UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400
Wheaton, IL 60187
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
W. Scott Jardine, Esq.
First Trust Portfolios L.P.
120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400
Wheaton, IL 60187
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
Date of reporting period:
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
Item 1. Reports to Shareholders.
(a) Following is a copy of the semi-annual reports transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Act.
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF
MDEV | CBOE BZX EXCHANGE, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024 (the “Period”). You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/MDEV. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF | $36 | 0.70%(1) |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $3,345,738 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 50 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 11% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| Koninklijke Philips N.V. | 3.0% |
| WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Class H | 2.9% |
| Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp., Ltd. | 2.6% |
| Globus Medical, Inc., Class A | 2.6% |
| Olympus Corp. | 2.5% |
| Insulet Corp. | 2.5% |
| ResMed, Inc. | 2.4% |
| Hoya Corp. | 2.4% |
| Smith & Nephew PLC | 2.4% |
| Intuitive Surgical, Inc. | 2.4% |
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/MDEV to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
Indxx and Indxx Medical Devices Index (“Index”) are trademarks of Indxx, Inc. (“Indxx”) and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Indxx, and Indxx makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in such product. The Index is determined, composed and calculated by Indxx without regard to First Trust or the Fund.
First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF
FTXO | NASDAQ, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/FTXO. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF | $31 | 0.60%(1) |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $108,997,542 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 51 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 11% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| Citigroup, Inc. | 8.1% |
| Bank of America Corp. | 7.9% |
| U.S. Bancorp | 7.8% |
| Wells Fargo & Co. | 7.8% |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 7.6% |
| M&T Bank Corp. | 4.2% |
| PNC Financial Services Group (The), Inc. | 4.0% |
| Citizens Financial Group, Inc. | 3.8% |
| Fifth Third Bancorp | 3.7% |
| First Citizens BancShares, Inc., Class A | 3.7% |
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/FTXO to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
Nasdaq® and Nasdaq US Smart BanksTM Index (the “Index”) are registered trademarks and service marks of Nasdaq, Inc. (together with its affiliates hereinafter referred to as the “Corporations”) and are licensed for use by First Trust. The Fund has not been passed on by the Corporations as to its legality or suitability. The Fund is not issued, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE FUND.
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF
FTXG | NASDAQ, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/FTXG. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF | $31 | 0.60%(1) |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $33,343,734 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 31 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 9% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| Mondelez International, Inc., Class A | 8.1% |
| Coca-Cola (The) Co. | 7.8% |
| PepsiCo, Inc. | 7.7% |
| Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | 7.7% |
| Kraft Heinz (The) Co. | 6.9% |
| Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A | 4.2% |
| Molson Coors Beverage Co., Class B | 4.0% |
| Corteva, Inc. | 4.0% |
| General Mills, Inc. | 4.0% |
| Hershey (The) Co. | 3.9% |
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/FTXG to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
Nasdaq® and Nasdaq US Smart Food & BeverageTM Index (the “Index”) are registered trademarks and service marks of Nasdaq, Inc. (together with its affiliates hereinafter referred to as the “Corporations”) and are licensed for use by First Trust. The Fund has not been passed on by the Corporations as to its legality or suitability. The Fund is not issued, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE FUND.
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF
FTXN | NASDAQ, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/FTXN. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF | $29 | 0.60%(1) |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $170,933,352 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 44 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 15% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| Chevron Corp. | 8.2% |
| Exxon Mobil Corp. | 8.2% |
| ConocoPhillips | 7.6% |
| EOG Resources, Inc. | 6.6% |
| Marathon Petroleum Corp. | 6.0% |
| Kinder Morgan, Inc. | 4.2% |
| Phillips 66 | 3.9% |
| Schlumberger N.V. | 3.8% |
| Valero Energy Corp. | 3.8% |
| Occidental Petroleum Corp. | 3.7% |
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/FTXN to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
Nasdaq® and Nasdaq US Smart Oil & GasTM Index (the “Index”) are registered trademarks and service marks of Nasdaq, Inc. (together with its affiliates hereinafter referred to as the “Corporations”) and are licensed for use by First Trust. The Fund has not been passed on by the Corporations as to its legality or suitability. The Fund is not issued, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE FUND.
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF
FTXH | NASDAQ, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/FTXH. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF | $31 | 0.60%(1) |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $17,301,171 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 51 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 13% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 7.6% |
| AbbVie, Inc. | 7.4% |
| Pfizer, Inc. | 7.3% |
| Johnson & Johnson | 7.2% |
| Merck & Co., Inc. | 7.1% |
| Zoetis, Inc. | 3.9% |
| Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 3.9% |
| Cardinal Health, Inc. | 3.6% |
| Amgen, Inc. | 3.6% |
| Viatris, Inc. | 3.5% |
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/FTXH to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
Nasdaq® and Nasdaq US Smart PharmaceuticalsTM Index (the “Index”) are registered trademarks and service marks of Nasdaq, Inc. (together with its affiliates hereinafter referred to as the “Corporations”) and are licensed for use by First Trust. The Fund has not been passed on by the Corporations as to its legality or suitability. The Fund is not issued, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE FUND.
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF
FTXL | NASDAQ, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/FTXL. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF | $31 | 0.60%(1) |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $1,441,739,873 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 32 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 11% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| Intel Corp. | 8.4% |
| Broadcom, Inc. | 8.4% |
| Applied Materials, Inc. | 8.1% |
| NVIDIA Corp. | 8.1% |
| QUALCOMM, Inc. | 7.7% |
| Micron Technology, Inc. | 4.3% |
| Lam Research Corp. | 3.9% |
| Analog Devices, Inc. | 3.9% |
| Microchip Technology, Inc. | 3.9% |
| Texas Instruments, Inc. | 3.8% |
Any amount shown as 0.0% represents less than 0.1%.
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/FTXL to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
Nasdaq® and Nasdaq US Smart SemiconductorTM Index (the “Index”) are registered trademarks and service marks of Nasdaq, Inc. (together with its affiliates hereinafter referred to as the “Corporations”) and are licensed for use by First Trust. The Fund has not been passed on by the Corporations as to its legality or suitability. The Fund is not issued, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE FUND.
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF
FTXR | NASDAQ, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/FTXR. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF | $30 | 0.60%(1) |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $32,117,277 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 42 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 14% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| Tesla, Inc. | 9.3% |
| United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B | 8.1% |
| Union Pacific Corp. | 7.3% |
| Ford Motor Co. | 7.2% |
| General Motors Co. | 6.9% |
| United Airlines Holdings, Inc. | 4.9% |
| Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 4.6% |
| United Rentals, Inc. | 4.2% |
| PACCAR, Inc. | 3.9% |
| CSX Corp. | 3.8% |
Any amount shown as 0.0% represents less than 0.1%.
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/FTXR to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
Nasdaq® and Nasdaq US Smart TransportationTM Index (the “Index”) are registered trademarks and service marks of Nasdaq, Inc. (together with its affiliates hereinafter referred to as the “Corporations”) and are licensed for use by First Trust. The Fund has not been passed on by the Corporations as to its legality or suitability. The Fund is not issued, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE FUND.
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF
ISHP | NASDAQ, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/ISHP. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF | $33 | 0.60%(1) |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $5,170,145 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 62 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 16% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| JD Health International, Inc. | 2.4% |
| Meituan, Class B | 2.2% |
| JD.com, Inc., ADR | 2.1% |
| DoorDash, Inc., Class A | 2.0% |
| Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., ADR | 2.0% |
| Carvana Co. | 2.0% |
| ZOZO, Inc. | 2.0% |
| PayPal Holdings, Inc. | 1.9% |
| KE Holdings, Inc., ADR | 1.9% |
| Zillow Group, Inc., Class C | 1.9% |
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/ISHP to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
S-Network and S-Network Global E-Commerce IndexTM (“Index”) are service marks of VettaFi LLC and have been licensed for use by First Trust Advisors L.P. The Fund is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by VettaFi LLC or its affiliates (collectively, “VettaFi”). VettaFi makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the purchasers or owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Index to track general market performance.
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF
RNEM | NASDAQ, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/RNEM. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF | $40(1) | 0.77%(1) (2) |
(1) | Includes other expenses. If these other expenses were not included, the expense ratio would have been 0.75%. |
(2) | Annualized. |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $19,396,861 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 273 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 29% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| Air China Ltd., Class H | 3.2% |
| Bosideng International Holdings Ltd. | 3.2% |
| Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. | 3.0% |
| Reliance Industries Ltd. | 2.7% |
| Bajaj Finserv Ltd. | 2.1% |
| HDFC Bank Ltd. | 2.1% |
| Axis Bank Ltd. | 2.1% |
| ICICI Bank Ltd. | 2.0% |
| Grasim Industries Ltd. | 1.8% |
| State Bank of India | 1.8% |
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/RNEM to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
Riskalyze and Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging MarketsTM Index are trademarks or service marks of Nitrogen Wealth, Inc. (“Nitrogen Wealth”) and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Nitrogen Wealth, and Nitrogen Wealth makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in the Fund. The Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging MarketsTM Index (“Riskalyze Index”) is a product of Nitrogen Wealth. RISKALYZE® and NASDAQ RISKALYZE EMERGING MARKETSTM INDEX are trademarks of Nitrogen Wealth. Nasdaq® is a trademark of Nasdaq, Inc.
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder
Yield ETF
SHRY | NASDAQ, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/SHRY. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF | $31 | 0.60%(1) |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $20,644,419 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 51 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 82% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| Altria Group, Inc. | 5.1% |
| Comcast Corp., Class A | 4.7% |
| Hartford Financial Services Group (The), Inc. | 3.4% |
| Lowe’s Cos., Inc. | 3.4% |
| HP, Inc. | 3.3% |
| Cigna Group (The) | 3.1% |
| General Mills, Inc. | 3.1% |
| Aflac, Inc. | 3.1% |
| MetLife, Inc. | 2.9% |
| Kroger (The) Co. | 2.7% |
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/SHRY to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
“Bloomberg®” and Bloomberg Shareholder Yield Index licensed herein (the “Indices”) are service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, including Bloomberg Index Services Limited (“BISL”), the administrator of the Indices (collectively, “Bloomberg”) and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the “Licensee”). Bloomberg is not affiliated with the Licensee, and Bloomberg does not approve, endorse, review, or recommend the financial products referenced herein (the “Financial Products”). Bloomberg does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of any data or information relating to the Indices or the Financial Products.
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified
Dividend Aristocrats ETF
KNGZ | NASDAQ, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/KNGZ. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF | $26 | 0.50%(1) |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $39,520,101 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 97 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 15% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| International Business Machines Corp. | 4.5% |
| Verizon Communications, Inc. | 3.7% |
| Corning, Inc. | 3.6% |
| HP, Inc. | 3.5% |
| Texas Instruments, Inc. | 3.4% |
| Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | 3.1% |
| Interpublic Group of (The) Cos., Inc. | 2.4% |
| Microchip Technology, Inc. | 2.2% |
| Accenture PLC, Class A | 2.2% |
| Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 2.1% |
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/KNGZ to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
S&P 500® Sector-Neutral Dividend Aristocrats Index (“Index”) is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices, LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”) and has been licensed for use by First Trust. S&P® is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”); and these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by First Trust. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P or their respective affiliates and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product(s) nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the Index.
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF
FSCS | NASDAQ, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/FSCS. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF | $31 | 0.60%(1) |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $21,112,307 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 101 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 116% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| Erie Indemnity Co., Class A | 1.3% |
| Kellanova | 1.3% |
| CommVault Systems, Inc. | 1.2% |
| F5, Inc. | 1.2% |
| eBay, Inc. | 1.1% |
| RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. | 1.1% |
| Clorox (The) Co. | 1.1% |
| Molina Healthcare, Inc. | 1.1% |
| Curtiss-Wright Corp. | 1.1% |
| Mueller Industries, Inc. | 1.1% |
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/FSCS to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
Nasdaq® and The SMID Capital Strength Index (the “Index”) are registered trademarks and service marks of Nasdaq, Inc. (together with its affiliates hereinafter referred to as the “Corporations”) and are licensed for use by First Trust. The Fund has not been passed on by the Corporations as to its legality or suitability. The Fund is not issued, endorsed, sold or promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE FUND.
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF
RNSC | NASDAQ, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024 (the “Period”). You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/RNSC. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
This report describes changes to the Fund that occurred during and after the reporting period.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| Small Cap US Equity Select ETF | $31 | 0.60%(1) |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $28,646,572 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 325 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 35% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| National HealthCare Corp. | 2.7% |
| LeMaitre Vascular, Inc. | 2.6% |
| Premier, Inc., Class A | 2.5% |
| CONMED Corp. | 2.4% |
| U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. | 2.1% |
| Patterson Cos., Inc. | 2.1% |
| Bank of America Corp. | 2.1% |
| Clear Secure, Inc., Class A | 2.0% |
| Progress Software Corp. | 1.4% |
| CSG Systems International, Inc. | 1.4% |
HOW HAS THE FUND MATERIALLY CHANGED?
This is a summary of certain changes to the Fund since April 1, 2024. For more complete information, you may review the Fund’s prospectus and any applicable supplements at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/RNSC or upon request at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
Effective on or around December 4, 2024, the Small Cap US Equity Select ETF will change its name to First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF (FSGS) and its Index to The SMID Growth Strength Index.
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/RNSC to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
Riskalyze and Nasdaq Riskalyze US Small CapTM Index are trademarks or service marks of Nitrogen Wealth, Inc. (“Nitrogen Wealth”) and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Nitrogen Wealth, and Nitrogen Wealth makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in the Fund. The Nasdaq Riskalyze US Small CapTM Index (“Riskalyze Index”) is a product of Nitrogen Wealth. RISKALYZE® and NASDAQ RISKALYZE US SMALL CAPTM INDEX are trademarks of Nitrogen Wealth. Nasdaq® is a trademark of Nasdaq, Inc.
First Trust S-Network Streaming
& Gaming ETF
BNGE | NYSE ARCA, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/BNGE. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF | $36 | 0.70%(1) |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $5,302,719 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 47 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 12% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| Spotify Technology S.A. | 5.3% |
| Flutter Entertainment PLC | 5.1% |
| Tencent Holdings Ltd. | 5.0% |
| Netflix, Inc. | 4.7% |
| JOYY, Inc., ADR | 4.7% |
| NetEase, Inc., ADR | 4.4% |
| Sony Group Corp. | 4.4% |
| Walt Disney (The) Co. | 4.3% |
| Electronic Arts, Inc. | 4.3% |
| NVIDIA Corp. | 4.2% |
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/BNGE to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
S-Network and S-Network Streaming & Gaming Index (“Index”) are service marks of VettaFi LLC and have been licensed for use by First Trust Advisors L.P. The Fund is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by VettaFi LLC or its affiliates (collectively, “VettaFi”). VettaFi makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the purchasers or owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Index to track general market performance.
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF
RND | NYSE ARCA, INC.
SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | September 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of April 30, 2024 (commencement of investment operations) to September 30, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/RND. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Fund | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage
of a $10,000 investment |
| First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF | $28(1) | 0.60%(2) |
(1) | The Fund commenced investment operations on April 30, 2024. Had the Fund been in operation for a complete fiscal year, the cost of a $10,000 investment would have been higher. |
(2) | Annualized. |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (As of September 30, 2024)
| Fund net assets | $2,334,907 |
| Total number of portfolio holdings | 50 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 4% |
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (As of September 30, 2024)
The tables below show the investment makeup of the Fund, representing the percentage of total investments of the Fund.
| Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A | 8.7% |
| Apple, Inc. | 8.5% |
| NVIDIA Corp. | 7.6% |
| Amazon.com, Inc. | 7.4% |
| Microsoft Corp. | 7.4% |
| Tesla, Inc. | 5.1% |
| Eli Lilly & Co. | 3.8% |
| Caterpillar, Inc. | 3.7% |
| Philip Morris International, Inc. | 3.5% |
| Alphabet, Inc., Class A | 3.5% |
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND?
Visit www.ftportfolios.com/fund-documents/etf/RND to view additional information about the Fund such as the prospectus, financial information, Fund holdings and proxy voting information. You may also request this information by contacting us at 1-800-621-1675 or info@ftportfolios.com.
OTHER INFORMATION
“Bloomberg®” and Bloomberg R&D Leaders Select Index licensed herein (the “Indices”) are service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, including Bloomberg Index Services Limited (“BISL”), the administrator of the Indices (collectively, “Bloomberg”) and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the “Licensee”). Bloomberg is not affiliated with the Licensee, and Bloomberg does not approve, endorse, review, or recommend the financial products referenced herein (the “Financial Products”). Bloomberg does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of any data or information relating to the Indices or the Financial Products.
(b) Not applicable.
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
The First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI (“Registrant”) has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions (“Code of Ethics”). During the period covered by this Form N-CSR, there were no substantive amendments to the Code of Ethics and there were no waivers from the Code of Ethics granted to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions.
A copy of the currently effective Code of Ethics will be filed with the Registrant’s annual Form N-CSR.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Not applicable to semi-annual reports on Form N-CSR.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not applicable to semi-annual reports on Form N-CSR.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
| (a) | Not applicable to semi-annual reports on Form N-CSR. |
| (b) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
Item 6. Investments.
| (a) | The Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included in the Financial Statements and Other Information filed under Item 7 of this Form N-CSR. |
| (b) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
Item 7. Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Investment Companies.
(a) Following is a copy of the semi-annual financial statements required, and for the periods specified, by Regulation S-X.
