investing.

Securities held by the Fund that are guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities guarantee only the payment of principal and interest and do not guarantee the yield or value of the securities or the yield or value of the Fund’s shares.

FORWARD CONTRACTS —The Fund may invest in forward contracts. A forward contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific asset at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Risks associated with forwards include: (i) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of forward contracts and the securities underlying them; (ii) there may not be a liquid market for forwards; and (iii) forwards may be difficult to accurately value. Forwards are also subject to credit risk, liquidity risk and leverage risk, each of which is further described in the prospectus.

The Fund may engage in non-deliverable forward transactions. A non-deliverable forward transaction is a transaction that represents an agreement between the Fund and a counterparty to buy or sell a specified (notional) amount of a particular asset at an agreed upon price on an agreed upon future date. There is no physical delivery of the asset on the settlement of a non-deliverable forward transaction. Rather, the Fund and the counterparty agree to net the settlement by making a payment in U.S. dollars that represents any differential between the price of the asset agreed upon at the inception of the non-deliverable forward agreement and the actual price of the asset on the agreed upon future date. Thus, the actual gain or loss of a given non-deliverable forward transaction is calculated by multiplying the transaction’s notional amount by the difference between the agreed upon price of the asset and the actual price of the asset when the transaction is completed.

Open positions in forwards will be covered by the segregation or “earmarking” of assets cash, high-quality, short-term debt securities or money-market instruments or otherwise “offset” in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Fund will transact in forward contracts only with over-the-counter (“OTC”) dealers that have in place an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) agreement with the Fund.

 

S-2


The Fund may invest in forward foreign currency contracts. A forward foreign currency contract is a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date (with or without delivery required). The length of the contract may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties. The price at which the transaction occurs is set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually large, commercial banks) and their customers. A forward foreign currency contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades.

Forward contracts generally may not be liquidated prior to the stated maturity date, although the parties to a contract may agree to enter into a second offsetting transaction with the same maturity, thereby fixing each party’s profit or loss on the two transactions. Nevertheless, each position must still be maintained to maturity unless the parties separately agree on an earlier settlement date. As a result, a party to a forward contract must be prepared to perform its obligations under each such contract in full. Parties to a forward contract may also separately agree to extend the contract by “rolling” it over prior to the originally scheduled settlement date.

Transaction Hedging. Transaction hedging is when the Fund enters into a currency transaction with respect to specific assets or liabilities of the Fund, which generally arises in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities or the receipt of income therefrom. The Fund may enter into transaction hedging out of a desire to preserve the U.S. dollar price of a security when it enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency. The Fund may be able to protect itself against possible losses resulting from changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies during the period between the date the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received by entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars, of the amount of the foreign currency involved in the underlying security transaction.

Position Hedging . The Fund may sell a non-U.S. currency and purchase U.S. currency to reduce exposure to the non-U.S. currency (called “position hedging”). The Fund may use position hedging when the advisers reasonably believe that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar. The Fund may enter into a forward foreign currency contract to sell, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of its portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching of the forward foreign currency contract amount and the value of the portfolio securities involved may not have a perfect correlation since the future value of the securities hedged will change as a consequence of the market between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. The projection of short-term currency market movement is difficult, and the successful execution of this short-term hedging strategy is uncertain.

Currency transactions can result in losses to the Fund if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree in a direction that is not anticipated. Furthermore, there is risk that the perceived linkage between various currencies may not be present or may not be present during the particular time that the Fund is engaging in proxy hedging. Suitable hedging transactions may not be available in all circumstances. Hedging transactions may also eliminate any chance for the Fund to benefit from favorable fluctuations in relevant foreign currencies.

Currency transactions are subject to risks different from those of other portfolio transactions. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors extrinsic to that country’s economy. Although forward foreign currency contracts and currency futures tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same time they tend to limit any potential gain that might result should the value of such currency increase. Because currency control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic planning and policy, purchase and sales of currency and related instruments can be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages and manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These can result in losses to the Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or funds in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring transaction costs. Buyers and sellers of currency futures are subject to the same risks that apply to the use of futures generally. Further, settlement of a currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies must occur at a bank based in the issuing nation. Trading options on currency futures is relatively new, and the ability to establish and close out positions on such options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market, which may not always be available.

 

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FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS —Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security or reference asset at a specified future time and at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. An index futures contract is a bilateral agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar amount times the difference between the index value at the close of trading of the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the securities comprising the index is made, and generally contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contract.

The Fund may use futures contracts and related options for hedging, risk management or other purposes, as permitted by its stated investment policies. Instances in which the Fund may use futures contracts and related options for risk management purposes include: (i) attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; (ii) attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; (iii) attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or (iv) other risk management purposes. The Fund may use futures contracts for cash equitization purposes, which allows the Fund to invest consistent with its benchmark while managing daily cash flows, including significant client inflows and outflows.

Open positions in futures contracts will be covered by the segregation or “earmarking” of assets cash, high-quality, short-term debt securities or money-market instruments or otherwise “offset” in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Fund may “offset” its long position in a futures contract by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike price ( i.e. , an exercise price) as high or higher than the price of the futures contract. In the alternative, if the strike price of the put is less than the price of the futures contract, the Fund will earmark on its books or place in a segregated account cash, high-quality, short-term debt securities or money-market instruments equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also “offset” its long position in a futures contract by taking a short position in the instruments underlying the futures contract or by taking positions in instruments with prices that are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract. The Fund may “offset” its short position in a futures contract by taking a long position in the instruments underlying the futures contract or by taking positions in instruments with prices that are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract.

The Fund may “offset” its sale of a call option on a futures contract by taking a long position in the underlying futures contract at a price less than or equal to the strike price of the call option. In the alternative, if the long position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price greater than the strike price of the written (sold) call, the Fund will earmark on its books or place in a segregated account cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the call and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also “offset” its sale of a call option by taking positions in instruments with prices that are expected to move relatively consistently with the call option. The Fund may “offset” its sale of a put option on a futures contract by taking a short position in the underlying futures contract at a price greater than or equal to the strike price of the put option, or, if the short position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price less than the strike price of the written put, the Fund will earmark on its books or place in a segregated account cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also “offset” its sale of a put option by taking positions in instruments with prices that are expected to move relatively consistently with the put option.

There are significant risks associated with the Fund’s use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including the following: (i) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on the adviser’s ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (ii) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures and options on futures; (iii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (iv) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (v) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and options on futures contracts. In addition, some strategies reduce the Fund’s exposure to price fluctuations, while others tend to increase its market exposure.

 

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The Fund will reduce the risk that it will be unable to close out a futures contract by only entering into futures contracts that are traded on national futures exchanges regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). As a result of recent amendments to rules under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) by the CFTC, the Fund must either operate within certain guidelines and restrictions with respect to the Fund’s use of futures, options on such futures, commodity options and certain swaps, or the Adviser will be subject to registration with the CFTC as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”).

As discussed in the Prospectus, the Adviser has registered as a CPO under the CEA with respect to the Fund.

ILLIQUID SECURITIES —Illiquid securities are securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business (within seven days) at approximately the prices at which they are valued. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. If, subsequent to purchase, a security held by the Fund becomes illiquid, the Fund may continue to hold the security. Because of their illiquid nature, illiquid securities generally must be priced at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures approved by the Trust’s Board. Despite such good faith efforts to determine fair value prices, the Fund’s illiquid securities are subject to the risk that the security’s fair value price may differ from the actual price that the Fund may ultimately realize upon its sale or disposition. Difficulty in selling illiquid securities may result in a loss or may be costly to the Fund. Under the supervision of the Board, the Adviser determines the liquidity of the Fund’s investments. In determining liquidity, the Adviser may consider various factors, including: (i) the frequency and volume of trades and quotations; (ii) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace; (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market; and (iv) the nature of the security and the market in which it trades (including any demand, put or tender features, the mechanics and other requirements for transfer, any letters of credit or other credit enhancement features, any ratings, the number of holders, the method of soliciting offers, the time required to dispose of the security and the ability to assign or offset the rights and obligations of the security).

INVESTMENT COMPANIES —Securities of other investment companies, including shares of closed-end investment companies, unit investment trusts, open-end investment companies and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), represent interests in professionally managed portfolios that may invest in various types of instruments. Investing in other investment companies involves substantially the same risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments, but may involve additional expenses at the investment company-level, such as portfolio management fees and operating expenses. Certain types of investment companies, such as closed-end investment companies, issue a fixed number of shares that trade on a stock exchange or over-the-counter at a premium or a discount to their net asset value. Other investment companies are continuously offered at net asset value, but may also be traded in the secondary market at a premium or discount to their net asset value.

Generally, the federal securities laws limit the extent to which the Fund can invest in securities of other investment companies, subject to certain exceptions. For example, the Fund is prohibited under Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act from acquiring the securities of another investment company if, as a result of such acquisition: (i) the Fund owns more than 3% of the total voting stock of the other company; (ii) securities issued by any one investment company represent more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets; or (iii) securities (other than treasury stock) issued by all investment companies represent more than 10% of the total assets of the Fund, subject to certain exceptions. Pursuant to Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest in one or more affiliated or unaffiliated investment companies that comply with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act (to the extent required by Rule 12d1-1), in excess of the limits of Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act.

The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those managed by the Adviser, to the extent permitted by any rule or regulation of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or any order or interpretation thereunder.

Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”). ETFs are investment companies that are registered under the 1940 Act as open-end funds or unit investment trusts. ETFs are listed and traded on national securities exchanges at market prices. ETF shares typically trade at a premium or discount to their intrinsic value (i.e., the market value may differ from the net asset value of

 

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an ETF’s shares). These differences may be more pronounced for newer or smaller ETFs, for ETFs that own less liquid securities or in certain market conditions. By investing in an ETF, the Fund indirectly bears the proportionate share of any fees and expenses of the ETF in addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund and its shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund’s operations. Such ETF expenses may make owning shares of the ETF more costly than owning the underlying securities directly.

MONEY MARKET SECURITIES —Money market securities include: (i) short-term U.S. Government securities; (ii) custodial receipts evidencing separately traded interest and principal components of securities issued by the U.S. Treasury; (iii) commercial paper rated in the highest short-term rating category by an NRSRO, such as S&P or Moody’s, or determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality at the time of purchase; (iv) short-term bank obligations (certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances) of U.S. commercial banks; and (v) repurchase agreements involving such securities. For a description of ratings, see Appendix A to this SAI. The Fund may invest in money market securities for cash management purposes or as collateral or “cover” in connection with derivative transactions. The Fund may invest in money market securities in order to take temporary defensive measures and may invest up to 20% of its net assets in money market securities at any time for investment purposes but is not limited in its ability to purchase money market securities to serve as collateral for its other investments.

NON-U.S. SECURITIES —The Fund may invest in non-U.S. securities and derivatives that provide exposure to such securities. Non-U.S. securities are securities issued by non-U.S. issuers. Investments in foreign securities may subject the Fund to investment risks that differ in some respects from those related to investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Such risks include future adverse political and economic developments, possible imposition of withholding taxes on income, possible seizure, nationalization or expropriation of foreign deposits, possible establishment of exchange controls or taxation at the source or greater fluctuations in value due to changes in exchange rates. Foreign issuers of securities often engage in business practices that differ from those of domestic issuers of similar securities, and there may be less information publicly available about foreign issuers. In addition, foreign issuers are, generally speaking, subject to less government supervision and regulation and different accounting treatment than are those in the U.S. Foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign banks may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements than those applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks.

The value of the Fund’s investments denominated in foreign currencies will depend on the relative strengths of those currencies and the U.S. dollar. The Fund may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in the exchange rates or exchange or currency control regulations between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates may also affect the value of dividends and interest earned, gains and losses realized on the sale of securities and net investment income and gains, if any, to be distributed to shareholders. Such investments may also entail higher custodial fees and sales commissions than domestic investments.

OPTIONS —The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on equity indices and index-based ETFs. 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 price paid to the writer of an option is referred to as the “premium.” The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract. The Fund may invest up to 80% of its assets in option contracts.

The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies (traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-the-counter markets) to manage its exposure to exchange rates.

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

 

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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. Open positions in options contracts will be covered by the segregation or “earmarking” of assets cash, high-quality, short-term debt securities or money-market instruments or otherwise “offset” in accordance with the 1940 Act.

The Fund may write ( i.e. , sell) “covered” call options on securities for any lawful purpose, including as a means of increasing the yield on its assets and as a means of providing limited protection against decreases in its market value. The Fund may engage in a covered call option writing (selling) program in an attempt to generate additional income or provide a partial hedge to another position of the Fund. A call option is “covered” if the Fund either owns the underlying instrument or has an absolute and immediate right (such as a call with the same or a later expiration date) to acquire that instrument. The underlying instruments of such covered call options may consist of individual equity securities, pools of equity securities, ETFs or indices. The writing of covered call options is a more conservative investment technique than writing of naked or uncovered options, but capable of enhancing the Fund’s total return. When the Fund writes a covered call option, it profits from the premium paid by the buyer but gives up the opportunity to profit from an increase in the value of the underlying security above the exercise price. At the same time, the Fund retains the risk of loss from a decline in the value of the underlying security during the option period. Although the Fund may terminate its obligation by executing a closing purchase transaction, the cost of effecting such a transaction may be greater than the premium received upon its sale, resulting in a loss to the Fund. If such an option expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain equal to the premium received. Such a gain may be offset or exceeded by a decline in the market value of the underlying security during the option period. If an option is exercised, the exercise price, the premium received and the market value of the underlying security determine the gain or loss realized by the Fund.

When the Fund writes an option, if the underlying securities do not increase or decrease, as applicable, to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option will generally 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. Over-the-counter options (“OTC options”) differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. First, OTC options are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation and therefore entail the risk of non-performance by the dealer. In addition, 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 normally done by reference to information from a market maker. It is the SEC’s position that OTC options are generally illiquid. The Fund will transact only with OTC options dealers that have in place an ISDA agreement with the Fund.

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 of the option.

Risks. There are significant risks associated with the Fund’s use of options contracts, including the following: (i) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on the adviser’s ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (ii) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of the options contracts; (iii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for options; and (iv) 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. In addition, OTC options are subject to valuation risk and credit risk. Valuation risk is the risk that the option may be difficult to value and/or valued incorrectly. Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to the option contract will default or otherwise become unable to honor a financial obligation.

The SEC is reviewing its current guidance on the use of derivatives by registered investment companies, such as the Fund, and may issue new guidance. It is not clear whether or when such new guidance will be published or what the content of such guidance may be, though the SEC recently proposed a new rule related to the use of derivatives. Whether and when this proposed rule will be adopted and its potential effects on the Fund are unclear. The regulation of commodity and derivatives transactions in the United States is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to ongoing modification by government, self-regulatory and judicial action. The effect of any future regulatory change on the Fund is impossible to predict, but could be substantial and adverse to the Fund.

 

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REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS —A repurchase agreement is an agreement in which one party sells securities to another party in return for cash with an agreement to repurchase equivalent securities at an agreed-upon price and on an agreed-upon future date. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions and follow certain procedures designed to minimize the risks inherent in such agreements. These procedures include effecting repurchase transactions only with large, well-capitalized and well-established financial institutions deemed creditworthy by the advisers. The repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund will provide that the underlying collateral shall have a value equal to at least 102% of the resale price stated in the agreement at all times. The advisers monitor compliance with this requirement as well as the ongoing financial condition and creditworthiness of the counterparty. Under all repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund, the custodian or its agent must take possession of the underlying collateral.

In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, the Fund will seek to liquidate such collateral. However, the exercising of the Fund’s right to liquidate such collateral could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss. At times, the investments of the Fund in repurchase agreements may be substantial when, in the view of the Adviser, liquidity or other considerations so warrant.

RESTRICTED SECURITIES —Restricted securities are securities that may not be sold to the public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), or an exemption from registration. Restricted securities, including securities eligible for re-sale under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act, that are determined to be liquid are not subject to this limitation. This determination is to be made by the advisers, as applicable, pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board. Under these guidelines, the particular adviser will consider the frequency of trades and quotes for the security, the number of dealers in, and potential purchasers for, the security, dealer undertakings to make a market in the security and the nature of the security and of the marketplace trades. In purchasing such restricted securities, each adviser intends to purchase securities that are exempt from registration under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and Section 4(2) commercial paper issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in restricted securities.

REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS —Reverse repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Fund sells portfolio securities to financial institutions, such as banks and broker-dealers, and agrees to repurchase them at a mutually agreed-upon date and price that is higher than the original sale price. Reverse repurchase agreements are similar to a fully collateralized borrowing by the Fund. At the time the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will earmark on its books or place in a segregated account cash or liquid securities having a value equal to the repurchase price (including accrued interest) and will subsequently monitor the account to ensure that such equivalent value is maintained.

Reverse repurchase agreements involve risks. Reverse repurchase agreements are a form of leverage, and the use of reverse repurchase agreements by the Fund may increase the Fund’s volatility. Reverse repurchase agreements are also subject to the risk that the other party to the reverse repurchase agreement will be unable or unwilling to complete the transaction as scheduled, which may result in losses to the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund may decline below the price at which it is obligated to repurchase the securities. In addition, when the Fund invests the proceeds it receives in a reverse repurchase transaction there is a risk that those investments may decline in value. In this circumstance, the Fund could be required to sell other investments in order to meet its obligations to repurchase the securities.

SECURITIES LENDING —The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations that meet capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the Board. These loans, if and when made, may not exceed 33 1 / 3 % of the total asset value of the Fund (including the loan collateral). The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to its advisers or its affiliates unless it has applied for and received specific authority to do so from the SEC. Loans of portfolio securities will be fully collateralized by cash, letters of credit or U.S. Government securities, and the collateral will be maintained in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities by marking to market daily, although the borrower will be required to deliver collateral of 102% and 105% of the market value of borrowed securities for domestic and foreign issuers, respectively. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of the Fund.

The Fund may pay a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral or other fee to an unaffiliated third party for acting as the Fund’s securities lending agent.

 

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By lending its securities, the Fund may increase its income by receiving payments from the borrower that reflect the amount of any interest or dividends payable on the loaned securities as well as by either investing cash collateral received from the borrower in short-term instruments or obtaining a fee from the borrower when U.S. Government securities or letters of credit are used as collateral. The Fund will adhere to the following conditions whenever its portfolio securities are loaned: (i) the Fund must receive at least 100% cash collateral or equivalent securities of the type discussed in the preceding paragraph from the borrower; (ii) the borrower must increase such collateral whenever the market value of the securities rises above the level of such collateral; (iii) the Fund must be able to terminate the loan on demand; (iv) the Fund must receive reasonable interest on the loan, as well as any dividends, interest or other distributions on the loaned securities and any increase in market value; (v) the Fund may pay only reasonable fees in connection with the loan (which may include fees payable to the lending agent, the borrower, the Fund’s administrator and the custodian); and (vi) voting rights on the loaned securities may pass to the borrower, provided, however, that if a material event adversely affecting the investment occurs, the Fund must terminate the loan and regain the right to vote the securities. The Board has adopted procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the foregoing criteria will be met. Loan agreements involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the borrower, including possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund’s ability to recover the loaned securities or dispose of the collateral for the loan, which could give rise to loss because of adverse market action, expenses and/or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying securities.

The Fund will invest the cash received as collateral through loan transactions in other eligible securities, which may include shares of a registered money market fund, or of an unregistered money market fund that complies with the requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act to the extent required by the 1940 Act. Such money market funds might not seek or be able to maintain a stable $1.00 per share net asset value.

The investment of cash collateral subjects the Fund to market risk. The Fund remains obligated to return all collateral to the borrower under the terms of its securities lending arrangements even if the value of the investments made with the collateral has declined. Accordingly, if the value of a security in which the cash collateral has been invested declines, the loss would be borne by the Fund, and the Fund may be required to liquidate other investments in order to return collateral to the borrower at the end of a loan.

SHORT SALES —Short sales may be used by the Fund as part of its overall portfolio management strategies or to offset (hedge) a potential decline in the value of a security. The Fund may engage in short sales that are either “uncovered” or “against the box.” Uncovered short sales are transactions under which the Fund sells a security it does not own. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing the security at the market price at the time of the replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay the lender amounts equal to any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale may be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out. A short sale is “against the box” if, at all times during which the short position is open, the Fund owns at least an equal amount of the securities or securities convertible into, or exchangeable without further consideration for, securities of the same issue as the securities that are sold short. A short sale against the box is a taxable transaction to the Fund with respect to the securities that are sold short.

Until the Fund closes its short position or replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will: (i) earmark on the books of the Fund or place in a segregated account cash, high-quality, short-term debt securities or money-market instruments at such a level that the amount earmarked or deposited in the segregated account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold short; or (ii) otherwise “offset” the Fund’s short position as required by the 1940 Act.

The use of short sales may effectively result in the Fund having a leveraged investment portfolio, which results in greater potential for loss. Leverage can amplify the effects of market volatility on the Fund’s share price and make the Fund’s returns more volatile. This is because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so or in order to satisfy its obligations.

 

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SWAP TRANSACTIONS —Swaps are privately negotiated over-the-counter derivative products in which two parties agree to exchange payment streams calculated in relation to a rate, index, instrument or certain securities (referred to as the “underlying”) and a predetermined amount (referred to as the “notional amount”). The underlying for a swap may be an interest rate (fixed or floating), a currency exchange rate, a commodity price index, a security, group of securities or a securities index, a combination of any of these or various other rates, securities, instruments, assets or indices. Swap agreements generally do not involve the delivery of the underlying or principal, and a party’s obligations are generally equal to only the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the swap agreement. A great deal of flexibility is possible in the way swaps may be structured. For example, in a simple fixed-to-floating interest rate swap, one party makes payments equivalent to a fixed interest rate and the other party makes payments calculated with reference to a specified floating interest rate, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or the prime rate. In a currency swap, the parties generally enter into an agreement to pay interest streams in one currency based on a specified rate in exchange for receiving interest streams denominated in another currency. Currency swaps may involve initial and final exchanges of the currency that correspond to the agreed upon notional amount.

The Fund intends to engage in simple or more complex swap transactions involving a wide variety of underlying instruments for various reasons. For example, the Fund may enter into a swap: (i) to gain (or neutralize) exposure to investments (such as an index of securities in a market) or currencies without actually purchasing those stocks or currencies; (ii) to make an investment without owning or taking physical custody of securities or currencies in circumstances in which direct investment is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable; (iii) to hedge an existing position; (iv) to obtain a particular desired return at a lower cost to the Fund than if it had invested directly in an instrument that yielded the desired return; or (v) for various other reasons. The Fund may enter into dividend and total return swap transactions (including equity swaps) based on certain underlying instruments.

Caps, floors, collars and swaptions are privately-negotiated option-based derivative products. Like a put or call option, the buyer of a cap or floor pays a premium to the writer. In exchange for that premium, the buyer receives the right to a payment equal to the differential if the specified index or rate rises above (in the case of a cap) or falls below (in the case of a floor) a pre-determined strike level. Like swaps, obligations under caps and floors are calculated based upon an agreed notional amount, and, like most swaps (other than foreign currency swaps), the entire notional amount is not exchanged. A collar is a combination product in which one party buys a cap from and sells a floor to another party. Swaptions give the holder the right to enter into a swap. The Fund may use one or more of these derivative products in addition to or in lieu of a swap.

Under current market practice, swaps, caps, collars and floors between the same two parties are generally documented under a “master agreement.” In some cases, options and forwards between the parties may also be governed by the same master agreement. In the event of a default, amounts owed under all transactions entered into under, or covered by, the same master agreement would be netted, and only a single payment would be made.

Generally, the Fund would calculate the obligations of the swap agreements’ counterparties on a “net basis.” Consequently, the Fund’s current obligation (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each counterparty to the swap agreement (the “net amount”). The Fund’s current obligation under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Fund), and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be “covered” or “offset” as required by the 1940 Act.

The swap market has grown substantially in recent years, with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents using standardized swap agreements. As a result, the use of swaps has become more prevalent in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments that are also traded in over-the-counter markets.

Swaps and other derivatives involve risks. One significant risk in a swap, cap, floor, collar or swaption is the potential volatility of the specific index rate, currency or other underlying that determines the amount of payments due to and from

 

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the Fund. This is true whether these derivative products are used to create additional risk exposure for the Fund or to hedge, or manage, existing risk exposure. If under a swap, cap, floor, collar or swaption agreement, the Fund is obligated to make a payment to the counterparty, the Fund must be prepared to make the payment when due. The Fund could suffer losses with respect to such an agreement if the Fund is unable to terminate the agreement or reduce its exposure through offsetting transactions. Further, the risks of caps, floors and collars, like put and call options, may be unlimited for the seller if the cap or floor is not hedged or covered, but is limited for the buyer.

Because under swap, cap, floor, collar and swaption agreements a counterparty may be obligated to make payments to the Fund, these derivative products are subject to risks related to the counterparty’s creditworthiness. If a counterparty defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss will consist of any payments that the Fund is entitled to receive from the counterparty under the agreement (this may not be true for currency swaps that require the delivery of the entire notional amount of one designated currency in exchange for the other). Upon default by a counterparty, however, the Fund may have contractual remedies under the swap agreement.

The Fund will enter into swaps only with counterparties that the advisers believe to be creditworthy. The Adviser will evaluate the creditworthiness of counterparties on an ongoing basis. In addition to information provided by credit agencies, the Adviser will evaluate each approved counterparty using various methods of analysis, such as, for example, the counterparty’s liquidity in the event of default, the counterparty’s reputation, the Adviser’s past experience with the counterparty and the counterparty’s share of market participation. In addition, the Fund will earmark on its books or segregate cash, high-quality, short-term debt securities or money-market instruments in an amount equal to any liability amount owned under a swap, cap, floor, collar or swaption agreement or will otherwise “offset” its position as required by the 1940 Act. The Fund will transact in swaps only with dealers that have in place an ISDA agreement with the Fund. Where practicable, the Fund intends to transact in swaps cleared through a central clearing house (“Cleared Swaps”). Currently, only certain of the interest rate swaps in which the Fund intends to transact are Cleared Swaps, while the dividend and total-return swaps (including equity swaps) in which the Fund may transact are currently not Cleared Swaps.

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES —Examples of types of U.S. Government obligations in which the Fund may invest include U.S. Treasury obligations and the obligations of U.S. Government agencies or U.S. Government sponsored entities such as Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, the Federal Housing Administration, the Farmers Home Administration, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Small Business Administration, Fannie Mae, GNMA, the General Services Administration, the Student Loan Marketing Association, the Central Bank for Cooperatives, Freddie Mac, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Maritime Administration and other similar agencies. Whether backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury or not, U.S. Government securities are not guaranteed against price movements due to fluctuating interest rates.

Receipts. Receipts are interests in separately-traded interest and principal component parts of U.S. Government obligations that are issued by banks or brokerage firms and are created by depositing U.S. Government obligations into a special account at a custodian bank. The custodian holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit of the registered owners of the certificates or receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance of the certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and maintains the register. TRs and STRIPS are interests in accounts sponsored by the U.S. Treasury. Receipts are sold as zero coupon securities, which means that they are sold at a substantial discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal.

U.S. Treasury Obligations. U.S. Treasury obligations consist of bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and separately traded interest and principal component parts of such obligations that are transferable through the federal book-entry systems known as STRIPS and TRs.

U.S. Government Zero Coupon Securities. STRIPS and receipts are sold as zero coupon securities; that is, fixed income securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons. Zero coupon securities are sold at a (usually substantial) discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. The amount of this discount is accreted over the life of the security, and the accretion constitutes the income earned on the security for both accounting and tax purposes. Because of these features, the market prices of zero coupon securities are

 

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generally more volatile than the market prices of securities that have similar maturity but that pay interest periodically. Zero coupon securities are likely to respond to a greater degree to interest rate changes than are non-zero coupon securities with similar maturities and credit qualities.

U.S. Government Agencies. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury ( e.g. , Treasury bills, notes and bonds, and securities guaranteed by GNMA), others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury ( e.g. , obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks), while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality ( e.g. , obligations of Fannie Mae). Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government may be a guarantee of payment at the maturity of the obligation so that, in the event of a default prior to maturity, there might not be a market and thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these securities or to the value of the Fund’s shares.

 

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IN VESTMENT LIMITATIONS

The following are fundamental and non-fundamental policies of the Fund. The percentage limitations (except for the limitation on borrowing) set forth below will apply at the time of the purchase of a security and shall not be violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs, immediately after or as a result of a purchase of such security.

Fundamental Policies

The following investment limitations are fundamental policies of the Fund, which cannot be changed with respect to the Fund without the consent of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares. The term “majority of outstanding shares” means the vote of: (i) 67% or more of the Fund’s shares present at a meeting, if more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund’s outstanding shares, whichever is less.

 

  1. The Fund may make loans, except as prohibited under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

 

  2. The Fund may borrow money, except as prohibited under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

 

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  3. The Fund may not issue senior securities, as such term is defined under the 1940 Act, the rules or regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as amended or interpreted from time to time, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

 

  4. The Fund may not purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry.

 

  5. The Fund may purchase or sell commodities and real estate, except as prohibited under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

 

  6. The Fund may underwrite securities issued by other persons, except as prohibited under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

Non-Fundamental Policies

The Fund observes the following policies, which are not deemed fundamental and which may be changed by the Board without shareholder vote.

 

  1. The Fund may not hold illiquid securities in an amount exceeding, in the aggregate, 15% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

  2. The Fund may not borrow money (i) in an amount exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed, but excluding temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets) and (ii) other than from a bank, provided that investment strategies that either obligate the Fund to purchase securities or require the Fund to cover a position by segregating assets or entering into an offsetting position shall not be subject to this limitation.

 

  3. The Fund may not lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties (this restriction does not apply to purchases of debt securities or repurchase agreements).

 

  4. The Fund may not invest in unmarketable interests in real estate limited partnerships or invest directly in real estate. The Fund may not purchase or sell or invest directly in real estate unless acquired as a result of its ownership in securities or other investments and except pursuant to the exercise of its rights under loan agreements related to its investments or to the extent that its investments in senior loans or bank loans may be considered to be investments in real estate. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing policy does not prevent the Fund from, among other things; purchasing marketable securities of companies that deal in real estate or interests therein (including REITs).

 

  5. The Fund may purchase or sell financial and physical commodities, commodity contracts based on (or relating to) physical commodities or financial commodities and securities and derivative instruments whose values are derived from (in whole or in part) physical commodities or financial commodities.

 

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The following descriptions of the 1940 Act may assist shareholders in understanding the above policies and restrictions.

Diversification. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified investment management company, as to 75% of its total assets, may not purchase securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agents or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the issuer’s outstanding voting securities would be held by the fund.

The Fund is a non-diversified investment management company. This means that a relatively high percentage of the Fund’s assets may be invested in the obligations of a limited number of issuers. The value of the shares of the Fund may be more susceptible to any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than the shares of a diversified investment company would be. The Fund intends to satisfy the diversification requirements necessary to qualify as regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), which requires in part that the Fund be diversified ( i.e. , not invest more than 5% of its assets in the securities in any one issuer) as to 50% of its assets.

Concentration. The SEC has presently defined concentration as investing 25% or more of an investment company’s net assets in an industry or group of industries, with certain exceptions such as with respect to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities, or tax-exempt obligations of state or municipal governments and their political subdivisions.

Borrowing. The 1940 Act presently allows a fund to borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1 / 3 % of its total assets, including the amount borrowed (not including temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets).

Senior Securities. Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation.

Lending. Under the 1940 Act, a fund may only make loans if expressly permitted by its investment policies. The Fund’s non-fundamental investment policy on lending is set forth above.

Underwriting. Under the 1940 Act, underwriting securities involves a fund purchasing securities directly from an issuer for the purpose of selling (distributing) them or participating in any such activity either directly or indirectly. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified fund may not make any commitment as underwriter, if immediately thereafter the amount of its outstanding underwriting commitments, plus the value of its investments in securities of issuers (other than investment companies) of which it owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities, exceeds 25% of the value of its total assets.

Real Estate. The 1940 Act does not directly restrict a fund’s ability to invest in real estate, but does require that every fund have a fundamental investment policy governing such investments. The Fund has adopted a fundamental policy that would permit direct investment in real estate. However, the Fund has a non-fundamental investment limitation that prohibits them from investing directly in real estate. This non-fundamental policy may be changed only by vote of the Board.

CON TINUOUS OFFERING

The method by which Creation Units are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by the Fund on an ongoing basis, at any point a

 

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“distribution,” as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the 1933 Act.

For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor (as defined below), breaks them down into constituent shares, and sells such shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters,” but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the 1933 Act is not available with respect to such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. Firms that incur a prospectus-delivery obligation with respect to shares are reminded that, under Rule 153 of the 1933 Act, a prospectus-delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the 1933 Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on an exchange is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at the exchange upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.

EXCHANG E LISTING AND TRADING

The shares of the Fund will trade on its Exchange at prices that may differ to some degree from the Fund’s NAV. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of shares will continue to be met. The Exchange may, but is not required to, remove the shares of the Fund from listing if: (i) following the initial 12-month period beginning at the commencement of trading of the Fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of the shares of the Fund for 30 or more consecutive trading days; or (ii) such other event shall occur or condition exist that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange will remove the shares of the Fund from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund.

As in the case of other stocks traded on the Exchange, broker’s commissions on purchases or sales of shares in market transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.

THE AD MINISTRATOR

General. The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Administrator”), a New York banking organization, has its principal business offices at 225 Liberty Street, New York, New York 10286. The Administrator also serves as the transfer agent and custodian for the Fund.

Administration Agreement with the Trust. The Trust and the Administrator have entered into an administration and accounting agreement (the “Administration Agreement”). Under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides the Trust with administrative services or employs certain other parties, including its affiliates, who provide such services, including regulatory reporting and all necessary office space, equipment, personnel and facilities. The Administrator is compensated for providing such services to the Trust by the Adviser pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement (defined below).

The Administration Agreement provides that the Administrator shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Administration Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from negligence, willful misfeasance or bad faith on the part of the Administrator in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its duties and obligations thereunder or from breach of any representation or warranty contained in the Administration Agreement.

 

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The Administration Agreement shall remain effective for the initial term of the Agreement and each renewal term thereof unless earlier terminated: (i) by either party upon written notice to the other party at least 90 days’ prior to the end of the initial term or renewal term, as applicable; (ii) by either party upon 30 days’ prior written notice if the other party fails to perform its obligations under the Administration Agreement in any material respect; and (iii) by the Administrator on not less than 30 days’ written notice to the Trust if the Trust terminates the custody agreement between the Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon serving in its capacity as custodian of the Trust.

Administration Fees Paid to the Administrator. For its services under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator is paid a fee, which varies based on the average daily net assets of the Fund, subject to certain minimums. For the fiscal period from December 18, 2014 (commencement of Fund operations) to October 31, 2015, the Fund paid $0 for these services.

THE ADVISER

General. Reality Shares Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”) was founded in 2013 and is a Delaware limited liability company. The principal business address of the Adviser is 402 West Broadway, Suite 2800, San Diego, California 92101. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reality Shares, Inc.

Advisory Agreement. The Trust and the Advisor have entered into an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor oversees the investment advisory services provided to the Fund.

The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder.

After its initial two year term, the continuance of the Advisory Agreement must be specifically approved at least annually: (i) by the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund or by the Trustees; and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined under the 1940 Act) of any party thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment and is terminable (i) at any time without penalty by the Trustees of the Trust or by a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund, or (ii) by the Adviser on not less than 30 days’ nor more than 60 days’ written notice to the Trust.

Management Fees. For these advisory services, the Adviser receives a fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly at the following annual rates (shown as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund):

 

   
Fund    Management Fee

Reality Shares DIVS ETF

   0.85%

For the fiscal period from December 18, 2014 (commencement of Fund operations) to October 31, 2015, the Fund paid the Adviser $143,520 in advisory fees.

The Adviser is responsible, under the Advisory Agreement, for substantially all expenses of the Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services. The Adviser is not responsible for, and the Fund will bear the cost of, interest expense, taxes, brokerage expenses and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio securities transactions, distribution fees and extraordinary expenses.

Portfolio Management

Compensation. The Fund’s portfolio manager receives a majority of his compensation from his direct equity ownership in Reality Shares, Inc. (“Company”) and therefore compensation is based in part on the long-term success of the Fund, other client accounts and the Company as a whole. The amount of such compensation is based on the proportionate amount of the portfolio manager’s ownership, and is paid out periodically as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Fund’s portfolio manager also receives a fixed annual salary.

Ownership of Fund Shares. As of October 31, 2015, the portfolio manager beneficially owned 2,200 shares of the Fund.

Other Accounts. As of October 31, 2015, the portfolio manager was not responsible for the day-to-day management of any accounts other than the Fund.

 

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THE D ISTRIBUTOR

The Trust and ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a Colorado corporation, are parties to a distribution agreement (“Distribution Agreement”), whereby the Distributor acts as principal underwriter for the Trust’s shares. The principal business address of the Distributor is 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80203.

The continuance of the Distribution Agreement must be specifically approved at least annually (i) by the vote of the Trustees or by a vote of the shareholders of the Fund and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operations of the Distribution Agreement or any related agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act), and is terminable at any time without penalty by the Distributor, by the Board or by a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund, upon 60 days’ written notice by either party. The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder.

TRUSTEES AND OFFIC ERS OF THE TRUST

Board Responsibilities. The management and affairs of the Trust and the Funds are overseen by the Trustees. The Board has approved contracts, as described above, under which certain companies provide essential management services to the Trust.

Like most ETFs, the day-to-day business of the Trust, including the management of risk, is performed by third party service providers, such as the Adviser, Distributor and Administrator. The Trustees are responsible for overseeing the Trust’s service providers and, thus, have oversight responsibility with respect to risk management performed by those service providers. Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, i.e. , events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the Funds. The Adviser to the Funds and other service providers employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Each service provider is responsible for one or more discrete aspects of the Trust’s business ( e.g. , the Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds’ portfolio investments) and, consequently, for managing the risks associated with that business. The Board has emphasized to the Funds’ service providers the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management.

The Trustees’ role in risk oversight begins before the inception of the Funds, at which time certain of the Funds’ service providers present the Board with information concerning the investment objectives, strategies and risks of the Funds, as well as proposed investment limitations for the Funds. Additionally, the Adviser provides the Board with an overview of, among other things, its investment philosophy, brokerage practices and compliance infrastructure. Thereafter, the Board continues its oversight function as various personnel, including the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, as well as personnel of the Adviser and other service providers, such as the Funds’ independent accountants, make periodic reports to the Audit Committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management. The Board and the Audit Committee oversee efforts by management and service providers to manage risks to which the Funds may be exposed.

The Board is responsible for overseeing the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Funds by the Adviser and receives information about those services at its regular meetings. In addition, on an annual basis, in connection with its consideration of whether to renew the advisory agreement with the Adviser, the Board meets with the Adviser to review such services. Among other things, the Board regularly considers the Adviser’s adherence to the Funds’ investment restrictions and compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities regulations. The Board also reviews information about the Funds’ investments, including, for example, portfolio holdings schedules and reports on the Adviser’s use of derivatives in managing the Funds.

 

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The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer reports regularly to the Board to review and discuss compliance issues and Fund and Adviser risk assessments. At least annually, the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer provides the Board with a report reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Trust’s policies and procedures and those of its service providers, including the Adviser. The report addresses the operation of the policies and procedures of the Trust and each service provider since the date of the last report; any material changes to the policies and procedures since the date of the last report; any recommendations for material changes to the policies and procedures; and any material compliance matters since the date of the last report.

The Board receives reports from the Funds’ service providers regarding the valuation and liquidity of portfolio securities. The Trust’s Fair Value Pricing Committee makes regular reports to the Board concerning investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Annually, the independent registered public accounting firm reviews with the Audit Committee its audit of the Funds’ financial statements, focusing on major areas of risk encountered by the Funds and noting any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the Funds’ internal controls. Additionally, in connection with its oversight function, the Board oversees Fund management’s implementation of disclosure controls and procedures, which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Trust in its periodic reports with the SEC are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the required time periods. The Board, in consultation with Fund management, also oversees the Trust’s internal controls over financial reporting, which comprise policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Trust’s financial reporting and the preparation of the Trust’s financial statements.

From their review of these reports and discussions with the Adviser, the Chief Compliance Officer, the independent registered public accounting firm and other service providers, the Board and the Audit Committee learn about the material risks of the Funds, thereby facilitating a dialogue about how management and service providers identify and mitigate those risks.

The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Funds can be identified and/or quantified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Funds’ goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. The Funds’ 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 Funds’ 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 (5) members of the Board of Trustees, three (3) of whom are not interested persons of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (“independent Trustees”). Eric Ervin, an interested Trustee, serves as Chairman of the Board. The Trust has determined its leadership structure is appropriate given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust. The Trust made this determination in consideration of, among other things, the fact that the independent Trustees constitute a majority of the Board, the fact that the chairperson of each Committee of the Board is an independent Trustee, the amount of assets under management in the Trust, and the number of series overseen by the Board. The structure and operation of the Board is designed to facilitate the orderly and efficient flow of information to the independent Trustees from Fund management.

The Board of Trustees has two standing committees: the Audit Committee and the Governance Committee. The Audit Committee and Governance Committee are each chaired by an independent Trustee and composed of all of the independent Trustees.

Set forth below are the names, dates of birth, position with the Trust, length of term of office, and the principal occupations and other directorships held during at least the last five years of each of the persons currently serving as a Trustee of the Trust.

 

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Name, Address (1)  and
Age
       Position with    
Trust and
Length of
Term (2)
  

Principal Occupations

in the Past 5 Years

   Number of
    Portfolios in Fund    
Complex (3)
Overseen by
Trustee
   Other Directorships
Held in the Past 5
Years
      Interested Trustees

Eric Ervin (4)

(Born: 1976)

   Trustee

(since 2014)

   President, CEO and Co-Founder of Reality Shares, Inc. (October 2011 – present); Vice President, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (June 2009 –October 2011)    6    None

Michael S. Rosen (4)

(Born: 1961)

   Trustee

(since 2014)

   Co-Founder and CEO of Context Capital Management, LLC, (2001 – present)    6    None
      Independent Trustees

Christopher Nero

(Born: 1967)

   Trustee

(since 2014)

   CEO of True North Advisory Group (business consulting firm), (January 2012 – present); Managing Director and Global Head of Deutsche Bank AFS (January 2008 – March 2011)    6    None

Nathaniel R. Singer

(Born: 1961)

   Trustee

(since 2014)

   Swap Financial Group, Financial Adviser (January 2008 – present)    6    Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board

Justin Ferayorni, CFA

(Born: 1973)

   Trustee

(since 2015)

   Founder, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Tamarack Capital Management, LLC (2005 – present)    6    None

 

(1) Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each Trustee is 402 West Broadway, Suite 2800, San Diego, California 92101.
(2) Each Trustee shall serve until death, resignation or removal.
(3) The term “Fund Complex” refers to the Reality Shares ETF Trust.
(4) Messrs. Ervin and Rosen are deemed to be “interested” persons of the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, by virtue of their affiliation with the Adviser and/or its affiliates.

Individual Trustee Qualifications. Each of the Trustees is qualified to serve on the Board because of his or her ability to review and understand information about the Funds provided to them by management, to identify and request other information they may deem relevant to the performance of their duties, to question management and other service providers regarding material factors bearing on the management and administration of the Funds, and to exercise their business judgment in a manner that serves the best interests of the Funds’ shareholders. Each of the Trustees serves as a Trustee based on his or her own experience, qualifications, attributes and skills as described below.

Eric Ervin is President, CEO and Co-Founder of Reality Shares Inc. Prior to co-founding the Company, Mr. Ervin founded the Ervin Miller Group wealth management franchise at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. He holds Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Consultant designations.

Michael S. Rosen is Co-Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and co-founder of Context Capital Management, LLC, an alternative asset management firm. Prior to co-founding Context Capital Management, LLC, Mr. Rosen was a co-principal owner of two investment advisers to a mutual fund complex and a mutual fund portfolio manager. Mr. Rosen is on the Board of Trustees for the University of Rochester, where he also serves on the Investment and Development Committees. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst.

 

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Christopher Nero is a retired Managing Director and former Global Head of Deutsche Bank’s Alternative Fund Services business, which provides services to hedge funds, private equity funds, and other alternative investment vehicles, located throughout the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He has over 25 years experience in the financial services industry and has held senior management positions with several alternative investment firms. He previously served as a senior accountant in the Division of Investment Management of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Nathaniel R. Singer has over 28 years experience in the financial services industry, including previously serving as the Chief Operating Officer of the municipal bond department of a major U.S. investment bank. Mr. Singer serves on the Board of Trustees of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board and has also served as an advisor to the Government Accounting Standards Board and the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.

Justin Ferayorni, CFA is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Tamarack Capital Management, LLC (“Tamarack”), founded in 2005. Tamarack is an SEC registered hedge fund focused on investing in healthcare related equities. Prior to founding Tamarack, Mr. Ferayorni served in several positions across the financial services industry focused on analyzing companies within the healthcare industry, including positions as a healthcare analyst and portfolio manager. In addition, Mr. Ferayorni was previously employed at an investment bank, where he worked on both corporate finance and merger and acquisition transactions as an analyst and associate.

In its periodic assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board considers the complementary individual skills and experience of the individual Trustees primarily in the broader context of the Board’s overall composition so that the Board, as a body, possesses the appropriate (and appropriately diverse) skills and experience to oversee the business of the Funds.

