As
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
1933 Act Registration No. 333-261613
1940 Act Registration No. 811-23761
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
| REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | ☒ | |||
| Pre-Effective Amendment No. | ☐ | ☐ | ||
| Post-Effective Amendment No. | ☒ | [26] | ||
| and/or | ||||
| REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | ☒ | |||
| Amendment No. | ☒ | [27] | ||
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
c/o Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10104-0002
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 476-8800
Joseph V. Amato
Chief Executive Officer and President
Neuberger Berman ETF Trust
c/o Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10104-0002
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
With copies to:
Stacy L. Fuller, Esq.
Lori L. Schneider, Esq.
K&L Gates LLP
1601 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006-1600
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: Continuous
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
| ☐ | immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) |
| ☒ | on |
| ☐ | 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
| ☐ | on _________________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
| ☐ | 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) |
| ☐ | on _________________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) |
| ☐ | on _________________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of Rule 485. |
If appropriate, check the following box:
| ☐ | this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |
Title of Securities Being Registered:
Shares of Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF, and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF.
NEUBERGER BERMAN ETF TRUST
CONTENTS OF POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 26 ON FORM N-1A
This Post-Effective Amendment consists of the following papers and documents.
| Cover Sheet | |
| Contents of Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 on Form N-1A | |
| Part A - | Prospectus |
| Part B - | Statement of Additional Information |
| Part C - | Other Information |
| Signature Page | |
| Exhibit Index | |
| Exhibits | |
This registration statement does not affect the registration of any series of the Registrant not included herein.
Neuberger Berman ETF Trust
| Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF | ||
| Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF |
Shares of each Fund are not individually redeemable. Shares of each Fund are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”).
Prospectus
These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission has not determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Contents
NEUBERGER BERMAN ETF TRUST
The Fund seeks capital appreciation.
These tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| Management fees | ||
| Other expenses | ||
| Total annual operating expenses | ||
| Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement | ||
| Total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement1 |
| 1 |
The expense example can help you compare costs among funds. The example assumes that you invested $10,000 for the periods shown, that you redeemed all of your shares at the end of those periods, that the Fund earned a hypothetical 5% total return each year, and that the Fund’s expenses were those in the table. Actual performance and expenses may be higher or lower.
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in a concentrated portfolio of equity securities issued by U.S. and foreign (non-U.S.) companies, including companies located in emerging markets, of any market capitalization, that are pursuing disruptive growth agendas (“disrupters”). The Fund defines “disrupters” as companies at various growth stages that, in the Portfolio Managers’ view, are generating or pursuing new opportunities by disrupting existing markets or creating new markets; examples of disruptive markets include autonomous driving, cloud computing, gene therapy, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, minimally-invasive therapies and liquid biopsies (e.g., blood based cancer testing). While the Fund may invest in companies of any market capitalization, it typically invests in companies that have market capitalizations greater than $500 million at the time of purchase. Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, warrants, depositary receipts, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), and equity interests in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).
In selecting the Fund’s investible universe, the Portfolio Managers evaluate market segments, products, services and business models to identify companies that they believe are well positioned to benefit from disruptive innovations, trends or developments in the markets in which they currently, or plan to, operate (e.g., companies offering a differentiated solution, technology or service model for a new market or an existing market). Utilizing internal research and analysis and leveraging insights from diverse sources, including publicly available company data, third-party research, data science, and proactive engagement with company management, the Portfolio Managers make investment decisions through a fundamental analysis of each company relevant to the
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particular disruptive theme. As part of this analysis, the Portfolio Managers evaluate the company’s growth potential, earnings estimates and quality of management, as well as other factors including some or all of the following: (i) stock prices which appear undervalued relative to the Portfolio Managers’ long-term cash flow growth potential; (ii) free cash flow generation and growth potential, including the Portfolio Managers’ views on the present value of that expectation; (iii) companies that are, or have the potential to become, industry leaders represented by high and growing market share, pricing power, or superior technology and/or business models relative to peers or new entrants; and (iv) underappreciated embedded business optionality (i.e., potential business opportunities that may be additive to the company’s core business).
Investments may include companies operating in any industry or sector, including, but not limited to internet software & services, interactive media & services, hardware, communications equipment, semiconductors and semiconductor equipment, media, internet retail, consumer discretionary, healthcare, industrials, diversified telecommunication services and wireless telecommunication services. Disrupters are currently found primarily in the information technology, communication services, healthcare, and consumer discretionary sectors.
The Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means that it can invest more of its assets in fewer companies than a diversified fund.
As part of their fundamental investment analysis the Portfolio Managers consider Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors they believe are financially material to individual investments, where applicable. While this analysis is inherently subjective and may be informed by internally generated and third-party metrics, data and other information, the Portfolio Managers believe that the consideration of financially material ESG factors, alongside traditional financial metrics, may enhance the Fund’s overall investment process. The consideration of ESG factors does not apply to certain instruments, such as certain derivative instruments, other registered investment companies, cash and cash equivalents. The consideration of ESG factors as part of the investment process does not mean that the Fund pursues a specific “impact” or “sustainable” investment strategy.
The Portfolio Managers follow a disciplined selling strategy and may sell a position when it reaches a target price, if a company’s business fails to perform as expected, when other opportunities appear more attractive or when there are changes to macroeconomic factors, markets, sectors and/or the company that would alter the Portfolio Managers’ assumptions about the company.
Most of the Fund’s performance depends on what happens in the stock markets, the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of those developments, and the success of the Portfolio Managers in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies. The markets’ behavior can be difficult to predict, particularly in the short term. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
The Fund may take temporary defensive and cash management positions; to the extent it does, it will not be pursuing its principal investment strategies.
The actual risk exposure taken by the Fund in its investment program will vary over time, depending on various factors including the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. There can be no guarantee that the Portfolio Managers will be successful in their attempts to manage the risk exposure of the Fund or will appropriately evaluate or weigh the multiple factors involved in investment decisions, including issuer, market and/or instrument-specific analysis, valuation and ESG factors.
Each of the following risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of any presumed importance, can significantly affect the Fund’s performance. The relative importance of, or potential exposure as a result of, each of these risks will vary based on market and other investment-specific considerations.
Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a convertible security, which is a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), typically increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks of stocks when the underlying stock’s price is high relative to the conversion price and is subject to the market risks of debt securities when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price. The general market risks of debt securities that are common to convertible securities include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk -- that is, the value of convertible securities will move in the direction opposite to movements in interest rates; they are subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest or dividends when due; and their market value may change
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based on changes in the issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness. Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade and are subject to the same risks as an investment in lower-rated debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield than investment grade debt securities and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. To the extent the Fund invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-cap companies, it will be subject to the risks of investing in such companies.
Currency Risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. To the extent that the Fund invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by various factors, including investor perception and changes in interest rates; intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities; or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad.
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are certificates issued by a financial institution evidencing ownership of underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks of investing directly in the underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate if, as is often the case, the underlying foreign securities are denominated in foreign currency, and there may be an imperfect correlation between the market value of depositary receipts and the underlying foreign securities.
Disrupter Risk. The Fund will invest in disruptive technologies or companies applying such technologies. In some cases, it may invest at early and perhaps speculative stages of development, when various consequences cannot necessarily be foreseen. Disruptive activities may result in unforeseen societal, ecological or technical consequences, may face consumer resistance or indifference, may result in legal liability for damages, and may trigger regulatory responses from governments, up to and perhaps including outright prohibition. Companies applying disruptive technologies may, especially in their early stages, be unable to attract sufficient capital, and/or may find themselves unable to assemble all the components necessary, to fully exploit the technology’s potential. They may face patent issues and may trigger a strong competitive response from established companies in the disrupted business, including buy-outs at prices that do not necessarily reflect what is believed to be the long-term potential of the technology.
ETF Risk. As an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as authorized participants. Only an authorized participant may transact in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and authorized participants are not obligated to engage in such transactions. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable or unwilling to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund, such as in times of market stress, and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, trading in Fund shares may be significantly diminished, bid-ask spreads may widen and shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face trading halts or delisting. To the extent the Fund invests in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes, this risk is heightened.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”) are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security (i.e., the Fund’s quote from the closed foreign market). As a result, premiums or discounts to NAV may develop in share prices, and bid-ask spreads may be greater than those experienced by other funds. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying
4 Disrupters ETF
or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads, which is the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of a fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market, and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. If a trading halt occurs, a shareholder may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. The bid-ask spread, which varies over time, is generally narrower if the Fund has more trading volume and market liquidity and wider if the Fund has less trading volume and market liquidity. In addition, the bid-ask spread can be affected by the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying investments and can widen if the Fund’s underlying investments become less liquid or illiquid. In addition, although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained, that bid-ask spreads will be narrow, or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed.
Foreign and Emerging Market Risk. Foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities. Additional risks include exposure to less developed or less efficient trading markets; social, political, diplomatic, or economic instability; trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.); imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals; significant government involvement in an economy and/or market structure; fluctuations in foreign currencies or currency redenomination; potential for default on sovereign debt; nationalization or expropriation of assets; settlement, custodial or other operational risks; higher transaction costs; confiscatory withholding or other taxes; and less stringent auditing and accounting, corporate disclosure, governance, and legal standards. As a result, foreign securities may fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid, than comparable U.S. securities. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Investing in emerging market countries involves risks in addition to and greater than those generally associated with investing in more developed foreign countries. The governments of emerging market countries may be more unstable and more likely to impose capital controls, nationalize a company or industry, place restrictions on foreign ownership and on withdrawing sale proceeds of securities from the country, intervene in the financial markets, and/or impose burdensome taxes that could adversely affect security prices. To the extent a foreign security is denominated in U.S. dollars, there is also the risk that a foreign government will not let U.S. dollar-denominated assets leave the country. In addition, the economies of emerging market countries may be dependent on relatively few industries that are more susceptible to local and global changes. Emerging market countries may also have less developed legal and accounting systems, and their legal systems may deal with issuer bankruptcies and defaults differently than U.S. law would. Securities markets in emerging market countries are also relatively small and have substantially lower trading volumes. Securities of issuers in emerging market countries may be more volatile and less liquid than securities of issuers in foreign countries with more developed economies or markets and the situation may require that the Fund fair value its holdings in those countries.
Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange, or by governmental authorities. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging or less-developed market countries than in countries with more developed markets. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and in instruments that reference the securities, such as derivative instruments, may be halted. In the event that the Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities or instruments, the Fund’s ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and the Fund could incur significant losses.
Growth Stock Risk. Because the prices of most growth stocks are based on future expectations, these stocks tend to be more sensitive than value stocks to bad economic news and negative earnings surprises. When these expectations are not met or decrease, the prices of these stocks may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Bad economic news or changing investor perceptions may adversely affect growth stocks across several sectors and industries simultaneously.
Industry Concentration Risk. The Fund concentrates its investments in a particular industry or group of industries and has greater exposure than other funds to market, economic and other factors affecting that industry or group of industries.
Issuer-Specific Risk. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole.
5 Disrupters ETF
brokerage costs, and expenses. Large redemptions could also result in tax consequences to shareholders and impact the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy.
Liquidity Risk. From time to time, the trading market for a particular investment in which the Fund invests, or a particular type of instrument in which the Fund is invested, may become less liquid or even illiquid. Illiquid investments frequently can be more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous price or time, and there is a greater risk that the investments may not be sold for the price at which the Fund is carrying them. Certain investments that were liquid when the Fund purchased them may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly. Additionally, market closures due to holidays or other factors may render a security or group of securities (e.g., securities tied to a particular country or geographic region) illiquid for a period of time. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such securities or other investments may be volatile. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to limit losses.
Unexpected episodes of illiquidity, including due to market or political factors, instrument or issuer-specific factors and/or unanticipated outflows or other factors, may limit the Fund’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions.
Market Capitalization Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in securities of small-, mid-, or large-cap companies, it takes on the associated risks. At times, any of these market capitalizations may be out of favor with investors. Compared to small- and mid-cap companies, large-cap companies may be unable to respond as quickly to changes and opportunities and may grow at a slower rate. Compared to large-cap companies, small- and mid-cap companies may depend on a more limited management group, may have a shorter history of operations, less publicly available information, less stable earnings and limited product lines, markets or financial resources. The securities of small- and mid-cap companies are often more volatile, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, and less liquid than the securities of larger companies and may be more affected than other types of securities by the underperformance of a sector, during market downturns, by adverse publicity and investor perceptions, by interest rate changes and by government regulation.
Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. If the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for better performance.
Non-Diversified Fund Risk.
Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities, which are a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities, however, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred securities are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors and after the company makes required payments to holders of its debt securities. For this reason, preferred securities are subject to greater credit, interest, and liquidation risk than debt securities, and the value of preferred securities will usually react more strongly than debt securities to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies. Preferred securities may be less liquid than common stocks.
Recent Market Conditions. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing or changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time.
6 Disrupters ETF
Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, in 2022, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks raised interest rates as part of their efforts to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks recently began to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors, such as inflation, could stop such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce bank balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various markets or decrease confidence in the markets.
Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between countries and regions, including the U.S. and China, political or economic dysfunction within some countries or regions, including major producers of commodities, and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, if the U.S. dollar continues to be strong, it may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Regulators in the U.S. have proposed and adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which apply to the Fund. The full effect of various newly adopted regulations is not currently known. Additionally, it is not currently known whether any of the proposed regulations will be adopted. However, due to the scope of regulations being proposed and adopted, certain of these changes to regulation could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for it to operate, or adversely impact performance.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact its performance.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and any sanctions and related events cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted.
High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation’s debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and substantial investment risks that cannot now be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy.
Global climate change can have potential effects on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impact of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impact of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, including any direct or indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.
REITs and Other Real Estate Companies Risk. REITs and other real estate company securities are subject to risks similar to those of direct investments in real estate and the real estate industry in general, including, among other risks: general and local economic conditions; changes in interest rates; declines in property values; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; increases in property taxes and other operating expenses; overbuilding in their sector of the real estate market; fluctuations in rental income; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; changes in tax and regulatory requirements; losses due to environmental liabilities; casualty or condemnation losses; changing social trends regarding working arrangements; or other economic, social, political, or regulatory matters affecting the real estate industry. REITs also are dependent upon the skills and creditworthiness of their managers, subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation and generally not diversified.
Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net investment income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (“Code”) or to maintain
7 Disrupters ETF
their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The value of REIT common shares may decline when interest rates rise. REITs and other real estate company securities tend to be small- to mid-cap securities and are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-cap securities.
Sector Risk. In addition to the Fund’s policy regarding concentration of its investments in companies operating in one or more industries within the Information Technology and Communications Services groups of industries, from time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. The sectors in which disrupters are found may change in the future, and the sectors in which the Fund invests may change with such change in sectors. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors or sub-sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Additional risks associated with certain types of sectors are discussed below:
Communication Services Sector Risk. Companies in the communication services sector may be dominated by a small number of companies which may lead to additional volatility. These companies are particularly vulnerable to the potential obsolescence of products and services due to technological advances, social media trends and the innovation of competitors. Companies in the communication services sector may also be affected by other competitive pressures, such as pricing competition, as well as research and development costs, substantial capital requirements, and government regulation. Fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics, and often unpredictable changes in consumer demand can drastically affect a communication services company’s profitability. Compliance with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business of telecommunication services companies.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. Companies in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to the risk that their products or services may become obsolete quickly. The success of these companies can depend heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending and may be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Healthcare Sector Risk. Companies in the healthcare sector may be adversely affected by extensive government regulation, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising or falling costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, limited number of products, product obsolescence, industry innovation, changes in technologies and other market developments. Companies in the healthcare sector are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect these companies. Many of these companies are subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. These companies are subject to competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Companies in the Information technology sector face intense competition, both domestically and internationally. These companies may be smaller or newer and may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of companies in the information technology sector may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. These companies may be developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are not yet established and may never become established.
Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
Value Stock Risk. Value stocks are those stocks whose stock prices, whether based on earnings, book value, or other financial measures, do not reflect their full economic opportunities. Value stocks may remain undervalued for extended periods of time, may decrease in value during a given period, may not ever realize what the portfolio management team believes to be their full value, or the portfolio management team’s assumptions about intrinsic value or potential for appreciation may be incorrect. This may happen, among other reasons, because of a failure to anticipate which stocks or industries would benefit from changing market or economic conditions or investor preferences.
Warrants and Rights Risk. Warrants and rights do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holder to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result,
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warrants and rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities. The Fund could lose the value of a warrant or right if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not exercised prior to the warrant’s or right’s expiration date. The market for warrants and rights may be very limited and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for warrants and rights.
A summary of the Fund’s additional principal investment risks is as follows:
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers, and your ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, processing and communications errors, counterparty and third-party disruptions or errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality, including those related to critical functions. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. It is not possible for the Manager or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Artificial Intelligence. The Fund and its service providers, including its adviser, may utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including machine learning models and generative AI, to improve operational efficiency and in connection with research. In addition, counterparties used by the Fund may utilize AI in their business activities. The Fund and its adviser are not in a position to control the use of AI in third-party products or services. The use of AI introduces numerous potential challenges and the use of AI can lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and competitive disadvantages, as well as negatively impact business operations, which may occur with or without mismanagement in the use of the AI. AI requires the collection and processing of substantial amounts of data, which poses risks of data inaccuracies, incompleteness, and inherent biases, and which can degrade the technology’s effectiveness and reliability. Such data can include proprietary information, the use of which by AI may be unauthorized and subject to potential liability. Rapid technological advancements further complicate risk predictions, and competitors who adopt AI more swiftly may gain a competitive edge. The complexity and opacity of AI systems raise significant accountability and ethical concerns. AI has enhanced the ability of threat actors to amplify the potency, scale, and speed of cybersecurity attacks. AI’s role in increasing automation raises concerns about job displacement and may lead to economic and social disruptions. The unpredictable nature of AI’s impact on market dynamics complicates traditional risk assessment models, making it challenging to identify risks and opportunities using historical data. Regulatory frameworks governing AI’s use, particularly concerning data privacy and protection, are evolving rapidly. These changes could materially alter how AI is used, which may negatively impact the Fund.
Risk Management. Risk is an essential part of investing. No risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to adverse events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by such events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program. The Fund could experience losses if judgments about risk prove to be incorrect.
Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value an investment, the Fund may be required to value such investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent price and from the prices used by other funds to calculate their NAVs. The Fund uses pricing services to provide values for certain securities and there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell an investment at the price established by such pricing services. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
9 Disrupters ETF
Returns would have been lower if the Manager had not waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown.
:
:
:
| 1 Year | Since Inception () | |||
| Return Before Taxes | ||||
| Return After Taxes on Distributions | ||||
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | ||||
| Russell 3000® Index* | ||||
| Russell 1000® Growth Index |
||||
| Russell Midcap® Growth Index |
||||
| Russell 2000® Growth Index |
| * |
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA” or the “Manager”) is the Fund’s investment manager.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Fund is managed by Richard Bradt (Managing Director of the Manager) and Jason Tauber, CFA (Managing Director of the Manager). They have managed the Fund since its inception in April, 2022.
10 Disrupters ETF
Buying and Selling Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at its NAV only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof, and only with authorized participants who have entered into contractual arrangements with the Fund’s distributor.
Individual Shares (rather than Creation Units) of a Fund may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker or dealer at market price and most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Fund on such an exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The prices at which individual Shares may be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through brokers are based on market prices and, because Shares will trade at market prices rather than at NAV, individual Shares of a Fund may trade at a price greater than or less than NAV. Shares of the Fund are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying and selling shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer.
Recent information, including information about the Fund’s NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is included on the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/ETF.
Tax Information
Unless you invest in the Fund through a tax-advantaged retirement plan or account or are a tax-exempt investor, you will be subject to tax on Fund distributions to you of ordinary income and/or net capital gains. Those distributions generally are not taxable to such a plan or account or a tax-exempt investor, although withdrawals from certain retirement plans and accounts generally are subject to federal income tax.
Payments to Investment Providers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer or other financial intermediary, such as a bank, brokerage firm, workplace retirement program, or financial adviser (who may be affiliated with the Manager), the Fund and/or Neuberger Berman BD LLC and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker/dealer or other financial intermediary and its employees to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial intermediary or visit its website for more information.
11 Disrupters ETF
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
These tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| Management fees | ||
| Other expenses | ||
| Total annual operating expenses | ||
| Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement | ||
| Total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement1 |
| 1 |
The expense example can help you compare costs among funds. The example assumes that you invested $10,000 for the periods shown, that you redeemed all of your shares at the end of those periods, that the Fund earned a hypothetical 5% total return each year, and that the Fund’s expenses were those in the table. Actual performance and expenses may be higher or lower.
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in equity securities issued by U.S. and foreign (non-U.S.) companies, including companies located in emerging markets, of any market capitalization, that are relevant to the theme of investing in the “Next Generation Connected Consumer” (referred to herein as “NextGen Consumer”). The Fund considers “NextGen Consumer” companies to be those companies that in the Portfolio Managers’ view are potential beneficiaries of the growing economic power of Generation Y and Z populations, including companies that may demonstrate significant growth potential from the development, advancement, use or sale of products, processes or services related to connectivity-based consumerism, including the global fifth generation (i.e., 5G) mobile network and future generations of mobile network connectivity and technology.
NextGen Consumer companies may include companies operating in any industry or sector. At times, the Portfolio Managers may emphasize certain sectors that they believe will benefit from market or economic trends and such sectors currently include, but are not limited to: information technology (e.g., electronics, cloud and online storage), consumer discretionary (e.g., internet retail, virtual reality enabled e-commerce, entertainment), communication services (e.g., interactive media, social media and messaging), and consumer staples (personal, household and food products, commerce and food delivery).
Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, warrants, depositary receipts, exchange-traded funds, and equity interests in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), and China A-shares using the “connect programs” of local stock exchanges in China, such as the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program, the
12 Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF
Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program or other similar programs. While the Fund may invest in companies of any market capitalization, the Fund typically invests in companies that have market capitalization greater than $500 million at time of purchase.
The Fund’s investable universe is constructed by analyzing consumer trends and behavior within the Generation Y and Z populations. The Portfolio Managers utilize data analysis tools including machine learning, natural language process and algorithms which evaluate publicly available company information to classify companies that the Portfolio Managers believe are relevant to the Fund’s investment theme of the NextGen Consumer (as defined above) (i.e., companies that have introduced, or are seeking to introduce, a product or service that can benefit from the growing economic power of Generation Y and Z populations). In identifying the Fund’s investible universe, the Portfolio Managers seek to identify companies that demonstrate certain economic characteristics that the team views as attractive, including: growth of earnings and/or sales, increases in research and development budgets, and increases in allocations to certain operating expenses related to the NextGen Consumer (e.g., sales, general and administrative, and recruiting efforts among other indicia of focus on Generation Y and Z populations).