Semi-Annual Financial
Statements and
Other Information |
For the Period Ended
September 30, 2024 |
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI
First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF (FTXO) |
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) |
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) |
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH) |
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) |
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) |
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF (ISHP) |
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) |
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF (SHRY) |
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ) |
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) (formerly known as Mid Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNMC)) |
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNSC) |
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF (BNGE) |
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF (RND) |
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI
Semi-Annual Financial Statements and Other Information
September 30, 2024
Performance and Risk Disclosure
There is no assurance that any series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI (the “Trust”) described in this report (each such series is referred to as a “Fund” and collectively, as the “Funds”) will achieve its investment objective. Each Fund is subject to market risk, which is the possibility that the market values of securities owned by the Fund will decline and that the value of the Fund’s shares may therefore be less than what you paid for them. Accordingly, you can lose money by investing in a Fund.
Performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be lower or higher than the figures shown. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please visit www.ftportfolios.com or speak with your financial advisor. Investment returns, net asset value and share price will fluctuate and Fund shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
First Trust Advisors L.P., the Funds’ advisor, may also periodically provide additional information on Fund performance on each Fund’s webpage at www.ftportfolios.com.
This report contains information that may help you evaluate your investment. It includes details about each Fund and presents data that provides insight into each Fund’s performance and investment approach.
The material risks of investing in each Fund are spelled out in its prospectus, statement of additional information, and other Fund regulatory filings.
First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF (FTXO)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
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| Citizens Financial Group, Inc. | |
| Columbia Banking System, Inc. | |
| Commerce Bancshares, Inc. | |
| Community Financial System, Inc. | |
| Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. | |
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| First Citizens BancShares, Inc., Class A | |
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| First Financial Bankshares, Inc. | |
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| Huntington Bancshares, Inc. | |
| International Bancshares Corp. | |
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| Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. | |
| PNC Financial Services Group (The), Inc. | |
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| Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. | |
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| ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. | |
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MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.1% |
| Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 4.80% (b) | |
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|
|
| Total Investments — 99.8% | |
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| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — 0.2% | |
| | |
| Non-income producing security. |
| Rate shown reflects yield as of September 30, 2024. |
Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
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|
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| Brown-Forman Corp., Class B | |
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| Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. | |
| Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A | |
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| Molson Coors Beverage Co., Class B | |
| Monster Beverage Corp. (a) | |
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| Consumer Staples Distribution | |
| US Foods Holding Corp. (a) | |
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| Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | |
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| Mondelez International, Inc., Class A | |
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| Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A | |
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| BellRing Brands, Inc. (a) | |
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MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.1% |
| Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 4.80% (b) | |
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|
|
| Total Investments — 99.9% | |
| | |
| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — 0.1% | |
| | |
| Non-income producing security. |
| Rate shown reflects yield as of September 30, 2024. |
Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
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| Energy Equipment & Services | |
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| Oceaneering International, Inc. (a) | |
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| Weatherford International PLC | |
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| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | |
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| Gulfport Energy Corp. (a) | |
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| Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp., Class A | |
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| Occidental Petroleum Corp. | |
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|
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (Continued) | |
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| Williams (The) Cos., Inc. | |
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MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.1% |
| Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 4.80% (b) | |
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|
|
| Total Investments — 100.0% | |
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| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — 0.0% | |
| | |
| Non-income producing security. |
| Rate shown reflects yield as of September 30, 2024. |
Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
| | | | |
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| See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
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| ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) | |
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| Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) | |
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| Avidity Biosciences, Inc. (a) | |
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| BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. (a) | |
| Blueprint Medicines Corp. (a) | |
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| Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (a) | |
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| Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) | |
| Krystal Biotech, Inc. (a) | |
| Kymera Therapeutics, Inc. (a) | |
| Myriad Genetics, Inc. (a) | |
| Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (a) | |
| Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. (a) | |
| Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) | |
| Roivant Sciences Ltd. (a) | |
| Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (a) | |
| TG Therapeutics, Inc. (a) | |
| Twist Bioscience Corp. (a) | |
| United Therapeutics Corp. (a) | |
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| Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) | |
| Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (a) | |
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| Life Sciences Tools & Services | |
| Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (a) | |
| Medpace Holdings, Inc. (a) | |
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| Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) | |
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| Corcept Therapeutics, Inc. (a) | |
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| Pharmaceuticals (Continued) | |
| Elanco Animal Health, Inc. (a) | |
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| Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. (a) | |
| Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC (a) | |
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| Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc. (a) | |
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MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.1% |
| Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 4.80% (b) | |
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| Total Investments — 100.0% | |
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| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.0)% | |
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| Non-income producing security. |
| Rate shown reflects yield as of September 30, 2024. |
Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
| | | | |
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| See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
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| Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | |
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| Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | |
| Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (a) | |
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| Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (a) | |
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| Lattice Semiconductor Corp. (a) | |
| MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. (a) | |
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| Microchip Technology, Inc. | |
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| Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. | |
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| ON Semiconductor Corp. (a) | |
| Onto Innovation, Inc. (a) | |
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MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.0% |
| Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 4.80% (b) | |
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| Total Investments — 100.0% | |
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| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.0)% | |
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| Non-income producing security. |
| Rate shown reflects yield as of September 30, 2024. |
Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
| | | | |
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| See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
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| Air Freight & Logistics — | |
| C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. | |
| Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. | |
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| United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B | |
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| Dorman Products, Inc. (a) | |
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| J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. | |
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| Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. | |
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| Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. | |
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| Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp. | |
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| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | |
| International Seaways, Inc. | |
| Passenger Airlines — 11.6% | |
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| United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (a) | |
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MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.1% |
| Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 4.80% (b) | |
| | |
| | |
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS — 0.0% |
| Bank of America Corp., 4.86% (b), dated 09/30/24, due 10/01/24, with a maturity value of $429. Collateralized by U.S. Treasury Securities, interest rates of 0.00% to 4.25%, due 11/15/27 to 08/15/54. The value of the collateral including accrued interest is $438. (c) | |
| | |
|
|
| Total Investments — 100.0% | |
| | |
| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — 0.0% | |
| | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | Non-income producing security. |
| Rate shown reflects yield as of September 30, 2024. |
| This security serves as collateral for securities on loan. |
Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. |
The Fund’s investments in repurchase agreements were all subject to an enforceable Master Repurchase Agreement. Repurchase Agreements on a gross basis were as follows:
|
Total gross amount presented on the Statements
of Assets and Liabilities(1) | |
| |
| |
| The amount is included in “Investments, at value” on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. |
| At September 30, 2024, the value of the collateral received from each seller exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF (ISHP)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| | |
COMMON STOCKS (a) — 99.7% |
| Air Freight & Logistics — | |
| | |
| | |
| United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B | |
| | |
| | |
| Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., ADR | |
| Allegro.eu S.A. (PLN) (b) (c) (d) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Naspers Ltd., Class N (ZAR) | |
| | |
| PDD Holdings, Inc., ADR (c) | |
| | |
| Rakuten Group, Inc. (JPY) (c) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Consumer Staples Distribution | |
| JD Health International, Inc. (HKD) (b) (c) (d) | |
| | |
| | |
| Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | |
| Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A (c) | |
| Financial Services — 10.4% | |
| Adyen N.V. (EUR) (b) (c) (d) | |
| | |
| Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| PayPal Holdings, Inc. (c) | |
| | |
| | |
| Uber Technologies, Inc. (c) | |
| | |
|
| Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | |
| Airbnb, Inc., Class A (c) | |
| | |
| DoorDash, Inc., Class A (c) | |
| | |
| Meituan, Class B (HKD) (b) (c) (d) | |
| Trip.com Group Ltd., ADR (c) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Interactive Media & Services | |
| | |
| Auto Trader Group PLC (GBP) (b) (d) | |
| | |
| | |
| Kuaishou Technology (HKD) (b) (c) (d) | |
| | |
| Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| Nebius Group N.V. (c) (e) (f) (g) | |
| Pinterest, Inc., Class A (c) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Shopify, Inc., Class A (c) | |
| | |
| A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S, Class B (DKK) | |
| COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Co., Ltd., Class H (HKD) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Zillow Group, Inc., Class C (c) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF (ISHP)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
COMMON STOCKS (a) (Continued) |
| Specialty Retail (Continued) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Textiles, Apparel & Luxury | |
| Lululemon Athletica, Inc. (c) | |
| Wireless Telecommunication | |
| Taiwan Mobile Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| | |
| | |
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.1% |
| Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 4.80% (h) | |
| | |
|
|
| Total Investments — 99.8% | |
| | |
| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — 0.2% | |
| | |
| Securities are issued in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated in the security description. |
| This security is exempt from registration upon resale under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. This security is not restricted on the foreign exchange where it trades freely without any additional registration. |
| Non-income producing security. |
| This security may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the 1933 Act. |
| Pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, this security has been determined to be illiquid by First Trust Advisors L.P., the Fund’s advisor. |
| This security is fair valued by the Advisor’s Pricing Committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, and in accordance with provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended. At September 30, 2024, securities noted as such are valued at $0 or 0.0% of net assets. |
| This security’s value was determined using significant unobservable inputs (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements). |
| Rate shown reflects yield as of September 30, 2024. |
Abbreviations throughout the Portfolio of Investments: |
| – American Depositary Receipt |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| – Real Estate Investment Trusts |
| |
| |
| |
Currency Exposure Diversification | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Net Other Assets and Liabilities | |
| |
| Portfolio securities are categorized based upon their country of incorporation, which can be different from the country categorization of the Fund’s underlying index. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF (ISHP)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
| | | | |
Interactive Media & Services | | | | |
Other Industry Categories* | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. |
| Investment is valued at $0. |
Level 3 investments are fair valued by the Advisor’s Pricing Committee and are footnoted in the Portfolio of Investments. All Level 3 values are based on unobservable inputs.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| | |
COMMON STOCKS (a) (b) — 101.2% |
| | |
| | |
| Kunlun Energy Co., Ltd. (HKD) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Banco do Brasil S.A. (BRL) | |
| Banco Santander Brasil S.A. (BRL) | |
| BB Seguridade Participacoes S.A. (BRL) | |
| | |
| Cia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP (BRL) | |
| Cia Energetica de Minas Gerais (Preference Shares) (BRL) | |
| Cia Paranaense de Energia - Copel, Class B (Preference Shares) (BRL) | |
| | |
| Engie Brasil Energia S.A. (BRL) | |
| Equatorial Energia S.A. (BRL) | |
| Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. (Preference Shares) (BRL) | |
| Itausa S.A. (Preference Shares) (BRL) | |
| | |
| Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliarios S.A. (BRL) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Telefonica Brasil S.A. (BRL) | |
| | |
| Transmissora Alianca de Energia Eletrica S.A. (BRL) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Bosideng International Holdings Ltd. (HKD) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | |
| | |
| Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A., Class B (Preference Shares) (CLP) | |
| | |
| | |
| Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Class H (HKD) | |
| Air China Ltd., Class H (HKD) (c) | |
| Anhui Conch Cement Co., Ltd., Class H (HKD) | |
| Bank of China Ltd., Class H (HKD) | |
| Bank of Communications Co., Ltd., Class H (HKD) | |
| CGN Power Co., Ltd., Class H (HKD) (d) (e) | |
| China CITIC Bank Corp., Ltd., Class H (HKD) | |
| China Construction Bank Corp., Class H (HKD) | |
| China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Class H (HKD) | |
| China Shenhua Energy Co., Ltd., Class H (HKD) | |
| China Tower Corp., Ltd., Class H (HKD) (d) (e) | |
| Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co., Ltd., Class H (HKD) (d) (e) | |
| Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class H (HKD) | |
| Nongfu Spring Co., Ltd., Class H (HKD) (d) (e) | |
| People’s Insurance Co. Group of China (The) Ltd., Class H (HKD) | |
| PICC Property & Casualty Co., Ltd., Class H (HKD) | |
| Postal Savings Bank of China Co., Ltd., Class H (HKD) (d) (e) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Commercial International Bank - Egypt (EGP) | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
COMMON STOCKS (a) (b) (Continued) |
| | |
| BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd. (HKD) | |
| China Everbright Environment Group Ltd. (HKD) | |
| China Merchants Port Holdings Co., Ltd. (HKD) | |
| China Power International Development Ltd. (HKD) | |
| China Resources Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (HKD) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Richter Gedeon Nyrt (HUF) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Britannia Industries Ltd. (INR) | |
| | |
| Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (INR) | |
| Grasim Industries Ltd. (INR) | |
| | |
| Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (INR) | |
| | |
| | |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (INR) | |
| Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (INR) | |
| | |
| | |
| Pidilite Industries Ltd. (INR) | |
| Reliance Industries Ltd. (INR) | |
| State Bank of India (INR) | |
| Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (INR) | |
| Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. (INR) | |
| | |
| UltraTech Cement Ltd. (INR) | |
| | |
| | |
| Adaro Energy Indonesia Tbk PT (IDR) | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | |
| Astra International Tbk PT (IDR) | |
| Bank Central Asia Tbk PT (IDR) | |
| Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT (IDR) | |
| Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT (IDR) | |
| Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT (IDR) | |
| Barito Pacific Tbk PT (IDR) | |
| GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk PT (IDR) (c) | |
| Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk PT (IDR) (c) | |
| Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk PT (IDR) | |
| United Tractors Tbk PT (IDR) | |
| | |
| | |
| Allegro.eu S.A. (PLN) (c) (d) (e) | |
| | |
| | |
| CIMB Group Holdings Bhd (MYR) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Genting Malaysia Bhd (MYR) | |
| | |
| | |
| Malayan Banking Bhd (MYR) | |
| Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MYR) | |
| Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd (MYR) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Telekom Malaysia Bhd (MYR) | |
| Tenaga Nasional Bhd (MYR) | |
| | |
| YTL Power International Bhd (MYR) | |
| | |
| | |
| Alsea S.A.B. de C.V. (MXN) | |
| America Movil S.A.B. de C.V., Series B (MXN) | |
| Arca Continental S.A.B. de C.V. (MXN) | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
COMMON STOCKS (a) (b) (Continued) |
| | |
| Banco del Bajio S.A. (MXN) (d) (e) | |
| Cemex S.A.B. de C.V., Series CPO (MXN) | |
| Coca-Cola Femsa S.A.B. de C.V. (MXN) | |
| Corp Inmobiliaria Vesta S.A.B. de C.V. (MXN) | |
| Fibra Uno Administracion S.A. de C.V. (MXN) | |
| Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V., Series UBD (MXN) | |
| Gruma S.A.B. de C.V., Class B (MXN) | |
| Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte S.A.B. de C.V. (MXN) | |
| Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico S.A.B. de C.V., Class B (MXN) | |
| Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste S.A.B. de C.V., Class B (MXN) | |
| Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. de C.V., Series A (MXN) | |
| Grupo Carso S.A.B. de C.V., Series A1 (MXN) | |
| Grupo Financiero Banorte S.A.B. de C.V., Class O (MXN) | |
| Grupo Financiero Inbursa S.A.B. de C.V., Class O (MXN) (c) | |
| Grupo Mexico S.A.B. de C.V., Series B (MXN) | |
| Kimberly-Clark de Mexico S.A.B. de C.V., Class A (MXN) | |
| Prologis Property Mexico S.A. de C.V. (MXN) | |
| Qualitas Controladora S.A.B. de C.V. (MXN) | |
| Regional S.A.B. de C.V. (MXN) | |
| Wal-Mart de Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. (MXN) | |
| | |
| | |
| NEPI Rockcastle N.V. (ZAR) | |
| Pepco Group N.V. (PLN) (c) (e) | |
| X5 Retail Group N.V., GDR (c) (e) (f) (g) (h) | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | |
| | |
| Bank of the Philippine Islands (PHP) | |
| | |
| International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (PHP) | |
| SM Investments Corp. (PHP) | |
| SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (PHP) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Bank Polska Kasa Opieki S.A. (PLN) | |
| | |
| | |
| Dino Polska S.A. (PLN) (c) (d) (e) | |
| KGHM Polska Miedz S.A. (PLN) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski S.A. (PLN) | |
| Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen S.A. (PLN) | |
| Santander Bank Polska S.A. (PLN) | |
| | |
| | |
| Alrosa PJSC (RUB) (c) (f) (g) (h) | |
| Credit Bank of Moscow PJSC (RUB) (c) (f) (g) (h) | |
| Inter RAO UES PJSC (RUB) (c) (f) (g) (h) | |
| Magnit PJSC (RUB) (c) (f) (g) (h) | |
| Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works PJSC (RUB) (c) (f) (g) (h) | |
| MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC (RUB) (c) (f) (g) (h) | |
| Mobile TeleSystems PJSC (RUB) (c) (f) (g) (h) | |
| Moscow Exchange MICEX-RTS PJSC (RUB) (c) (f) (g) (h) | |
| Novolipetsk Steel PJSC (RUB) (c) (f) (g) (h) | |
| Polyus PJSC (RUB) (c) (f) (g) (h) | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
COMMON STOCKS (a) (b) (Continued) |
| | |
| Severstal PAO (RUB) (c) (f) (g) (h) | |
| Sistema PJSFC (RUB) (c) (f) (g) (h) | |
| Tatneft PJSC (RUB) (c) (f) (g) (h) | |
| | |
| | |
| BOC Aviation Ltd. (HKD) (d) (e) | |
| | |
| | |
| Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd. (ZAR) | |
| | |
| Bidvest Group (The) Ltd. (ZAR) | |
| Capitec Bank Holdings Ltd. (ZAR) | |
| | |
| | |
| Exxaro Resources Ltd. (ZAR) | |
| | |
| | |
| Growthpoint Properties Ltd. (ZAR) | |
| Harmony Gold Mining Co., Ltd. (ZAR) | |
| Mr Price Group Ltd. (ZAR) | |
| | |
| Naspers Ltd., Class N (ZAR) | |
| | |
| Northam Platinum Holdings Ltd. (ZAR) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Shoprite Holdings Ltd. (ZAR) | |
| Standard Bank Group Ltd. (ZAR) | |
| Woolworths Holdings Ltd. (ZAR) | |
| | |
| | |
| Cathay Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| Chang Hwa Commercial Bank Ltd. (TWD) | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | |
| Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| E.Sun Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| Far EasTone Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| First Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corp. (TWD) | |
| Formosa Plastics Corp. (TWD) | |
| Fubon Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| Hua Nan Financial Holdings Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| Mega Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| | |
| President Chain Store Corp. (TWD) | |
| Shanghai Commercial & Savings Bank Ltd. (The) (TWD) | |
| Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (TWD) (c) | |
| SinoPac Financial Holdings Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| TA Chen Stainless Pipe (TWD) | |
| Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| Taiwan Business Bank (TWD) | |
| Taiwan Cooperative Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| Taiwan Mobile Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| TCC Group Holdings Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| Uni-President Enterprises Corp. (TWD) | |
| Yuanta Financial Holding Co., Ltd. (TWD) | |
| | |
| | |
| Advanced Info Service PCL (THB) | |
| Airports of Thailand PCL (THB) | |
| | |
| Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PCL (THB) | |
| Bangkok Expressway & Metro PCL (THB) | |
| Bumrungrad Hospital PCL (THB) | |
| Central Pattana PCL (THB) | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
COMMON STOCKS (a) (b) (Continued) |
| | |
| Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (THB) | |
| | |
| Gulf Energy Development PCL (THB) (e) | |
| Home Product Center PCL (THB) | |
| Intouch Holdings PCL (THB) | |
| | |
| Krung Thai Bank PCL (THB) | |
| | |
| Minor International PCL (THB) | |
| PTT Exploration & Production PCL (THB) | |
| PTT Oil & Retail Business PCL (THB) (d) (e) | |
| | |
| | |
| Siam Cement (The) PCL (THB) | |
| | |
| | |
| Tisco Financial Group PCL (THB) | |
| TMBThanachart Bank PCL (THB) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Anadolu Efes Biracilik Ve Malt Sanayii A/S (TRY) | |
| | |
| Aselsan Elektronik Sanayi Ve Ticaret A/S (TRY) | |
| BIM Birlesik Magazalar A/S (TRY) | |
| Coca-Cola Icecek A/S (TRY) | |
| Enerjisa Enerji A/S (TRY) (d) (e) | |
| Enka Insaat ve Sanayi A/S (TRY) | |
| Eregli Demir ve Celik Fabrikalari T.A.S. (TRY) | |
| Ford Otomotiv Sanayi A/S (TRY) | |
| Haci Omer Sabanci Holding A/S (TRY) | |
| | |
| Koza Altin Isletmeleri A/S (TRY) (c) | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | |
| Oyak Cimento Fabrikalari A/S (TRY) (c) | |
| Pegasus Hava Tasimaciligi A/S (TRY) (i) | |
| Sasa Polyester Sanayi A/S (TRY) (i) | |
| Tofas Turk Otomobil Fabrikasi A/S (TRY) | |
| Turk Hava Yollari AO (TRY) (c) | |
| Turk Traktor ve Ziraat Makineleri A/S (TRY) | |
| Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A/S (TRY) | |
| Turkiye Is Bankasi A/S, Class C (TRY) | |
| Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri A/S (TRY) | |
| Turkiye Sise ve Cam Fabrikalari A/S (TRY) | |
| Yapi ve Kredi Bankasi A/S (TRY) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.1% |
| Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 4.80% (j) | |
| | |
|
|
| Total Investments — 101.3% | |
| | |
| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (1.3)% | |
| | |
| Portfolio securities are categorized based upon their country of incorporation, which can be different from the country categorization of the Fund’s underlying index. |
| Securities are issued in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated in the security description. |
| Non-income producing security. |
| This security is exempt from registration upon resale under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. This security is not restricted on the foreign exchange where it trades freely without any additional registration. |
| This security may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the 1933 Act. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | Pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, this security has been determined to be illiquid by First Trust Advisors L.P., the Fund’s advisor. |
| This security is fair valued by the Advisor’s Pricing Committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, and in accordance with provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder, as amended. At September 30, 2024, securities noted as such are valued at $0 or 0.0% of net assets. |
| This security’s value was determined using significant unobservable inputs (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements). |
| Non-income producing security which makes payment-in- kind distributions. |
| Rate shown reflects yield as of September 30, 2024. |
Abbreviations throughout the Portfolio of Investments: |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| – Global Depositary Receipt |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Currency Exposure Diversification | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Investments are valued at $0. |
Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| See Portfolio of Investments for country breakout. |
| Investments are valued at $0. |
Level 3 investments are fair valued by the Advisor’s Pricing Committee and are footnoted in the Portfolio of Investments. All Level 3 values are based on unobservable inputs.