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

•         Audit Committee. The Board has a standing Audit Committee that is composed of each of the independent Trustees of the Trust. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board. The principal responsibilities of the Audit Committee include: (i) recommending which firm to engage as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm and whether to terminate this relationship; (ii) reviewing the independent registered public accounting firm’s compensation, the proposed scope and terms of its engagement, and the firm’s independence; (iii) pre-approving audit and non-audit services provided by the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm to the Trust and certain other affiliated entities; (iv) serving as a channel of communication between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Trustees; (v) reviewing the results of each external audit, including any qualifications in the independent registered public accounting firm’s opinion, any related management letter, management’s responses to recommendations made by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with the audit, reports submitted to the Committee by the internal auditing department of the Trust’s Administrator that are material to the Trust as a whole, if any, and management’s responses to any such reports; (vi) reviewing the Funds’ audited financial statements and considering any significant disputes between the Trust’s management and the independent registered public accounting firm that arose in connection with the preparation of those financial statements; (vii) considering, in consultation with the independent registered public accounting firm and the Trust’s senior internal accounting executive, if any, the independent registered public accounting firms’ reports on the adequacy of the Trust’s internal financial controls; (viii) reviewing, in consultation with the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, major changes regarding auditing and accounting principles and practices to be followed when preparing the Funds’ financial statements; and (ix) other audit related matters. Messrs. Nero, Singer and Ferayorni currently serve as members of the Audit Committee. Mr. Nero serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met 2 times during the most recent fiscal year.

•         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 principal responsibilities of the Governance Committee include: (i) considering and reviewing Board governance and compensation issues; (ii) conducting a self-assessment of the Board’s operations; (iii) selecting and nominating all persons to serve as independent Trustees and evaluating the qualifications of “interested” Trustee candidates; and (iv) reviewing shareholder recommendations for nominations to fill vacancies on the Board if such recommendations are submitted in writing and addressed to the Committee at the Trust’s office. Messrs. Nero, Singer and Ferayorni currently serve as members of the Governance Committee. Mr. Singer serves as the Chairman of the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee did not meet during the most recent fiscal year.

Fund Shares Owned by Board Members. The following table shows the dollar amount range of each Trustee’s “beneficial ownership” of shares of the Fund as of the end of the most recently completed calendar year. Dollar

 

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amount ranges disclosed are established by the SEC. “Beneficial ownership” is determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the 1934 Act. The Trustees and officers of the Trust owned approximately 2.0% of the outstanding shares of the Fund as of January 31, 2016.

 

Trustee

           

Dollar Range of Fund

Shares Owned

(Fund) (1)

           

Aggregate Dollar Range of

Fund Shares Owned

From the Fund Complex (2)

                             

Interested

                 

Eric Ervin

              $50,001 – 100,000                

$50,001 – 100,000

Michael J. Rosen

        Over $100,000          

Over 100,000

                             

Independent

                 

Christopher Nero

           

none  

           

none

Nathaniel R. Singer

       

none  

       

none

Justin Ferayorni, CFA

           

none  

           

none

 

(1) Valuation Date is December 31, 2015.
(2) The term “Fund Complex” refers to the Reality Shares ETF Trust.

Board Compensation. The Trust paid the following fees to the Trustees during the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year ended October 31, 2015:

 

Trustee

         
 
Aggregate Compensation
From the Trust (1)
  
  
        
 
Total Compensation
From the Fund Complex (2)
  
  
                            

Interested

                

Eric Ervin

        $           $   

Michael J. Rosen

        $           $   
                            

Independent

                

Christopher Nero

        $ 7,500           $ 7,500   

Nathaniel R. Singer

        $ 2,000           $ 2,000   

Rick Slaughter (3)

        $ 6,500           $ 6,500   

Justin Ferayorni, CFA (4)

        $ 0           $ 0   

 

(1) No Trustee is entitled to any deferred compensation, pension or retirement benefits payable by the Fund.
(2) The term “Fund Complex” refers to the Reality Shares ETF Trust.
(3) Resigned from the Board effective December 9, 2015.
(4) Appointed to the Board effective December 9, 2015.

Trust Officers. Set forth below are the names, dates of birth, position with the Trust, length of term of office, and the principal occupations for the last five years of each of the persons currently serving as executive officers of the Trust. Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each officer is 402 West Broadway, Suite 2800, San Diego, California 92101. The Chief Compliance Officer is the only officer who receives compensation from the Trust for his services.

 

Name, Address (1)  and    
Age
   Position with Trust and
Length of Term (2)
   Principal Occupations in Past 5 Years
     

Eric Ervin

(Born: 1976)

  

President

(since 2014)

   President, CEO and Co-Founder of Reality Shares, Inc. (October 2011 – present); Vice President, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (June 2009 – October 2011)
     

Tom Trivella

(Born: 1958)

  

Treasurer

(since 2014)

   Chief Operating Officer of Reality Shares, Inc. (October 2013 – present); Chief Operating Officer, Citadel Securities LLC (June 2010 – August 2012); Chief Operating Officer, ICAP Corporates LLC (July 2008 - May 2010)
     

Ryan Ballantyne

(Born: 1971)

  

Secretary

(since 2014)

   Executive Vice President - Sales and Trading of Reality Shares, Inc. (September 2012 – present); Managing Director, Miller Tabak & Co., LLC (April 2007 – August 2012)
     

Ted J. Uhl

(Born: 1975)

  

Chief Compliance Officer

(since 2014)

   Deputy Chief Compliance Officer of ALPS (June 2010 – Present); Senior Risk Manager for ALPS (October 2006 - June 2010).

 

(1) The business address of Messrs. Ervin, Trivella and Ballantyne is 402 West Broadway, Suite 2800, San Diego, California 92101. The business address of Mr. Uhl is 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80203.
(2) Each officer shall serve until death, resignation or removal.

BOOK ENTR Y ONLY SYSTEM

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled “Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares.”

Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) acts as securities depository for the Fund’s shares. Shares of the Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC.

 

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DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants (the “DTC Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities’ certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants and by the NYSE and FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (the “Indirect Participants”).

Beneficial ownership of shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein 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.

Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the Trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the shares of the Fund held by each DTC Participant. The Trust shall inquire of each such DTC Participant as to 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 shares of 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 interests in such 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 decide to discontinue its service with respect to shares of the Trust at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Trust shall take action to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost.

CREAT ION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS

Purchase (Creation). The Trust issues and sells Shares of the Fund only: (i) in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without a sales load (but subject to transaction fees), at the NAV per share next determined after receipt of an order, on any Business Day (as defined below), in proper form.

A “Business Day” with respect to the Fund is, generally, any day on which the Exchange is open for business. As of the date of this SAI, the NYSE Arca observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

S-23


Fund Deposit. The consideration for purchase of Creation Units of the Fund may consist of the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities (the “Deposit Securities”) and an amount of cash (the “Cash Component”) computed as described below. Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Fund Deposit” for the Fund, which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of the Fund. Because non-exchange traded derivatives and certain listed derivatives are not currently eligible for in-kind transfer, they will be substituted through the Cash Component. Specifically, the Fund will not accept exchange-traded options, OTC options, exchange-traded futures, forward contracts, or swaps as Deposit Securities.

The Cash Component is sometimes also referred to as the “Balancing Amount.” The Cash Component is an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares (per Creation Unit) and the value of Deposit Securities. If the Cash Component is a positive number, the Authorized Participant will deliver the Cash Component. If the Cash Component is a negative number, the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component. The Cash Component does not include any stamp duty tax or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities. These are the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant.

In addition, the Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash ( i.e. , a “cash in lieu” amount) to be added to the Cash Component at its discretion. For example, cash may be substituted to replace any Deposit Security that may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or that may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process (discussed below). The Trust also reserves the right to permit or require a “cash in lieu” amount where the delivery of the Deposit Security by the Authorized Participant (as described below) would be restricted under the securities laws or where the delivery of the Deposit Security to the Authorized Participant would result in the disposition of the Deposit Security by the Authorized Participant becoming restricted under the securities laws, or in other situations deemed appropriate by the Trust. The Fund reserves the right to use this approach, including issuing and redeeming Creation Units partially in-kind and partially in cash.

The Fund, through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”), makes available on each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on its Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern time), the list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security to be included in the current Fund Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for the Fund.

Such Deposit Securities are applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, in order to effect creations of Creation Units of the Fund until such time as the next-announced composition of the Deposit Securities is made available.

The identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities required for a Fund Deposit for the Fund changes from time to time based on a number of factors.

Procedures for Creation of Creation Units. To be eligible to place orders with the Distributor and to create 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. In each case, such entity must have executed an agreement with the Distributor with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Units (“Participant Agreement”). A Participating Party or DTC Participant that has entered a Participation Agreement is referred to as an “Authorized Participant.” Investors should contact the Distributor for the names of Authorized Participants that have signed a Participant Agreement. All shares of the Fund, however created, will be entered on the records of DTC in the name of Cede & Co. for the account of a DTC Participant.

All orders to create shares must be placed for one or more Creation Units. All orders to create Creation Units must be received by the Distributor no later than the closing time of the regular trading session on the Exchange (“Closing Time”) (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the date such orders are placed in order to receive that day’s NAV. All orders must be received in proper form. The date on which an order to create Creation Units is placed is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method

 

S-24


acceptable to the Distributor pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement, as described below, which procedures may change from time to time without notice at the discretion of the Trust. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure, may impede the ability to reach the Distributor or an Authorized Participant.

All orders to create Creation Units through an Authorized Participant shall be placed with an Authorized Participant, in the form required by such Authorized Participant. In addition, the 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, in that case, orders to create Creation Units of the Fund have to be placed by each 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.

Those placing orders for Creation Units of the Fund through the Clearing Process should afford sufficient time to permit proper submission of the order to the Distributor prior to the Closing Time on the Transmittal Date. Orders for Creation Units of the Fund that are effected outside the Clearing Process are likely to require transmittal by the DTC Participant earlier on the Transmittal Date than orders effected using the Clearing Process. Those persons placing orders outside the Clearing Process should ascertain the deadlines applicable to DTC and the Federal Reserve Bank wire system by contacting the operations department of the broker or depository institution effectuating such transfer of Deposit Securities and the Cash Component.

Placement of Creation Orders Using the Clearing Process. The Clearing Process is a process commonly used to create or redeem Creation Units of the Fund. Fund Deposits made through the Clearing Process must be delivered through a Participating Party that has executed a Participant Agreement. The Participant Agreement authorizes the Distributor to transmit through The Bank of New York Mellon to NSCC, on behalf of the Participating Party, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the Participating Party’s creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions to NSCC, the Participating Party agrees to deliver the requisite Deposit Securities and the Cash Component to the Trust, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. An order to create Creation Units through the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date if: (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.

Placement of Creation Orders Outside the Clearing Process. Fund Deposits made outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. A DTC Participant who wishes to place an order creating Creation Units to be effected outside the Clearing Process does not need to be a Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Units will instead be effected through a transfer of securities and cash directly through DTC. The Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account of the Fund by no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the “Settlement Date.” The Settlement Date is typically the third Business Day following the Transmittal Date. The Fund reserves the right to settle transactions on a basis other than “T” plus three Business Days ( i.e. , days on which the NYSE is open) (“T+3”). In certain cases Authorized Participants will create and redeem Creation Units of the Fund on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.

All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The amount of cash equal to the Cash Component must be transferred directly to The Bank of New York Mellon through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by The Bank of New York Mellon no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Settlement Date. An order to create Creation Units outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date if: (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. However, if The Bank of New York Mellon does not receive both the required Deposit Securities and the Cash Component by 2:00 p.m. on the Settlement Date, such order may be canceled. Upon written notice to the Distributor,

 

S-25


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. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the Settlement Date.

Creation Units may be created 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) at least 102%, which the Trust may change from time to time, of the market value of the undelivered Deposit Securities (the “Additional Cash Deposit”) with the Fund pending delivery of any missing Deposit Securities.

If an Authorized Participant determines to post an additional cash deposit as collateral for any undelivered Deposit Securities, such Authorized Participant must deposit with The Bank of New York Mellon the appropriate amount of federal funds by 2:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the date of requested settlement. If the Authorized Participant does not place its purchase order by the closing time or The Bank of New York Mellon does not receive federal funds in the appropriate amount by such time, 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. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with The Bank of New York Mellon, 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 102%, which the Trust may change from time to time, of the daily marked-to-market value of the missing Deposit Securities. To the extent that missing Deposit Securities are not received by 2:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Settlement Date or in the event a marked-to-market payment is not made within one Business Day following notification by the Distributor that such a payment is required, the Trust may use the cash on deposit to purchase the missing Deposit Securities.

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 market value of such Deposit Securities on the transmittal date plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases, as well as any stamp taxes, income or dividends due. 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 Bank of New York Mellon or purchased by the Trust and deposited into the Trust and all related transaction costs and other items, as noted above, have been cleared. In addition, a transaction fee, as listed below, will be charged in all cases. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the Settlement Date.

Cash Purchases. When, in the sole discretion of the Trust, cash purchases of Creation Units of shares are available or specified for the Fund, such purchases shall be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases thereof. In the case of a cash purchase, the Authorized Participant must pay the cash equivalent of the Deposit Securities it would otherwise be required to provide through an in-kind purchase, plus the same Cash Component required to be paid by an in-kind purchaser. In addition, to offset brokerage and other costs associated with using cash to purchase the requisite Deposit Securities, the Authorized Participant must pay the Transaction Fees required by the Fund. If the Authorized Participant acts as a broker for the Fund in connection with the purchase of Deposit Securities, the Authorized Participant will also be required to pay certain brokerage commissions, taxes, and transaction and market impact costs as discussed under the heading “Brokerage Transactions” herein.

Acceptance of Orders of Creation Units. The Trust reserves the absolute right to reject or revoke acceptance of a creation order transmitted to it by the Distributor with respect to the Fund. Orders may be rejected and acceptance may be revoked if, for example: (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (iii) the Deposit Securities delivered are not the same as those disseminated through the facilities of the NSCC for that date by the Fund as described above; (iv) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the Fund; (v) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (vi) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust or the Adviser, have an adverse effect on the Trust or the rights of beneficial owners; or (vii) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, The Bank of New York Mellon, the Distributor or the Adviser make it for all practical purposes impossible to process creation orders. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God; public service or

 

S-26


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 Adviser, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, The Bank of New York Mellon or a sub-custodian or any other participant in the creation process and similar extraordinary events. The Distributor 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 Bank of New York Mellon, a 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 any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.

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.

Creation/Redemption Transaction Fee. A transaction fee, as set forth in the table below, is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or redemption of Creation Units, as applicable. Authorized Participants will be required to pay a fixed creation transaction fee and/or a fixed redemption transaction fee, as applicable, on a given day regardless of the number of Creation Units created or redeemed on that day. The Fund may adjust the transaction fee from time to time. An additional charge or a variable charge (discussed below) will be applied to certain creation and redemption transactions, including non-standard orders and whole or partial cash purchases or redemptions. With respect to creation orders, Authorized Participants are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Deposit Securities to the account of the Trust, and with respect to redemption orders, Authorized Participants are responsible for the costs of transferring the Fund Securities (defined below) from the Trust to their account or on their order. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may also be charged a fee for such services.

 

Fund   Creation/Redemption
Transaction Fee

Reality Shares DIVS ETF

  $500

In addition to the transaction fees listed above, the Fund may charge an additional variable fee for creations and redemptions in cash to offset brokerage and impact expenses associated with a cash transaction. The variable transaction fee will be calculated based on historical transaction cost data and the Adviser’s view of current market conditions; however the actual variable fee charged for a given transaction may be lower or higher than the trading expenses incurred by the Fund with respect to that transaction. In no event will a creation transaction fee exceed 5% of the amount invested or a redemption transaction fee exceed 2% of the amount redeemed.

Placement of Redemption Orders Using the Clearing Process. Orders to redeem Creation Units through the Clearing Process must be delivered through a Participating Party that has executed the Participant Agreement. Except as described herein, an order to redeem Creation Units using the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Trust on the Transmittal Date if: (i) such order is received by The Bank of New York Mellon (in its capacity as Transfer Agent) not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date, and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Such order will be effected based on the NAV of the Fund as next determined. The considerations for redemption of Creation Units of the Fund generally consists of (i) a designated portfolio of in-kind securities that closely approximate the holdings of the Fund (the “Fund Securities”) and (ii) an amount of cash denominated in U.S. dollars (the “Cash Redemptions Amount”) as described below. The requisite Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount generally will be transferred by the third NSCC Business Day following the date on which such request for redemption is deemed received.

Placement of Redemption Orders Outside the Clearing Process. Orders to redeem Creation Units outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed the Participant Agreement. An order to redeem

 

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Creation Units outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Trust on the Transmittal Date if: (i) such order is received by The Bank of New York Mellon (in its capacity as Transfer Agent) not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date; (ii) such order is accompanied or followed by the requisite number of shares of the Fund specified in such order, which delivery must be made through DTC to The Bank of New York Mellon no later than 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, on the contracted settlement date; and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. After the Trust has deemed an order for redemption outside the Clearing Process received, the Trust will initiate procedures to transfer the requisite Fund Securities which are expected to be delivered within three Business Days and the Cash Redemption Amount to the Authorized Participant on behalf of the redeeming Beneficial Owner by the Settlement Date. In certain cases Authorized Participants will redeem and create Creation Units of the Fund on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.

General Redemption Procedures. An Authorized Participant submitting a redemption request is deemed to represent to the Trust that it (or its client) (i) owns outright or has full legal authority and legal beneficial right to tender for redemption the requisite number of shares to be redeemed and can receive the entire proceeds of the redemption, and (ii) the shares to be redeemed have not been loaned or pledged to another party nor are they the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or such other arrangement which would preclude the delivery of such shares to the Trust. The Trust reserves the right to verify these representations at its discretion. If the Authorized Participant, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of its representations as determined by the Trust, the redemption request will not be considered to have been received in proper form and may be rejected by the Trust.

If the requisite number of shares of the Fund is not delivered on the Transmittal Date as described above, the Fund may reject or revoke acceptance of the redemption request because the Authorized Participant has not satisfied all of the settlement requirements.

The current procedures for collateralization of missing shares require, among other things, that any cash collateral shall be in the form of U.S. dollars in immediately available funds and shall be held by The Bank of New York Mellon and marked-to-market daily, and that the fees of The Bank of New York Mellon and any sub-custodians in respect of the delivery, maintenance and redelivery of the cash collateral shall be payable by the Authorized Participant. The Authorized Participant’s agreement will permit the Trust, on behalf of the affected Fund, to purchase the missing shares or acquire the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component underlying such shares at any time and will subject the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Trust of purchasing such shares, Deposit Securities or Cash Component and the value of the collateral as well as any transaction costs, stamp taxes, income or dividends due.

The calculation of the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered upon redemption will be made by The Bank of New York Mellon according to the procedures set forth under Determination of NAV computed on the Business Day on which a redemption order is deemed received by the Trust. Therefore, if a redemption order in proper form is submitted to The Bank of New York Mellon by a DTC Participant not later than the Closing Time on the Transmittal Date, and the requisite number of shares of the Fund are delivered to The Bank of New York Mellon prior to the DTC cut-off time, then the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be determined by The Bank of New York Mellon on such Transmittal Date. If, however, a redemption order is submitted to The Bank of New York Mellon by a DTC Participant not later than the Closing Time on the Transmittal Date but either (i) the requisite number of shares of the Fund are not delivered by the DTC cut-off-time on such Transmittal Date, or (ii) the redemption order is not submitted in proper form, then the redemption order will not be deemed received as of the Transmittal Date. In such case, the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be computed on the Business Day that such order is deemed received by the Trust on which the shares of the Fund are delivered through DTC to The Bank of New York Mellon by the DTC cut-off-time on such Business Day pursuant to a properly submitted redemption order.

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

 

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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 stock included in the Fund Securities applicable to the redemption of a Creation Units may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming Beneficial Owner of the shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment.

Cash Redemptions. The Fund may pay out the proceeds of redemptions of Creation Units solely in cash or through any combination of cash or securities. 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 of the Fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee 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). Proceeds will be paid to the Authorized Participant redeeming shares on behalf of the redeeming investor as soon as practicable after the date of redemption. If the Authorized Participant acts as a broker for the Fund in connection with the sale of Fund Securities, the Authorized Participant will also be required to pay certain brokerage commissions, taxes, and transaction and market impact costs as discussed under the heading “Brokerage Transactions” herein. Because non-exchange traded derivatives and certain listed derivatives are not currently eligible for in-kind transfer, they will be substituted with an amount of cash of equal value when the Fund processes redemptions of Creation Units. Specifically, the Fund will transfer the corresponding cash value of exchange-traded options, OTC options, exchange-traded futures, forward contracts, or swaps as Deposit Securities.

In-Kind Redemptions. The ability of the Trust to effect in-kind creations and redemptions is subject, among other things, to the condition that, within the time period from the date of the order to the date of delivery of the securities, there are no days that are holidays in the applicable foreign market. For every occurrence of one or more intervening holidays in the applicable foreign market that are not holidays observed in the U.S. equity market, the redemption settlement cycle may be extended by the number of such intervening holidays. In addition to holidays, other unforeseeable closings in a foreign market due to emergencies may also prevent the Trust from delivering securities within the normal settlement period. The Fund will not suspend or postpone redemption beyond seven days, except as permitted under Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act. Section 22(e) provides that 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 New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares of the Fund’s portfolio securities or determination of its net asset value is not reasonably practicable; or (4)  in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.

DETERMIN ATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

The NAV of the Fund’s shares is calculated each day the NYSE is open for trading as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE, generally 4:00 p.m. New York time (the “NAV Calculation Time”). NAV per share is calculated by dividing the Fund’s net assets by the number of Fund shares outstanding.

In calculating the Fund’s NAV, Fund investments generally are valued using market valuations. A market valuation generally means a valuation (i) obtained from an exchange or a major market-maker (or dealer), (ii) based on a price quotation or other equivalent indication of value supplied by an exchange, or a major market-maker (or dealer) or (iii) based on amortized cost. Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of sixty (60) days or less may be valued at (a) their amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, if it can be reasonably concluded at the time of each such valuation that the amortized cost value of the security is approximately the same as the securities value determined in accordance with market-based factors, or (b) the price provided by an independent third party pricing agent. U.S. fixed income assets may be valued as of the announced closing time for such securities on any day that the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association announces an early closing time. The values of any assets or liabilities of the Fund that are denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars using an exchange rate deemed appropriate by the Fund. In general, the Trust values exchange-listed option contracts based on the last reported sales price or the midpoint of the bid/ask spread for individual exchange-listed option contracts up until 4:15 p.m. Eastern time, the normal close of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, as reported by the Options Price Reporting Authority (“OPRA” and “OPRA Prices”). The Fund compares these OPRA Prices to the best bid/ask quotes received from independent broker-dealers and independent pricing services on the option combinations ( e.g ., the jelly-roll combination) held by the Fund. When the OPRA Prices are within

 

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the option combination best bid/ask quotes, the OPRA Prices are used to value the option contracts held by the Fund. When the OPRA Prices fall outside of the option combination best bid/ask quotes, the Fund’s procedures, in general, provide for the option combinations held by the Fund to be priced based on the average of the best bid and best offer indicated by the dealer quotes, as well as other observable market inputs. The Trust will generally value exchange-listed futures at the settlement price determined by the applicable exchange. Non-exchange-traded derivatives, including OTC options, swap transactions and forward transactions, will normally be valued on the basis of quotations or equivalent indication of value supplied by an independent pricing service or major market-makers or dealers. Swaps cleared through a central clearing house, if any, normally are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of exchange on which they are traded. The Trust may use various third-party pricing services, or discontinue the use of any third-party pricing service, as determined by the Trust’s Board of Trustees from time to time.

In certain instances, such as when reliable market valuations are not readily available or are not deemed to reflect current market values, the Fund’s investments will be fair valued in accordance with the Fund’s pricing policy and procedures. Securities that may be valued using “fair value” pricing may include, but are not limited to, securities for which there are no current market quotations or whose issuer is in default or bankruptcy, securities subject to corporate actions (such as mergers or reorganizations), securities subject to non-U.S. investment limits or currency controls, and securities affected by “significant events.” An example of a significant event is an event occurring after the close of the market in which a security trades but before the Fund’s next NAV Calculation Time that may materially affect the value of the Fund’s investment (e.g., government action, natural disaster, or significant market fluctuation). Price movements in U.S. markets that are deemed to affect the value of foreign securities, or reflect changes to the value of such securities, also may cause securities to be “fair valued.”

When fair-value pricing is employed, the prices of securities used by the Fund to calculate its NAV may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities.

Fund shares are purchased or sold on a national securities exchange at market prices, which may be higher or lower than NAV. No secondary sales will be made to brokers or dealers at a concession by the Distributor or by the Fund. Purchases and sales of shares in the secondary market, which will not involve the Fund, will be subject to customary brokerage commissions and charges. Transactions in Fund shares will be priced at NAV only if you purchase or redeem shares directly from the Fund in Creation Units.

PROXY VOTI NG POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Board has delegated responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by the Fund to the Adviser. The Adviser will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which are included in Appendix B to this SAI.

The Trust is required to disclose annually the Fund’s complete proxy voting record on Form N-PX covering the period from July 1 of one year through June 30 of the next and to file Form N-PX with the SEC no later than August 31 of each year. The current Form N-PX for the Fund, when filed, may be obtained at no charge upon request by calling (855) 595-0240 or by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov .

TAX ES

The following is only a summary of certain additional federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Fund’s Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the U.S. federal, state, local or foreign tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders and the discussion here and in the Fund’s Prospectus is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.

This discussion of federal income tax consequences is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this Statement of Additional Information. 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.

 

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Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company and Taxation of the Fund . The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code so that it will be relieved of federal income tax on that part of its income that is timely distributed to shareholders. In order to qualify for treatment as a RIC, the Fund must distribute annually to its shareholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (generally, net investment income plus the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital losses) (“Distribution Requirement”) and also must meet several additional requirements.

Among these requirements are the following: (i) 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, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (the “Qualifying Income Test”); (ii) at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund’s assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer; and (iii) at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, not more than 25% of the value of its assets may be invested in securities (other than U.S. Government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer or 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.

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.

If the Fund fails to satisfy the qualifying income or diversification requirements 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 requirements where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period. If the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC for any year, and the relief provisions are not available, all of its income will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In such case, its shareholders would generally be taxed as if they received ordinary dividends, although corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends received deduction and individuals may be able to benefit from the lower tax rates available to qualified dividend income. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a RIC. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund as a RIC if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.

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 (commonly referred to as “post-October losses”) and certain other late-year losses.

The treatment of capital loss carryovers for RICs is similar to the rules that apply to capital loss carryovers of individuals and provide that such losses are carried over by the Fund indefinitely. Thus, if the Fund has a “net capital loss” (that is, capital losses in excess of capital gains) the excess of the Fund’s net short-term capital losses over its net long-term capital gains is treated as a short-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year, and the excess (if any) of the Fund’s net long-term capital losses over its net short-term capital gains is treated as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year. 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.

Excise Taxes . Notwithstanding the Distribution Requirement described above, which generally requires the Fund to distribute at least 90% of its annual investment company taxable income and the excess of its exempt interest income but does not require any minimum distribution of net capital gain, the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year at least 98% of its ordinary income for that year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income (the excess of short- and long-term capital gain over short- and long-term capital loss) for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain other amounts. The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions to avoid liability for the federal excise

 

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tax, but can make no assurances that such tax will be completely eliminated. The Fund may in certain circumstances be required to liquidate Fund investments in order to make sufficient distributions to avoid federal excise tax liability at a time when the investment advisor might not otherwise have chosen to do so, and liquidation of investments in such circumstances may affect the ability of the Fund to satisfy the requirements for qualification as a RIC.

Fund Distributions. If you are subject to tax, distributions of net short-term capital gains will be taxable to you as ordinary income. In general, distributions by the Fund of investment company taxable income, if any, whether received in cash or additional shares, will be taxable to you as ordinary income (to the extent of the current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Fund). All or a portion of these distributions (excluding net short-term capital gains) may be treated as qualified dividend income (eligible for the reduced maximum rate to individuals of 20% (lower rates apply to individuals in lower tax brackets)) to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain foreign corporations (e.g., foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States, or the stock of which is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). In order for the dividends received by a Fund shareholder to be qualified dividend income, the Fund must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the dividend paying stocks in its portfolio, and the shareholder must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the Fund’s shares. Distributions received by the Fund from another RIC (including an ETF that is taxable as a RIC) will be treated as qualified dividend income only to the extent so reported by such RIC. If you lend your Fund Shares, such as pursuant to securities lending arrangement, you may lose the ability to treat dividends (paid while the Shares are held by the borrower) as qualified dividend income. For non-corporate shareholders, long-term capital gains are currently taxed at a maximum rate of 20% and short-term capital gains are currently taxed at ordinary income tax rates.

In the case of corporate shareholders, the Fund’s distributions (other than capital gains distributions) generally qualify for the dividends-received deduction to the extent of the gross amount of qualifying dividends received by the Fund for the year. Generally, and subject to certain limitations (including certain holding period limitations), a dividend will be treated as a qualifying dividend if it has been received from a domestic corporation. All dividends (including the deducted portion) must be included in your alternative minimum taxable income calculation.

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

The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments, such as option contracts or swaps tied to dividend returns, will generally not generate income eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income when received by individual shareholders or be eligible for the dividends-received deduction when received by corporate shareholders. Therefore, even though the Fund is designed to isolate the level of expected dividends on equity securities, the Fund’s use of derivative instruments means that the Fund is unlikely to generate income eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income or eligible for the dividend-received deduction. The Fund, however, may occasionally receive dividend income from direct investments in the equity securities of issuers of certain indexes such as the S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, as well as from investments in other ETFs designed to track the performance of the securities comprising these indexes. The Fund may be eligible to distribute such dividend income as qualified dividend income when received by individual shareholders or eligible for the dividends-received deduction when received by corporate shareholders, subject to certain limitations.

If the Fund’s distributions exceed its taxable income and capital gains realized during a taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in the same 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 reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when those shares on which the distribution was received are sold.

A dividend or distribution received shortly after the purchase of shares reduces the net asset value of the shares by the amount of the dividend or distribution and, although in effect a return of capital, will be taxable to the shareholder. If the net

 

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asset value of shares were reduced below the shareholder’s cost by dividends or distributions representing gains realized on sales of securities, such dividends or distributions would be a return of investment, though taxable to the shareholder in the same manner as other dividends or distributions.

Dividends declared to shareholders of record in October, November or December and actually paid in January of the following year will be treated as having been received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which declared. Under this rule, therefore, a shareholder may be taxed in one year on dividends or distributions actually received in January of the following year.

The Fund will inform you of the amount of your ordinary income dividends, qualified dividend income and capital gain distributions shortly after the close of each calendar year. If you have not held Fund shares for a full year, the Fund may designate and distribute to you, as ordinary income or capital gain, a percentage of income that is not equal to the actual percentage of such income earned during the period of your investment in the Fund.

Medicare Contribution Tax. U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) are subject to a new 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on their “net investment income,” including interest, dividends and capital gains (including capital gains realized on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund). This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.

Sale or Exchange of Fund Shares . If you are subject to tax, any gain or loss recognized on a sale, exchange or redemption of shares of the Fund by a shareholder who is not a dealer in securities will generally, for individual shareholders, be treated as a long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than twelve months and otherwise will be treated as a short-term capital gain or loss. However, if shares on which a shareholder has received a net capital gain distribution are subsequently sold, exchanged or redeemed and such shares have been held for six months or less, any loss recognized will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the net capital gain distribution. In addition, the loss realized on a sale or other disposition of shares will be disallowed to the extent a shareholder repurchases (or enters into a contract or option to repurchase) shares within a period of 61 days (beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of the shares). This loss disallowance rule will apply to shares received through the reinvestment of dividends during the 61-day period.

Cost-Basis Reporting . Unless you fall within certain exceptions, the custodian, broker or other administrative agent holding your shares in the Fund on your behalf must report to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and furnish to you the cost basis information for shares of the Fund. In addition to reporting the gross proceeds from the sale of shares of the Fund, you will receive cost basis information for such shares, which will indicate whether these shares had a short-term or long-term holding period. For each sale of shares of the Fund, you are to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods, including the average basis method. In the absence of an election, the custodian, broker or other administrative agent holding your shares in the Fund will use a default cost basis method they have chosen, which should have been communicated to you. The cost basis method elected by you (or the cost basis method applied by default) for each sale of shares of the Fund may not be changed after the settlement date of each such sale. You should consult your tax advisor to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for your tax situation and to obtain more information about how cost basis reporting applies to you. Shareholders also should carefully review any cost basis information provided to them and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on their federal income tax returns.

Federal Tax Treatment of Certain Fund Investments . The Fund may invest in complex securities. These investments may be subject to numerous special and complex tax rules. These rules could affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Fund are treated as ordinary income or loss or capital gain or loss, accelerate the recognition of income to the Fund and/or defer the Fund’s ability to recognize losses. In turn, those rules may affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to you by the Fund.

Dividends and interest received by the Fund may be subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and United States possessions that would reduce the yield on the Fund’s securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate these taxes. Foreign countries generally do not impose taxes on capital gains with respect to investments by foreign investors.

 

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The Fund intends to make investments in certain complex securities for which there is uncertainty regarding the treatment of these investments under the “Qualifying Income Test” and the asset diversification requirements described above in the paragraph discussing the requirements for qualification as a RIC. If the IRS were to issue public guidance that results in an adverse determination relating to the treatment of the Fund’s investments in such complex securities, the Fund could fail to qualify as a RIC and may likely need to significantly change its investment strategies, which could adversely affect the Fund.

The Fund’s writing (selling) and purchasing of options and futures contracts involves complex rules that will determine for federal income tax purposes the amount, character and timing of recognition of the gains and losses the Fund realizes in connection with such transactions. The Fund distributes to shareholders at least annually any net capital gains which have been recognized for federal income tax purposes, including unrealized gains at the end of the Fund’s fiscal year on futures or certain options transactions. Such distributions are combined with distributions of capital gains realized on the Fund’s other investments and shareholders are advised on the nature of the distributions.

The Fund may invest in certain futures and forward contracts and intend to enter into certain types of listed options on broad based securities indexes (“Section 1256 contracts”), which will be required to be “marked-to-market” for federal income tax purposes, that is, treated as having been sold at their market value on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year. These provisions may require the Fund to recognize income or gains without a concurrent receipt of cash. Any gain or loss recognized on actual or deemed sales of Section 1256 contracts will be treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Transactions that qualify as designated hedges are exempt from this mark-to-market rule, but may require the Fund to defer the recognition of losses on these options to the extent of any unrecognized gains on related positions held by it.

The tax provisions described above applicable to options, futures and forward contracts may affect the amount, timing, and character of the Fund’s distributions to its shareholders. For example, the Section 1256 rules described above may operate to increase the amount the Fund must distribute to satisfy the minimum distribution requirement for the portion treated as short-term capital gain which will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income, and to increase the net capital gain it recognizes, without, in either case, increasing the cash available to it. The Fund may elect to exclude certain transactions from the operation of Section 1256, although doing so may have the effect of increasing the relative proportion of net short-term capital gain (taxable as ordinary income) and thus increasing the amount of dividends it must distribute. Accordingly, in order to avoid certain income and excise taxes, the Fund may be required to liquidate its investments at a time when the investment adviser might not otherwise have chosen to do so. Section 1256 contracts also may be marked-to-market for purposes of the Excise Tax.

Offsetting positions held by the Fund involving certain derivative instruments, such as options, futures and forward currency contracts, may be considered, for federal income tax purposes, to constitute “straddles.” Straddles are defined to include offsetting positions in actively traded personal property. In certain circumstances, the rules governing straddles override or modify the provisions of Section 1256, described above. If the Fund is treated as entering into a straddle and at least one (but not all) of its positions in derivative contracts comprising a part of such straddle is governed by Section 1256, then such straddle could be characterized as a “mixed straddle.” The Fund may make one or more elections with respect to mixed straddles. Depending on which election is made, if any, the results with respect to the Fund may differ. Generally, to the extent the straddle rules apply to positions established by the Fund, losses realized by it may be deferred to the extent of unrealized gain in any offsetting positions. Moreover, as a result of the straddle rules, short-term capital loss on straddle positions may be characterized as long-term capital loss, and long-term capital gain may be characterized as short-term capital gain. In addition, the existence of a straddle may affect the holding period of the offsetting positions and cause such sales to be subject to the “wash sale” and “short sale” rules. As a result, the straddle rules could cause distributions that may otherwise constitute “qualified dividend income” or long-term capital gain to fail to satisfy the applicable holding period requirements, described below, and therefore to be taxed as ordinary income or short-term capital gain. Further, the Fund may be required to capitalize, rather than deduct currently, any interest expense and carrying charges applicable to a position that is part of a straddle. Because the application of the straddle rules may affect the character and timing of gains and losses from affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to shareholders, and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to the situation where the Fund had not engaged in such transactions.

 

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Under the Code, special rules are provided for certain transactions in a foreign currency other than the taxpayer’s functional currency (i.e., unless certain special rules apply, currencies other than the U.S. Dollar). In general, foreign currency gains or losses from forward contracts, from futures contracts that are not “regulated futures contracts,” and from unlisted options will be treated as ordinary income or loss under the Code. Also, certain foreign exchange gains derived with respect to foreign fixed-income securities are also subject to special treatment. In general, any such gains or losses will increase or decrease the amount of the Fund’s investment company taxable income available to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income, rather than increasing or decreasing the amount of the Fund’s net capital gain. Additionally, if such losses exceed other investment company taxable income during a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to make any ordinary dividend distributions.

Tax-Exempt Shareholders . Certain tax-exempt shareholders, including qualified pension plans, individual retirement accounts, salary deferral arrangements, 401(k)s and other tax-exempt entities, generally are exempt from federal income taxation except with respect to their unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”). Under current law, the Fund generally serves to block UBTI from being realized by its tax-exempt shareholders. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, the tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of an investment in the Fund where, for example: (i) the Fund invests in residual interests of Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits (“REMICs”); (ii) 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 (iii) shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of section 514(b) of the Code. Charitable remainder trusts are subject to special rules and should consult their tax advisor. The IRS has issued guidance with respect to these issues and prospective shareholders, especially charitable remainder trusts, are strongly encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding these issues.

Backup Withholding . The Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold, at a rate of 28%, and remit to the United States Treasury the amount withheld on amounts payable to any shareholder who: (i) has provided the Fund either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all; (ii) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends; (iii) has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding; or (iv) has failed to certify to the Fund that the shareholder is a U.S. person (including a resident alien).

Non-U.S. Shareholders . If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, the Fund’s ordinary income dividends will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. The Fund may, under certain circumstances, designate all or a portion of a dividend as an “interest-related dividend” that if received by a nonresident alien or foreign entity would generally be exempt from the 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided that certain other requirements are met. The Fund may also, under certain circumstances, designate all or a portion of a dividend as a “qualified short-term capital gain dividend,” which if received by a nonresident alien or foreign entity would generally be exempt from the 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless the foreign person is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year.

A U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate will be imposed on dividends beginning after June 30, 2014 (and proceeds of sales in respect of Fund shares (including certain capital gain dividends) received by Fund shareholders beginning after December 31, 2008) for shareholders who own their shares through foreign accounts or foreign intermediaries if certain disclosure requirements related to U.S. accounts or ownership are not satisfied.

In order for a foreign investor to qualify for an exemption from backup withholding, the foreign investor must comply with special certification and filing requirements. Foreign investors in the Fund should consult their tax advisors in this regard. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.

 

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A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person may be subject to state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax, in addition to the federal income tax consequences referred to above. If a shareholder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder in the United States.

Non-U.S. Investors are encouraged to consult their tax advisor prior to investing in the Fund.

Retirement Accounts . If you hold your shares in a tax-qualified retirement account, you generally will not be subject to federal taxation on income and capital gains distribution from the Fund, until you begin receiving payments from your retirement account. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax rules that apply to your retirement account.

Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations . Under U.S. Treasury regulations, generally, if a shareholder recognizes a loss of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC such as the Fund are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. 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.

State Taxes . Distributions by the Fund to shareholders and the ownership of shares may be subject to state and local taxes. Rules of state and local taxation of dividend and capital gains distributions from RICs often differ from the rules for federal income taxation described above. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the consequences of these and other state and local tax rules affecting an investment in Fund shares.

Creation and Redemption of Creation Units . A person who purchases a Creation Unit by exchanging securities in-kind generally will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and any net amount of cash received by the Authorized Participant in the exchange and (ii) the sum of the purchaser’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and any net amount of cash paid for the Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units and receives securities in-kind from the Fund will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the redeemer’s basis in the Creation Units, and the aggregate market value of the securities received and any net cash received. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an in-kind exchange of securities for Creation Units or an exchange of Creation Units for securities cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position if the person does not mark-to-market its holdings. Persons effecting in-kind creations or redemptions should consult their own tax adviser with respect to these matters.

The Trust on behalf of the Fund has the right to reject an order for a purchase of shares of the Trust if the purchaser (or group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Code, the Fund would have a basis in the securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Trust also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination.

Because each shareholder’s tax situation is different, you should consult your tax advisor about the tax implications of an investment in the Fund.

BROKERAGE TRAN SACTIONS

Brokerage Transactions. The Adviser assumes general supervision over placing orders on behalf of the Fund for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities. In selecting the brokers or dealers for any transaction in portfolio securities, the Adviser’s policy is to make such selection based on factors deemed relevant, including but not limited to the breadth of the market in the security; the price of the security; the reasonableness of the commission or mark-up or mark-down, if any;

 

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execution capability; settlement capability; back office efficiency and the financial condition of the broker or dealer, both for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. The overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid is evaluated by the Adviser based upon its knowledge of available information as to the general level of commissions paid by other institutional investors for comparable services. Brokers may also be selected because of their ability to handle special or difficult executions, such as may be involved in large block trades, less liquid securities, broad distributions, or other circumstances. The Adviser does not consider the provision or value of research, products or services a broker or dealer may provide, if any, as a factor in the selection of a broker or dealer or the determination of the reasonableness of commissions paid in connection with portfolio transactions. The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that prohibit the consideration of sales of the Fund’s shares as a factor in the selection of a broker or a dealer to execute its portfolio transactions.

To the extent creation or redemption transactions are conducted on a cash or “cash in lieu” basis, the Fund may contemporaneously transact with broker-dealers for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities in connection with such transactions (see “Creation and Redemption of Creation Units” herein). Such orders may be placed with an Authorized Participant in its capacity as broker-dealer or with an affiliated broker-dealer of such Authorized Participant. In such cases, the Fund will require such broker-dealer to achieve execution at a price that is at least as favorable to the Fund as the value of such securities used to calculate the Fund’s NAV. The broker-dealer will be required to reimburse the Fund for, among other things, any difference between the price (including applicable brokerage commissions, taxes and transaction costs) at which such securities were bought or sold and the value of such securities used to calculate the Fund’s NAV. This amount will vary depending on the quality of the execution and may be capped at amounts determined by the Adviser in its sole discretion.

Brokerage Commissions. For the fiscal period from December 18, 2014 (commencement of Fund operations) to October 31, 2015, the Fund paid $84,802 in aggregate brokerage commissions on portfolio transactions.

Directed Brokerage. For the fiscal period from December 18, 2014 (commencement of Fund operations) to October 31, 2015, the Fund did not pay 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.

Brokerage with Fund Affiliates. For the fiscal period from December 18, 2014 (commencement of Fund operations) to October 31, 2015, the Fund did not pay any brokerage commissions on portfolio transactions effected by affiliated brokers.

Securities of “Regular Broker-Dealers.” During the fiscal period from December 18, 2014 (commencement of Fund operations) to October 31, 2015, the Fund did not hold any securities of its “regular brokers and dealers.”

Portfolio Turnover Rate. Portfolio turnover rate is defined under SEC rules as the greater of the value of the securities purchased or securities sold, excluding all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one-year or less, divided by the average monthly value of such securities owned during the year. Based on this definition, instruments with remaining maturities of less than one-year are excluded from the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate. Instruments excluded from the calculation of portfolio turnover generally would include the futures contracts in which the Fund may invest since such contracts generally have remaining maturities of less than one-year. The Fund may at times hold investments in other short-term instruments, such as repurchase agreements, which are excluded for purposes of computing portfolio turnover. For the fiscal period from December 18, 2014 (commencement of Fund operations) to October 31, 2015, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 1,475%.

DISCLOSURE OF PORTF OLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

The Trust has adopted a Portfolio Holdings Policy (the “Policy”) designed to govern the disclosure of Fund portfolio holdings and the use of material non-public information about Fund holdings. The Policy applies to all officers, employees, and agents of the Fund, including the Adviser. The Policy is designed to ensure that the disclosure of information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings is consistent with applicable legal requirements and otherwise in the best interest of the Fund.

As an ETF, information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings is made available on a daily basis in accordance with the provisions of any exemptive order of the SEC applicable to the Fund, regulations of the Exchange and other applicable SEC regulations, orders and no-action relief. Such information typically reflects all or a portion of the Fund’s anticipated portfolio holdings as of the next Business Day. This information is used in connection with the creation and redemption process and is disseminated on a daily basis through the facilities of the Exchange, the NSCC and/or third-party service providers.

The Fund will disclose on the Fund’s website at the start of each Business Day the identities and quantities of the securities and other assets held by the Fund that will form the basis of the Fund’s calculation of its NAV on that Business Day. The portfolio holdings so disclosed will be based on information as of the close of business on the prior Business Day and/or trades that have been completed prior to the opening of business on that Business Day and that are expected to settle on that Business Day.