The Portfolio Managers will utilize disciplined, fundamental, bottom-up securities analysis in an effort to identify those NextGen Consumer companies within the Fund’s investable universe that they believe are well-positioned to benefit from new business models, products or services related to the NextGen Consumer. Through fundamental research, the Portfolio Managers will seek to identify companies with certain characteristics, including some or all of the following: (i) stock prices which appear undervalued relative to long-term cash flow growth potential; (ii) companies that are deemed industry leaders represented by high market share, pricing power, or superior technology and/or business models relative to peers or new entrants; (iii) companies that demonstrate potential for significant improvement in their businesses (e.g., top line growth greater than peers, margin expansion and/or increased cash flow generation); (iv) strong financial characteristics, including growth, margins, and/or capital returns and historic valuations on metrics such as price to cash flow, price to earnings or price to book value; (v) proven management track records; and (vi) companies that demonstrate the potential for a catalyst, including, but not limited to, a merger, restructuring, liquidation, spin off or management change.
As part of their fundamental investment analysis the Portfolio Managers consider Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors they believe are financially material to individual investments, where applicable. While this analysis is inherently subjective and may be informed by internally generated and third-party metrics, data and other information including proactive engagement on ESG issues, the Portfolio Managers believe that the consideration of financially material ESG factors, alongside traditional financial metrics, may enhance the Fund’s overall investment process. The consideration of ESG factors does not apply to certain instruments, such as certain derivative instruments, other registered investment companies, cash and cash equivalents. The consideration of ESG factors as part of the investment process does not mean that the Fund pursues a specific “impact” or “sustainable” investment strategy.
The Portfolio Managers constantly monitor their holdings and are focused on maintaining what they believe is an appropriate and attractive risk/reward balance with a disciplined sell process that acts quickly and dispassionately to address both positive and negative outcomes. A position is typically trimmed or exited for the following reasons: to harvest gains from significant short-term price appreciation, the positive realization of a catalyst, the achievement of a price target or elevated valuations, identification of a better idea, to minimize potential risks, to address an absence of near-term drivers or catalysts, a significant deterioration of fundamentals, a change in management or operating strategy or the failure of a catalyst to develop.
The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities to seek to achieve its investment objectives.
Most of the Fund’s performance depends on what happens in the stock markets, the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of those developments, and the success of the Portfolio Managers in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies. The markets’ behavior can be difficult to predict, particularly in the short term. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
The Fund may take temporary defensive and cash management positions; to the extent it does, it will not be pursuing its principal investment strategies.
The actual risk exposure taken by the Fund in its investment program will vary over time, depending on various factors including the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. There can be no guarantee that the Portfolio Managers will be successful in their attempts to manage the risk exposure of the Fund or will appropriately evaluate or weigh the multiple factors involved in investment decisions, including issuer, market and/or instrument-specific analysis, valuation and ESG factors.
13 Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF
Each of the following risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of any presumed importance, can significantly affect the Fund’s performance. The relative importance of, or potential exposure as a result of, each of these risks will vary based on market and other investment-specific considerations.
Catalyst Risk. Investing in companies in anticipation of a catalyst carries the risk that the catalyst may not happen as anticipated, or the market may react to the catalyst differently than expected. Certain catalysts, such as emergence from, or restructuring as a result of, bankruptcy, carry additional risks and the securities of such companies may be more likely to lose value than the securities of more stable companies. Securities of issuers undergoing such an event may be more volatile than other securities, may at times be illiquid, and may be difficult to value, and management of such a company may be addressing a situation with which it has little experience.
Further regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, which Chinese regulators have used in the past, may adversely impact the Connect Programs and may increase volatility. The future impact of this integration of Chinese and foreign markets is unclear and the actual effect on the market for trading China A-shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is unknown.
Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a convertible security, which is a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), typically increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks of stocks when the underlying stock’s price is high relative to the conversion price and is subject to the market risks of debt securities when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price. The general market risks of debt securities that are common to convertible securities include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk -- that is, the value of convertible securities will move in the direction opposite to movements in interest rates; they are subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest or dividends when due; and their market value may change based on changes in the issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness. Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade and are subject to the same risks as an investment in lower-rated debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield than investment grade debt securities and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. To the extent the Fund invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-cap companies, it will be subject to the risks of investing in such companies.
Currency Risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. To the extent that the Fund invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by various factors, including investor perception and changes in interest rates; intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities; or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad.
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are certificates issued by a financial institution evidencing ownership of underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks of investing directly in the underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate if, as is often the case, the underlying foreign securities are denominated in foreign currency, and there may be an imperfect correlation between the market value of depositary receipts and the underlying foreign securities.
14 Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF
ETF Risk. As an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as authorized participants. Only an authorized participant may transact in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and authorized participants are not obligated to engage in such transactions. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable or unwilling to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund, such as in times of market stress, and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, trading in Fund shares may be significantly diminished, bid-ask spreads may widen and shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face trading halts or delisting. To the extent the Fund invests in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes, this risk is heightened.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”) are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security (i.e., the Fund’s quote from the closed foreign market). As a result, premiums or discounts to NAV may develop in share prices, and bid-ask spreads may be greater than those experienced by other funds. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads, which is the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of a fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market, and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. If a trading halt occurs, a shareholder may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. The bid-ask spread, which varies over time, is generally narrower if the Fund has more trading volume and market liquidity and wider if the Fund has less trading volume and market liquidity. In addition, the bid-ask spread can be affected by the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying investments and can widen if the Fund’s underlying investments become less liquid or illiquid. In addition, although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained, that bid-ask spreads will be narrow, or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed.
Foreign and Emerging Market Risk. Foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities. Additional risks include exposure to less developed or less efficient trading markets; social, political, diplomatic, or economic instability; trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.); imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals; significant government involvement in an economy and/or market structure; fluctuations in foreign currencies or currency redenomination; potential for default on sovereign debt; nationalization or expropriation of assets; settlement, custodial or other operational risks; higher transaction costs; confiscatory withholding or other taxes; and less stringent auditing and accounting, corporate disclosure, governance, and legal standards. As a result, foreign securities may fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid, than comparable U.S. securities. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Investing in emerging market countries involves risks in addition to and greater than those generally associated with investing in more developed foreign countries. The governments of emerging market countries may be more unstable and more likely to impose capital controls, nationalize a company or industry, place restrictions on foreign ownership and on withdrawing sale proceeds of securities from the country, intervene in the financial markets, and/or impose burdensome taxes that could adversely affect security prices. To the extent a foreign security is denominated in U.S. dollars, there is also the risk that a foreign government will not let U.S. dollar-denominated assets leave the country. In addition, the economies of emerging market countries may be dependent on relatively few industries that are more susceptible to local and global changes. Emerging market
15 Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF
countries may also have less developed legal and accounting systems, and their legal systems may deal with issuer bankruptcies and defaults differently than U.S. law would. Securities markets in emerging market countries are also relatively small and have substantially lower trading volumes. Securities of issuers in emerging market countries may be more volatile and less liquid than securities of issuers in foreign countries with more developed economies or markets and the situation may require that the Fund fair value its holdings in those countries.
Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange, or by governmental authorities. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging or less-developed market countries than in countries with more developed markets. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and in instruments that reference the securities, such as derivative instruments, may be halted. In the event that the Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities or instruments, the Fund’s ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and the Fund could incur significant losses.
Foreign Exposure Risk. Securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations or holdings, or issued by foreign entities listed on a U.S. exchange, may involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in those foreign countries, as well as currency exchange rates.
Growth Stock Risk. Because the prices of most growth stocks are based on future expectations, these stocks tend to be more sensitive than value stocks to bad economic news and negative earnings surprises. When these expectations are not met or decrease, the prices of these stocks may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. The Fund attempts to lessen the risk of such losses by seeking growth stocks that sell at what the adviser believes are attractive prices. If the adviser is incorrect in its assessment of a stock’s value, this may negatively impact the Fund. Bad economic news or changing investor perceptions may adversely affect growth stocks across several sectors and industries simultaneously.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading and may have a high portfolio turnover rate, which may increase the Fund’s transaction costs, may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and may generate a greater amount of capital gain distributions to shareholders than if the Fund had a low portfolio turnover rate.
Issuer-Specific Risk. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole.
Liquidity Risk. From time to time, the trading market for a particular investment in which the Fund invests, or a particular type of instrument in which the Fund is invested, may become less liquid or even illiquid. Illiquid investments frequently can be more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous price or time, and there is a greater risk that the investments may not be sold for the price at which the Fund is carrying them. Certain investments that were liquid when the Fund purchased them may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly. Additionally, market closures due to holidays or other factors may render a security or group of securities (e.g., securities tied to a particular country or geographic region) illiquid for a period of time. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such securities or other investments may be volatile. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to limit losses.
Unexpected episodes of illiquidity, including due to market or political factors, instrument or issuer-specific factors and/or unanticipated outflows or other factors, may limit the Fund’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions.
Market Capitalization Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in securities of small-, mid-, or large-cap companies, it takes on the associated risks. At times, any of these market capitalizations may be out of favor with investors. Compared to small- and mid-cap companies, large-cap companies may be unable to respond as quickly to changes and opportunities and may grow at a slower rate. Compared to large-cap companies, small- and mid-cap companies may depend on a more limited management group, may have a
16 Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF
shorter history of operations, less publicly available information, less stable earnings and limited product lines, markets or financial resources. The securities of small- and mid-cap companies are often more volatile, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, and less liquid than the securities of larger companies and may be more affected than other types of securities by the underperformance of a sector, during market downturns, by adverse publicity and investor perceptions, by interest rate changes and by government regulation.
Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. If the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for better performance.
Next Generation Connectivity and Emerging Technologies Investment Risk. Companies across a wide variety of industries are exploring the possible applications of next generation mobile internet and connectivity technologies. The extent of such technologies’ versatility continues to develop. The success of many of the companies held by the Fund will be tied to the successful development, advancement, use or sale of products, processes or services related to connectivity-based consumerism, including the global fifth generation (i.e., 5G) mobile network and future generations of mobile network connectivity and technology. Although the Portfolio Managers will be seeking to identify and invest in companies where revenues or profit streams from such technologies seem likely to develop in the future, such technologies may not ultimately have a material effect on the economic returns of companies in which the Fund invests.
Other Investment Company Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, including money market funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), its performance will be affected by the performance of those other investment companies. Investments in other investment companies are subject to the risks of the other investment companies’ investments, as well as to the other investment companies’ expenses.
An ETF may trade in the secondary market at a price below the value of its underlying portfolio, may not be liquid and may be halted by the listing exchange. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objectives. A passively managed ETF may not replicate the performance of the index it intends to track.
Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities, which are a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities, however, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred securities are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors and after the company makes required payments to holders of its debt securities. For this reason, preferred securities are subject to greater credit, interest, and liquidation risk than debt securities, and the value of preferred securities will usually react more strongly than debt securities to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies. Preferred securities may be less liquid than common stocks.
Recent Market Conditions. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing or changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time.
Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, in 2022, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks raised interest rates as part of their efforts to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks recently began to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors, such as inflation, could stop such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce
17 Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF
bank balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various markets or decrease confidence in the markets.
Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between countries and regions, including the U.S. and China, political or economic dysfunction within some countries or regions, including major producers of commodities, and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, if the U.S. dollar continues to be strong, it may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Regulators in the U.S. have proposed and adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which apply to the Fund. The full effect of various newly adopted regulations is not currently known. Additionally, it is not currently known whether any of the proposed regulations will be adopted. However, due to the scope of regulations being proposed and adopted, certain of these changes to regulation could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for it to operate, or adversely impact performance.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact its performance.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and any sanctions and related events cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted.
High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation’s debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and substantial investment risks that cannot now be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy.
Global climate change can have potential effects on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impact of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impact of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, including any direct or indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.
REITs and Other Real Estate Companies Risk. REITs and other real estate company securities are subject to risks similar to those of direct investments in real estate and the real estate industry in general, including, among other risks: general and local economic conditions; changes in interest rates; declines in property values; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; increases in property taxes and other operating expenses; overbuilding in their sector of the real estate market; fluctuations in rental income; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; changes in tax and regulatory requirements; losses due to environmental liabilities; casualty or condemnation losses; changing social trends regarding working arrangements; or other economic, social, political, or regulatory matters affecting the real estate industry. REITs also are dependent upon the skills and creditworthiness of their managers, subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation and generally not diversified.
Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net investment income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (“Code”) or to maintain their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The value of REIT common shares may decline when interest rates rise. REITs and other real estate company securities tend to be small- to mid-cap securities and are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-cap securities.
Sector Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. The sectors in which NextGen Consumer companies are found may change in the future, and the sectors in which the Fund invests may change with such change in sectors. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors or sub-sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
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Additional risks associated with certain types of sectors are discussed below:
Communication Services Sector Risk. Companies in the communication services sector may be dominated by a small number of companies which may lead to additional volatility. These companies are particularly vulnerable to the potential obsolescence of products and services due to technological advances, social media trends and the innovation of competitors. Companies in the communication services sector may also be affected by other competitive pressures, such as pricing competition, as well as research and development costs, substantial capital requirements, and government regulation. Fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics, and often unpredictable changes in consumer demand can drastically affect a communication services company’s profitability. Compliance with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business of telecommunication services companies.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. Companies in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to the risk that their products or services may become obsolete quickly. The success of these companies can depend heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending and may be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations.
Consumer Staples Sector Risk. Companies in the consumer staples sector may be affected by general economic conditions, commodity production and pricing, consumer confidence and spending, consumer preferences, interest rates, and product cycles. They are subject to government regulation affecting their products, which may negatively impact such companies’ performance. Consumer staples companies depend heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending and may be adversely affected by changes impacting consumer spending. Companies in the consumer staples sector have historically been characterized as non-cyclical in nature and therefore less volatile.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Companies in the Information technology sector face intense competition, both domestically and internationally. These companies may be smaller or newer and may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of companies in the information technology sector may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. These companies may be developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are not yet established and may never become established.
Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
Risks of Investing in Variable Interest Entities. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including on U.S. exchanges, many PRC-based operating companies are structured as entities commonly-referred to as variable interest entities (“VIEs”). In a typical VIE structure, the onshore PRC-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE and lists on an exchange outside of the PRC and issues exchange-traded shares that are sold to the public, including the Fund. This structure enables PRC companies in which the PRC government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no legal equity ownership of the VIE, its contractual arrangements with the VIE permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for Financial Accounting Standards Board accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying onshore PRC-based operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the onshore PRC-based operating company only through its contractual arrangements with the VIE and has no legal ownership in the VIE. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these contractual arrangements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities of the VIE are limited and the VIE may engage in activities that negatively impact the investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally or legally recognized under PRC law and therefore there is a risk that the PRC government could restrict the effectiveness of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid under PRC law. If the agreements are breached or if the agreements are otherwise determined not to be enforceable under PRC law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the PRC government determines that the contractual agreements involving VIE structures do not comply with PRC laws and regulations, including
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those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a VIE to numerous sanctions such as penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, invalidate or terminate contractual arrangements and/or forfeiture or non-recognition of ownership interest.
In addition, PRC companies listed on U.S. exchanges, including ADRs and companies that rely on VIE structures, may be delisted if they do not meet U.S. accounting standards and auditor oversight requirements. Delisting could significantly decrease the liquidity and value of the securities of these companies, decrease the ability of a Fund to invest in such securities and increase the cost of the Fund if it is required to seek alternative markets in which to invest in such securities.
Value Stock Risk. Value stocks are those stocks whose stock prices, whether based on earnings, book value, or other financial measures, do not reflect their full economic opportunities. Value stocks may remain undervalued for extended periods of time, may decrease in value during a given period, may not ever realize what the portfolio management team believes to be their full value, or the portfolio management team’s assumptions about intrinsic value or potential for appreciation may be incorrect. This may happen, among other reasons, because of a failure to anticipate which stocks or industries would benefit from changing market or economic conditions or investor preferences.
Warrants and Rights Risk. Warrants and rights do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holder to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, warrants and rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities. The Fund could lose the value of a warrant or right if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not exercised prior to the warrant’s or right’s expiration date. The market for warrants and rights may be very limited and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for warrants and rights.
A summary of the Fund’s additional principal investment risks is as follows:
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers, and your ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, processing and communications errors, counterparty and third-party disruptions or errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality, including those related to critical functions. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. It is not possible for the Manager or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Artificial Intelligence. The Fund and its service providers, including its adviser, may utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including machine learning models and generative AI, to improve operational efficiency and in connection with research. In addition, counterparties used by the Fund may utilize AI in their business activities. The Fund and its adviser are not in a position to control the use of AI in third-party products or services. The use of AI introduces numerous potential challenges and the use of AI can lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and competitive disadvantages, as well as negatively impact business operations, which may occur with or without mismanagement in the use of the AI. AI requires the collection and processing of substantial amounts of data, which poses risks of data inaccuracies, incompleteness, and inherent biases, and which can degrade the technology’s effectiveness and reliability. Such data can include proprietary information, the use of which by AI may be unauthorized and subject to potential liability. Rapid technological advancements further complicate risk predictions, and competitors who adopt AI more swiftly may gain a competitive edge. The complexity and opacity of AI systems raise significant accountability and ethical concerns. AI has enhanced the ability of threat actors to amplify the potency, scale, and speed of cybersecurity attacks. AI’s role in increasing automation raises concerns about job displacement and may lead to economic and social disruptions. The unpredictable nature of AI’s impact on market dynamics complicates traditional risk assessment models, making it challenging to identify risks and opportunities using historical data. Regulatory frameworks governing AI’s use, particularly concerning data privacy and protection, are evolving rapidly. These changes could materially alter how AI is used, which may negatively impact the Fund.
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Risk Management. Risk is an essential part of investing. No risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to adverse events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by such events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program. The Fund could experience losses if judgments about risk prove to be incorrect.
Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value an investment, the Fund may be required to value such investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent price and from the prices used by other funds to calculate their NAVs. The Fund uses pricing services to provide values for certain securities and there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell an investment at the price established by such pricing services. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
Returns would have been lower if the Manager had not waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown.
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| 1 Year | Since Inception () | |||
| Return Before Taxes | - | |||
| Return After Taxes on Distributions | - | |||
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | - | |||
| MSCI All Country World Index (Net) (reflects reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes, but reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA” or the “Manager”) is the Fund’s investment manager.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Fund is managed by Timothy Creedon, CFA (Managing Director of the Manager), Kai Cui, PhD (Managing Director of the Manager), Kevin McCarthy (Managing Director of the Manager), Hari Ramanan (Managing Director of the Manager) and John San Marco, CFA (Senior Vice President of the Manager). They have managed the Fund since its inception in April, 2022.
Buying and Selling Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at its NAV only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof, and only with authorized participants who have entered into contractual arrangements with the Fund’s distributor.
Individual Shares (rather than Creation Units) of a Fund may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker or dealer at market price and most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Fund on such an exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The prices at which individual Shares may be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through brokers are based on market prices and, because Shares will trade at market prices rather than at NAV, individual Shares of a Fund may trade at a price greater than or less than NAV. Shares of the Fund are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying and selling shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer.
Recent information, including information about the Fund’s NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is included on the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/ETF.
Tax Information
Unless you invest in the Fund through a tax-advantaged retirement plan or account or are a tax-exempt investor, you will be subject to tax on Fund distributions to you of ordinary income and/or net capital gains. Those distributions generally are not taxable to such a plan or account or a tax-exempt investor, although withdrawals from certain retirement plans and accounts generally are subject to federal income tax.
Payments to Investment Providers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer or other financial intermediary, such as a bank, brokerage firm, workplace retirement program, or financial adviser (who may be affiliated with the Manager), the Fund and/or Neuberger Berman BD LLC and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker/dealer or other financial intermediary and its employees to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial intermediary or visit its website for more information.
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Descriptions of Certain Practices and Security Types
Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks and other securities that pay interest or dividends and are convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks. Convertible securities generally have some features of common stocks and some features of debt securities. In general, a convertible security performs more like a stock when the underlying stock’s price is high relative to the conversion price (because it is assumed that it will be converted into the stock) and performs more like a debt security when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price (because it is assumed that it will mature without being converted). Convertible securities typically pay an income yield that is higher than the dividend yield of the issuer’s common stock, but lower than the yield of the issuer’s debt securities.
Emerging Market Countries. Emerging market countries are generally considered to be those countries whose economies are less developed than the economies of countries such as the United States or most nations in Western Europe.
Foreign Stocks. There are many promising opportunities for investment outside the United States. Foreign markets can respond to different factors and therefore may follow cycles that are different from each other. For this reason, many investors put a portion of their portfolios in foreign investments as a way of gaining further diversification.
Growth Investing. For growth investors, the aim is to invest in companies that are already successful but could be even more so. Often, these stocks are in emerging or rapidly growing industries. While most growth stocks are known to investors, they may not yet have reached their full potential. The growth investor looks for indications of continued success.
REITs. A REIT is a pooled investment vehicle that invests primarily in income-producing real estate or real estate related loans or interests. A domestic REIT is not taxed on net income and net realized gains that are distributed to its shareholders, provided it complies with certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), and similar treatment may also apply to foreign REITs under the laws in which they are formed. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs or mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property, derive their income primarily from rents and can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments.
Value Investing. At any given time, there are companies whose stock prices, whether based on earnings, book value, or other financial measures, do not reflect their full economic opportunities. This happens when investors under-appreciate the business potential of these companies, or are distracted by transient or non-fundamental issues. The value investor examines these companies, searching for those that may rise in price when other investors realize their worth.
Additional Information about Principal Investment Risks
This section provides additional information about a Fund’s principal investment risks described in its Fund Summary section. The following risks are described in alphabetical order and not in order of any presumed importance or potential exposure.
Catalyst Risk. Investing in companies in anticipation of a catalyst carries the risk that the catalyst may not happen as anticipated, possibly due to the actions of other market participants, or may happen in modified or conditional form, or the market may react to the catalyst differently than expected. Furthermore, a catalyst, such as a pending restructuring or spin-off, may be renegotiated or terminated or involve a longer time frame than originally contemplated. In addition, certain catalysts, such as emergence from, or restructuring as a result of, bankruptcy, carry additional risks, and the securities of such companies may be more likely to lose value than the securities of more stable companies. Securities of issuers undergoing such an event may be more volatile than other securities, may at times be illiquid, and may be difficult to value, and management of such a company may be addressing a situation with which it has little experience. In circumstances where the anticipated catalyst does not occur or the position is no longer an attractive investment opportunity, the Fund may incur losses by liquidating that position. If the catalyst later appears unlikely to occur or is delayed, the market prices of the securities may decline sharply. These investments may be highly speculative and an incorrect assessment of the risk associated with such an investment could result in significant losses to the Fund.
Risks of Investments in China A-shares through Stock Connect Programs. There are significant risks inherent in investing in China A-shares through “Connect Programs” of local stock exchanges in China, namely the Shanghai Connect Program and the Shenzhen Connect Program. The Chinese investment and banking systems are materially different in nature from many developed markets, which exposes investors to risks that are different from those in the U.S. The Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in China A-shares through the Connect Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. A Connect Program can operate only when both markets are open for trading and when banking services are available in both markets on the corresponding settlement days. As such, if one or both markets in a particular Connect Program are closed on a
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U.S. trading day, the Fund may not be able to dispose of its China A-shares in a timely manner under such Connect Program, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. Only certain China A-shares are eligible to be accessed through the Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Connect Programs.