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF (SHRY)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| | |
|
| Aerospace & Defense — 2.7% | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Sherwin-Williams (The) Co. | |
| Consumer Staples Distribution | |
| | |
| Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | |
| | |
| Energy Equipment & Services | |
| | |
| Financial Services — 2.6% | |
| Mastercard, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Household Products — 5.5% | |
| | |
| | |
|
| Household Products (Continued) | |
| | |
| Procter & Gamble (The) Co. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Hartford Financial Services Group (The), Inc. | |
| | |
| Travelers (The) Cos., Inc. | |
| | |
| Interactive Media & Services | |
| | |
| Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Illinois Tool Works, Inc. | |
| | |
| Charter Communications, Inc., Class A (a) | |
| | |
| | |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Professional Services — 1.5% | |
| Automatic Data Processing, Inc. | |
| Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Microchip Technology, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF (SHRY)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
COMMON STOCKS (Continued) |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Technology Hardware, Storage | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.0% |
| Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 4.80% (b) | |
| | |
|
|
| Total Investments — 99.8% | |
| | |
| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — 0.2% | |
| | |
| Non-income producing security. |
| Rate shown reflects yield as of September 30, 2024. |
Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| | |
|
| Aerospace & Defense — 1.0% | |
| L3Harris Technologies, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| Air Freight & Logistics — | |
| C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. | |
| United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. | |
| CF Industries Holdings, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Diversified Telecommunication | |
| Verizon Communications, Inc. | |
| Electric Utilities — 2.3% | |
| American Electric Power Co., Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | |
| | |
| Electrical Equipment — 0.4% | |
| | |
| | |
|
| Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | |
| | |
| Household Durables — 1.2% | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Household Products — 0.6% | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Cincinnati Financial Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
| Principal Financial Group, Inc. | |
| Prudential Financial, Inc. | |
| Travelers (The) Cos., Inc. | |
| | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
COMMON STOCKS (Continued) |
| | |
| | |
| International Business Machines Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Illinois Tool Works, Inc. | |
| | |
| Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Interpublic Group of (The) Cos., Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Professional Services — 1.2% | |
| Automatic Data Processing, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | |
| Essex Property Trust, Inc. | |
| Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| Federal Realty Investment Trust | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
| Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | |
| | |
| | |
| Microchip Technology, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Technology Hardware, Storage | |
| Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | |
| | |
| | |
| Textiles, Apparel & Luxury | |
| | |
| | |
| Philip Morris International, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.1% |
| Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 4.80% (a) | |
| | |
|
|
| Total Investments — 99.9% | |
| | |
| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — 0.1% | |
| | |
| Rate shown reflects yield as of September 30, 2024. |
Abbreviations throughout the Portfolio of Investments: |
| – Real Estate Investment Trusts |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| | |
|
| Aerospace & Defense — 2.0% | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Air Freight & Logistics — | |
| Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Commerce Bancshares, Inc. | |
| Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. | |
| | |
| International Bancshares Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (a) | |
| United Therapeutics Corp. (a) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Cboe Global Markets, Inc. | |
| | |
| FactSet Research Systems, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| Interactive Brokers Group, Inc., Class A | |
| LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. | |
| | |
| PJT Partners, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Packaging Corp. of America | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Diversified Consumer Services | |
| Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (a) | |
| Electric Utilities — 0.8% | |
| | |
| Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | |
| Insight Enterprises, Inc. (a) | |
| Financial Services — 2.0% | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
COMMON STOCKS (Continued) |
| Health Care Providers & Services (Continued) | |
| Molina Healthcare, Inc. (a) | |
| Option Care Health, Inc. (a) | |
| | |
| Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Household Products — 1.1% | |
| | |
| | |
| American Financial Group, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| Cincinnati Financial Corp. | |
| Erie Indemnity Co., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. | |
| | |
| | |
| Interactive Media & Services | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Watts Water Technologies, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | |
| | |
| | |
|
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (Continued) | |
| | |
| Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp., Class A | |
| | |
| Professional Services — 5.9% | |
| Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. | |
| ExlService Holdings, Inc. (a) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| CommVault Systems, Inc. (a) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Technology Hardware, Storage | |
| | |
| Textiles, Apparel & Luxury | |
| | |
| | |
| Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. | |
| Rush Enterprises, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.0% |
| Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 4.80% (b) | |
| | |
|
|
| Total Investments — 100.0% | |
| | |
| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.0)% | |
| | |
| Non-income producing security. |
| Rate shown reflects yield as of September 30, 2024. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNSC)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| | |
|
| Aerospace & Defense — 0.3% | |
| | |
| Air Freight & Logistics — | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Winnebago Industries, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| Community Financial System, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| Enterprise Financial Services Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| First Commonwealth Financial Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
| First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| International Bancshares Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | |
| Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. | |
| National Bank Holdings Corp., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| Northwest Bancshares, Inc. | |
| OceanFirst Financial Corp. | |
| | |
| Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Provident Financial Services, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. | |
| Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida | |
| Simmons First National Corp., Class A | |
| | |
| Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| United Community Banks, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| MGP Ingredients, Inc. (a) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Quanex Building Products Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc., Class A | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNSC)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
COMMON STOCKS (Continued) |
| Capital Markets (Continued) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| PJT Partners, Inc., Class A | |
| StepStone Group, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| Victory Capital Holdings, Inc., Class A | |
| Virtu Financial, Inc., Class A | |
| Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Minerals Technologies, Inc. | |
| | |
| Scotts Miracle-Gro (The) Co. | |
| Sensient Technologies Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Matthews International Corp., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Construction & Engineering | |
| Granite Construction, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| United States Lime & Minerals, Inc. | |
| | |
| Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
|
| Consumer Finance (Continued) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Consumer Staples Distribution | |
| | |
| Ingles Markets, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Diversified Consumer Services | |
| Graham Holdings Co., Class B | |
| | |
| Strategic Education, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. | |
| American Assets Trust, Inc. | |
| Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. | |
| Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| Diversified Telecommunication | |
| Shenandoah Telecommunications Co. | |
| Electric Utilities — 0.6% | |
| Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (b) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Electrical Equipment — 0.4% | |
| | |
| Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | |
| | |
| | |
| Napco Security Technologies, Inc. | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNSC)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
COMMON STOCKS (Continued) |
| Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (Continued) | |
| | |
| Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. | |
| | |
| Energy Equipment & Services | |
| | |
| Atlas Energy Solutions, Inc. | |
| | |
| Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| Financial Services — 1.4% | |
| | |
| Compass Diversified Holdings | |
| | |
| Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C | |
| HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. | |
| | |
| Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Chesapeake Utilities Corp. | |
| Northwest Natural Holding Co. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Schneider National, Inc., Class B | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| National HealthCare Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
| U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Medical Properties Trust, Inc. | |
| National Health Investors, Inc. | |
| Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. | |
| | |
| Hotel & Resort REITs — 1.0% | |
| DiamondRock Hospitality Co. | |
| Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. | |
| Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. | |
| | |
| Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | |
| | |
| Bowlero Corp., Class A (a) | |
| Cheesecake Factory (The), Inc. | |
| Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (a) | |
| Golden Entertainment, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. | |
| Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. | |
| Papa John’s International, Inc. | |
| Red Rock Resorts, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| Household Durables — 1.3% | |
| Century Communities, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| Worthington Enterprises, Inc. | |
| | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNSC)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
COMMON STOCKS (Continued) |
| Household Products — 0.3% | |
| | |
| Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. | |
| | |
| Independent Power and Renewable Electricity | |
| Clearway Energy, Inc., Class C | |
| | |
| Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. | |
| | |
| Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| CNO Financial Group, Inc. | |
| | |
| Horace Mann Educators Corp. | |
| | |
| Safety Insurance Group, Inc. | |
| Stewart Information Services Corp. | |
| | |
| Interactive Media & Services | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Albany International Corp., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Greenbrier (The) Cos., Inc. | |
| Helios Technologies, Inc. | |
| | |
| John Bean Technologies Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
| Mueller Water Products, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| Standex International Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | |
| | |
| John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Carpenter Technology Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. | |
| Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (a) | |
| | |
| Claros Mortgage Trust, Inc. | |
| Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust | |
| | |
| Two Harbors Investment Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Northwestern Energy Group, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Easterly Government Properties, Inc. | |
| Highwoods Properties, Inc. | |
| Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | |
| California Resources Corp. | |
| Comstock Resources, Inc. (a) | |
| | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNSC)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
COMMON STOCKS (Continued) |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (Continued) | |
| International Seaways, Inc. | |
| | |
| Sitio Royalties Corp., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Paper & Forest Products — | |
| | |
| Passenger Airlines — 0.3% | |
| | |
| | |
| Edgewell Personal Care Co. | |
| Professional Services — 2.3% | |
| CSG Systems International, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| DigitalBridge Group, Inc. | |
| | |
| Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc. | |
| | |
| Newmark Group, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| InvenTrust Properties Corp. | |
| | |
| Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | |
| Clear Secure, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. | |
| National Storage Affiliates Trust | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Camping World Holdings, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| Sonic Automotive, Inc., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Technology Hardware, Storage | |
| | |
| Textiles, Apparel & Luxury | |
| | |
| Levi Strauss & Co., Class A | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| H&E Equipment Services, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
| American States Water Co. | |
| California Water Service Group | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNSC)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
COMMON STOCKS (Continued) |
| Wireless Telecommunication | |
| Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. | |
| | |
| | |
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.1% |
| Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 4.80% (c) | |
| | |
| | |
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS — 2.1% |
| Bank of America Corp., 4.86% (c), dated 09/30/24, due 10/01/24, with a maturity value of $612,871. Collateralized by U.S. Treasury Securities, interest rates of 0.00% to 4.25%, due 11/15/27 to 08/15/54. The value of the collateral including accrued interest is $625,044. (d) | |
| | |
|
|
| Total Investments — 102.0% | |
| | |
| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (2.0)% | |
| | |
| All or a portion of this security is on loan (see Note 2E - Securities Lending in the Notes to Financial Statements). The remaining contractual maturity of all of the securities lending transactions is overnight and continuous. The aggregate value of such securities, including those sold and pending settlement, is $588,978 and the total value of the collateral held by the Fund is $612,788. |
| Non-income producing security. |
| Rate shown reflects yield as of September 30, 2024. |
| This security serves as collateral for securities on loan. |
Abbreviations throughout the Portfolio of Investments: |
| – Real Estate Investment Trusts |
Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. |
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
Offsetting assets and liabilities requires entities to disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset, and to disclose instruments and transactions subject to master netting or similar agreements (see Note 2C - Offsetting on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities in the Notes to Financial Statements).
The Fund’s loaned securities were all subject to an enforceable Securities Lending Agency Agreement. Securities lent in accordance with the Securities Lending Agency Agreement on a gross basis were as follows:
Securities Lending Agency Agreement |
Total gross amount presented on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities(1) | |
| |
| |
| The amount presented on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, which is included in “Investments, at value,” is not offset and is shown on a gross basis. |
| At September 30, 2024, the value of the collateral received from each borrower exceeded the value of the related securities loaned. This amount is disclosed on the Portfolio of Investments. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNSC)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) The Fund’s investments in repurchase agreements were all subject to an enforceable Master Repurchase Agreement. Repurchase Agreements on a gross basis were as follows:
|
Total gross amount presented on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities(3) | |
| |
| |
| The amount is included in “Investments, at value” on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. |
| At September 30, 2024, the value of the collateral received from each seller exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF (BNGE)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| | |
COMMON STOCKS (a) (b) — 99.9% |
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| Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. (AUD) | |
| Tabcorp Holdings Ltd. (AUD) | |
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| China Ruyi Holdings Ltd. (HKD) (c) (d) | |
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| Kuaishou Technology (HKD) (c) (e) (f) | |
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| Tencent Holdings Ltd. (HKD) | |
| Tencent Music Entertainment Group, ADR | |
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| Flutter Entertainment PLC (GBP) (c) | |
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| Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. (JPY) | |
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| Spotify Technology S.A. (c) | |
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| Kindred Group PLC, SDR (SEK) | |
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| Betsson AB, Class B (SEK) | |
| Evolution AB (SEK) (e) (f) | |
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| Sportradar Group AG, Class A (c) | |
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|
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| Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (c) | |
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| DraftKings, Inc., Class A (c) | |
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| GameStop Corp., Class A (c) | |
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| MGM Resorts International (c) | |
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| Penn Entertainment, Inc. (c) | |
| ROBLOX Corp., Class A (c) | |
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| Rush Street Interactive, Inc. (c) | |
| Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (c) | |
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| Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (c) | |
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MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.1% |
| Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 4.80% (g) | |
| | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF (BNGE)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS — 0.9% |
| Bank of America Corp., 4.86% (g), dated 09/30/24, due 10/01/24, with a maturity value of $49,739. Collateralized by U.S. Treasury Securities, interest rates of 0.00% to 4.25%, due 11/15/27 to 08/15/54. The value of the collateral including accrued interest is $50,727. (h) | |
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|
|
| Total Investments — 100.9% | |
| | |
| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.9)% | |
| | |
| Portfolio securities are categorized based upon their country of incorporation, which can be different from the country categorization of the Fund’s underlying index. |
| Securities are issued in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated in the security description. |
| Non-income producing security. |
| All or a portion of this security is on loan (see Note 2E - Securities Lending in the Notes to Financial Statements). The remaining contractual maturity of all of the securities lending transactions is overnight and continuous. The aggregate value of such securities, including those sold and pending settlement, is $47,288 and the total value of the collateral held by the Fund is $49,732. |
| This security is exempt from registration upon resale under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. This security is not restricted on the foreign exchange where it trades freely without any additional registration. |
| This security may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the 1933 Act. |
| Rate shown reflects yield as of September 30, 2024. |
| This security serves as collateral for securities on loan. |
Abbreviations throughout the Portfolio of Investments: |
| – American Depositary Receipt |
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| – Swedish Depositary Receipt |
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Currency Exposure Diversification | |
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Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| See Portfolio of Investments for country breakout. |
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
Offsetting assets and liabilities requires entities to disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset, and to disclose instruments and transactions subject to master netting or similar agreements (see Note 2C - Offsetting on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities in the Notes to Financial Statements).