Daily access to the Fund’s portfolio holdings with no lag time is permitted to personnel of the Adviser, the Fund’s distributor and the Fund’s administrator, custodian and accountant and other agents or service providers of the Trust who have need of such information in connection with the ordinary course of their respective duties to the Fund. The Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) may authorize disclosure of portfolio holdings.

 

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The Fund may disclose its complete portfolio holdings or a portion of its portfolio holdings online at www.realityshares.com. Online disclosure of such holdings is publicly available at no charge.

The Fund files a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

ADDITI ONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUST

The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of the Fund. Each share issued by the Fund has a pro rata interest in the assets of the Fund. Shares have no preemptive, exchange, subscription or conversion rights and are freely transferable. Each share is entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by the Board with respect to the Fund, and in the net distributable assets of the Fund on liquidation.

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. If additional series of the Trust are created, shares of all series vote together as a single class except that if the matter being voted on affects only a particular series or if a matter affects a particular series differently from other series, that series will vote separately on such matter.

Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one vote. As a Delaware statutory trust, the Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders, but approval will be sought for certain changes in the operation of the Trust and for the election of Trustees under certain circumstances. In addition, a Trustee may be removed by the remaining Trustees or by shareholders at a special meeting called upon written request of shareholders owning at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In the event that such a meeting is requested, the Trust will provide appropriate assistance and information to the shareholders requesting the meeting.

Where the prospectus or SAI states that an investment limitation or a fundamental policy may not be changed without shareholder approval, such approval means the vote of: (i) 67% or more of the Fund’s shares present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund’s outstanding shares, whichever is less.

Following the creation of the initial Creation Unit(s) of shares of the Fund and immediately prior to the commencement of trading in the Fund’s shares, a holder of shares may be a “control person” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act. The Fund cannot accurately predict the length of time for which one or more shareholders may remain a control person or persons of the Fund.

Any series of the Trust may reorganize or merge with one or more other series of the Trust or another investment company. Any such reorganization or merger shall be pursuant to the terms and conditions specified in an agreement and plan of reorganization authorized and approved by the Trustees and entered into by the relevant series in connection therewith. In addition, such reorganization or merger may be authorized by vote of a majority of the Trustees then in office and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, without the approval of shareholders of any series.

LIMITATIO N OF TRUSTEES’ LIABILITY

The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee shall be liable only for his or her own willful defaults and, if reasonable care has been exercised in the selection of officers, agents, employees or administrators, shall not be liable for any neglect or wrongdoing of any such person. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust will indemnify its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with actual or threatened litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Trust unless it is determined in the manner provided in the Declaration of Trust that they have not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that their actions were in the best interests of the Trust. However, nothing in the Declaration of Trust shall protect or indemnify a Trustee against any liability for his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties.

CODE S OF ETHICS

The Board has adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. In addition, the Adviser and the Distributor have adopted Codes of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1. These Codes of Ethics apply to the personal investing

 

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activities of trustees, officers and certain employees (“access persons”). Rule 17j-1 and the Codes are designed to prevent unlawful practices in connection with the purchase or sale of securities by access persons. Under each Code of Ethics, access persons are permitted to engage in personal securities transactions, but are required to report their personal securities transactions for monitoring purposes. In addition, certain access persons are required to obtain approval before investing in initial public offerings or private placements or are prohibited from making such investments. Copies of these Codes of Ethics are on file with the SEC, and are available to the public.

CUSTODIAN A ND TRANSFER AGENT

The Bank of New York Mellon, located at 225 Liberty Street, New York, New York 10286, acts as custodian, transfer agent and dividend paying agent for the Fund.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERE D PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP, 725 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, California 90017, serves as the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm.

LEGAL COUNSEL

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, located at 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004-2541, serves as counsel to the Trust.

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

As of January 31, 2016, the following table sets forth the name, address and percentage of ownership of each person who is known by the Trust to own of record 5% or more of the Fund’s outstanding shares, as set forth below. The Trust has no knowledge of whether such shares were also owned beneficially.

 

Fund Name    DTC Participants   

Percentage of

Ownership

 

Reality Shares DIVS ETF        

  

Pershing LLC

One Pershing Plaza

Jersey City, NJ 07399

     30.43
    

National Financial Services, LLC

499 Washington Boulevard

Jersey City, NJ 07310

     16.29
    

LPL Financial Company

9785 Towne Centre Drive

San Diego, CA 02121-1968

     10.91
    

Charles Schwab

2423 East Lincoln Drive

Phoenix, AZ 85016-1215

     8.11
    

TD Ameritrade Clearing

1005 North Ameritrade Place

Bellevue, NE 68005

     6.39

 

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APPENDIX A

DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

Description of Corporate Bond Ratings

The following descriptions of corporate bond ratings have been published by Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch, Inc., (“Fitch”), respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF MOODY’S LONG-TERM RATINGS

Aaa Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as “gilt edged”. Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

Aa Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.

A Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.

Baa Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations ( i.e. , they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present, but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.

DESCRIPTION OF S&P’S LONG-TERM RATINGS

Investment Grade

AAA Debt rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

AA Debt rated “AA” has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differs from the highest rated debt only in small degree.

A Debt rated “A” has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal, although it is somewhat more susceptible to adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories.

BBB Debt rated “BBB” is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories.

DESCRIPTION OF FITCH’S LONG-TERM RATINGS

Investment Grade Bond

AAA Bonds rated AAA are judged to be strictly high grade, broadly marketable, suitable for investment by trustees and fiduciary institutions liable to slight market fluctuation other than through changes in the money rate. The prime feature of an AAA bond is a showing of earnings several times or many times greater than interest requirements, with such stability of applicable earnings that safety is beyond reasonable question whatever changes occur in conditions.

AA Bonds rated AA are judged to be of safety virtually beyond question and are readily salable, whose merits are not unlike those of the AAA class, but whose margin of safety is less strikingly broad. The issue may be the obligation of a small company, strongly secured but influenced as to rating by the lesser financial power of the enterprise and more local type market.

 

A-1


A Bonds rated A are considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.

BBB Bonds rated BBB are considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.

Description of Commercial Paper Ratings

The following descriptions of commercial paper ratings have been published by Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, and Fitch, Inc., respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF MOODY’S SHORT-TERM RATINGS

PRIME-1 Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:

• Leading market positions in well-established industries.

• High rates of return on funds employed.

• Conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection.

• Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation.

• Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2 Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

S&P’S SHORT-TERM RATINGS

A-1 This highest category indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Debt determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics is denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.

A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated “A-1”.

DESCRIPTION OF FITCH’S SHORT-TERM RATINGS

F-1 Highest Credit Quality. Indicates the best capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote exceptionally strong credit feature.

F-2 Good Credit Quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.

F-3 Fair Credit Quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.

 

A-2


APPENDIX B

REALITY SHARES ADVISORS, LLC

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

December 2013

Reality Shares Advisors, LLC (“RSA”) has been delegated proxy voting responsibility by the Reality Shares EFT Trust (“Trust”) for proxies solicited on the securities held in the Trust’s underlining mutual funds’ portfolios (“Funds”), which are managed by RSA. These policies and procedures, which may be amended from time to time, apply to the voting of such proxies by RSA.

SECTION 1 - PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

The fundamental guideline followed by RSA in voting proxies on behalf of the Funds is to make every effort to ensure that the manner in which shares are voted is in the best interest of the Funds and the value of the specific investment. Absent special circumstances of the types described below, it is the policy of RSA to exercise its proxy voting discretion in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Exhibit A (“Proxy Voting Guidelines”). Any changes to the Proxy Voting Guidelines must be pre-approved in writing by RSA’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”).

SECTION 2 - VOTING RESPONSIBILITY

The CCO has the responsibility of voting the Funds’ proxies received by RSA (the “Responsible Voting Party”). RSA may delegate to a non-affiliated third party vendor, the responsibility to review proxy proposals and make voting recommendations. RSA will ensure that any third party recommendations followed will be consistent with the Proxy Voting Guidelines.

SECTION 3 - APPLICATION OF PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

It is intended that the Proxy Voting Guidelines will be applied with a measure of flexibility. Accordingly, except as otherwise provided in these policies and procedures, the Responsible Voting Party (with the pre-approval of the CCO) may vote a proxy contrary to the Proxy Voting Guidelines if it is determined that such action is in the best interests of the Funds. In the exercise of such discretion, the Responsible Voting Party may take into account a wide array of factors relating to the matter under consideration, the nature of the proposal, and the company involved. Similarly, poor past performance, uncertainties about management and future directions, and other factors may lead to a conclusion that particular proposals by an issuer present unacceptable investment risks and should not be supported. In addition, the proposals should be evaluated in context. For example, a particular proposal may be acceptable standing alone, but objectionable when part of an existing or proposed package, such as where the effect may be to entrench management. Special circumstances or instructions from the Board of Trustees of the Trust may also justify casting different votes.

The Responsible Voting Party will document the rationale for any proxy voted contrary to the Proxy Voting Guidelines. Such information will be maintained as part of the recordkeeping process.

SECTION 4 - CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

RSA may occasionally be subject to conflicts of interest in the voting of proxies due to business or personal relationships it maintains with persons having an interest in the outcome of certain votes. For example, a conflict would exist if RSA, its, or the Funds’ affiliates and/or employees have a business or personal relationship with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or candidates for directorships.

 

B-1


If at anytime, RSA and/or the Responsible Voting Party become aware of any type of potential or actual conflict of interest relating to a particular proxy proposal, they will promptly report such conflict to the CCO. Conflicts of interest will be handled in various ways depending on the type and materiality. This includes:

 

  I. Where the Proxy Voting Guidelines outline RSA’s voting position, as either “for” or “against” such proxy proposal, voting will be in made accordance with the Proxy Voting Guidelines.

 

  II. Where the Proxy Voting Guidelines outline RSA’s voting position to be determined on a “case by case” basis for such proxy proposal, or such proposal is not listed in the Proxy Voting Guidelines, then one of the two following methods will be selected by RSA depending upon the facts and circumstances of each situation and the requirements of applicable law:

 

  A. Voting the proxy in accordance with the voting recommendation of non-affiliated third party vendors.

 

  B. Voting the proxy pursuant to direction by the Board of Trustees of the Funds.

SECTION 5 - OTHER SPECIAL SITUATIONS

RSA may choose not to vote proxies in certain situations, such as: 1) where RSA deems the cost of voting would exceed any anticipated benefit to the Funds, or 2) where a proxy is received for a security no longer held in a Fund’s portfolio ( i.e., RSA had previously sold the entire position).

SECTION 6 - PROXY VOTING RECORDS

RSA will maintain the following records under these policies and procedures:

 

  I. A copy of all policies and procedures.

 

  II. A copy of each proxy statement received regarding the Funds’ securities.

 

  III. A record of each vote cast by RSA on behalf of the Funds.

 

  IV. A copy of any document created by RSA that was material to making a decision on how to vote proxies on behalf of the Funds or that memorialize the basis for that decision.

 

  V. A copy of each written request by the Board of Trustees or CCO of the Funds for information on how RSA voted proxies on behalf of the Funds, and a copy of any written response by RSA to any (written or verbal) request for information on how RSA voted proxies on behalf of the Funds.

The foregoing records will be retained for at least six (6) years from the end of the year the document was created. RSA may rely on one or more third parties to create and retain the records referred to in items II and III above.

SECTION 7 - REPORTING AND DISCLOSURES

A copy of these policies and procedures will be provided to the Funds’ CCO and the Board of Trustees anytime upon request and at least annually for review and approval. In addition, information on each proxy voted will be provided to the Funds’ CCO or designee, in accordance with the Funds’ written policies and procedures.

 

B-2


Exhibit A

Reality Shares Advisors, LLC

Proxy Voting Guidelines

It is intended that these Proxy Voting Guidelines will be applied with a measure of flexibility. Accordingly, except as otherwise provided in the Reality Shares Advisors, LLC Proxy Voting Policy, the Firm may vote a proxy contrary to the below guidelines if it is determined that such action is in the best interests of the Funds.

RSA will vote “For” the following voting issues:

Board Majority of Independent Directors

Board Committee membership exclusively of independent Directors

Fixed Board size

Shareholders ability to remove Directors

Shareholders proposal to have independent Chair Director

Ratification of auditors

Confidential voting

D&O indemnification

Employee stock purchase plans

Shareholder ratification of golden parachutes

Shareholder approval to implement ESOP

Shareholder ability to remove Directors with or without cause

Shareholder electing directors to fill board vacancies

401(k) plans for employees

Expensing stocks options

Minor bylaw changes

Corporate name changes

Changing date, time, and/or location of annual meeting

Disclosure of CEO succession planning

Shareholder voting required for poison pills

RSA will vote “Against” the following voting issues:

Directors required to own minimum amount of company stock

Limit of tenure of Directors

Poison pills without shareholder approval

Mandatory retirement age for Directors

Amending bylaws without shareholder consent

Restriction on shareholders’ ability to call special meetings

Requiring supermajority of shareholder votes

RSA will vote “Case by Case” for the following voting issues and for any issues not listed in these guidelines:

Auditor indemnification and limits of liability

Limiting non-audit services by auditor

Shareholder proposals on audit firm rotation

Election of Directors

Compensation Committee members

Management “say on pay” proposals

 

B-3


Proposals to classify/stagger the Board

Advance notice proposals

Anti-green mail proposals

Proxy expense reimbursements

Change state of incorporation

To increase common shares of company

 

B-4


PROSPECTUS

February 29, 2016

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust

 

LOGO

 

    

Principal U.S. Listing Exchange

   Ticker Symbol
Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF    NASDAQ STOCK MARKET    QQDV
Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF    NYSE ARCA, INC.    DIVS

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER:

REALITY SHARES ADVISORS, LLC

 

THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.


About This Prospectus

This prospectus has been arranged into different sections so that you can easily review this important information. For detailed information about the Funds please see:

 

Table of Contents

 

    Page  
Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF     

Investment Objective

    1   

Fund Fees and Expenses

    1   

Principal Investment Strategies

    1   

Principal Risks

    5   

Performance Information

    7   

Investment Adviser

    7   

Portfolio Manager

    7   
Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF   

Investment Objective

    8   

Fund Fees and Expenses

    8   

Principal Investment Strategies

    8   

Principal Risks

    12   

Performance Information

    14   

Investment Adviser

    14   

Portfolio Manager

    14   

Summary Information about the Purchase
and Sale of Fund
Shares and Taxes

    14   

More Information about
the Funds’ Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies

    15   
    Page  

More Information About
the Funds’ Principal Risks

    16   

Information about Portfolio Holdings

    19   

Investment Adviser, Portfolio Manager and Index Provider

    19   

Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares

    20   

Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares

    20   

Pricing of Fund Shares

    20   

Dividends and Distributions

    21   

Taxes

    21   

Premium/Discount Information

    23   

Investments by Registered Investment Companies

    23   

Financial Highlights

    24   

Additional Information

    24   

How to Obtain More Information about the Funds

    Back Cover   
 

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      i   


Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF

 

Investment Objective

The investment objective of the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF (the “Fund”) is to track the performance of the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index (the “Benchmark Index”).

Fund Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Most investors also will incur customary brokerage commissions when buying or selling shares of the Fund, which are not reflected in the table or the Example.

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

 

Management Fees

    0.85

Other Expenses 1

    0.00

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

    0.85
  1    

Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

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 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 when purchasing or selling shares of the Fund. If the commissions were included in the Example, your costs would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

      1 Year     3 Years  
      $  95        $  296   

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 Fund 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 new, portfolio turnover information is not yet available.

Principal Investment Strategies

Overview of Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to track the performance, before fees and expenses, of the Benchmark Index. The Benchmark Index was developed by Reality Shares, Inc., the parent company of Reality Shares Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, in conjunction with The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. The Benchmark Index is comprised of listed index options on the NASDAQ-100 Index and listed options on exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) designed to track the NASDAQ-100 Index. The Benchmark Index is designed to provide exposure to the aggregate value of ordinary dividends expected to be paid on the securities included in the NASDAQ-100 Index (“NASDAQ-100 Securities”). These are sometimes referred to as “expected dividend values.” The Adviser believes expected dividend values generally correspond to the aggregate value of actual dividend payments on the NASDAQ-100 Securities. These are sometimes referred to as “actual dividend values.” Unlike more traditional products, the Fund does not seek to produce returns based on the appreciation in the stock market price of NASDAQ-100 Securities. Instead, the Fund, by investing in the options included in the Benchmark Index, seeks to produce returns based primarily on increases in the expected dividend values of NASDAQ-100 Securities. The Benchmark Index is described in more detail below.

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      1   


Description of the Benchmark Index

An option contract is a type of financial contract in which the purchaser of the contract has the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) a financial asset, such as an index or ETF, at an agreed-upon price, known as the “strike price,” during a specific time period or on a specific exercise date. The seller of an option contract has a corresponding obligation to sell or buy, as applicable, the financial asset at the strike price during the option period or on the exercise date. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the issuer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying asset during the option period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the seller of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying asset during the option period.

The price of an option included in the Benchmark Index reflects several factors, including:

 

  n  

aggregate trading prices of the NASDAQ-100 Securities,

 

  n  

exposure to interest rate changes, and

 

  n  

expected dividend values.

The Benchmark Index consists of a series of option contracts that, when combined together, are designed to eliminate the effect of changes in the trading prices of NASDAQ-100 Securities and the effect of interest rate changes on the prices of the option contracts included in the Benchmark Index. As a result, the value of the Benchmark Index is designed to change based primarily on changes in the expected dividend values reflected in the options’ prices. These option combinations are designed to reflect expected dividend values and eliminate the Benchmark Index’s exposure to changes in the trading prices of NASDAQ-100 Securities as illustrated below.

 

LOGO

This combination of option contracts is often referred to as a “jelly roll.” A typical jelly roll is created by buying and selling four options at the same time, at the same strike price, on the same underlying asset; in this case, either options on the NASDAQ-100 Index or options on a NASDAQ-100 Index ETF. The first combination consists of selling a call and buying a put at the same strike price with a longer-dated maturity (the “Longer-Dated Combination”). The second combination consists of buying a call and selling a put at the same strike price but with a shorter-dated maturity (the “Shorter-Dated Combination”). The simultaneous purchase of the Shorter-Dated Combination and Longer-Dated Combination at the same strike price is designed to eliminate the effect of changes in the trading prices of the NASDAQ-100 Securities on the price of each option. As a result, changes in the aggregate trading prices of NASDAQ-100 Securities should not change the value of the Benchmark Index.

The Shorter-Dated Combination and Longer-Dated Combination do not, however, eliminate exposure to interest rate changes or changes in the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the options. The Benchmark Index includes additional offsetting option contracts designed to eliminate the options’ exposure to interest rate changes, leaving exposure to the expected dividend values in the prices of each option contract. The value of the Benchmark Index therefore is designed to change in accordance with changes in the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the option contracts, without the effect of trading prices or interest rate changes. As market expectations for dividends change over time, changes in the expected dividend values reflected in the options’ prices between the expiration of the Shorter-Dated Combination and the expiration of the Longer-Dated Combination change the value of the Benchmark Index.

Before making an investment in the Fund you should know:

 

  n  

The Fund will generally have a positive rate of return if the actual future growth in dividends exceeds the expected growth in dividends as reflected in the market prices at which the Fund buys and sells the option contracts that are used to implement the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

2   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


  n  

The Fund generally will have a zero rate of return , excluding fees and transaction costs, if the actual future growth in dividends equals the expected growth in dividends as reflected in the market prices at which the Fund buys and sells the option contracts that are used to implement the Fund’s investment strategy, even though actual dividends may have grown during the holding period of this investment .

 

  n  

The Fund generally will have a negative rate of return if the actual future growth in dividends is below the expected growth in dividends as reflected in the market prices at which the Fund buys and sells the option contracts that are used to implement the Fund’s investment strategy, even though actual dividends may have grown during the holding period of this investment .

 

  n  

Unlike more traditional products, the Fund does not seek returns based on appreciation in the stock market price of equity securities. This means that the returns on your Fund investment are not intended to correlate to the returns of the overall stock market (for example, the value of your Fund investment may go down when overall equity markets go up, or vice versa ).

 

  n  

The Fund does not produce dividend income and is not an appropriate investment if you are seeking dividend income.

 

  n  

The investment returns of the Fund are treated for tax purposes as capital gains or losses, as applicable. See the section of this Prospectus entitled “Taxes” for more information.

Correlation of Actual and Expected Dividend Values

The Adviser’s research indicates there historically has been a high correlation between the aggregate value of actual dividend payments made on NASDAQ-100 Securities and the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of NASDAQ-100 Index options, and accordingly, the Benchmark Index. While actual dividend value and expected dividend value may at times differ significantly, the following diagrams present three scenarios illustrating the potential impact of changes in the value of actual dividend payments on the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the option combinations and how this may change the value of the Benchmark Index. The following diagrams do not represent all market scenarios, but are presented to show the potential relationship between actual dividend values and expected dividend values in accordance with the Adviser’s research. The diagrams do not represent the actual performance of the Fund.

The Black Dot in each diagram represents the starting (or purchased) expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option combinations included in the Benchmark Index. The Gray Dot represents the actual dividend value on the same day. The Square reflects the point in time when the actual dividend value and expected dividend value converge.

Scenario 1: Actual dividend value increases and exceeds expected dividend value.

In this scenario, actual dividend value grows over time and pulls the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option combinations up from the starting (or purchased) value. It is expected the Benchmark Index value will increase commensurate to a level where the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option combinations exceed the starting (or purchased) value.

 

LOGO

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      3   


Scenario 2: Actual dividend value decreases and expected dividend value also decreases.

In this scenario, actual dividend value decreases over time and pulls the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option combinations below the starting (or purchased) value. It is expected the Benchmark Index value will decrease commensurate to a level where the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option combinations fall from the starting (or purchased) value.

 

LOGO

Scenario 3: Actual dividend value increases but is below expected dividend value.

In this scenario, actual dividend value increases but to a level that is still below the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option combinations. It is expected the Benchmark Index value will decrease.

 

LOGO

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund’s assets (other than collateral held from securities lending, if any) will be invested in the options included in the Benchmark Index. The Fund generally uses a representative sampling investment approach to track the performance of the Benchmark Index. This means that the Fund invests in a subset, or “sample,” of the options included in the Benchmark Index and whose performance characteristics match the general performance characteristics of the Benchmark Index as a whole. For this reason, the statements made herein concerning the option contracts included in the Benchmark Index and the performance of the Benchmark Index apply to the Fund unless otherwise expressly noted.

Investments in Other Instruments

The Fund reserves the right to invest up to 20% of its assets in equity securities and other derivative instruments relating to the Benchmark Index that the Adviser believes will help the Fund track the Benchmark Index (and not for the purpose of producing dividend income). In simplest terms, a “derivative” is an instrument, such as swap

 

4   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


contract or futures contract, whose value is derived from an underlying reference asset, such as an interest rate or index. The Fund may engage in swap transactions in order to gain exposure to the expected dividend value of NASDAQ-100 Securities or to eliminate the impact to the Fund’s portfolio of price fluctuations associated with NASDAQ-100 Securities. The Fund may enter into interest rate swap transactions and futures transactions designed to eliminate the impact of changing interest rates on the value of the Fund’s investments.

Diversification

The Fund is considered to be “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and may invest in fewer instruments or in the securities of fewer issuers than a diversified fund. To the extent the Fund’s Benchmark Index concentrates (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total assets) in the securities of a particular industry or group of industries, the Fund will concentrate its investments to approximately the same extent as its Benchmark Index.

Principal Risks

As with all investments, the value of your investment in the Fund can be expected to go up or down. You can lose money on your investment, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of your investment. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The principal risk factors affecting your investments in the Fund are set forth below. Each of these factors could cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decline over short- or long-term periods.

Dividend Payout Risk – The success of the Fund’s investment strategy is highly dependent on the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the option contracts held by the Fund. The value of an investment in the Fund will decrease, and you could lose money, if the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the option contracts in the Fund’s portfolio decrease. This generally will occur if the value of actual dividends paid on NASDAQ-100 Securities goes down. The aggregate value of actual dividends paid on NASDAQ-100 Securities and expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s options may be lower for a variety of reasons, including an actual or potential decline in the health of the overall economy, lower corporate earnings levels, changes to corporate dividend policies, fluctuating interest rates and other factors. Each of these factors could have a negative impact on the value of the actual dividend payments on NASDAQ-100 Securities and the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s option contracts and could have a negative impact on Fund returns. Further, the expected dividend value reflected in the price of an option reflects only ordinary dividends and does not reflect the issuance of special dividends. Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund is not expected to increase in response to the issuance of any special dividends paid on NASDAQ-100 Securities. In addition, as of the date of this prospectus, the dividends paid on ten NASDAQ-100 Securities accounted for approximately 75% of the value of actual dividends paid on all NASDAQ-100 Securities, although such ratio may be higher or lower on any particular day. If any of the issuers of such NASDAQ-100 Securities determined to reduce the value of dividends paid or cease issuing dividends altogether, the value of your investment could decrease, possibly significantly.

Dividend Volatility Risk – The value of actual dividend payments on NASDAQ-100 Securities and the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s option contracts are not constant and will vary from year to year and quarter to quarter. Companies and industries that have historically paid dividends may lower their dividends or may cease making such payments altogether. These changes can happen without warning and the variation in the value of actual dividends and expected dividend values from quarter to quarter or year to year can be significant. Furthermore, as with other securities based on future values, the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the listed option contracts held by the Fund, may go up or down as a result of uncertainty of information, perceived differences in the value of the contracts over time, changes in supply and demand, and other factors. Each of these factors could have a negative impact on the performance of the Fund and cause Fund returns to vary significantly (i.e., go up or down) from period to period.

Dividend Isolation Strategy Risk – The investment returns of the Fund are based primarily on the change in expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the options held by the Fund . More specifically, the investment returns of the Fund generally are expected to increase (or decrease) as actual dividend payments on NASDAQ-100 Securities increase (or decrease) and these changes cause the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the options held by the Fund to increase (or decrease) over time. There can be no guarantees that this investment strategy will be successful or that this strategy will produce positive investment returns. Furthermore, although the Adviser’s research indicates the value of actual dividend payments has historically been highly correlated to expected dividend values, there can be no guarantee that this correlation will continue or that the Fund’s investment returns will be highly correlated to the value of actual dividends paid on NASDAQ-100

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      5   


Securities over short or even long periods. Factors other than the value of actual dividends paid may, from time to time, cause an increase or decrease in the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s options. For example, as with other types of market projections, expected dividend values reflected in the price of an option may go up or down as a result of uncertainty of information and perceived differences in value, changes in supply and demand or in response to market and other events, such as corporate earnings announcements, changing interest rates or potential economic or political developments. Although it is anticipated that actual dividends payments and expected dividend values will be highly correlated, there may be instances where the value of actual dividends paid on NASDAQ-100 Securities increases, but the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option contracts held by the Fund decreases. This would have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance and could cause you to lose money.

Index Tracking Error Risk – As with all index funds, the performance of the Fund may vary from the performance of the Benchmark Index as a result of Fund fees and expenses, the use of representative sampling and other factors. Therefore, although the performance of the Fund is designed to track the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the options included in the Benchmark Index, there can be no guarantees that the Fund will achieve this objective.

Interest Rate Risk – The principal components of the value of an option held by the Fund are the trading prices of the NASDAQ-100 Securities, expected dividend value and interest rate exposure. By combining individual options through a series of transactions known as a “jelly roll,” the impact of market price is designed to be eliminated, while leaving exposure to expected dividend values, interest rates and carrying costs on the underlying security. Generally, if left unhedged, the value of a jelly roll option combination held by the Fund would be expected to decrease if interest rates rise and to increase if interest rates fall. The Fund’s other portfolio holdings also may be subject to interest rate risk such that the value of such holdings may decrease if interest rates increase. The Fund seeks to hedge or eliminate the impact of changing interest rates and carrying costs on the value of its portfolio holdings through the use of additional offsetting option combinations, or swaps and futures contracts. However, there can be no guarantees that the Fund’s hedging strategies will be successful. The interest rate hedge may not fully capture the rate associated with carrying costs. To the extent these strategies are not successful, the value of the Fund could increase or decrease based on changes in interest rates and carrying costs, and you could lose money.

Investments in Other ETFs Risk – The risks of owning shares of an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities of the ETF, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio securities. The shares of certain ETFs may trade at a premium or discount to their intrinsic value. When the Fund invests in an ETF, in addition to directly bearing the expenses associated with its own operations, it will bear a pro rata portion of the ETF’s expenses.

Liquidity Risk – Liquidity risk is the risk that certain instruments may be difficult or impossible to buy or sell at the time and the price that the Fund would like. The Fund may have to lower the price, sell other securities instead or forego an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on Fund management or performance. With respect to options, shorter-dated options (i.e., options exercisable in the near future) may be more liquid than longer-dated options (i.e., options exercisable at a later date). Even though the options held by the Fund are traded on an exchange, there can be no guarantee that such trading markets will be liquid at all times.

Market Risk – Market risk is the risk that the market price of a security may move up and down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. The market prices of the options held by the Fund are influenced by many factors. Although the Fund seeks to limit the influence of all such factors other than the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the options in its portfolio, there can be no guarantees these strategies will be successful. As a result, the performance of the Fund could vary from its stated objective and you could lose money.

New Fund Risk – The Fund is new, and the Adviser has a limited history of managing ETFs. Accordingly, there is a risk that the Fund may not employ a successful investment strategy or successfully implement its strategy and that the Fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale. As a result, the performance of the Fund could vary from its stated objective and you could lose money.

Non-Correlation Risk – The Fund is not designed to produce investment returns based on the stock market price of NASDAQ-100 Securities. This means that the returns on your Fund investment are not intended to correlate to the stock market returns of NASDAQ-100 Securities or equity securities in general. The value of your Fund investment may go down when the stock market return of NASDAQ-100 Securities or equity securities in general are up.

 

6   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


Non-Diversification Risk – The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it may invest in fewer instruments or issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or other occurrence and may therefore be more volatile than a more diversified fund.

Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV – As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although market prices for Fund shares generally are expected to closely correspond to the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”), it is expected that, as with all ETFs, there will be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares are higher or lower than the NAV of such shares. The risk that shares of the Fund may trade at prices other than NAV is heightened in times of market stress or volatility. There can be no guarantee that an active market for Fund shares will develop or be maintained.

Tax Risk – The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments, such as swaps or option contracts, tied to dividend returns, will generally not generate income eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income subject to lower capital gains rates when received by individual shareholders or be eligible for the dividends-received deduction when received by corporate shareholders. There is also uncertainty regarding characterization of the Fund’s investments in derivative instruments with respect to the income and asset diversification tests applicable to the Fund’s qualification as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. If the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) were to issue public guidance that results in an adverse determination relating to the treatment of the Fund’s investments in such complex securities, it could fail to qualify as a regulated investment company and may likely need to significantly change its investment strategies, which could adversely affect the Fund. If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company, it would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and its distributions would generally be taxable as dividends. Please see the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) for a more detailed discussion, including the availability of relief for certain de minimus failures by the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company.

Use of Derivatives Risk – Investments in options, swaps, forward contracts and futures contracts are subject to a number of risks, including correlation risk, interest rate risk, market risk, leverage risk and liquidity risk. Correlation risk is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the derivative’s underlying reference asset, rate or index. Interest rate risk and market risk are described above. Leverage risk is the risk that the use of a derivative will amplify the effects of market volatility on the Fund’s share price or cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations pursuant to the derivative contract. The Fund’s derivative investments will be consistent with its investment objective and will not be used to produce leveraged returns. The Fund will not borrow to produce leverage. Liquidity risk is described above. The Fund’s use of forward contracts and swaps is also subject to credit risk and valuation risk. Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to a contract will default or otherwise become unable to honor a financial obligation. Valuation risk is the risk that the derivative may be difficult to value and/or valued incorrectly. Each of these factors could have a negative impact on the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy, could cause the Fund to lose money and could have a negative impact on the value of your investment.

Volatility Risk – The prices of the options contracts held by the Fund, and, therefore, the value of your investment, may change rapidly and without warning throughout the trading day.

Performance Information

The Fund is new and therefore has no performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s return based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to a broad measure of market performance.

Investment Adviser

Reality Shares Advisors, LLC

Portfolio Manager

Eric Ervin, President of the Adviser, has managed the Fund since its inception.

For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund shares, taxes and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Summary Information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares and Taxes” on page 15 of the prospectus.

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      7   


Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF

 

Investment Objective

The investment objective of the Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF (the “Fund”) is to track the performance of the Reality Shares DIVS Index (the “Benchmark Index”).

Fund Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Most investors also will incur customary brokerage commissions when buying or selling shares of the Fund, which are not reflected in the table or the Example.

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

 

Management Fees

    0.85

Other Expenses 1

    0.00

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

    0.85
  1    

Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

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 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 when purchasing or selling shares of the Fund. If the commissions were included in the Example, your costs would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

      1 Year     3 Years  
    $   95      $   296   

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 Fund 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 new, portfolio turnover information is not yet available.

Principal Investment Strategies

Overview of Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund seeks to track the performance, before fees and expenses, of the Benchmark Index. The Benchmark Index was developed by Reality Shares, Inc., the parent company of the Adviser. The Benchmark Index is comprised of listed index options on the S&P 500 Index and listed options on exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) designed to track the S&P 500 Index. The Benchmark Index is designed to provide exposure to the aggregate value of ordinary dividends expected to be paid on the securities included in the S&P 500 Index (“S&P 500 Securities”). These are sometimes referred to as “expected dividend values.” The Adviser believes expected dividend values generally correspond to the aggregate value of actual dividend payments on the S&P 500 Securities. These are sometimes referred to as “actual dividend values.” Unlike more traditional products, the Fund does not seek to produce returns based on the appreciation in the stock market price of S&P 500 Securities. Instead, the Fund, by investing in the options included in the Benchmark Index, seeks to produce returns based primarily on increases in the expected dividend values of S&P 500 Securities. The Benchmark Index is described in more detail below.

 

8   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


Description of the Benchmark Index

An option contract is a type of financial contract in which the purchaser of the contract has the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) a financial asset, such as an index or ETF, at an agreed-upon price, known as the “strike price,” during a specific time period or on a specific exercise date. The seller of an option contract has a corresponding obligation to sell or buy, as applicable, the financial asset at the strike price during the option period or on the exercise date. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the issuer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying asset during the option period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the seller of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying asset during the option period.

The price of an option included in the Benchmark Index reflects several factors, including:

 

  n  

aggregate trading prices of the S&P 500 Securities,

 

  n  

exposure to interest rate changes, and

 

  n  

expected dividend values.

The Benchmark Index consists of a series of option contracts that, when combined together, are designed to eliminate the effect of changes in the trading prices of S&P 500 Securities and the effect of interest rate changes on the prices of the option contracts included in the Benchmark Index. As a result, the value of the Benchmark Index is designed to change based primarily on changes in the expected dividend values reflected in the options’ prices. These option combinations are designed to reflect expected dividend values and eliminate the Benchmark Index’s exposure to changes in the trading prices of S&P 500 Securities as illustrated below.

 

LOGO

This combination of option contracts is often referred to as a “jelly roll.” A typical jelly roll is created by buying and selling four options at the same time, at the same strike price, on the same underlying asset; in this case, either options on the S&P 500 Index or options on an S&P 500 Index ETF. The first combination consists of selling a call and buying a put at the same strike price with a longer-dated maturity (the “Longer-Dated Combination”). The second combination consists of buying a call and selling a put at the same strike price but with a shorter-dated maturity (the “Shorter-Dated Combination”). The simultaneous purchase of the Shorter-Dated Combination and Longer-Dated Combination at the same strike price is designed to eliminate the effect of changes in the trading prices of the S&P 500 Securities on the price of each option. As a result, changes in the aggregate trading prices of S&P 500 Securities should not change the value of the Benchmark Index.

The Shorter-Dated Combination and Longer-Dated Combination do not, however, eliminate exposure to interest rate changes or changes in the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the options. The Benchmark Index includes additional offsetting option contracts designed to eliminate the options’ exposure to interest rate changes, leaving exposure to the expected dividend values in the prices of each option contract. The value of the Benchmark Index therefore is designed to change in accordance with changes in the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the option contracts, without the effect of trading prices or interest rate changes. As market expectations for dividends change over time, changes in the expected dividend values reflected in the options’ prices between the expiration of the Shorter-Dated Combination and the expiration of the Longer-Dated Combination change the value of the Benchmark Index.

Before making an investment in the Fund you should know:

 

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The Fund will generally have a positive rate of return if the actual future growth in dividends exceeds the expected growth in dividends as reflected in the market prices at which the Fund buys and sells the option contracts that are used to implement the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

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The Fund generally will have a zero rate of return , excluding fees and transaction costs, if the actual future growth in dividends equals the expected growth in dividends as reflected in the market prices at which the Fund buys and sells the option contracts that are used to implement the Fund’s investment strategy, even though actual dividends may have grown during the holding period of this investment .

 

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The Fund generally will have a negative rate of return if the actual future growth in dividends is below the expected growth in dividends as reflected in the market prices at which the Fund buys and sells the option contracts that are used to implement the Fund’s investment strategy, even though actual dividends may have grown during the holding period of this investment .

 

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Unlike more traditional products, the Fund does not seek returns based on appreciation in the stock market price of equity securities. This means that the returns on your Fund investment are not intended to correlate to the returns of the overall stock market (for example, the value of your Fund investment may go down when overall equity markets go up, or vice versa ).

 

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The Fund does not produce dividend income and is not an appropriate investment if you are seeking dividend income.

 

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The investment returns of the Fund are treated for tax purposes as capital gains or losses, as applicable. See the section of this Prospectus entitled “Taxes” for more information.

Correlation of Actual and Expected Dividend Values

The Adviser’s research indicates there historically has been a high correlation between the aggregate value of actual dividend payments made on S&P 500 Securities and the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of S&P 500 Index options, and accordingly, the Benchmark Index. While actual dividend value and expected dividend value may at times differ significantly, the following diagrams present three scenarios illustrating the potential impact of changes in the value of actual dividend payments on the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the option combinations and how this may change the value of the Benchmark Index. The following diagrams do not represent all market scenarios, but are presented to show the potential relationship between actual dividend values and expected dividend values in accordance with the Adviser’s research. The diagrams do not represent the actual performance of the Fund.

The Black Dot in each diagram represents the starting (or purchased) expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option combinations included in the Benchmark Index. The Gray Dot represents the actual dividend value on the same day. The Square reflects the point in time when the actual dividend value and expected dividend value converge.

Scenario 1: Actual dividend value increases and exceeds expected dividend value.

In this scenario, actual dividend value grows over time and pulls the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option combinations up from the starting (or purchased) value. It is expected the Benchmark Index value will increase commensurate to a level where the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option combinations exceed the starting (or purchased) value.

 

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Scenario 2: Actual dividend value decreases and expected dividend value also decreases.

In this scenario, actual dividend value decreases over time and pulls the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option combinations below the starting (or purchased) value. It is expected the Benchmark Index value will decrease commensurate to a level where the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option combinations fall from the starting (or purchased) value.

 

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Scenario 3: Actual dividend value increases but is below expected dividend value.

In this scenario, actual dividend value increases but to a level that is still below the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option combinations. It is expected the Benchmark Index value will decrease.

 

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Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund’s assets (other than collateral held from securities lending, if any) will be invested in the options included in the Benchmark Index. The Fund generally uses a representative sampling investment approach to track the performance of the Benchmark Index. This means that the Fund invests in a subset, or “sample,” of the options included in the Benchmark Index and whose performance characteristics match the general performance characteristics of the Benchmark Index as a whole. For this reason, the statements made herein concerning the option contracts included in the Benchmark Index and the performance of the Benchmark Index apply to the Fund unless otherwise expressly noted.

Investments in Other Instruments

The Fund reserves the right to invest up to 20% of its assets in equity securities and other derivative instruments relating to the Benchmark Index that the Adviser believes will help the Fund track the Benchmark Index (and not for the purpose of producing dividend income). In simplest terms, a “derivative” is an instrument, such as swap

 

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contract or futures contract, whose value is derived from an underlying reference asset, such as an interest rate or index. The Fund may engage in swap transactions in order to gain exposure to the expected dividend value of S&P 500 Securities or to eliminate the impact to the Fund’s portfolio of price fluctuations associated with S&P 500 Securities. The Fund may enter into interest rate swap transactions and futures transactions designed to eliminate the impact of changing interest rates on the value of the Fund’s investments.

Diversification

The Fund is considered to be “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and may invest in fewer instruments or in the securities of fewer issuers than a diversified fund. To the extent the Fund’s Benchmark Index concentrates (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total assets) in the securities of a particular industry or group of industries, the Fund will concentrate its investments to approximately the same extent as its Benchmark Index.

Principal Risks

As with all investments, the value of your investment in the Fund can be expected to go up or down. You can lose money on your investment, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount of your investment. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The principal risk factors affecting your investments in the Fund are set forth below. Each of these factors could cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decline over short- or long-term periods.

Dividend Payout Risk – The success of the Fund’s investment strategy is highly dependent on the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the option contracts held by the Fund. The value of an investment in the Fund will decrease, and you could lose money, if the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the option contracts in the Fund’s portfolio decrease. This generally will occur if the value of actual dividends paid on S&P 500 Securities goes down. The value of actual dividends paid on S&P 500 Securities and expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s options may be lower for a variety of reasons, including an actual or potential decline in the health of the overall economy, lower corporate earnings levels, changes to corporate dividend policies, fluctuating interest rates and other factors. Each of these factors could have a negative impact on the value of the actual dividend payments on S&P 500 Securities and the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s option contracts and could have a negative impact on Fund returns. Further, the expected dividend value reflected in the price of an option reflects only ordinary dividends and does not reflect the issuance of special dividends. Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund is not expected to increase in response to the issuance of any special dividends paid on S&P 500 Securities.

Dividend Volatility Risk – The value of actual dividend payments on S&P 500 Securities and the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s option contracts are not constant and will vary from year to year and quarter to quarter. Companies and industries that have historically paid dividends may lower their dividends or may cease making such payments altogether. These changes can happen without warning and the variation in the value of actual dividends and expected dividend values from quarter to quarter or year to year can be significant. Furthermore, as with other securities based on future values, the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the listed option contracts held by the Fund, may go up or down as a result of uncertainty of information, perceived differences in the value of the contracts over time, changes in supply and demand, and other factors. Each of these factors could have a negative impact on the performance of the Fund and cause Fund returns to vary significantly (i.e., go up or down) from period to period.

Dividend Isolation Strategy Risk – The investment returns of the Fund are based primarily on the change in expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the options held by the Fund . More specifically, the investment returns of the Fund generally are expected to increase (or decrease) as actual dividend payments on S&P 500 Securities increase (or decrease) and these changes cause the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the options held by the Fund to increase (or decrease) over time. There can be no guarantees that this investment strategy will be successful or that this strategy will produce positive investment returns. Furthermore, although the Adviser’s research indicates the value of actual dividend payments has historically been highly correlated to expected dividend values, there can be no guarantee that this correlation will continue or that the Fund’s investment returns will be highly correlated to the value of actual dividends paid on S&P 500 Securities over short or even long periods. Factors other than the value of actual dividends paid may, from time to time, cause an increase or decrease in the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s options. For example, as with other types of market projections, expected dividend values reflected in the price of an option may go up or down as a result of uncertainty of information and perceived differences in value, changes in supply and demand or in response to market and other events, such as corporate earnings announcements, changing

 

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interest rates or potential economic or political developments. Although it is anticipated that actual dividends payments and expected dividend values will be highly correlated, there may be instances where the value of actual dividends paid on S&P 500 Securities increases, but the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the option contracts held by the Fund decreases. This would have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance and could cause you to lose money.

Index Tracking Error Risk – As with all index funds, the performance of the Fund may vary from the performance of the Benchmark Index as a result of Fund fees and expenses, the use of representative sampling and other factors. Therefore, although the performance of the Fund is designed to track the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the options included in the Benchmark Index, there can be no guarantees that the Fund will achieve this objective.

Interest Rate Risk – The principal components of the value of an option held by the Fund are the trading prices of the S&P 500 Securities, expected dividend value and interest rate exposure. By combining individual options through a series of transactions known as a “jelly roll,” the impact of market price is designed to be eliminated, while leaving exposure to expected dividend values, interest rates and carrying costs on the underlying security. Generally, if left unhedged, the value of a jelly roll option combination held by the Fund would be expected to decrease if interest rates rise and to increase if interest rates fall. The Fund’s other portfolio holdings also may be subject to interest rate risk such that the value of such holdings may decrease if interest rates increase. The Fund seeks to hedge or eliminate the impact of changing interest rates and carrying costs on the value of its portfolio holdings through the use of additional offsetting option combinations, or swaps and futures contracts. However, there can be no guarantees that the Fund’s hedging strategies will be successful. The interest rate hedge may not fully capture the rate associated with carrying costs. To the extent these strategies are not successful, the value of the Fund could increase or decrease based on changes in interest rates and carrying costs, and you could lose money.

Investments in Other ETFs Risk – The risks of owning shares of an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities of the ETF, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio securities. The shares of certain ETFs may trade at a premium or discount to NAV. When the Fund invests in an ETF, in addition to directly bearing the expenses associated with its own operations, it will bear a pro rata portion of the ETF’s expenses.

Liquidity Risk – Liquidity risk is the risk that certain instruments may be difficult or impossible to buy or sell at the time and the price that the Fund would like. The Fund may have to lower the price, sell other securities instead or forego an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on Fund management or performance. With respect to options, shorter-dated options (i.e., options exercisable in the near future) may be more liquid than longer-dated options (i.e., options exercisable at a later date). Even though the options held by the Fund are traded on an exchange, there can be no guarantee that such trading markets will be liquid at all times.