The impact of this integration of Chinese and foreign markets is still unclear and the actual effect on the market for trading China A-shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is unknown though in the past the People’s Republic of China regulators have intervened in the market as they believed necessary, which may be difficult to predict. The Connect Programs are subject to regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities for both exchanges and further regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, which Chinese regulators have used in the past, may adversely impact the Connect Programs and may increase volatility, if the authorities believe it is necessary to assure orderly markets or for other reasons. The relevant regulations are subject to change, and there is no certainty as to how they will be applied and Chinese securities trading law can change on a frequent basis or be applied on a retroactive basis. Investments in China A-shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-shares are held in the Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-shares under the Connect Programs becomes insolvent. Because all trades on the Connect Programs in respect of eligible China A-shares must be settled in Renminbi (“RMB”), the Chinese currency, investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of offshore RMB, which cannot be guaranteed.
Currently, the mainland Chinese tax authorities have temporarily exempted foreign investors from income tax and value-added tax on capital gains derived from the trading of A-shares under the Shanghai Connect Program and the Shenzhen Connect Program. It is uncertain how long this will be the case and the exemptions are subject to change.
Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a convertible security, which is a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), typically increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks of stocks, and its price may be as volatile as that of the underlying stock, when the underlying stock’s price is high relative to the conversion price, and a convertible security is subject to the market risks of debt securities, and is particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates, when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price. The general market risks of debt securities that are common to convertible securities include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk -- that is, the value of convertible securities will move in the direction opposite to movements in interest rates; they are subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest or dividends when due; and their market value may change based on changes in the issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness. Because their value can be influenced by many different factors, convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than the underlying common stocks. Securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities that are convertible only at the option of the holder.
Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade and are subject to the same risks as an investment in lower-rated debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). Lower-rated debt securities involve greater risks than investment grade debt securities. Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. The credit rating of a company’s convertible securities is generally lower than that of its non-convertible debt securities. Convertible securities are normally considered “junior” securities — that is, the company usually must pay interest on its non-convertible debt securities before it can make payments on its convertible securities. If the issuer stops paying interest or principal, convertible securities may become worthless and the Fund could lose its entire investment. To the extent the Fund invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-cap companies, it will be subject to the risks of investing in such companies.
Currency Risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. To the extent that the Fund invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Domestic issuers that hold substantial foreign assets may be similarly affected. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate in response to factors external to a country’s economy, which makes the forecasting of currency market movements extremely difficult. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by various factors, including investor perception of a country’s economy and changes in interest rates; intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities, such as the International Monetary Fund; or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. To the extent the Fund invests or hedges based on the perceived relationship between two currencies, there is a risk that the correlation between those currencies may not behave as anticipated.
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Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are certificates issued by a financial institution evidencing ownership of underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks of investing directly in the underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate if, as is often the case, the underlying foreign securities are denominated in foreign currency, and there may be an imperfect correlation between the market value of depositary receipts and the underlying foreign securities. In addition, holders of depositary receipts may have limited or no rights, including voting rights, to take action with respect to the underlying securities or to compel the issuer of the receipts to take action. There is no guarantee that a financial institution will continue to sponsor a depositary receipt, or that a depositary receipt will continue to trade on an exchange, either of which could adversely affect the liquidity, availability and pricing of the instrument.
Disrupter Risk. The Fund will invest in disruptive technologies or companies applying such technologies. In some cases, it may invest at early and perhaps speculative stages of development, when various consequences cannot necessarily be foreseen. Disruptive activities may result in unforeseen societal, ecological or technical consequences, may face consumer resistance or indifference, may result in legal liability for damages, and may trigger regulatory responses from governments, up to and perhaps including outright prohibition. Companies applying disruptive technologies may, especially in their early stages, be unable to attract sufficient capital, and/or may find themselves unable to assemble all the components necessary, to fully exploit the technology’s potential. They may face patent issues and may trigger a strong competitive response from established companies in the disrupted business, including buy-outs at prices that do not necessarily reflect what is believed to be the long-term potential of the technology.
ETF Risk. As an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as authorized participants. Only an authorized participant may transact in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and authorized participants are not obligated to engage in such transactions. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable or unwilling to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund, such as in times of market stress, and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, trading in Fund shares may be significantly diminished, bid-ask spreads may widen and shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face trading halts or delisting. To the extent the Fund invests in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes, this risk is heightened.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”) are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security (i.e., the Fund’s quote from the closed foreign market). As a result, premiums or discounts to NAV may develop in share prices, and bid-ask spreads may be greater than those experienced by other funds. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Premium/Discount Risk. The NAV of the Fund’s shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s securities holdings. The market prices of Fund shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund’s NAV and supply and demand of shares on the secondary market. It cannot be predicted whether Fund shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. Price differences may be due, in part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for shares may be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the Fund’s holdings. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop-loss orders to sell the ETF shares may be executed at market prices that are significantly below NAV. The market prices of Fund shares may deviate significantly from the NAV of the shares during periods of market volatility or if the Fund’s holdings are or become more illiquid. Disruptions to creations and redemptions may result in trading prices that differ significantly from the Fund’s NAV. In addition, market prices of Fund shares may deviate significantly from the NAV if the number of Fund shares outstanding is smaller or if there is less active trading in Fund shares. Investors purchasing and selling Fund shares in the secondary market may not experience investment results consistent with those experienced by those creating and redeeming directly with the Fund. Further, to the extent that exchange specialists, market makers and/or authorized participants are unavailable or unable to trade the Fund’s shares and/or engage in creation and redemption transactions, premiums or discounts may widen.
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Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. In addition, secondary market investors will incur the cost of the difference between the price that an investor is willing to pay for shares (the bid price) and the price at which an investor is willing to sell shares (the ask price). This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “spread” or “bid/ask spread.” The bid/ask spread, which increases the cost of purchasing and selling Fund shares, varies over time for shares based on trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if the Fund’s shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if the Fund’s shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Increased market volatility may cause increased bid/ask spreads.
Although Fund shares are listed for trading on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained, that bid-ask spreads will be narrow, or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. If the Fund is delisted, it may result in the liquidation of the Fund, which would adversely impact shareholders. Trading in Fund shares may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in shares is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of the Fund’s shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying holdings, which can be less liquid than the Fund’s shares. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of any Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged or that the shares will trade with any volume, or at all.
Foreign and Emerging Market Risk. Foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities. Additional risks include exposure to less developed or less efficient trading markets; social, political, diplomatic, or economic instability; trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.); imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals; significant government involvement in an economy and/or market structure; fluctuations in foreign currencies or currency redenomination; potential for default on sovereign debt; nationalization or expropriation of assets; settlement, custodial or other operational risks; higher transaction costs; confiscatory withholding or other taxes; and less stringent auditing and accounting, corporate disclosure, governance, and legal standards. The Fund may have limited or no legal recourse in the event of default with respect to certain foreign securities. In addition, key information about the issuer, the markets or the local government or economy may be unavailable, incomplete, or inaccurate. As a result, foreign securities may fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid, than comparable U.S. securities. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic or political developments. In addition, securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may involve risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in foreign countries, as well as currency exchange rates. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Investing in emerging market countries involves risks in addition to and greater than those generally associated with investing in more developed foreign countries. The governments of emerging market countries may be more unstable and more likely to impose capital controls, nationalize a company or industry, place restrictions on foreign ownership and on withdrawing sale proceeds of securities from the country, intervene in the financial markets, and/or impose burdensome taxes that could adversely affect security prices. To the extent a foreign security is denominated in U.S. dollars, there is also the risk that a foreign government will not let U.S. dollar-denominated assets leave the country. In addition, the economies of emerging market countries may be dependent on relatively few industries that are more susceptible to local and global changes, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. Emerging market countries may also have less developed legal and accounting systems, and their legal systems may deal with issuer bankruptcies and defaults differently than U.S. law would. Shareholder claims and legal remedies that are common in the United States may be difficult or impossible to pursue in many emerging market countries. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, matters of comity and various other factors, U.S. authorities may be limited in their ability to bring enforcement actions against non-U.S. companies and non-U.S. persons in certain emerging market countries. Most foreign and emerging market companies are not subject to the uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements applicable to issuers in the United States, which may impact the availability and quality of information about foreign and emerging market issuers. Securities markets in emerging market countries are also relatively small and have substantially lower trading volumes. Additionally, in times of market stress, regulatory authorities of different emerging market countries may apply varying techniques and degrees of intervention, which can have an effect on prices. Securities of issuers in emerging market countries may be more volatile and less liquid than securities of issuers in foreign countries with more developed economies or markets and the situation may require that the Fund fair value its holdings in those countries.
Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange, or by governmental authorities. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging or less-developed
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market countries than in countries with more developed markets. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and in instruments that reference the securities, such as derivative instruments, may be halted. In the event that the Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities or instruments, the Fund’s ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and the Fund could incur significant losses.
In addition, foreign markets may perform differently than the U.S. market. Over a given period of time, foreign securities may underperform U.S. securities — sometimes for years. The Fund could also underperform if it invests in countries or regions whose economic performance falls short. To the extent that the Fund invests a portion of its assets in one country, state, region or currency, an adverse economic, business or political development may affect the value of the Fund’s investments more than if its investments were not so invested.
The effect of economic instability on specific foreign markets or issuers may be difficult to predict or evaluate. Some national economies continue to show profound instability, which may in turn affect their international trading and financial partners or other members of their currency bloc.
Foreign Exposure Risk. Securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations or holdings, or issued by foreign entities listed on a U.S. exchange, may involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in those foreign countries. Additional risks may include exposure to less developed or less efficient commercial trading markets; social, political, diplomatic or economic instability; fluctuations in foreign currencies or currency redenomination; laws limiting or restricting the movement of assets out of the country; nationalization or expropriation of assets; less stringent legal standards; possible unfavorable treatment under U.S. tax laws; and discriminatory application of local regulatory or criminal laws.
Growth Stock Risk. Because the prices of most growth stocks are based on future expectations, these stocks tend to be more sensitive than value stocks to bad economic news and negative earnings surprises. When these expectations are not met or decrease, the prices of these stocks may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. The Fund attempts to lessen the risk of such losses by seeking growth stocks that sell at what the adviser believes are attractive prices. If the adviser is incorrect in its assessment of a stock’s value, this may negatively impact the Fund. Bad economic news or changing investor perceptions may adversely affect growth stocks across several sectors and industries simultaneously. Growth stocks tend to reinvest a high portion of earnings in their business, which can make them more volatile, and growth stocks also may lack the dividends often associated with value stocks that can cushion their decline in a falling market. While the price of any type of stock may rise and fall rapidly, growth stocks may underperform during periods when the market favors value stocks.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading and may have a high portfolio turnover rate, which may increase the Fund’s transaction costs, may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and may generate a greater amount of capital gain distributions to shareholders than if the Fund had a low portfolio turnover rate.
Industry Concentration Risk. The Fund concentrates its investments in a particular industry or group of industries and has greater exposure than other funds to market, economic and other factors affecting that industry or group of industries.
Issuer-Specific Risk. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole. The value of an issuer’s securities may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, major litigation against the issuer, perceived poor management performance, changes in economic or political conditions or in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. Certain unanticipated events, such as natural disasters, may have a significant adverse effect on the value of an issuer’s securities.
Large Shareholder Risk. Certain large shareholders, including Authorized Participants, may from time to time own a substantial amount of the Fund’s shares. There is no requirement that these shareholders maintain their investment in the Fund. There is a risk that such large shareholders or that the Fund’s shareholders generally may redeem all or a substantial portion of their investments in the Fund in a short period of time, which could have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s NAV, liquidity, brokerage costs, and expenses. Large redemptions could also result in tax consequences to shareholders and impact the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy. The Fund’s ability to pursue its investment objective after one or more large scale redemptions may be impaired and, as a result, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents.
Liquidity Risk. From time to time, the trading market for a particular investment or type of investment in which the Fund invests is or may become less liquid or even illiquid. Illiquid investments frequently can be more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous price or time. An illiquid investment means any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Judgment plays a greater role in pricing these investments than it does in pricing investments
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having more active markets, and there is a greater risk that the investments may not be sold for the price at which the Fund is carrying them. The Fund may receive illiquid securities as a result of its investment in securities involved in restructurings. Certain investments that were liquid when the Fund purchased them may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly during periods of increased market volatility, adverse investor perception, economic uncertainty or changes in interest rates. Additionally, market closures due to holidays or other factors may render a security or group of securities (e.g., securities tied to a particular country or geographic region) illiquid for a period of time, which can be extensive. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such securities or other investments may be volatile. Market participants attempting to sell the same or a similar investment at the same time as the Fund could decrease the liquidity of such investments, especially during times of market volatility. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to limit losses.
Unexpected episodes of illiquidity, including due to market or political factors, instrument or issuer-specific factors and/or unanticipated outflows or other factors, may limit the Fund’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions.
Market Capitalization Risk (Small-, Mid- and Large-Cap Companies Risk). To the extent the Fund invests in securities of small-, mid-, or large-cap companies, it takes on the associated risks. At times, any of these market capitalizations may be out of favor with investors. Compared to small- and mid-cap companies, large-cap companies may be unable to respond as quickly to changes and opportunities and may grow at a slower rate. As such, the return on investment in securities of large-cap companies may be less than the return on investment in securities of small- and/or mid-cap companies. Compared to large-cap companies, small- and mid-cap companies may depend on a more limited management group, may have a shorter history of operations, less publicly available information, less stable earnings and limited product lines, markets or financial resources. The securities of small- and mid-cap companies may fluctuate more widely in price than the market as a whole, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, may be difficult to sell when the economy is not robust or during market downturns, and may be more affected than other types of securities by the underperformance of a sector, during market downturns, by adverse publicity and investor perceptions, by interest rate changes and by government regulation. There may also be less trading in small- or mid-cap securities, which means that buy and sell transactions in those securities could have a larger impact on a security’s price than is the case with large-cap securities and the Fund may not be able to liquidate a position at a particular time.
Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer may impact a market as a whole. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and may not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments. If the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for better performance. Geopolitical risks, including terrorism, tensions or open conflict between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major players on the world stage or major producers of oil, may lead to overall instability in world economies and markets generally and have led, and may in the future lead, to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects. Similarly, environmental and public health risks, such as natural disasters or epidemics, or widespread fear that such events may occur, may impact markets and economies adversely and cause market volatility in both the short- and long-term.
Next Generation Connectivity and Emerging Technologies Investment Risk. Companies across a wide variety of industries are exploring the possible applications of next generation mobile internet and connectivity technologies. The extent of such technologies’ versatility continues to develop. The success of many of the companies held by the Fund will be tied to the successful development, advancement, use or sale of products, processes or services related to connectivity-based consumerism, including the global fifth generation (i.e., 5G) mobile network and future generations of mobile network connectivity and technology. Although the Portfolio Managers will be seeking to identify and invest in companies where revenues or profit streams from such technologies seem like to develop in the future, such technologies may not ultimately have a material effect on the economic returns of companies in which the Fund invests.
Non-Diversified Fund Risk. Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF is classified as non-diversified. As such, the percentage of the Fund’s assets invested in any single issuer or a few issuers is not limited as much as it is for a fund classified as diversified. Investing a higher percentage of its assets in any one or a few issuers could increase the Fund’s risk of loss and its share price volatility, because the value of its shares would be more susceptible to adverse events affecting those issuers.
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Other Investment Company Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, including money market funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), its performance will be affected by the performance of those other investment companies and to the allocation of its assets among those other investment companies. Investments in other investment companies are subject to the risks of the other investment companies’ investments, as well as to the other investment companies’ expenses. If the Fund invests in other investment companies, the Fund may receive distributions of taxable gains from portfolio transactions by that investment company and may recognize taxable gains from transactions in shares of that investment company, which could be taxable to the Fund’s shareholders when distributed to them.
An ETF may trade in the secondary market at a price below the value of its underlying portfolio, may not be liquid and may be halted by the listing exchange. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objectives. A passively managed ETF may not replicate the performance of the index it intends to track because of, for example, the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of stocks held. A passively managed ETF may not be permitted to sell poorly performing stocks that are included in its index. Investing in ETFs could incur brokerage and other trading costs for the Fund.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers, and your ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, processing and communications errors, counterparty and third-party disruptions or errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality, including those related to critical functions. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks (e.g., malicious software coding, ransomware, or “hacking”) or unintentional events (e.g., inadvertent release of confidential information). A cybersecurity incident could, among other things, result in the loss or theft of customer data or funds, customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems (“denial of services”), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical damage to a computer or network system, or remediation costs associated with system repairs. A cybersecurity incident may not permit the Fund and its service providers to access electronic systems to perform critical duties for the Fund, such as trading and calculating net asset value. Any cybersecurity incident could have a substantial adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders.
The occurrence of any of these problems could result in a loss of information, regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage and other consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or its shareholders. The Manager, through its monitoring and oversight of Fund service providers, endeavors to determine that service providers take appropriate precautions to avoid and mitigate risks that could lead to such problems. While the Manager has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address these problems, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, and it is not possible for the Manager or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Artificial Intelligence. The Fund and its service providers, including its adviser, may utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including machine learning models and generative AI, to improve operational efficiency and in connection with research. In addition, counterparties used by the Fund may utilize AI in their business activities. The Fund and its adviser are not in a position to control the use of AI in third-party products or services. The use of AI introduces numerous potential challenges and the use of AI can lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and competitive disadvantages, as well as negatively impact business operations, which may occur with or without mismanagement in the use of the AI. AI requires the collection and processing of substantial amounts of data, which poses risks of data inaccuracies, incompleteness, and inherent biases, and which can degrade the technology’s effectiveness and reliability. Such data can include proprietary information, the use of which by AI may be unauthorized and subject to potential liability. Rapid technological advancements further complicate risk predictions, and competitors who adopt AI more swiftly may gain a competitive edge. The complexity and opacity of AI systems raise significant accountability and ethical concerns. AI has enhanced the ability of threat actors to amplify the potency, scale, and speed of cybersecurity attacks. AI’s role in increasing automation raises concerns about job displacement and may lead to economic and social disruptions. The unpredictable nature of AI’s impact on market dynamics complicates traditional risk assessment models, making it challenging to identify risks and opportunities using historical data. Regulatory frameworks governing AI’s use, particularly concerning data privacy and protection, are evolving rapidly. These changes could materially alter how AI is used, which may negatively impact the Fund.
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Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities, which are a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities, however, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Preferred securities generally are subordinated to debt securities in an issuer’s capital structure, subjecting them to a greater risk of non-payment than those more senior securities. Distributions on preferred securities are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors and after the company makes required payments to holders of its debt securities. For these reasons, preferred securities are subject to greater credit, interest, and liquidation risk than debt securities, and the value of preferred securities will usually react more strongly than debt securities to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies. Preferred securities may be less liquid than common stocks, and there is a risk an issuer of preferred securities may call or redeem prior to any stated maturity. Preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer or omit distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. Preferred shareholders may have certain rights if distributions are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer, may suffer a loss of value if distributions are not paid, and may be required to report the deferred distribution on its tax returns, even though it may not have received any cash. Generally, preferred shareholders have no voting rights with respect to the issuer unless distributions to preferred shareholders have not been paid for a stated period, at which time the preferred shareholders may elect a number of directors to the issuer’s board. Generally, once all the distributions have been paid to preferred shareholders, the preferred shareholders no longer have voting rights.
Recent Market Conditions. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing or changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time.
Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, in 2022, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks raised interest rates as part of their efforts to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks recently began to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors, such as inflation, could stop such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce bank balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various markets or decrease confidence in the markets. Also, regulators have expressed concern that changes in interest rates may cause investors to sell fixed income securities faster than the market can absorb them, contributing to price volatility. Historical patterns of correlation among asset classes may break down in unanticipated ways during times of high volatility, disrupting investment programs and potentially causing losses.
Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between countries and regions, including the U.S. and China, political or economic dysfunction within some countries or regions, including major producers of commodities, and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, if the U.S. dollar continues to be strong, it may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Regulators in the U.S. have proposed and adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which implicate a Fund. The full effect of various newly adopted regulations is not currently known. Additionally, it is not currently known whether any of the proposed regulations will be adopted. However, due to the scope of regulations being proposed and adopted, certain of these changes to regulation could limit a Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for it to operate, or adversely impact its performance.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact performance.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and any sanctions and
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related events cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of a Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted.
Certain illnesses spread rapidly and have the potential to significantly and adversely affect the global economy. The impact of epidemics and/or pandemics that may arise in the future could negatively affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including their liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time and could last for an extended period of time.
High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation’s debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and substantial investment risks that cannot now be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy.
China’s economy, which had been sustained through debt-financed spending on housing and infrastructure, appears to be experiencing a significant slowdown and growing at a lower rate than prior years. While the Chinese government appears to be taking measures to address these issues, due to the size of China’s economy, the resolution of these issues could impact a number of other countries.
Global climate change can have potential effects on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impact of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impact of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, including any direct or indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.
A rise in sea levels, a change in weather patterns, including an increase in powerful storms and large wildfires, and/or a climate-driven increase in flooding could cause properties to lose value or become unmarketable altogether. Unlike previous declines in the real estate market, properties in affected zones may not ever recover their value. Regulatory changes and divestment movements tied to concerns about climate change could adversely affect the value of certain land and the viability of industries whose activities or products are seen as accelerating climate change.
Losses related to climate change could adversely affect corporate issuers and mortgage lenders, the value of mortgage-backed securities, the bonds of municipalities that depend on tax or other revenues and tourist dollars generated by affected properties, and insurers of the property and/or of corporate, municipal or mortgage-backed securities. Since property and security values are driven largely by buyers’ perceptions, it is difficult to know the time period over which these market effects might unfold.
REITs and Other Real Estate Companies Risk. REITs and other real estate company securities are subject to risks similar to those of direct investments in real estate and the real estate industry in general, including, among other risks: general and local economic conditions; changes in interest rates; declines in property values; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; increases in property taxes and other operating expenses; overbuilding in their sector of the real estate market; fluctuations in rental income; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; changes in tax and regulatory requirements; losses due to environmental liabilities; casualty or condemnation losses; changing social trends regarding working arrangements; or other economic, social, political, or regulatory matters affecting the real estate industry. REITs are subject to physical risks to real property, including weather, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, war, or other events that destroy real property. REITs also are dependent upon the skills of their managers, subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation and generally not diversified. In addition, to the extent the Fund holds interests in REITs, it is expected that investors in the Fund will bear two layers of asset-based management fees and expenses (directly at the Fund level and indirectly at the REIT level). Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net investment income and net realized gains under the Code or to maintain their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, the Code generally allows individuals and certain other non-corporate entities a deduction for 20% of qualified REIT dividends. Regulations provide that a regulated investment company can pass the character of its qualified REIT dividends through to its shareholders for purposes of benefiting from this deduction.