The Fund’s loaned securities were all subject to an enforceable Securities Lending Agency Agreement. Securities lent in accordance with the Securities Lending Agency Agreement on a gross basis were as follows:
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF (BNGE)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
Securities Lending Agency Agreement |
Total gross amount presented on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities(1) | |
| |
| |
| The amount presented on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, which is included in “Investments, at value,” is not offset and is shown on a gross basis. |
| At September 30, 2024, the value of the collateral received from each borrower exceeded the value of the related securities loaned. This amount is disclosed on the Portfolio of Investments. |
The Fund’s investments in repurchase agreements were all subject to an enforceable Master Repurchase Agreement. Repurchase Agreements on a gross basis were as follows:
|
Total gross amount presented on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities(3) | |
| |
| |
| The amount is included in “Investments, at value” on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. |
| At September 30, 2024, the value of the collateral received from each seller exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF (RND)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
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|
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| Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) | |
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) | |
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| Arista Networks, Inc. (a) | |
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| Electrical Equipment — 2.5% | |
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| Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | |
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| Boston Scientific Corp. (a) | |
| Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (a) | |
| Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (a) | |
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| Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | |
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| Interactive Media & Services | |
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| Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A | |
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| International Business Machines Corp. | |
| Snowflake, Inc., Class A (a) | |
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| Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | |
| Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (a) | |
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| Microchip Technology, Inc. | |
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| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (a) | |
| CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc., Class A (a) | |
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| Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (a) | |
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| Workday, Inc., Class A (a) | |
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| Technology Hardware, Storage | |
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| Super Micro Computer, Inc. (a) | |
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See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF (RND)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
COMMON STOCKS (Continued) |
| | |
| Philip Morris International, Inc. | |
|
|
| Total Investments — 99.8% | |
| | |
| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — 0.2% | |
| | |
| Non-income producing security. |
Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
| | | | |
| See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
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First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIStatements of Assets and Liabilities
September 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF
(FTXO) | First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF
(FTXG) | First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF
(FTXN) |
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Foreign currency, at value | | | |
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Investment securities sold | | | |
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Securities lending income | | | |
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Investment securities purchased | | | |
Deferred foreign capital gains tax | | | |
Collateral for securities on loan | | | |
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Accumulated distributable earnings (loss) | | | |
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NET ASSET VALUE, per share | | | |
Number of shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share) | | | |
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Foreign currency, at cost (proceeds) | | | |
Securities on loan, at value | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF
(FTXH) | First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF
(FTXL) | First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF
(FTXR) | First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF
(ISHP) | Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF
(RNEM) |
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See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIStatements of Assets and Liabilities (Continued)
September 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF
(SHRY) | First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF
(KNGZ) | First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF
(FSCS) |
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Foreign currency, at value | | | |
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Investment securities sold | | | |
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Securities lending income | | | |
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|
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Investment securities purchased | | | |
Deferred foreign capital gains tax | | | |
Collateral for securities on loan | | | |
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|
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Accumulated distributable earnings (loss) | | | |
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NET ASSET VALUE, per share | | | |
Number of shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share) | | | |
| | | |
Foreign currency, at cost (proceeds) | | | |
Securities on loan, at value | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF
(RNSC) | First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF
(BNGE) | First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF
(RND) |
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See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIStatements of Operations
For the Period Ended September 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF
(FTXO) | First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF
(FTXG) | First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF
(FTXN) |
| | | |
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Securities lending income (net of fees) | | | |
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|
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NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) | | | |
|
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS): | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | |
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Foreign currency transactions | | | |
Foreign capital gains tax | | | |
| | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | | | |
| | | |
Foreign currency translation | | | |
Deferred foreign capital gains tax | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | |
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) | | | |
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF
(FTXH) | First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF
(FTXL) | First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF
(FTXR) | First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF
(ISHP) | Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF
(RNEM) |
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See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIStatements of Operations (Continued)
For the Period Ended September 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF
(SHRY) | First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF
(KNGZ) | First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF
(FSCS) |
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Securities lending income (net of fees) | | | |
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|
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NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) | | | |
|
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS): | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | | | |
| | | |
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Foreign currency transactions | | | |
Foreign capital gains tax | | | |
| | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | | | |
| | | |
Foreign currency translation | | | |
Deferred foreign capital gains tax | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | |
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) | | | |
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | | |
| Inception date is April 30, 2024, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units were established. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF
(RNSC) | First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF
(BNGE) | First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF
(RND) (a) |
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See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIStatements of Changes in Net Assets
| First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF (FTXO) | First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) |
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024 (Unaudited) | | Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024 (Unaudited) | |
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Net investment income (loss) | | | | |
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Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | | | |
|
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: | | | | |
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Total distributions to shareholders | | | | |
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SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS: | | | | |
Proceeds from shares sold | | | | |
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Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from shareholder transactions | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | | | | |
|
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|
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING: | | | | |
Shares outstanding, beginning of period | | | | |
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Shares outstanding, end of period | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) | First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH) | First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) |
Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024 (Unaudited) | | Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024 (Unaudited) | | Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024 (Unaudited) | |
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See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIStatements of Changes in Net Assets (Continued)
| First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) | First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF (ISHP) |
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024 (Unaudited) | | Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024 (Unaudited) | |
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Net investment income (loss) | | | | |
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Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | | | |
|
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: | | | | |
| | | | |
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Total distributions to shareholders | | | | |
|
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS: | | | | |
Proceeds from shares sold | | | | |
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Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from shareholder transactions | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | | | | |
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|
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING: | | | | |
Shares outstanding, beginning of period | | | | |
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Shares outstanding, end of period | | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) | First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF (SHRY) | First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ) |
Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024 (Unaudited) | | Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024 (Unaudited) | | Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024 (Unaudited) | |
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See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIStatements of Changes in Net Assets (Continued)
| First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) | Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNSC) |
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024 (Unaudited) | | Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024 (Unaudited) | |
| | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | |
| | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | | | |
|
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | | |
|
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS: | | | | |
Proceeds from shares sold | | | | |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from shareholder transactions | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | | | | |
|
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|
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING: | | | | |
Shares outstanding, beginning of period | | | | |
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Shares outstanding, end of period | | | | |
| Inception date is April 30, 2024, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units were established. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF (BNGE) | First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF (RND) |
Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024 (Unaudited) | | Period
Ended
9/30/2024 (a)
(Unaudited) |
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See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIFinancial Highlights
For a share outstanding throughout each period First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF (FTXO)
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | | | |
Distributions paid to shareholders from: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | | |
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|
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | | | | | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate (e) | | | | | | |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| The per share amount does not correlate with the aggregate realized and unrealized gain (loss) due to the timing of the Fund share sales and repurchases in relation to market value fluctuation of the underlying investments. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
| |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIFinancial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG)
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | | | |
Distributions paid to shareholders from: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | | | | | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate (d) | | | | | | |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
| |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIFinancial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN)
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | | | |
Distributions paid to shareholders from: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | | | | | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate (e) | | | | | | |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| The per share amount does not correlate with the aggregate realized and unrealized gain (loss) due to the timing of the Fund share sales and repurchases in relation to market value fluctuation of the underlying investments. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
| |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIFinancial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH)
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | | | |
Distributions paid to shareholders from: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | | | | | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate (d) | | | | | | |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
| |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIFinancial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL)
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | | | |
Distributions paid to shareholders from: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | | | | | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate (e) | | | | | | |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| The per share amount does not correlate with the aggregate realized and unrealized gain (loss) due to the timing of the Fund share sales and repurchases in relation to market value fluctuation of the underlying investments. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
| |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIFinancial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR)
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | | | |
Distributions paid to shareholders from: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | | | | | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate (d) | | | | | | |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
| |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIFinancial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF (ISHP)
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | | | |
Distributions paid to shareholders from: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | | | | | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate (d) | | | | | | |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
| |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIFinancial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM)
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | | | |
Distributions paid to shareholders from: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | | | | | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate (e) | | | | | | |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
| |
| Includes other expenses. If these other expenses were not included, the expense ratio would have been 0.75%. |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIFinancial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF (SHRY)
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | | | |
Distributions paid to shareholders from: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | | | | | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate (d) | | | | | | |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
| |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
| The variation in the portfolio turnover rate is due to the Fund’s underlying index reconstitution which resulted in a complete change of the Fund’s portfolio. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIFinancial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ)
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | | | |
Distributions paid to shareholders from: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | | | | | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate (d) | | | | | | |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
| |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIFinancial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS)
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | | | |
Distributions paid to shareholders from: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | | | | | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate (d) | | | | | | |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
| |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
| The variation in the portfolio turnover rate is due to the change in the Fund’s underlying index effective June 10, 2024, which resulted in a complete rebalance of the Fund’s portfolio. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIFinancial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNSC)
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024
(Unaudited) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | | | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | | | |
Distributions paid to shareholders from: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | | | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | | | | | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate (e) | | | | | | |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
| |
| Ratio of total expenses to average net assets and ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets do not reflect the Fund’s proportionate share of expenses and income of underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIFinancial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF (BNGE)
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024
(Unaudited) | | Period
Ended
3/31/2022 (a) |
| | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | |
Distributions paid to shareholders from: | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | |
| | | | |
|
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | | | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate (f) | | | | |
| Inception date is January 25, 2022, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units were established. |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| Amount represents less than $0.01. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
| |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIFinancial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout the period First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF (RND)
| Period
Ended
9/30/2024 (a)
(Unaudited) |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period | |
Income from investment operations: | |
Net investment income (loss) (b) | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | |
Total from investment operations | |
Net asset value, end of period | |
| |
|
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | |
Portfolio turnover rate (e) | |
| Inception date is April 30, 2024, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units were established. |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The return presented does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
| |
| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) 1. Organization
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on June 4, 2012, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).
This report covers the fourteen funds (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) listed below, each listed and traded on Nasdaq, Inc. (“Nasdaq”) with the exception of BNGE and RND which are listed and traded on NYSE Arca, Inc.
First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF – (ticker “FTXO”) |
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF – (ticker “FTXG”) |
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF – (ticker “FTXN”) |
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF – (ticker “FTXH”) |
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF – (ticker “FTXL”) |
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF – (ticker “FTXR”) |
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF – (ticker “ISHP”) |
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF – (ticker “RNEM”) |
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF – (ticker “SHRY”) |
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF – (ticker “KNGZ”) |
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF – (ticker “FSCS”)(1) |
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF – (ticker “RNSC”) |
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF – (ticker “BNGE”) |
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF – (ticker “RND”)(2) |
| Effective June 10, 2024, Mid Cap US Equity Select ETF (ticker “RNMC”) changed its name and ticker to First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (ticker “FSCS”). |
| Commenced investment operations on April 30, 2024. |
Each of FTXO, FTXG, FTXN, FTXH, FTXL, FTXR, ISHP, BNGE and RND operates as a non-diversified series of the Trust. Each of RNEM, SHRY, KNGZ, FSCS and RNSC operates as a diversified open-end management investment company as defined in section 5(b) of the 1940 Act. Each Fund represents a separate series of shares of beneficial interest in the Trust. Unlike conventional mutual funds, each Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value (“NAV”), only in large blocks of shares known as “Creation Units.” The investment objective of each Fund is to seek investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund’s fees and expenses) of the following indices:
| |
First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF | Nasdaq US Smart BanksTM Index |
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF | Nasdaq US Smart Food & BeverageTM Index |
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF | Nasdaq US Smart Oil & GasTM Index |
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF | Nasdaq US Smart PharmaceuticalsTM Index |
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF | Nasdaq US Smart SemiconductorTM Index |
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF | Nasdaq US Smart TransportationTM Index |
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF | S-Network Global E-Commerce IndexTM |
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF | Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging MarketsTM Index |
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF | Bloomberg Shareholder Yield Index |
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF | S&P 500® Sector-Neutral Dividend Aristocrats Index |
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF | The SMID Capital Strength Index(1) |
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF | Nasdaq Riskalyze US Small CapTM Index |
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF | S-Network Streaming & Gaming Index |
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF | Bloomberg R&D Leaders Select Index |
| Prior to June 10, 2024, the index was the Nasdaq Riskalyze US Mid CapTM Index. |
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The Funds are each considered an investment company and follow accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, “Financial Services-Investment Companies.” The following is a
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of the financial statements. The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Each Fund’s NAV is determined daily as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. If the NYSE closes early on a valuation day, the NAV is determined as of that time. Foreign securities are priced using data reflecting the earlier closing of the principal markets for those securities. Each Fund’s NAV is calculated by dividing the value of all assets of each Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding.
Each Fund’s investments are valued daily at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value. Market value prices represent readily available market quotations such as last sale or official closing prices from a national or foreign exchange (i.e., a regulated market) and are primarily obtained from third-party pricing services. Fair value prices represent any prices not considered market value prices and are either obtained from a third-party pricing service or are determined by the Pricing Committee of the Funds’ investment advisor, First Trust Advisors L.P. (“First Trust” or the “Advisor”), in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, and in accordance with provisions of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder. Investments valued by the Advisor’s Pricing Committee, if any, are footnoted as such in the footnotes to the Portfolio of Investments. Each Fund’s investments are valued as follows:
Common stocks and other equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange (excluding Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”)) are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded or, for Nasdaq and AIM securities, the official closing price. Securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, at the close of the securities exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities.
Securities trading on foreign exchanges or over-the-counter markets that close prior to the NYSE close may be valued using a systematic fair valuation model provided by a third-party pricing service. If these foreign securities meet certain criteria in relation to the valuation model, their valuation is systematically adjusted to reflect the impact of movement in the U.S. market after the close of the foreign markets.
Shares of open-end funds are valued based on NAV per share.
Equity securities traded in an over-the-counter market are valued at the close price or the last trade price.
Overnight repurchase agreements are valued at amortized cost when it represents the most appropriate reflection of fair market value.
Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities may be valued by the Advisor’s Pricing Committee at fair value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) for which a third-party pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; a security whose market or fair value price is not available from a pre-established pricing source; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of a Fund’s NAV or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the third-party pricing service, does not reflect the security’s fair value. As a general principle, the current fair value of a security would appear to be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its current sale. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchanges. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities, including, but not limited to, the following:
1)
the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded or, for Nasdaq and AIM securities, the official closing price;
3)
the size of the holding;
4)
the initial cost of the security;
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) 5)
transactions in comparable securities;
6)
price quotes from dealers and/or third-party pricing services;
7)
relationships among various securities;
8)
information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, or the appropriate stock exchange;
9)
an analysis of the issuer’s financial statements;
10)
the existence of merger proposals or tender offers that might affect the value of the security; and
11)
other relevant factors.
If the securities in question are foreign securities, the following additional information may be considered:
1)
the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded;
2)
the value of similar foreign securities traded on other foreign markets;
3)
ADR trading of similar securities;
4)
closed-end fund or exchange-traded fund trading of similar securities;
5)
foreign currency exchange activity;
6)
the trading prices of financial products that are tied to baskets of foreign securities;
7)
factors relating to the event that precipitated the pricing problem;
8)
whether the event is likely to recur;
9)
whether the effects of the event are isolated or whether they affect entire markets, countries or regions; and
10)
other relevant factors.
In addition, differences between the prices used to calculate a Fund’s NAV and the prices used by such Fund’s corresponding index could result in a difference between a Fund’s performance and the performance of its underlying index.
Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which investors may transact in the shares of a Fund, the value of the Fund’s securities may change on the days when investors are not able to transact in the shares of the Fund. The value of the securities denominated in foreign currencies is converted into U.S. dollars using exchange rates determined daily as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Any use of a different rate from the rates used by a relevant index may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to track the index.
The Funds are subject to fair value accounting standards that define fair value, establish the framework for measuring fair value and provide a three-level hierarchy for fair valuation based upon the inputs to the valuation as of the measurement date. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
• Level 1 – Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical investments. An active market is a market in which transactions for the investment occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
• Level 2 – Level 2 inputs are observable inputs, either directly or indirectly, and include the following:
o Quoted prices for similar investments in active markets.
o Quoted prices for identical or similar investments in markets that are non-active. A non-active market is a market where there are few transactions for the investment, the prices are not current, or price quotations vary substantially either over time or among market makers, or in which little information is released publicly.
o Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the investment (for example, interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, and default rates).
o Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
• Level 3 – Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs may reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the investment.