Market Risk – Market risk is the risk that the market price of a security may move up and down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. The market prices of the options held by the Fund are influenced by many factors. Although the Fund seeks to limit the influence of all such factors other than the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of the options in its portfolio, there can be no guarantees these strategies will be successful. As a result, the performance of the Fund could vary from its stated objective and you could lose money.

New Fund Risk – The Fund is new, and the Adviser has a limited history of managing ETFs. Accordingly, there is a risk that the Fund may not employ a successful investment strategy or successfully implement its strategy and that the Fund may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale. As a result, the performance of the Fund could vary from its stated objective and you could lose money.

Non-Correlation Risk – The Fund is not designed to produce investment returns based on the stock market price of S&P 500 Securities. This means that the returns on your Fund investment are not intended to correlate to the stock market returns of S&P 500 Securities or equity securities in general. The value of your Fund investment may go down when the stock market return of S&P 500 Securities or equity securities in general are up.

Non-Diversification Risk – The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it may invest in fewer instruments or issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or other occurrence and may therefore be more volatile than a more diversified fund.

Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV – As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although market prices for Fund shares generally are expected to

 

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closely correspond to the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”), it is expected that, as with all ETFs, there will be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares are higher or lower than the NAV of such shares. The risk that shares of the Fund may trade at prices other than NAV is heightened in times of market stress or volatility. There can be no guarantee that an active market for Fund shares will develop or be maintained.

Tax Risk – The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments, such as swaps or option contracts, tied to dividend returns, will generally not generate income eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income subject to lower capital gains rates when received by individual shareholders or be eligible for the dividends-received deduction when received by corporate shareholders. There is also uncertainty regarding characterization of the Fund’s investments in derivative instruments with respect to the income and asset diversification tests applicable to the Fund’s qualification as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. If the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) were to issue public guidance that results in an adverse determination relating to the treatment of the Fund’s investments in such complex securities, it could fail to qualify as a regulated investment company and may likely need to significantly change its investment strategies, which could adversely affect the Fund. If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company, it would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and its distributions would generally be taxable as dividends. Please see the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) for a more detailed discussion, including the availability of relief for certain de minimus failures by the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company.

Use of Derivatives Risk – Investments in options, swaps, forward contracts and futures contracts are subject to a number of risks, including correlation risk, interest rate risk, market risk, leverage risk and liquidity risk. Correlation risk is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the derivative’s underlying reference asset, rate or index. Interest rate risk and market risk are described above. Leverage risk is the risk that the use of a derivative will amplify the effects of market volatility on the Fund’s share price or cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations pursuant to the derivative contract. The Fund’s derivative investments will be consistent with its investment objective and will not be used to produce leveraged returns. The Fund will not borrow to produce leverage. Liquidity risk is described above. The Fund’s use of forward contracts and swaps is also subject to credit risk and valuation risk. Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to a contract will default or otherwise become unable to honor a financial obligation. Valuation risk is the risk that the derivative may be difficult to value and/or valued incorrectly. Each of these factors could have a negative impact on the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy, could cause the Fund to lose money and could have a negative impact on the value of your investment.

Volatility Risk – The prices of the options contracts held by the Fund, and, therefore, the value of your investment, may change rapidly and without warning throughout the trading day.

Performance Information

The Fund is new and therefore has no performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s return based on net assets and comparing the Fund’s performance to a broad measure of market performance.

Investment Adviser

Reality Shares Advisors, LLC

Portfolio Manager

Eric Ervin, President of the Adviser, has managed the Fund since its inception.

For important information about the purchase and sale of Fund shares, taxes and financial intermediary compensation, please see “Summary Information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares and Taxes” below.

Summary Information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares and Taxes

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

As with all ETFs, each individual Fund’s shares are listed on national securities exchanges, are bought and sold through broker-dealers and may not be purchased or redeemed directly with the Funds. Each Fund’s shares trade in the secondary market at market prices, which may be different from a Fund’s NAV. As a result, a Fund’s

 

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shares may trade at a price greater than the NAV (at a premium) or less than the NAV (at a discount). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions or other charges when buying or selling shares of the Funds through a broker-dealer.

The Funds issue and redeem shares at NAV only in large blocks of 25,000 shares or more (“Creation Units”) and only with large institutional investors that have entered into an agreement with the Funds’ distributor in exchange for the deposit or delivery of a basket of securities and/or cash. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares of the Funds are not redeemable securities.

Tax Information

The Funds’ distributions are taxable and will generally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.

More Information About the Funds’ Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies

The Funds’ Investment Objectives

The Funds’ investment objectives are as follows:

 

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The investment objective of the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF is to track the performance of the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index.

 

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The investment objective of the Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF is to track the performance of the Reality Shares DIVS Index.

Each Fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the board of trustees (the “Board”) of Reality Shares ETF Trust (the “Trust”) without shareholder approval.

More Information About the Funds’ Investments

Below is additional information about the securities and other instruments that a Fund may purchase or sell in connection with its principal investment strategies.

Options

Each Fund intends to enter into option contracts. An option is a type of financial contract in which the purchaser of the contract has the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a financial asset, such as a stock, index or ETF, at an agreed-upon price known as the “strike price” during a specific period or on a specific date. A Fund may buy ( i.e. , hold a “long” position in) and sell ( i.e. , hold a “short” position in) put and call options. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the issuer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying security or index during the option period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the seller of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying security or index during the option period.

When a put or call option on a security is exercised, the underlying security is delivered at settlement. 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.

When a Fund sells an option, it receives premium payments from the option’s purchaser. The Fund retains the premium if the purchaser does not exercise the option before the option’s expiration date. If the purchaser exercises the option, the Fund will pay the purchaser the difference between the value of the underlying index or security and the exercise price of the option. The Fund’s gain or loss when selling an option typically will be determined by the premium, the exercise price and the value of the underlying security or index. At the time of selling a call option, the Fund may cover the call option by owning, among other things: (i) the underlying security or, with respect to an index, the portfolio of securities that corresponds to the index; (ii) a call option on the same security or index with the same or lesser exercise price; (iii) a call option on the same security or index with a greater exercise price and segregating cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise prices, or (iv) cash or liquid securities equal to at least the market value of the underlying securities or index. At the time of selling a put option, the Fund may cover the put option by, among other things: (i) purchasing a put option on the same security or index with the same or greater exercise price; (ii) purchasing a put option on the same security or index with a lesser exercise price and segregating cash or liquid securities in an amount

 

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equal to the difference between the exercise prices; or (iii) maintaining the entire exercise price in cash or liquid securities.

Swaps

Each Fund intends to engage in swap transactions. In a typical swap transaction, the parties agree to make future payments to each other based on the change in value a specified rate, index, or asset. Swap transactions are usually done on a net basis, the Fund receiving or paying only the net amount of the two payments. A Fund may engage in dividend swap, total return swap and interest rate swap transactions. In a typical dividend swap transaction, the buyer pays the swap counterparty a negotiated value to receive the difference between the expected dividend values of the underlying stock or index constituents and the actual dividend value paid on the stock or index constituents during the term of the swap contract if the contract was held to maturity. In a typical total return swap, the buyer pays the swap counterparty a premium and is entitled to receive the total return of the underlying security or index, consisting of dividends, capital gains and price appreciation or depreciation. In a typical interest rate swap transaction one stream of future interest payments is exchanged for another. Such transactions often take the form of an exchange of a fixed payment for a variable payment based on a future interest rate.

Futures Contracts and Forward Contracts

A Fund also may invest in exchange-listed futures contracts and forward contracts.

Futures contracts, or “futures,” provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security, index or other asset at a specified future time and at a specified price (with or without delivery required). Futures contracts are standardized contracts traded on a recognized exchange.

Forward contracts, or “forwards,” involve a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a security, index or other asset at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order to make or take future delivery of a specified lot of a particular security or currency for a Fund’s account.

Additional Investments

This prospectus describes the Funds’ principal investment strategies and risks, and the Funds will normally invest in the types of securities described in this prospectus. In addition to the instruments and strategies described in this prospectus, each Fund may invest in other instruments, or use other investment strategies to a lesser extent. These instruments and strategies are described in detail in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) (for information on how to obtain a copy of the SAI see the back cover of this prospectus).

As with all investments, there is no guarantee that a Fund will achieve its investment goal.

More Information About the Funds’ Principal Risks

Investing in a Fund involves risk. There is no guarantee that a Fund will achieve its goals. In fact, no matter how good a job the Adviser does, you could lose money on your investment in a Fund, just as you could with other investments. Each of the below risk factors could cause the value of an investment in a Fund to decline.

Although each Fund’s strategy is designed to produce returns based on the expected dividend value reflected in the prices of its portfolio holdings and to eliminate the impact of changes in trading prices of its portfolio holdings, there is no guarantee this strategy will be successful. The value of your investment in a Fund is based on the value of the instruments the Fund holds. These prices change daily due to economic and other events that affect particular instruments and the market as a whole. These price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or lesser depending on the types of instruments a Fund owns and the markets in which it trades. The impact on a Fund of a change in the value of a single instrument will depend in part on how widely the Fund diversifies its holdings.

The following descriptions provide additional information about some of the risks of investing in the Funds:

Dividend Payout Risk – The value of dividends paid by issuers is not constant and will vary from year to year and quarter to quarter. Companies that have historically paid dividends may lower their dividends or may cease making such payments. The success of a Fund’s strategy is highly dependent on the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of a Fund’s portfolio holdings. A Fund’s returns can be expected to be lower and a Fund may not produce positive investment returns if expected dividend values or actual dividend values remain flat or

 

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declines. The aggregate value of actual dividends paid on the securities underlying a Fund’s portfolio holdings and expected dividend values reflected in the prices of a Fund’s portfolio holdings may be lower than expected for a variety of reasons, including an actual or potential decline in the health of the overall economy, lower corporate earnings levels, changes to corporate dividend policies, fluctuating interest rates and other factors. Such declines may be unexpected and can be short-term or last for a number of years. Since the value of your investment in a Fund is based largely on the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings, decreases in the amount of actual dividends paid or expected dividend values generally will adversely affect the value of the Fund and lower your investment return. Further, the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of a Fund’s portfolio holdings reflects only ordinary dividends and does not reflect the issuance of special dividends. Therefore, the value of your investment in a Fund is not expected to increase in response to the issuance of any special dividends.

Dividend Isolation Strategy Risk – Unlike more traditional funds, the Funds do not seek investment returns based on increases in the secondary market trading price of their portfolio holdings over short or long periods of time. Instead, the Funds seek to produce investment returns based on strategies designed to provide exposure to the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of their portfolio holdings. The value of an investment in a Fund is generally expected to increase as the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of its portfolio holdings goes up. The value of an investment in a Fund is generally expected to decrease as the expected dividend values reflected in the prices of its portfolio holdings goes down. The value of an investment in a Fund is not intended to track the price returns of the securities underlying its portfolio holdings or general equity market returns. There can be no guarantee that a Fund’s investment strategies will be successful or that this strategy will produce positive investment returns.

ETF Shares Trading Risk – Shares of each Fund typically trade at prices that differ from (and can be below) their net asset values (“NAV”). The NAV of Fund shares will fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s holdings, and the exchange-traded prices of Fund shares may not fully reflect these market values. These differences may be more pronounced for newer or smaller ETFs, for ETFs that own less liquid securities or in certain market conditions. For example, supply and demand for shares of an ETF or market disruptions may cause the market price of the ETF to deviate from the value of the ETF’s investments, which may be emphasized in less liquid or volatile markets. These price fluctuations may be significant. Shares of each Fund are listed on national securities exchanges (each, an “Exchange”). Although a Fund’s shares are listed on its Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for Fund shares will develop or be maintained. An unanticipated early closing of an Exchange may result in your inability to buy or sell shares of the Fund on that day. An Exchange may halt trading in Fund shares because of market conditions or other reasons. You may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund if a trading halt occurs.

Index Tracking Error Risk – As with all index funds, the performance of each of the Funds may vary from the performance of its respective Benchmark Index as a result of expenses and other factors. This variation typically results from Fund expenses, imperfect correlation and other differences between a Fund’s investments and the Benchmark Index constituents, the timing of cash flows in and out of the Fund, and other factors. These and other factors may cause each Fund’s performance to vary substantially from the performance of its respective Benchmark Index.

Interest Rate Risk – The price a Fund pays when purchasing, or receives when selling, options and other derivatives may be based in part on expected future interest rates. If interest rates rise, or are expected to rise, such instruments may become more expensive for a Fund to purchase. This may negatively impact the performance of a Fund. If interest rates fall or are expected to fall, the contract price of options and other derivatives contract held by a Fund may decrease, in which case the Fund would receive a lower price when selling such instruments. Since the Funds seek to eliminate the impact of price fluctuations on the value of its portfolio, in either case the performance of the Funds would be negatively impacted. The Funds will look to offset the effect of changing interest rates through the use of option combinations, swaps and futures designed to neutralize interest rate exposure.

Market Risk – Although each Fund’s investment strategy seeks to eliminate the Fund’s exposure to price fluctuations and market risk of its portfolio holdings, there can be no guarantees these strategies will be successful. As a result, each Fund is subject to the market risk associated with its portfolio holdings. Market risk is the risk that the market price of a security may move up and down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, a security type, an industry, a sector or equity markets as a whole. As a result, the price of a Fund’s investments, and therefore the price of Fund shares, may fluctuate significantly. You could lose money on your investment over short or long periods of time.

 

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      17   


New Fund Risk – The Funds are new and the Adviser has limited experience managing ETFs. Accordingly, investors in the Funds bear the risk that the Funds may not employ a successful investment strategy or successfully implement its strategy, and that the Funds may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale. These factors could have a negative impact on a Fund’s performance and, if they persist over time, could result in the Funds being liquidated. While shareholders would be provided with prior notice of liquidation, liquidation does not require shareholder approval, may occur at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders and could have negative tax consequences for shareholders.

Options Risk – Each Fund utilizes various options strategies, and, therefore, each Fund is subject to options risk. An option is a contract between two parties for the purchase and sale of a financial instrument for a specified price at any time during the option period. Unlike a futures contract, an option grants a right (not an obligation) to buy or sell a financial instrument. For example, an option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The seller of an uncovered call option assumes the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the market price of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option. The securities necessary to satisfy the exercise of the call option may be unavailable for purchase except at much higher prices. Purchasing securities to satisfy the exercise of the call option can itself cause the price of the securities to rise further, sometimes by a significant amount, thereby exacerbating the loss. The buyer of a call option assumes the risk of losing its entire premium invested in the call option. The seller (writer) of a put option that is covered (e.g., the writer has a short position in the underlying security) assumes the risk of an increase in the market price of the underlying security above the sales price (in establishing the short position) of the underlying security plus the premium received and gives up the opportunity for gain on the underlying security below the exercise price of the option. The seller of an uncovered put option assumes the risk of a decline in the market price of the underlying security below the exercise price of the option. The buyer of a put option assumes the risk of losing his entire premium invested in the put option.

Shares of the Fund May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV – As with all ETFs, each Fund’s shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although market prices for Fund shares generally are expected to closely correspond to the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”), it is expected that, as with all ETFs, there will be times when the market price of a Fund’s shares are higher or lower than the NAV of such shares. This may be especially true during periods where the trading volume of a Fund’s shares is low. The risk that shares of a Fund may trade at prices other than NAV is heightened in times of market stress or volatility. Secondary market trading in ETF shares may be disrupted or halted because of market conditions or other reasons. In such instances the price of a Fund’s shares could change dramatically and without warning, you may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of a Fund and you may not be able to exit your position during periods of market declines.

Information regarding the intraday value of a Fund’s shares, also known as the “intra-day indicative value” (“IIV”), is disseminated every 15 seconds throughout the trading day by a Fund’s Exchange or by other market data providers. The IIV is based on the current value of the assets held by the Fund that will form the basis for the Fund’s calculation of its NAV at the end of the applicable business day. The IIV does not necessarily reflect the precise composition or the most accurate valuation of the current portfolio of instruments held by a Fund at a particular point in time. A Fund’s IIV may deviate, at times substantially, from its NAV, which is computed only once a day. Therefore, you should not view the IIV as a “real-time” update of a Fund’s NAV.

Swap Agreements Risk – Each Fund may engage in swap transactions and is therefore subject to swap agreements risk. Swaps are agreements in which two parties agree to exchange future payments based on a rate, index, instrument or other asset at a predetermined amount. The risks of swaps include: (i) an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of the dividend swap and the dividends paid by stocks underlying them; (ii) lack of liquidity; (iii) difficulty in obtaining an accurate value for the swaps; and (iv) the risk that the counterparty to the swap will default or otherwise fail to honor its obligation. Dividend swaps are also subject to Dividend Payout Risk, which is described in the “Principal Risks” section of this prospectus for each Fund. For example, issuers of the stocks underlying the dividend swap could choose to return capital to their shareholders through means other than dividends, such as return of capital or share buybacks. Further, an issuer of a stock underlying the dividend swap could purchase or be purchased by another company, which could affect their decisions on whether to issue dividends to shareholders.

 

 

18   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


Information about Portfolio Holdings

Information about each Fund’s daily portfolio holdings is available at www.realityshares.com . In addition, a description of the Funds’ policy and procedures with respect to the circumstances under which the Funds disclose their portfolio holdings is available in the SAI.

Investment Adviser, Portfolio Manager and Index Provider

Investment Adviser

Reality Shares Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Funds. The Adviser’s principal place of business is located at 402 West Broadway, Suite 2800, San Diego, California 92101. The Adviser has served as the investment adviser of each Fund since its inception.

Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser is responsible for managing the investment activities of the Funds and the Funds’ business affairs and other administrative matters. For its services to each Fund, the Adviser is entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of the average daily net assets of each Fund, as set forth below:

 

Fund   Advisory Fee  

Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF

    0.85

Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF

    0.85

Under the Investment Advisory Agreement for each Fund, the Adviser has agreed to pay generally all expenses of each Fund. For a detailed description of the Investment Advisory Agreement for each Fund, please see the section of the SAI entitled “The Adviser.”

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Funds’ investment advisory agreement will be available in the Funds’ initial annual or semi-annual report.

Portfolio Manager

The portfolio manager currently responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio is Eric Ervin, President of the Adviser. Prior to founding the Adviser in 2013, he spent 14 years building the Ervin Miller Group wealth management franchise at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Mr. Ervin is a Certified Financial Planner practitioner, and a Chartered Financial Consultant.

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager and his ownership, if any, of securities in the Funds.

Index Provider

Reality Shares, Inc. (the “Index Provider”) is the parent company of the Adviser and is located at 402 West Broadway, Suite 2800, San Diego, California 92101. The Index Provider publishes the Benchmark Indexes.

Each Benchmark Index is governed by a published, rules-based methodology. The Index Provider may change the methodology at any time in its sole discretion without regards to the needs of any Fund or Fund shareholders, and such changes to the methodology of a Benchmark Index will be publicly disclosed at the Funds’ website www.realityshares.com prior to implementation.

The Index Provider, the Adviser and the Funds make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of shares of the Funds or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Funds particularly or the ability of the Indexes to achieve their respective goals or otherwise gain exposure to the dividends or dividend growth to which they are designed to gain exposure. The Index Provider has no obligation to take the needs of the Funds or the owners of shares of the Funds into consideration in determining, composing, or calculating the Benchmark Indexes. The Index Provider is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices of, or quantities of shares of the Funds to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the shares of the Funds are redeemable. The Funds, the Adviser and the Index Provider do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or performance of any Benchmark Index or the data included therein and shall have no liability in connection with any Benchmark Index or Benchmark Index calculation.

 

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      19   


Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares

Most investors will buy and sell shares in secondary market transactions through brokers and, therefore, must have a brokerage account to buy and sell shares. Shares can be bought or sold through your broker throughout the trading day like shares of any publicly traded security. When buying or selling shares through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and other charges. The price at which you buy or sell a Fund’s shares (i.e., the market price) may be more or less than the NAV of the shares. Unless imposed by your broker, there is no minimum dollar amount you must invest in a Fund and no minimum number of shares you must buy when buying or selling shares in secondary market transactions. Shares of a Fund may be purchased or redeemed directly from the Fund only in Creation Units or multiples thereof, as discussed in the SAI.

Shares of the Funds are listed on the Exchanges under the following symbols:

 

Fund   Exchange     Symbol  

Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF

   

 

The NASDAQ

Stock Market

 

  

    QQDV   

Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF

    NYSE Arca, Inc.        DIVS   

The Exchanges are generally open Monday through Friday and are closed for weekends and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

For information about buying and selling shares, please contact your broker or dealer.

Share Trading Prices. The trading prices of a Fund’s shares may differ from the Fund’s daily NAV and are expected to vary based on a number of factors. These factors include supply and demand for the Fund’s shares, the level of dividends paid on the Fund’s portfolio securities, the prices of the Fund’s portfolio securities, economic conditions, the existence of market disruptions and other factors. The Exchanges or another market information provider will disseminate the approximate value of a Fund’s portfolio every fifteen seconds. This approximate value should not be viewed as a “real-time” update of the NAV of a Fund because the approximate value may not be calculated in the same manner, or at the same time, as the NAV, which is computed once a day. A Fund is not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the approximate values and makes no warranty as to the accuracy of these values.

Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares

The Board has determined not to adopt policies and procedures designed to prevent or monitor for frequent purchases and redemptions of the Funds’ shares. As ETFs, the Funds sell and redeem their shares at NAV only in Creation Units to authorized participants that have entered into an agreement with the Funds’ distributor (“Authorized Participants”). Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units by Authorized Participants are essential to keeping the market price of each Fund’s shares at or close to their NAV and therefore frequent purchases and redemptions of Creation Units are not discouraged. Frequent purchases and redemptions of Creation Units for cash may increase portfolio transaction costs and may lead to realization of capital gains. To minimize these consequences, the Funds impose a transaction fee on such Creation Unit transactions that is designed to offset the transfer and other transaction costs the Funds incur.

Pricing of Fund Shares

Each Fund will calculate its NAV by: (i) taking the current market value of its total assets; (ii) subtracting any liabilities; and (iii) dividing that amount by the total number of Shares outstanding. Each Fund will calculate NAV once each day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open as of the regularly scheduled close of trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time).

In calculating a Fund’s NAV per Share, a Fund’s investments will be valued in accordance with procedures approved by the Board. These procedures, which may be changed by the Board from time to time, generally require investments to be valued using market valuations. A market valuation generally means a valuation (i) obtained from an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker or dealer, (ii) 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 (iii) based on amortized cost. The Trust may use various pricing services, or discontinue the use of any pricing service, as determined by the Board from time to time. Each Fund’s daily NAV can be found at www.realityshares.com.

 

 

20   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


The Trust will generally value exchange listed securities (other than option contracts) at market closing prices. Market closing prices are generally determined on the basis of last reported sales prices, or if no sales are reported, based on the last reported quotes. In general, the Trust will value exchange-listed option contracts up until 4:15 p.m. Eastern time, the normal close of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, on the basis of last reported sales prices, bid/ask quotes or equivalent indications of value supplied by dealers and third-party pricing sources. The Trust will generally value listed futures and options on futures at the settlement price determined by the applicable exchange. Non-exchange-traded derivatives, such as swap transactions, will normally be valued on the basis of quotations or equivalent indication of value supplied by a pricing service or major market makers or dealers. Fixed income securities generally are valued based on prices provided by independent pricing services, which may use valuation models or matrix pricing to determine current value. The Trust may use (a) amortized cost to value fixed income or money market securities that have a remaining maturity of 60 days or less, if it can reasonably conclude at the time of each such valuation that the amortized cost value is approximately the same as the security’s value determined in accordance with market-based factors, or (b) the price provided by an independent third party pricing agent.

In the event that current market valuations are not readily available or the Trust or Adviser believes such valuations do not reflect current market value, the Trust’s procedures require that a security’s fair value be determined. In determining such value, the Trust or the Adviser may consider, among other things, (i) price comparisons among multiple sources, (ii) a review of corporate actions and news events, and (iii) a review of relevant financial indicators. In these cases, a Fund’s NAV may reflect certain portfolio securities’ fair values rather than their market prices. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security.

Dividends and Distributions

The Funds intend to distribute their net investment income, if any, at least annually and make distributions of their net realized capital gains, if any, annually. The Funds do not intend to invest in dividend paying equity securities and therefore do not anticipate making significant, if any, dividend payments that would result from investments in such securities. The Fund’s investment strategies, if successful, will generate capital gains and ordinary income. Brokers may make available to their customers who are also Fund shareholders the DTC book-entry dividend reinvestment service. You should contact your broker to determine the availability and costs of this service. Brokers may require you to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income (which may include a return of capital) and net realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the distributing Fund purchased in the secondary market. Without this service, you would receive your distributions in cash.

Taxes

Please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific questions about federal, state and local income taxes. Below is a summary of some important tax issues that affect the Funds and their shareholders. This summary is based on current tax laws, which may change.

The Funds are treated as separate entities for U.S. federal tax purposes, and intend to qualify for the special tax treatment afforded to regulated investment companies. As long as the Funds qualify for treatment as a regulated investment companies, they pay no federal income tax on the earnings they timely distribute to shareholders.

Each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any. The dividends and distributions you receive may be subject to U.S. federal, state and local taxation, depending upon your tax situation. Distributions you receive from the Funds may be taxable whether or not you reinvest them. Dividend distributions, including distributions of short-term capital gains are generally taxable at ordinary income tax rates. Distributions of long-term capital gains and distributions of qualified dividend income are generally taxable at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains. The Funds’ investments in derivative instruments, such as option contracts or swaps tied to dividend returns, will generally not generate income eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income when received by individual shareholders or be eligible for the dividends-received deduction when received by corporate shareholders. Therefore, even though the Funds are designed to isolate the level of expected dividends on equity securities, the Funds’ use of derivative instruments means that the Funds are unlikely to generate income eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income or eligible for the dividend-received deduction.

The Funds will invest in complex securities which are subject to numerous special and complex rules. These rules could affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Funds are treated as ordinary income or capital gain,

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      21   


accelerate the recognition of income to the Funds and/or defer the Funds’ ability to recognize losses. In turn, these rules may affect the amount, timing or character of distributions you receive from the Funds. In addition, there is uncertainty regarding characterization of such complex securities with respect to the income and asset diversification tests applicable to the Funds’ qualification as regulated investment companies. If the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) were to issue public guidance that results in an adverse determination relating to the treatment of the Funds’ investments in such complex securities, the Funds may likely need to significantly change their investment strategies, which could adversely affect the Funds. If the Funds fail to qualify as regulated investment companies, they would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and their distributions would generally be taxable as dividends. Please see the SAI for a more detailed discussion, including the availability of relief for certain de minimis failures by the Funds to qualify as regulated investment companies.

The Funds’ writing (selling) and purchasing of options and futures contracts involves complex rules that will determine for federal income tax purposes the amount, character and timing of recognition of the gains and losses the Fund realizes in connection with such transactions. A Fund distributes to shareholders at least annually any net capital gains which have been recognized for federal income tax purposes, including unrealized gains at the end of a Fund’s fiscal year on futures or certain options transactions. Such distributions are combined with distributions of capital gains realized on a Fund’s other investments and shareholders are advised on the nature of the distributions.

The Funds may invest in certain futures and forward contracts and intend to enter into certain types of listed options on broad based securities indexes (“Section 1256 contracts”), which will be required to be “marked-to-market” for federal income tax purposes, that is, treated as having been sold at their market value on the last day of a Fund’s taxable year. These provisions may require a Fund to recognize income or gains without a concurrent receipt of cash. Any gain or loss recognized on actual or deemed sales of Section 1256 contracts will be treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Transactions that qualify as designated hedges are exempt from this mark-to-market rule, but may require a Fund to defer the recognition of losses on these options to the extent of any unrecognized gains on related positions held by it.

The tax provisions described above applicable to options, futures and forward contracts may affect the amount, timing, and character of a Fund’s distributions to its shareholders. For example, the Section 1256 rules described above may operate to increase the amount a Fund must distribute to satisfy the minimum distribution requirement for the portion treated as short-term capital gain which will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income, and to increase the net capital gain it recognizes, without, in either case, increasing the cash available to it. The Fund may elect to exclude certain transactions from the operation of Section 1256, although doing so may have the effect of increasing the relative proportion of net short-term capital gain (taxable as ordinary income) and thus increasing the amount of dividends it must distribute. Accordingly, in order to avoid certain income and excise taxes, a Fund may be required to liquidate its investments at a time when the investment adviser might not otherwise have chosen to do so. Section 1256 contracts also may be marked-to-market for purposes of the Excise Tax.

To the extent a Fund writes options that are not subject to the rules of section 1256 of the Code, the amount of the premium received by the Fund for writing such options will be entirely short-term capital gain to the Fund. In addition, if such an option is closed by a Fund, any gain or loss realized by the Fund as a result of the closing the transaction will also be short-term capital gain or loss. If the holder of a put option exercises the holder’s right under the option, any gain or loss realized by a Fund upon the sale of the underlying security pursuant to such exercise will be short-term or long-term capital gain or loss to the Fund depending on the Fund’s holding period for the underlying security.

The sale of Fund shares may be a taxable event. For tax purposes, an exchange of a Fund’s shares for shares of a different fund is the same as a sale. The gain or loss on the sale of Fund shares generally is required to be treated as a short-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for 12 months or less or as long-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for longer. Any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions received (or deemed received) by you with respect to Fund shares. All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be disallowed if you purchase other substantially identical shares within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

Distributions paid in January but declared by a Fund in October, November or December of the previous year may be taxable to you in the previous year.

 

 

22   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


Your broker should inform you of the amount of your ordinary income dividends, qualified dividend income, and capital gains distributions shortly after the close of each calendar year.

U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) are subject to a new 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on their “net investment income,” including interest, dividends and capital gains (including capital gains realized on the sale or exchange of shares of the Funds). This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.

Unless you fall within certain exceptions, the custodian, broker or other administrative agent holding your shares in the Funds on your behalf must report to the IRS and furnish to you the cost basis information for shares of a Fund. In addition to reporting the gross proceeds from the sale of shares of a Fund, you will receive cost basis information for such shares, which will indicate whether these shares had a short-term or long-term holding period. For each sale of shares of a Fund, you are to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods, including the average basis method. In the absence of an election, the custodian, broker or other administrative agent holding your shares in a Fund will use a default cost basis method they have chosen, which should have been communicated to you. The cost basis method elected by you (or the cost basis method applied by default) for each sale of shares of a Fund may not be changed after the settlement date of each such sale. You should consult with your tax advisor to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for your tax situation and to obtain more information about how cost basis reporting applies to you.

Distributions (other than capital gain dividends) paid to individual shareholders that are neither citizens nor residents of the U.S. or to foreign entities will generally be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30%, unless a lower treaty rate applies. The Funds may, under certain circumstances, report all or a portion of a dividend as an “interest-related dividend” or a “short-term capital gain dividend,” which would generally be exempt from this 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided certain other requirements are met.

A U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate will be imposed on dividends beginning after June 30, 2014 (and proceeds of sales in respect of a Fund’s shares received by a Fund’s shareholders beginning after December 31, 2008) for shareholders who own their shares through foreign accounts or foreign intermediaries if certain disclosure requirements related to U.S. accounts or ownership are not satisfied.

If you hold your shares in a tax-qualified retirement account, you generally will not be subject to federal taxation on income and capital gains distribution from the Funds, until you begin receiving payments from your retirement account. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax rules that apply to your retirement account. Because each shareholder’s tax situation is different, you should consult your tax advisor about the tax implications of an investment in the Funds.

A person who purchases a Creation Unit by exchanging securities in-kind generally will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and any net amount of cash received by the purchaser in the exchange and (ii) the sum of the purchaser’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and any net amount of cash paid for the Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units and receives securities in-kind from a Fund will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the redeemer’s basis in the Creation Units, and the aggregate market value of the securities received and any net cash received. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an in-kind exchange of securities for Creation Units or an exchange of Creation Units for securities cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons effecting in-kind creations or redemptions should consult their own tax adviser with respect to these matters.

Additional important information about taxes is in the SAI.

Premium/Discount Information

Information showing the number of days that the end of day market price of each Fund’s shares was greater than the Fund’s NAV ( i.e. , a “premium”) and the number of days that the end of day market price of each Fund’s shares was less than the Fund’s NAV ( i.e. , a “discount”) for various time periods is available by visiting the Funds’ website at www.realityshares.com.

Investments by Registered Investment Companies

Section 12(d)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, restricts investments by registered investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of each Fund. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in the Funds beyond the limits set forth in section

 

Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus      23   


12(d)(1) subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in an SEC exemptive order issued to the Trust, including that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Funds.

Financial Highlights

Because the Funds have not commenced operations as of the date of this prospectus, financial highlights are not available.

Additional Information

Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF

The Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. or its affiliates (The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc., collectively with its affiliates, is referred to as “NASDAQ OMX”). NASDAQ OMX has not passed on the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy or adequacy of descriptions and disclosures relating to, the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF. NASDAQ OMX makes no representation or warranty, express or implied to the owners of the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF particularly, or the ability of the NASDAQ-100 Index ® to track general stock market performance. NASDAQ OMX’s only relationship to Reality Shares Advisors, LLC (“Reality Shares”) is in the licensing of the NASDAQ ® , OMX ® , NASDAQ-100 ® , and NASDAQ-100 Index ® registered trademarks, and the use of the NASDAQ-100 Index ® which is determined, composed and calculated by NASDAQ OMX without regard to Reality Shares or the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF. NASDAQ OMX has no obligation to take the needs of Reality Shares or the owners of the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the NASDAQ-100 Index ® . NASDAQ OMX is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF is to be converted into cash. NASDAQ OMX has no liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF.

NASDAQ OMX DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND / OR UNINTERRUPTED CALCULATION OF THE NASDAQ-100 INDEX ® OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN . NASDAQ OMX MAKES NO WARRANTY , EXPRESS OR IMPLIED , AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY R EALITY S HARES , OWNERS OF THE R EALITY S HARES NASDAQ-100 DIVS I NDEX ETF, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE NASDAQ-100 I NDEX ® OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN . NASDAQ OMX MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES , AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE NASDAQ-100 I NDEX ® OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN . W ITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING , IN NO EVENT SHALL NASDAQ OMX HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR SPECIAL , INCIDENTAL , PUNITIVE , INDIRECT , OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES , EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES .

 

24   Reality Shares ETF Trust Prospectus


Investment Adviser

Reality Shares Advisors, LLC

402 West Broadway, Suite 2800

San Diego, California 92101

Distributor

ALPS Distributors, Inc.

1290 Broadway, Suite 1100

Denver, Colorado 80203

Legal Counsel

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20004-2541

 

LOGO

 

More information about the Funds is available, without charge, through the following:

Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”): The SAI, dated February 29, 2016, includes detailed information about the Funds. The SAI is on file with the SEC and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This means that the SAI, for legal purposes, is a part of this prospectus.

Annual and Semi-Annual Reports: These reports list the Funds’ holdings and contain information from the Adviser about investment strategies, and recent market conditions and trends and their impact on Fund performance. The reports also contain detailed financial information about the Funds.

To Obtain an SAI, Annual or Semi-Annual Report, or More Information:

 

By Telephone:   855-595-0240   By Mail:  

402 W Broadway, 28 th Fl,

San Diego, CA 92101

     
By Internet:   www.realityshares.com    

From the SEC: You can also obtain the SAI or the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, as well as other information about Reality Shares ETF Trust, from the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at: http://www.sec.gov. You may review and copy documents at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (for information on the operation of the Public Reference Room, call 202-551-8090). You may request documents by mail from the SEC, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520. You may also obtain this information, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by e-mailing the SEC at the following address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

 

 

THE TRUST’S INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT REGISTRATION NUMBER IS 811-22911

 


STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

REALITY SHARES NASDAQ-100 DIVS INDEX ETF

 

T ICKER S YMBOL    P RINCIPAL U.S. L ISTING E XCHANGE
QQDV    T HE NASDAQ S TOCK M ARKET

REALITY SHARES DIVS INDEX ETF

 

T ICKER S YMBOL    P RINCIPAL U.S. L ISTING E XCHANGE
DIVS    NYSE A RCA , I NC .

each, a series of Reality Shares ETF Trust

February 29, 2016

Investment Adviser:

Reality Shares Advisors, LLC

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus. This SAI is intended to provide additional information regarding the activities and operations of the Reality Shares ETF Trust (the “Trust”) and the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF and the Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF (each a “Fund” and together, the “Funds”). This SAI is incorporated by reference into and should be read in conjunction with the Funds’ prospectus (the “Prospectus”) dated February 29, 2016. Capitalized terms not defined herein are defined in the prospectus. Shareholders may obtain copies of the Funds’ prospectus or Annual Report, when available, free of charge by writing to the Trust at 402 W Broadway, 28th Fl, San Diego, CA 92101, or by calling the Trust at (855) 595-0240.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUST

     S-1   

DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS AND RISK FACTORS

     S-1   

INFORMATION ABOUT THE BENCHMARK INDEXES

     S-10   

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

     S-12   

CONTINUOUS OFFERING

     S-14   

EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING

     S-15   

THE ADMINISTRATOR

     S-15   

THE ADVISER

     S-15   

THE DISTRIBUTOR

     S-16   

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST

     S-17   

BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM

     S-21   

CREATION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS

     S-22   

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

     S-28   

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

     S-29   

TAXES

     S-29   

BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS

     S-35   

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

     S-36   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUST

     S-37   

LIMITATION OF TRUSTEES’ LIABILITY

     S-37   

CODES OF ETHICS

     S-37   

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

     S-38   

CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT

     S-38   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

     S-38   

LEGAL COUNSEL

     S-38   

APPENDIX A – DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

     A-1   

APPENDIX B – PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

     B-1   


GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUST

The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 26, 2013. The Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust offers shares of six (6) separate and distinct series, representing separate portfolios of investments. This SAI relates to two such portfolios: the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF and the Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF (each, a “Fund” and together, the “Funds”). Each Fund is classified as “non-diversified” and, therefore, may invest in relatively fewer issuers and is not required to meet certain diversification requirements under the 1940 Act. All payments received by the Trust for shares of each Fund belong to that Fund. Each Fund has its own assets and liabilities. Additional series and/or classes may be created from time to time.

The shares of the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF are listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market and the shares of the Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF are listed on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (together with The NASDAQ Stock Market, the “Exchanges” and each, an “Exchange”). The shares of each Fund will trade on its Exchange, and other secondary markets, at market prices that may be below, at, or above the net asset value (“NAV”) of such Fund. Each Fund issues and redeems shares at NAV only in aggregated lots of 25,000 shares or more (each, a “Creation Unit”). These transactions are usually in exchange for a basket of securities and an amount of cash. As a practical matter, only institutions or large investors purchase or redeem Creation Units. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares of each Fund are not redeemable securities.

DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS AND RISK FACTORS

The following are descriptions of the permitted investments and investment practices of the Funds and the associated risk factors. A Fund may purchase any of these instruments and/or engage in any of these investment practices if, in the opinion of Reality Shares Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”), the Funds’ investment adviser, such investments or investment practices will be advantageous to the Fund. A Fund is free to reduce or eliminate its activity in any of these areas. There is no assurance that any of these strategies or any other strategies and methods of investment available to a Fund will result in the achievement of such Fund’s investment objective.

Each Fund’s principal investment strategies and the risks associated with the same are described in the “Summary Section” and “More Information about the Funds’ Investment Objectives, Strategies and Risks” sections of the prospectus. The following discussion provides additional information about those principal investment strategies and related risks, as well as information about investment strategies (and related risks) that a Fund may utilize, even though they are not considered to be “principal” investment strategies. Accordingly, an investment strategy (and related risk) that is described below, but which is not described in the Funds’ prospectus, should not be considered to be a principal strategy (or related risk) applicable to the Funds.

COMMERCIAL PAPER —Each Fund may invest in high-quality, short-term commercial paper. Commercial paper is the term used to designate unsecured, short-term promissory notes issued by corporations and other entities. Maturities on these issues vary from a few days up to 270 days.

CYBER-SECURITY RISK —Investment companies, such as the Fund, and their service providers may be vulnerable 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 monitoring, release, misuse, loss destruction or corruption of confidential information, unauthorized access to relevant systems, compromises to networks or devices that the Fund and its service providers use to service the Fund’s operations, operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Fund and its service providers, or various other forms of cyber security breaches. Cyber-attacks affecting the Fund or the Adviser, distributor, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses or the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business . For example, cyber-attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, affect the Fund’s ability to calculate their NAVs, 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 cybersecurity risk management efforts designed to mitigate or prevent the risk of cyber-attacks. Such costs may be ongoing because threats of cyber-attacks are constantly evolving as cyber-attackers become more sophisticated and their techniques become more complex. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Fund’s investments in such portfolio companies to lose value. There can be no assurance that the Fund, the Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of the securities in which the Fund may invest will be able to prevent cyber-attacks or avoid losses or other adverse consequences relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches in the future.

EQUITY SECURITIES —Equity securities, such as common stock, represent ownership interests in a company. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks, which may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Further, fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a Fund invests will cause the net asset value of the Fund to fluctuate. The Funds may purchase and sell equity securities in various ways, including through registered exchanges in the U.S. or the over-the-counter market. The equity securities in which the Funds may invest are common stocks, which represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock. No Fund currently intends to invest more than 5% of its net assets in common stocks.

 

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FIXED INCOME SECURITIES —Although the Funds do not intend to invest in fixed income instruments (other than investments in short-term commercial paper and money market instruments) each Fund reserves the right to invest a limited portion of its assets in high-quality, short-term fixed income investments (generally 5% of its net assets). Fixed income securities consist primarily of debt obligations issued by governments, corporations, municipalities and other borrowers. The market value of the fixed income securities in which a Fund invests will change in response to interest rate changes and other factors. During periods of falling interest rates, the value of outstanding fixed income securities generally rises. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of such securities generally declines. Moreover, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, the prices of longer maturity securities are also subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. Changes by recognized agencies in the rating of any fixed income security and in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal also affect the value of these investments. Changes in the value of these securities will not necessarily affect cash income derived from these securities, but will affect a Fund’s net asset value.

Fixed income securities are subject to the risk of an issuer’s ability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligation (known as “credit risk”) and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (known as “market risk”). Lower-rated or unrated ( i.e. , high yield) securities are more likely to react to developments affecting market and credit risk than are more highly rated securities, which primarily react to movements in the general level of interest rates. Yields and market values of high yield securities will fluctuate over time, reflecting not only changing interest rates but also the market’s perception of credit quality and the outlook for economic growth. When economic conditions appear to be deteriorating, medium- to lower-rated securities may decline in value due to heightened concern over credit quality, regardless of prevailing interest rates. Investors should carefully consider the relative risks of investing in high yield securities and understand that such securities are not generally meant for short-term investing.

Securities held by a Fund that are guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities guarantee only the payment of principal and interest and do not guarantee the yield or value of the securities or the yield or value of such Fund’s shares.

FORWARD CONTRACTS —The Funds may invest in forward contracts. A forward contract involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific asset at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Risks associated with forwards include: (i) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of forward contracts and the securities underlying them; (ii) there may not be a liquid market for forwards; and (iii) forwards may be difficult to accurately value. Forwards are also subject to credit risk, liquidity risk and leverage risk, each of which is further described in the prospectus.

The Funds may engage in non-deliverable forward transactions. A non-deliverable forward transaction is a transaction that represents an agreement between the Fund and a counterparty to buy or sell a specified (notional) amount of a particular asset at an agreed upon price on an agreed upon future date. There is no physical delivery of the asset on the settlement of a non-deliverable forward transaction. Rather, a Fund and the counterparty agree to net the settlement by making a payment in U.S. dollars that represents any differential between the price of the asset agreed upon at the inception of the non-deliverable forward agreement and the actual price of the asset on the agreed upon future date. Thus, the actual gain or loss of a given non-deliverable forward transaction is calculated by multiplying the transaction’s notional amount by the difference between the agreed upon price of the asset and the actual price of the asset when the transaction is completed.

Open positions in forwards will be covered by the segregation or “earmarking” of assets cash, high-quality, short-term debt securities or money-market instruments or otherwise “offset” in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Funds will transact in forward contracts only with over-the-counter (“OTC”) dealers that have in place an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) agreement with the Funds.

Forward contracts generally may not be liquidated prior to the stated maturity date, although the parties to a contract may agree to enter into a second offsetting transaction with the same maturity, thereby fixing each party’s profit or loss on the

 

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two transactions. Nevertheless, each position must still be maintained to maturity unless the parties separately agree on an earlier settlement date. As a result, a party to a forward contract must be prepared to perform its obligations under each such contract in full. Parties to a forward contract may also separately agree to extend the contract by “rolling” it over prior to the originally scheduled settlement date.

FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS —Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security or reference asset at a specified future time and at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. An index futures contract is a bilateral agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar amount times the difference between the index value at the close of trading of the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the securities comprising the index is made, and generally contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contract.

The Funds may use futures contracts and related options for hedging, risk management or other purposes, as permitted by its stated investment policies. Instances in which a Fund may use futures contracts and related options for risk management purposes include: (i) attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; (ii) attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or (iii) other risk management purposes. A Fund may use futures contracts for cash equitization purposes, which allows such Fund to invest consistent with its benchmark while managing daily cash flows, including significant client inflows and outflows.

Open positions in futures contracts will be covered by the segregation or “earmarking” of assets cash, high-quality, short-term debt securities or money-market instruments or otherwise “offset” in accordance with the 1940 Act. A Fund may “offset” its long position in a futures contract by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike price ( i.e. , an exercise price) as high or higher than the price of the futures contract. In the alternative, if the strike price of the put is less than the price of the futures contract, a Fund will earmark on the books of such Fund or place in a segregated account cash, high-quality, short-term debt securities or money-market instruments equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. A Fund may also “offset” its long position in a futures contract by taking a short position in the instruments underlying the futures contract or by taking positions in instruments with prices that are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract. A Fund may “offset” its short position in a futures contract by taking a long position in the instruments underlying the futures contract or by taking positions in instruments with prices that are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract.