While certain of these risk factors may affect only one or a few real estate sectors at a time, others may affect the real estate industry broadly. For example, the value of REIT common shares may decline when interest rates rise. During periods of high interest rates, REITs and other real estate companies may lose appeal for investors who may be able to obtain higher yields from other income-producing investments. High interest rates may also mean that financing for property purchases and improvements is more costly and difficult to obtain.
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Most equity REITs receive a flow of income from property rentals, which, after covering their expenses, they pay to their shareholders in the form of dividends. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property they own, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit they extend or mortgages they purchase.
REITs and other real estate company securities tend to be small- to mid-cap securities and are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-cap securities. Some of the REIT securities in which the Fund invests may be preferred stock, which receives preference in the payment of dividends.
Risk Management. Management undertakes certain analyses with the intention of identifying particular types of risks and reducing the Fund’s exposure to them. However, risk is an essential part of investing, and the degree of return an investor might expect is often tied to the degree of risk the investor is willing to accept. By its very nature, risk involves exposure to the possibility of adverse events. Accordingly, no risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to such events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by adverse events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program. While the prospectus describes material risk factors associated with the Fund’s investment program, there is no assurance that as a particular situation unfolds in the markets, management will identify all of the risks that might affect the Fund, rate their probability or potential magnitude correctly, or be able to take appropriate measures to reduce the Fund’s exposure to them. The Fund could experience losses if judgments about risk prove to be incorrect. Measures taken with the intention of decreasing exposure to identified risks might have the unintended effect of increasing exposure to other risks.
Risks of Investing in Variable Interest Entities. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including on U.S. exchanges, many PRC-based operating companies are structured as entities commonly-referred to as variable interest entities (“VIEs”). In a typical VIE structure, the onshore PRC-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE and lists on an exchange outside of the PRC and issues exchange-traded shares that are sold to the public, including the Fund. This structure enables PRC companies in which the PRC government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no legal equity ownership of the VIE, its contractual arrangements with the VIE permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for Financial Accounting Standards Board accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying onshore PRC-based operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the onshore PRC-based operating company only through its contractual arrangements with the VIE and has no legal ownership in the VIE. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these contractual arrangements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities of the VIE are limited and the VIE may engage in activities that negatively impact the investment value. Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to VIE structures could adversely affect the PRC-based operating company’s performance, the enforceability of the offshore entity’s contractual arrangements with the VIE and the value of the offshore entity’s shares. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally or legally recognized under PRC law and therefore there is a risk that the PRC government could restrict the effectiveness of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid under PRC law. The offshore entity’s control over the VIE may also be jeopardized if certain legal formalities are not observed in connection with the agreements, if the agreements are breached or if the agreements are otherwise determined not to be enforceable under PRC law. If any of the foregoing were to occur, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the PRC government determines that the contractual agreements involving VIE structures do not comply with PRC laws and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a VIE to numerous sanctions such as penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, invalidate or terminate contractual arrangements and/or forfeiture or non-recognition of ownership interest.
In addition, the listed offshore entity’s benefits through its contractual arrangements over a VIE may also be jeopardized if a natural person who holds the equity interest in the VIE is deemed to breach the terms of the contractual arrangement (assuming the contractual arrangement is held to be valid under PRC law), is subject to legal proceedings or if any physical instruments for authenticating documentation by the VIE, such as chops and seals, are used without the VIE’s authorization to enter into the contractual arrangements in the PRC. Chops and seals, which are carved stamps used to sign documents by PRC companies, represent a legally binding commitment by the PRC company. Moreover, any future PRC regulatory action may limit or prohibit the ability of the offshore entity to receive the economic benefits of the VIE, which may cause the value of the Fund’s investment in the listed offshore entity to suffer a significant loss.
In addition, PRC companies listed on U.S. exchanges, including ADRs and companies that rely on VIE structures, may be delisted if they do not meet U.S. accounting standards and auditor oversight requirements. Delisting could significantly decrease the liquidity and value of the securities of these companies, decrease the ability of a Fund to invest in such securities and increase the cost of the Fund if it is required to seek alternative markets in which to invest in such securities.
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Sector Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in one sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors, industries, or sub-sectors. An individual sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. The Fund’s performance could also be affected if the sectors, industries, or sub-sectors do not perform as expected. Alternatively, the lack of exposure to one or more sectors or industries may adversely affect performance. For a summary of the Fund’s recent sector allocations, see its most recent shareholder report. (The information in the report is as of the date of the report and may have changed.) For information about the risks of investing in particular sectors, see the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.
Additional risks associated with certain types of sectors are discussed below:
Communication Services Sector Risk. Companies in the communication services sector may be dominated by a small number of companies which may lead to additional volatility. These companies are particularly vulnerable to the potential obsolescence of products and services due to technological advances, social media trends and the innovation of competitors. Companies in the communication services sector may also be affected by other competitive pressures, such as pricing competition, as well as research and development costs, substantial capital requirements, and government regulation. Fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics, and often unpredictable changes in consumer demand can drastically affect a communication services company’s profitability. Compliance with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business of telecommunication services companies. Certain companies in the communication services sector may be particular targets of network security breaches, hacking and potential theft of proprietary or consumer information, or disruptions in services, which would have a material adverse effect on their businesses.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. Companies in the consumer discretionary sector are subject to the risk that their products or services may become obsolete quickly. The success of these companies can depend heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending and may be adversely affected by changes in consumer spending as a result of world events, political and economic conditions, commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources and labor relations. These companies may be strongly affected by fads, marketing campaigns, changes in demographics and consumer preferences, and other economic or social factors affecting consumer demand.
Consumer Staples Sector Risk. Companies in the consumer staples sector may be affected by general economic conditions, commodity production and pricing, consumer confidence and spending, consumer preferences, interest rates, and product cycles. They are subject to government regulation affecting their products, which may negatively impact such companies’ performance. Consumer staples companies depend heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending and may be adversely affected by changes impacting consumer spending. Companies in the consumer staples sector have historically been characterized as non-cyclical in nature and therefore less volatile in times of change. These companies may be subject to severe price competition.
Healthcare Sector Risk. Companies in the healthcare sector may be adversely affected by extensive government regulation, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising or falling costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, limited number of products, product obsolescence, industry innovation, changes in technologies and other market developments. Companies in the healthcare sector are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely affect these companies. Many of these companies are subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. These companies are subject to competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting. Many new products in the healthcare sector may be subject to regulatory approvals, which may be long and costly for these companies. Companies in the healthcare sector may be thinly capitalized.
Information Technology Sector Risk. Companies in the Information technology sector face intense competition, both domestically and internationally. These companies may be smaller or newer and may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of companies in the information technology sector may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. These companies may be developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are not yet established and may never become established. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on patent protection and the expiration of patents may adversely
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affect these companies. Companies in the information technology sector are facing increased government and regulatory scrutiny and may be subject to adverse government or regulatory action.
Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value an investment, the Fund may be required to value such investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent closing price and from the prices used by other funds to calculate their NAVs. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when the Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the Fund had not held fair-valued securities or had used a different methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain futures, fixed income securities, and currencies may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded but before the Fund determines its net asset value. The Fund uses pricing services to provide values for certain securities and there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell an investment at the price established by such pricing services. Different pricing services use different valuation methodologies, potentially resulting in different values for the same investments. As a result, if the Fund were to change pricing services, or if a pricing service were to change its valuation methodology, the value of the Fund’s investments could be impacted. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
Value Stock Risk. Value stocks are those stocks whose stock prices, whether based on earnings, book value, or other financial measures, do not reflect their full economic opportunities. Value stocks may remain undervalued for extended periods of time, may decrease in value during a given period, may not ever realize what the portfolio management team believes to be their full value, or the portfolio management team’s assumptions about intrinsic value or potential for appreciation may be incorrect. This may happen because value stocks, as a category, lose favor with investors compared to growth stocks, because of a failure to anticipate which stocks or industries would benefit from changing market or economic conditions, or because the stocks’ worth was misgauged. Entire industries or sectors may lose favor with investors, and the Fund, in seeking value stocks, may focus its investments more heavily in those industries or sectors. Value investing historically has gone in and out of favor during past market cycles. At times when value investing is out of favor, the securities of value companies may underperform the securities of other companies.
Warrants and Rights Risk. Warrants and rights do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holder to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, warrants and rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments and are subject to the risks associated with the security underlying the warrant. In addition, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities and it may never be advantageous to exercise a warrant or right. If a warrant or right to subscribe to additional shares is not exercised or, when permissible, sold prior to the warrant’s or right’s expiration date or redemption by the issuer, the Fund would lose all or substantially all of the value of the warrant or right. The market for warrants and rights may be very limited and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for warrants and rights.
Information about Additional Risks and Other Practices
As discussed in the Statement of Additional Information, a Fund may engage in certain practices and invest in certain securities in addition to those described as its “principal investment strategies” in its Fund Summary section. For example, should a Fund engage in borrowing or securities lending, or should a Fund use derivatives or invest in foreign securities, it will be subject to the additional risks associated with these practices and securities, some or all of which may already be included in its “principal investment strategies.”
Borrowing money, securities lending, or using derivatives would create investment leverage, meaning that certain gains or losses would be amplified, increasing share price movements. A Fund that does not engage in derivatives as part of its principal investment strategy may, to a limited extent, use certain derivatives for hedging or investment purposes. A derivative instrument, whether used for hedging or for speculation, could fail to perform as expected, causing a loss for a Fund.
Foreign securities, including those issued by foreign governments, involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities, and can fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid, than comparable U.S. securities. Securities
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issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may involve risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in foreign countries.
In addition, a Fund may be an investment option for a Neuberger Berman fund that is managed as a “fund of funds.” As a result, from time to time, a Fund may experience relatively large redemptions or investments and could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it is not advantageous to do so.
In anticipation of adverse or uncertain market, economic, political, or other temporary conditions, including during periods of high cash inflows or outflows, a Fund may temporarily depart from its goal and use a different investment strategy (including leaving a significant portion of its assets uninvested) for defensive purposes. Doing so could help a Fund avoid losses, but may mean lost opportunities. In addition, in doing so, different factors could affect a Fund’s performance and a Fund may not achieve its goal.
In addition, to the extent a Fund is new or is undergoing a transition (such as a change in strategy, rebalancing, reorganization, liquidation or experiencing large inflows or outflows) or takes a temporary defensive position, it may deviate from its principal investment strategies during such period.
A Fund may change its goal without shareholder approval.
Please see the Statement of Additional Information for more information.
Descriptions of Indices
The MSCI All Country World Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The index consists of 47 country indexes comprising 23 developed and 24 emerging market country indexes. The developed market country indexes included are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The emerging market country indexes included are: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the UAE. China A shares are included starting from June 1, 2018 and are partially represented at 20% of their free float-adjusted market capitalization as of November 2019. Effective after the close on March 9, 2022, MSCI reclassified MSCI Russia Indexes from Emerging Markets to Standalone Markets status. At that time, all Russian securities were removed from this index at a final price of 0.00001, including both locally traded Russian equity constituents and Russian ADRs/GDRs constituents. Net total return indexes reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indexes) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties.
The Russell 1000® Growth Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes those Russell 1000® Index companies (approximately 1,000 of the largest securities in the Russell 3000 Index defined below) with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The index is rebalanced annually in June.
The Russell 2000® Growth Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes those Russell 2000® Index companies (approximately 2,000 of the smallest securities in the Russell 3000 Index defined below) with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth rates. The index is rebalanced annually in June.
The Russell 3000® Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. public companies based on total market capitalization. The index is rebalanced annually in June.
The Russell Midcap® Growth Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes those Russell Midcap® Index companies (approximately 800 of the smallest securities in the Russell 1000 Index) with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth rates. The index is rebalanced annually in June.
Management of the Funds
Investment Manager
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“Manager” or “NBIA”), located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104, is each Fund’s investment manager and administrator. Neuberger Berman BD LLC (“Distributor”), located at 1290
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Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104, is each Fund’s distributor. Pursuant to a management agreement, the Manager is responsible for choosing a Fund’s investments and handling its day-to-day business. The services provided by the Manager as the investment manager and administrator pursuant to the management agreement include, among others, overall responsibility for providing all supervisory, management, and administrative services reasonably necessary for the operation of the Funds, which may include, among others, compliance monitoring, operational and investment risk management, legal and administrative services and portfolio accounting services. Under the management agreement, the Manager bears all of its own costs associated with providing services to a Fund. In addition, the Manager has contractually agreed to pay all operating expenses of each Fund, except (i) interest and taxes (including, but not limited to, income, excise, transaction, transfer and withholding taxes); (ii) brokerage expenses, including commissions, and other transaction costs; (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iv) dividend and interest expenses relating to short sales; (v) expenses incurred in connection with any distribution plan adopted by the Trust in compliance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, including distribution fees; (vi) the compensation payable to the Manager under the management agreement; (vii) securities lending expenses; (viii) litigation and tax reclaim expenses; (ix) indemnification expenses; and (x) any expenses determined to be extraordinary expenses by the Board. The Manager carries out its duties subject to the policies established by the Board of Trustees. Together, the Neuberger Berman affiliates manage approximately $509 billion in total assets (as of 9/30/2024) and continue an asset management history that began in 1939.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Funds’ investment advisory agreements is available in the Funds’ semi-annual report for the period ended February 29, 2024.
NBIA may engage one or more of foreign affiliates that are not registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“participating affiliates”) in accordance with applicable SEC no-action letters. As participating affiliates, whether or not registered with the SEC, the affiliates may provide designated investment personnel to associate with NBIA as “associated persons” of NBIA and perform specific services for NBIA, including services for the Funds, which may involve, among other services, advisory services and portfolio management, research and/or placing orders for securities and other instruments. The designated employees of a participating affiliate act for NBIA and are subject to certain NBIA policies and procedures as well as supervision and periodic monitoring by NBIA. The Funds will pay no additional fees and expenses as a result of any such arrangements.
Neither this Prospectus nor the Statement of Additional Information is intended to give rise to any contract rights or other rights in any shareholder, other than any rights conferred explicitly by federal or state securities laws that have not been waived. The Funds enter into contractual arrangements with various parties, including, among others, the Manager, who provide services to the Funds. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended to be third party beneficiaries of, those contractual arrangements. Where shareholders are not third party beneficiaries of contractual arrangements, those contractual arrangements cannot be enforced by shareholders acting on their own behalf.
The Manager has obtained “manager of managers” exemptive relief from the SEC that permits the Manager, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, to appoint an unaffiliated subadviser or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement with an unaffiliated subadviser for each Fund without first obtaining shareholder approval. The exemptive order permits the Fund to add or to change unaffiliated subadvisers or to change the fees paid to such subadvisers from time to time without the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of the change. Under this order, the Manager has ultimate responsibility (subject to oversight by the Board) to oversee the subadvisers and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement. The Fund will notify shareholders of any change in the identity of a subadviser or the addition of a subadviser to the Fund.
Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF
For the 12 months ended 8/31/2024, the management fees (i.e., advisory and administration fees) paid to the Manager by the Fund were 0.55% of average daily net assets.
Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF
For the 12 months ended 8/31/2024, the management fees (i.e., advisory and administration fees) paid to the Manager by the Fund were 0.55% of average daily net assets.
For each Fund, NBIA has contractually undertaken to waive its management fee by 0.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets until 4/8/2026.
Portfolio Managers
Please see the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about each Portfolio Manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by each Portfolio Manager, and each Portfolio Manager’s ownership of shares in the Fund(s) that he or she manages.
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Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF
Richard Bradt is a Managing Director of the Manager. Mr. Bradt joined the firm in 2012 and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since April, 2022. He is a portfolio manager for the Large Cap Disciplined Growth and Disrupters portfolios.
Jason Tauber is a Managing Director of the Manager. Mr. Tauber joined the firm in 2006 and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since April, 2022. He is a portfolio manager for the Large Cap Disciplined Growth and Disrupters portfolios.
Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF
Timothy Creedon, CFA, is a Managing Director of the Manager. Mr. Creedon joined the firm in 2005 and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since April, 2022. He is the Director of Research for the Global Equity Research Department.
Kai Cui, PhD, is a Managing Director of the Manager. Mr. Cui joined the firm in 2018 and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since April, 2022. Mr. Cui is the Head of Equity Data Science and leads the integration of data science and data insights in global equity research and strategies. Prior to joining the firm, he was a data scientist and Head of Point72 Aperio Modeling at Point72 Asset Management since 2015.
Kevin McCarthy is a Managing Director of the Manager. Mr. McCarthy joined the firm in 2004 and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since April, 2022. He is a Senior Research Analyst in the Global Equity Research Department, covering Consumer Discretionary.
Hari Ramanan is a Managing Director of the Manager. Mr. Ramanan joined the firm in 2019 and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since April, 2022. Mr. Ramanan is a Portfolio Manager and CIO of Research Funds at Neuberger Berman and leads the investing activities for the firm’s research-centric core and thematic funds. Prior to joining the firm, he was Managing Partner of Valarc Holdings since 2014.
John San Marco, CFA is a Senior Vice President of the Manager. Mr. San Marco joined the firm in 2014 and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since April, 2022. Mr. San Marco is a Senior Research Analyst in the Global Equity Research Department covering Consumer Discretionary. Prior to joining the firm, he was an equity analyst at Janney Montgomery Scott since 2008.
Other Service Providers
Neuberger Berman BD LLC (“Distributor”), an affiliate of the Manager, serves as each Fund’s distributor. Shares in less than Creation Units are not distributed by the Distributor, and the Distributor does not maintain a secondary market in the shares of the Funds.
State Street Bank (“State Street”) serves as custodian and transfer agent for the Funds. State Street maintains in separate accounts cash, securities and other assets of the Funds, keeps all necessary accounts and records, and provides other services.
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Financial Highlights
These financial highlights describe the performance of the Funds for the fiscal periods indicated. All figures have been derived from the financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, along with full financial statements, appears in the Fund’s most recent annual shareholder report (see back cover).
Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF
| PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, | 2022(1) | 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||
| PER-SHARE DATA ($) | ||||||||||||
| Data apply to a single share throughout each year indicated. You can see what the Fund earned (or lost), what it distributed to investors, and how its share price changed. | ||||||||||||
| Share price (NAV) at beginning of year | 24.02 | 19.43 | 23.27 | |||||||||
| Plus: | ||||||||||||
| Income from investment operations | ||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss)(6) | (0.01 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (0.04 | ) | ||||||
| Net gains (losses) — realized and unrealized | (4.58 | ) | 3.89 | 6.38 | ||||||||
| Subtotal: income (loss) from investment operations | (4.59 | ) | 3.84 | 6.34 | ||||||||
| Minus: | ||||||||||||
| Distributions to shareholders | ||||||||||||
| Income dividends | – | – | – | |||||||||
| Capital gain distributions | – | – | – | |||||||||
| Subtotal: distributions to shareholders | – | – | – | |||||||||
| Equals: | ||||||||||||
| Share price (NAV) at end of year | 19.43 | 23.27 | 29.61 | |||||||||
| RATIOS (% OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) | ||||||||||||
| The ratios show the Fund’s expenses and net investment income (loss) — as they actually are as well as how they would have been if certain expense reimbursement arrangements had not been in effect. | ||||||||||||
| Net expenses — actual | 0.55 | (4) | 0.55 | 0.55 | ||||||||
| Gross expenses(2) | 0.65 | (4) | 0.65 | 0.65 | ||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) — actual | (0.17 | )(4) | (0.23 | ) | (0.13 | ) | ||||||
| OTHER DATA | ||||||||||||
| Total return shows how an investment in the Fund would have performed over each year, assuming all distributions were reinvested. The turnover rate reflects how actively the Fund bought and sold securities. | ||||||||||||
| Total return (%)(3) | (19.10 | )(5) | 19.77 | 27.26 | ||||||||
| Net assets at end of year (in millions of dollars) | 5.4 | 11.1 | 19.4 | |||||||||
| Portfolio turnover rate (%)(7) | 9 | (5) | 31 | 49 | ||||||||
| (1) | Period from 4/6/2022 (beginning of operations) to 8/31/2022. |
| (2) | Shows what this ratio would have been if there had been no expense waiver of a portion of the investment management fees. |
| (3) | Total return based on per share NAV reflects the effects of changes in NAV on the performance of the Fund during the fiscal period. Returns assume income dividends and other distributions, if any, were reinvested. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current returns may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Investment returns and principal will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than original cost. The Fund is new and has limited performance history that should not be relied on. Past performance, particularly for brief periods of time, are not indicative of future returns. Total return would have been lower if Management had not waived a portion of the investment management fee. |
| (4) | Annualized. |
| (5) | Not annualized. |
| (6) | Calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during the fiscal period. |
| (7) | The portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered in-kind. The portfolio turnover rate including securities received or delivered in-kind for fiscal periods ending 2024, 2023 and 2022 was 64%, 132% and 9%, respectively. |
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Financial Highlights
These financial highlights describe the performance of the Funds for the fiscal periods indicated. All figures have been derived from the financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, along with full financial statements, appears in the Fund’s most recent annual shareholder report (see back cover).
Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF
| PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, | 2022(1) | 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||
| PER-SHARE DATA ($) | ||||||||||||
| Data apply to a single share throughout each year indicated. You can see what the Fund earned (or lost), what it distributed to investors, and how its share price changed. | ||||||||||||
| Share price (NAV) at beginning of year | 24.16 | 19.11 | 21.58 | |||||||||
| Plus: | ||||||||||||
| Income from investment operations | ||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss)(6) | 0.02 | 0.12 | 0.17 | |||||||||
| Net gains (losses) — realized and unrealized | (5.07 | ) | 2.37 | 1.36 | ||||||||
| Subtotal: income (loss) from investment operations | (5.05 | ) | 2.49 | 1.53 | ||||||||
| Minus: | ||||||||||||
| Distributions to shareholders | ||||||||||||
| Income dividends | – | 0.02 | 0.13 | |||||||||
| Capital gain distributions | – | – | – | |||||||||
| Subtotal: distributions to shareholders | – | 0.02 | 0.13 | |||||||||
| Equals: | ||||||||||||
| Share price (NAV) at end of year | 19.11 | 21.58 | 22.98 | |||||||||
| RATIOS (% OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) | ||||||||||||
| The ratios show the Fund’s expenses and net investment income (loss) — as they actually are as well as how they would have been if certain expense reimbursement arrangements had not been in effect. | ||||||||||||
| Net expenses — actual | 0.55 | (4) | 0.55 | 0.55 | ||||||||
| Gross expenses(2) | 0.65 | (4) | 0.65 | 0.65 | ||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) — actual | 0.23 | (4) | 0.59 | 0.76 | ||||||||
| OTHER DATA | ||||||||||||
| Total return shows how an investment in the Fund would have performed over each year, assuming all distributions were reinvested. The turnover rate reflects how actively the Fund bought and sold securities. | ||||||||||||
| Total return (%)(3) | (20.92 | )(5) | 13.08 | 7.07 | ||||||||
| Net assets at end of year (in millions of dollars) | 4.8 | 5.4 | 5.7 | |||||||||
| Portfolio turnover rate (%)(7) | 28 | (5) | 44 | 34 | ||||||||
| (1) | Period from 4/6/2022 (beginning of operations) to 8/31/2022. |
| (2) | Shows what this ratio would have been if there had been no expense waiver of a portion of the investment management fees. |
| (3) | Total return based on per share NAV reflects the effects of changes in NAV on the performance of the Fund during the fiscal period. Returns assume income dividends and other distributions, if any, were reinvested. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current returns may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Investment returns and principal will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than original cost. The Fund is new and has limited performance history that should not be relied on. Past performance, particularly for brief periods of time, are not indicative of future returns. Total return would have been lower if Management had not waived a portion of the investment management fee. |
| (4) | Annualized. |
| (5) | Not annualized. |
| (6) | Calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during the fiscal period. |
| (7) | The portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered in-kind. The portfolio turnover rate including securities received or delivered in-kind for fiscal periods ending 2024, 2023 and 2022 was 0%, 0% and 31%, respectively. |
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Your Investment
Share Price Calculations
The net asset value per share of a Fund is the total value of Fund assets attributable to shares of that Fund minus the liabilities attributable to that Fund, divided by the total number of shares outstanding for that Fund. Because the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities changes every business day, its share price usually changes as well.