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those investments. A summary of the inputs used to value each Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024, is included with each Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) B. Securities Transactions and Investment Income
Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recorded as soon as the information becomes available after the ex-dividend date. Interest income, if any, is recorded on the accrual basis.
Withholding taxes and tax reclaims on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with each Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.
Distributions received from a Fund’s investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) may be comprised of return of capital, capital gains, and income. The actual character of the amounts received during the year are not known until after the REITs’ fiscal year end. A Fund records the character of distributions received from the REITs during the year based on estimates available. The characterization of distributions received by a Fund may be subsequently revised based on information received from the REITs after their tax reporting periods conclude.
C. Offsetting on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities
Offsetting assets and liabilities requires entities to disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and disclose instruments and transactions subject to master netting or similar agreements. These disclosure requirements are intended to help investors and other financial statement users better assess the effect or potential effect of offsetting arrangements on a Fund’s financial position. The transactions subject to offsetting disclosures are derivative instruments, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions.
This disclosure, if applicable, is included within each Fund’s Portfolio of Investments under the heading “Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset financial assets and financial liabilities that are subject to master netting arrangements (“MNAs”) or similar agreements on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. MNAs provide the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy and insolvency), for the non-defaulting counterparty to liquidate the collateral and calculate the net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral.
The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investments and items of income and expense are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Unrealized gains and losses on assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, which result from changes in foreign currency exchange rates have been included in “Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency translation” on the Statements of Operations. Unrealized gains and losses on investments in securities which result from changes in foreign exchange rates are included with fluctuations arising from changes in market price and are shown in “Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments” on the Statements of Operations. Net realized foreign currency gains and losses include the effect of changes in exchange rates between trade date and settlement date on investment security transactions, foreign currency transactions and interest and dividends received and are included in “Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions” on the Statements of Operations. The portion of foreign currency gains and losses related to fluctuations in exchange rates between the initial purchase settlement date and subsequent sale trade date is included in “Net realized gain (loss) on investments” on the Statements of Operations.
The Funds may lend securities representing up to 33 1/3% of the value of their total assets to broker-dealers, banks and other institutions to generate additional income. When a Fund loans its portfolio securities, it will receive, at the inception of each loan, collateral equal to at least 102% (for domestic securities) or 105% (for international securities) of the market value of the loaned securities. The collateral amount is valued at the beginning of each business day and is compared to the market value of the loaned securities from the prior business day to determine if additional collateral is required. If additional collateral is required, a request is sent to the borrower. Securities lending involves the risk that the Fund may lose money because the borrower of the Fund’s loaned securities fails to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. The Fund could also lose money in the event of (i) a decline in the value of the collateral provided for the loaned securities, (ii) a decline in the value of any investments made with cash collateral or (iii) an increase in the value of the loaned securities if the borrower does not increase the collateral accordingly and the borrower fails to return the securities. These events could also trigger adverse tax consequences for the Funds.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) Under the Funds’ Securities Lending Agency Agreement, the securities lending agent will generally bear the risk that a borrower may default on its obligation to return loaned securities. The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNY”) acts as the Funds’ securities lending agent and is responsible for executing the lending of the portfolio securities to creditworthy borrowers. The Funds, however, will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral. A Fund may lose money on its investment of cash collateral, which may affect its ability to repay the collateral to the borrower without the use of other Fund assets. Each Fund that engages in securities lending receives compensation (net of any rebate and securities lending agent fees) for lending its securities. Compensation can be in the form of fees received from the securities lending agent or dividends or interest earned from the investment of cash collateral. The fees received from the securities lending agent are accrued daily. The dividend and interest earned on the securities loaned is accounted for in the same manner as other dividend and interest income. At September 30, 2024, RNSC and BNGE had securities in the securities lending program. During the six months ended September 30, 2024, FTXN, FTXR, RNSC, and BNGE participated in the securities lending program.
In the event of a default by a borrower with respect to any loan, BNY will exercise any and all remedies provided under the applicable borrower agreement to make the Funds whole. These remedies include purchasing replacement securities by applying the collateral held from the defaulting broker against the purchase cost of the replacement securities. If, despite such efforts by BNY to exercise these remedies, a Fund sustains losses as a result of a borrower’s default, BNY will indemnify the Fund by purchasing replacement securities at its own expense, or paying the Fund an amount equal to the market value of the replacement securities, subject to certain limitations which are set forth in detail in the Securities Lending Agency Agreement between the Trust on behalf of the Funds and BNY.
Repurchase agreements involve the purchase of securities subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase the securities at a mutually agreed upon date and price, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”). During the term of a repurchase agreement, the value of the underlying securities held as collateral on behalf of a Fund, including accrued interest, is required to exceed the value of the repurchase agreement, including accrued interest. The underlying securities for all repurchase agreements are held at the Funds’ custodian or designated sub-custodians under tri-party repurchase agreements.
MRAs govern transactions between a Fund and select counterparties. The MRAs contain provisions for, among other things, initiation, income payments, events of default, and maintenance of collateral for repurchase agreements.
Repurchase agreements received for lending securities are collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. The U.S. Treasury securities are held in a joint custody account at BNY on behalf of the Funds participating in the securities lending program. In the event the counterparty defaults on the repurchase agreement, the U.S. Treasury securities can either be maintained as part of a Fund’s portfolio or sold for cash. A Fund could suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds from the sale of the underlying collateral held by the Fund are less than the repurchase price and the Fund’s costs associated with the delay and enforcement of the MRA.
While the Funds may invest in repurchase agreements, any repurchase agreements held by the Funds during the six months ended September 30, 2024, were received as collateral for lending securities.
G. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders
Dividends from net investment income of each Fund, if any, are declared and paid quarterly, or as the Board of Trustees may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by each Fund, if any, are distributed at least annually. Each Fund may also designate a portion of the amount paid to redeeming shareholders as a distribution for tax purposes.
Distributions from net investment income and realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Certain capital accounts in the financial statements are periodically adjusted for permanent differences in order to reflect their tax character. These permanent differences are primarily due to the varying treatment of income and gain/loss on portfolio securities held by the Funds and have no impact on net assets or NAV per share. Temporary differences, which arise from recognizing certain items of income, expense and gain/loss in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes, will reverse at some time in the future.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) The tax character of distributions paid by each Fund during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 were as follows:
| Distributions
paid from
Ordinary
Income | Distributions
paid from
Capital
Gains | Distributions
paid from
Return of
Capital |
First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF | | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF | | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF | | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF | | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF | | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF | | | |
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF | | | |
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF | | | |
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF | | | |
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF | | | |
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF | | | |
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF | | | |
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF | | | |
As of March 31, 2024, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis for each Fund were as follows:
| Undistributed
Ordinary
Income | Accumulated
Capital and
Other
Gain (Loss) | Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation) |
First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF | | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF | | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF | | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF | | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF | | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF | | | |
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF | | | |
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF | | | |
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF | | | |
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF | | | |
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF | | | |
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF | | | |
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF | | | |
H. Income and Other Taxes
Each Fund intends to qualify or continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which includes distributing substantially all of its net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders. Accordingly, no provision has been made for federal and state income taxes. However, due to the timing and amount of distributions, each Fund may be subject to an excise tax of 4% of the amount by which approximately 98% of each Fund’s taxable income exceeds the distributions from such taxable income for the calendar year.
Certain countries assess a capital gains tax on securities sold in their local markets. This tax is accrued as the securities in these foreign markets appreciate in value and is paid at the time of sale to the extent a capital gain is realized. Taxes accrued on securities in an unrealized appreciation position are included in “Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on deferred foreign capital gains tax” on the Statements of Operations. The capital gains tax paid on securities sold, if any, is included in “Net realized gain (loss) on foreign capital gains tax” on the Statements of Operations.
Capital Gains. India’s Finance Act, 2024 (“Finance Act, 2024”) was enacted into law on July 23, 2024, and amongst the other provisions, it increased long-term and short-term capital gain rates on sales of Indian securities, effective that date. As per the
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) amended provisions, the long-term capital gains on the sale of listed shares (sold on a recognized stock exchange and where Securities Transaction Tax (“STT”) is paid) in excess of INR 0.125 million are taxed at the rate of 12.5% (plus applicable surcharge and cess), increased from 10% (plus applicable surcharge and cess), subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. As a grandfathering measure, the cost of acquisition for the purpose of calculation of long-term capital asset acquired before February 1, 2018 shall be deemed to be the higher of the following: (a) the actual cost of acquisition of such asset; and (b) lower of (i) the fair market value of such asset as on January 31, 2018 and (ii) full value of consideration as received on its transfer/disposal of the equity shares. The highest effective tax rate on long-term capital gains earned by a Fund could be 14.95% in the case of a non-corporate entity and 13.65% in the case of a corporate entity.
In the case of the sale of listed shares (sold on a recognized stock exchange and where STT is paid) held by a Fund for one year or less, the income is classified as short-term capital gains and is taxable at 20% (plus applicable surcharge and cess), increased from 15% (plus applicable surcharge and cess), provided the shares are sold on the stock exchange and subjected to STT. The highest effective tax rate on short-term capital gains earned by a Fund could be 23.92% in the case of a non-corporate entity and 21.84% in the case of a corporate entity.
Short-term capital loss can be set-off against both short-term capital gains and long-term capital gains. However, long-term capital loss can be set-off only against long-term capital gains. The unabsorbed (remaining loss after setting off loss during the year against income of the year) short-term and long-term capital loss can be carried forward for immediately succeeding 8 (eight) assessment years.
Buy back. Finance Act, 2024 has amended the provisions for taxation of buyback of shares and provided that the gains arising on buyback of shares will be considered as deemed dividend in the hands of the shareholder and taxed accordingly. (Prior to enactment of Finance Act, 2024, the shareholders were exempt from tax on any income arising on buyback and distribution tax at the rate of 20% plus applicable surcharge and cess was payable by the Indian Company on buyback of shares). Further, the cost of acquisition in relation to buyback of shares shall be considered as capital loss in the hands of shareholder and the capital loss can be set off against the capital gain income.
Where the sale of shares is outside the stock exchange and not subject to STT, the long-term capital gains continue to be taxed at 10% (plus applicable surcharge and cess) and short-term capital gains are taxed at 30% (plus applicable surcharge and cess).
Dividend income. The dividend income earned by a Fund from Indian Companies shall be chargeable to tax at the rate of 20% (plus applicable surcharge and cess). The highest effective tax rate on dividend income arising to a Fund could be 23.92% in the case of a non-corporate entity and 21.84% in the case of a corporate entity. Note that a Fund will not obtain relief under the US-India tax treaty as the treaty rate of 25% is higher than the domestic rate. Any excess taxes withheld can be offset against capital gains tax liability during the year or claimed as a refund in the annual tax return.
Interest income. Interest Income received from the Indian Investee Company shall be continued to be chargeable to tax at the rate of 20% (plus applicable surcharge and cess).
Other income. Any other income (other than capital gain, dividend, interest) earned by a Fund shall be chargeable to tax at the rate of 35% (earlier taxable at the rate of 40%) (plus applicable surcharge and cess).
Please note that the above description is based on current provisions of Indian law, and any change or modification made by subsequent legislation, regulation, or administrative or judicial decision could increase the Indian tax liability of a Fund and thus reduce the return to a Fund’s shareholders. There can be no assurance that the Indian tax authorities and/or regulators will not take a position contrary to the views expressed herein. If the Indian tax authorities and/or regulators take a position contrary to the views expressed herein, adverse unpredictable consequences may follow.
The Funds are subject to accounting standards that establish a minimum threshold for recognizing, and a system for measuring, the benefits of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For all the Funds, with the exception of BNGE and RND, the taxable years ended 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 remain open to federal and state audit. For BNGE, the taxable period ended 2022 and years ended 2023 and 2024 remain open to federal and state audit. As of September 30, 2024, management has evaluated the application of these standards to the Funds and has determined that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements for uncertain tax positions.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) Each Fund intends to utilize provisions of the federal income tax laws, which allow it to carry a realized capital loss forward indefinitely following the year of the loss and offset such loss against any future realized capital gains. Each Fund is subject to certain limitations under U.S. tax rules on the use of capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses. These limitations apply when there has been a 50% change in ownership. At March 31, 2024, for federal income tax purposes, each applicable Fund had a capital loss carryforward available that is shown in the following table, to the extent provided by regulations, to offset future capital gains. To the extent that these loss carryforwards are used to offset future capital gains, it is probable that the capital gains so offset will not be distributed to each applicable Fund’s shareholders.
| Non-Expiring
Capital Loss
Carryforwards |
First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF | |
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF | |
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF | |
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF | |
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF | |
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF | |
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF | |
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF | |
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF | |
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF | |
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF | |
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF | |
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF | |
During the taxable year ended March 31, 2024, the following Funds utilized capital loss carryforwards in the following amounts:
| |
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF | |
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF | |
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF | |
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF | |
Certain losses realized during the current fiscal year may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following fiscal year for federal income tax purposes. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, the following Fund incurred and elected to defer net late year ordinary or capital losses as follows:
| Qualified Late Year Losses |
| | |
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF | | |
| | |
As of September 30, 2024, the aggregate cost, gross unrealized appreciation, gross unrealized depreciation, and net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments (including short positions and derivatives, if any) for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| | Gross Unrealized
Appreciation | Gross Unrealized
(Depreciation) | Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation) |
First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF | | | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF | | | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF | | | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF | | | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF | | | | |
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | Gross Unrealized Appreciation | Gross Unrealized (Depreciation) | Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) |
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF | | | | |
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF | | | | |
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF | | | | |
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF | | | | |
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF | | | | |
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF | | | | |
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF | | | | |
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF | | | | |
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF | | | | |
Expenses, other than the investment advisory fee and other excluded expenses, are paid by the Advisor (see Note 3).
First Trust has entered into licensing agreements with each of the following “Licensors” for the respective Funds:
| |
First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF | |
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF | |
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF | |
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF | |
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF | |
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF | |
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF | |
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF | |
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF | Bloomberg Index Services Limited |
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF | S&P Dow Jones Indices, LLC |
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF | |
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF | |
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF | |
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF | Bloomberg Index Services Limited |
The respective license agreements allow for the use by First Trust of each Fund’s respective index and of certain trademarks and trade names of the respective Licensor. The Funds are sub-licensees to the applicable license agreements.
3. Investment Advisory Fee, Affiliated Transactions and Other Fee Arrangements
First Trust, the investment advisor to the Funds, is a limited partnership with one limited partner, Grace Partners of DuPage L.P., and one general partner, The Charger Corporation. The Charger Corporation is an Illinois corporation controlled by James A. Bowen, Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities in each Fund’s portfolio, managing the Funds’ business affairs and providing certain administrative services necessary for the management of the Funds.
First Trust is responsible for the expenses of each Fund including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, licensing fees, legal, audit and other services, but excluding fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses associated with the execution of portfolio transactions, acquired fund fees and expenses, distribution and service fees pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses, which are paid by each respective Fund. The annual unitary management fee payable by each Fund to First Trust for these services will be reduced at certain levels of each Fund’s net assets (“breakpoints”) and calculated pursuant to the following schedules:
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | | |
Fund net assets up to and including $2.5 billion | | | |
Fund net assets greater than $2.5 billion up to and including $5 billion | | | |
Fund net assets greater than $5 billion up to and including $7.5 billion | | | |
Fund net assets greater than $7.5 billion up to and including $10 billion | | | |
Fund net assets greater than $10 billion | | | |
| |
Fund net assets up to and including $2.5 billion | |
Fund net assets greater than $2.5 billion up to and including $5 billion | |
Fund net assets greater than $5 billion up to and including $7.5 billion | |
Fund net assets greater than $7.5 billion up to and including $10 billion | |
Fund net assets greater than $10 billion up to and including $15 billion | |
Fund net assets greater than $15 billion | |
For FTXO, FTXG, FTXN, FTXH, FTXL, FTXR, SHRY, FSCS, RNSC, and RND, the annual unitary management fee payable by each Fund will be calculated pursuant to the following schedule:
| |
Fund net assets up to and including $2.5 billion | |
Fund net assets greater than $2.5 billion up to and including $5 billion | |
Fund net assets greater than $5 billion up to and including $7.5 billion | |
Fund net assets greater than $7.5 billion up to and including $10 billion | |
Fund net assets greater than $10 billion up to and including $15 billion | |
Fund net assets greater than $15 billion | |
The Trust has multiple service agreements with BNY. Under the service agreements, BNY performs custodial, fund accounting, certain administrative services, and transfer agency services for each Fund. As custodian, BNY is responsible for custody of each Fund’s assets. As fund accountant and administrator, BNY is responsible for maintaining the books and records of each Fund’s securities and cash. As transfer agent, BNY is responsible for maintaining shareholder records for each Fund. BNY is a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, a financial holding company.
Each Trustee who is not an officer or employee of First Trust, any sub-advisor or any of their affiliates (“Independent Trustees”) is paid a fixed annual retainer that is allocated equally among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex. Each Independent Trustee is also paid an annual per fund fee that varies based on whether the fund is a closed-end or other actively managed fund, a target outcome fund or an index fund.