A Fund may “offset” its sale of a call option on a futures contract by taking a long position in the underlying futures contract at a price less than or equal to the strike price of the call option. In the alternative, if the long position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price greater than the strike price of the written (sold) call, a Fund will earmark on the books of such Fund or place in a segregated account cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the call and the price of the futures contract. A Fund may also “offset” its sale of a call option by taking positions in instruments with prices that are expected to move relatively consistently with the call option. A Fund may “offset” its sale of a put option on a futures contract by taking a short position in the underlying futures contract at a price greater than or equal to the strike price of the put option, or, if the short position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price less than the strike price of the written put, such Fund will earmark on its books or place in a segregated account cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. A Fund may also “offset” its sale of a put option by taking positions in instruments with prices that are expected to move relatively consistently with the put option.

There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including the following: (i) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on the adviser’s ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (ii) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by a Fund and the prices of futures and options on futures; (iii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (iv) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (v) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and options on futures contracts. In addition, some strategies reduce a Fund’s exposure to price fluctuations, while others tend to increase its market exposure.

 

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A Fund will reduce the risk that it will be unable to close out a futures contract by only entering into futures contracts that are traded on national futures exchanges regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). As a result of recent amendments to rules under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) by the CFTC, a Fund must either operate within certain guidelines and restrictions with respect to the Fund’s use of futures, options on such futures, commodity options and certain swaps, or the Adviser will be subject to registration with the CFTC as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”).

Consistent with the CFTC’s new regulations, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has filed a notice of exclusion from the definition of the term CPO under the CEA pursuant to CFTC Rule 4.5 and, therefore, the Funds are not subject to registration or regulation as CPOs under the CEA. As a result, the Funds will be limited in their ability to use futures, options on such futures, commodity options and certain swaps. Complying with the limitations may restrict the Adviser’s ability to implement the Funds’ investment strategies and may adversely affect the Funds’ performance.

ILLIQUID SECURITIES —Illiquid securities are securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business (within seven days) at approximately the prices at which they are valued. Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. If, subsequent to purchase, a security held by a Fund becomes illiquid, such Fund may continue to hold the security. Because of their illiquid nature, illiquid securities generally must be priced at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures approved by the Trust’s Board. Despite such good faith efforts to determine fair value prices, a Fund’s illiquid securities are subject to the risk that the security’s fair value price may differ from the actual price that such Fund may ultimately realize upon its sale or disposition. Difficulty in selling illiquid securities may result in a loss or may be costly to a Fund. Under the supervision of the Board, the Adviser determines the liquidity of a Fund’s investments. In determining liquidity, the Adviser may consider various factors, including: (i) the frequency and volume of trades and quotations; (ii) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace; (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market; and (iv) the nature of the security and the market in which it trades (including any demand, put or tender features, the mechanics and other requirements for transfer, any letters of credit or other credit enhancement features, any ratings, the number of holders, the method of soliciting offers, the time required to dispose of the security and the ability to assign or offset the rights and obligations of the security).

INVESTMENT COMPANIES —Securities of other investment companies, including shares of closed-end investment companies, unit investment trusts, open-end investment companies and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), represent interests in professionally managed portfolios that may invest in various types of instruments. Investing in other investment companies involves substantially the same risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments, but may involve additional expenses at the investment company-level, such as portfolio management fees and operating expenses. Certain types of investment companies, such as closed-end investment companies, issue a fixed number of shares that trade on a stock exchange or over-the-counter at a premium or a discount to their net asset value. Other investment companies are continuously offered at net asset value, but may also be traded in the secondary market at a premium or discount to their net asset value.

Generally, the federal securities laws limit the extent to which the Funds can invest in securities of other investment companies, subject to certain exceptions. For example, a Fund is prohibited under Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act from acquiring the securities of another investment company if, as a result of such acquisition: (i) the Fund owns more than 3% of the total voting stock of the other company; (ii) securities issued by any one investment company represent more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets; or (iii) securities (other than treasury stock) issued by all investment companies represent more than 10% of the total assets of the Fund, subject to certain exceptions. Pursuant to Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act, the Funds may invest in one or more affiliated or unaffiliated investment companies that comply with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act (to the extent required by Rule 12d1-1), in excess of the limits of Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act.

A Fund may invest in other investment companies, including those managed by the Adviser, to the extent permitted by any rule or regulation of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or any order or interpretation thereunder.

Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”). ETFs are investment companies that are registered under the 1940 Act as open-end

 

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funds or unit investment trusts. ETFs are listed and traded on national securities exchanges at market prices. ETF shares typically trade at a premium or discount to their intrinsic value (i.e., the market value may differ from the net asset value of an ETF’s shares). These differences may be more pronounced for newer or smaller ETFs, for ETFs that own less liquid securities or in certain market conditions. By investing in an ETF, the Fund indirectly bears the proportionate share of any fees and expenses of the ETF in addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund and its shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund’s operations. Such ETF expenses may make owning shares of the ETF more costly than owning the underlying securities directly.

MONEY MARKET SECURITIES —Money market securities include: (i) short-term U.S. Government securities; (ii) custodial receipts evidencing separately traded interest and principal components of securities issued by the U.S. Treasury; (iii) commercial paper rated in the highest short-term rating category by an NRSRO, such as S&P or Moody’s, or determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality at the time of purchase; (iv) short-term bank obligations (certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances) of U.S. commercial banks with assets of at least $1 billion as of the end of their most recent fiscal year; and (v) repurchase agreements involving such securities. For a description of ratings, see Appendix A to this SAI. The Funds may invest in money market securities for cash management purposes or as collateral or “cover” in connection with derivative transactions.

OPTIONS —Each Fund intends to purchase and write put and call options on equity indices and index-based ETFs. 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 price paid to the writer of an option is referred to as the “premium.” The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract. Each Fund will invest a minimum of 80% of its assets in the option contracts included in its underlying index.

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. Open positions in options contracts will be covered by the segregation or “earmarking” of assets cash, high-quality, short-term debt securities or money-market instruments or otherwise “offset” in accordance with the 1940 Act.

A Fund may write ( i.e. , sell) “covered” call options on securities for any lawful purpose, including as a means of increasing the yield on its assets and as a means of providing limited protection against decreases in its market value. A Fund may engage in a covered call option writing (selling) program in an attempt to generate additional income or provide a partial hedge to another position of such Fund. A call option is “covered” if a Fund either owns the underlying instrument or has an absolute and immediate right (such as a call with the same or a later expiration date) to acquire that instrument. The underlying instruments of such covered call options may consist of individual equity securities, pools of equity securities, ETFs or indices. The writing of covered call options is a more conservative investment technique than writing of naked or uncovered options, but capable of enhancing a Fund’s total return. When a Fund writes a covered call option, it profits from the premium paid by the buyer but gives up the opportunity to profit from an increase in the value of the underlying security above the exercise price. At the same time, a Fund retains the risk of loss from a decline in the value of the underlying security during the option period. Although a Fund may terminate its obligation by executing a closing purchase transaction, the cost of effecting such a transaction may be greater than the premium received upon its sale, resulting in a loss to such Fund. If such an option expires unexercised, a Fund realizes a gain equal to the premium received. Such a gain may be offset or exceeded by a decline in the market value of the underlying security during the option period. If an option is exercised, the exercise price, the premium received and the market value of the underlying security determine the gain or loss realized by a Fund.

When a Fund writes an option, if the underlying securities do not increase or decrease, as applicable, to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option will generally expire without being

 

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exercised and such Fund will realize as profit the premium received for such option. When a call option of which a Fund is the writer is exercised, such 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 a Fund is the writer is exercised, such Fund will be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the market value of such securities.

A Fund may purchase and write options on an exchange or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter options (“OTC options”) differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. First, OTC options are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation and therefore entail the risk of non-performance by the dealer. In addition, 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 normally done by reference to information from a market maker. It is the SEC’s position that OTC options are generally illiquid. The Funds will transact only with OTC options dealers that have in place an ISDA agreement with the Funds.

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 of the option.

Risks. There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of options contracts, including the following: (i) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on the adviser’s ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (ii) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by a Fund and the prices of the options contracts; (iii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for options; and (iv) while a 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. In addition, OTC options are subject to valuation risk and credit risk. Valuation risk is the risk that the option may be difficult to value and/or valued incorrectly. Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to the option contract will default or otherwise become unable to honor a financial obligation.

The SEC is reviewing its current guidance on the use of derivatives by registered investment companies, such as the Funds, and may issue new guidance. It is not clear whether or when such new guidance will be published or what the content of such guidance may be, though the SEC recently proposed a new rule related to the use of derivatives. Whether and when this proposed rule will be adopted and its potential effects on the Funds are unclear. The regulation of commodity and derivatives transactions in the United States is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to ongoing modification by government, self-regulatory and judicial action. The effect of any future regulatory change on a Funds is impossible to predict, but could be substantial and adverse to a Fund.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS —A repurchase agreement is an agreement in which one party sells securities to another party in return for cash with an agreement to repurchase equivalent securities at an agreed-upon price and on an agreed-upon future date. A Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions and follow certain procedures designed to minimize the risks inherent in such agreements. These procedures include effecting repurchase transactions only with large, well-capitalized and well-established financial institutions deemed creditworthy by the advisers. The repurchase agreements entered into by a Fund will provide that the underlying collateral shall have a value equal to at least 102% of the resale price stated in the agreement at all times. The advisers monitor compliance with this requirement as well as the ongoing financial condition and creditworthiness of the counterparty. Under all repurchase agreements entered into by a Fund, the custodian or its agent must take possession of the underlying collateral.

In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, a Fund will seek to liquidate such collateral. However, the exercising of each Fund’s right to liquidate such collateral could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, a Fund could suffer a loss. At times, the investments of each of the Funds in repurchase agreements may be substantial when, in the view of the Adviser, liquidity or other considerations so warrant.

RESTRICTED SECURITIES —Restricted securities are securities that may not be sold to the public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), or an exemption from registration. Restricted securities, including securities eligible for re-sale under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act, that are determined to be liquid are not subject to this limitation. This determination is to be made by the advisers, as applicable, pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board. Under these guidelines, the particular adviser will consider the frequency of trades and quotes for the security, the number of dealers in, and potential purchasers for, the security, dealer undertakings to make a market in the security and the nature of the security and of the marketplace trades. In purchasing such restricted securities, each adviser intends to purchase securities that are exempt from registration under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and Section 4(2) commercial paper issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act. Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in restricted securities.

 

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REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS —Reverse repurchase agreements are transactions in which a Fund sells portfolio securities to financial institutions, such as banks and broker-dealers, and agrees to repurchase them at a mutually agreed-upon date and price that is higher than the original sale price. Reverse repurchase agreements are similar to a fully collateralized borrowing by a Fund. At the time a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will earmark on its books or place in a segregated account cash or liquid securities having a value equal to the repurchase price (including accrued interest) and will subsequently monitor the account to ensure that such equivalent value is maintained.

Reverse repurchase agreements involve risks. Reverse repurchase agreements are a form of leverage, and the use of reverse repurchase agreements by a Fund may increase such Fund’s volatility. Reverse repurchase agreements are also subject to the risk that the other party to the reverse repurchase agreement will be unable or unwilling to complete the transaction as scheduled, which may result in losses to a Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by a Fund may decline below the price at which it is obligated to repurchase the securities. In addition, when a Fund invests the proceeds it receives in a reverse repurchase transaction there is a risk that those investments may decline in value. In this circumstance, a Fund could be required to sell other investments in order to meet its obligations to repurchase the securities.

SECURITIES LENDING —Each Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations that meet capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the Board. These loans, if and when made, may not exceed 33 1 / 3 % of the total asset value of a Fund (including the loan collateral). Each Fund will not lend portfolio securities to its advisers or its affiliates unless it has applied for and received specific authority to do so from the SEC. Loans of portfolio securities will be fully collateralized by cash, letters of credit or U.S. Government securities, and the collateral will be maintained in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities by marking to market daily, although the borrower will be required to deliver collateral of 102% and 105% of the market value of borrowed securities for domestic and foreign issuers, respectively. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of a Fund.

A Fund may pay a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral or other fee to an unaffiliated third party for acting as such Fund’s securities lending agent.

By lending its securities, a Fund may increase its income by receiving payments from the borrower that reflect the amount of any interest or dividends payable on the loaned securities as well as by either investing cash collateral received from the borrower in short-term instruments or obtaining a fee from the borrower when U.S. Government securities or letters of credit are used as collateral. Each Fund will adhere to the following conditions whenever its portfolio securities are loaned: (i) the Fund must receive at least 100% cash collateral or equivalent securities of the type discussed in the preceding paragraph from the borrower; (ii) the borrower must increase such collateral whenever the market value of the securities rises above the level of such collateral; (iii) the Fund must be able to terminate the loan on demand; (iv) the Fund must receive reasonable interest on the loan, as well as any dividends, interest or other distributions on the loaned securities and any increase in market value; (v) the Fund may pay only reasonable fees in connection with the loan (which may include fees payable to the lending agent, the borrower, the Fund’s administrator and the custodian); and (vi) voting rights on the loaned securities may pass to the borrower, provided, however, that if a material event adversely affecting the investment occurs, the Fund must terminate the loan and regain the right to vote the securities. The Board has adopted procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the foregoing criteria will be met. Loan agreements involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the borrower, including possible delays or restrictions upon a Fund’s ability to recover the loaned securities or dispose of the collateral for the loan, which could give rise to loss because of adverse market action, expenses and/or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying securities.

A Fund will invest the cash received as collateral through loan transactions in other eligible securities, which may include shares of a registered money market fund, or of an unregistered money market fund that complies with the requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act to the extent required by the 1940 Act. Such money market funds might not seek or be able to maintain a stable $1.00 per share net asset value.

 

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The investment of cash collateral subjects a Fund to market risk. A Fund remains obligated to return all collateral to the borrower under the terms of its securities lending arrangements even if the value of the investments made with the collateral has declined. Accordingly, if the value of a security in which the cash collateral has been invested declines, the loss would be borne by a Fund, and such Fund may be required to liquidate other investments in order to return collateral to the borrower at the end of a loan.

SHORT SALES —Short sales may be used by the Funds as part of their overall portfolio management strategies or to offset (hedge) a potential decline in the value of a security. A Fund may engage in short sales that are either “uncovered” or “against the box.” Uncovered short sales are transactions under which a Fund sells a security it does not own. To complete such a transaction, a Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. A Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing the security at the market price at the time of the replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by a Fund. Until the security is replaced, a Fund is required to pay the lender amounts equal to any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, a Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale may be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out. A short sale is “against the box” if, at all times during which the short position is open, a Fund owns at least an equal amount of the securities or securities convertible into, or exchangeable without further consideration for, securities of the same issue as the securities that are sold short. A short sale against the box is a taxable transaction to a Fund with respect to the securities that are sold short.

Until a Fund closes its short position or replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will: (i) earmark on the books of the Fund or place in a segregated account cash, high-quality, short-term debt securities or money-market instruments at such a level that the amount earmarked or deposited in the segregated account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold short; or (ii) otherwise “offset” the Fund’s short position as required by the 1940 Act.

The use of short sales may effectively result in a Fund having a leveraged investment portfolio, which results in greater potential for loss. Leverage can amplify the effects of market volatility on a Fund’s share price and make such Fund’s returns more volatile. This is because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities. The use of leverage may also cause a Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so or in order to satisfy its obligations.

SWAP TRANSACTIONS —Swaps are privately negotiated over-the-counter derivative products in which two parties agree to exchange payment streams calculated in relation to a rate, index, instrument or certain securities (referred to as the “underlying”) and a predetermined amount (referred to as the “notional amount”). The underlying for a swap may be an interest rate (fixed or floating), a currency exchange rate, a commodity price index, a security, group of securities or a securities index, a combination of any of these or various other rates, securities, instruments, assets or indices. Swap agreements generally do not involve the delivery of the underlying or principal, and a party’s obligations are generally equal to only the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the swap agreement. A great deal of flexibility is possible in the way swaps may be structured. For example, in a simple fixed-to-floating interest rate swap, one party makes payments equivalent to a fixed interest rate and the other party makes payments calculated with reference to a specified floating interest rate, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or the prime rate. In a currency swap, the parties generally enter into an agreement to pay interest streams in one currency based on a specified rate in exchange for receiving interest streams denominated in another currency. Currency swaps may involve initial and final exchanges of the currency that correspond to the agreed upon notional amount.

A Fund may engage in simple or more complex swap transactions involving a wide variety of underlying instruments for various reasons. For example, a Fund may enter into a swap: (i) to gain (or neutralize) exposure to investments (such as an index of securities in a market) or currencies without actually purchasing those stocks or currencies; (ii) to make an investment without owning or taking physical custody of securities or currencies in circumstances in which direct investment is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable; (iii) to hedge an existing position; (iv) to obtain a particular desired return at a lower cost to the Fund than if it had invested directly in an instrument that yielded the desired return; or (v) for various other reasons. The Funds may enter into dividend and total return swap transactions (including equity swaps) based on certain underlying instruments.

 

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Caps, floors, collars and swaptions are privately-negotiated option-based derivative products. Like a put or call option, the buyer of a cap or floor pays a premium to the writer. In exchange for that premium, the buyer receives the right to a payment equal to the differential if the specified index or rate rises above (in the case of a cap) or falls below (in the case of a floor) a pre-determined strike level. Like swaps, obligations under caps and floors are calculated based upon an agreed notional amount, and, like most swaps (other than foreign currency swaps), the entire notional amount is not exchanged. A collar is a combination product in which one party buys a cap from and sells a floor to another party. Swaptions give the holder the right to enter into a swap. A Fund may use one or more of these derivative products in addition to or in lieu of a swap.

Under current market practice, swaps, caps, collars and floors between the same two parties are generally documented under a “master agreement.” In some cases, options and forwards between the parties may also be governed by the same master agreement. In the event of a default, amounts owed under all transactions entered into under, or covered by, the same master agreement would be netted, and only a single payment would be made.

Generally, a Fund would calculate the obligations of the swap agreements’ counterparties on a “net basis.” Consequently, a Fund’s current obligation (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each counterparty to the swap agreement (the “net amount”). A Fund’s current obligation under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to such Fund), and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be “covered” or “offset” as required by the 1940 Act.

The swap market has grown substantially in recent years, with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents using standardized swap agreements. As a result, the use of swaps has become more prevalent in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments that are also traded in over-the-counter markets.

Swaps and other derivatives involve risks. One significant risk in a swap, cap, floor, collar or swaption is the potential volatility of the specific index rate, currency or other underlying that determines the amount of payments due to and from a Fund. This is true whether these derivative products are used to create additional risk exposure for a Fund or to hedge, or manage, existing risk exposure. If under a swap, cap, floor, collar or swaption agreement, a Fund is obligated to make a payment to the counterparty, such Fund must be prepared to make the payment when due. A Fund could suffer losses with respect to such an agreement if such Fund is unable to terminate the agreement or reduce its exposure through offsetting transactions. Further, the risks of caps, floors and collars, like put and call options, may be unlimited for the seller if the cap or floor is not hedged or covered, but is limited for the buyer.

Because under swap, cap, floor, collar and swaption agreements a counterparty may be obligated to make payments to a Fund, these derivative products are subject to risks related to the counterparty’s creditworthiness. If a counterparty defaults, a Fund’s risk of loss will consist of any payments that such Fund is entitled to receive from the counterparty under the agreement (this may not be true for currency swaps that require the delivery of the entire notional amount of one designated currency in exchange for the other). Upon default by a counterparty, however, a Fund may have contractual remedies under the swap agreement.

A Fund will enter into swaps only with counterparties that the advisers believe to be creditworthy. The Adviser will evaluate the creditworthiness of counterparties on an ongoing basis. In addition to information provided by credit agencies, the Adviser will evaluate each approved counterparty using various methods of analysis, such as, for example, the counterparty’s liquidity in the event of default, the counterparty’s reputation, the Adviser’s past experience with the counterparty and the counterparty’s share of market participation. In addition, a Fund will earmark on its books or segregate cash, high-quality, short-term debt securities or money-market instruments in an amount equal to any liability amount owned under a swap, cap, floor, collar or swaption agreement or will otherwise “offset” its position as required by the 1940 Act. The Funds will transact in swaps only with dealers that have in place an ISDA agreement with the Funds.

 

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Where practicable, the Funds intend to transact in swaps cleared through a central clearing house (“Cleared Swaps”). Currently, only certain of the interest rate swaps in which the Fund intends to transact are Cleared Swaps, while the dividend and total-return swaps (including equity swaps) in which the Funds may transact are currently not Cleared Swaps.

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES —Examples of types of U.S. Government obligations in which a Fund may invest include U.S. Treasury obligations and the obligations of U.S. Government agencies or U.S. Government sponsored entities such as Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, the Federal Housing Administration, the Farmers Home Administration, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Small Business Administration, Fannie Mae, GNMA, the General Services Administration, the Student Loan Marketing Association, the Central Bank for Cooperatives, Freddie Mac, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Maritime Administration and other similar agencies. Whether backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury or not, U.S. Government securities are not guaranteed against price movements due to fluctuating interest rates.

Receipts. Receipts are interests in separately-traded interest and principal component parts of U.S. Government obligations that are issued by banks or brokerage firms and are created by depositing U.S. Government obligations into a special account at a custodian bank. The custodian holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit of the registered owners of the certificates or receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance of the certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and maintains the register. TRs and STRIPS are interests in accounts sponsored by the U.S. Treasury. Receipts are sold as zero coupon securities, which means that they are sold at a substantial discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal.

U.S. Treasury Obligations. U.S. Treasury obligations consist of bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and separately traded interest and principal component parts of such obligations that are transferable through the federal book-entry systems known as STRIPS and TRs.

U.S. Government Zero Coupon Securities. STRIPS and receipts are sold as zero coupon securities; that is, fixed income securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons. Zero coupon securities are sold at a (usually substantial) discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. The amount of this discount is accreted over the life of the security, and the accretion constitutes the income earned on the security for both accounting and tax purposes. Because of these features, the market prices of zero coupon securities are generally more volatile than the market prices of securities that have similar maturity but that pay interest periodically. Zero coupon securities are likely to respond to a greater degree to interest rate changes than are non-zero coupon securities with similar maturities and credit qualities.

U.S. Government Agencies. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury ( e.g. , Treasury bills, notes and bonds, and securities guaranteed by GNMA), others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury ( e.g. , obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks), while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality ( e.g. , obligations of Fannie Mae). Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government may be a guarantee of payment at the maturity of the obligation so that, in the event of a default prior to maturity, there might not be a market and thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these securities or to the value of a Fund’s shares.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE BENCHMARK INDEXES

A description of the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index and the Reality Shares DIVS Index (each, a “Benchmark Index” and together, the “Benchmark Indexes”) on which the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF and Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF, respectively, is based is provided in the Prospectus under “Principal Investment Strategies.” Additional information about each Benchmark Index, including the components and weightings of the Benchmark Indexes, as well as the rules that govern inclusion and weighting in each of the Benchmark Indexes, is available at www.realityshares.com.

 

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Description of the Benchmark Indexes

The Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index is comprised of options based on the NASDAQ-100 Index and options on ETFs designed to track the NASDAQ-100 Index rather than individual stocks. The Benchmark Index uses the options in combination to provide exposure to the aggregate value of the dividends expected to be paid on the securities included in the NASDAQ-100 Index, as reflected in the prices of the options. By combining both put and call combinations with the same strike price, on the same reference asset, but different maturities, the Benchmark Index is designed to provide exposure to the current market value of the dividends expected to be paid between the two maturities. Each option in the Benchmark Index is paired with an offsetting long/short position, which is designed to eliminate the effect stock price movements. The Benchmark Index also includes other option combinations designed to eliminate the effect of interest changes on the value of the Benchmark Index. As a result, the Benchmark Index is designed to reflect the current market expectation of dividend appreciation or depreciation.

The Reality Shares DIVS Index is comprised of options based on the S&P 500 Index and options on ETFs designed to track the S&P 500 Index rather than individual stocks. The Benchmark Index uses the options in combination to provide exposure to the aggregate value of the expected dividends expected to be paid on the securities included in the S&P 500, as reflected in the prices of the options. By combining both put and call combinations with the same strike price, on the same reference asset, but different maturities, the Benchmark Index is designed to provide exposure to the current market value of the dividends expected to be paid between the two maturities. Each option in the Benchmark Index is paired with an offsetting long/short position, which is designed to eliminate stock price movements. The Benchmark Index also includes other option combinations designed to eliminate the effect of interest changes on the value of the Benchmark Index. As a result, the Benchmark Index is designed to reflect the current market expectation of dividend appreciation or depreciation.

Component Selection Criteria

Eligibility requirements for inclusion within the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index generally include listed options on the NASDAQ-100 Index and ETFs designed to track the NASDAQ-100 Index.

Eligibility requirements for inclusion within the Reality Shares DIVS Index generally include listed options on the S&P 500 Index and ETFs designed to track the S&P 500 Index.

Benchmark Index Rebalance / Benchmark Index Maintenance

Each Benchmark Index is “rebalanced” or “reconstituted” on an “as necessary” basis corresponding to the sale or expiry of the option contracts comprising the Benchmark Index, and general market conditions. New securities for consideration in any rebalance period are screened to determine eligibility with the custom Benchmark Index methodology of Reality Shares, Inc., with respect to the Reality Shares DIVS Index, or Reality Shares, Inc. in conjunction with The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc., with respect to Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index. Based on this screening, securities that meet a Benchmark Index’s pre-requisites are added to such Benchmark Index, and securities that no longer meet such requirements are dropped (sold/covered) from the Benchmark Index. Each Benchmark Index will consist of a minimum of 20 components. The approximate number of components comprising each Benchmark Index as of the date of this SAI is set forth below:

 

   
Benchmark Index   Approximate Number of Components

Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index

  20

Reality Shares DIVS Index

  20

Benchmark Index Availability

Each Benchmark Index is calculated and disseminated throughout the principal trading hours each day the NYSE or the NASDAQ Stock Market, as applicable, are open for trading.

 

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Changes to the Benchmark Index Methodology

Each Benchmark Index is governed by a published, rules-based methodology. Reality Shares, Inc. may change the methodology at any time in its sole discretion without regards to the needs of any Fund or Fund shareholders, and such changes to the methodology of a Benchmark Index will be publicly disclosed at the Funds’ website www.realityshares.com prior to implementation.

Benchmark Index Calculation Agent

In order to minimize any potential for conflicts caused by side-by-side management between Reality Shares, Inc. and the Adviser, its wholly-owned subsidiary, acting as investment adviser to the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF and the Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF, Reality Shares, Inc. has retained an unaffiliated third party service provider to calculate the Benchmark Indexes (the “Calculation Agent”). The Calculation Agent, using the applicable rules-based methodology, will calculate, maintain and disseminate each Benchmark Index on a daily basis. Reality Shares, Inc. will monitor the results produced by the Calculation Agent to help ensure that each Benchmark Index is being calculated in accordance with the applicable rules-based methodology. In addition, Reality Shares, Inc. and the Adviser have established policies and procedures designed to prevent non-public information regarding pending changes to a Benchmark Index from being used or disseminated in an improper manner. Furthermore, Reality Shares, Inc. and the Adviser have established policies and procedures designed to prevent improper use and dissemination of non-public information about each Fund’s portfolio strategies and to mitigate such Fund’s portfolio manager from having sole influence on the construction of a Benchmark Index methodology.

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

The following are fundamental and non-fundamental policies of the Funds. The percentage limitations (except for the limitation on borrowing) set forth below will apply at the time of the purchase of a security and shall not be violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs, immediately after or as a result of a purchase of such security.

Fundamental Policies

The following investment limitations are fundamental policies of the Funds, which cannot be changed with respect to a Fund without the consent of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares. The term “majority of outstanding shares” means the vote of: (i) 67% or more of a Fund’s shares present at a meeting, if more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of a Fund’s outstanding shares, whichever is less.

 

  1. Each Fund may make loans, except as prohibited under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

 

  2. Each Fund may borrow money, except as prohibited under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

 

  3. Each Fund may not issue senior securities, as such term is defined under the 1940 Act, the rules or regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as amended or interpreted from time to time, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

 

  4. Each Fund may not purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry, except that each of the Funds will invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities of the same industry to approximately the same extent that the Fund’s respective Benchmark Index concentrates or may be deemed to concentrate in the securities of a particular industry or group of industries.

 

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  5. Each Fund may purchase or sell commodities and real estate, except as prohibited under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

 

  6. Each Fund may underwrite securities issued by other persons, except as prohibited under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

Non-Fundamental Policies

The Funds observe the following policies, which are not deemed fundamental and which may be changed by the Board without shareholder vote.

 

  1. Each Fund may not hold illiquid securities in an amount exceeding, in the aggregate, 15% of such Fund’s net assets.

 

  2. Each Fund may not borrow money (i) in an amount exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed, but excluding temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets) and (ii) other than from a bank, provided that investment strategies that either obligate the Fund to purchase securities or require the Fund to cover a position by segregating assets or entering into an offsetting position shall not be subject to this limitation.

 

  3. Each Fund may not lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties (this restriction does not apply to purchases of debt securities or repurchase agreements).

 

  4. Each Fund may not invest in unmarketable interests in real estate limited partnerships or invest directly in real estate. Each Fund may not purchase or sell or invest directly in real estate unless acquired as a result of its ownership in securities or other investments and except pursuant to the exercise of its rights under loan agreements related to its investments or to the extent that its investments in senior loans or bank loans may be considered to be investments in real estate. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing policy does not prevent the Fund from, among other things; purchasing marketable securities of companies that deal in real estate or interests therein (including REITs).

 

  5. Each Fund may purchase or sell financial and physical commodities, commodity contracts based on (or relating to) physical commodities or financial commodities and securities and derivative instruments whose values are derived from (in whole or in part) physical commodities or financial commodities.

 

  6. Each Fund may not change its investment strategy to invest at least 80% of its total assets (exclusive of collateral held from securities lending, if any) in the component securities of its Benchmark Index without 60 days’ prior notice to shareholders.

The following descriptions of the 1940 Act may assist shareholders in understanding the above policies and restrictions.

Diversification. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified investment management company, as to 75% of its total assets, may not purchase securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agents or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the issuer’s outstanding voting securities would be held by the fund.

The Funds are non-diversified investment management companies. This means that a relatively high percentage of each Fund’s assets may be invested in the obligations of a limited number of issuers. The value of the shares of each Fund may be more susceptible to any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than the shares of a diversified investment

 

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company would be. The Funds intend to satisfy the diversification requirements necessary to qualify as regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), which requires in part that the Funds be diversified ( i.e. , not invest more than 5% of their assets in the securities in any one issuer) as to 50% of their assets.

Concentration. The SEC has presently defined concentration as investing 25% or more of an investment company’s net assets in an industry or group of industries, with certain exceptions such as with respect to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities, or tax-exempt obligations of state or municipal governments and their political subdivisions.

Borrowing. The 1940 Act presently allows a fund to borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1 / 3 % of its total assets, including the amount borrowed (not including temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets).

Senior Securities. Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation.

Lending. Under the 1940 Act, a fund may only make loans if expressly permitted by its investment policies. Each Fund’s non-fundamental investment policy on lending is set forth above.

Underwriting. Under the 1940 Act, underwriting securities involves a fund purchasing securities directly from an issuer for the purpose of selling (distributing) them or participating in any such activity either directly or indirectly. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified fund may not make any commitment as underwriter, if immediately thereafter the amount of its outstanding underwriting commitments, plus the value of its investments in securities of issuers (other than investment companies) of which it owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities, exceeds 25% of the value of its total assets.

Real Estate. The 1940 Act does not directly restrict a fund’s ability to invest in real estate, but does require that every fund have a fundamental investment policy governing such investments. The Funds have adopted a fundamental policy that would permit direct investment in real estate. However, the Funds have a non-fundamental investment limitation that prohibits them from investing directly in real estate. This non-fundamental policy may be changed only by vote of the Board.

CONTINUOUS OFFERING

The method by which Creation Units are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by the Funds on an ongoing basis, at any point a “distribution,” as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the 1933 Act.

For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor (as defined below), breaks them down into constituent shares, and sells such shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters,” but are effecting transactions in shares,

 

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whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the 1933 Act is not available with respect to such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. Firms that incur a prospectus-delivery obligation with respect to shares are reminded that, under Rule 153 of the 1933 Act, a prospectus-delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the 1933 Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on an exchange is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at the exchange upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.

EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING

The shares of each Fund will trade on its Exchange at prices that may differ to some degree from such Fund’s NAV. There can be no assurance that the requirements of an Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of shares will continue to be met. An Exchange may, but is not required to, remove the shares of a Fund from listing if: (i) following the initial 12-month period beginning at the commencement of trading of the Fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of the shares of the Fund for 30 or more consecutive trading days; (ii) the value of a Fund’s Benchmark Index is no longer calculated or available; or (iii) such other event shall occur or condition exist that, in the opinion of an Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. An Exchange will remove the shares of a Fund from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund.

As in the case of other stocks traded on an Exchange, broker’s commissions on purchases or sales of shares in market transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.

THE ADMINISTRATOR

General. The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Administrator”), a New York banking organization, has its principal business offices at 225 Liberty Street, New York, New York 10286. The Administrator also serves as the transfer agent and custodian for the Funds.

Administration Agreement with the Trust. The Trust and the Administrator have entered into an administration and accounting agreement (the “Administration Agreement”). Under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides the Trust with administrative services or employs certain other parties, including its affiliates, who provide such services, including regulatory reporting and all necessary office space, equipment, personnel and facilities. The Administrator is compensated for providing such services to the Trust by the Adviser pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement (defined below).

The Administration Agreement provides that the Administrator shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Administration Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from negligence, willful misfeasance or bad faith on the part of the Administrator in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its duties and obligations thereunder or from breach of any representation or warranty contained in the Administration Agreement .

The Administration Agreement shall remain effective for the initial term of the Agreement and each renewal term thereof unless earlier terminated: (i) by either party upon written notice to the other party at least 90 days’ prior to the end of the initial term or renewal term, as applicable; (ii) by either party upon 30 days’ prior written notice if the other party fails to perform its obligations under the Administration Agreement in any material respect; and (iii) by the Administrator on not less than 30 days’ written notice to the Trust if the Trust terminates the custody agreement between the Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon serving in its capacity as custodian of the Trust.

THE ADVISER

General. Reality Shares Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”) was founded in 2013 and is a Delaware limited liability company. The principal business address of the Adviser is 402 West Broadway, Suite 2800, San Diego, California 92101.

Advisory Agreement. The Trust and the Advisor have entered into an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor oversees the investment advisory services provided to the Funds.

 

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The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder.

After its initial two year term, the continuance of the Advisory Agreement must be specifically approved at least annually: (i) by the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of that Fund or by the Trustees; and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined under the 1940 Act) of any party thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment and is terminable (i) at any time without penalty by the Trustees of the Trust or, with respect to a Fund, by a majority of the outstanding shares of that Fund, or (ii) by the Adviser on not less than 30 days’ nor more than 60 days’ written notice to the Trust.

Management Fees. For these advisory services, the Adviser receives a fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly at the following annual rates (shown as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each Fund):

 

   
Fund   Management Fee

Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF

  0.85%

Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF

  0.85%

The Adviser is responsible, under the Advisory Agreement, for substantially all expenses of the Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services. The Adviser is not responsible for, and the Fund will bear the cost of, interest expense, taxes, brokerage expenses and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio securities transactions, distribution fees and extraordinary expenses.

As of the date of this SAI, the Funds had not commenced operations, and therefore did not pay any fees to the Adviser.

Portfolio Management

Compensation. The Funds’ portfolio manager receives a majority of his compensation from his direct equity ownership in Reality Shares, Inc. (“Company”) and therefore compensation is based in part on the long-term success of the Fund, other client accounts and the Company as a whole. The amount of such compensation is based on the proportionate amount of the portfolio manager’s ownership, and is paid out periodically as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Funds’ portfolio manager also receives a fixed annual salary.

Ownership of Fund Shares. Because the Funds are new, as of the date of this SAI, the portfolio manager did not beneficially own shares of the Funds.

Other Accounts. As of October 31, 2015, the portfolio manager was responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as set forth in the table below. No such other accounts were subject to a performance fee.

 

      Registered
Investment Companies*
     Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles*
     Other Accounts*  
Name    Number of
Accounts
    

Total Assets

(in millions)

     Number of
Accounts
    

Total Assets

(in millions)

     Number of
Accounts
    

Total Assets

(in millions)

 

Eric Ervin

     1         $30,053,470         0         $0         0         $0   

THE DISTRIBUTOR

The Trust and ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a Colorado corporation, are parties to a distribution agreement (“Distribution Agreement”), whereby the Distributor acts as principal underwriter for the Trust’s shares. The principal business address of the Distributor is 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80203.

The continuance of the Distribution Agreement must be specifically approved at least annually (i) by the vote of the Trustees or by a vote of the shareholders of the Funds and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operations of the Distribution Agreement or any related agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as such term is defined in the 1940

 

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Act), and is terminable at any time without penalty by the Distributor, by the Board or, with respect to a Fund, by a majority of the outstanding shares of such Fund, upon 60 days’ written notice by either party. The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder.

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST

Board Responsibilities. The management and affairs of the Trust and its series, including the Funds described in this SAI, are overseen by the Trustees. The Board has approved contracts, as described above, under which certain companies provide essential management services to the Trust.

Like most ETFs, the day-to-day business of the Trust, including the management of risk, is performed by third party service providers, such as the Adviser, Distributor and Administrator. The Trustees are responsible for overseeing the Trust’s service providers and, thus, have oversight responsibility with respect to risk management performed by those service providers. Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, i.e. , events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the funds. The Funds and their service providers employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Each service provider is responsible for one or more discrete aspects of the Trust’s business ( e.g. , the Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund’s portfolio investments) and, consequently, for managing the risks associated with that business. The Board has emphasized to the Funds’ service providers the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management.

The Trustees’ role in risk oversight begins before the inception of a Fund, at which time certain of the Fund’s service providers present the Board with information concerning the investment objectives, strategies and risks of the Fund, as well as proposed investment limitations for the Fund. Additionally, the Adviser provides the Board with an overview of, among other things, its investment philosophy, brokerage practices and compliance infrastructure. Thereafter, the Board continues its oversight function as various personnel, including the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, as well as personnel of the Adviser and other service providers, such as the Fund’s independent accountants, make periodic reports to the Audit Committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management. The Board and the Audit Committee oversee efforts by management and service providers to manage risks to which the Funds may be exposed.

The Board is responsible for overseeing the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Funds by the Adviser and receives information about those services at its regular meetings. In addition, on an annual basis, in connection with its consideration of whether to renew the advisory agreement with the Adviser, the Board meets with the Adviser to review such services. Among other things, the Board regularly considers the Adviser’s adherence to the Funds’ investment restrictions and compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities regulations. The Board also reviews information about the Funds’ investments, including, for example, portfolio holdings schedules and reports on the Adviser’s use of derivatives in managing the Funds.

The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer reports regularly to the Board to review and discuss compliance issues and Fund and adviser risk assessments. At least annually, the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer provides the Board with a report reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Trust’s policies and procedures and those of its service providers, including the Adviser. The report addresses the operation of the policies and procedures of the Trust and each service provider since the date of the last report; any material changes to the policies and procedures since the date of the last report; any recommendations for material changes to the policies and procedures; and any material compliance matters since the date of the last report.

The Board receives reports from the Funds’ service providers regarding the valuation and liquidity of portfolio securities. The Trust’s Fair Value Pricing Committee makes regular reports to the Board concerning investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Annually, the independent registered public accounting firm reviews with the Audit Committee its audit of the Funds’ financial statements, focusing on major areas of risk encountered by the Funds and noting any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the Funds’ internal controls. Additionally, in connection with its oversight function, the Board oversees Fund management’s implementation of disclosure controls and procedures, which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Trust in its periodic reports with the SEC are

 

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recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the required time periods. The Board, in consultation with Fund management, also oversees the Trust’s internal controls over financial reporting, which comprise policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Trust’s financial reporting and the preparation of the Trust’s financial statements.

From their review of these reports and discussions with the Adviser, the Chief Compliance Officer, the independent registered public accounting firm and other service providers, the Board and the Audit Committee learn about the material risks of the Funds, thereby facilitating a dialogue about how management and service providers identify and mitigate those risks.

The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Funds can be identified and/or quantified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Funds’ goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. Most of the Funds’ 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 Funds’ 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 (5) members of the Board of Trustees, three (3) of whom are not interested persons of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (“independent Trustees”). Eric Ervin serves as Chairman of the Board. The Trust has determined its leadership structure is appropriate given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust. The Trust made this determination in consideration of, among other things, the fact that the independent Trustees constitute a majority of the Board, the fact that the chairperson of each Committee of the Board is an independent Trustee, the amount of assets under management in the Trust, and the number of series overseen by the Board. The structure and operation of the Board is designed to facilitate the orderly and efficient flow of information to the independent Trustees from Fund management.

The Board of Trustees has two standing committees: the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Audit Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee are each chaired by an independent Trustee and composed of all of the independent Trustees.

Set forth below are the names, dates of birth, position with the Trust, length of term of office, and the principal occupations and other directorships held during at least the last five years of each of the persons currently serving as a Trustee of the Trust.

 

Name, Address (1)  and    
Age
    Position with  
Trust and
Length of
Term (2)
 

Principal Occupations

in the Past 5 Years

  Number of
Portfolios in Fund  
Complex (3)
Overseen by
Trustee
  Other Directorships
Held in the Past 5
Years
     Interested Trustees         

Eric Ervin (4)

(Born: 1976)

  Trustee

(since 2014)

  President, CEO and Co-Founder of Reality Shares, Inc. (October 2011 – present); Vice President, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (June 2009 – October 2011)   6   None

Michael S. Rosen (4)

(Born: 1961)

  Trustee

(since 2014)

  Context Capital Management, LLC, Co-Founder and CEO (2001 – present)   6   None
     Independent Trustees          

 

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Name, Address (1)  and    
Age
    Position with  
Trust and
Length of
Term (2)
 

Principal Occupations

in the Past 5 Years

  Number of
Portfolios in Fund  
Complex (3)
Overseen by
Trustee
  Other Directorships
Held in the Past 5
Years

Christopher Nero

(Born: 1967)

  Trustee

(since 2014)

  True North Advisory Group (business consulting firm), CEO (January 2012 – present); Deutsche Bank AFS, Managing Director and Global Head (January 2008 – March 2011)   6   None

Nathaniel R. Singer

(Born: 1961)

  Trustee

(since 2014)

  Swap Financial Group, Financial Adviser (January 2008 – present)   6   Municipal Securities
Rulemaking Board

Justin Ferayorni, CFA

(Born: 1973)

  Trustee

(since 2015)

 

Founder, Chief Executive Officer and

Chief Investment Officer of Tamarack

Capital Management, LLC

(2005 – present)

  6   None

 

(1) Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each Trustee is 402 West Broadway, Suite 2800, San Diego, California 92101.
(2) Each Trustee shall serve until death, resignation or removal.
(3) The term “Fund Complex” refers to the Reality Shares ETF Trust.
(4) Messrs. Ervin and Rosen may be deemed to be “interested” persons of the Funds, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, by virtue of their affiliation with the Adviser and/or its affiliates.

Individual Trustee Qualifications. The Trust has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve on the Board because of his or her ability to review and understand information about the Fund(s) provided to them by management, to identify and request other information they may deem relevant to the performance of their duties, to question management and other service providers regarding material factors bearing on the management and administration of the Fund(s), and to exercise their business judgment in a manner that serves the best interests of the Funds’/Fund’s shareholders. The Trust has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve as a Trustee based on their own experience, qualifications, attributes and skills as described below.

Eric Ervin is President, CEO and Co-Founder of Reality Shares, Inc. Prior to co-founding the Company, Mr. Ervin founded the Ervin Miller Group wealth management franchise at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. He holds Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Consultant designations.

Michael S. Rosen is Co-Founder and CEO of Context Capital Management, LLC, an alternative asset management firm. Prior to co-founding Context Capital Management, LLC, Mr. Rosen was a co-principal owner of two investment advisers to a mutual fund complex and a mutual fund portfolio manager. Mr. Rosen is on the Board of Trustees for the University of Rochester, where he also serves on the Investment and Development Committees. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst.

Christopher Nero is a retired Managing Director and former Global Head of Deutsche Bank’s Alternative Fund Services business, which provides services to hedge funds, private equity funds, and other alternative investment vehicles, located throughout the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He has over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry and has held senior management positions with several alternative investment firms. He previously served as a senior accountant in the Division of Investment Management of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Nathaniel R. Singer has over 28 years experience in the financial services industry, including previously serving as the Chief Operating Officer of the municipal bond department of a major U.S. investment bank. Mr. Singer serves on the Board of Trustees of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board and has also served as an advisor to the Government Accounting Standards Board and the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.

 

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Justin Ferayorni, CFA is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Tamarack Capital Management, LLC (“Tamarack”, founded in 2005. Tamarack is an SEC registered hedge fund focused on investing in healthcare related equities. Prior to founding Tamarack, Mr. Ferayorni served in several positions across the financial services industry focused on analyzing companies within the healthcare industry, including positions as a healthcare analyst and portfolio manager. In addition, Mr. Ferayorni was previously employed at an investment bank, where he worked on both corporate finance and merger and acquisition transactions as an analyst and associate.