Each Fund normally calculates its share price on each day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE Exchange”) is open once daily as of 4:00 P.M., Eastern time. In the event of an emergency or other disruption in trading on the NYSE Exchange, a Fund’s share price would still normally be determined as of 4:00 P.M., Eastern time. The NYSE Exchange is generally closed on all national holidays and Good Friday; Fund shares will not be priced on those days or other days on which the NYSE Exchange is scheduled to be closed. When the NYSE Exchange is closed for unusual reasons, Fund shares will generally not be priced although a Fund may decide to remain open and price Fund shares and in such a case, the Fund would post a notice on www.nb.com/ETF.
A Fund generally values its investments based upon their last reported sale prices, market quotations, or estimates of value provided by an independent pricing service as of the time as of which the Fund’s share price is calculated. Equity securities (including securities issued by ETFs) and exchange-traded derivative instruments held by a Fund generally are valued by one or more independent pricing services approved by the Manager at the last reported sale price or official closing price or, if there is no reported sale quoted on a principal exchange or market for that security or official closing price, on the basis of market quotations. Debt securities and certain derivative instruments that do not trade on an exchange generally are valued by one or more independent pricing services approved by the Manager on the basis of market quotations and in the case of derivatives, market data about the underlying investments. Short-term securities held by a Fund may be valued on the basis of amortized cost, unless other factors indicate that amortized cost is not an accurate estimate of the security’s value.
Investments in non-exchange traded investment companies are valued using the respective fund’s daily calculated net asset value per share. The prospectus for the fund explains the circumstances under which the fund will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
If a valuation for a security is not available from an independent pricing service or if the Manager believes in good faith that the valuation does not reflect the amount a Fund would receive on a current sale of that security, the Fund seeks to obtain quotations from brokers or dealers. If such quotations are not readily available, the Fund may use a fair value estimate made according to methods approved by the Manager. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Board of Trustees designated the Manager as the Fund’s valuation designee. As the Fund’s valuation designee, the Manager is responsible for determining fair value in good faith for any and all Fund investments. A Fund may also use these methods to value certain types of illiquid securities. Fair value pricing generally will be used if the market in which a portfolio security trades closes early or if trading in a particular security was halted during the day and did not resume prior to the time as of which a Fund’s share price is calculated.
A Fund may also fair value securities that trade in a foreign market if significant events that appear likely to affect the value of those securities occur between the time the foreign market closes and the time as of which the Fund’s share price is calculated. Significant events may include (1) corporate actions or announcements that affect a single issuer, (2) governmental actions that affect securities in one sector, country or region, (3) natural disasters or armed conflicts that affect a country or region, or (4) significant domestic or foreign market fluctuations.
For certain foreign assets, after the relevant foreign markets have closed, a third-party vendor supplies evaluated, systematic fair value pricing based upon analysis of historical correlation of multiple factors. In the case of both foreign equity and foreign income securities, in the absence of precise information about the market values of these foreign securities as of the time as of which a Fund’s share price is calculated, the Manager has determined on the basis of available data that prices adjusted or evaluated in this way are likely to be closer to the prices a Fund could realize on a current sale than are the prices of those securities established at the close of the foreign markets in which the securities primarily trade. Please see the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information for additional detail about the Funds’ fair valuation practices.
The effect of using fair value pricing is that a portfolio security will be priced based on the subjective judgment of the Manager, instead of being priced using valuations from an independent pricing service. Fair value pricing can help to protect a Fund by reducing arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing will completely prevent dilution of a Fund’s net asset value by such traders.
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Trading in securities on many foreign exchanges is normally completed before a Fund calculates its net asset value. In addition, foreign markets may be open on days when U.S. markets are closed. As a result, the value of foreign securities owned by a Fund could change at times or on days when a Fund’s net asset value is not calculated, when Fund shares do not trade, and when sales and redemptions of Fund shares do not occur.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
Shares of a Fund may be purchased or redeemed directly from a Fund only in Creation Units or multiples thereof. Only a broker-dealer (“Authorized Participant”) that enters into an Authorized Participant Agreement with a Fund’s Distributor may engage in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund. Purchases and redemptions directly with a Fund must follow the Fund’s procedures, and are subject to transaction fees, which are described in the SAI. Orders for such transactions may be rejected or delayed if they are not submitted in good order and subject to the other conditions set forth in this prospectus and the SAI. Please see the SAI for more information about purchases and redemptions of Creation Units.
Once purchased (i.e., created) by an Authorized Participant, shares are listed on the Exchange and trade in the secondary market. When you buy or sell each Fund’s shares in the secondary market, you will pay or receive the market price. The price at which you buy or sell Shares (i.e., the market price) may be more or less than the NAV of the Shares. Unless imposed by your broker, there is no minimum dollar amount you must invest in a Fund and no minimum number of Shares you must buy. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities. Most investors will buy and sell shares through a broker and, thus, will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable by the Funds.
The secondary markets are closed on weekends and also are generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
For more information on how to buy and sell shares of the Funds, call 877-628-2583 or visit www.nb.com/ETF.
Premium/Discount Information
Information showing the number of days the market price of a Fund’s shares was greater than the Fund’s NAV per share (i.e., at a premium) and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV per share (i.e., at a discount) for various time periods will be available by visiting the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/ETF. The premium and discount information contained on the website will represent past performance and cannot be used to predict future results.
Portfolio Holdings Information
Each day the Funds are open for business, the Trust publicly disseminates the Fund’s full portfolio holdings as of the close of the previous day through the Funds’ website. A description of the Funds’ policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of a Funds’ portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The holdings of each Fund can be found on the Funds’ website at www.nb.com/ETF.
Active Investors and Market Timing
The Trust’s Board of Trustees has determined not to adopt policies and procedures designed to prevent or monitor for frequent purchases and redemptions of a Fund’s shares because a Fund sells and redeems its shares at NAV only in Creation Units pursuant to the terms of an Authorized Participant Agreement between the Authorized Participant and the Distributor, and such direct trading between each Fund and Authorized Participants is critical to ensuring that the Fund’s shares trade at or close to NAV. Further, the vast majority of trading in Fund shares occurs on the secondary market, which does not involve a Fund directly and therefore does not cause a Fund to experience many of the harmful effects of market timing, such as dilution and disruption of portfolio management. In addition, a Fund imposes a transaction fee on Creation Unit transactions, which is designed to offset transfer and other transaction costs incurred by a Fund in connection with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units and may employ fair valuation pricing to minimize potential dilution from market timing. A Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order at any time and reserves the right to impose restrictions on disruptive, excessive, or short-term trading.
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Investments by Registered Investment Companies
Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of a Fund. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in a Fund beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) in reliance on rules adopted by the SEC, particularly Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, or any other applicable exemptive relief.
Continuous Offering
The method by which Creation Units of Fund shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by a Fund on an ongoing basis, a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act, may occur at any point. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the Securities Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares and sells the shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a characterization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.
Dealers effecting transactions in the Fund’s shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of a Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Manager or an affiliate may pay the intermediary for marketing activities or other services related to the sale or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and your salesperson to recommend a Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
Distribution Plan
Each Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) that allows a Fund to pay distribution fees to the Distributor and other firms that provide distribution services (“Distribution Service Providers”). Under the Plan, if a Distribution Service Provider provides distribution services, a Fund would pay distribution fees to the Distributor at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Distributor would, in turn, pay the Distribution Service Provider out of its fees. The Board of Trustees currently has determined not to implement any 12b-1 fees pursuant to the Plan. 12b-1 fees may only be imposed after approval by the Board of Trustees. Because any distribution fees would be paid out of a Fund’s assets on an on-going basis, if payments are made in the future, the distribution fees would increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
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Distributions and Taxes
Distributions — Each Fund pays out to its shareholders any net investment income and net realized capital and foreign currency gains. Ordinarily, each Fund makes any distributions once a year (normally in December). A Fund may make additional distributions, if necessary, to avoid federal income or excise taxes.
Dividend Reinvestment Service — The Trust does not provide dividend reinvestment services. Broker-dealers may make available the Depository Trust Company book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by beneficial owners of the Funds for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Beneficial owners should contact their broker to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of participation therein. Brokers may require beneficial owners to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the Funds purchased in the secondary market.
How distributions are taxed — Except for tax-advantaged retirement plans and other tax-exempt investors (collectively, “exempt investors”) and except as noted in the next paragraph, all Fund distributions you receive are generally taxable to you, regardless of whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in additional Fund shares.
Fund distributions to IRAs, Roth IRAs, and qualified retirement plans generally are tax-free. Eventual withdrawals from a Roth IRA also may be tax-free, while withdrawals from other retirement plans and accounts generally are subject to federal income tax.
Distributions generally are taxable to shareholders other than exempt investors in the year they are received. In some cases, however, distributions received in January are treated for federal income tax purposes as if they had been paid the previous December 31. Your tax statement (see “Taxes and You”) will help clarify this for you.
Distributions of net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss (“dividends”) are taxed as ordinary income. However, for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each, an “individual shareholder”) who satisfy certain holding period and other restrictions with respect to their Fund shares on which the dividends are paid, a Fund’s dividends attributable to “qualified dividend income” (generally, dividends a Fund receives on stock of most U.S. and certain foreign corporations with respect to which it satisfies those restrictions) are subject to maximum federal income tax rates that are lower than the maximum rates for ordinary income (“lower maximum rates”).
Distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) are taxed as long-term capital gain and for individual shareholders are subject to the lower maximum rates. The tax treatment of capital gain distributions from a Fund depends on how long a Fund held the securities it sold that generated the gain, not on when you bought your shares of a Fund or whether you reinvested your distributions.
If, for any taxable year, a Fund distributes an amount that exceeds the sum of its investment company taxable income plus net capital gain for that year — which might result from, among other things, the difference between book and tax accounting treatment of certain derivatives and foreign currency transactions — that excess generally will not be taxable (a so-called “return of capital”), which will reduce your tax basis in your Fund shares. To the extent that excess is greater than your tax basis, it will be treated as gain from a redemption of your shares (taxed as described below).
Shareholders should review any notice that accompanies a payment of dividends or other distributions to determine whether any portion of the payment represents a return of capital rather than a distribution of a Fund’s net income and/or realized gains.
Additional tax — An individual shareholder’s distributions from a Fund and net gains recognized on redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares are subject to a 3.8% federal tax on the lesser of (1) the individual’s “net investment income” (which generally includes distributions from a Fund and net gains from the disposition of Fund shares) or (2) the excess of the individual’s “modified adjusted gross income” over a specified threshold amount. This tax is in addition to any other taxes due on that income. You should consult your own tax professional regarding the effect, if any, this tax may have on your investment in Fund shares.
Taxes and You
The taxes you actually owe on Fund distributions and share transactions can vary with many factors, such as your marginal tax bracket, how long you held your shares and, if you are an individual shareholder, whether you owe federal alternative minimum tax.
How can you figure out your tax liability on Fund distributions and share transactions? One helpful tool is the tax statement that your broker sends you after the end of each calendar year. It details the distributions you received
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during the past year and shows their tax status. That statement, or a separate statement from your broker, also covers your share transactions.
Most importantly, consult your tax professional. Everyone’s tax situation is different, and your tax professional should be able to help you answer any questions you may have.
Buying Shares Before a Distribution
The money a Fund earns, either as net investment income or as net realized capital gains, is reflected in its net asset value until it distributes the money. At that time, the amount of the distribution is deducted from the net asset value. Because of this, to the extent the Fund’s share price correlates with its net asset value, if you buy shares of a Fund just before it makes such a distribution, you may end up getting some of your investment back as a taxable distribution. You can avoid this situation by waiting to invest until after the record date for the distribution.
Generally, if you are an exempt investor, there are no current tax consequences to you from distributions.
Taxes When Shares are Sold
Generally, you will recognize taxable gain or loss if you sell or otherwise dispose of your shares. Any gain arising from such a disposition generally will be treated as long-term capital gain if you held the shares for more than one year; otherwise, it will be classified as short-term capital gain. However, any capital loss arising from the disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received with respect to such shares. In addition, all or a portion of any loss recognized upon a disposition of shares may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules if other shares of the same Fund are purchased (whether through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the disposition. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.
Taxes on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units
A person who purchases a Creation Unit by exchanging securities in-kind generally will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and any net amount of cash received by the Authorized Participant in the exchange and (ii) the sum of the purchaser’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and any net amount of cash paid for the Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units and receives securities in-kind from the Fund will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the redeemer’s basis in the Creation Units, and the aggregate market value of the securities received and any net cash received. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an in-kind exchange of securities for Creation Units or an exchange of Creation Units for securities cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons effecting in-kind creations or redemptions should consult their own tax adviser with respect to these matters.
A Fund has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of a Fund and if, pursuant to section 351 of the Code, a Fund would have a basis in the deposit securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. A Fund also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determinations.
Disclaimers
NYSE Arca, Inc. Disclaimer
Shares of a Fund are not sponsored, endorsed or promoted by NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”). NYSE Arca makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the shares of a Fund or any member of the public regarding the ability of a Fund to meet their investment objective. NYSE Arca is not responsible for, nor has it participated in the determination of the timing of, prices of, or quantities of shares of a Fund to be issued, nor in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the shares are redeemable. NYSE Arca has no obligation or liability to owners of the shares of a Fund in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the shares of the Fund.
NYSE Arca makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Trust on behalf of a Fund as licensee, licensee’s customers and counterparties, owners of the shares of the Fund, or any other person or entity from the use of the subject index or any data included therein in connection with the rights licensed as described herein or for any other use. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall NYSE Arca have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
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Appendix – Related Performance Information of Similar Accounts
Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF (the “Fund”) has recently commenced operations and has limited performance history. Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA”) manages other advisory accounts that have substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies as the Fund and the table below provides supplemental performance information for the Neuberger Berman Disrupters Portfolio composite which is a composite of such accounts (the “Composite”). The Composite performance information does not represent the performance of the Fund. It is provided to illustrate the past performance of NBIA in managing the Composite against the Russell 1000® Growth Index, Russell Midcap® Growth Index, the Russell 2000® Growth Index and the Russell 3000® Index. The Fund’s portfolio management team is the same team that is responsible for managing the accounts that constitute the Composite.
The historical performance data for the Composite should not be considered a substitute for the Fund’s performance, and should not be considered an indication of the Fund’s future performance. You should not assume that the Fund will have the same performance as the Composite. An investment in the Fund can lose value. The Composite includes accounts that are not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), and therefore are not subject to certain investment restrictions, diversification requirements, and other regulatory requirements imposed by the 1940 Act or by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. If those accounts had been registered under the 1940 Act, the performance results might have been lower. Although the Fund and the Composite have substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies, differences in asset size and cash flows may result in differences in security selection, relative weightings or differences in the price paid for certain securities. As such, the investments held by the Fund may not be identical to the investments held by the Composite and the future performance of the Fund will differ from the performance of the Composite.
The Composite’s net performance information is calculated in accordance with GIPS®, created and administered by the CFA Institute. This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC’s standardized methodology that will be used to calculate the Funds’ performance and may result in an average annual total return that may be higher than that derived from the SEC’s standardized methodology.
average annual total % returns as of 12/31/23
| Composites | Inception Date | Year to Date 9/30/2024 |
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | Since Inception of Composite | ||||||
| Composite (net of fees) | 1/1/2015 | 19.66% | 37.76% | -2.63% | 15.05% | 14.81% | ||||||
| Russell 3000® Index | 20.63% | 25.96% | 8.54% | 15.16% | 11.36% | |||||||
| Russell 1000® Growth Index | 24.55% | 42.68% | 8.86% | 19.50% | 15.06% | |||||||
| Russell 2000® Growth Index | 13.22% | 18.66% | -3.50% | 9.22% | 7.33% | |||||||
| Russell Midcap® Growth Index | 12.91% | 25.87% | 1.31% | 13.81% | 10.42% |
Composite returns are presented in U.S. dollars and include the reinvestment of dividends and interest. The Fund’s return will be reduced by management fees. Accounts in the Composite use an all-inclusive fee schedule which includes investment advisory fees, trading expenses, custody fees, and other administrative fees. Composite Net of Fee returns are the Gross of Fee returns reduced by actual investment advisory fees. The annual investment advisory fee, generally payable quarterly, is as follows: 1.10% on the first $5 million; 1.00% on the next $10 million; 0.90% on the next $15 million; 0.80% on the next $25 million; 0.70% thereafter. Actual management fees may vary among clients with the same investment strategy.
The Russell 3000® Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization-weight index that measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. public companies based on total market capitalization. The index is rebalanced annually in June.
The Russell 1000® Growth Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes those Russell 1000® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The index is rebalanced annually in June.
The Russell Midcap® Growth Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes those Russell Midcap® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth rates. The index is rebalanced annually in June.
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The Russell 2000® Growth Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes those Russell 2000® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth rates. The index is rebalanced annually in June.
The returns of the indices assume the reinvestment of dividends or interest paid on the securities constituting the index. It is not possible to invest directly in any index. Unlike the accounts in the Composite (and the Fund), the indices do not incur fees or expenses.
As of September 30, 2024, the Composite was comprised of 354 other advisory accounts with approximately $183 million in assets under management. Since fees, commissions, and taxes may differ for the Composite and the Fund, performance data for identical periods may differ.
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NEUBERGER BERMAN ETF TRUST
If you would like further details on these Funds, you can request a free copy of the following documents:
Shareholder Reports and Form N-CSR. Additional information about each Fund’s investments is available in each Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders and in Form N-CSR. In each Fund’s annual report, you will find each Fund’s performance data and a discussion by the Portfolio Managers about strategies and market conditions that significantly affected each Fund’s performance during the last fiscal year. In Form N-CSR, you will find each Fund’s annual and semi-annual financial statements.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI). The SAI contains more comprehensive information on each Fund, including: various types of securities and practices, and their risks, investment limitations and additional policies and information about the Fund’s management and business structure. The SAI is hereby incorporated by reference into this prospectus, making it legally part of the prospectus.
Investment Manager: Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
Obtaining Information
You can obtain a shareholder report, SAI, and other information such as financial statements from your financial intermediary, or from:
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
877-628-2583
Website: www.nb.com/ETF
Reports and other information about the Funds are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
Each Fund’s current net asset value per share is made available at: www.nb.com/ETF.
The “Neuberger Berman” name and logo and “Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC” are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. The individual Fund names in this prospectus are either service marks or registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC or Neuberger Berman Group LLC. ©2024 Neuberger Berman BD LLC, distributor. All rights reserved.
SEC File Number: 811-23761
X0108 12/24
Neuberger Berman ETF Trust
| Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF | ||
| Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF | ||
| Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF | ||
| Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF | ||
| Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF | ||
| Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF | ||
| Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF |
Shares of each Fund are not individually redeemable. Shares of each Fund are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”).
Prospectus December 18, 2024
These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Contents
Neuberger Berman ETF Trust
Fund Summaries
The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
These tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| Management fees | ||
| Other expenses1 | ||
| Acquired fund fees and expenses | ||
| Total annual operating expenses | ||
| Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement | ||
| Total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement2 |
| 1 | |
| 2 |
The expense example can help you compare costs among funds. The example assumes that you invested $10,000 for the periods shown, that you redeemed all of your shares at the end of those periods, that the Fund earned a hypothetical 5% total return each year, and that the Fund’s expenses were those in the table. Actual performance and expenses may be higher or lower.
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
To pursue its goal, the Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity investments that are tied economically to China. The Fund primarily invests in China A-Share equity securities, Chinese securities listed in Hong Kong and American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), which may be variable interest entities. An equity investment will be considered to be tied economically to China if the issuer is domiciled in China or has at least 50% of its assets in, or derives 50% or more of its revenues or profits from China. The Fund will generally invest in companies with a total market capitalization of at least $500 million at the time of initial purchase. China A-Shares are Chinese renminbi (“RMB”)-denominated equity securities issued by companies incorporated in mainland China. The Fund expects to access China A-Shares through the trading and clearing facilities of a participating exchange located outside of mainland China (“Stock Connect Programs”). The Fund may also, in the future, access China A-Shares through the qualified foreign investor program (“QFI”) or other means of access which may become
2 China Equity ETF
available in the future. In addition, the Fund may invest in Chinese state-owned enterprises, which are businesses that are controlled, either directly or indirectly, by the central, provincial or municipal governments of China.
The Portfolio Manager employs a fundamental, research driven approach to stock selection and portfolio construction and seeks to identify high quality, well-positioned companies such as those with solid balance sheets, potential for good returns on equity, and the prospect for above-average earnings growth over the long term and the sustainability of those earnings.
The Portfolio Manager believes that the significant size of the Chinese economy makes it critical to achieving global goals related to sustainability. Accordingly, the Portfolio Manager seeks companies with leadership on Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) issues that, in the judgment of the Portfolio Manager, are deemed important to the long-term success of these companies. In doing so, the Portfolio Manager invests in companies with at least one of the following practices as identified by the Portfolio Manager:
| (i) | Clear environmental policies related to either greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, waste discharge or pollution management practices; |
| (ii) | Identification and disclosure of social contributions through either charity donations, community service programs or employee welfare programs; or |
| (iii) | Board or management-level oversight of financially material ESG topics and issues. Oversight mechanisms may include board or management-level committees or sub-committees which set and review ESG strategies and projects. |
In addition to investing in companies with the characteristics noted above, the Fund applies the following screening processes:
| ■ | Negative controversies screening process: Through a proprietary quantitative screening process that analyzes corporate supply chain revenue exposure and further additional analysis of ESG news and controversies from a third-party service provider, the Portfolio Manager seeks to exclude companies that they consider to be involved in business activities and behaviors that may be environmentally or socially harmful, particularly those with severe controversies related to human rights and labor laws. |
| ■ | ESG ratings process: The Portfolio Manager will exclude the bottom 20% of the investable universe based on an internal ESG ratings methodology which considers financially material ESG factors for the China A-Share market to determine the ratings. |
The Portfolio Manager will also invest in accordance with the Fund’s Sustainable Exclusion Policy. The policy describes businesses, which may be deemed controversial, and are therefore excluded from investment consideration. Generally, the Portfolio Manager intends to only hold securities selected in accordance with the Fund’s investment criteria and the Fund’s Sustainable Exclusion Policy.