Additionally, the Chairs of the Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Valuation Committee, the Vice Chair of the Audit Committee, the Lead Independent Trustee and the Vice Lead Independent Trustee are paid annual fees to serve in such capacities, with such compensation allocated pro rata among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex based on net assets. Independent Trustees are reimbursed for travel and out-of-pocket expenses in connection with all meetings. The Committee Chairs, the Audit Committee Vice Chair, the Lead Independent Trustee and the Vice Lead Independent Trustee rotate periodically in serving in such capacities. The officers and “Interested” Trustee receive no compensation from the Trust for acting in such capacities.
4. Purchases and Sales of Securities
For the period ended September 30, 2024, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments for each Fund, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:
| | |
First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF | | |
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | |
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF | | |
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF | | |
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF | | |
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF | | |
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF | | |
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF | | |
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF | | |
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF | | |
For the period ended September 30, 2024, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales for each Fund were as follows:
| | |
First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF | | |
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF | | |
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF | | |
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF | | |
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF | | |
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF | | |
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF | | |
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF | | |
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF | | |
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF | | |
5. Creations, Redemptions and Transaction Fees
Each Fund generally issues and redeems its shares in primary market transactions through a creation and redemption mechanism and does not sell or redeem individual shares. Instead, financial entities known as “Authorized Participants” have contractual arrangements with a Fund or one of the Fund’s service providers to purchase and redeem Fund shares directly with the Fund in Creation Units. Prior to the start of trading on every business day, a Fund publishes through the National Securities Clearing Corporation the “basket” of securities, cash or other assets that it will accept in exchange for a Creation Unit of the Fund’s shares. An Authorized Participant that wishes to effectuate a creation of a Fund’s shares deposits with the Fund the “basket” of securities, cash or other assets identified by the Fund that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of the Fund’s shares in return for those assets. After purchasing a Creation Unit, the Authorized Participant may continue to hold the Fund’s shares or sell them in the secondary market. The redemption process is the reverse of the purchase process: the Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit of a Fund’s shares for a basket of securities, cash or other assets. The combination of the creation and redemption process with secondary market trading in a Fund’s shares and underlying securities provides arbitrage opportunities that are designed to help keep the market price of a Fund’s shares at or close to the NAV per share of the Fund.
Each Fund imposes fees in connection with the purchase of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various fact-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of a Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, plus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the creation basket.
Each Fund also imposes fees in connection with the redemption of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various fact-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price received for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of a Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, minus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) comprising the redemption basket. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary in addition to an Authorized Participant to effect a redemption of a Creation Unit may also be assessed an amount to cover the cost of such services. The redemption fee charged by a Fund will comply with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act which limits redemption fees to no more than 2% of the value of the shares redeemed.
The Board of Trustees adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Rule 12b-1 plan, the Funds are authorized to pay an amount up to 0.25% of their average daily net assets each year to reimburse First Trust Portfolios L.P. (“FTP”), the distributor of the Funds, for amounts expended to finance activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Creation Units or the provision of investor services. FTP may also use this amount to compensate securities dealers or other persons that are Authorized Participants for providing distribution assistance, including broker-dealer and shareholder support and educational and promotional services.
No 12b-1 fees are currently paid by the Funds, and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, no 12b-1 fees will be paid any time before July 31, 2025 for all the Funds except SHRY and RND, March 4, 2026 for SHRY and April 26, 2026 for RND.
The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Trust has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were the following subsequent events:
Effective on or around December 4, 2024, the Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNSC) will change its name to First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF (FSGS) and its Index to The SMID Growth Strength Index.
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants (Item 8 of Form N-CSR)
There were no changes in or disagreements with the Funds’ accountants during the six months ended September 30, 2024.
Proxy Disclosures (Item 9 of Form N-CSR)
There were no matters submitted for vote by shareholders of any Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2024.
Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others (Item 10 of Form N-CSR)
Independent Trustees and any member of any advisory board of each Fund are compensated through the unitary management fee paid by each Fund to the advisor and not directly by each Fund. The investment advisory fee paid is included in the Statements of Operations.
Statement Regarding the Basis for the Board’s Approval of Investment Advisory Contract (Item 11 of Form N-CSR)
The Board of Trustees of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI (the “Trust”), including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the continuation of the Investment Management Agreements (as applicable to a specific Fund, the “Agreement” and collectively, the “Agreements”) with First Trust Advisors L.P. (the “Advisor”) on behalf of the following series of the Trust (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”):
First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF (FTXO)
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG)
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN)
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH)
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL)
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR)
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF (ISHP)
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF (BNGE)
The Board approved the continuation of the Agreement for each Fund for a one-year period ending June 30, 2025 at a meeting held on June 2–3, 2024. The Board determined for each Fund that the continuation of the Agreement is in the best interests of the Fund in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided and such other matters as the Board considered to be relevant in the exercise of its business judgment.
To reach this determination for each Fund, the Board considered its duties under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as well as under the general principles of state law, in reviewing and approving advisory contracts; the requirements of the 1940 Act in such matters; the fiduciary duty of investment advisors with respect to advisory agreements and compensation; the standards used by courts in determining whether investment company boards have fulfilled their duties; and the factors to be considered by the Board in voting on such agreements. At meetings held on April 16, 2024, April 25, 2024 and June 2–3, 2024, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed materials provided by the Advisor responding to requests for information from counsel to the Independent Trustees, submitted on behalf of the Independent Trustees, that, among other things, outlined: the services provided by the Advisor to each Fund (including the relevant personnel responsible for these services and their experience); the unitary fee rate schedule payable by each Fund as compared to fees charged to a peer group of funds (the “Expense Group”) and a broad peer universe of funds (the “Expense Universe”), each assembled by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent source, and as compared to fees charged to other clients of the Advisor, including other exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) managed by the Advisor; the expense ratio of each Fund as compared to expense ratios of the funds in the Fund’s Expense Group and Expense Universe; performance information for each Fund, including comparisons of each Fund’s performance to that of one or more relevant benchmark indexes and to that of a performance group of funds and a broad performance universe of funds (the “Performance Universe”), each assembled by Broadridge; the nature of expenses incurred in providing services to each Fund and the potential for the Advisor to realize economies of scale, if any; profitability and other financial data for the Advisor; any indirect benefits to the Advisor and its affiliate, First Trust Portfolios L.P. (“FTP”); and information on the Advisor’s compliance program. The Board reviewed initial materials with the Advisor at the meeting held on April 25, 2024, prior to which the Independent Trustees and their counsel met separately to discuss the information provided by the Advisor. Following the April 25, 2024 meeting, counsel to the Independent Trustees, on behalf of the Independent Trustees, requested certain clarifications and supplements to the materials provided, and the information provided in response to those requests was considered at an executive session of the Independent Trustees and their counsel held prior to the June 2–3, 2024 meeting, as well as at the June meeting. The Board applied its business judgment to determine
Other Information (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) whether the arrangement between the Trust and the Advisor continues to be a reasonable business arrangement from each Fund’s perspective. The Board determined that, given the totality of the information provided with respect to the Agreements, the Board had received sufficient information to renew the Agreements. The Board considered that shareholders chose to invest or remain invested in a Fund knowing that the Advisor manages the Fund and knowing the Fund’s unitary fee.
In reviewing the Agreement for each Fund, the Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Advisor under the Agreement. The Board considered that the Advisor is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Trust and each Fund and reviewed all of the services provided by the Advisor to the Funds, as well as the background and experience of the persons responsible for such services. In reviewing the services provided, the Board noted the compliance program that had been developed by the Advisor and considered that it includes a robust program for monitoring the Advisor’s and each Fund’s compliance with the 1940 Act, as well as each Fund’s compliance with its investment objective, policies and restrictions. The Board also considered a report from the Advisor with respect to its risk management functions related to the operation of the Funds. Finally, as part of the Board’s consideration of the Advisor’s services, the Advisor, in its written materials and at the April 25, 2024 meeting, described to the Board the scope of its ongoing investment in additional personnel and infrastructure to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to the Funds and the other funds in the First Trust Fund Complex. In light of the information presented and the considerations made, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Trust and each Fund by the Advisor under the Agreements have been and are expected to remain satisfactory and that the Advisor has managed each Fund consistent with its investment objective, policies and restrictions.
The Board considered the unitary fee rate schedule payable by each Fund under the applicable Agreement for the services provided. The Board considered that as part of the unitary fee the Advisor is responsible for each Fund’s expenses, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services and license fees, if any, but excluding the fee payment under the applicable Agreement and interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses, if any. The Board received and reviewed information showing the fee rates and expense ratios of the peer funds in the Expense Groups, as well as advisory and unitary fee rates charged by the Advisor to other fund (including ETFs) and non-fund clients, as applicable. Because each Fund pays a unitary fee, the Board determined that expense ratios were the most relevant comparative data point. Based on the information provided, the Board noted that the total (net) expense ratio for ISHP was below the median total (net) expense ratio of the peer funds in its Expense Group and that the total (net) expense ratio for each other Fund was above the median total (net) expense ratio of the peer funds in its respective Expense Group. With respect to the Expense Groups, the Board discussed with Broadridge its methodology for assembling peer groups and discussed with the Advisor limitations in creating peer groups for index ETFs, including differences in underlying indexes and index-tracking methodologies that can result in greater management complexities across seemingly comparable ETFs, and different business models that may affect the pricing of services among ETF sponsors. The Board took these limitations and differences into account in considering the peer data. With respect to fees charged to other non-ETF clients, the Board considered differences between the Funds and other non-ETF clients that limited their comparability. In considering the unitary fee rate schedules overall, the Board also considered the Advisor’s statement that it seeks to meet investor needs through innovative and value-added investment solutions and the Advisor’s demonstrated long-term commitment to each Fund and the other funds in the First Trust Fund Complex.
The Board considered performance information for each Fund. The Board noted the process it has established for monitoring each Fund’s performance and portfolio risk on an ongoing basis, which includes quarterly performance reporting from the Advisor for the Funds. The Board determined that this process continues to be effective for reviewing each Fund’s performance. The Board received and reviewed information for one or more periods ended December 31, 2023 regarding the performance of each Fund’s underlying index, the correlation between each Fund’s performance and that of its underlying index, each Fund’s tracking difference and each Fund’s excess return as compared to its benchmark index. With respect to ISHP, the Board noted that during 2021, it approved changes to the Fund’s investment objective and, effective January 26, 2022, the Fund changed its name and ticker symbol and began tracking the S-Network Global E-Commerce Index, and that the performance information included a blend of the old and new indexes. Based on the information provided and its ongoing review of performance, the Board concluded that each Fund was correlated to its underlying index and that the tracking difference for each Fund was within a reasonable range and noted the Advisor’s discussion of ISHP’s correlation and tracking difference at the April 25, 2024 meeting. In addition, the Board reviewed data prepared by Broadridge comparing each Fund’s performance to that of its respective Performance Universe and to that of a broad-based benchmark index and noted the Advisor’s discussion of FTXL’s performance at the April 25, 2024 meeting. However, given each Fund’s objective of seeking investment results that correspond generally to the performance of its underlying index, the Board placed more emphasis on its review of correlation and tracking difference.
Other Information (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) On the basis of all the information provided on the unitary fee and performance of each Fund and the ongoing oversight by the Board, the Board concluded that the unitary fee for each Fund continues to be reasonable and appropriate in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Advisor to each Fund under the Agreements.
The Board considered information and discussed with the Advisor whether there were any economies of scale in connection with providing advisory services to the Funds at current asset levels and whether the Funds may benefit from any economies of scale. The Board noted that the unitary fee rate schedule for each Fund includes breakpoints pursuant to which the unitary fee rate will be reduced as assets of the Fund meet certain thresholds. The Board considered the Advisor’s statement that it believes that its expenses relating to providing advisory services to the Funds will increase during the next twelve months as the Advisor continues to build infrastructure and add new staff. The Board also noted that under the unitary fee structure, any reduction in expenses associated with the management and operations of the Funds would benefit the Advisor, but that the unitary fee structure provides a level of certainty in expenses for shareholders of the Funds. The Board concluded that the unitary fee rate schedule for each Fund reflects an appropriate level of sharing of any economies of scale that may be realized in the management of the Fund at current asset levels. The Board considered the revenues and allocated costs (including the allocation methodology) of the Advisor in serving as investment advisor to each Fund for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and the estimated profitability level for each Fund calculated by the Advisor based on such data, as well as complex-wide and product-line profitability data, for the same period. The Board noted the inherent limitations in the profitability analysis and concluded that, based on the information provided, the Advisor’s profitability level for each Fund was not unreasonable. In addition, the Board considered indirect benefits described by the Advisor that may be realized from its relationship with the Funds. The Board considered that the Advisor had identified as an indirect benefit to the Advisor and FTP their exposure to investors and brokers who, absent their exposure to the Funds, may have had no dealings with the Advisor or FTP, and noted that the Advisor does not utilize soft dollars in connection with the Funds. The Board concluded that the character and amount of potential indirect benefits to the Advisor were not unreasonable.
Based on all of the information considered and the conclusions reached, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously determined that the terms of the Agreements continue to be fair and reasonable and that the continuation of the Agreements is in the best interests of each Fund. No single factor was determinative in the Board’s analysis.
The Board of Trustees of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI (the “Trust”), including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the continuation of the Investment Management Agreement (the “Agreement”) with First Trust Advisors L.P. (the “Advisor”) on behalf of the following series of the Trust (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”):
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM)
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF (SHRY) (formerly, Large Cap US Equity Select ETF)
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) (formerly, Mid Cap US Equity Select ETF)
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ)
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF (RNSC)
The Board approved the continuation of the Agreement for each Fund for a one-year period ending June 30, 2025 at a meeting held on June 2–3, 2024. The Board determined for each Fund that the continuation of the Agreement is in the best interests of the Fund in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided and such other matters as the Board considered to be relevant in the exercise of its business judgment.
To reach this determination for each Fund, the Board considered its duties under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as well as under the general principles of state law, in reviewing and approving advisory contracts; the requirements of the 1940 Act in such matters; the fiduciary duty of investment advisors with respect to advisory agreements and compensation; the standards used by courts in determining whether investment company boards have fulfilled their duties; and the factors to be considered by the Board in voting on such agreements. At meetings held on April 16, 2024, April 25, 2024 and June 2–3, 2024, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed materials provided by the Advisor responding to requests for information from counsel to the Independent Trustees, submitted on behalf of the Independent Trustees, that, among other things, outlined: the services provided by the Advisor to each Fund (including the relevant personnel responsible for these services and their experience); the unitary fee rate schedule payable by each Fund as compared to fees charged to a peer group of funds (the “Expense Group”) and a broad peer universe of funds (the “Expense Universe”), each assembled by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent source, and as compared to fees charged to other clients of the Advisor, including other exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) managed by the Advisor; the expense ratio of each Fund as compared to expense ratios of the funds in the Fund’s Expense Group and Expense Universe; performance information for each Fund, including comparisons of each Fund’s performance to that of one or more
Other Information (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) relevant benchmark indexes and to that of a performance group of funds and a broad performance universe of funds (the “Performance Universe”), each assembled by Broadridge; the nature of expenses incurred in providing services to each Fund and the potential for the Advisor to realize economies of scale, if any; profitability and other financial data for the Advisor; any indirect benefits to the Advisor and its affiliate, First Trust Portfolios L.P. (“FTP”); and information on the Advisor’s compliance program. The Board reviewed initial materials with the Advisor at the meeting held on April 25, 2024, prior to which the Independent Trustees and their counsel met separately to discuss the information provided by the Advisor. Following the April 25, 2024 meeting, counsel to the Independent Trustees, on behalf of the Independent Trustees, requested certain clarifications and supplements to the materials provided, and the information provided in response to those requests was considered at an executive session of the Independent Trustees and their counsel held prior to the June 2–3, 2024 meeting, as well as at the June meeting. The Board applied its business judgment to determine whether the arrangement between the Trust and the Advisor continues to be a reasonable business arrangement from each Fund’s perspective. The Board determined that, given the totality of the information provided with respect to the Agreement, the Board had received sufficient information to renew the Agreement. The Board considered that shareholders chose to invest or remain invested in a Fund knowing that the Advisor manages the Fund and knowing the Fund’s unitary fee.
In reviewing the Agreement for each Fund, the Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Advisor under the Agreement. The Board considered that the Advisor is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Trust and each Fund and reviewed all of the services provided by the Advisor to the Funds, as well as the background and experience of the persons responsible for such services. In reviewing the services provided, the Board noted the compliance program that had been developed by the Advisor and considered that it includes a robust program for monitoring the Advisor’s and each Fund’s compliance with the 1940 Act, as well as each Fund’s compliance with its investment objective, policies and restrictions. The Board also considered a report from the Advisor with respect to its risk management functions related to the operation of the Funds. Finally, as part of the Board’s consideration of the Advisor’s services, the Advisor, in its written materials and at the April 25, 2024 meeting, described to the Board the scope of its ongoing investment in additional personnel and infrastructure to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to the Funds and the other funds in the First Trust Fund Complex. In light of the information presented and the considerations made, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Trust and each Fund by the Advisor under the Agreement have been and are expected to remain satisfactory and that the Advisor has managed each Fund consistent with its investment objective, policies and restrictions.