In its periodic assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board considers the complementary individual skills and experience of the individual Trustees primarily in the broader context of the Board’s overall composition so that the Board, as a body, possesses the appropriate (and appropriately diverse) skills and experience to oversee the business of the funds.

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

•         Audit Committee . The Board has a standing Audit Committee that is composed of each of the independent Trustees of the Trust. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board. The principal responsibilities of the Audit Committee include: (i) recommending which firm to engage as each Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and whether to terminate this relationship; (ii) reviewing the independent registered public accounting firm’s compensation, the proposed scope and terms of its engagement, and the firm’s independence; (iii) pre-approving audit and non-audit services provided by each Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to the Trust and certain other affiliated entities; (iv) serving as a channel of communication between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Trustees; (v) reviewing the results of each external audit, including any qualifications in the independent registered public accounting firm’s opinion, any related management letter, management’s responses to recommendations made by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with the audit, reports submitted to the Committee by the internal auditing department of the Trust’s Administrator that are material to the Trust as a whole, if any, and management’s responses to any such reports; (vi) reviewing each Fund’s audited financial statements and considering any significant disputes between the Trust’s management and the independent registered public accounting firm that arose in connection with the preparation of those financial statements; (vii) considering, in consultation with the independent registered public accounting firm and the Trust’s senior internal accounting executive, if any, the independent registered public accounting firms’ reports on the adequacy of the Trust’s internal financial controls; (viii) reviewing, in consultation with each Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, major changes regarding auditing and accounting principles and practices to be followed when preparing each Fund’s financial statements; and (ix) other audit related matters. Messrs. Nero, Singer and Ferayorni currently serve as members of the Audit Committee. Mr. Nero serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met 2 times during the most recent fiscal year.

•         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 principal responsibilities of the Governance Committee include: (i) considering and reviewing Board governance and compensation issues; (ii) conducting a self-assessment of the Board’s operations; (iii) selecting and nominating all persons to serve as independent Trustees and evaluating the qualifications of “interested” Trustee candidates; and (iv) reviewing shareholder recommendations for nominations to fill vacancies on the Board if such recommendations are submitted in writing and addressed to the Committee at the Trust’s office. Messrs. Nero, Singer and Ferayorni currently serve as members of the Governance Committee. Mr. Singer serves as the Chairman of the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee did not meet during the most recent fiscal year.

Fund Shares Owned by Board Members. Because the Funds are new, as of the date of this SAI, no Trustee owns shares of any Fund. The Trust is not part of any “family of investment companies” as such term is defined in Form N-1A.

Board Compensation. The Trust paid the following fees to the Trustees during the Funds’ most recently completed during its fiscal year ended October 31, 2015:

 

Trustee

         
 
 
Aggregate
Compensation
From the Trust (1)
 
  
  
        
 
 
Total
Compensation
From the Trust (2)
 
 
  
                            

Interested

                          

Eric Ervin

        $           $   

Michael J. Rosen

        $           $   
                            
         

Independent

                  

Christopher Nero

        $ 7,500            $ 7,500    

Nathaniel R. Singer

        $ 2,000            $ 2,000    

Rick Slaughter (3)

        $ 6,500            $ 6,500    

Justin Ferayorni, CFA (4)

        $           $   

 

(1)

No Trustee is entitled to any deferred compensation, pension or retirement benefits payable by the Fund.

(2)

The term “Fund Complex” refers to the Reality Shares ETF Trust.

(3)

Resigned from the Board effective December 9, 2015.

(4)

Appointed to the Board effective December 9, 2015.

 

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Trust Officers. Set forth below are the names, dates of birth, position with the Trust, length of term of office, and the principal occupations for the last five years of each of the persons currently serving as executive officers of the Trust. Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each officer is 402 West Broadway, Suite 2800, San Diego, California 92101. The Chief Compliance Officer is the only officer who receives compensation from the Trust for her services.

 

Name, Address (1)  and
Age
  Position with Trust and
Length of Term (2)
  Principal Occupations in Past 5 Years

Eric Ervin

(Born: 1976)

 

President

(since 2014)

  President, CEO and Co-Founder of Reality Shares, Inc. (October 2011 – present); Vice President, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (June 2009 – October 2011)

Tom Trivella

(Born: 1958)

 

Treasurer

(since 2014)

  Chief Operating Officer of Reality Shares, Inc. (October 2013 – present); Chief Operating Officer, Citadel Securities LLC (June 2010 – August 2012); Chief Operating Officer, ICAP Corporates LLC (July 2008 – May 2010)

Ryan Ballantyne

(Born: 1971)

 

Secretary

(since 2014)

  Executive Vice President – Sales and Trading of Reality Shares, Inc. (September 2012 – present); Managing Director, Miller Tabak & Co., LLC (April 2007 – August 2012)

Ted J. Uhl

(Born: 1975)

 

Chief Compliance Officer

(since 2014)

  Deputy Chief Compliance Officer of ALPS (June 2010 – Present); Senior Risk Manager for ALPS (October 2006 – June 2010).

 

(1) The business address of Messrs. Ervin, Trivella and Ballantyne is 402 West Broadway, Suite 2800, San Diego, California 92101. The business address of Mr. Uhl is 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80203.
(2) Each officer shall serve until death, resignation or removal.

BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled “Purchasing and Selling Fund Shares.”

Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) acts as securities depository for each Fund’s shares. Shares of each Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC.

DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants (the “DTC Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities’ certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants and by the NYSE and FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (the “Indirect Participants”).

 

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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 herein 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.

Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the Trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the shares of any Fund held by each DTC Participant. The Trust shall inquire of each such DTC Participant as to 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 shares of a 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 interests in such 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 decide to discontinue its service with respect to shares of the Trust at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Trust shall take action to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost.

CREATION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS

Purchase (Creation). The Trust issues and sells Shares of each Fund only: (i) in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without a sales load (but subject to transaction fees), at the NAV per share next determined after receipt of an order, on any Business Day (as defined below), in proper form.

A “Business Day” with respect to a Fund is, generally, any day on which the Listing Exchange (as defined below) on which the Fund is listed for trading is open for business. The Listing Exchange for the Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF is NYSE Arca. The Listing Exchange for the Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF is the NASDAQ Stock Market. As of the date of this SAI, the NYSE and the NASDAQ Stock Market observe the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Fund Deposit. The consideration for purchase of Creation Units of a Fund may consist of the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities (the “Deposit Securities”) and an amount of cash (the “Cash Component”) computed as described below. Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Fund Deposit” for each Fund, which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of a Fund. Because non-exchange traded derivatives and certain listed derivatives are not currently eligible for in-kind transfer, they will be substituted through the Cash Component. Specifically, the Fund will not accept exchange-traded options, OTC options, exchange-traded futures, forward contracts, or swaps as Deposit Securities.

 

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The Cash Component is sometimes also referred to as the “Balancing Amount.” The Cash Component is an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares (per Creation Unit) and the value of Deposit Securities. If the Cash Component is a positive number, the Authorized Participant will deliver the Cash Component. If the Cash Component is a negative number, the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component. The Cash Component does not include any stamp duty tax or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities. These are the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant.

In addition, the Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash ( i.e. , a “cash in lieu” amount) to be added to the Cash Component at its discretion. For example, cash may be substituted to replace any Deposit Security that may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or that may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process (discussed below). The Trust also reserves the right to permit or require a “cash in lieu” amount where the delivery of the Deposit Security by the Authorized Participant (as described below) would be restricted under the securities laws or where the delivery of the Deposit Security to the Authorized Participant would result in the disposition of the Deposit Security by the Authorized Participant becoming restricted under the securities laws, or in other situations deemed appropriate by the Trust. The Funds reserve the right to use this approach, including issuing and redeeming Creation Units partially in-kind and partially in cash.

Each Fund, through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”), makes available on each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on its Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern time), the list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security to be included in the current Fund Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for each Fund.

Such Deposit Securities are applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, in order to effect creations of Creation Units of a Fund until such time as the next-announced composition of the Deposit Securities is made available.

The identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities required for a Fund Deposit for each Fund changes from time to time based on a number of factors.

Procedures for Creation of Creation Units. To be eligible to place orders with the Distributor and to create a Creation Unit of a Fund, an entity must be: (i) a “Participating Party,” i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the “Clearing Process”), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC; or (ii) a DTC Participant. In each case, such entity must have executed an agreement with the Distributor with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Units (“Participant Agreement”). A Participating Party or DTC Participant that has entered a Participation Agreement is referred to as an “Authorized Participant.” Investors should contact the Distributor for the names of Authorized Participants that have signed a Participant Agreement. All shares of a Fund, however created, will be entered on the records of DTC in the name of Cede & Co. for the account of a DTC Participant.

All orders to create shares must be placed for one or more Creation Units. All orders to create Creation Units must be received by the Distributor no later than the closing time of the regular trading session on the relevant Exchange (“Closing Time”) (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the date such orders are placed in order to receive that day’s NAV. All orders must be received in proper form. The date on which an order to create Creation Units is placed is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement, as described below, which procedures may change from time to time without notice at the discretion of the Trust. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure, may impede the ability to reach the Distributor or an Authorized Participant.

All orders to create Creation Units through an Authorized Participant shall be placed with an Authorized Participant, in the form required by such Authorized Participant. In addition, the Authorized Participant may require an investor to make

 

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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, in that case, orders to create Creation Units of a Fund have to be placed by each 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.

Those placing orders for Creation Units of the Funds through the Clearing Process should afford sufficient time to permit proper submission of the order to the Distributor prior to the Closing Time on the Transmittal Date. Orders for Creation Units of the Funds that are effected outside the Clearing Process are likely to require transmittal by the DTC Participant earlier on the Transmittal Date than orders effected using the Clearing Process. Those persons placing orders outside the Clearing Process should ascertain the deadlines applicable to DTC and the Federal Reserve Bank wire system by contacting the operations department of the broker or depository institution effectuating such transfer of Deposit Securities and the Cash Component.

Placement of Creation Orders Using the Clearing Process. The Clearing Process is a process commonly used to create or redeem Creation Units of the Funds. Fund Deposits made through the Clearing Process must be delivered through a Participating Party that has executed a Participant Agreement. The Participant Agreement authorizes the Distributor to transmit through The Bank of New York Mellon to NSCC, on behalf of the Participating Party, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the Participating Party’s creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions to NSCC, the Participating Party agrees to deliver the requisite Deposit Securities and the Cash Component to the Trust, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. An order to create Creation Units through the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date if: (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.

Placement of Creation Orders Outside the Clearing Process. Fund Deposits made outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. A DTC Participant who wishes to place an order creating Creation Units to be effected outside the Clearing Process does not need to be a Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Units will instead be effected through a transfer of securities and cash directly through DTC. The Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account of the Fund by no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the “Settlement Date.” The Settlement Date is typically the third Business Day following the Transmittal Date. Each Fund reserves the right to settle transactions on a basis other than “T” plus three Business Days ( i.e. , days on which the NYSE is open) (“T+3”). In certain cases Authorized Participants will create and redeem Creation Units of the same Fund on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.

All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The amount of cash equal to the Cash Component must be transferred directly to The Bank of New York Mellon through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by The Bank of New York Mellon no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Settlement Date. An order to create Creation Units outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date if: (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. However, if The Bank of New York Mellon does not receive both the required Deposit Securities and the Cash Component by 2:00 p.m. on the Settlement Date, such order may be canceled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, 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 Funds. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the Settlement Date.

Creation Units may be created 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

 

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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) at least 102%, which the Trust may change from time to time, of the market value of the undelivered Deposit Securities (the “Additional Cash Deposit”) with the Fund pending delivery of any missing Deposit Securities.

If an Authorized Participant determines to post an additional cash deposit as collateral for any undelivered Deposit Securities, such Authorized Participant must deposit with The Bank of New York Mellon the appropriate amount of federal funds by 2:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the date of requested settlement. If the Authorized Participant does not place its purchase order by the closing time or The Bank of New York Mellon does not receive federal funds in the appropriate amount by such time, 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. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with The Bank of New York Mellon, 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 102%, which the Trust may change from time to time, of the daily marked-to-market value of the missing Deposit Securities. To the extent that missing Deposit Securities are not received by 2:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Settlement Date or in the event a marked-to-market payment is not made within one Business Day following notification by the Distributor that such a payment is required, the Trust may use the cash on deposit to purchase the missing Deposit Securities.

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 market value of such Deposit Securities on the transmittal date plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases, as well as any stamp taxes, income or dividends due. 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 Bank of New York Mellon or purchased by the Trust and deposited into the Trust and all related transaction costs and other items, as noted above, have been cleared. In addition, a transaction fee, as listed below, will be charged in all cases. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the Settlement Date.

Cash Purchases. When, in the sole discretion of the Trust, cash purchases of Creation Units of shares are available or specified for a Fund, such purchases shall be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases thereof. In the case of a cash purchase, the Authorized Participant must pay the cash equivalent of the Deposit Securities it would otherwise be required to provide through an in-kind purchase, plus the same Cash Component required to be paid by an in-kind purchaser. In addition, to offset brokerage and other costs associated with using cash to purchase the requisite Deposit Securities, the Authorized Participant must pay the Transaction Fees required by each Fund. If the Authorized Participant acts as a broker for the Fund in connection with the purchase of Deposit Securities, the Authorized Participant will also be required to pay certain brokerage commissions, taxes, and transaction and market impact costs as discussed under the heading “Brokerage Transactions” herein.

Acceptance of Orders of Creation Units. The Trust reserves the absolute right to reject or revoke acceptance of a creation order transmitted to it by the Distributor with respect to either Fund. Orders may be rejected and acceptance may be revoked if, for example: (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of any Fund; (iii) the Deposit Securities delivered are not the same as those disseminated through the facilities of the NSCC for that date by the Fund as described above; (iv) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the Fund; (v) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (vi) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust or the Adviser, have an adverse effect on the Trust or the rights of beneficial owners; or (vii) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, The Bank of New York Mellon, the Distributor or the Adviser make it for all practical purposes impossible to process creation orders. 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 Adviser, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, The Bank of New York Mellon or a sub-custodian or any other participant in the creation process and similar extraordinary events. The Distributor 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 Bank of New York Mellon, a 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 any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.

 

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All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and the Trust’s determination shall be final and binding.

Creation/Redemption Transaction Fee. A transaction fee, as set forth in the table below, is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or redemption of Creation Units, as applicable. Authorized Participants will be required to pay a fixed creation transaction fee and/or a fixed redemption transaction fee, as applicable, on a given day regardless of the number of Creation Units created or redeemed on that day. A Fund may adjust the transaction fee from time to time. An additional charge or a variable charge (discussed below) will be applied to certain creation and redemption transactions, including non-standard orders and whole or partial cash purchases or redemptions. With respect to creation orders, Authorized Participants are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Deposit Securities to the account of the Trust, and with respect to redemption orders, Authorized Participants are responsible for the costs of transferring the Fund Securities (defined below) from the Trust to their account or on their order. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may also be charged a fee for such services.

 

Fund   Creation/Redemption
Transaction Fee

Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF

  $500

Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF

  $500

In addition to the transaction fees listed above, the Funds may charge an additional variable fee for creations and redemptions in cash to offset brokerage and impact expenses associated with a cash transaction. The variable transaction fee will be calculated based on historical transaction cost data and the Adviser’s view of current market conditions; however the actual variable fee charged for a given transaction may be lower or higher than the trading expenses incurred by a Fund with respect to that transaction. In no event will a creation transaction fee exceed 5% of the amount invested or a redemption transaction fee exceed 2% of the amount redeemed.

Placement of Redemption Orders Using the Clearing Process. Orders to redeem Creation Units through the Clearing Process must be delivered through a Participating Party that has executed the Participant Agreement. Except as described herein, an order to redeem Creation Units using the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Trust on the Transmittal Date if: (i) such order is received by The Bank of New York Mellon (in its capacity as Transfer Agent) not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date, and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Such order will be effected based on the NAV of the Fund as next determined. The considerations for redemption of Creation Units of a Fund generally consists of (i) a designated portfolio of in-kind securities that closely approximate the holdings of the Fund (the “Fund Securities”) and (ii) an amount of cash denominated in U.S. dollars (the “Cash Redemptions Amount”) as described below. The requisite Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount generally will be transferred by the third NSCC Business Day following the date on which such request for redemption is deemed received.

Placement of Redemption Orders Outside the Clearing Process. Orders to redeem Creation Units outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed the Participant Agreement. An order to redeem Creation Units outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Trust on the Transmittal Date if: (i) such order is received by The Bank of New York Mellon (in its capacity as Transfer Agent) not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date; (ii) such order is accompanied or followed by the requisite number of shares of the Fund specified in such order, which delivery must be made through DTC to The Bank of New York Mellon no later than 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, on the contracted settlement date; and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. After the Trust has deemed an order for redemption outside the Clearing Process received, the Trust

 

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will initiate procedures to transfer the requisite Fund Securities which are expected to be delivered within three Business Days and the Cash Redemption Amount to the Authorized Participant on behalf of the redeeming Beneficial Owner by the Settlement Date. In certain cases Authorized Participants will redeem and create Creation Units of the same Fund on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.

General Redemption Procedures. An Authorized Participant submitting a redemption request is deemed to represent to the Trust that it (or its client) (i) owns outright or has full legal authority and legal beneficial right to tender for redemption the requisite number of shares to be redeemed and can receive the entire proceeds of the redemption, and (ii) the shares to be redeemed have not been loaned or pledged to another party nor are they the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or such other arrangement which would preclude the delivery of such shares to the Trust. The Trust reserves the right to verify these representations at its discretion. If the Authorized Participant, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of its representations as determined by the Trust, the redemption request will not be considered to have been received in proper form and may be rejected by the Trust.

If the requisite number of shares of the Fund is not delivered on the Transmittal Date as described above, the Fund may reject or revoke acceptance of the redemption request because the Authorized Participant has not satisfied all of the settlement requirements.

The current procedures for collateralization of missing shares require, among other things, that any cash collateral shall be in the form of U.S. dollars in immediately available funds and shall be held by The Bank of New York Mellon and marked-to-market daily, and that the fees of The Bank of New York Mellon and any sub-custodians in respect of the delivery, maintenance and redelivery of the cash collateral shall be payable by the Authorized Participant. The Authorized Participant’s agreement will permit the Trust, on behalf of the affected Fund, to purchase the missing shares or acquire the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component underlying such shares at any time and will subject the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Trust of purchasing such shares, Deposit Securities or Cash Component and the value of the collateral as well as any transaction costs, stamp taxes, income or dividends due.

The calculation of the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered upon redemption will be made by The Bank of New York Mellon according to the procedures set forth under Determination of NAV computed on the Business Day on which a redemption order is deemed received by the Trust. Therefore, if a redemption order in proper form is submitted to The Bank of New York Mellon by a DTC Participant not later than the Closing Time on the Transmittal Date, and the requisite number of shares of the relevant Fund are delivered to The Bank of New York Mellon prior to the DTC cut-off time, then the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be determined by The Bank of New York Mellon on such Transmittal Date. If, however, a redemption order is submitted to The Bank of New York Mellon by a DTC Participant not later than the Closing Time on the Transmittal Date but either (i) the requisite number of shares of the relevant Fund are not delivered by the DTC cut-off-time on such Transmittal Date, or (ii) the redemption order is not submitted in proper form, then the redemption order will not be deemed received as of the Transmittal Date. In such case, the value of the Fund Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be computed on the Business Day that such order is deemed received by the Trust on which the shares of the relevant Fund are delivered through DTC to The Bank of New York Mellon by the DTC cut-off-time on such Business Day pursuant to a properly submitted redemption order.

A Fund may also, in its sole discretion, upon request of a shareholder, provide such redeemer a portfolio of securities that differs from the exact composition of the Fund Securities but does not differ in NAV.

Redemptions of shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and each Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Trust could not lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or an investor for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular stock included in the Fund Securities applicable to the redemption of a Creation Units may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming Beneficial Owner of the shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment.

 

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Cash Redemptions. A Fund may pay out the proceeds of redemptions of Creation Units solely in cash or through any combination of cash or securities. 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 of the relevant Fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee 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). Proceeds will be paid to the Authorized Participant redeeming shares on behalf of the redeeming investor as soon as practicable after the date of redemption. If the Authorized Participant acts as a broker for the Fund in connection with the sale of Fund Securities, the Authorized Participant will also be required to pay certain brokerage commissions, taxes, and transaction and market impact costs as discussed under the heading “Brokerage Transactions” herein. Because non-exchange traded derivatives and certain listed derivatives are not currently eligible for in-kind transfer, they will be substituted with an amount of cash of equal value when the Fund processes redemptions of Creation Units. Specifically, the Fund will transfer the corresponding cash value of exchange-traded options, OTC options, exchange-traded futures, forward contracts, or swaps as Deposit Securities.

In-Kind Redemptions. The ability of the Trust to effect in-kind creations and redemptions is subject, among other things, to the condition that, within the time period from the date of the order to the date of delivery of the securities, there are no days that are holidays in the applicable foreign market. For every occurrence of one or more intervening holidays in the applicable foreign market that are not holidays observed in the U.S. equity market, the redemption settlement cycle may be extended by the number of such intervening holidays. In addition to holidays, other unforeseeable closings in a foreign market due to emergencies may also prevent the Trust from delivering securities within the normal settlement period. The Funds will not suspend or postpone redemption beyond seven days, except as permitted under Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act. Section 22(e) provides that the right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to any Fund (1) for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares of the Fund’s portfolio securities or determination of its net asset value is not reasonably practicable; or (4)  in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

The NAV of each Fund’s shares is calculated each day the NYSE is open for trading as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE, generally 4:00 p.m. New York time (the “NAV Calculation Time”). NAV per share is calculated by dividing a Fund’s net assets by the number of Fund shares outstanding.

In calculating a Fund’s NAV, Fund investments generally are valued using market valuations. A market valuation generally means a valuation (i) obtained from an exchange or a major market-maker (or dealer), (ii) based on a price quotation or other equivalent indication of value supplied by an exchange, or a major market-maker (or dealer) or (iii) based on amortized cost. Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of sixty (60) days or less may be valued at (a) their amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, if it can be reasonably concluded at the time of each such valuation that the amortized cost value of the security is approximately the same as the security’s value determined in accordance with market-based factors, or (b) the price provided by an independent third party pricing agent. U.S. fixed income assets may be valued as of the announced closing time for such securities on any day that the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association announces an early closing time. The values of any assets or liabilities of a Fund that are denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars using an exchange rate deemed appropriate by the Fund. In general, the Trust values exchange-listed option based on the last reported sales price or the midpoint of the bid /ask spread for individual exchange-listed option contracts up until 4:15 p.m. Eastern time, the normal close of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, as reported by the Options Price Reporting Authority (“OPRA” and “OPRA Prices”). The Fund compares these OPRA Prices to the best bid/ask quotes received from independent broker-dealers and independent pricing services on the option combinations ( e.g ., the jelly-roll combination) held by the Fund. When the OPRA Prices are within the option combination best bid/ask quotes, the OPRA Prices are used to value the option contracts held by the Fund. When the OPRA Prices fall outside of the option combination best bid/ask quotes, the Fund’s procedures, in general, provide for the option combinations held by the Fund to be priced based on the average of the best bid and best offer indicated by the dealer quotes, as well as other observable market inputs. The Trust will generally value exchange-listed futures at the settlement price determined by the applicable exchange. Non-exchange-traded derivatives, including OTC options, swap transactions and forward transactions, will normally be valued on the basis of quotations or equivalent indication of value supplied by an independent pricing service or major market-makers or dealers. Swaps cleared through a central clearing house, if any, normally are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of exchange on which they are traded. The Trust may use various third-party pricing services, or discontinue the use of any third-party pricing service, as determined by the Trust’s Board of Trustees from time to time.

 

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In certain instances, such as when reliable market valuations are not readily available or are not deemed to reflect current market values, a Fund’s investments will be fair valued in accordance with the Fund’s pricing policy and procedures. Securities that may be valued using “fair value” pricing may include, but are not limited to, securities for which there are no current market quotations or whose issuer is in default or bankruptcy, securities subject to corporate actions (such as mergers or reorganizations), securities subject to non-U.S. investment limits or currency controls, and securities affected by “significant events.” An example of a significant event is an event occurring after the close of the market in which a security trades but before a Fund’s next NAV Calculation Time that may materially affect the value of a Fund’s investment (e.g., government action, natural disaster, or significant market fluctuation). Price movements in U.S. markets that are deemed to affect the value of foreign securities, or reflect changes to the value of such securities, also may cause securities to be “fair valued.”

When fair-value pricing is employed, the prices of securities used by a Fund to calculate its NAV may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities.

Fund shares are purchased or sold on a national securities exchange at market prices, which may be higher or lower than NAV. No secondary sales will be made to brokers or dealers at a concession by the Distributor or by a Fund. Purchases and sales of shares in the secondary market, which will not involve a Fund, will be subject to customary brokerage commissions and charges. Transactions in Fund shares will be priced at NAV only if you purchase or redeem shares directly from a Fund in Creation Units.

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Board has delegated responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by a Fund to the Adviser. The Adviser will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which are included in Appendix B to this SAI.

The Trust is required to disclose annually the Funds’ complete proxy voting record on Form N-PX covering the period from July 1 of one year through June 30 of the next and to file Form N-PX with the SEC no later than August 31 of each year. The current Form N-PX for the Funds, when filed, may be obtained at no charge upon request by calling (855) 595-0240 or by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov .

TAXES

The following is only a summary of certain additional U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders that are not described in the Funds’ Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the federal, state, local or foreign tax treatment of the Funds or their shareholders and the discussion here and in the Funds’ Prospectus is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.

This discussion of federal income tax consequences is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this Statement of Additional Information. 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.

Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company and Taxation of the Funds . Each Fund is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes and is not combined with the Trust’s other Funds. Each Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code so that it will be relieved of federal income tax on that part of its income that is timely distributed to shareholders. In order to qualify for treatment as a RIC, a Fund must distribute annually to its shareholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (generally, net investment income plus the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital losses) (“Distribution Requirement”) and also must meet several additional requirements.

Among these requirements are the following: (i) at least 90% of a Fund’s gross income each taxable year must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income

 

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derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (the “Qualifying Income Test”); (ii) at the close of each quarter of a Fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of a Fund’s assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer; and (iii) at the close of each quarter of a Fund’s taxable year, not more than 25% of the value of its assets may be invested in securities (other than U.S. Government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer or 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.

Although each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and may distribute its capital gains for any taxable year, a Fund will be subject to federal income taxation to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed.

If a Fund fails to satisfy the qualifying income or diversification requirements 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 requirements where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period. If a Fund fails to qualify as a RIC for any year, and the relief provisions are not available, all of its income will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In such case, its shareholders would generally be taxed as if they received ordinary dividends, although corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends received deduction and individuals may be able to benefit from the lower tax rates available to qualified dividend income. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a RIC. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of a Fund as a RIC if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.

A 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 (commonly referred to as “post-October losses”) and certain other late-year losses.

The treatment of capital loss carryovers for RICs is similar to the rules that apply to capital loss carryovers of individuals and provide that such losses are carried over by a Fund indefinitely. Thus, if a Fund has a “net capital loss” (that is, capital losses in excess of capital gains) the excess of a Fund’s net short-term capital losses over its net long-term capital gains is treated as a short-term capital loss arising on the first day of such Fund’s next taxable year, and the excess (if any) of the Fund’s net long-term capital losses over its net short-term capital gains is treated as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year. The carryover of capital losses may be limited under the general loss limitation rules a Fund experiences an ownership change as defined in the Code.

Excise Taxes . Notwithstanding the Distribution Requirement described above, which generally requires a Fund to distribute at least 90% of its annual investment company taxable income and the excess of its exempt interest income, but does not require any minimum distribution of net capital gain, a Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year at least 98% of its ordinary income for that year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income (the excess of short- and long-term capital gain over short- and long-term capital loss) for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain other amounts. Each Fund intends to make sufficient distributions to avoid liability for the federal excise tax, but can make no assurances that such tax will be completely eliminated. A Fund may in certain circumstances be required to liquidate Fund investments in order to make sufficient distributions to avoid federal excise tax liability at a time when the investment advisor might not otherwise have chosen to do so, and liquidation of investments in such circumstances may affect the ability of a Fund to satisfy the requirements for qualification as a RIC.

Fund Distributions. If you are subject to tax, distributions of net short-term capital gains will be taxable to you as ordinary income. In general, distributions by a Fund of investment company taxable income, if any, whether received in cash or

 

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additional shares, will be taxable to you as ordinary income (to the extent of the current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Fund). All or a portion of these distributions (excluding net short-term capital gains) may be treated as qualified dividend income (eligible for the reduced maximum rate to individuals of 20% (lower rates apply to individuals in lower tax brackets)) to the extent that a Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain foreign corporations (e.g., foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States, or the stock of which is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). In order for the dividends received by a Fund shareholder to be qualified dividend income, the Fund must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the dividend paying stocks in its portfolio, and the shareholder must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the Fund’s shares. Distributions received by a Fund from another RIC (including an ETF that is taxable as a RIC) will be treated as qualified dividend income only to the extent so reported by such RIC. If you lend your Fund Shares, such as pursuant to securities lending arrangement, you may lose the ability to treat dividends (paid while the Shares are held by the borrower) as qualified dividend income. For non-corporate shareholders, long-term capital gains are currently taxed at a maximum rate of 20% and short-term capital gains are currently taxed at ordinary income tax rates.

In the case of corporate shareholders, a Fund’s distributions (other than capital gains distributions) generally qualify for the dividends-received deduction to the extent of the gross amount of qualifying dividends received by the Fund for the year. Generally, and subject to certain limitations (including certain holding period limitations), a dividend will be treated as a qualifying dividend if it has been received from a domestic corporation. All dividends (including the deducted portion) must be included in your alternative minimum taxable income calculation.

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

The Funds’ investments in derivative instruments, such as option contracts or swaps tied to dividend returns, will generally not generate income eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income when received by individual shareholders or be eligible for the dividends-received deduction when received by corporate shareholders. Therefore, even though the Funds are designed to isolate the level of expected dividends on equity securities, the Funds’ use of derivative instruments means that the Funds are unlikely to generate income eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income or eligible for the dividend-received deduction. A Fund, however, may occasionally receive dividend income from direct investments in the equity securities of issuers of certain indexes such as the S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, Nikkei 225, as well as from investments in other ETFs designed to track the performance of the securities comprising these indexes. A Fund may be eligible to distribute such dividend income as qualified dividend income when received by individual shareholders or eligible for the dividends-received deduction when received by corporate shareholders, subject to certain limitations.

If a Fund’s distributions exceed its taxable income and capital gains realized during a taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in the same 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 a Fund and result in a higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when those shares on which the distribution was received are sold.

A dividend or distribution received shortly after the purchase of shares reduces the net asset value of the shares by the amount of the dividend or distribution and, although in effect a return of capital, will be taxable to the shareholder. If the net asset value of shares were reduced below the shareholder’s cost by dividends or distributions representing gains realized on sales of securities, such dividends or distributions would be a return of investment, though taxable to the shareholder in the same manner as other dividends or distributions.

Dividends declared to shareholders of record in October, November or December and actually paid in January of the following year will be treated as having been received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which declared. Under this rule, therefore, a shareholder may be taxed in one year on dividends or distributions actually received in January of the following year.

 

 

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A Fund will inform you of the amount of your ordinary income dividends, qualified dividend income and capital gain distributions shortly after the close of each calendar year. If you have not held Fund shares for a full year, the Fund may designate and distribute to you, as ordinary income or capital gain, a percentage of income that is not equal to the actual percentage of such income earned during the period of your investment in the Fund.

Medicare Contribution Tax. U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) are subject to a new 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on their “net investment income,” including interest, dividends and capital gains (including capital gains realized on the sale or exchange of shares of a Fund). This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.

Sale or Exchange of Fund Shares . If you are subject to tax, any gain or loss recognized on a sale, exchange or redemption of shares of a Fund by a shareholder who is not a dealer in securities will generally, for individual shareholders, be treated as a long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than twelve months and otherwise will be treated as a short-term capital gain or loss. However, if shares on which a shareholder has received a net capital gain distribution are subsequently sold, exchanged or redeemed and such shares have been held for six months or less, any loss recognized will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the net capital gain distribution. In addition, the loss realized on a sale or other disposition of shares will be disallowed to the extent a shareholder repurchases (or enters into a contract or option to repurchase) shares within a period of 61 days (beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of the shares). This loss disallowance rule will apply to shares received through the reinvestment of dividends during the 61-day period.

Cost-Basis Reporting . Unless you fall within certain exceptions, the custodian, broker or other administrative agent holding your shares in a Fund on your behalf must report to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and furnish to you the cost basis information for shares of such Fund. In addition to reporting the gross proceeds from the sale of shares of the Fund, you will receive cost basis information for such shares, which will indicate whether these shares had a short-term or long-term holding period. For each sale of shares of a Fund, you are to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods, including the average basis method. In the absence of an election, the custodian, broker or other administrative agent holding your shares in the Fund will use a default cost basis method they have chosen, which should have been communicated to you. The cost basis method elected by you (or the cost basis method applied by default) for each sale of shares of a Fund may not be changed after the settlement date of each such sale. You should consult your tax advisor to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for your tax situation and to obtain more information about how cost basis reporting applies to you. Shareholders also should carefully review any cost basis information provided to them and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on their federal income tax returns.

Federal Tax Treatment of Certain Fund Investments . A Fund may invest in complex securities. These investments may be subject to numerous special and complex tax rules. These rules could affect whether gains and losses recognized by a Fund are treated as ordinary income or loss or capital gain or loss, accelerate the recognition of income to a Fund and/or defer such Fund’s ability to recognize losses. In turn, those rules may affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to you by such Fund.

Dividends and interest received by a Fund may be subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and United States possessions that would reduce the yield on a Fund’s securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate these taxes. Foreign countries generally do not impose taxes on capital gains with respect to investments by foreign investors.

Each Fund intends to make investments in certain complex securities for which there is uncertainty regarding the treatment of these investments under the “Qualifying Income Test” and the asset diversification requirements described above in the paragraph discussing the requirements for qualification as a RIC. If the IRS were to issue public guidance that results in an adverse determination relating to the treatment of a Fund’s investments in such complex securities, a Fund may likely need to significantly change its investment strategies, which could adversely affect such Fund.

The Funds’ writing (selling) and purchasing of options and futures contracts involves complex rules that will determine for federal income tax purposes the amount, character and timing of recognition of the gains and losses the Fund realizes

 

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in connection with such transactions. A Fund distributes to shareholders at least annually any net capital gains which have been recognized for federal income tax purposes, including unrealized gains at the end of a Fund’s fiscal year on futures or certain options transactions. Such distributions are combined with distributions of capital gains realized on a Fund’s other investments and shareholders are advised on the nature of the distributions.

The Funds may invest in certain futures and forward contracts and intend to enter into certain types of listed options on broad based securities indexes (“Section 1256 contracts”), which will be required to be “marked-to-market” for federal income tax purposes, that is, treated as having been sold at their market value on the last day of a Fund’s taxable year. These provisions may require a Fund to recognize income or gains without a concurrent receipt of cash. Any gain or loss recognized on actual or deemed sales of Section 1256 contracts will be treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Transactions that qualify as designated hedges are exempt from this mark-to-market rule, but may require a Fund to defer the recognition of losses on these options to the extent of any unrecognized gains on related positions held by it.

The tax provisions described above applicable to options, futures and forward contracts may affect the amount, timing, and character of a Fund’s distributions to its shareholders. For example, the Section 1256 rules described above may operate to increase the amount a Fund must distribute to satisfy the minimum distribution requirement for the portion treated as short-term capital gain which will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income, and to increase the net capital gain it recognizes, without, in either case, increasing the cash available to it. The Fund may elect to exclude certain transactions from the operation of Section 1256, although doing so may have the effect of increasing the relative proportion of net short-term capital gain (taxable as ordinary income) and thus increasing the amount of dividends it must distribute. Accordingly, in order to avoid certain income and excise taxes, a Fund may be required to liquidate its investments at a time when the investment adviser might not otherwise have chosen to do so. Section 1256 contracts also may be marked-to-market for purposes of the Excise Tax.

Offsetting positions held by a Fund involving certain derivative instruments, such as options, futures and forward currency contracts, may be considered, for federal income tax purposes, to constitute “straddles.” Straddles are defined to include offsetting positions in actively traded personal property. In certain circumstances, the rules governing straddles override or modify the provisions of Section 1256, described above. If a Fund is treated as entering into a straddle and at least one (but not all) of its positions in derivative contracts comprising a part of such straddle is governed by Section 1256, then such straddle could be characterized as a “mixed straddle.” The Fund may make one or more elections with respect to mixed straddles. Depending on which election is made, if any, the results with respect to a Fund may differ. Generally, to the extent the straddle rules apply to positions established by a Fund, losses realized by it may be deferred to the extent of unrealized gain in any offsetting positions. Moreover, as a result of the straddle rules, short-term capital loss on straddle positions may be characterized as long-term capital loss, and long-term capital gain may be characterized as short-term capital gain. In addition, the existence of a straddle may affect the holding period of the offsetting positions and cause such sales to be subject to the “wash sale” and “short sale” rules. As a result, the straddle rules could cause distributions that may otherwise constitute “qualified dividend income” or long-term capital gain to fail to satisfy the applicable holding period requirements, described below, and therefore to be taxed as ordinary income or short-term capital gain. Further, a Fund may be required to capitalize, rather than deduct currently, any interest expense and carrying charges applicable to a position that is part of a straddle. Because the application of the straddle rules may affect the character and timing of gains and losses from affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to shareholders, and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to the situation where a Fund had not engaged in such transactions.

Under the Code, special rules are provided for certain transactions in a foreign currency other than the taxpayer’s functional currency (i.e., unless certain special rules apply, currencies other than the U.S. Dollar). In general, foreign currency gains or losses from forward contracts, from futures contracts that are not “regulated futures contracts,” and from unlisted options will be treated as ordinary income or loss under the Code. Also, certain foreign exchange gains derived with respect to foreign fixed-income securities are also subject to special treatment. In general, any such gains or losses will increase or decrease the amount of a Fund’s investment company taxable income available to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income, rather than increasing or decreasing the amount of a Fund’s net capital gain. Additionally, if such losses exceed other investment company taxable income during a taxable year, a Fund would not be able to make any ordinary dividend distributions.

 

 

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Tax-Exempt Shareholders . Certain tax-exempt shareholders, including qualified pension plans, individual retirement accounts, salary deferral arrangements, 401(k)s and other tax-exempt entities, generally are exempt from federal income taxation except with respect to their unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”). Under current law, a Fund generally serves to block UBTI from being realized by its tax-exempt shareholders. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, the tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of an investment in a Fund where, for example: (i) the Fund invests in residual interests of Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits (“REMICs”); (ii) 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 (iii) shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of section 514(b) of the Code. Charitable remainder trusts are subject to special rules and should consult their tax advisor. 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 advisors regarding these issues.

Backup Withholding . A Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold, at a rate of 28%, and remit to the United States Treasury the amount withheld on amounts payable to any shareholder who: (i) has provided the Fund either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all; (ii) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends; (iii) has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding; or (iv) has failed to certify to the Fund that the shareholder is a U.S. person (including a resident alien).

Non-U.S. Shareholders . If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, a Fund’s ordinary income dividends will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. The Fund may, under certain circumstances, designate all or a portion of a dividend as an “interest-related dividend” that if received by a nonresident alien or foreign entity would generally be exempt from the 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided that certain other requirements are met. A Fund may also, under certain circumstances, designate all or a portion of a dividend as a “qualified short-term capital gain dividend,” which if received by a nonresident alien or foreign entity would generally be exempt from the 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless the foreign person is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year.

A U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate will be imposed on dividends beginning after June 30, 2014 (and proceeds of sales in respect of Fund shares (including certain capital gain dividends) received by Fund shareholders beginning after December 31, 2008) for shareholders who own their shares through foreign accounts or foreign intermediaries if certain disclosure requirements related to U.S. accounts or ownership are not satisfied.

In order for a foreign investor to qualify for an exemption from backup withholding, the foreign investor must comply with special certification and filing requirements. Foreign investors in the Funds should consult their tax advisors in this regard. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.

A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person may be subject to state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax, in addition to the federal income tax consequences referred to above. If a shareholder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder in the United States.

Non-U.S. Investors are encouraged to consult their tax advisor prior to investing in a Fund.

Retirement Accounts . If you hold your shares in a tax-qualified retirement account, you generally will not be subject to federal taxation on income and capital gains distribution from the Funds, until you begin receiving payments from your retirement account. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax rules that apply to your retirement account.

Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations . Under U.S. Treasury regulations, generally, if a shareholder recognizes a loss of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC such as a Fund are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s

 

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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.

State Taxes . Distributions by a Fund to shareholders and the ownership of shares may be subject to state and local taxes. Rules of state and local taxation of dividend and capital gains distributions from RICs often differ from the rules for federal income taxation described above. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the consequences of these and other state and local tax rules affecting an investment in Fund shares.

Creation and Redemption of Creation Units . A person who purchases a Creation Unit by exchanging securities in-kind generally will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and any net amount of cash received by the Authorized Participant in the exchange and (ii) the sum of the purchaser’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and any net amount of cash paid for the Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units and receives securities in-kind from a Fund will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the redeemer’s basis in the Creation Units, and the aggregate market value of the securities received and any net cash received. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an in-kind exchange of securities for Creation Units or an exchange of Creation Units for securities cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position if the person does not mark-to-market its holdings. Persons effecting in-kind creations or redemptions should consult their own tax adviser with respect to these matters.

The Trust on behalf of a Fund has the right to reject an order for a purchase of shares of the Trust if the purchaser (or group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of a Fund and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Code, the Fund would have a basis in the securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Trust also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination.

Because each shareholder’s tax situation is different, you should consult your tax advisor about the tax implications of an investment in the Funds.

BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS

Brokerage Transactions. The Adviser assumes general supervision over placing orders on behalf of each Fund for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities. In selecting the brokers or dealers for any transaction in portfolio securities, the Adviser’s policy is to make such selection based on factors deemed relevant, including but not limited to the breadth of the market in the security; the price of the security; the reasonableness of the commission or mark-up or mark-down, if any; execution capability; settlement capability; back office efficiency and the financial condition of the broker or dealer, both for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. The overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid is evaluated by the Adviser based upon its knowledge of available information as to the general level of commissions paid by other institutional investors for comparable services. Brokers may also be selected because of their ability to handle special or difficult executions, such as may be involved in large block trades, less liquid securities, broad distributions, or other circumstances. The Adviser does not consider the provision or value of research, products or services a broker or dealer may provide, if any, as a factor in the selection of a broker or dealer or the determination of the reasonableness of commissions paid in connection with portfolio transactions. The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that prohibit the consideration of sales of a Fund’s shares as a factor in the selection of a broker or a dealer to execute its portfolio transactions.

To the extent creation or redemption transactions are conducted on a cash or “cash in lieu” basis, a Fund may contemporaneously transact with broker-dealers for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities in connection with such transactions (see “Creation and Redemption of Creation Units” herein). Such orders may be placed with an Authorized Participant in its capacity as broker-dealer or with an affiliated broker-dealer of such Authorized Participant. In such cases, a Fund will require such broker-dealer to achieve execution at a price that is at least as favorable to the Fund as the value of such securities used to calculate the Fund’s NAV. The broker-dealer will be required to reimburse the Fund for, among other things, any difference between the price (including applicable brokerage commissions, taxes and transaction costs) at which such securities were bought or sold and the value of such securities used to calculate the Fund’s NAV.

 

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This amount will vary depending on the quality of the execution and may be capped at amounts determined by the Adviser in its sole discretion.

Brokerage Commissions. As of the date of this SAI, the Funds had not commenced operations, and therefore did not pay any brokerage commissions.

Brokerage with Fund Affiliates. As of the date of this SAI, the Funds had not commenced operations, and therefore did not pay any brokerage commissions to any affiliated brokers.

Securities of “Regular Broker-Dealers.” As of the date of this SAI, the Funds had not commenced operations, and therefore did not hold securities of any “regular brokers or dealers.”

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

The Trust has adopted a Portfolio Holdings Policy (the “Policy”) designed to govern the disclosure of Fund portfolio holdings and the use of material non-public information about Fund holdings. The Policy applies to all officers, employees, and agents of the Funds, including the Adviser. The Policy is designed to ensure that the disclosure of information about each Fund’s portfolio holdings is consistent with applicable legal requirements and otherwise in the best interest of each Fund.

As ETFs, information about each Fund’s portfolio holdings is made available on a daily basis in accordance with the provisions of any exemptive order of the SEC applicable to the Funds, regulations of the Exchange and other applicable SEC regulations, orders and no-action relief. Such information typically reflects all or a portion of a Fund’s anticipated portfolio holdings as of the next Business Day. This information is used in connection with the creation and redemption process and is disseminated on a daily basis through the facilities of the Exchange, the NSCC and/or third-party service providers.

Each Fund will disclose on the Fund’s website at the start of each Business Day the identities and quantities of the securities and other assets held by each Fund that will form the basis of the Fund’s calculation of its NAV on that Business Day. The portfolio holdings so disclosed will be based on information as of the close of business on the prior Business Day and/or trades that have been completed prior to the opening of business on that Business Day and that are expected to settle on that Business Day.

Daily access to each Fund’s portfolio holdings with no lag time is permitted to personnel of the Adviser, the Fund’s distributor and the Fund’s administrator, custodian and accountant and other agents or service providers of the Trust who have need of such information in connection with the ordinary course of their respective duties to the Fund. The Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) may authorize disclosure of portfolio holdings.