The Portfolio Manager follows a disciplined selling strategy and may reduce or sell a security if they believe it is unattractively valued, if a company’s business fails to perform as expected, when other opportunities appear more attractive.
The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading to achieve its investment objective and is a non-diversified fund.
The Fund will not change its strategy of normally investing at least 80% of its net assets in equity investments that are tied economically to China, without providing shareholders at least 60 days’ notice. This test is applied at the time the Fund invests; later percentage changes caused by a change in Fund assets, market values or company circumstances will not require the Fund to dispose of a holding.
Most of the Fund’s performance depends on what happens in international stock markets, the Portfolio Manager’s evaluation of those developments, and the success of the Portfolio Manager in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies. The markets’ behavior can be difficult to predict, particularly in the short term. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
The Fund may take temporary defensive and cash management positions; to the extent it does, it will not be pursuing its principal investment strategies.
The actual risk exposure taken by the Fund in its investment program will vary over time, depending on various factors including the Portfolio Manager’s evaluation of issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. There can be no guarantee that the Portfolio Manager will be successful in his attempts to manage the risk exposure of the Fund or will appropriately evaluate or weigh the multiple factors involved in investment decisions, including issuer, market and/or instrument-specific analysis, valuation and ESG factors.
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Each of the following risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of any presumed importance, can significantly affect the Fund’s performance. The relative importance of, or potential exposure as a result of, each of these risks will vary based on market and other investment-specific considerations.
Further regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, which Chinese regulators have used in the past, may adversely impact the Connect Programs and may increase volatility. The future impact of this integration of Chinese and foreign markets is unclear and the actual effect on the market for trading China A-shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is unknown.
China Investment Risk. The Fund’s performance is expected to be closely tied to economic, political, diplomatic, and social conditions within China and to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. China is considered to be an emerging market and carries the risks associated with an emerging market, as well as risks particular to the region surrounding China. The Chinese government has implemented significant economic reforms in order to liberalize trade policy, promote foreign investment in the economy, reduce government control of the economy and develop market mechanisms. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information, and/or political and social instability. The Chinese economy, industries, and securities and currency markets may be adversely affected by slow economic activity worldwide, protectionist trade policies, dependence on exports and international trade, currency devaluations and other currency exchange rate fluctuations, restrictions on monetary repatriation, increasing competition from Asia’s low-cost emerging economies, environmental events and natural disasters that may occur in the region surrounding China, and military conflicts either in response to social unrest or with other countries. Investing in companies controlled by various Chinese governmental authorities involves risks that political changes, social instability, regulatory uncertainty, adverse diplomatic developments, asset expropriation or nationalization, or confiscatory taxation could adversely affect the performance of such companies. State-owned or controlled companies may be less efficiently run and less profitable than other companies. The Chinese government may intervene or seek to control the operations, structure, or ownership of Chinese companies, including with respect to foreign investors of such companies. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events. Given the difficulties and evolving perceptions of investing in China, the Fund will not be able to effectively exclude all Chinese companies with negative controversies such that the Fund’s investments may not always align with the values of U.S. investors.
The tax laws and regulations in mainland China are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. The mainland Chinese tax authorities have temporarily exempted foreign investors from income tax and value-added tax on capital gains derived from the trading of China A-shares. It is uncertain how long this will be the case and the exemptions are subject to change.
In addition, China’s history of political contention with Taiwan and its geographic proximity to China have resulted in ongoing tensions, which could have an adverse impact on the values of investments in China and/or Taiwan, or make investments in China and/or Taiwan impractical or impossible.
The ongoing U.S.-China “trade war” may affect China’s economy substantially, as the U.S. has been a principal trading partner of China. The ability of China to restructure its foreign trade relationships, and whether China is motivated to stop supporting its currency or stop trade in certain natural resources, and whether the U.S. government imposes restrictions on U.S. investor
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participation in certain Chinese investments, including through executive order or other means, may determine to some degree the extent to which its economy will be damaged by the trade war, and these things cannot be predicted at the present time.
In addition to the risks listed under “Foreign and Emerging Markets Risk,” investments in China are subject to significant legal, regulatory, monetary and economic risks, as well as the potential for regional and global conflicts, including actions that are contrary to the interests of the U.S. As a result, the Fund may not be suitable for all investors and should be used only by investors who understand the risks of investing in securities and instruments economically tied to China.
Currency Risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. To the extent that the Fund invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by various factors, including investor perception and changes in interest rates; intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities; or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad.
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are certificates issued by a financial institution evidencing ownership of underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks of investing directly in the underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate if, as is often the case, the underlying foreign securities are denominated in foreign currency, and there may be an imperfect correlation between the market value of depositary receipts and the underlying foreign securities.
ESG Criteria Risk. The Fund’s application of ESG criteria is designed and utilized to help identify companies that demonstrate the potential to create economic value or reduce risk; however, as with the use of any investment criteria in selecting a portfolio, there is no guarantee that the criteria used by the Fund will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers, or help reduce risk in the portfolio. Investing based on ESG criteria is qualitative and subjective by nature and there is no guarantee that the criteria used by the Fund will reflect the beliefs or values of any particular investor. The use of the Fund’s ESG criteria could also affect the Fund’s exposure to certain issuers, sectors or industries, and could impact the Fund’s investment performance depending on whether the ESG criteria used are ultimately reflected in the market. Information used to evaluate the Fund’s application of ESG criteria, like other information used to identify companies in which to invest, may not be readily available, complete, or accurate, which could negatively impact the Fund’s performance or create additional risk in the portfolio.
ETF Risk. As an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as authorized participants. Only an authorized participant may transact in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and authorized participants are not obligated to engage in such transactions. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable or unwilling to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund, such as in times of market stress, and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, trading in Fund shares may be significantly diminished, bid-ask spreads may widen and shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face trading halts or delisting. To the extent the Fund invests in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes, this risk is heightened.
Cash Transactions Risk. Unlike certain ETFs, the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions in cash or partially in cash. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs. Other ETFs generally are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid realizing gains in connection with transactions designed to raise cash to meet redemption requests. If the Fund effects a portion of redemptions for cash, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds, which also involves transaction costs. If the Fund recognizes gain on these sales, this generally will cause the Fund to recognize gain it might not otherwise have recognized if it were to distribute portfolio securities in-kind, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required. The Fund generally intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the Fund level and otherwise comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to, or at an earlier date than, if they had made an investment in a different ETF. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an authorized participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”) are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of
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an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security (i.e., the Fund’s quote from the closed foreign market). As a result, premiums or discounts to NAV may develop in share prices, and bid-ask spreads may be greater than those experienced by other funds. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads, which is the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of a fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market, and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. If a trading halt occurs, a shareholder may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. The bid-ask spread, which varies over time, is generally narrower if the Fund has more trading volume and market liquidity and wider if the Fund has less trading volume and market liquidity. In addition, the bid-ask spread can be affected by the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying investments and can widen if the Fund’s underlying investments become less liquid or illiquid. In addition, although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained, that bid-ask spreads will be narrow, or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed.
Foreign and Emerging Market Risk. Foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities. Additional risks include exposure to less developed or less efficient trading markets; social, political, diplomatic, or economic instability; trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.); imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals; significant government involvement in an economy and/or market structure; fluctuations in foreign currencies or currency redenomination; potential for default on sovereign debt; nationalization or expropriation of assets; settlement, custodial or other operational risks; higher transaction costs; confiscatory withholding or other taxes; and less stringent auditing and accounting, corporate disclosure, governance, and legal standards. As a result, foreign securities may fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid, than comparable U.S. securities. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Investing in emerging market countries involves risks in addition to and greater than those generally associated with investing in more developed foreign countries. The governments of emerging market countries may be more unstable and more likely to impose capital controls, nationalize a company or industry, place restrictions on foreign ownership and on withdrawing sale proceeds of securities from the country, intervene in the financial markets, and/or impose burdensome taxes that could adversely affect security prices. To the extent a foreign security is denominated in U.S. dollars, there is also the risk that a foreign government will not let U.S. dollar-denominated assets leave the country. In addition, the economies of emerging market countries may be dependent on relatively few industries that are more susceptible to local and global changes. Emerging market countries may also have less developed legal and accounting systems, and their legal systems may deal with issuer bankruptcies and defaults differently than U.S. law would. Securities markets in emerging market countries are also relatively small and have substantially lower trading volumes. Securities of issuers in emerging market countries may be more volatile and less liquid than securities of issuers in foreign countries with more developed economies or markets and the situation may require that the Fund fair value its holdings in those countries.
Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange, or by governmental authorities. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging or less-developed market countries than in countries with more developed markets. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and in instruments that reference the securities, such as derivative instruments, may be halted. In the event that the Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities or instruments, the Fund’s ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and the Fund could incur significant losses.
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Growth Stock Risk. Because the prices of most growth stocks are based on future expectations, these stocks tend to be more sensitive than value stocks to bad economic news and negative earnings surprises. When these expectations are not met or decrease, the prices of these stocks may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Bad economic news or changing investor perceptions may adversely affect growth stocks across several sectors and industries simultaneously.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading and may have a high portfolio turnover rate, which may increase the Fund’s transaction costs, may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and may generate a greater amount of capital gain distributions to shareholders than if the Fund had a low portfolio turnover rate.
Issuer-Specific Risk. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole.
Liquidity Risk. From time to time, the trading market for a particular investment in which the Fund invests, or a particular type of instrument in which the Fund is invested, may become less liquid or even illiquid. Illiquid investments frequently can be more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous price or time, and there is a greater risk that the investments may not be sold for the price at which the Fund is carrying them. Certain investments that were liquid when the Fund purchased them may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly. Additionally, market closures due to holidays or other factors may render a security or group of securities (e.g., securities tied to a particular country or geographic region) illiquid for a period of time. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such securities or other investments may be volatile. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to limit losses.
Unexpected episodes of illiquidity, including due to market or political factors, instrument or issuer-specific factors and/or unanticipated outflows or other factors, may limit the Fund’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions.
Market Capitalization Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in securities of small-, mid-, or large-cap companies, it takes on the associated risks. At times, any of these market capitalizations may be out of favor with investors. Compared to small- and mid-cap companies, large-cap companies may be unable to respond as quickly to changes and opportunities and may grow at a slower rate. Compared to large-cap companies, small- and mid-cap companies may depend on a more limited management group, may have a shorter history of operations, less publicly available information, less stable earnings and limited product lines, markets or financial resources. The securities of small- and mid-cap companies are often more volatile, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, and less liquid than the securities of larger companies and may be more affected than other types of securities by the underperformance of a sector, during market downturns, by adverse publicity and investor perceptions, by interest rate changes and by government regulation.
Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. If the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for better performance.
Non-Diversified Fund Risk.
Recent Market Conditions. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a
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different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing or changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time.
Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, in 2022, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks raised interest rates as part of their efforts to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks recently began to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors, such as inflation, could stop such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce bank balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various markets or decrease confidence in the markets.
Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between countries and regions, including the U.S. and China, political or economic dysfunction within some countries or regions, including major producers of commodities, and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, if the U.S. dollar continues to be strong, it may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Regulators in the U.S. have proposed and adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which apply to the Fund. The full effect of various newly adopted regulations is not currently known. Additionally, it is not currently known whether any of the proposed regulations will be adopted. However, due to the scope of regulations being proposed and adopted, certain of these changes to regulation could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for it to operate, or adversely impact performance.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact its performance.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and any sanctions and related events cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted.
High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation’s debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and substantial investment risks that cannot now be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy.
Global climate change can have potential effects on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impact of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impact of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, including any direct or indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.
Sector Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors or sub-sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
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Value Stock Risk. Value stocks are those stocks whose stock prices, whether based on earnings, book value, or other financial measures, do not reflect their full economic opportunities. Value stocks may remain undervalued for extended periods of time, may decrease in value during a given period, may not ever realize what the portfolio management team believes to be their full value, or the portfolio management team’s assumptions about intrinsic value or potential for appreciation may be incorrect. This may happen, among other reasons, because of a failure to anticipate which stocks or industries would benefit from changing market or economic conditions or investor preferences.
Risks of Investing in Variable Interest Entities. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including on U.S. exchanges, many PRC-based operating companies are structured as entities commonly-referred to as variable interest entities (“VIEs”). In a typical VIE structure, the onshore PRC-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE and lists on an exchange outside of the PRC and issues exchange-traded shares that are sold to the public, including the Fund. This structure enables PRC companies in which the PRC government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no legal equity ownership of the VIE, its contractual arrangements with the VIE permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for Financial Accounting Standards Board accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying onshore PRC-based operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the onshore PRC-based operating company only through its contractual arrangements with the VIE and has no legal ownership in the VIE. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these contractual arrangements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities of the VIE are limited and the VIE may engage in activities that negatively impact the investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally or legally recognized under PRC law and therefore there is a risk that the PRC government could restrict the effectiveness of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid under PRC law. If the agreements are breached or if the agreements are otherwise determined not to be enforceable under PRC law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the PRC government determines that the contractual agreements involving VIE structures do not comply with PRC laws and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a VIE to numerous sanctions such as penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, invalidate or terminate contractual arrangements and/or forfeiture or non-recognition of ownership interest.
In addition, PRC companies listed on U.S. exchanges, including ADRs and companies that rely on VIE structures, may be delisted if they do not meet U.S. accounting standards and auditor oversight requirements. Delisting could significantly decrease the liquidity and value of the securities of these companies, decrease the ability of a Fund to invest in such securities and increase the cost of the Fund if it is required to seek alternative markets in which to invest in such securities.
A summary of the Fund’s additional principal investment risks is as follows:
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers, and your ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, processing and communications errors, counterparty and third-party disruptions or errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality, including those related to critical functions. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. It is not possible for the Manager or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Artificial Intelligence. The Fund and its service providers, including its adviser, may utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including machine learning models and generative AI, to improve operational efficiency and in connection with research. In addition, counterparties used by the Fund may utilize AI in their business activities. The Fund and its adviser are not in a position to control the use of AI in third-party products or services. The use of AI introduces numerous potential challenges and the use of AI can lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and competitive disadvantages, as well as negatively impact business operations, which may occur with or without mismanagement in the use of the AI. AI requires the collection and processing of substantial amounts of data, which poses risks of data inaccuracies, incompleteness, and inherent biases, and which can degrade the technology’s effectiveness and reliability.
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Such data can include proprietary information, the use of which by AI may be unauthorized and subject to potential liability. Rapid technological advancements further complicate risk predictions, and competitors who adopt AI more swiftly may gain a competitive edge. The complexity and opacity of AI systems raise significant accountability and ethical concerns. AI has enhanced the ability of threat actors to amplify the potency, scale, and speed of cybersecurity attacks. AI’s role in increasing automation raises concerns about job displacement and may lead to economic and social disruptions. The unpredictable nature of AI’s impact on market dynamics complicates traditional risk assessment models, making it challenging to identify risks and opportunities using historical data. Regulatory frameworks governing AI’s use, particularly concerning data privacy and protection, are evolving rapidly. These changes could materially alter how AI is used, which may negatively impact the Fund.
Risk Management. Risk is an essential part of investing. No risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to adverse events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by such events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program. The Fund could experience losses if judgments about risk prove to be incorrect.
Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value an investment, the Fund may be required to value such investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent price and from the prices used by other funds to calculate their NAVs. The Fund uses pricing services to provide values for certain securities and there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell an investment at the price established by such pricing services. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The Fund commenced operations after the assets of another investment company, Neuberger Berman Greater China Equity Fund (the predecessor fund), were transferred to the Fund in a tax-free reorganization as of the close of business on October 13, 2023. The Fund has adopted the performance history of its predecessor fund. The information shown below prior to October 13, 2023 is for the predecessor fund.
The predecessor fund had a higher management fee, a different benchmark index, and different principal investment strategies, which included the use of a sub-adviser, prior to August 21, 2023. The Fund’s performance prior to that date may have been different if the current management fee and principal investment strategies had been in effect.
Returns would have been lower if the Manager had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees, including those of the predecessor fund, during certain of the periods shown.
While the Fund’s shares would have substantially similar annual returns to the Institutional Class shares of the predecessor fund, their performance may differ from that shown because the Fund has lower expenses than the predecessor fund’s Institutional Class shares. Performance for the Fund’s Shares has not been adjusted to reflect the Fund’s Shares’ lower expenses than those of the predecessor fund’s Institutional Class shares. Performance for the predecessor fund is based on the NAV per share of the predecessor fund shares rather than on market-determined prices.
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:
:
:
| 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | ||||
| Return Before Taxes | - |
- |
||||
| Return After Taxes on Distributions | - |
- |
||||
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | - |
- |
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| MSCI China All Shares Index (Net)* (reflects reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes, but reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | - |
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| MSCI China A Onshore Index (Net) (reflects reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes, but reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | - |
| * |
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA” or the “Manager”) is the Fund’s investment manager. Neuberger Berman Asia Limited is the Fund’s participating affiliate.
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
The Fund is managed by Alan Tsang, CFA (Portfolio Manager). Mr. Tsang has managed the Fund since July 2024.
Buying and Selling Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at its NAV only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof, and only with authorized participants who have entered into contractual arrangements with the Fund’s distributor.
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Individual Shares (rather than Creation Units) of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker or dealer at market price and most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Fund on such an exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The prices at which individual Shares may be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through brokers are based on market prices and, because Shares will trade at market prices rather than at NAV, individual Shares of the Fund may trade at a price greater than or less than NAV. Shares of the Fund are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying and selling shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer.
Recent information, including information about the Fund’s NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is included on the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/ETF.
Tax Information
Unless you invest in the Fund through a tax-advantaged retirement plan or account or are a tax-exempt investor, you will be subject to tax on Fund distributions to you of ordinary income and/or net capital gains. Those distributions generally are not taxable to such a plan or account or a tax-exempt investor, although withdrawals from certain retirement plans and accounts generally are subject to federal income tax.
Payments to Investment Providers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer or other financial intermediary, such as a bank, brokerage firm, workplace retirement program, or financial adviser (who may be affiliated with the Manager), the Fund and/or Neuberger Berman BD LLC and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker/dealer or other financial intermediary and its employees to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial intermediary or visit its website for more information.
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The Fund seeks total return.
These tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| Management fees of Fund and Subsidiary (as defined below) | ||
| Total other expenses | ||
| Other expenses of Fund | ||
| Other expenses of Subsidiary | ||
| Total annual operating expenses | ||
| Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement | ||
| Total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement1 |
| 1 |
The expense example can help you compare costs among funds. The example assumes that you invested $10,000 for the periods shown, that you redeemed all of your shares at the end of those periods, that the Fund earned a hypothetical 5% total return each year, and that the Fund’s expenses were those in the table. Actual performance and expenses may be higher or lower.
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
The Fund seeks to achieve its goal by investing under normal circumstances in commodity-linked derivative instruments and fixed income instruments. Commodities are assets such as oil, natural gas, agricultural products or metals.
The Fund seeks to gain long and short exposure to the commodity markets by investing, directly or indirectly, in futures contracts on individual commodities and other commodity-linked derivative instruments. The performance of these commodity-linked derivative instruments is expected to correspond to the performance of the commodity underlying the derivative instrument, without requiring the Fund to invest directly in commodities. Although the Fund may make these investments in commodity-linked derivative instruments directly, the Fund expects to gain exposure to these investments primarily by investing in a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fund formed in the Cayman Islands (“Subsidiary”).
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The Subsidiary is managed by Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC and has the same investment goal as the Fund. The Subsidiary may invest without limitation in commodity-linked derivative instruments. The Subsidiary also may invest in fixed income securities, cash or cash equivalent instruments, or money market mutual funds, some of which may serve as collateral for the Subsidiary’s derivative instruments. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the Subsidiary at the end of any quarter of its taxable year.
In managing the Fund’s commodity investments, the Portfolio Managers seek to identify investment opportunities using quantitative investment models and fundamental analyses with an emphasis on risk management in an attempt to take advantage of both short-term and long-term opportunities in commodity markets. By managing a broadly diversified portfolio of commodity investments with an active investment approach, the Portfolio Managers seek to provide investors with an investment vehicle whose returns are not highly correlated with other major asset classes. The Fund may take short positions in commodities. These shorts, bought as derivatives, either anticipate price declines or serve as hedging strategies for risk management.
The Portfolio Managers will use various quantitative models employing strategies intended to identify investment opportunities and determine portfolio weightings in different commodity sectors and markets. These strategies include: (i) a risk-balancing strategy that considers the total portfolio risk the Portfolio Managers believe to be associated with each commodity; (ii) a strategy that endeavors to assess top down macro variables among various commodity sectors (such as, energy, industrial, metals, including industrial and strategic metals (e.g., uranium) and precious metals, agricultural, livestock and softs (e.g., sugar, cotton, cocoa and coffee)); and/or (iii) a strategy that endeavors to assess the outlook for individual commodities within each commodity sector.
From time to time, the Fund’s investment program may emphasize a particular sector of the commodities markets. If the Fund emphasizes one or more sectors the performance of your investment in the Fund will likely be affected by events affecting the performance of those sectors. Additional information about certain risks related to the various commodities market sectors are summarized under “Additional Information about Principal Investment Risks” in the Prospectus.
The Fund’s fixed income investments will be primarily in investment grade fixed income securities and are intended to provide liquidity and preserve capital and may serve as collateral for the Fund’s derivative instruments. These may include fixed income securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and securities issued by corporations or trust entities as well as floating rate securities. The Fund considers fixed income securities to be investment grade if, at the time of investment, they are rated within the four highest categories by at least one independent credit rating agency or, if unrated, are determined by the Portfolio Managers to be of comparable quality. The Fund also aims to keep the duration of the fixed income portfolio short.
The Fund may invest in cash or cash equivalent instruments. Because the Fund will use derivatives to gain exposure to commodities, and because derivatives may not require the Fund to deposit the full notional amount of the investment, the Fund may invest a significant amount of its assets in money market mutual funds or other fixed income investments, as described above. In relation to this Fund, notional refers to the total value of the Fund’s aggregate positions. The Fund’s (and the Subsidiary’s) use of commodity-linked derivative instruments to obtain long and short exposure to the commodity markets may result in leverage, which amplifies the risks that are associated with the commodities underlying the derivative instruments. The Fund’s aggregate investment exposure, as measured on a notional basis, may be greater than 100% of the Fund’s total assets from time to time.