The Board considered the unitary fee rate schedule payable by each Fund under the Agreement for the services provided. The Board considered that as part of the unitary fee the Advisor is responsible for each Fund’s expenses, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services and license fees, if any, but excluding the fee payment under the Agreement and interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses, if any. The Board received and reviewed information showing the fee rates and expense ratios of the peer funds in the Expense Groups, as well as advisory and unitary fee rates charged by the Advisor to other fund (including ETFs) and non-fund clients, as applicable. Because each Fund pays a unitary fee, the Board determined that expense ratios were the most relevant comparative data point. Based on the information provided, the Board noted that the total (net) expense ratio for each Fund was above the median total (net) expense ratio of the peer funds in its respective Expense Group. With respect to the Expense Groups, the Board discussed with Broadridge its methodology for assembling peer groups and discussed with the Advisor limitations in creating peer groups for index ETFs, including differences in underlying indexes and index-tracking methodologies that can result in greater management complexities across seemingly comparable ETFs, and different business models that may affect the pricing of services among ETF sponsors. The Board took these limitations and differences into account in considering the peer data. With respect to fees charged to other non-ETF clients, the Board considered differences between the Funds and other non-ETF clients that limited their comparability. In considering the unitary fee rate schedules overall, the Board also considered the Advisor’s statement that it seeks to meet investor needs through innovative and value-added investment solutions and the Advisor’s demonstrated long-term commitment to each Fund and the other funds in the First Trust Fund Complex.
The Board considered performance information for each Fund. The Board noted the process it has established for monitoring each Fund’s performance and portfolio risk on an ongoing basis, which includes quarterly performance reporting from the Advisor for the Funds. The Board determined that this process continues to be effective for reviewing each Fund’s performance. The Board received and reviewed information for periods ended December 31, 2023 regarding the performance of each Fund’s underlying index, the correlation between each Fund’s performance and that of its underlying index, each Fund’s tracking difference and each Fund’s excess return as compared to its benchmark index. With respect to SHRY, the Board noted that during 2023, it approved changes to the Fund’s investment objective and, effective March 4, 2024, the Fund changed its name and ticker symbol and began tracking the Bloomberg Shareholder Yield Index. With respect to FSCS, the Board noted that during 2024, it approved changes to the Fund’s
Other Information (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) investment objective and, effective on or around June 10, 2024, the Fund will change its name and ticker symbol and begin tracking The SMID Capital Strength Index. With respect to KNGZ, the Board noted that during 2023, it approved changes to the Fund’s investment objective and, effective October 3, 2023, the Fund changed its name and ticker symbol and began tracking the S&P 500 Sector-Neutral Dividend Aristocrats Index, and that the performance information included a blend of the old and new indexes. Based on the information provided and its ongoing review of performance, the Board concluded that each Fund was correlated to its underlying index and that the tracking difference for each Fund was within a reasonable range. In addition, the Board reviewed data prepared by Broadridge comparing each Fund’s performance to that of its respective Performance Universe and to that of a broad-based benchmark index. However, given each Fund’s objective of seeking investment results that correspond generally to the performance of its underlying index, the Board placed more emphasis on its review of correlation and tracking difference.
On the basis of all the information provided on the unitary fee and performance of each Fund and the ongoing oversight by the Board, the Board concluded that the unitary fee for each Fund continues to be reasonable and appropriate in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Advisor to each Fund under the Agreement.
The Board considered information and discussed with the Advisor whether there were any economies of scale in connection with providing advisory services to the Funds at current asset levels and whether the Funds may benefit from any economies of scale. The Board noted that the unitary fee rate schedule for each Fund includes breakpoints pursuant to which the unitary fee rate will be reduced as assets of the Fund meet certain thresholds. The Board considered the Advisor’s statement that it believes that its expenses relating to providing advisory services to the Funds will increase during the next twelve months as the Advisor continues to build infrastructure and add new staff. The Board also noted that under the unitary fee structure, any reduction in expenses associated with the management and operations of the Funds would benefit the Advisor, but that the unitary fee structure provides a level of certainty in expenses for shareholders of the Funds. The Board concluded that the unitary fee rate schedule for each Fund reflects an appropriate level of sharing of any economies of scale that may be realized in the management of the Fund at current asset levels. The Board considered the revenues and allocated costs (including the allocation methodology) of the Advisor in serving as investment advisor to each Fund for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and the estimated profitability level for each Fund calculated by the Advisor based on such data, as well as complex-wide and product-line profitability data, for the same period. The Board noted the inherent limitations in the profitability analysis and concluded that, based on the information provided, the Advisor’s profitability level for each Fund was not unreasonable. In addition, the Board considered indirect benefits described by the Advisor that may be realized from its relationship with the Funds. The Board considered that the Advisor had identified as an indirect benefit to the Advisor and FTP their exposure to investors and brokers who, absent their exposure to the Funds, may have had no dealings with the Advisor or FTP, and noted that the Advisor does not utilize soft dollars in connection with the Funds. The Board concluded that the character and amount of potential indirect benefits to the Advisor were not unreasonable.
Based on all of the information considered and the conclusions reached, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously determined that the terms of the Agreement continue to be fair and reasonable and that the continuation of the Agreement is in the best interests of each Fund. No single factor was determinative in the Board’s analysis.
First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF
Nasdaq®, Nasdaq US Smart BanksTM Index, Nasdaq US Smart Food & BeverageTM Index, Nasdaq US Smart Oil & GasTM Index, Nasdaq US Smart PharmaceuticalsTM Index, Nasdaq US Smart SemiconductorTM Index, Nasdaq US Smart TransportationTM Index and The SMID Capital Strength Index (“the Nasdaq Indexes”) are registered trademarks and service marks of Nasdaq, Inc. (together with its affiliates hereinafter referred to as the “Corporations”) and are licensed for use by First Trust. The Funds have not been passed on by the Corporations as to their legality or suitability. The Funds are not issued, endorsed, sold, or promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE FUNDS.
Other Information (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VISeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited) First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF
First Trust S-Network Streaming & Gaming ETF
S-Network, S-Network Global E-Commerce IndexTM and S-Network Streaming & Gaming Index are service marks of VettaFi LLC and have been licensed for use by First Trust Advisors L.P. The Funds are not issued, sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by VettaFi LLC (collectively, “VettaFi”). VettaFi makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the purchasers or owners 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 Index to track general market performance.
Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF
Small Cap US Equity Select ETF
Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging MarketsTM Index and Nasdaq Riskalyze US Small CapTM Index are trademarks or service marks of Nitrogen Wealth, Inc. (“Nitrogen Wealth”) and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust. The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Nitrogen Wealth and Nitrogen Wealth makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in the Funds. Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging MarketsTM Index and Nasdaq Riskalyze US Small CapTM Index (“Riskalyze Indexes”) are products of Nitrogen Wealth. RISKALYZE® and NASDAQ RISKALYZE EMERGING MARKETSTM INDEX and NASDAQ RISKALYZE US SMALL CAPTM INDEX are trademarks of Nitrogen Wealth. Nasdaq® is a trademark of Nasdaq, Inc.
First Trust Bloomberg Shareholder Yield ETF
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF
“Bloomberg®”, Bloomberg Shareholder Yield Index and Bloomberg R&D Leaders Select Index licensed herein (the “Indices”) are service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, including Bloomberg Index Services Limited (“BISL”), the administrator of the Indices (collectively, “Bloomberg”) and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the “Licensee”). Bloomberg is not affiliated with the Licensee, and Bloomberg does not approve, endorse, review, or recommend the financial products referenced herein (the “Financial Products”). Bloomberg does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of any data or information relating to the Indices or the Financial Products.
First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF
S&P 500® Sector-Neutral Dividend Aristocrats Index (the “Index”) is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”) and have been licensed for use by First Trust. S&P® is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”); and these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by First Trust. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, or their respective affiliates and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the Index.
Semi-Annual Financial
Statements and
Other Information |
For the Six Months Ended
September 30, 2024 |
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV) |
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)
Semi-Annual Financial Statements and Other Information
September 30, 2024
Performance and Risk Disclosure
There is no assurance that First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (the “Fund”) will achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to market risk, which is the possibility that the market values of securities owned by the Fund will decline and that the value of the Fund’s shares may therefore be less than what you paid for them. Accordingly, you can lose money by investing in the Fund.
Performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be lower or higher than the figures shown. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please visit www.ftportfolios.com or speak with your financial advisor. Investment returns, net asset value and share price will fluctuate and Fund shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
First Trust Advisors L.P., the Fund’s advisor, may also periodically provide additional information on Fund performance on the Fund’s webpage at www.ftportfolios.com.
This report contains information that may help you evaluate your investment in the Fund. It includes details about the Fund and presents data that provides insight into the Fund’s performance and investment approach.
The material risks of investing in the Fund are spelled out in its prospectus, statement of additional information, and other Fund regulatory filings.
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)Portfolio of InvestmentsSeptember 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
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COMMON STOCKS (a) — 99.8% |
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| Align Technology, Inc. (b) | |
| Baxter International, Inc. | |
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| Boston Scientific Corp. (b) | |
| Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (EUR) | |
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| Coloplast A/S, Class B (DKK) | |
| Cooper (The) Cos., Inc. (b) | |
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| Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (b) | |
| Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp., Ltd. (NZD) | |
| GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc. | |
| Globus Medical, Inc., Class A (b) | |
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| Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (b) | |
| Koninklijke Philips N.V. (EUR) (c) | |
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| Siemens Healthineers AG (EUR) (d) (e) | |
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| Straumann Holding AG (CHF) | |
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| Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | |
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| Life Sciences Tools & Services | |
| Agilent Technologies, Inc. | |
| Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Class A (b) | |
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| Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. (b) | |
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| Sartorius Stedim Biotech (EUR) | |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | |
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| West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. | |
| WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Class H (HKD) (d) (e) | |
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MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.1% |
| Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 4.80% (f) | |
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| Total Investments — 99.9% | |
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| Net Other Assets and Liabilities — 0.1% | |
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| Securities are issued in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated in the security description. |
| Non-income producing security. |
| Non-income producing security which makes payment-in- kind distributions. |
| This security is exempt from registration upon resale under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. This security is not restricted on the foreign exchange where it trades freely without any additional registration. |
| This security may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the 1933 Act. |
| Rate shown reflects yield as of September 30, 2024. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)Portfolio of Investments (Continued)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) Abbreviations throughout the Portfolio of Investments: |
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Currency Exposure Diversification | |
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Net Other Assets and Liabilities | |
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| Portfolio securities are categorized based upon their country of incorporation, which can be different from the country categorization of the Fund’s underlying index. |
Valuation InputsA summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
| | | Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs | Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs |
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| See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)Statement of Assets and Liabilities
September 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
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Investment advisory fees payable | |
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Accumulated distributable earnings (loss) | |
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NET ASSET VALUE, per share | |
Number of shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share) | |
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See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
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NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) | |
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NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS): | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | |
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Foreign currency transactions | |
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Net increase from payment by the advisor | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | |
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Foreign currency translation | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | |
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) | |
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)Statements of Changes in Net Assets
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024 (Unaudited) | |
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Net investment income (loss) | | |
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Net increase from payment by the advisor | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | |
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SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS: | | |
Proceeds from shares sold | | |
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Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from shareholder transactions | | |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | | |
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CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING: | | |
Shares outstanding, beginning of period | | |
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Shares outstanding, end of period | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)Financial Highlights
For a share outstanding throughout each period
| Six Months
Ended
9/30/2024
(Unaudited) | | Period
Ended
3/31/2022 (a) |
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Net asset value, beginning of period | | | | |
Income from investment operations: | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | | |
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Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | | | | |
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | | | |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate (g) | | | | |
| Inception date is June 22, 2021, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units were established. |
| Based on average shares outstanding. |
| Amount represents less than $0.01. |
| The Fund received a payment from the advisor in the amount of $1,328, which represents less than $0.01 per share. Since the advisor reimbursed the Fund, there was no effect on the Fund’s total return. |
| Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year. |
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| Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) 1. Organization
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on June 4, 2012, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).
This report covers the First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (the “Fund”), a diversified series of the Trust, which trades under the ticker “MDEV” on the CBOE BZX Exchange, Inc. Unlike conventional mutual funds, the Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value (“NAV”), only in large blocks of shares known as “Creation Units.”
The investment objective of the Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund’s fees and expenses) of an index called the Indxx Medical Devices Index (the “Index”). Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in the securities that comprise the Index. There can be no assurances that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund may not be appropriate for all investors.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The Fund is considered an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, “Financial Services-Investment Companies.” The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of the financial statements. The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Fund’s NAV is determined daily as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. If the NYSE closes early on a valuation day, the NAV is determined as of that time. Foreign securities are priced using data reflecting the earlier closing of the principal markets for those securities. The Fund’s NAV is calculated by dividing the value of all assets of the Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding.
The Fund’s investments are valued daily at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value. Market value prices represent readily available market quotations such as last sale or official closing prices from a national or foreign exchange (i.e., a regulated market) and are primarily obtained from third-party pricing services. Fair value prices represent any prices not considered market value prices and are either obtained from a third-party pricing service or are determined by the Pricing Committee of the Fund’s investment advisor, First Trust Advisors L.P. (“First Trust” or the “Advisor”), in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, and in accordance with provisions of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder. Investments valued by the Advisor’s Pricing Committee, if any, are footnoted as such in the footnotes to the Portfolio of Investments. The Fund’s investments are valued as follows:
Common stocks and other equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange (excluding Nasdaq, Inc. (“Nasdaq”) and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”)) are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded or, for Nasdaq and AIM securities, the official closing price. Securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, at the close of the securities exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities.
Securities trading on foreign exchanges or over-the-counter markets that close prior to the NYSE close may be valued using a systematic fair valuation model provided by a third-party pricing service. If these foreign securities meet certain criteria in relation to the valuation model, their valuation is systematically adjusted to reflect the impact of movement in the U.S. market after the close of the foreign markets.
Equity securities traded in an over-the-counter market are valued at the close price or the last trade price.
Shares of open-end funds are valued based on NAV per share.
Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities may be valued by the Advisor’s Pricing Committee at fair value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) for which a third-party pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; a security whose market or fair value price is not available from a pre-established pricing source; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of the Fund’s NAV or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the third-party pricing service, does not reflect the security’s fair value. As a general principle, the current fair value of a security would appear to be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its current sale. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchanges. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities, including, but not limited to, the following:
1)
the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded or, for Nasdaq and AIM securities, the official closing price;
3)
the size of the holding;
4)
the initial cost of the security;
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transactions in comparable securities;
6)
price quotes from dealers and/or third-party pricing services;
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relationships among various securities;
8)
information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, or the appropriate stock exchange;
9)
an analysis of the issuer’s financial statements;
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the existence of merger proposals or tender offers that might affect the value of the security; and
11)
other relevant factors.
If the securities in question are foreign securities, the following additional information may be considered:
1)
the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded;
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the value of similar foreign securities traded on other foreign markets;
3)
ADR trading of similar securities;
4)
closed-end fund or exchange-traded fund trading of similar securities;
5)
foreign currency exchange activity;
6)
the trading prices of financial products that are tied to baskets of foreign securities;
7)
factors relating to the event that precipitated the pricing problem;
8)
whether the event is likely to recur;
9)
whether the effects of the event are isolated or whether they affect entire markets, countries or regions; and
10)
other relevant factors.
In addition, differences between the prices used to calculate the Fund’s NAV and the prices used by the Fund’s corresponding index could result in a difference between the Fund’s performance and the performance of its underlying index.
Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which investors may transact in the shares of the Fund, the value of the Fund’s securities may change on the days when investors are not able to transact in the shares of the Fund. The value of the securities denominated in foreign currencies is converted into U.S. dollars using exchange rates determined daily as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Any use of a different rate from the rates used by a relevant index may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to track the index.
The Fund is subject to fair value accounting standards that define fair value, establish the framework for measuring fair value and provide a three-level hierarchy for fair valuation based upon the inputs to the valuation as of the measurement date. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) • Level 1 – Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical investments. An active market is a market in which transactions for the investment occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
• Level 2 – Level 2 inputs are observable inputs, either directly or indirectly, and include the following:
o Quoted prices for similar investments in active markets.
o Quoted prices for identical or similar investments in markets that are non-active. A non-active market is a market where there are few transactions for the investment, the prices are not current, or price quotations vary substantially either over time or among market makers, or in which little information is released publicly.
o Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the investment (for example, interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, and default rates).
o Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
• Level 3 – Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs may reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the investment.
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those investments. A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2024, is included with the Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.
B. Securities Transactions and Investment Income
Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, if any, is recorded on the accrual basis.
Withholding taxes and tax reclaims on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.
The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investments and items of income and expense are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Unrealized gains and losses on assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, which result from changes in foreign currency exchange rates have been included in “Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency translation” on the Statement of Operations. Unrealized gains and losses on investments in securities which result from changes in foreign exchange rates are included with fluctuations arising from changes in market price and are shown in “Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments” on the Statement of Operations. Net realized foreign currency gains and losses include the effect of changes in exchange rates between trade date and settlement date on investment security transactions, foreign currency transactions and interest and dividends received and are included in “Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions” on the Statement of Operations. The portion of foreign currency gains and losses related to fluctuations in exchange rates between the initial purchase settlement date and subsequent sale trade date is included in “Net realized gain (loss) on investments” on the Statement of Operations.
D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders
Dividends from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid quarterly, or as the Board of Trustees may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by the Fund, if any, are distributed at least annually. The Fund may also designate a portion of the amount paid to redeeming shareholders as a distribution for tax purposes.
Distributions from net investment income and realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Certain capital accounts in the financial statements are periodically adjusted for permanent differences in order to reflect their tax character. These permanent differences are primarily due to the varying treatment of income and gain/loss on portfolio securities held by the Fund and have no impact on net assets or NAV per share. Temporary differences, which arise from recognizing certain items of income, expense and gain/loss in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes, will reverse at some time in the future.