Each Fund may disclose its complete portfolio holdings or a portion of its portfolio holdings online at www.realityshares.com. Online disclosure of such holdings is publicly available at no charge.

The Funds file a complete schedule of their portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUST

The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of each Fund. Each share issued by a Fund has a pro rata interest in the assets of that Fund. Shares have no preemptive, exchange, subscription or conversion rights and are freely transferable. Each share is entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by the Board with respect to the relevant Fund, and in the net distributable assets of such Fund on liquidation.

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 vote together as a single class

 

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except that if the matter being voted on affects only a particular Fund or if a matter affects a particular Fund differently from other Funds, that Fund will vote separately on such matter.

Each share held entitles the shareholder of record to one vote. As a Delaware statutory trust, the Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders, but approval will be sought for certain changes in the operation of the Trust and for the election of Trustees under certain circumstances. In addition, a Trustee may be removed by the remaining Trustees or by shareholders at a special meeting called upon written request of shareholders owning at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In the event that such a meeting is requested, the Trust will provide appropriate assistance and information to the shareholders requesting the meeting.

Where the prospectus or SAI states that an investment limitation or a fundamental policy may not be changed without shareholder approval, such approval means the vote of: (i) 67% or more of the Fund’s shares present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund’s outstanding shares, whichever is less.

Following the creation of the initial Creation Unit(s) of shares of a Fund and immediately prior to the commencement of trading in such Fund’s shares, a holder of shares may be a “control person” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act. A Fund cannot accurately predict the length of time for which one or more shareholders may remain a control person or persons of the Fund.

Any series of the Trust may reorganize or merge with one or more other series of the Trust or another investment company. Any such reorganization or merger shall be pursuant to the terms and conditions specified in an agreement and plan of reorganization authorized and approved by the Trustees and entered into by the relevant series in connection therewith. In addition, such reorganization or merger may be authorized by vote of a majority of the Trustees then in office and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, without the approval of shareholders of any series.

LIMITATION OF TRUSTEES’ LIABILITY

The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee shall be liable only for his or her own willful defaults and, if reasonable care has been exercised in the selection of officers, agents, employees or administrators, shall not be liable for any neglect or wrongdoing of any such person. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust will indemnify its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with actual or threatened litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Trust unless it is determined in the manner provided in the Declaration of Trust that they have not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that their actions were in the best interests of the Trust. However, nothing in the Declaration of Trust shall protect or indemnify a Trustee against any liability for his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties.

CODES OF ETHICS

The Board has adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. In addition, the Adviser and the Distributor have adopted Codes of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1. These Codes of Ethics apply to the personal investing activities of trustees, officers and certain employees (“access persons”). Rule 17j-1 and the Codes are designed to prevent unlawful practices in connection with the purchase or sale of securities by access persons. Under each Code of Ethics, access persons are permitted to engage in personal securities transactions, but are required to report their personal securities transactions for monitoring purposes. In addition, certain access persons are required to obtain approval before investing in initial public offerings or private placements or are prohibited from making such investments. Copies of these Codes of Ethics are on file with the SEC, and are available to the public.

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

As of the date of this SAI, the Funds had not commenced operations, and therefore there were no record owners of the Funds. Persons who own of record or beneficially more than 25% of a Fund’s outstanding shares may be deemed to control the Fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Shareholders controlling a Fund could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of the Fund on any matter requiring the approval of shareholders of the Fund.

 

 

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CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT

The Bank of New York Mellon, located at 225 Liberty Street, New York, New York 10286, acts as custodian, transfer agent and dividend paying agent for the Funds.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP, located at 725 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, California 90017, serves as the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm.

LEGAL COUNSEL

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, located at 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004-2541, serves as counsel to the Trust.

 

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APPENDIX A

DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

Description of Corporate Bond Ratings

The following descriptions of corporate bond ratings have been published by Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch, Inc., (“Fitch”), respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF MOODY’S LONG-TERM RATINGS

Aaa Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as “gilt edged”. Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

Aa Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.

A Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.

Baa Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations ( i.e. , they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present, but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.

DESCRIPTION OF S&P’S LONG-TERM RATINGS

Investment Grade

AAA Debt rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

AA Debt rated “AA” has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differs from the highest rated debt only in small degree.

A Debt rated “A” has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal, although it is somewhat more susceptible to adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories.

BBB Debt rated “BBB” is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories.

DESCRIPTION OF FITCH’S LONG-TERM RATINGS

Investment Grade Bond

AAA Bonds rated AAA are judged to be strictly high grade, broadly marketable, suitable for investment by trustees and fiduciary institutions liable to slight market fluctuation other than through changes in the money rate. The prime feature of an AAA bond is a showing of earnings several times or many times greater than interest requirements, with such stability of applicable earnings that safety is beyond reasonable question whatever changes occur in conditions.

AA Bonds rated AA are judged to be of safety virtually beyond question and are readily salable, whose merits are not unlike those of the AAA class, but whose margin of safety is less strikingly broad. The issue may be the obligation of a small company, strongly secured but influenced as to rating by the lesser financial power of the enterprise and more local type market.

 

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A Bonds rated A are considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.

BBB Bonds rated BBB are considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.

Description of Commercial Paper Ratings

The following descriptions of commercial paper ratings have been published by Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, and Fitch, Inc., respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF MOODY’S SHORT-TERM RATINGS

PRIME-1 Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:

• Leading market positions in well-established industries.

• High rates of return on funds employed.

• Conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection.

• Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation.

• Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2 Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

S&P’S SHORT-TERM RATINGS

A-1 This highest category indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Debt determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics is denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.

A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated “A-1”.

DESCRIPTION OF FITCH’S SHORT-TERM RATINGS

F-1 Highest Credit Quality. Indicates the best capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote exceptionally strong credit feature.

F-2 Good Credit Quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.

F-3 Fair Credit Quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.

 

A-2


APPENDIX B

REALITY SHARES ADVISORS, LLC

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

December 2013

Reality Shares Advisors, LLC (“RSA”) has been delegated proxy voting responsibility by the Reality Shares EFT Trust (“Trust”) for proxies solicited on the securities held in the Trust’s underlining mutual funds’ portfolios (“Funds”), which are managed by RSA. These policies and procedures, which may be amended from time to time, apply to the voting of such proxies by RSA.

SECTION 1 - PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

The fundamental guideline followed by RSA in voting proxies on behalf of the Funds is to make every effort to ensure that the manner in which shares are voted is in the best interest of the Funds and the value of the specific investment. Absent special circumstances of the types described below, it is the policy of RSA to exercise its proxy voting discretion in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Exhibit A (“Proxy Voting Guidelines”). Any changes to the Proxy Voting Guidelines must be pre-approved in writing by RSA’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”).

SECTION 2 - VOTING RESPONSIBILITY

The CCO has the responsibility of voting the Funds’ proxies received by RSA (the “Responsible Voting Party”). RSA may delegate to a non-affiliated third party vendor, the responsibility to review proxy proposals and make voting recommendations. RSA will ensure that any third party recommendations followed will be consistent with the Proxy Voting Guidelines.

SECTION 3 - APPLICATION OF PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

It is intended that the Proxy Voting Guidelines will be applied with a measure of flexibility. Accordingly, except as otherwise provided in these policies and procedures, the Responsible Voting Party (with the pre-approval of the CCO) may vote a proxy contrary to the Proxy Voting Guidelines if it is determined that such action is in the best interests of the Funds. In the exercise of such discretion, the Responsible Voting Party may take into account a wide array of factors relating to the matter under consideration, the nature of the proposal, and the company involved. Similarly, poor past performance, uncertainties about management and future directions, and other factors may lead to a conclusion that particular proposals by an issuer present unacceptable investment risks and should not be supported. In addition, the proposals should be evaluated in context. For example, a particular proposal may be acceptable standing alone, but objectionable when part of an existing or proposed package, such as where the effect may be to entrench management. Special circumstances or instructions from the Board of Trustees of the Trust may also justify casting different votes.

The Responsible Voting Party will document the rationale for any proxy voted contrary to the Proxy Voting Guidelines. Such information will be maintained as part of the recordkeeping process.

SECTION 4 - CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

RSA may occasionally be subject to conflicts of interest in the voting of proxies due to business or personal relationships it maintains with persons having an interest in the outcome of certain votes. For example, a conflict would exist if RSA, its, or the Funds’ affiliates and/or employees have a business or personal relationship with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or candidates for directorships.

 

B-1


If at anytime, RSA and/or the Responsible Voting Party become aware of any type of potential or actual conflict of interest relating to a particular proxy proposal, they will promptly report such conflict to the CCO. Conflicts of interest will be handled in various ways depending on the type and materiality. This includes:

 

  I.

Where the Proxy Voting Guidelines outline RSA’s voting position, as either “for” or “against” such proxy proposal, voting will be in made accordance with the Proxy Voting Guidelines.

 

  II.

Where the Proxy Voting Guidelines outline RSA’s voting position to be determined on a “case by case” basis for such proxy proposal, or such proposal is not listed in the Proxy Voting Guidelines, then one of the two following methods will be selected by RSA depending upon the facts and circumstances of each situation and the requirements of applicable law:

 

  A.

Voting the proxy in accordance with the voting recommendation of non-affiliated third party vendors.

 

  B.

Voting the proxy pursuant to direction by the Board of Trustees of the Funds.

SECTION 5 - OTHER SPECIAL SITUATIONS

RSA may choose not to vote proxies in certain situations, such as: 1) where RSA deems the cost of voting would exceed any anticipated benefit to the Funds, or 2) where a proxy is received for a security no longer held in a Fund’s portfolio ( i.e., RSA had previously sold the entire position).

SECTION 6 - PROXY VOTING RECORDS

RSA will maintain the following records under these policies and procedures:

 

  I.

A copy of all policies and procedures.

 

  II.

A copy of each proxy statement received regarding the Funds’ securities.

 

  III.

A record of each vote cast by RSA on behalf of the Funds.

 

  IV.

A copy of any document created by RSA that was material to making a decision on how to vote proxies on behalf of the Funds or that memorialize the basis for that decision.

 

  V.

A copy of each written request by the Board of Trustees or CCO of the Funds for information on how RSA voted proxies on behalf of the Funds, and a copy of any written response by RSA to any (written or verbal) request for information on how RSA voted proxies on behalf of the Funds.

The foregoing records will be retained for at least six (6) years from the end of the year the document was created. RSA may rely on one or more third parties to create and retain the records referred to in items II and III above.

SECTION 7 - REPORTING AND DISCLOSURES

A copy of these policies and procedures will be provided to the Funds’ CCO and the Board of Trustees anytime upon request and at least annually for review and approval. In addition, information on each proxy voted will be provided to the Funds’ CCO or designee, in accordance with the Funds’ written policies and procedures.

 

B-2


Exhibit A

Reality Shares Advisors, LLC

Proxy Voting Guidelines

It is intended that these Proxy Voting Guidelines will be applied with a measure of flexibility. Accordingly, except as otherwise provided in the Reality Shares Advisors, LLC Proxy Voting Policy, the Firm may vote a proxy contrary to the below guidelines if it is determined that such action is in the best interests of the Funds.

RSA will vote “For” the following voting issues:

Board Majority of Independent Directors

Board Committee membership exclusively of independent Directors

Fixed Board size

Shareholders ability to remove Directors

Shareholders proposal to have independent Chair Director

Ratification of auditors

Confidential voting

D&O indemnification

Employee stock purchase plans

Shareholder ratification of golden parachutes

Shareholder approval to implement ESOP

Shareholder ability to remove Directors with or without cause

Shareholder electing directors to fill board vacancies

401(k) plans for employees

Expensing stocks options

Minor bylaw changes

Corporate name changes

Changing date, time, and/or location of annual meeting

Disclosure of CEO succession planning

Shareholder voting required for poison pills

RSA will vote “Against” the following voting issues:

Directors required to own minimum amount of company stock

Limit of tenure of Directors

Poison pills without shareholder approval

Mandatory retirement age for Directors

Amending bylaws without shareholder consent

Restriction on shareholders’ ability to call special meetings

Requiring supermajority of shareholder votes

RSA will vote “Case by Case” for the following voting issues and for any issues not listed in these guidelines:

Auditor indemnification and limits of liability

Limiting non-audit services by auditor

Shareholder proposals on audit firm rotation

Election of Directors

Compensation Committee members

Management “say on pay” proposals

 

B-3


Proposals to classify/stagger the Board

Advance notice proposals

Anti-green mail proposals

Proxy expense reimbursements

Change state of incorporation

To increase common shares of company

 

B-4


PART C: OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 28.

 

Exhibits

(a)(1)   Certificate of Trust of Reality Shares ETF Trust (the “Registrant”) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(1) to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-192288), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) via EDGAR Accession No. 0001193125-13-438546 on November 12, 2013 (the “Registration Statement”).
(a)(2)   Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Trust of the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(2) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-192288), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001193125-14-260683 on July 3, 2014 (“Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3”).
(a)(3)   Registrant’s Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Agreement and Declaration of Trust”) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(3) to the Registration Statement.
(a)(4)   Form of Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(4) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-192288), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001193125-14-409410 on November 12, 2014 (“Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4”).
(b)   Registrant’s Amended and Restated By-Laws are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b) to the Registration Statement.
(c)   See Article III and Article V of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, which is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(3) to the Registration Statement.
(d)(1)   Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between the Registrant and Reality Shares Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No 7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-192288), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001193125-15-400330 on December 10, 2015 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 7”).
(d)(2)   Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement dated December 9, 2015 is filed herewith.
(e)(1)   Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distribution Agreement”) is Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (e)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-192288), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001193125-14-446892 on December 18, 2014 (“Post-Effective Amendment No. 2”).
(e)(2)   Amendment No. 1 to the Distribution Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (e)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2.
(e)(3)   Amendment No. 2 to the Distribution Agreement dated December 9, 2015 is filed herewith.


(e)(4)   Form of Authorized Participant Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (e)(2) to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-192288) filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001193125-14-039232 on February 6, 2014 (“Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1”).
(f)   Not Applicable.
(g)(1)   Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Custody Agreement”) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(1) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3.
(g)(2)   Amendment to the Custody Agreement dated May 30, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g)(2) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3.
(h)(1)   Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Administration Agreement”) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(1) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3.
(h)(2)   Amendment to the Administration Agreement dated May 30, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(2) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3.
(h)(3)   Amendment to the Administration Agreement dated November 16, 2015 is filed herewith.
(h)(4)   Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(3) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3.
(h)(5)   Amendment to the Transfer Agency Agreement dated May 30, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(4) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3.
(h)(6)   Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement between the Registrant and ALPS Funds Services, Inc. (the “CCO Agreement”) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2.
(h)(7)   Amendment to the CCO Agreement dated November 2, 2015 is filed herewith.
(i)   Opinion and Consent of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is filed herewith.
(j)   Consent of Ernst & Young, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is filed herewith.
(k)   Not applicable.
(l)   Initial Capital Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (l) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4.
(m)   Not applicable.
(n)   Not applicable.


(o)   Not applicable.
(p)(1)   Code of Ethics for the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(1) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(p)(2)   Code of Ethics for the Adviser is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(2) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(p)(3)   Code of Ethics for ALPS Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(3) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(p)(4)   Amended Code of Ethics for ALPS Distributors, Inc. dated December 19, 2014 is filed herewith.
(q)(1)   Powers of Attorney for Mssrs. Nathaniel Singer, Chris Nero and Rick Slaughter are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (q) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(q)(2)   Power of Attorney for Michael Rosen is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (q)(2) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-192288), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001193125-14-176865 on May 1, 2014.
(q)(3)   Power of Attorney for Justin Ferayorni is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (q)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No 7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-192288), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001193125-15-400330 on December 10, 2015.

Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Registrant:

Not applicable.

Item 30. Indemnification:

Please see Article VII of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, which is filed as Exhibit (a)(3) to the Registrant’s Registration Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) may be permitted to trustees, directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and, therefore, is 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 trustees, directors, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any act, suite or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees, directors, officers or controlling persons in connection with the shares 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 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issues.


Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser:

The following lists any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which the Adviser, and each director, officer or partner of the Adviser, is or has been engaged within the last two fiscal years for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner, or trustee. Unless noted below, neither the Adviser nor any director, officer or partner of the Adviser is or has been engaged within the last two fiscal years in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

The Adviser serves as the investment adviser for the Reality Shares DIVS ETF. The Adviser’s principal address is 402 West Broadway, Suite 2800, San Diego, CA 92101. The Adviser is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

Name and Position with the Adviser    Name of Other Company    Position with Other Company
Eric Ervin, President    Reality Shares, Inc.    President
Ryan Ballantyne, Vice President and Secretary    Reality Shares, Inc.    Vice President and Secretary
Tom Trivella, Assistant Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Compliance Officer    Reality Shares, Inc.    Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Item 32. Principal Underwriters

 

(a) ALPS Distributors, Inc. acts as the distributor for the Registrant and the following investment companies: 1290 Funds, ALPS Series Trust, Arbitrage Funds, AQR Funds, Babson Capital Funds Trust, BBH Trust, BLDRS Index Funds Trust, Broadview Funds Trust, Brown Management Funds, Caldwell & Orkin Funds, Centaur Mutual Funds Trust, Centre Funds, Century Capital Management Trust, Columbia ETF Trust, CornerCap Group of Funds, Cortina Funds, Inc., CRM Mutual Fund Trust, Cullen Funds, DBX ETF TRUST, CSOP ETF Trust, db-X Exchange-Traded Funds Inc., EGA Emerging Global Shares Trust Eklhorn ETF Trust, FactorShares Trust, Financial Investors Trust, Firsthand Funds, Goldman Sachs ETF Trust, Griffin Institutional Access Real Estate Fund, Heartland Group, Inc., Henssler Funds, Inc., Holland Balanced Fund, IndexIQ Trust, Index IQ ETF Trust, Index Funds, James Advantage Funds, Lattice Strategies Trust, Laudus Trust, Laudus Institutional Trust, Litman Gregory Funds Trust, Longleaf Partners Funds Trust, Mairs & Power Funds Trust, Oak Associates Funds, Pax World Series Trust I, Pax World Funds Trust II, Pointbreak ETF Trust, Principal Exchange-Traded Funds, Resource Credit Income Fund, Resource Real Estate Diversified Income Fund, RiverNorth Funds, Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust, SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust, Stadion Investment Trust, Stone Harbor Investment Funds, Transparent Value Trust, Wakefield Alternative Series Trust, Wasatch Funds, WesMark Funds, Westcore Trust, Whitebox Mutual Funds, and Wilmington Funds.

 

(b) To the best of Registrant’s knowledge, the directors and executive officers of ALPS Distributors, Inc., are as follows:

 

Name*    Position with Underwriter    Positions with Registrant
Edmund J. Burke    Director     
Thomas A. Carter    Executive Vice President, Director     
Jeremy O. May    Executive Vice President, Director     
Aisha, J. Hunt    Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary     
Kevin J. Ireland    Senior Vice President     
Mark R. Kiniry    Senior Vice President     
Bradley J. Swenson    Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer     
Robert J. Szydlowski    Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer     


Eric Parsons    Vice President, Controller and Assistant Treasurer     
Steven Price    Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer     
James Stegall    Vice President     
Gary Ross    Senior Vice President     
Randall D. Young    Secretary     
Gregg Wm. Givens    Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer     
Douglas W. Fleming    Assistant Treasurer     
Liza Orr    Vice President, Senior Counsel     
Jed Stahl    Vice President, Senior Counsel     
Troy Duran    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer     
Tison Cory    Vice President, Intermediary Operations     
Hilary Quinn    Vice President     
Jennifer Craig    Assistant Vice President     

* The principal business address for each of the above directors and executive officers is 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80203.

 

(c) Not applicable.

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records:

All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Rules thereunder will be maintained by the Registrant, or on its behalf by the following entities:

Reality Shares ETF Trust

402 West Broadway, Suite 2800

San Diego, CA 92101

The Bank of New York Mellon

225 Liberty Street

New York, New York 10286

Reality Shares Advisors, LLC

402 West Broadway, Suite 2800

San Diego, CA 92101

ALPS Distributors, Inc.

1290 Broadway, Suite 1100

Denver, Colorado 80203

Item 34. Management Services:

None.

Item 35. Undertakings:

Not applicable.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Diego, State of California on the 26th day of February, 2016.

 

REALITY SHARES ETF TRUST
By:   /s/ Eric R. Ervin
Eric R. Ervin
President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date(s) indicated.

 

Signature         Title    Date

/s/ Eric R. Ervin

Eric R. Ervin

      Trustee and President    February 26, 2016

/s/ Christopher Nero*

Chris Nero

      Trustee    February 26, 2016

/s/ Michael S. Rosen*

Michael Rosen

      Trustee    February 26, 2016

/s/ Nathaniel R. Singer*

Nathaniel Singer

      Trustee    February 26, 2016

/s/ Justin Ferayorni*

Justin Ferayorni

      Trustee    February 26, 2016

/s/ Tom Trivella

Tom Trivella

      Treasurer    February 26, 2016

 

*By:   /s/ Tom Trivella
  Tom Trivella
  Attorney-in-Fact


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

(d)(2)   Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement dated December 9, 2015.
(e)(3)   Amendment No. 2 to the Distribution Agreement dated December 9, 2015.
(h)(3)   Amendment to the Administration Agreement dated November 16, 2015.
(h)(7)   Amendment to the CCO Agreement dated November 2, 2015.
(i)   Opinion and Consent of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
(j)   Consent of Ernst & Young, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
(p)(4)   Amended Code of Ethics for ALPS Distributors, Inc. dated December 19, 2014.

AMENDED AND RESTATED ADVISORY AGREEMENT

AMENDED AND RESTATED ADVISORY AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) made as of this 9th day of December, 2015 by and between REALITY SHARES ETF TRUST (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and REALITY SHARES ADVISORS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with its principal place of business at 402 West Broadway, Suite 2800 San Diego, CA 92101 (the “Adviser”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust has selected the Adviser to act as investment adviser to the Trust on behalf of the series set forth on Schedule A to this Agreement (each a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”), as such Schedule may be amended from time to time upon mutual agreement of the parties, and to provide certain related services, as more fully set forth below, and to perform such services under the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and benefits set forth herein, the Trust and the Adviser do hereby agree as follows:

1. The Adviser’s Services .

(a) Discretionary Investment Management Services . The Adviser shall act as investment adviser with respect to the Funds. In such capacity, the Adviser shall, subject to the supervision of the Board, regularly provide the Funds with investment research, advice and supervision and shall furnish continuously an investment program for the Funds, consistent with the respective investment objectives and policies of each Fund. The Adviser shall determine, from time to time, what securities and other instruments shall be purchased for the Funds, what securities and other instruments shall be held or sold by the Funds and what portion of the Funds’ assets shall be held uninvested in cash, subject always to the provisions of the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and its registration statement on Form N-1A (the “Registration Statement”) under the 1940 Act, and under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), covering Fund shares, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), and to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Funds, as each of the same shall be from time to time in effect. To carry out such obligations, the Adviser shall exercise full discretion and act for the Funds in the same manner and with the same force and effect as the Funds themselves might or could do with respect to purchases, sales or other transactions, as well as with respect to all other such things necessary or incidental to the furtherance or conduct of such purchases, sales or other transactions. No reference in this Agreement to the Adviser having full discretionary authority over each Fund’s investments shall in any way limit the right of the Board, in its sole discretion, to establish or revise policies in connection with the management of a Fund’s assets or to otherwise exercise its right to control the overall management of a Fund.


(b) Selection of Sub-Adviser(s) . The Adviser shall have the authority hereunder to select and retain sub-advisers, including an affiliated person (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Adviser, for each of the Funds referenced in Schedule A to perform some or all of the services for which the Adviser is responsible pursuant to this Agreement. The Adviser shall supervise the activities of the sub-adviser(s), and the retention of a sub-adviser by the Adviser shall not relieve the Adviser of its responsibilities under this Agreement. Any such sub-adviser shall be registered and in good standing with the Commission and capable of performing its sub-advisory duties pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees and, except as otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act or by rule or regulation, a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable Fund. The Adviser will compensate a sub-adviser for its services to the Funds.

(c) Compliance . The Adviser agrees to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”), the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), the Commodity Exchange Act and the respective rules and regulations thereunder, as applicable, as well as with all other applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and case law that relate to the services and relationships described hereunder and to the conduct of its business as a registered investment adviser. The Adviser also agrees to comply with the objectives, policies and restrictions set forth in the Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented, of the Funds, and with any policies, guidelines, instructions and procedures approved by the Board and provided to the Adviser. In selecting each Fund’s portfolio securities and other instruments and performing the Adviser’s obligations hereunder, the Adviser shall cause each Fund to comply with the diversification and source of income requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for qualification as a regulated investment company. The Adviser shall maintain compliance procedures that it reasonably believes are adequate to ensure its compliance with the foregoing. No supervisory activity undertaken by the Board shall limit the Adviser’s full responsibility for any of the foregoing.

(d) Proxy Voting . The Board has the authority to determine how proxies with respect to securities that are held by the Funds shall be voted, and the Board has initially determined to delegate the authority and responsibility to vote proxies for each Fund’s securities to the Adviser. So long as proxy voting authority for a Fund has been delegated to the Adviser, the Adviser shall exercise its proxy voting responsibilities. The Adviser shall carry out such responsibility in accordance with any instructions that the Board shall provide from time to time, and at all times in a manner consistent with Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act and its fiduciary responsibilities to the Trust. The Adviser shall provide periodic reports and keep records relating to proxy voting as the Board may reasonably request or as may be necessary for the Funds to comply with the 1940 Act and other applicable law. Any such delegation of proxy voting responsibility to the Adviser may be revoked or modified by the Board at any time.

 

2


(e) Recordkeeping . The Adviser shall not be responsible for the provision of administrative, bookkeeping or accounting services to the Funds, except as otherwise provided herein or as may be necessary for the Adviser to supply to the Trust or its Board the information required to be supplied under this Agreement.

The Adviser shall maintain separate books and detailed records of all matters pertaining to Fund assets advised by the Adviser required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those records being maintained by any administrator, custodian or transfer agent appointed by the Funds) relating to its responsibilities provided hereunder with respect to the Funds, and shall preserve such records for the periods and in a manner prescribed therefore by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act (the “Funds’ Books and Records”). The Funds’ Books and Records shall be available to the Board at any time upon request, shall be delivered to the Trust upon the termination of this Agreement and shall be available without delay during any day the Trust is open for business.

(f) Holdings Information and Pricing . The Adviser shall provide regular reports regarding Fund holdings, and shall, on its own initiative, furnish the Trust and its Board from time to time with whatever information the Adviser believes is appropriate for this purpose. The Adviser agrees to immediately notify the Trust if the Adviser reasonably believes that the value of any security or other instrument held by a Fund may not reflect its fair value. The Adviser agrees to provide any pricing information of which the Adviser is aware to the Trust, its Board and/or any Fund pricing agent to assist in the determination of the fair value of any Fund holdings for which market quotations are not readily available or as otherwise required in accordance with the 1940 Act or the Trust’s valuation procedures for the purpose of calculating each Fund’s net asset value in accordance with procedures and methods established by the Board.

(g) Cooperation with Agents of the Trust . The Adviser agrees to cooperate with and provide reasonable assistance to the Trust, any Trust custodian or foreign sub-custodians, any Trust pricing agents and all other agents and representatives of the Trust, such information with respect to the Funds as they may reasonably request from time to time in the performance of their obligations, provide prompt responses to reasonable requests made by such persons and establish appropriate interfaces with each so as to promote the efficient exchange of information and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

2. Code of Ethics . The Adviser has adopted a written code of ethics that it reasonably believes complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which it will provide to the Trust. The Adviser shall ensure that its Access Persons (as defined in the Adviser’s Code of Ethics) comply in all material respects with the Adviser’s Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time. Upon request, the Adviser shall provide the Trust with a (i) a copy of the Adviser’s current Code of Ethics, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) certification that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from engaging in any conduct prohibited by the Adviser’s Code of Ethics. Annually, the Adviser shall furnish a written report, which complies with the requirements of Rule 17j-1, concerning the Adviser’s Code of Ethics to the Trust. The Adviser shall respond to requests for information from the Trust as to violations of the Code by Access Persons and the sanctions imposed by the Adviser. The Adviser shall immediately notify the Trust of any material violation of the Code, whether or not such violation relates to a security or other instrument held by any Fund.

 

3


3. Information and Reporting . The Adviser shall provide the Trust and its respective officers with such periodic reports concerning the obligations the Adviser has assumed under this Agreement as the Trust may from time to time reasonably request.

(a) Notification of Breach / Compliance Reports . The Adviser shall notify the Trust immediately upon detection of (i) any material failure to manage any Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and policies or any applicable law; or (ii) any material breach of any of the Funds’ or the Adviser’s policies, guidelines or procedures. In addition, the Adviser shall provide a quarterly report regarding each Fund’s compliance with its investment objectives and policies, applicable law, including, but not limited to the 1940 Act and Subchapter M of the Code, and the Fund’s policies, guidelines or procedures as applicable to the Adviser’s obligations under this Agreement. The Adviser agrees to correct any such failure promptly and to take any action that the Board may reasonably request in connection with any such breach. Upon request, the Adviser shall also provide the officers of the Trust with supporting certifications in connection with such certifications of Fund financial statements and disclosure controls pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Adviser will promptly notify the Trust in the event (i) the Adviser is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, public board, or body, involving the affairs of the Trust (excluding class action suits in which a Fund is a member of the plaintiff class by reason of the Fund’s ownership of shares in the defendant) or the compliance by the Adviser with the federal or state securities laws or (ii) an actual change in control of the Adviser resulting in an “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act) has occurred or is otherwise proposed to occur.

(b) Board and Filings Information . The Adviser will also provide the Trust with any information reasonably requested regarding its management of the Funds required for any meeting of the Board, or for any shareholder report, amended registration statement, proxy statement, or prospectus supplement to be filed by the Trust with the Commission. The Adviser will make its officers and employees available to meet with the Board from time to time on due notice to review its investment management services to the Funds in light of current and prospective economic and market conditions and shall furnish to the Board such information as may reasonably be necessary in order for the Board to evaluate this Agreement or any proposed amendments thereto.

(c) Transaction Information . The Adviser shall furnish to the Trust such information concerning portfolio transactions as may be necessary to enable the Trust or its designated agent to perform such compliance testing on the Funds and the Adviser’s services as the Trust may, in its sole discretion, determine to be appropriate. The provision of such information by the Adviser to the Trust or its designated agent in no way relieves the Adviser of its own responsibilities under this Agreement.

 

4


4. Brokerage .

(a) Principal Transactions . In connection with purchases or sales of securities or other instruments for the account of a Fund, neither the Adviser nor any of its directors, officers or employees will act as a principal or agent or receive any commission except as permitted by the 1940 Act.

(b) Placement of Orders . The Adviser shall arrange for the placing of all orders for the purchase and sale of securities or other instruments for a Fund’s account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser. In the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, the Adviser is directed at all times to seek for each Fund the most favorable execution and net price available under the circumstances. It is also understood that it is desirable for the Funds that the Adviser have access to brokerage and research services provided by brokers who may execute brokerage transactions at a higher cost to the Funds than may result when allocating brokerage to other brokers, consistent with section 28(e) of the 1934 Act and any Commission staff interpretations thereof. Therefore, the Adviser is authorized to place orders for the purchase and sale of securities or other instruments for a Fund with such brokers, subject to review by the Board from time to time with respect to the extent and continuation of this practice. It is understood that the services provided by such brokers may be useful to the Adviser in connection with its or its affiliates’ services to other clients.

(c) Aggregated Transactions . On occasions when the Adviser deems the purchase or sale of a security or other instrument to be in the best interest of a Fund as well as other clients of the Adviser, the Adviser may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, aggregate the order for securities or other instruments to be sold or purchased. In such event, the Adviser will allocate securities or other instruments so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, in the manner the Adviser reasonably considers to be equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to such other clients under the circumstances.

(d) Affiliated Brokers . The Adviser or any of its affiliates may act as broker in connection with the purchase or sale of securities or other instruments for a Fund, subject to: (i) the requirement that the Adviser seek to obtain best execution and price within the policy guidelines determined by the Board and set forth in the Fund’s current prospectus and SAI; (ii) the provisions of the 1940 Act; (iii) the provisions of the Advisers Act; (iv) the provisions of the 1934 Act; and (v) other provisions of applicable law. These brokerage services are not within the scope of the duties of the Adviser under this Agreement. Subject to the requirements of applicable law and any procedures adopted by the Board, the Adviser or its affiliates may receive brokerage commissions, fees or other remuneration from a Fund for these services in addition to the Adviser’s fees for services under this Agreement.

 

5


5. Custody . Nothing in this Agreement shall permit the Adviser to take or receive physical possession of cash, securities or other instruments of a Fund.

6. Allocation of Charges and Expenses . The Adviser will bear its own costs of providing services hereunder. The Adviser agrees to pay all expenses incurred by the Trust except for interest, taxes, brokerage and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, dividend expense, borrowing costs, and interest expense relating to securities sold short, extraordinary expenses, and distribution fees and expenses paid by the Trust under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.

7. Representations, Warranties and Covenants .

(a) Properly Registered . The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act, and will remain so registered for the duration of this Agreement. The Adviser is not prohibited by the Advisers Act or the 1940 Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement, and to the best knowledge of the Adviser, there is no proceeding or investigation that is reasonably likely to result in the Adviser being prohibited from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement. The Adviser agrees to promptly notify the Trust of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify the Adviser from serving as an investment adviser to an investment company. The Adviser is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state law in connection with its investment management operations.

(b) ADV Disclosure . The Adviser has provided the Trust with a copy of its Form ADV as most recently filed with the Commission and will, promptly after filing any amendment to its Form ADV with the Commission, furnish a copy of such amendments to the Trust. The information contained in the Adviser’s Form ADV is accurate and complete in all material respects and does not omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(c) Fund Disclosure Documents . The Adviser has reviewed and will in the future review, the Registration Statement, and any amendments or supplements thereto, the annual or semi-annual reports to shareholders, other reports filed with the Commission and any marketing material of a Fund (collectively the “Disclosure Documents”) and represents and warrants that with respect to disclosure about the Adviser, the manner in which the Adviser manages the Fund or information relating directly or indirectly to the Adviser, such Disclosure Documents contain or will contain, as of the date thereof, no untrue statement of any material fact and does not omit any statement of material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading.

 

6


(d) Use Of The Name “Reality Shares. ” The Adviser has the right to use the name “Reality Shares” in connection with its services to the Trust and that, subject to the terms set forth in Section 8 of this Agreement, the Trust shall have the right to use the name “Reality Shares” in connection with the management and operation of the Funds. The Adviser is not aware of any threatened or existing actions, claims, litigation or proceedings that would adversely affect or prejudice the rights of the Adviser or the Trust to use the name “Reality Shares.”

(e) Insurance . The Adviser maintains errors and omissions insurance coverage in an appropriate amount and shall provide prior written notice to the Trust (i) of any material changes in its insurance policies or insurance coverage; or (ii) if any material claims will be made on its insurance policies. Furthermore, the Adviser shall upon reasonable request provide the Trust with any information it may reasonably require concerning the amount of or scope of such insurance.

(f) No Detrimental Agreement . The Adviser represents and warrants that it has no arrangement or understanding with any party, other than the Trust, that would influence the decision of the Adviser with respect to its selection of securities or other instruments for a Fund, and that all selections shall be done in accordance with what is in the best interest of the Fund.

(g) Conflicts . The Adviser shall act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the Trust including requiring any of its personnel with knowledge of Fund activities to place the interest of the Fund first, ahead of their own interests, in all personal trading scenarios that may involve a conflict of interest with the Funds, consistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law.

(h) Representations . The representations and warranties in this Section 7 shall be deemed to be made on the date this Agreement is executed and at the time of delivery of the quarterly compliance report required by Section 3(a), whether or not specifically referenced in such report.

8. The Name “Reality Shares . The Adviser grants to the Trust a sublicense to use the name “Reality Shares” (the “Name”) as part of the name of any Fund. The foregoing authorization by the Adviser to the Trust to use the Name as part of the name of any Fund is not exclusive of the right of the Adviser itself to use, or to authorize others to use, the Name; the Trust acknowledges and agrees that, as between the Trust and the Adviser, the Adviser has the right to use, or authorize others to use, the Name. The Trust shall (1) only use the Name in a manner consistent with uses approved by the Adviser; (2) use its best efforts to maintain the quality of the services offered using the Name; and (3) adhere to such other specific quality control standards as the Adviser may from time to time promulgate. At the request of the Adviser, the Trust will (a) submit to Adviser representative samples of any promotional materials using the Name; and (b) change the name of any Fund within three months of its receipt of the Adviser’s request, or such other shorter time period as may be required under the terms of a settlement agreement or court order, so as to eliminate all reference to the Name and will not thereafter transact any business using the Name in the name of any Fund; provided, however, that the Trust may continue to use beyond such date any supplies of prospectuses, marketing materials and similar documents that the Trust had on the date of such name change in quantities not exceeding those historically produced and used in connection with such Fund.

 

7


9. Adviser’s Compensation . The Funds shall pay to the Adviser, as compensation for the Adviser’s services hereunder, a fee, determined as described in Schedule A that is attached hereto and made a part hereof. Such fee shall be computed daily and paid not less than monthly in arrears by the Funds.

The method for determining net assets of a Fund for purposes hereof shall be the same as the method for determining net assets for purposes of establishing the offering and redemption prices of Fund shares as described in the Fund’s prospectus. In the event of termination of this Agreement, the fee provided in this Section shall be computed on the basis of the period ending on the last business day on which this Agreement is in effect subject to a pro rata adjustment based on the number of days elapsed in the current month as a percentage of the total number of days in such month.

10. Independent Contractor . In the performance of its duties hereunder, the Adviser is and shall be an independent contractor and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein or otherwise authorized in writing, shall have no authority to act for or represent the Trust or any Fund in any way or otherwise be deemed to be an agent of the Trust or any Fund. If any occasion should arise in which the Adviser gives any advice to its clients concerning the shares of a Fund, the Adviser will act solely as investment counsel for such clients and not in any way on behalf of the Fund.

11. Assignment. This Agreement shall automatically terminate, without the payment of any penalty, in the event of its assignment (as defined in section 2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act); provided that such termination shall not relieve the Adviser of any liability incurred hereunder.

12. Entire Agreement and Amendments. This Agreement represents the entire agreement among the parties with regard to the investment management matters described herein and may not be added to or changed orally and may not be modified or rescinded except by a writing signed by the parties hereto except as otherwise noted herein.

13. Duration and Termination .

(a) This Agreement shall become effective as of the date executed and shall remain in full force and effect continually thereafter, subject to renewal as provided in subparagraph (d) and unless terminated automatically as set forth in Section 11 hereof or until terminated as follows:

(b) The Trust may cause this Agreement to terminate either (i) by vote of its Board or (ii) with respect to any Fund, upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; or

 

8


(c) The Adviser may at any time terminate this Agreement by not more than sixty (60)  days’ nor less than thirty (30)  days’ written notice delivered or mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Trust; or

(d) This Agreement shall automatically terminate two years from the date of its execution unless its renewal is specifically approved at least annually thereafter by (i) a majority vote of the Trustees, including a majority vote of such Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or the Adviser, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval; or (ii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund; provided, however, that if the continuance of this Agreement is submitted to the shareholders of the Funds for their approval and such shareholders fail to approve such continuance of this Agreement as provided herein, the Adviser may continue to serve hereunder as to the Funds in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder; and

Termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section shall be without payment of any penalty.

In the event of termination of this Agreement for any reason, the Adviser shall, immediately upon notice of termination or on such later date as may be specified in such notice, cease all activity on behalf of the Fund and with respect to any of the assets, except as otherwise required by any fiduciary duties of the Adviser under applicable law. In addition, the Adviser shall deliver the Fund Books and Records to the Trust by such means and in accordance with such schedule as the Trust shall direct and shall otherwise cooperate, as reasonably directed by the Trust, in the transition of portfolio asset management to any successor of the Adviser.

14. Certain Definitions . For the purposes of this Agreement:

(a) “Affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund” shall have the meaning as set forth in the 1940 Act, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the Commission under the 1940 Act or any interpretations of the Commission staff.

(b) “Interested persons” and “Assignment” shall have their respective meanings as set forth in the 1940 Act, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the Commission under the 1940 Act or any interpretations of the Commission staff.

15. Liability of the Adviser . The Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and all affiliated persons thereof (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act) and all controlling persons (as described in Section 15 of the 1933 Act) (collectively, the “Adviser Indemnitees”) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) by reason of or arising out of the Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence generally in the performance of its duties hereunder or its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.

 

9


16. Enforceability . Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms or provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.

17. Limitation of Liability . The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that all litigation arising hereunder, whether direct or indirect, and of any and every nature whatsoever shall be satisfied solely out of the assets of the affected Fund and that no Trustee, officer or holder of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund shall be personally liable for any of the foregoing liabilities. The Trust’s Certificate of Trust, as amended from time to time, is on file in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Such Certificate of Trust and the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust describe in detail the respective responsibilities and limitations on liability of the Trustees, officers, and holders of shares of beneficial interest.

18. Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the state of Delaware and the Adviser consents to the jurisdiction of courts, both state or federal, in Delaware, with respect to any dispute under this Agreement.

19. Paragraph Headings . The headings of paragraphs contained in this Agreement are provided for convenience only, form no part of this Agreement and shall not affect its construction.

20. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be signed on their behalf by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

 

REALITY SHARES ETF TRUST,
on behalf of each Fund listed on Schedule A
By:  

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Name:   Eric R. Ervin
Title:   President
REALITY SHARES ADVISORS, LLC
By:  

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Name:   Tom Trivella
Title:   Chief Operating Officer

.Signature Page – Investment Advisory Agreement


AMENDED AND RESTATED

SCHEDULE A

dated December 9, 2015

to the

ADVISORY AGREEMENT

dated January 9, 2014

between

REALITY SHARES ETF TRUST

and

REALITY SHARES ADVISORS, LLC

The Trust will pay to the Adviser as compensation for the Adviser’s services rendered, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate based on the average daily net assets of the respective Fund in accordance the following fee schedule:

 

Fund

   Rate  

Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF

     0.85

Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF

     0.85

Reality Shares DIVS ETF

     0.85

Reality Shares DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF

     0.43

Reality Shares DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF

     0.85

Reality Shares DIVCON Dividend Guard ETF

     0.85

 

A-1

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Amendment No. 2 to Distribution Agreement This Amendment No. 2 (this “Amendment”), dated December 9, 2015, to the Distribution Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated January 21, 2014, between the Reality Shares ETF Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Fund”), and ALPS Distributors, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“ALPS”). WHEREAS, the Fund and ALPS wish to amend the Agreement in order to reflect the addition of three new Portfolios as follows: Reality Shares DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF (LEAD) Reality Shares DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF (DFND) Reality Shares DIVCON Dividend Guard ETF (GARD) NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants hereinafter contained, the parties hereby agree as follows: Appendix A to the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the Appendix A attached hereto. Except as specifically set forth herein, all other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Any items not herein defined shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed and delivered this Amendment as of the day and year first above written. REALITY SHARES ETF TRUST By: Tom Trivella Treasurer ALPS DISTRIBUTORS, INC. Jeremy O. May President


APPENDIX A LIST OF PORTFOLIOS Effective as of December 9, 2015 Fund Ticker Symbol: Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF DIVS Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index LOGO ETF QQDV Reality Shares DIVS ETF DIVY Reality Shares DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF LEAD Reality Shares DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF DFND Reality Shares DIVCON Dividend Guard ETF GARD

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AMENDMENT TO FUND ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT This Amendment, dated as of November 16, 2015, by and between each entity listed on Exhibit A hereto (each a “Fund”, collectively the “Funds”), and The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking organization (“BNY”), who are parties to the Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement dated January 21, 2014. WHEREAS, the parties wish to amend the Agreement as set forth below: NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained, the parties agree as follows: Exhibit A to the Agreement (which revised version is attached) is amended to reflect the addition of the following funds as set forth below, effective November!6, 2015: Reality Shares DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF Reality Shares DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF Reality Shares DIVCON Dividend Guard ETF Exhibit A is hereby replaced in its entirety with the attached Exhibit A dated the date hereof. Except as specifically amended hereby, all other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. This Amendment may be executed in multiple counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers or duly authorized representatives as of the date first above written. On behalf of each fund identified on Exhibit A attached hereto: Tom Trivella, COO Tom Trivella, COO THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON By: Stephen Cook Managing Director


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Exhibit A Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF Reality Shares DIVS ETF Reality Shares DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF Reality Shares DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF 2

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Amendment to Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement Between Reality Shares ETF Trust and ALPS Fund Services, Inc. THIS AMENDMENT is made as of November 2 , 2015 by and between Reality Shares ETF Trust (the “Trust”) and ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”). WHEREAS, the Trust and ALPS have entered into a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated December 16, 2014; and WHEREAS, the parties wish to amend Section 1 of the Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows: Term of Agreement. The last sentence of Section 1 of the Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: After the Term, this Agreement will renew automatically for additional one-year periods of time (each, a “Renewal Term”), unless one party hereto provides the other party with written notice of termination at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the then-current Renewal Term, in which case such termination would be effective at the end of the then- current Renewal Term. Remainder of the Agreement. All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain unchanged. [Signatures on Following Page]


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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amendment has been executed by a duly authorized representative of each of the parties hereto as of the date of this Amendment first set forth above. ALPS FUND SERVICES, INC. By: Name: Tom Trivella Title: Treasurer By: Name: Jeremy O. May Title: President REALITY SHARES ETF

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP   LOGO
2020 K Street, NW  
Washington, DC 20006  
Tel. +1.202.373.6000  
Fax: +1.202.373.6001  
www.morganlewis.com  

February 26, 2016

Reality Shares ETF Trust

402 West Broadway, Suite 2800

San Diego, CA 92101

 

Re: Opinion of Counsel regarding Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to the Registration

Statement filed on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933 (File No. 333-192288)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Reality Shares ETF Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, in connection with the above-referenced registration statement (the “Registration Statement”), which relates to the Trust’s units of beneficial interest, with no par value per share (collectively, the “Shares”), of the following portfolios of the Trust: Reality Shares DIVS ETF, Reality Shares NASDAQ-100 DIVS Index ETF and Reality Shares DIVS Index ETF (the “Funds”). This opinion is being delivered to you in connection with the Trust’s filing of Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to the Registration Statement (the “Amendment”) filed on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). With your permission, all assumptions and statements of reliance herein have been made without any independent investigation or verification on our part except to the extent otherwise expressly stated, and we express no opinion with respect to the subject matter or accuracy of such assumptions or items relied upon.