Although the Fund invests primarily in domestic securities and other instruments, it may also invest in foreign securities and other foreign instruments, which may be denominated in any currency.
In an effort to achieve its goal, the Fund may engage in active and frequent trading.
Most of the Fund’s performance depends on what happens in the commodity and stock markets, the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of those developments, and the success of the Portfolio Managers in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments will result in leverage, which amplifies the risks that are associated with these markets. The markets’ behavior can be difficult to predict, particularly in the short term. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
The Fund may take temporary defensive and cash management positions; to the extent it does, it will not be pursuing its principal investment strategies.
The actual risk exposure taken by the Fund in its investment program will vary over time, depending on various factors including the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. There can be no guarantee that the Portfolio Managers will be successful in their attempts to manage the risk exposure of the Fund or will appropriately
14 Commodity Strategy ETF
evaluate or weigh the multiple factors involved in investment decisions, including issuer, market and/or instrument-specific analysis and valuation.
Each of the following risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of any presumed importance, can significantly affect the Fund’s performance. The relative importance of, or potential exposure as a result of, each of these risks will vary based on market and other investment-specific considerations.
Call Risk. Upon the issuer’s desire to call a security, or under other circumstances where a security is called, which may happen for a number of reasons, such as declining interest rates or changes in credit spreads, the issuer can opt to repay the obligation underlying a “callable security” early. When this occurs, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield or with a higher risk of default and may not realize the full anticipated benefit from such investment.
Commodity Regulatory Risk. The Fund is deemed a “commodity pool” and the Fund’s investment manager is considered a “commodity pool operator” with respect to the Fund under the Commodity Exchange Act. The Fund’s investment manager is therefore subject to dual regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Compliance with regulations governing commodity pools may increase the Fund’s regulatory compliance costs. The regulatory requirements could change at any time and additional regulations could also be adopted, which may adversely impact the Fund, and may compel the Fund to consider significant changes, which could include substantially altering its principal investment strategies or, if deemed necessary, liquidating the Fund.
Commodity Risk. The Fund’s and the Subsidiary’s significant investment exposure to the commodities markets and/or a particular sector of the commodities markets may subject the Fund and the Subsidiary to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The commodities markets are impacted by a variety of factors, including market movements, resource availability, commodity price volatility, speculation in the commodities markets, domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies, trade policies and tariffs, war, acts of terrorism, changes in domestic or foreign interest rates and/or investor expectations concerning interest rates, domestic and foreign inflation rates and investment and trading activities in commodities. Prices of various commodities may also be affected by factors such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and other regulatory developments. The prices of commodities can also fluctuate widely due to supply and demand disruptions in major producing or consuming regions. To the extent the Fund focuses its investments in a particular commodity in the commodities market or a particular sector of the commodities market, the Fund will be more susceptible to risks associated with the particular commodity or particular commodity sector. No active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments. Because the Fund’s and the Subsidiary’s performance is linked to the performance of potentially volatile commodities, investors should be willing to assume the risks of significant fluctuations in the value of the Fund’s shares.
Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that issuers, guarantors, or insurers may fail, or become less able or unwilling, to pay interest and/or principal when due. Changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of an issuer or a downgrade or default affecting any of the Fund’s securities could affect the Fund’s performance by affecting the credit quality or value of the Fund’s securities. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.
Currency Risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. To the extent that the Fund is exposed directly or indirectly to foreign currencies, including through its investments, or invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by various factors, including investor perception and changes in interest rates; intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities; or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad.
Derivatives Risk. Use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques, analysis and risks different from, and in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives can be highly complex and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways. Derivatives can create leverage, and the Fund could lose more than the amount it invests; some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. The value of a derivative instrument depends largely on (and is derived from) the value of the reference instrument underlying the
15 Commodity Strategy ETF
derivative. There may be imperfect correlation between the behavior of a derivative and that of the reference instrument underlying the derivative. An abrupt change in the price of a reference instrument could render a derivative worthless. Derivatives may involve risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the reference instrument. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will use derivatives to reduce exposure to other risks when that might have been beneficial. Derivatives involve counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party to the derivative will fail to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the derivative. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. When the Fund uses derivatives, it will likely be required to provide margin or collateral; these practices are intended to satisfy contractual undertakings and regulatory requirements and will not prevent the Fund from incurring losses on derivatives. The need to provide margin or collateral could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise. Ongoing changes to regulation of the derivatives markets and actual and potential changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, or may otherwise adversely affect their liquidity, value or performance.
Additional risks associated with certain types of derivatives are discussed below:
Futures. Futures contracts are subject to the risk that an exchange may impose price fluctuation limits, which may make it difficult or impossible for a fund to close out a position when desired. In the absence of such limits, the liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than taking or making delivery. To the extent a Fund enters into futures contracts requiring physical delivery (e.g., certain commodities contracts), the inability of the Fund to take or make physical delivery can negatively impact performance.
ETF Risk. As an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as authorized participants. Only an authorized participant may transact in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and authorized participants are not obligated to engage in such transactions. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable or unwilling to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund, such as in times of market stress, and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, trading in Fund shares may be significantly diminished, bid-ask spreads may widen and shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face trading halts or delisting. To the extent the Fund invests in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes, this risk is heightened.
Cash Transactions Risk. Unlike certain ETFs, the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions in cash or partially in cash. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs. Other ETFs generally are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid realizing gains in connection with transactions designed to raise cash to meet redemption requests. If the Fund effects a portion of redemptions for cash, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds, which also involves transaction costs. If the Fund recognizes gain on these sales, this generally will cause the Fund to recognize gain it might not otherwise have recognized if it were to distribute portfolio securities in-kind, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required. The Fund generally intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the Fund level and otherwise comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to, or at an earlier date than, if they had made an investment in a different ETF. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an authorized participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”) are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security (i.e., the Fund’s quote from the closed foreign market). As a result, premiums or discounts to NAV may develop in share prices, and bid-ask spreads may be greater than those experienced by other funds. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times
16 Commodity Strategy ETF
of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads, which is the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of a fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market, and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. If a trading halt occurs, a shareholder may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. The bid-ask spread, which varies over time, is generally narrower if the Fund has more trading volume and market liquidity and wider if the Fund has less trading volume and market liquidity. In addition, the bid-ask spread can be affected by the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying investments and can widen if the Fund’s underlying investments become less liquid or illiquid. In addition, although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained, that bid-ask spreads will be narrow, or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed.
Foreign Risk. Foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities. Additional risks include exposure to less developed or less efficient trading markets; social, political, diplomatic, or economic instability; trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.); imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals; significant government involvement in an economy and/or market structure; fluctuations in foreign currencies or currency redenomination; potential for default on sovereign debt; nationalization or expropriation of assets; settlement, custodial or other operational risks; higher transaction costs; confiscatory withholding or other taxes; and less stringent auditing and accounting, corporate disclosure, governance, and legal standards. As a result, foreign securities may fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid, than comparable U.S. securities. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic or political developments. In addition, foreign markets may perform differently than the U.S. markets. The effect of economic instability on specific foreign markets or issuers may be difficult to predict or evaluate. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange, or by governmental authorities. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. In the event that the Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities or instruments, the Fund’s ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and the Fund could incur significant losses.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading and may have a high portfolio turnover rate, which may increase the Fund’s transaction costs, may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and may generate a greater amount of capital gain distributions to shareholders than if the Fund had a low portfolio turnover rate.
Interest Rate Risk. In general, the value of investments with interest rate risk, such as debt securities, will move in the direction opposite to movements in interest rates. If interest rates rise, the value of such securities may decline. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Fund’s debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities.
Issuer-Specific Risk. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole.
Leverage Risk. Leverage amplifies changes in the Fund’s net asset value and may make the Fund more volatile. Derivatives may create leverage and can result in losses to the Fund that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses or magnify the risks of other portfolio investments. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s use of any leverage will be
17 Commodity Strategy ETF
successful and the Fund may need to dispose of some of its holdings at unfavorable times or prices. The Fund’s investment exposure can exceed its net assets, sometimes by a significant amount.
Liquidity Risk. From time to time, the trading market for a particular investment in which the Fund invests, or a particular type of instrument in which the Fund is invested, may become less liquid or even illiquid. Illiquid investments frequently can be more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous price or time, and there is a greater risk that the investments may not be sold for the price at which the Fund is carrying them. Certain investments that were liquid when the Fund purchased them may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly. Additionally, market closures due to holidays or other factors may render a security or group of securities (e.g., securities tied to a particular country or geographic region) illiquid for a period of time. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such securities or other investments may be volatile. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to limit losses.
Unexpected episodes of illiquidity, including due to market or political factors, instrument or issuer-specific factors and/or unanticipated outflows or other factors, may limit the Fund’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions.
Market Direction Risk. Since the Fund will typically hold both long and short positions, an investment in the Fund will involve market risks associated with different types of investment decisions than those made for a typical “long only” fund. The Fund’s results could suffer when there is a general market advance and the Fund holds significant “short” positions, or when there is a general market decline and the Fund holds significant “long” positions. The markets may have considerable volatility from day to day and even in intra-day trading.
Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. If the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for better performance.
Model Risk. To a significant extent, the Fund’s performance will depend on the success of implementing and managing the investment models that assist in allocating the Fund’s assets. Models that have been formulated on the basis of past market data may not be indicative of future price movements. Models rely on data inputs and such data may be incorrect or incomplete making the model unreliable. Models may not be reliable or produce unexpected results if unusual or disruptive events cause market moves the nature or size of which are inconsistent with the historic performance of individual markets and their relationship to one another or to other macroeconomic events. Models also may have hidden biases or exposure to broad structural or sentiment shifts. In the event that actual events fail to conform to the assumptions underlying such models, losses could be incurred. The performance of the investment models may be impacted by software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, and similar circumstances.
Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The value of mortgage- and asset-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage instruments, will be influenced by the factors affecting the housing market or the assets underlying the securities. These securities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities. In addition, investments in mortgage- and asset-backed securities may be subject to prepayment risk and extension risk, call risk, credit risk, valuation risk, and illiquid investment risk, sometimes to a higher degree than various other types of debt securities. These securities are also subject to the risk of default on the underlying mortgages or assets, particularly during periods of market downturn, and an unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the underlying assets will adversely affect the security’s value.
Natural Resources Risk. Investments related to natural resources may be affected by numerous factors, including events occurring in nature, inflationary pressures and domestic and international politics. For example, events occurring in nature (such as earthquakes or fires in prime natural resource areas) and political events (such as coups or military confrontations) can affect the overall supply of a natural resource and the value of companies involved in such natural resource. In addition, interest rates, fluctuations in commodity prices; reduced consumer demand for commodities; reduced availability of natural gas or other commodities for transporting, processing, storing or delivering; slowdowns in new construction; international economic developments, energy conservation, tax and other government regulations (both U.S. and foreign) can affect the profitability and value of securities issued by these companies. Additionally, natural resource investments are subject to substantial government
18 Commodity Strategy ETF
regulation, including environmental regulation and liability for environmental damage, and changes in the regulatory environment for these companies may adversely impact their profitability. These types of companies have historically experienced substantial price volatility. At times, the performance of these investments may lag the performance of other sectors or the market as a whole.
Other Investment Company Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, including money market funds, its performance will be affected by the performance of those other investment companies. Investments in other investment companies are subject to the risks of the other investment companies’ investments, as well as to the other investment companies’ expenses.
Prepayment and Extension Risk. The Fund’s performance could be affected if borrowers pay back principal on certain debt securities, such as mortgage- or asset-backed securities, before (prepayment) or after (extension) the market anticipates such payments, shortening or lengthening their duration. Due to a decline in interest rates or an excess in cash flow into the issuer, a debt security might be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity. As a result of prepayment, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates, and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Conversely, rising market interest rates generally result in slower payoffs or extension, which effectively increases the duration of certain debt securities, heightening interest rate risk and increasing the magnitude of any resulting price declines.
Recent Market Conditions. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing or changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time.
Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, in 2022, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks raised interest rates as part of their efforts to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks recently began to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors, such as inflation, could stop such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce bank balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various markets or decrease confidence in the markets.
Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between countries and regions, including the U.S. and China, political or economic dysfunction within some countries or regions, including major producers of commodities, and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, if the U.S. dollar continues to be strong, it may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Regulators in the U.S. have proposed and adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which apply to the Fund. The full effect of various newly adopted regulations is not currently known. Additionally, it is not currently known whether any of the proposed regulations will be adopted. However, due to the scope of regulations being proposed and adopted, certain of these changes to regulation could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for it to operate, or adversely impact performance.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact its performance.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and any sanctions and related events cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted.
19 Commodity Strategy ETF
High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation’s debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and substantial investment risks that cannot now be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy.
Global climate change can have potential effects on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impact of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impact of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, including any direct or indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.
Sector Risk. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Short Sale Risk. Short sales involve selling a security the Fund does not own in anticipation that the security’s price will decline. Because the Fund may invest the proceeds of a short sale, an effect of short selling on the Fund is leverage, in that it amplifies changes in the Fund’s net asset value since it increases the exposure of the Fund to the market. The Fund may not always be able to close out a short position at a favorable time or price. If the Fund covers its short sale at an unfavorable price, the cover transaction is likely to reduce or eliminate any gain, or cause a loss to the Fund. Short sales, at least theoretically, present a risk of unlimited loss on an individual security basis, particularly in cases where the Fund is unable, for whatever reason, to close out its short position, since the Fund may be required to buy the security sold short at a time when the security has appreciated in value, and there is potentially no limit to the amount of such appreciation. When the Fund is selling a security short, it must maintain a segregated account of cash or high-grade securities equal to the margin requirement. As a result, the Fund may maintain high levels of cash or other liquid assets (such as U.S. Treasury bills, money market instruments, certificates of deposit, high quality commercial paper and long equity positions). The Fund may utilize the collateral obtained from securities lending for this cash. The need to maintain cash or other liquid assets in segregated accounts could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise.
Subsidiary Risk. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments and operations. The commodity-linked derivative instruments and other investments held by the Subsidiary are similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund, and thus, present the same risks whether they are held by the Fund or the Subsidiary. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Subsidiary will be achieved. The Subsidiary is not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and, unless otherwise noted in this prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. However, the Fund wholly owns and controls the Subsidiary, and the Fund and the Subsidiary are both managed by the Manager, making it unlikely that the Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund’s Board of Trustees has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Subsidiary, and the Fund’s role as sole shareholder of the Subsidiary. In adhering to the Fund’s investment restrictions and limitations, the Manager will treat the assets of the Subsidiary generally in the same manner as assets that are held directly by the Fund. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands, under which the Fund and the Subsidiary, respectively, are organized, could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in this prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information and could adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders.
Tax Risk. To qualify as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”) (“RIC”), and be eligible to receive “pass-through” tax treatment, the Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from types of income treated as “qualifying income” under the Code. Although income from certain commodity investments held by a Subsidiary would not be qualifying income if received directly by the Fund, the Code provides that a RIC’s “subpart F income” inclusions will be treated as qualifying income if the CFC distributes such income to the RIC during the year of inclusion. Further, the Service has issued Regulations providing that the annual net profit, if any, realized by a Subsidiary and included in the Fund’s income under the subpart F rules will constitute “qualifying income” for purposes of remaining qualified as a RIC whether or not the included income is distributed by the Subsidiary to the Fund if the Fund makes its investment in the Subsidiary as part of the Fund’s business of investing in stocks and securities. The Fund has also received an option of counsel, which is not binding on the Service or the courts, that income the Fund derives from the Subsidiary should constitute qualifying income.
The federal income tax treatment of the Fund’s income from the Subsidiary may be adversely affected by future legislation, other Treasury regulations, and/or other guidance issued by the Service that could affect the character, timing of
20 Commodity Strategy ETF
recognition, and/or amount of the Fund’s taxable income and/or net capital gains and, therefore, the distributions it makes. If the Fund failed the qualifying income test for any taxable year but was eligible to and did cure the failure, it would incur potentially significant federal income tax expense. If, on the other hand, the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and was ineligible to or otherwise did not cure the failure, it would be subject to federal income tax on its taxable income at the corporate tax rate, with the consequences that its income available for distribution to shareholders would be reduced and all such distributions from its current or accumulated earnings and profits would be taxable to its shareholders as dividend income. In that event, the Fund’s Board of Trustees may authorize a significant change in investment strategy or the Fund’s liquidation.
U.S. Government Securities Risk. Although the Fund may hold securities that carry U.S. government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to shares of the Fund itself and do not guarantee the market prices, including due to changes in interest rates, of the securities. Furthermore, not all securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury carry at least some risk of non-payment or default.
A summary of the Fund’s additional principal investment risks is as follows:
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers, and your ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, processing and communications errors, counterparty and third-party disruptions or errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality, including those related to critical functions. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. It is not possible for the Manager or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Artificial Intelligence. The Fund and its service providers, including its adviser, may utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including machine learning models and generative AI, to improve operational efficiency and in connection with research. In addition, counterparties used by the Fund may utilize AI in their business activities. The Fund and its adviser are not in a position to control the use of AI in third-party products or services. The use of AI introduces numerous potential challenges and the use of AI can lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and competitive disadvantages, as well as negatively impact business operations, which may occur with or without mismanagement in the use of the AI. AI requires the collection and processing of substantial amounts of data, which poses risks of data inaccuracies, incompleteness, and inherent biases, and which can degrade the technology’s effectiveness and reliability. Such data can include proprietary information, the use of which by AI may be unauthorized and subject to potential liability. Rapid technological advancements further complicate risk predictions, and competitors who adopt AI more swiftly may gain a competitive edge. The complexity and opacity of AI systems raise significant accountability and ethical concerns. AI has enhanced the ability of threat actors to amplify the potency, scale, and speed of cybersecurity attacks. AI’s role in increasing automation raises concerns about job displacement and may lead to economic and social disruptions. The unpredictable nature of AI’s impact on market dynamics complicates traditional risk assessment models, making it challenging to identify risks and opportunities using historical data. Regulatory frameworks governing AI’s use, particularly concerning data privacy and protection, are evolving rapidly. These changes could materially alter how AI is used, which may negatively impact the Fund.
Risk Management. Risk is an essential part of investing. No risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to adverse events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by such events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program. The Fund could experience losses if judgments about risk prove to be incorrect.
Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value an investment, the Fund may be required to value such investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent price and from the
21 Commodity Strategy ETF
prices used by other funds to calculate their NAVs. The Fund uses pricing services to provide values for certain securities and there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell an investment at the price established by such pricing services. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The Fund commenced operations after the assets of another investment company, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy Fund (the predecessor fund), were transferred to the Fund in a tax-free reorganization as of the close of business on October 21, 2022. The Fund adopted the performance history of its predecessor fund. The information shown below prior to October 21, 2022 is for the predecessor fund.
Returns would have been lower if the Manager had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees, including those of the predecessor fund, during certain of the periods shown.
While the Fund’s shares would have substantially similar annual returns to the Institutional Class shares of the predecessor fund, their performance may differ from that shown because the Fund has lower expenses than the predecessor fund’s Institutional Class shares. Performance for the Fund’s Shares has not been adjusted to reflect the Fund’s Shares’ lower expenses than those of the predecessor fund’s Institutional Class shares. Performance for the predecessor fund is based on the NAV per share of the predecessor fund shares rather than on market-determined prices.
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:
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22 Commodity Strategy ETF
| 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | ||||
| Return Before Taxes | - |
|||||
| Return After Taxes on Distributions | - |
- | ||||
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | - |
- | ||||
| MSCI All Country World Index (Net)* (reflects reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes, but reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | ||||||
| Bloomberg Commodity Index |
- |
- |
| * |
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA” or the “Manager”) is the Fund’s investment manager.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Fund is managed by Hakan Kaya (Portfolio Manager), David Yi Wan (Senior Vice President of the Manager) and Michael Foster (Managing Director of the Manager). Mr. Kaya has managed the Fund since its inception in 2012, Mr. Wan has managed the Fund since February 2016 and Mr. Foster has managed the Fund since May 2021.
Buying and Selling Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at its NAV only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof, and only with authorized participants who have entered into contractual arrangements with the Fund’s distributor.
Individual Shares (rather than Creation Units) of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker or dealer at market price and most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Fund on such an exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The prices at which individual Shares may be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through brokers are based on market prices and, because Shares will trade at market prices rather than at NAV, individual Shares of the Fund may trade at a price greater than or less than NAV. Shares of the Fund are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying and selling shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer.
Recent information, including information about the Fund’s NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is included on the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/ETF.
Tax Information
Unless you invest in the Fund through a tax-advantaged retirement plan or account or are a tax-exempt investor, you will be subject to tax on Fund distributions to you of ordinary income and/or net capital gains. Those distributions generally are not taxable to such a plan or account or a tax-exempt investor, although withdrawals from certain retirement plans and accounts generally are subject to federal income tax.
Payments to Investment Providers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer or other financial intermediary, such as a bank, brokerage firm, workplace retirement program, or financial adviser (who may be affiliated with the Manager), the Fund and/or Neuberger Berman BD LLC and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker/dealer or other financial intermediary and its employees to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial intermediary or visit its website for more information.
23 Commodity Strategy ETF
The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
These tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| Management fees | ||
| Other expenses1 | ||
| Total annual operating expenses | ||
| Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement | ||
| Total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement2,3 |
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 3 |
The expense example can help you compare costs among funds. The example assumes that you invested $10,000 for the periods shown, that you redeemed all of your shares at the end of those periods, that the Fund earned a hypothetical 5% total return each year, and that the Fund’s expenses were those in the table. Actual performance and expenses may be higher or lower.
| $ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the period from July 31, 2024 (commencement of operations) to the most recent fiscal year end, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
To pursue its goal, the Fund invests primarily in equity securities of large-capitalization companies, which it defines as companies that have a market capitalization within the market capitalization range of companies in the Russell 1000® Index at the time of initial purchase.
The Portfolio Managers seek to invest in a broad group of securities that have the potential to outperform the Russell 1000® Index with a lower level of risk through security selection. The Fund generally seeks to be sector neutral when compared to the Russell 1000® Index (i.e., having sector exposures similar to the Russell 1000® Index).
24 Core Equity ETF
The Portfolio Managers, with the assistance of the Manager’s research analysts, select securities for the Fund by using a fundamental, research-driven approach. The research analysts analyze and rate stocks within an industry by conducting equity research, which may include, but is not limited to, company visits, management interviews, industry conferences, proprietary modeling of earnings, cash flow and balance sheets, projecting growth and valuation changes, and setting price targets for companies under coverage. In selecting securities for the Fund, the Portfolio Managers utilize the analysis and ratings of the research analysts as they seek to maintain a sector neutral portfolio with what they believe are the most attractive investments in each industry.
While the Fund will mainly invest in common stocks of U.S. companies, the Fund may invest in other types of equity securities, including real estate investment trusts, rights and warrants, exchange traded funds, and depository receipts. The Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means that it can invest more of its assets in fewer companies than a diversified fund.