There were no distributions paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) As of March 31, 2024, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis for the Fund were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income | |
Accumulated capital and other gain (loss) | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | |
The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which includes distributing substantially all of its net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders. Accordingly, no provision has been made for federal and state income taxes. However, due to the timing and amount of distributions, the Fund may be subject to an excise tax of 4% of the amount by which approximately 98% of the Fund’s taxable income exceeds the distributions from such taxable income for the calendar year.
The Fund is subject to accounting standards that establish a minimum threshold for recognizing, and a system for measuring, the benefits of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The taxable years ended 2022, 2023, and 2024 remain open to federal and state audit. As of September 30, 2024, management has evaluated the application of these standards to the Fund and has determined that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements for uncertain tax positions.
The Fund intends to utilize provisions of the federal income tax laws, which allow it to carry a realized capital loss forward indefinitely following the year of the loss and offset such loss against any future realized capital gains. The Fund is subject to certain limitations under U.S. tax rules on the use of capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses. These limitations apply when there has been a 50% change in ownership. At March 31, 2024, for federal income tax purposes, the Fund had $348,798 of non-expiring capital loss carryforwards available, to the extent provided by regulations, to offset future capital gains. To the extent that these loss carryforwards are used to offset future capital gains, it is probable that the capital gains so offset will not be distributed to the Fund’s shareholders.
Certain losses realized during the current fiscal year may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following fiscal year for federal income tax purposes. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, the Fund had no net late year ordinary or capital losses.
As of September 30, 2024, the aggregate cost, gross unrealized appreciation, gross unrealized depreciation, and net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments (including short positions and derivatives, if any) for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| Gross Unrealized
Appreciation | Gross Unrealized
(Depreciation) | Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation) |
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Expenses, other than the investment advisory fee and other excluded expenses, are paid by the Advisor (see Note 3).
First Trust has entered into a license agreement with Indxx, Inc. (the “Licensor”), for the Fund. The license agreement allows for the use by First Trust of the Fund’s index and of certain trademarks and trade names of the Licensor. The Fund is a sub-licensee to the applicable agreement.
3. Investment Advisory Fee, Affiliated Transactions and Other Fee Arrangements
First Trust, the investment advisor to the Fund, is a limited partnership with one limited partner, Grace Partners of DuPage L.P., and one general partner, The Charger Corporation. The Charger Corporation is an Illinois corporation controlled by James A. Bowen, Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities in the Fund’s portfolio, managing the Fund’s business affairs and providing certain administrative services necessary for the management of the Fund.
Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Advisor, First Trust manages the investment of the Fund’s assets and is responsible for the Fund’s expenses, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, licensing fees, legal, audit and other services, but excluding fee payments under the Investment Management
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) Agreement, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, expenses attributable to investments in other investment companies (“acquired fund fees and expenses”), expenses associated with short sales transactions and extraordinary expenses. The annual unitary management fee payable by the Fund to First Trust for these services will be reduced at certain levels of the Fund’s net assets (“breakpoints”) and calculated pursuant to the following schedule:
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Fund net assets up to and including $2.5 billion | |
Fund net assets greater than $2.5 billion up to and including $5 billion | |
Fund net assets greater than $5 billion up to and including $7.5 billion | |
Fund net assets greater than $7.5 billion up to and including $10 billion | |
Fund net assets greater than $10 billion | |
For the six months ended September 30, 2024, the Fund received a payment from the Advisor in the amount of $1,328 in connection with a trade error.
The Trust has multiple service agreements with The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNY”). Under the service agreements, BNY performs custodial, fund accounting, certain administrative services, and transfer agency services for the Fund. As custodian, BNY is responsible for custody of the Fund’s assets. As fund accountant and administrator, BNY is responsible for maintaining the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. As transfer agent, BNY is responsible for maintaining shareholder records for the Fund. BNY is a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, a financial holding company.
Each Trustee who is not an officer or employee of First Trust, any sub-advisor or any of their affiliates (“Independent Trustees”) is paid a fixed annual retainer that is allocated equally among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex. Each Independent Trustee is also paid an annual per fund fee that varies based on whether the fund is a closed-end or other actively managed fund, a target outcome fund or an index fund.
Additionally, the Chairs of the Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Valuation Committee, the Vice Chair of the Audit Committee, the Lead Independent Trustee and the Vice Lead Independent Trustee are paid annual fees to serve in such capacities, with such compensation allocated pro rata among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex based on net assets. Independent Trustees are reimbursed for travel and out-of-pocket expenses in connection with all meetings. The Committee Chairs, the Audit Committee Vice Chair, the Lead Independent Trustee and the Vice Lead Independent Trustee rotate periodically in serving in such capacities. The officers and “Interested” Trustee receive no compensation from the Trust for acting in such capacities.
4. Purchases and Sales of Securities
For the six months ended September 30, 2024, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were $336,231 and $332,265, respectively.
For the six months ended September 30, 2024, the Fund had no in-kind transactions.
5. Creations, Redemptions and Transaction Fees
The Fund generally issues and redeems its shares in primary market transactions through a creation and redemption mechanism and does not sell or redeem individual shares. Instead, financial entities known as “Authorized Participants” have contractual arrangements with the Fund or one of the Fund’s service providers to purchase and redeem Fund shares directly with the Fund in Creation Units. Prior to the start of trading on every business day, the Fund publishes through the National Securities Clearing Corporation the “basket” of securities, cash or other assets that it will accept in exchange for a Creation Unit of the Fund’s shares. An Authorized Participant that wishes to effectuate a creation of the Fund’s shares deposits with the Fund the “basket” of securities, cash or other assets identified by the Fund that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of the Fund’s shares in return for those assets. After purchasing a Creation Unit, the Authorized Participant may continue to hold the Fund’s shares or sell them in the secondary market. The redemption process is the reverse of the purchase process: the Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit of the Fund’s shares for a basket of securities, cash or other assets. The combination of the creation and redemption process with secondary market trading in the Fund’s shares and underlying securities provides arbitrage opportunities that are designed to help keep the market price of the Fund’s shares at or close to the NAV per share of the Fund.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) The Fund imposes fees in connection with the purchase of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various fact-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of the Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, plus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the creation basket.
The Fund also imposes fees in connection with the redemption of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various fact-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price received for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of the Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, minus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the redemption basket. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary in addition to an Authorized Participant to effect a redemption of a Creation Unit may also be assessed an amount to cover the cost of such services. The redemption fee charged by the Fund will comply with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act which limits redemption fees to no more than 2% of the value of the shares redeemed.
The Board of Trustees adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Rule 12b-1 plan, the Fund is authorized to pay an amount up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets each year to reimburse First Trust Portfolios L.P. (“FTP”), the distributor of the Fund, for amounts expended to finance activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Creation Units or the provision of investor services. FTP may also use this amount to compensate securities dealers or other persons that are Authorized Participants for providing distribution assistance, including broker-dealer and shareholder support and educational and promotional services.
No 12b-1 fees are currently paid by the Fund, and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, no 12b-1 fees will be paid any time before July 31, 2026.
The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Trust has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements that have not already been disclosed.
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants (Item 8 of Form N-CSR)
There were no changes in or disagreements with the Fund’s accountants during the six months ended September 30, 2024.
Proxy Disclosures (Item 9 of Form N-CSR)
There were no matters submitted for vote by shareholders of the Fund during the six months ended September 30, 2024.
Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others (Item 10 of Form N-CSR)
Independent Trustees and any member of any advisory board of the Fund are compensated through the unitary management fee paid by the Fund to the advisor and not directly by the Fund. The investment advisory fee paid is included in the Statement of Operations.
Statement Regarding the Basis for the Board’s Approval of Investment Advisory Contract (Item 11 of Form N-CSR)
The Board of Trustees of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI (the “Trust”), including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the continuation of the Investment Management Agreement (the “Agreement”) with First Trust Advisors L.P. (the “Advisor”) on behalf of the First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (the “Fund”). The Board approved the continuation of the Agreement for a one-year period ending June 30, 2025 at a meeting held on June 2–3, 2024. The Board determined that the continuation of the Agreement is in the best interests of the Fund in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided and such other matters as the Board considered to be relevant in the exercise of its business judgment.
To reach this determination, the Board considered its duties under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as well as under the general principles of state law, in reviewing and approving advisory contracts; the requirements of the 1940 Act in such matters; the fiduciary duty of investment advisors with respect to advisory agreements and compensation; the standards used by courts in determining whether investment company boards have fulfilled their duties; and the factors to be considered by the Board in voting on such agreements. At meetings held on April 16, 2024, April 25, 2024 and June 2–3, 2024, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed materials provided by the Advisor responding to requests for information from counsel to the Independent Trustees, submitted on behalf of the Independent Trustees, that, among other things, outlined: the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund (including the relevant personnel responsible for these services and their experience); the unitary fee rate schedule payable by the Fund as compared to fees charged to a peer group of funds (the “Expense Group”) and a broad peer universe of funds (the “Expense Universe”), each assembled by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent source, and as compared to fees charged to other clients of the Advisor, including other exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) managed by the Advisor; the expense ratio of the Fund as compared to expense ratios of the funds in the Fund’s Expense Group and Expense Universe; performance information for the Fund, including comparisons of the Fund’s performance to that of one or more relevant benchmark indexes and to that of a performance group of funds and a broad performance universe of funds (the “Performance Universe”), each assembled by Broadridge; the nature of expenses incurred in providing services to the Fund and the potential for the Advisor to realize economies of scale, if any; profitability and other financial data for the Advisor; any indirect benefits to the Advisor and its affiliate, First Trust Portfolios L.P. (“FTP”); and information on the Advisor’s compliance program. The Board reviewed initial materials with the Advisor at the meeting held on April 25, 2024, prior to which the Independent Trustees and their counsel met separately to discuss the information provided by the Advisor. Following the April 25, 2024 meeting, counsel to the Independent Trustees, on behalf of the Independent Trustees, requested certain clarifications and supplements to the materials provided, and the information provided in response to those requests was considered at an executive session of the Independent Trustees and their counsel held prior to the June 2–3, 2024 meeting, as well as at the June meeting. The Board applied its business judgment to determine whether the arrangement between the Trust and the Advisor continues to be a reasonable business arrangement from the Fund’s perspective. The Board determined that, given the totality of the information provided with respect to the Agreement, the Board had received sufficient information to renew the Agreement. The Board considered that shareholders chose to invest or remain invested in the Fund knowing that the Advisor manages the Fund and knowing the Fund’s unitary fee.
In reviewing the Agreement, the Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Advisor under the Agreement. The Board considered that the Advisor is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Trust and the Fund and reviewed all of the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund, as well as the background and experience of the persons responsible for such services. In reviewing the services provided, the Board noted the compliance program that had been developed by the Advisor and considered that it includes a robust program for monitoring the Advisor’s and the Fund’s compliance with the 1940 Act, as well as the Fund’s compliance with its investment objective, policies and restrictions. The Board also considered a report from the Advisor with respect to its risk management functions related to the operation of the Fund. Finally, as part of the Board’s consideration of the Advisor’s services, the Advisor, in its written materials and at the April 25, 2024 meeting, described to the Board
Other Information (Continued)
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) the scope of its ongoing investment in additional personnel and infrastructure to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to the Fund and the other funds in the First Trust Fund Complex. In light of the information presented and the considerations made, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Trust and the Fund by the Advisor under the Agreement have been and are expected to remain satisfactory and that the Advisor has managed the Fund consistent with its investment objective, policies and restrictions.
The Board considered the unitary fee rate schedule payable by the Fund under the Agreement for the services provided. The Board considered that as part of the unitary fee the Advisor is responsible for the Fund’s expenses, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services and license fees, if any, but excluding the fee payment under the Agreement and interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses, if any. The Board received and reviewed information showing the fee rates and expense ratios of the peer funds in the Expense Group, as well as advisory and unitary fee rates charged by the Advisor to other fund (including ETFs) and non-fund clients, as applicable. Because the Fund pays a unitary fee, the Board determined that expense ratios were the most relevant comparative data point. Based on the information provided, the Board noted that the total (net) expense ratio for the Fund was above the median total (net) expense ratio of the peer funds in the Expense Group. With respect to the Expense Group, the Board discussed with Broadridge its methodology for assembling peer groups and discussed with the Advisor limitations in creating peer groups for index ETFs, including differences in underlying indexes and index-tracking methodologies that can result in greater management complexities across seemingly comparable ETFs, and different business models that may affect the pricing of services among ETF sponsors. The Board took these limitations and differences into account in considering the peer data. With respect to fees charged to other non-ETF clients, the Board considered differences between the Fund and other non-ETF clients that limited their comparability. In considering the unitary fee rate schedule overall, the Board also considered the Advisor’s statement that it seeks to meet investor needs through innovative and value-added investment solutions and the Advisor’s demonstrated long-term commitment to the Fund and the other funds in the First Trust Fund Complex.
The Board considered performance information for the Fund. The Board noted the process it has established for monitoring the Fund’s performance and portfolio risk on an ongoing basis, which includes quarterly performance reporting from the Advisor for the Fund. The Board determined that this process continues to be effective for reviewing the Fund’s performance. The Board received and reviewed information for the one-year period ended December 31, 2023 regarding the performance of the Fund’s underlying index, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of its underlying index, the Fund’s tracking difference and the Fund’s excess return as compared to its benchmark index. Based on the information provided and its ongoing review of performance, the Board concluded that the Fund was correlated to its underlying index and that the tracking difference for the Fund was within a reasonable range and noted the Advisor’s discussion of the Fund’s correlation at the April 25, 2024 meeting. In addition, the Board reviewed data prepared by Broadridge comparing the Fund’s performance to that of the Performance Universe and to that of a broad-based benchmark index. However, given the Fund’s objective of seeking investment results that correspond generally to the performance of its underlying index, the Board placed more emphasis on its review of correlation and tracking difference.
On the basis of all the information provided on the unitary fee and performance of the Fund and the ongoing oversight by the Board, the Board concluded that the unitary fee for the Fund continues to be reasonable and appropriate in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the Agreement.
The Board considered information and discussed with the Advisor whether there were any economies of scale in connection with providing advisory services to the Fund at current asset levels and whether the Fund may benefit from any economies of scale. The Board noted that the unitary fee rate schedule for the Fund includes breakpoints pursuant to which the unitary fee rate will be reduced as assets of the Fund meet certain thresholds. The Board considered the Advisor’s statement that it believes that its expenses relating to providing advisory services to the Fund will increase during the next twelve months as the Advisor continues to build infrastructure and add new staff. The Board also noted that under the unitary fee structure, any reduction in expenses associated with the management and operations of the Fund would benefit the Advisor, but that the unitary fee structure provides a level of certainty in expenses for shareholders of the Fund. The Board concluded that the unitary fee rate schedule for the Fund reflects an appropriate level of sharing of any economies of scale that may be realized in the management of the Fund at current asset levels. The Board considered the revenues and allocated costs (including the allocation methodology) of the Advisor in serving as investment advisor to the Fund for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and the estimated profitability level for the Fund calculated by the Advisor based on such data, as well as complex-wide and product-line profitability data, for the same period. The Board noted the inherent limitations in the profitability analysis and concluded that, based on the information provided, the Advisor’s profitability level for the Fund was not unreasonable. In addition, the Board considered indirect benefits described by the Advisor that may be realized from its relationship with the Fund. The Board considered that the Advisor had identified as an indirect benefit to the Advisor and FTP their
Other Information (Continued)
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV)September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) exposure to investors and brokers who, absent their exposure to the Fund, may have had no dealings with the Advisor or FTP, and noted that the Advisor does not utilize soft dollars in connection with the Fund. The Board concluded that the character and amount of potential indirect benefits to the Advisor were not unreasonable.
Based on all of the information considered and the conclusions reached, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously determined that the terms of the Agreement continue to be fair and reasonable and that the continuation of the Agreement is in the best interests of the Fund. No single factor was determinative in the Board’s analysis.
Indxx and Indxx Medical Devices Index (“Index”) are trademarks of Indxx, Inc. (“Indxx”) and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by First Trust. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Indxx, and Indxx makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in such product. The Index is determined, composed and calculated by Indxx without regard to First Trust or the Fund.
(b) The Financial Highlights is included in the Financial Statements and Other Information filed under Item 7(a) of this form.
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies.
| (a) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
Item 9. Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies.
[Not applicable to the Registrant.]/OR [include required information from Form N-CSR if applicable]
Item 10. Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies
This information is included in the Financial Statements and Other Information filed under Item 7 of this Form N-CSR.
Item 11. Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract.
This statement is included in the Registrant’s Semi-annual Report filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
Item 12. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable to the Registrant.
Item 13. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable to the Registrant.
Item 14. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable to the Registrant.
Item 15. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.
Item 16. Controls and Procedures.
| (a) | The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)). |
| (b) | There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Item 17. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
| (a) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
| (b) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
Item 18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.
| (a) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
| (b) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
Item 19. Exhibits.
| (a)(1) | Not applicable to semi-annual reports on Form N-CSR. |
| (a)(3) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
| (a)(4) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| (registrant) | | First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VI |
| By (Signature and Title)* | | /s/ James M. Dykas |
| | | James M. Dykas, President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer) |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| By (Signature and Title)* | | /s/ James M. Dykas |
| | | James M. Dykas, President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer) |
| By (Signature and Title)* | | /s/ Derek D. Maltbie |
| | | Derek D. Maltbie, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer
and Chief Accounting Officer
(principal financial officer) |
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.