In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed, among other things, copies of the following documents:

 

  (a) a certificate of the State of Delaware certifying that the Trust is validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware;

 

  (b) the Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”) and Amended and Restated By-Laws (the “By-Laws”) for the Trust;

 

  (c) a certificate executed by Tom Trivella, the Treasurer of the Trust, certifying as to, and attaching copies of, the Trust’s Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, and certain resolutions adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust authorizing the issuance of the Shares of the Funds; and

 

  (d) a printer’s proof of the Amendment.


In our capacity as counsel to the Trust, we have examined the originals, or certified, conformed or reproduced copies of, all records, agreements, instruments and documents as we have deemed relevant or necessary as the basis for the opinion hereinafter expressed. In all such examinations, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons executing documents, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all original or certified copies, and the conformity to original or certified copies of all copies submitted to us as conformed or reproduced copies. As to various questions of fact relevant to such opinion, we have relied upon, and assume the accuracy of, certificates and oral or written statements of public officials and officers and representatives of the Trust. We have assumed that the Amendment, as filed with the SEC, will be in substantially the form of the printer’s proof referred to in paragraph (d) above.

Based upon, and subject to, the limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that the Shares, when issued and sold in accordance with the terms of purchase described in the Registration Statement, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable under the laws of the State of Delaware.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not concede that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the 1933 Act.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the references to our firm under the captions “Financial Highlights” in the Prospectus and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Statement of Additional Information and to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendment No.10 to the Registration Statement of the Reality Shares ETF Trust (Form N-1A: File No. 333-192288) of our report dated December 11, 2015, on the financial statements and financial highlights of the Reality Shares DIVS ETF Fund included in the Annual Report to shareholders for the year ended October 31, 2015.

/s/Ernst & Young LLP

Los Angeles, California

February 23, 2016

 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited            

 

 

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ALPS Code of Ethics

 

 

Dated: May 1, 2010

Amended Last: December 19, 2014


ALPS Code of Ethics    LOGO

 

Table of Contents

 

Introduction

     3   

Applicability

     4   

General Standards of Business Conduct

     8   

Conflicts of Interest

     8   

Protecting Confidential Information

     8   

Insider Trading and Tipping

     9   

Excess Trading

     9   

Front Running

     9   

Gifts and Entertainment

     9   

Improper Payments or Rebates

     10   

Service on a Board of Directors/Outside Business Activities

     10   

Political Contributions

     11   

Personal Securities Transactions – Restrictions & Reporting Requirements

     12   

Access Persons

     12   

Investment Persons

     15   

Sanctions

     19   

Reporting Forms

     23   

Appendix A– Gift Disclosure Form

     24   

Appendix B – Broker/Dealers with Electronic Feeds

     25   

Appendix C – Broker/Dealer Duplicate Statement/Confirmation Request Letter

     26   

 

2


ALPS Code of Ethics    LOGO

 

Introduction

This Code of Ethics (“Code”) has been adopted by ALPS Holdings, Inc. and applies to its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively referred to herein as “ALPS”). The Code is designed to comply with Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”) and Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). By adopting and adhering to a code that meets the applicable requirements under the Advisers Act and 1940 Act, it is intended that ALPS employees who are deemed to be Access Persons and/or Investment Persons, will not also be subject to duplicative reporting requirements under various other codes for Fund Companies for which they may serve as an officer or are otherwise deemed to be an Access Person. However, all such persons should check with each company’s Compliance or Legal representatives to confirm their status.

ALPS and its employees are subject to certain laws and regulations governing personal securities trading. This Code also sets forth procedures and limitations which govern personal securities transactions. Employees who are also registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) as a Registered Representative may have additional requirements and/or restrictions in addition to those described herein. Those Registered Representatives should consult their Written Supervisory Procedures for additional requirements.

ALPS and its employees are prohibited from engaging in fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative conduct. The Code is designed to reinforce ALPS’ reputation for integrity by avoiding even the appearance of impropriety in the conduct of our business. This Code was developed to promote the highest standards of behavior and ensure compliance with applicable laws.

Employees are required to report any known violations of the Code to the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”). This includes violations that come to your attention that may have been inadvertent and/or violations that other employees may have committed. The CCO (or his designee) will promptly investigate the matter and take action if needed. There will be no retribution against any employee for making such a report, and every effort will be made to protect the identity of the reporting employee. There may be additional provisions for reporting violations that are covered under the firm’s Whistle Blower Policy and employees should make themselves familiar with this policy or consult with ALPS’ CCO.

Employees should be aware that they may be held personally liable for any improper or illegal acts committed during their course of employment, and that “ignorance of the law” is not a defense. All ALPS employees are expected to read the Code carefully and observe and adhere to its guidance at all times. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Code may result in serious sanctions including, but not limited to: disgorgement of profits, dismissal, substantial personal liability and referral to law enforcement agencies or other regulatory agencies. Employees should also understand that a material breach of the provisions of the Code may constitute grounds for disciplinary action, including termination of employment with ALPS.

The provisions of the Code are not all-inclusive. Rather, they are intended as a guide for employees of ALPS in their conduct. In those situations where an employee may be uncertain as to the intent or purpose of the Code, he/she is advised to consult with the CCO. The CCO may grant exceptions to certain provisions contained in the Code, only in those situations when it is clear beyond dispute that the interests of our Clients will not be adversely affected or compromised. All questions arising in connection with personal securities trading should be resolved in favor of the Client, even at the expense of the interests of employees.

The CCO will periodically report to senior management/board of directors of ALPS and the respective fund boards where ALPS serves in the capacity of investment adviser and/or distributor to document compliance or non-compliance with this Code. Each employee is responsible for knowing their responsibilities under the Code. Employees should retain a copy of the Code in their records for future reference. Any questions regarding the Code should be directed to the CCO.

 

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Applicability

ALPS Employees

This Code is applicable to all ALPS employees. This includes full-time, part-time, benefited and non-benefited, officers, directors, exempt and non-exempt personnel. Additionally, each new employee’s offer letter will include a copy of the Code of Ethics and a statement advising the individual that he/she will be subject to the Code of Ethics if he/she accepts the offer of employment. Employees with access to certain information (as determined by their job position or as so designated by the CCO) may also be deemed to be “Access Persons” or “Investment Persons.” Each such distinction has specific restrictions, limitations, reporting requirements and other policies and procedures that apply to persons defined as such. All ALPS employees have an obligation to promptly notify the Compliance Department if there is a change to their duties, responsibilities or title which affects their reporting status under the code.

Family Members and Related Parties

The Code applies to the accounts of applicable employees, his/her spouse or domestic partner, his/her minor children, his/her immediate family members residing in the same household as the employee (e.g. adult children or parents living at home), and any relative, person or entity for whom the employee directs the investments. Joint account holders will also be included if an ALPS employee is one of the joint account holders (Please refer to the definition of an “account”).

Contractors and Consultants

ALPS contractor/consultant/temporary employee contracts may include the Code as an addendum, and each contractor/consultant/temporary employee may be required to sign an acknowledgement that he/she has read the Code and will abide by it. Certain sections, such as those pertaining to the pre-clearance and reporting provisions, may be excepted.

 

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Definitions

Access Person - “Access Person” shall mean any Director, Trustee, Officer, Partner, Investment Person, or Employee of ALPS Holdings Inc. or its affiliates, who:

 

    has access to non-public information regarding any Clients’ Securities Transactions, or non-public information regarding the portfolio holdings of any fund(s) of a Client or any ALPS fund(s) or fund(s) of an affiliate;

 

    is involved in making Securities Transactions recommendations to Clients, or has access to such recommendations that are non-public;

 

    in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in or obtains information regarding a Fund’s Securities Transactions or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to a Fund Securities Transactions;

 

    obtains information regarding a Fund’s Securities Transactions or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to a Fund’s Securities Transactions;

 

    any other person designated by the CCO or the Ethics Committee has having access to non-public information.

Account - “Account” shall mean any accounts of any employee which includes accounts of the employee’s immediate family members (any relative by blood or marriage) living in the employee’s household, and any account in which he or she has a direct or indirect beneficial interest, such as trusts and custodial accounts or other accounts in which the employee has a beneficial interest or exercises investment discretion. Some accounts may be subject to restrictions, please refer to Restricted Accounts definition below.

Automatic Investment Plan - “Automatic Investment Plan” means a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined scheduled and allocation. An Automatic Investment Plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan.

Beneficial Ownership - For purposes of the Code, “Beneficial Ownership” shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be in Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) in determining whether a person is subject to the provisions of Section 16 under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations there under. Generally speaking, beneficial ownership encompasses those situations where the beneficial owner has the right to enjoy some economic benefits which are substantially equivalent to ownership regardless of who is the registered owner. This would include, but is not limited to:

 

    securities which a person holds for his or her own benefit either in bearer form, registered in his or her own name or otherwise, regardless of whether the securities are owned individually or jointly;

 

    securities held in the name of a member of his or her immediate family sharing the same household;

 

    securities held by a trustee, executor, administrator, custodian or broker;

 

    securities owned by a general partnership of which the person is a member or a limited partnership of which such person is a general partner;

 

    securities held by a corporation which can be regarded as a personal holding company of a person; and

 

    securities recently purchased by a person and awaiting transfer into his or her name.

Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) - The CCO shall be a person so designated by ALPS. Currently, the CCO is Bradley Swenson .

Client – The term “Client” shall include all closed-end mutual funds, open-end mutual funds, exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), unit investment trusts (“UITs”) of any investment company or any unregistered fund (e.g. hedge fund) who has a business relationship with ALPS and/or for whom ALPS performs a business service. Please refer to the Compliance Department Intranet Web Page for a current listing of Clients.

 

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Client Mutual Funds – The term “Client Mutual Funds” as used within this Code, refers to any funds (open-end, closed-end, ETFs, UITs) that ALPS has a business relationship with and/or for whom ALPS performs a business service. Please refer to the Compliance Department Intranet Web Page for a current listing of Client Mutual Funds.

Covered Associate – “Covered Associate” shall mean any employee that is required to comply with the provisions under Rule 206(4)-5 of the Advisers Act as well as the Political Contributions Policy within ALPS Advisors, Inc.’s Compliance Program. A person is generally considered to be a covered associate for these purposes:

 

    if he or she is a President, managing director, VP in charge of a business unit and any other employee who performs a policy-making function of ALPS Advisors, Inc. (“AAI”);

 

    if he or she is an employee who solicits a government entity for AAI and such employee’s direct or indirect supervisor;

 

    a political action committee controlled by AAI or by any of AAI’s covered associates; or

 

    any other AAI employee so designated by the CCO.

Covered Securities – For purposes of the Code, “Covered Securities” will include all Securities (as defined below). In addition, “Covered Securities” will also include all Client Mutual Funds (as defined above) or any equivalents in local non-US jurisdictions, single stock futures and both the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) regulated futures.

For the purposes of the Code, non-Client open-end mutual funds will not be considered as “Covered Securities.”

Employee “Employee” shall include all employees of ALPS Holdings, Inc. and its affiliates, including directors, officers, partners of AAI (or other persons occupying similar status), any temporary worker, contractor, or independent contractor if so designated by the CCO or the Ethics Committee.

Foreign Official – the term “Foreign Official” includes:

 

    government officials;

 

    political party leaders;

 

    candidates for office;

 

    employees of state-owned enterprises (such as state-owned banks or pension plans); and

 

    relatives or agents of a Foreign Official if a payment is made to such relative or agent of a Foreign Official with the knowledge or intent that it ultimately would benefit the Foreign Official.

Fund Transactions – For purposes of the Code, “Fund Transactions” refers to any transactions of the Fund itself. It does not include “Securities Transactions” of the Fund (Securities Transactions are defined below).

Investment Persons – “Investment Person” shall mean any Access Person (within ALPS) who makes investment decisions for AAI or Clients, who provides investment related information or advice to portfolio managers, or helps to execute and/or implement a portfolio manager’s decisions. This typically includes for example, portfolio managers, portfolio assistants, traders, and securities analysts.

Registered Representative – The term “Registered Representative” as used within this Code, refers to a person who holds a securities license, and is actively registered, with FINRA.

 

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Restricted Accounts – Employees are restricted from establishing external managed accounts (also referred to as a discretionary account) with any adviser that does business with ALPS Advisors, Inc. Managed account is defined as an investment account that is owned by an individual investor but is managed by a hired professional money manager. Investment in a hedge fund is not deemed to be managed account.

Securities – For purposes of the Code, “Security” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act. This definition of “Security” includes, but is not limited to: any note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificates of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, any put, call, straddle, option or privilege on any Security or on any group or index of Securities, or any put, call, straddle, option or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, any exchange-traded vehicle (including, but not limited to, closed-end mutual funds, exchange-traded notes and exchange-traded funds). Further, for the purpose of the Code, “Security” shall include any commodity contracts as defined in Section 2(a)(1)(A) of the Commodity Exchange Act. This definition includes but is not limited to futures contracts on equity indices.

“Security” shall not include direct obligations of the government of the United States or any other sovereign country or supra-national agency, bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements, variable and fixed insurance products.

Securities Transactions – The term “Securities Transactions” as used within this Code typically refers to the purchase and/or sale of Securities, (as defined herein), by the Fund(s). Securities Transactions shall include any gift of Covered Securities that is given or received by the employee, including any inheritance received that includes Covered Securities.

 

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General Standards of Business Conduct

All employees are subject to, and expected to abide by the General Standards of Business Conduct. The following activities are prohibited. Persons who violate any prohibition may be required to disgorge any profits realized in connection with such violation to a charitable organization selected by the Ethics Committee and may be subject to other sanctions imposed by the Ethics Committee, as outlined in the Penalty Guidelines.

No employee may cause ALPS or a Client to take action, or to fail to take action, for personal benefit, rather than to benefit ALPS or such Client. For example, a person would violate this Code by causing a Client to purchase securities owned by the Access Person for the purpose of supporting or increasing the price of that security or by causing a Client to refrain from selling securities in an attempt to protect a personal investment, such as an option on that security.

Employees may not use knowledge of Fund Transactions or Securities Transactions made or contemplated by ALPS or Clients to profit, or cause others to profit, by the market effect of such transactions.

Employees have an obligation to safeguard material non-public information regarding ALPS and its Clients. Accordingly, employees may not disclose current Fund Transactions or Securities Transactions made or contemplated or any other non-public information to anyone outside of ALPS, without approval from the CCO or the Ethics Committee.

Employees may not engage in fraudulent conduct in connection with the purchase or sale of securities, including without limitation:

 

    Employing any device, scheme or artifice to defraud;

 

    Making any untrue statement of material fact or omitting to state to a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, misleading;

 

    Engaging in any act, practice or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit;

 

    Engaging in any manipulative practice; and

 

    Investing in derivatives to evade the restrictions of this Code. Accordingly, individuals may not use derivatives to take positions in securities that would be otherwise prohibited by the Code if the positions were taken directly.

Conflicts of Interest

Employees may not act on behalf of ALPS in any transaction involving other persons or organizations with whom they may have any financial or any other connection without prior approval from the CCO. It is the responsibility of each employee to avoid participation in such situations or, if avoidance is not possible, to deal with any conflicts in a fair and ethical manner. If personal interest might affect an employee’s ability to represent ALPS as they would in an unbiased “arms length” transaction, the employee should remove them self from the transaction.

Protecting Confidential Information

Employees may receive information about ALPS, its Clients and other parties that, for various reasons, should be treated as confidential. All employees are expected to strictly comply with measures necessary to preserve the confidentiality of the information. Refer to ALPS Corporate Security Policy, Technology Resources Acceptable Use Policy, and Identity Theft Prevention Program for additional information.

 

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Insider Trading and Tipping

The misuse of material nonpublic information, or inside information, constitutes a fraud under the securities laws of the United States and many other countries. Fraudulent misuse of inside information includes buying or selling securities while in possession of material nonpublic information for an employee or employee-related account, a proprietary account or for the account of any Client. Fraudulent misuse of inside information also includes disclosing or tipping such information to someone else who then trades on it, or using such information as a basis for recommending the purchase or sale of a security. Information is material when it has market significance and there is a likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider the information important in deciding whether to buy or sell the securities of the company involved. It is nonpublic if it has not been broadly disseminated.

In no event, may any employee who receives inside information use that information to trade or recommend securities affected by such information for personal benefit, the benefit of ALPS or any affiliate or the benefit of a third party. More specifically:

 

    No employee may, while in possession of inside information affecting a security, purchase or sell such security for the account of such employee, a Client or any other person or entity;

 

    No employee may disclose inside information to any person outside of ALPS. However, discussions with legal counsel and disclosures authorized by ALPS or the Client in furtherance of a related project or transaction are permitted; and

 

    No employee may recommend or direct the purchase from or sale of a security to anyone while in the possession of inside information, however obtained.

Excess Trading

While active personal trading may not in and of itself raise issues under applicable laws and regulations, we believe that a very high volume of personal trading can be time consuming and can increase the possibility of actual or apparent conflicts with portfolio transactions. Accordingly, an unusually high level of personal trading activity is strongly discouraged and may be monitored by the Compliance Department to the extent appropriate for the category of person, and a pattern of excessive trading may lead to the taking of appropriate action under the Code.

Front Running

Employees may not engage in “front running,” that is, the purchase or sale of securities for their own accounts on the basis of their knowledge of a Fund’s trading positions or plans. Trading activity will be monitored by Compliance Department to the extent appropriate for the category of person.

Gifts and Entertainment

All employees are required to follow the standards below regarding the receipt of or the giving of gifts and entertainment with respect to Clients:

 

    Employees should avoid any excessive or disreputable entertainment that would reflect unfavorably on ALPS or its Clients;

 

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    Employees may not offer or accept cash or its equivalent as a gift;

 

    Employees may recognize that promotional gifts such as those that bear the logo of a company’s name or that routinely are made available to the general public are generally acceptable business gifts (and are not required to be reported unless the estimated value exceeds $250);

 

    Employees must fully, fairly and accurately account on the books and records of ALPS for any expense associated with a gift or entertainment;

 

    Employees may not accept any gift or bequest under a will or trust from a Client of ALPS; and

 

    Employees who are also registered with FINRA as a Registered Representative may have additional requirements and/or restrictions that are different than these policies. These polices do not override any requirements of FINRA.

For purposes of the Code, the gifts and entertainment limit will be $250.00 or the local equivalent. In order for an employee to accept or give a gift or entertainment above the limit, he/she must obtain written approval from the CCO. A copy of the Gift Disclosure Form may be found under Appendix A of this Code.

Improper Payments or Rebates

Associates must not offer or receive gratuities, bribes, kickbacks, or improper rebates from public officials, officials of foreign governments, competitors or suppliers.

Pursuant to the Foreign Corruption Practices Act (“FCPA”), employees are prohibited from making or offering to make any payment to or for the benefit of any Foreign Official if the purpose of such payment is to improperly influence or induce that Foreign Official to obtain or retain business for the company (a so-called bribe or kickback). All payments, whether large or small, are prohibited if they are, in essence, bribes or kickbacks, including:

 

    cash payments;

 

    gifts;

 

    entertainment;

 

    services; and

 

    amenities.

If an employee is unsure about whether he/she are being asked to make an improper payment, he/she should not make the payment. Employees must promptly report to the CCO any request made by a Foreign Official for a payment that would be prohibited under the guidelines set above and any other actions taken to induce such a payment. If you have any questions or need any guidance, please contact the CCO.

Service on a Board of Directors/Outside Business Activities

All employees are required to comply with the following provisions:

 

    Employees are to avoid any business activity, outside employment or professional service that competes with ALPS or conflicts with the interests of ALPS or its Clients.

 

    An employee is required to obtain the approval from the CCO before becoming a director, officer, partner or sole proprietor of a “for profit” organization. The request for approval should disclose the name of the organization, the nature of the business, whether any conflicts of interest could reasonably result from the association, whether fees, income or other compensation will be earned and whether there are any relationships between the organization and ALPS.

 

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    Employees may not accept any personal fiduciary appointments such as administrator, executor or trustee other than those arising from family or other close personal relationships.

 

    Employees may not use ALPS resources, including computers, software, proprietary information, letterhead and other property in connection with any employment or other activity outside ALPS.

 

    Employees must disclose to the Compliance Department a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict with ALPS or Clients and discuss how to control the risk.

When completing the Annual Certification acknowledging receipt and understanding of the Code of Ethics, employees may be asked to disclose all outside affiliations. Any director/trustee positions with public companies or companies likely to become public are prohibited without prior written approval of the CCO.

Political Contributions

All political activities of employees must be kept separate from employment and expenses may not be charged to ALPS. Employees may not use ALPS facilities for political campaign purposes.

All employees who are deemed Covered Associates are required to comply with the provisions under Rule 206(4)-5 of the Advisers Act as well as the Political Contributions Policy within AAI’s Compliance Program. A person is generally considered to be a Covered Associate for these purposes:

 

    if he or she is a President, managing director, VP in charge of a business unit and any other employee who performs a policy-making function of AAI;

 

    if he or she is an employee who solicits a government entity for AAI and such employee’s direct or indirect supervisor;

 

    a political action committee controlled by AAI or by any of AAI’s Covered Associates; or

 

    any other AAI employee so designated by the CCO.

Spouses and household family members of each Covered Associate are also subject to the provisions under Rule 206(4)-5.

Covered Associates are prohibited from making political contributions on behalf of AAI or individually in their capacity as a covered associate unless their contribution is within the de minimis exception. The de minimis exception permits contributions according to the following guidelines:

 

    Up to $350 per candidate per election cycle, to incumbents or candidates for whom they are eligible to vote

 

    Up to $150 per candidate per election cycle, to other incumbents or candidates

Covered Associates will be required to obtain a pre-approval for all political contributions, including but not limited to those noted above.

On a quarterly basis, the CCO or designee will request a reporting of political contributions during the previous quarter by all Covered Associates. The reporting should include contributions by spouses, household family members and all contributions by other parties (lawyers, affiliated companies, acquaintances, etc…) directed by the Covered Associate. The report should include the individual or election committee receiving the contribution, the office for which the individual is running, the current elected office held, if any, the dollar amount of the contribution or value of the donated item and whether or not the Covered Associate is eligible to vote for the candidate. The Covered Associate report must be completed within 30 days of each quarter end so that if an inadvertent political contribution (of $350.00 or less) has been made to an official for whom the Covered Associate is not entitled to vote, the contributor may be required to request the return of the contribution in order to avoid the two year compensation ban against AAI.

 

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Personal Securities Transactions – Restrictions & Reporting

Requirements

Access Persons

Trading Restrictions

Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) - Access Persons are prohibited from acquiring securities through an allocation by the underwriter of an initial public offering (“IPO”). There may be certain exceptions for a situation with prior written disclosure to and written approval from the CCO, could acquire shares in an IPO of his/her employer.

Limited or Private Offerings - Access Persons are prohibited from purchasing securities in a private offering unless the purchase is approved in writing by the CCO. Private placements include certain co-operative investments in real estate, commingled investment vehicles such as hedge funds, and investments in family owned businesses. Time-shares and cooperative investments in real estate used as a primary or secondary residence are not considered to be private placements.

Investment Clubs - Access Persons are prohibited from participating in investment clubs unless such membership is approved in writing by the CCO.

Client Mutual Funds - Access Persons investing in any “Client Mutual Funds” are subject to a sixty (60) calendar day holding period. The current list of Client Mutual Funds is maintained on the Compliance Department’s Intranet Web Page. The following funds are exempt from these requirements: money market funds; short-term income funds ; and any non-proprietary ETFs (non-proprietary means ALPS is not the investment adviser for the ETF).

Excess Trading - While active personal trading may not in and of itself raise issues under applicable laws and regulations, we believe that a very high volume of personal trading can be time consuming and can increase the possibility of actual or apparent conflicts with portfolio transactions. Accordingly, an unusually high level of personal trading activity is strongly discouraged and may be monitored by the Compliance Department to the extent appropriate for the category of person, and a pattern of excessive trading may lead to the taking of appropriate action under the Code.

Front Running - Access Persons may not engage in “front running,” that is, the purchase or sale of securities for their own accounts on the basis of their knowledge of a Fund’s trading positions or plans.

Material Nonpublic Information - Access Persons possessing material nonpublic information regarding any issuer of securities must refrain from purchasing or selling securities of that issuer until the information becomes public or is no longer considered material.

Account Restrictions

Managed Accounts – Access Persons are restricted from establishing an external managed account (also referred to as a discretionary account) with any adviser that does business with ALPS Advisors, Inc.

 

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Reporting Requirements

Access Persons are subject to the following Initial, Quarterly and Annual Reporting requirements unless specifically exempted by Rule 204A-1 or 17j-1.

All Covered Securities are subject to the reporting requirements of the Code. The following securities are exempt from the reporting requirements:

 

    Direct Obligations of any sovereign government or supra-national agency;

 

    Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;

 

    Investments in dividend reinvestment plans;

 

    Variable and fixed insurance products; and

 

    Non-Client open-end mutual funds.

IRC 401(k) plans are also exempt from the reporting requirements except if held in self-directed brokerage accounts. Access Persons must report holdings of or transactions in Employee Stock Ownership Programs (“ESOPs”) or pension or retirement plans if they have a direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership interest in any Covered Securities held by the plan.

 

  a. Initial Holdings Reports for Access Persons

Within ten (10) calendar days of being designated as, or determined to be, an Access Person (which may be upon hire), each such person must provide the Compliance Department with a statement of all Covered Securities holdings and brokerage accounts. More specifically, each such person must provide the following information:

 

    The title, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the employee had any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership when the person became an employee;

 

    The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the employee maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the employee as of the date the person became an employee; and

 

    The date the report is submitted by the employee.

 

  b. Duplicate Statements

Upon employment and for any accounts opened during employment, an Access Person must instruct his/her broker-dealer, trust account manager or other entity through which he/she has a securities trading account to send transaction activity information directly to the ALPS Compliance Department. If an account is held with an entity that does not supply electronic feeds to ALPS, the Access Person must instruct the entity to supply periodic statements (no less frequent then quarterly). Please refer to Appendix B for a list of firms that are currently set up to supply information electronically to ALPS.

This applies to all accounts in which an Access Persons has direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership. A sample letter with the Compliance address is located under Appendix C of this Code.

 

  c. Quarterly Transaction Reports

Each Access Person is required to submit quarterly his/her Quarterly Securities Report within thirty (30) calendar days of each calendar quarter end to the Compliance Department. If no transactions were executed or if transactions were exempt from reporting, this should be noted on the quarterly report.

 

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Specific information to be provided includes:

1. With respect to any Securities Transaction* during the quarter in a Covered Security in which any employee had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership:

 

    The date of the transaction, the title, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount of each Security involved;

 

    The nature of the transaction, (i.e., purchase, sale, or other type of acquisition or disposition);

 

    The price of the Security at which the transaction was effected;

 

    The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through which transaction was effected; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the employee.

* Transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan need not be reported in the Quarterly Securities Report but holdings in Covered Securities are subject to the annual holdings reporting requirement discussed below.

2. With respect to any account established by the Access Person in which any securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person:

 

    The name of the broker, dealer, or bank with whom the employee established the account;

 

    The date the account was established; and

 

    The date the report is submitted by the employee.

 

  d. Annual Holdings Reports

Each Access Person is required to submit annually (i.e., once each and every calendar year) a list of applicable holdings, which is current as of a date no more than forty five (45) calendar days before the report is submitted. In addition, each employee is required to certify annually that he/she has reviewed and understands the provisions of the Code.

Specific information to be provided includes:

 

    The title, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the employee had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership;

 

    The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the employee maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the employee; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the employee.

 

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Investment Persons

Trading Restrictions

Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) - Investment Persons are prohibited from acquiring securities through an allocation by the underwriter of an initial public offering (“IPO”). There may be certain exceptions for a situation with prior written disclosure to and written approval from the CCO, could acquire shares in an IPO of his/her employer.

Limited or Private Offerings - Investment Persons are prohibited from purchasing securities in a private offering unless the purchase is approved in writing by the CCO. Private placements include certain co-operative investments in real estate, commingled investment vehicles such as hedge funds, and investments in family owned businesses. Time-shares and cooperative investments in real estate used as a primary or secondary residence are not considered to be private placements.

Investment Clubs - Investment Persons are prohibited from participating in investment clubs unless such membership is approved in writing by the CCO.

Options - Investment Persons are prohibited from buying or selling options on Covered Securities. There is an exception for persons who have received options from a prior employer. In those instances, the exercising or selling of options received from the prior employer is subject to the pre-clearance and reporting requirements of this Code.

Client Mutual Funds - Investment Persons investing in “Client Mutual Funds” are subject to a sixty (60) calendar day holding period. The current list of Client Mutual Funds is maintained on the Compliance Department’s Intranet Web Page. These funds are also subject to reporting requirements and pre-clearance requirements of this Code. Pre-clearance requirements may be waived for purchases through an automated and systematic account such as a company 401k plan. The following funds are exempt from these requirements: money market funds; short-term income funds; and any non-proprietary ETFs (non-proprietary means ALPS is not the investment adviser for the ETF).

Short-Term Trading - Investment Persons are prohibited from the purchase and sale or sale and purchase of the same Covered Securities within thirty (30) calendar days. Client Mutual Funds are subject to a sixty (60) calendar day holding period. The following funds are exempt from these requirements: money market funds; short-term income funds; and any non-proprietary ETFs (non-proprietary means ALPS is not the investment adviser for the ETF).

Blackout Period – Blackout periods may be determined and established by the CCO. Any such periods will be communicated to all affected persons as necessary.

Excess Trading - While active personal trading may not in and of itself raise issues under applicable laws and regulations, we believe that a very high volume of personal trading can be time consuming and can increase the possibility of actual or apparent conflicts with portfolio transactions. Accordingly, an unusually high level of personal trading activity is strongly discouraged and may be monitored by the Compliance Department to the extent appropriate for the category of person, and a pattern of excessive trading may lead to the taking of appropriate action under the Code.

Front Running - Investment Persons may not engage in “front running,” that is, the purchase or sale of securities for their own accounts on the basis of their knowledge of a Fund’s trading positions or plans.

Material Nonpublic Information – Investment Persons possessing material nonpublic information regarding any issuer of securities must refrain from purchasing or selling securities of that issuer until the information becomes public or is no longer considered material.

 

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Shorting of Securities - Investment Persons may not engage in the practice of short selling securities.

Account Restrictions

Managed Accounts – Access Persons are restricted from establishing an external managed account (also referred to as a discretionary account) with any adviser that does business with ALPS Advisors, Inc.

Pre-Clearance

Unless the investment transaction is exempted from pre-clearance requirements all Investment Persons must request and receive pre-clearance prior to engaging in the purchase or sale of a Covered Security.

Pre-clearance approval is only good until midnight local time of the day after approval is obtained. “Good-till-Cancelled” orders are not permitted. “Limit” orders must receive pre-clearance every day the order is open.

As there could be many reasons for pre-clearance being granted or denied, Investment Persons should not infer from the pre-clearance response anything regarding the security for which pre-clearance was requested.

Exempted Securities/Transactions

Pre-clearance by Investment Persons is not required for the following transactions:

 

    Transactions that meet the de minimis exception (defined below);

 

    Transactions made in an account where the employee, pursuant to a valid legal instrument, has given full investment discretion to an unaffiliated/unrelated third party;

 

    Purchases or sales of direct obligations of the government of the United States or other sovereign government or supra-national agency, high quality short-term debt instruments, bankers acceptances, certificates of deposit (“CDs”), commercial paper, repurchase agreements.

 

    Automatic investments in programs where the investment decisions are non-discretionary after the initial selections by the account owner (although the initial selection requires pre-clearance);

 

    Investments in dividend reinvestment plans;

 

    Exercised rights, warrants or tender offers;

 

    General obligation municipal bonds, transactions in Employee Stock Ownership Programs (“ESOPs), and Share Builder and similar services;

 

    Securities received via a gift or inheritance; and

 

    Non-Client open-end mutual funds.

De Minimis Exception

A “de minimis transaction” is a personal trade that meets the following conditions: (a) less than 1,000 shares and (b) is made with no knowledge that a Client Mutual Fund have purchased or sold the Covered Security, or the Client Mutual Fund or its investment adviser considered purchasing or selling the Covered Security. Transactions effected pursuant to the de minimis exception remain subject to reporting requirements of the Code.

 

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Serving on a Board of Directors

Investment Personnel may not serve on the board of directors of a publicly traded company without prior written authorization from the Ethics Committee. No such service shall be approved without a finding by the Ethics Committee that the board service would be consistent with the interests of Clients. If board service is authorized by the Ethics Committee, in some instances, it may be required that the Investment Personnel serving as a Director may be isolated from making investment decisions with respect to the company involved through the use of “Chinese Walls” or other procedures.

Reporting Requirements

Investment Persons are subject to the following Initial, Quarterly and Annual Reporting requirements unless specifically exempted by Rule 204A-1 or 17j-1.

All Covered Securities are subject to the reporting requirements of the Code. The following securities are exempt from the reporting requirements:

 

    Direct Obligations of any sovereign government or supra-national agency;

 

    Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;

 

    Investments in dividend reinvestment plans;

 

    Variable and fixed insurance products; and

 

    Non-Client open-end mutual funds.

IRC 401(k) plans are also exempt from the reporting requirements except if held in self-directed brokerage accounts. Investment Persons must report holdings of or transactions in ESOPs or pension or retirement plans if they have a direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership interest in any Covered Securities held by the plan.

Additionally, securities received via a gift or inheritance are required to be reported, but are not subject to the pre-clearance requirements of the Code.

 

  a. Initial Holdings Reports for Investment

Within ten (10) calendar days of being designated as, or determined to be, an Investment Person (which may be upon hire), each such person must provide the Compliance Department with a statement of all Covered Securities holdings and brokerage accounts. More specifically, each such person must provide the following information:

 

    The title, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the employee had any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership when the person became an employee;

 

    The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the employee maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the employee as of the date the person became an employee; and

 

    The date the report is submitted by the employee.

 

  b. Duplicate Statements

Upon ALPS employment and for any accounts opened during employment, an Investment Person must instruct his/her broker-dealer, trust account manager or other entity through which he/she has a securities trading account to send transaction activity information directly to our Compliance Department. If an account is held with an

 

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entity that does not supply electronic feeds to ALPS, the Access Person must instruct the entity to supply periodic statements (no less frequent then quarterly) to the Compliance Department. Please refer to Appendix B for a list of firms that are currently set up to supply information electronically to ALPS.

This applies to all accounts in which an employee has direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership. A sample letter with the Compliance address is located under Appendix C of this Code.

 

  c. Quarterly Transaction Reports

Each Investment Person is required to submit quarterly his/her Quarterly Securities Report within thirty (30) calendar days of each calendar quarter end to the Compliance Department. If no transactions were executed or if transactions were exempt from reporting, this should be noted on the quarterly report.

Specific information to be provided includes:

1. With respect to any Securities Transaction* during the quarter in a Covered Security in which any employee had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership:

 

    The date of the transaction, the title, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount of each Security involved;

 

    The nature of the transaction, (i.e., purchase, sale, or other type of acquisition or disposition);

 

    The price of the Security at which the transaction was effected;

 

    The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through which transaction was effected; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the employee.

*Transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan need not be reported in the Quarterly Securities Report but holdings in Covered Securities are subject to the annual holdings reporting requirement discussed below.

2. With respect to any account established by the employee in which any securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the employee:

 

    The name of the broker, dealer, or bank with whom the employee established the account;

 

    The date the account was established; and

 

    The date the report is submitted by the employee.

 

  d. Annual Holdings Reports

Each Investment Person is required to submit annually (i.e., once each and every calendar year) a list of applicable holdings, which is current as of a date no more than forty five (45) calendar days before the report is submitted. In addition, each employee is required to certify annually that he/she has reviewed and understands the provisions of the Code.

Specific information to be provided includes:

 

    The title, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the employee had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership;

 

    The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the employee maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the employee; and

 

    The date that the report is submitted by the employee.

 

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Sanctions

Upon discovering a violation of this Code by an employee or his/her family member or related party, the CCO may impose such sanctions as he/she deems appropriate, including, among other things, the following:

 

    A letter of censure to the violator;

 

    A monetary fine levied on the violator;

 

    Suspension of the employment of the violator;

 

    Termination of the employment of the violator;

 

    Civil referral to the SEC or other civil regulatory authorities determined by ALPS; or

 

    Criminal referral – determined by ALPS.

Examples of possible sanctions include, but are not limited to:

 

    A verbal warning, warning letter, with a copy to the employee’s direct report, for a first time pre-clearance or reporting violation;

 

    Monetary fines and disgorgement of profits when an employee profits on the purchase of a security he/she should not have purchased or redeemed; and

 

    Recommendation for suspension or termination if an employee is a serial violator of the Code.

Violations and proposed sanctions will be documented by the Compliance Department and will be submitted to the CCO (or his designee) for review and approval. In some cases, the Code of Ethics Committee may assist in determining the materiality of the violation and appropriate sanctions. Records of all reviews are the responsibility of and will be maintained by the Compliance Department.

In determining the materiality of the violation, reviewers may consider:

 

    Indications of fraud, neglect or indifference to Code of Ethics provisions;

 

    Evidence of violation of law, policy or guideline;

 

    Frequency of repeat violations;

 

    Level of influence of the violator;

 

    Any mitigating circumstances that may exist.

In assessing the appropriate penalties, other factors considered may include:

 

    The extent of harm (actual or potential) to client interests;

 

    The extent of personal benefit or profit;

 

    Prior record of the violator;

 

    The degree to which there is a personal benefit or perceived benefit from unique knowledge obtained through employment with ALPS;

 

    The level of accurate, honest and timely cooperation from the violator; and

 

    Any mitigating circumstances that may exist.

Appeals Process

If an employee decides to appeal a sanction, he/she should contact the CCO who will refer the issue to the Ethics Committee for their review and consideration.

 

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Compliance and Supervisory Procedures

The CCO or his designee is responsible for implementing supervisory and compliance review procedures. Supervisory procedures can be divided into two classifications: prevention of violations and detection of violations. Compliance review procedures include preparation of special and annual reports, record maintenance and review and confidentiality preservation.

Prevention of Violations

To prevent violations of the Rules, the CCO or his/her designee should, in addition to enforcing the procedures outlined in the Rules:

 

  1. Review and update the procedures as necessary, at least once annually, including but not limited to a review of the Code by the CCO, the Ethics Committee and/or counsel;

 

  2. Answer questions regarding the Code;

 

  3. Request from all persons upon commencement of services, and annually thereafter, any applicable forms and reports as required by the procedures;

 

  4. Identify all Access Persons and Investment Persons, and notify them of their responsibilities and reporting requirements;

 

  5. With such assistance from the Human Resources Department as may be appropriate, maintain a continuing education program consisting of the following:

 

    Orienting employees who are new to ALPS and the Rules; and

 

    Further educating employees by distributing memos or other materials that maybe issued by outside organizations such as the Investment Company Institute which discuss the issue of insider trading and other issues raised by the Rules.

Detection of Violations

To detect violations of these procedures, the CCO, or designee, should, in addition to enforcing the policies, implement procedures to review holding and transaction reports, forms and statements relative to applicable restrictions, as provided under the Code.

Compliance Procedures

Reports of Potential Deviations or Violations

Upon learning of a potential deviation from or violation of the policies, the CCO shall either present the information at the next regular meeting of the Ethics Committee or conduct a special meeting. The Ethics Committee shall thereafter take such action as it deems appropriate (see Penalty Guidelines).

Annual Reports

The CCO shall prepare a written report to the Ethics Committee and Senior Management at least annually. The written report shall include any certification required by Rule 17j-1. This report shall set forth the following information:

 

    Copies of the Code, as revised, including a summary of any changes made since the last report;

 

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    Identification of any material issues including material violations requiring significant remedial action since the last report;

 

    Identification of any material conflicts arising since the last report; and

 

    Recommendations, if any, regarding changes in existing restrictions or procedures based upon experience under these Rules, evolving industry practices, or developments in applicable laws or regulations.

Records

Compliance Department shall maintain the following records:

 

    A copy of this Code and any amendment thereof which is or at any time within the past five years has been in effect;

 

    A record of any violation of this Code, or any amendment thereof, and any action taken as a result of such violation;

 

    Files for personal securities account statements, all reports and other forms submitted by employees pursuant to these Rules and any other pertinent information;

 

    A list of all persons who are, or have been, required to submit reports pursuant to this Code;

 

    A list of persons who are, or within the last five years have been responsible for, reviewing transaction and holdings reports; and

 

    A copy of each report produced pursuant to this Code.

Inspection

The records and reports maintained by the Compliance Department pursuant to the Rules shall at all times be available for inspection, without prior notice, by any member of the Ethics Committee.

Confidentiality

All procedures, reports and records monitored, prepared or maintained pursuant to this Code shall be considered confidential and proprietary to ALPS and shall be maintained and protected accordingly. Except as otherwise required by law or this Code, such matters shall not be disclosed to anyone other than to members of the Ethics Committee or the Compliance Department, as requested.

The Ethics Committee

The purpose of this section is to describe the Ethics Committee. The Ethics Committee was created to provide an effective mechanism for monitoring compliance with the standards and procedures contained in the Rules and to take appropriate action at such times as violations or potential violations are discovered.

Membership of the Ethics Committee

The Committee consists of Bradley Swenson, Chief Compliance Officer, Allyson Wolfram, Human Resources Director, Jeremy May, President of ALPS Fund Services, Inc. and Tom Carter, President of ALPS Advisors, Inc., ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. and ALPS Distributors, Inc.

 

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The Chief Compliance Officer currently serves as the Chairman of the Committee. The composition of the Committee may be changed from time-to-time and the Committee may seek input of other employees concerning matters related to this Code as they deem appropriate.

Committee Meetings

The Committee shall meet approximately every six months, or as often as necessary, to review operation of this Code and to consider technical deviations from operational procedures, inadvertent oversights or any other potential violation of the Rules. Deviations alternatively may be addressed by including them in the employee’s personnel records maintained by ALPS. Committee meetings are primarily intended for consideration of the general operation of the compliance procedures as well as for substantive or serious departures from the standards and procedures in the Rules.

Other persons may attend a Committee meeting, at the discretion of the Committee, as the Committee shall deem appropriate. Any individual whose conduct has given rise to the meeting may also be called upon, but shall not have the right, to appear before the Committee. It is not required that minutes of Committee meetings be maintained; in lieu of minutes the Committee may issue a report describing any action taken. The report shall be included in the confidential file maintained by the CCO with respect to the particular employee whose conduct has been the subject of the meeting.

If a Committee member has committed, or is the subject of, a violation, he or she shall not be considered a voting member of the Committee or be involved in the review or decisions of the Committee with respect to his or her activities, or sanctions.

Special Discretion

The Committee shall have the authority by unanimous action to exempt any person or class of persons or transaction or class of transactions from all or a portion of the Rules, provided that:

 

    The Committee determines, on advice of counsel, that the particular application of all or a portion of the Code is not legally required;

 

    The Committee determines that the likelihood of any abuse of the Code by such exempted person(s) or as a result of such exempted transaction is remote;

 

    The terms or conditions upon which any such exemption is granted is evidenced in writing; and

 

    The exempted person(s) agrees to execute and deliver to the CCO, at least annually, a signed Acknowledgment Form, which Acknowledgment shall, by operation of this provision, describe such exemptions and the terms and conditions upon which it was granted.

The Committee shall also have the authority by unanimous action to impose such additional requirements or restrictions as it, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate or necessary, as outlined in the Penalty Guidelines.

Any exemption, and any additional requirement or restriction, may be withdrawn by the Committee at any time (such withdrawal action is not required to be unanimous).

 

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Reporting Forms

 

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Appendix A– Gift Disclosure Form

 

ALPS Gift Disclosure Form

Name of ALPS Employee

   

Gift Description

 

   

Received or Given

   

From or To Whom

   

Estimated Value of Gift

   

 

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Appendix B – Broker/Dealers with Electronic Feeds

 

    Charles Schwab

 

    Scottrade

 

    TD Ameritrade

 

    E-Trade

 

    Merrill Lynch

 

    Morgan Stanley

 

    Fidelity

 

    RBC Capital Markets

 

    UBS

 

    Wells Fargo

 

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Appendix C – Broker/Dealer Duplicate Statement/Confirmation Request Letter

Date:

Your Broker

Street Address

City, State Zip Code:

 

Re:

  Your Name
  Your account number or S.S. number

Dear Sir or Madam:

Please be advised that I’m an employee of ALPS Holdings, Inc. (“ALPS”). Pursuant to ALPS Code of Ethics, I am requesting that a duplicate copy of my account statement(s) be sent to the attention of:

ALPS Holdings, Inc.

Attn: Compliance Department

P.O. Box 328

Denver, Colorado 80201

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Your Name

 

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