As part of their fundamental investment analysis the Portfolio Managers consider Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors they believe are financially material to individual investments, where applicable. While this analysis is inherently subjective and may be informed by both internally generated and third-party metrics, data and other information, the Portfolio Managers believe that the consideration of financially material ESG factors, alongside traditional financial metrics, may enhance the Fund’s overall investment process. The consideration of ESG factors does not apply to certain instruments, such as certain derivative instruments, other registered investment companies, cash and cash equivalents. The consideration of ESG factors as part of the investment process does not mean that the Fund pursues a specific “impact” or “sustainable” investment strategy.
The Portfolio Managers may sell securities when they believe that they no longer represent attractive investment opportunities.
The Fund will not change its strategy of normally investing at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities and other investment companies that provide investment exposure to equity securities without providing shareholders at least 60 days’ notice. This test is applied at the time the Fund invests; later percentage changes caused by a change in Fund assets, market values or company circumstances will not require the Fund to dispose of a holding.
Most of the Fund’s performance depends on what happens in the stock markets, the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of those developments, and the success of the Portfolio Managers in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies. The markets’ behavior can be difficult to predict, particularly in the short term. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
The Fund may take temporary defensive and cash management positions; to the extent it does, it will not be pursuing its principal investment strategies.
The actual risk exposure taken by the Fund in its investment program will vary over time, depending on various factors including the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. There can be no guarantee that the Portfolio Managers will be successful in their attempts to manage the risk exposure of the Fund or will appropriately evaluate or weigh the multiple factors involved in investment decisions, including issuer, market and/or instrument-specific analysis, valuation and ESG factors.
Each of the following risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of any presumed importance, can significantly affect the Fund’s performance. The relative importance of, or potential exposure as a result of, each of these risks will vary based on market and other investment-specific considerations.
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are certificates issued by a financial institution evidencing ownership of underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks of investing directly in the underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate if, as is often the case, the underlying foreign securities are denominated in foreign currency, and there may be an imperfect correlation between the market value of depositary receipts and the underlying foreign securities.
ETF Risk. As an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as authorized participants. Only an authorized participant may transact in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and authorized participants are not obligated to engage in such transactions. To the extent they exit the
25 Core Equity ETF
business or are otherwise unable or unwilling to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund, such as in times of market stress, and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, trading in Fund shares may be significantly diminished, bid-ask spreads may widen and shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face trading halts or delisting. To the extent the Fund invests in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes, this risk is heightened.
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads, which is the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of a fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market, and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. If a trading halt occurs, a shareholder may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. The bid-ask spread, which varies over time, is generally narrower if the Fund has more trading volume and market liquidity and wider if the Fund has less trading volume and market liquidity. In addition, the bid-ask spread can be affected by the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying investments and can widen if the Fund’s underlying investments become less liquid or illiquid. In addition, although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained, that bid-ask spreads will be narrow, or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed.
Growth Stock Risk. Because the prices of most growth stocks are based on future expectations, these stocks tend to be more sensitive than value stocks to bad economic news and negative earnings surprises. When these expectations are not met or decrease, the prices of these stocks may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Bad economic news or changing investor perceptions may adversely affect growth stocks across several sectors and industries simultaneously.
Issuer-Specific Risk. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole. The Fund’s portfolio may contain fewer securities than the portfolios of other funds, which increases the risk that the value of the Fund could go down because of the poor performance of one or a few investments.
Large-Cap Companies Risk. At times, large-cap companies may be out of favor with investors. Compared to smaller companies, large-cap companies may be unable to respond as quickly to changes, and opportunities and may grow at a slower rate.
Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. If the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for better performance.
New Fund Risk. The Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and its investment strategy may not be successful under all future market conditions, either of which could result in the Fund being liquidated at some future time without shareholder approval and/or at a time that may not be favorable for certain shareholders. New funds may not attract sufficient assets to achieve investment, trading or other efficiencies and, if the Fund does not grow in size, it will be at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV and/or a stop to trading.
26 Core Equity ETF
Non-Diversified Fund Risk.
Other Investment Company Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, including money market funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), its performance will be affected by the performance of those other investment companies. Investments in other investment companies are subject to the risks of the other investment companies’ investments, as well as to the other investment companies’ expenses.
An ETF may trade in the secondary market at a price below the value of its underlying portfolio, may not be liquid and may be halted by the listing exchange. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objectives. A passively managed ETF may not replicate the performance of the index it intends to track.
Recent Market Conditions. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing or changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time.
Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, in 2022, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks raised interest rates as part of their efforts to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks recently began to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors, such as inflation, could stop such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce bank balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various markets or decrease confidence in the markets.
Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between countries and regions, including the U.S. and China, political or economic dysfunction within some countries or regions, including major producers of commodities, and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, if the U.S. dollar continues to be strong, it may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Regulators in the U.S. have proposed and adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which apply to the Fund. The full effect of various newly adopted regulations is not currently known. Additionally, it is not currently known whether any of the proposed regulations will be adopted. However, due to the scope of regulations being proposed and adopted, certain of these changes to regulation could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for it to operate, or adversely impact performance.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact its performance.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and any sanctions and related events cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted.
High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation’s debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and
27 Core Equity ETF
substantial investment risks that cannot now be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy.
Global climate change can have potential effects on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impact of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impact of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, including any direct or indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.
REITs and Other Real Estate Companies Risk. REITs and other real estate company securities are subject to risks similar to those of direct investments in real estate and the real estate industry in general, including, among other risks: general and local economic conditions; changes in interest rates; declines in property values; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; increases in property taxes and other operating expenses; overbuilding in their sector of the real estate market; fluctuations in rental income; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; changes in tax and regulatory requirements; losses due to environmental liabilities; casualty or condemnation losses; changing social trends regarding working arrangements; or other economic, social, political, or regulatory matters affecting the real estate industry. REITs also are dependent upon the skills and creditworthiness of their managers, subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation and generally not diversified.
Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net investment income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (“Code”) or to maintain their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The value of REIT common shares may decline when interest rates rise. REITs and other real estate company securities tend to be small- to mid-cap securities and are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-cap securities.
Sector Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors or sub-sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Value Stock Risk. Value stocks are those stocks whose stock prices, whether based on earnings, book value, or other financial measures, do not reflect their full economic opportunities. Value stocks may remain undervalued for extended periods of time, may decrease in value during a given period, may not ever realize what the portfolio management team believes to be their full value, or the portfolio management team’s assumptions about intrinsic value or potential for appreciation may be incorrect. This may happen, among other reasons, because of a failure to anticipate which stocks or industries would benefit from changing market or economic conditions or investor preferences.
Warrants and Rights Risk. Warrants and rights do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holder to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, warrants and rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities. The Fund could lose the value of a warrant or right if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not exercised prior to the warrant’s or right’s expiration date. The market for warrants and rights may be very limited and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for warrants and rights.
A summary of the Fund’s additional principal investment risks is as follows:
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers, and your ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, processing and communications errors, counterparty and third-party disruptions or errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality, including those related to critical functions. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. It is not possible for the Manager or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily
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dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Artificial Intelligence. The Fund and its service providers, including its adviser, may utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including machine learning models and generative AI, to improve operational efficiency and in connection with research. In addition, counterparties used by the Fund may utilize AI in their business activities. The Fund and its adviser are not in a position to control the use of AI in third-party products or services. The use of AI introduces numerous potential challenges and the use of AI can lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and competitive disadvantages, as well as negatively impact business operations, which may occur with or without mismanagement in the use of the AI. AI requires the collection and processing of substantial amounts of data, which poses risks of data inaccuracies, incompleteness, and inherent biases, and which can degrade the technology’s effectiveness and reliability. Such data can include proprietary information, the use of which by AI may be unauthorized and subject to potential liability. Rapid technological advancements further complicate risk predictions, and competitors who adopt AI more swiftly may gain a competitive edge. The complexity and opacity of AI systems raise significant accountability and ethical concerns. AI has enhanced the ability of threat actors to amplify the potency, scale, and speed of cybersecurity attacks. AI’s role in increasing automation raises concerns about job displacement and may lead to economic and social disruptions. The unpredictable nature of AI’s impact on market dynamics complicates traditional risk assessment models, making it challenging to identify risks and opportunities using historical data. Regulatory frameworks governing AI’s use, particularly concerning data privacy and protection, are evolving rapidly. These changes could materially alter how AI is used, which may negatively impact the Fund.
Risk Management. Risk is an essential part of investing. No risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to adverse events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by such events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program. The Fund could experience losses if judgments about risk prove to be incorrect.
Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value an investment, the Fund may be required to value such investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent price and from the prices used by other funds to calculate their NAVs. The Fund uses pricing services to provide values for certain securities and there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell an investment at the price established by such pricing services. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA” or the “Manager”) is the Fund’s investment manager.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Fund is managed by Portfolio Managers Timothy Creedon, David Levine, and Associate Portfolio Manager Jacob Gamerman (each a Managing Director of the Manager). They have managed the Fund since its inception in July 2024.
Buying and Selling Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at its NAV only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof, and only with authorized participants who have entered into contractual arrangements with the Fund’s distributor.
Individual Shares (rather than Creation Units) of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker or dealer at market price and most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Fund on such an exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The prices at which individual Shares may be purchased and sold on a national securities
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exchange through brokers are based on market prices and, because Shares will trade at market prices rather than at NAV, individual Shares of the Fund may trade at a price greater than or less than NAV. Shares of the Fund are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying and selling shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer.
Recent information, including information about the Fund’s NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is included on the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/ETF.
Tax Information
Unless you invest in the Fund through a tax-advantaged retirement plan or account or are a tax-exempt investor, you will be subject to tax on Fund distributions to you of ordinary income and/or net capital gains. Those distributions generally are not taxable to such a plan or account or a tax-exempt investor, although withdrawals from certain retirement plans and accounts generally are subject to federal income tax.
Payments to Investment Providers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer or other financial intermediary, such as a bank, brokerage firm, workplace retirement program, or financial adviser (who may be affiliated with the Manager), the Fund and/or Neuberger Berman BD LLC and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker/dealer or other financial intermediary and its employees to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial intermediary or visit its website for more information.
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The Fund seeks total return.
These tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| Management fees | ||
| Other expenses1 | ||
| Total annual operating expenses | ||
| Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement | ||
| Total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement2 |
| 1 | |
| 2 |
The expense example can help you compare costs among funds. The example assumes that you invested $10,000 for the periods shown, that you redeemed all of your shares at the end of those periods, that the Fund earned a hypothetical 5% total return each year, and that the Fund’s expenses were those in the table. Actual performance and expenses may be higher or lower.
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
* The Board of Trustees of the Fund approved the liquidation of the Fund. The Fund will create and redeem creation units through the close of regular trading on January 9, 2025, on NYSE Arca, Inc., the Fund’s principal listing exchange (the “Exchange”). January 9, 2025 will also be the last day of trading of the Fund’s shares on the Exchange. Fund shareholders may sell their Fund holdings on the Exchange through January 9, 2025, after which the Fund will not accept creations or redemptions of the Fund’s shares. Customary brokerage charges may apply to such transactions. From January 10, 2025 through the Liquidation Date, shareholders will be unable to sell their shares on the Exchange. The Fund intends to complete the liquidation of its assets, cease operations, and distribute proceeds to shareholders of record on or about January 16, 2025 (the “Liquidation Date”). Shareholders of record of the Fund on the Liquidation Date will receive cash equal to the net asset value of their shares as of such date, which will include any dividends or distributions calculated as of that date. The Fund may depart from its stated goals, strategies and techniques as the Fund begins to convert all portfolio securities to cash or cash equivalents in preparation for the final distribution to shareholders. For more information, call us at 800-877-9700 or visit www.nb.com/ETF.
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Under normal market conditions, the Fund holds investments tied economically to at least 3 countries and invests a percentage of its net assets in securities of foreign issuers equal to at least the lesser of 30% or 5% below the percentage of foreign issuers in the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Index. The Fund is not limited in the extent to which it may invest in real estate equity securities of companies domiciled in emerging market countries. The Fund may also invest in securities of foreign companies in the form of depositary receipts. The Fund generally will invest in convertible securities only if, in the view of the Portfolio Managers, the conversion feature represents a significant element of the securities’ value.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in debt securities of real estate companies. These debt securities can be either investment grade or below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”), provided that, at the time of purchase, they are rated at least B by S&P Global Ratings or Moody’s Investor Service (or comparably rated by at least one independent credit rating agency) or, if unrated by either of these, determined by the Portfolio Managers to be of comparable quality. The Fund does not normally continue to hold securities that are in default or have defaulted with respect to the payment of interest or repayment of principal, but may do so depending on market conditions. The Fund may invest in companies across all market capitalizations.
The Portfolio Managers make investment decisions through a fundamental analysis of each company while factoring in economic and market developments to identify regions, countries and/or real estate sectors that they believe may be particularly attractive. The Portfolio Managers review each company’s current financial condition and industry position, as well as economic and market conditions. In doing so, they evaluate the company’s growth potential, earnings estimates and quality of management, as well as other factors. The Fund normally seeks to invest for the long-term, but it may sell securities regardless of how long they have been held if the Portfolio Managers find an opportunity they believe is more compelling, if the Portfolio Managers’ outlook on the company or the market changes, if a stock reaches a target price, if a company’s business fails to perform as expected, or when other opportunities appear more attractive.
As part of their fundamental investment analysis the Portfolio Managers consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors they believe are financially material to individual investments, where applicable. While this analysis is inherently subjective and may be informed by both internally generated and third-party metrics, data and other information, the Portfolio Managers believe that the consideration of financially material ESG factors, alongside traditional financial metrics, may enhance the Fund’s overall investment process. The consideration of ESG factors does not apply to certain instruments, such as certain derivative instruments, other registered investment companies, cash and cash equivalents. The consideration of ESG factors as part of the investment process does not mean that the Fund pursues a specific “impact” or “sustainable” investment strategy.
The Fund will not change its strategy of normally investing at least 80% of its net assets in U.S. and non-U.S. equity securities issued by REITs and common stocks and other securities issued by other real estate companies, without providing shareholders at least 60 days’ notice. This test and the test of whether a company is a real estate company are applied at the time the Fund invests; later percentage changes caused by a change in market values or company circumstances will not require the Fund to dispose of a holding.
Most of the Fund’s performance depends on what happens in the stock and real estate markets, the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of those developments, and the success of the Portfolio Managers in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies. The markets’ behavior can be difficult to predict, particularly in the short term. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
The Fund may take temporary defensive and cash management positions; to the extent it does, it will not be pursuing its principal investment strategies.
The actual risk exposure taken by the Fund in its investment program will vary over time, depending on various factors including the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. There can be no guarantee that the Portfolio Managers will be successful in their attempts to manage the risk exposure of the Fund or will appropriately evaluate or weigh the multiple factors involved in investment decisions, including issuer, market and/or instrument-specific analysis, valuation and ESG factors.
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Each of the following risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of any presumed importance, can significantly affect the Fund’s performance. The relative importance of, or potential exposure as a result of, each of these risks will vary based on market and other investment-specific considerations.
Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a convertible security, which is a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), typically increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks of stocks when the underlying stock’s price is high relative to the conversion price and is subject to the market risks of debt securities when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price. The general market risks of debt securities that are common to convertible securities include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk. Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade and are subject to the same risks as an investment in lower-rated debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). To the extent the Fund invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-cap companies, it will be subject to the risks of investing in such companies.
Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that issuers, guarantors, or insurers may fail, or become less able or unwilling, to pay interest and/or principal when due. Changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of an issuer or a downgrade or default affecting any of the Fund’s securities could affect the Fund’s performance by affecting the credit quality or value of the Fund’s securities. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.
Currency Risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. To the extent that the Fund invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by various factors, including investor perception and changes in interest rates; intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities; or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad.
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are certificates issued by a financial institution evidencing ownership of underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks of investing directly in the underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate if, as is often the case, the underlying foreign securities are denominated in foreign currency, and there may be an imperfect correlation between the market value of depositary receipts and the underlying foreign securities.
Dividend Risk. There is no guarantee that the companies in which the Fund invests will declare dividends in the future or that dividends, if declared, will remain at current levels or increase over time. Changes in a company’s dividend policies may negatively impact the Fund. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates, and as interest rates rise or fall, the prices of such securities may be impacted. During a broad market advance, securities that pay dividends may not appreciate as much as securities that do not pay dividends.
ETF Risk. As an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as authorized participants. Only an authorized participant may transact in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and authorized participants are not obligated to engage in such transactions. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable or unwilling to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund, such as in times of market stress, and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, trading in Fund shares may be significantly diminished, bid-ask spreads may widen and shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face trading halts or delisting. To the extent the Fund invests in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes, this risk is heightened.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”) are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security (i.e., the Fund’s quote from the closed foreign market). As a result, premiums or discounts to NAV may develop in share prices, and bid-ask spreads may be greater than those experienced by other funds. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more
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than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads, which is the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of a fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market, and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. If a trading halt occurs, a shareholder may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. The bid-ask spread, which varies over time, is generally narrower if the Fund has more trading volume and market liquidity and wider if the Fund has less trading volume and market liquidity. In addition, the bid-ask spread can be affected by the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying investments and can widen if the Fund’s underlying investments become less liquid or illiquid. In addition, although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained, that bid-ask spreads will be narrow, or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed.
Foreign and Emerging Market Risk. Foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities. Additional risks include exposure to less developed or less efficient trading markets; social, political, diplomatic, or economic instability; trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.); imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals; significant government involvement in an economy and/or market structure; fluctuations in foreign currencies or currency redenomination; potential for default on sovereign debt; nationalization or expropriation of assets; settlement, custodial or other operational risks; higher transaction costs; confiscatory withholding or other taxes; and less stringent auditing and accounting, corporate disclosure, governance, and legal standards. As a result, foreign securities may fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid, than comparable U.S. securities. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Investing in emerging market countries involves risks in addition to and greater than those generally associated with investing in more developed foreign countries. The governments of emerging market countries may be more unstable and more likely to impose capital controls, nationalize a company or industry, place restrictions on foreign ownership and on withdrawing sale proceeds of securities from the country, intervene in the financial markets, and/or impose burdensome taxes that could adversely affect security prices. To the extent a foreign security is denominated in U.S. dollars, there is also the risk that a foreign government will not let U.S. dollar-denominated assets leave the country. In addition, the economies of emerging market countries may be dependent on relatively few industries that are more susceptible to local and global changes. Emerging market countries may also have less developed legal and accounting systems, and their legal systems may deal with issuer bankruptcies and defaults differently than U.S. law would. Securities markets in emerging market countries are also relatively small and have substantially lower trading volumes. Securities of issuers in emerging market countries may be more volatile and less liquid than securities of issuers in foreign countries with more developed economies or markets and the situation may require that the Fund fair value its holdings in those countries.
Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange, or by governmental authorities. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging or less-developed market countries than in countries with more developed markets. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and in instruments that reference the securities, such as derivative instruments, may be halted. In the event that the Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities or instruments, the Fund’s ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and the Fund could incur significant losses.
From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in one country or geographic region. If the Fund does so, there is a greater risk that economic, political, regulatory, diplomatic, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or geographic region may have a significant impact on the Fund’s performance and that the Fund’s performance will be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds.
Interest Rate Risk. In general, the value of investments with interest rate risk, such as debt securities, will move in the direction opposite to movements in interest rates. If interest rates rise, the value of such securities may decline. Typically, the longer the
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maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Fund’s debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities.
Issuer-Specific Risk. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole.
Liquidity Risk. From time to time, the trading market for a particular investment in which the Fund invests, or a particular type of instrument in which the Fund is invested, may become less liquid or even illiquid. Illiquid investments frequently can be more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous price or time, and there is a greater risk that the investments may not be sold for the price at which the Fund is carrying them. Certain investments that were liquid when the Fund purchased them may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly. Additionally, market closures due to holidays or other factors may render a security or group of securities (e.g., securities tied to a particular country or geographic region) illiquid for a period of time. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such securities or other investments may be volatile. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to limit losses.
Unexpected episodes of illiquidity, including due to market or political factors, instrument or issuer-specific factors and/or unanticipated outflows or other factors, may limit the Fund’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions.
Lower-Rated Debt Securities Risk. Lower-rated debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) and unrated debt securities determined to be of comparable quality involve greater risks than investment grade debt securities. Such securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield and may fall in price, sometimes abruptly, due to changes in interest rates, market activity, economic conditions, such as when economic conditions are deteriorating or are expected to deteriorate, or other factors. These securities may be less liquid, may require a greater degree of judgment to establish a price and may be difficult to sell at the time and price the Fund desires. Lower-rated debt securities are considered by the major rating agencies to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to pay principal and interest and carry a greater risk that the issuer of such securities will default in the timely payment of principal and interest. Issuers of securities that are in default or have defaulted may fail to resume principal or interest payments, in which case the Fund may lose its entire investment. The creditworthiness of issuers of these securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and the overreliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Market Capitalization Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in securities of small-, mid-, or large-cap companies, it takes on the associated risks. At times, any of these market capitalizations may be out of favor with investors. Compared to small- and mid-cap companies, large-cap companies may be unable to respond as quickly to changes and opportunities and may grow at a slower rate. Compared to large-cap companies, small- and mid-cap companies may depend on a more limited management group, may have a shorter history of operations, less publicly available information, less stable earnings and limited product lines, markets or financial resources. The securities of small- and mid-cap companies are often more volatile, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, and less liquid than the securities of larger companies and may be more affected than other types of securities by the underperformance of a sector, during market downturns, by adverse publicity and investor perceptions, by interest rate changes and by government regulation.
Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. If the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for better performance.
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Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities, which are a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities, however, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred securities are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors and after the company makes required payments to holders of its debt securities. For this reason, preferred securities are subject to greater credit, interest, and liquidation risk than debt securities, and the value of preferred securities will usually react more strongly than debt securities to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies. Preferred securities may be less liquid than common stocks.
Recent Market Conditions. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing or changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time.
Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, in 2022, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks raised interest rates as part of their efforts to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks recently began to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors, such as inflation, could stop such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce bank balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various markets or decrease confidence in the markets.
Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between countries and regions, including the U.S. and China, political or economic dysfunction within some countries or regions, including major producers of commodities, and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, if the U.S. dollar continues to be strong, it may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Regulators in the U.S. have proposed and adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which apply to the Fund. The full effect of various newly adopted regulations is not currently known. Additionally, it is not currently known whether any of the proposed regulations will be adopted. However, due to the scope of regulations being proposed and adopted, certain of these changes to regulation could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for it to operate, or adversely impact performance.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact its performance.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and any sanctions and related events cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted.
High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation’s debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and substantial investment risks that cannot now be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy.
Global climate change can have potential effects on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impact of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impact of legislation, regulation and
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international accords related to climate change, including any direct or indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.
REITs and Other Real Estate Companies Risk. REITs and other real estate company securities are subject to risks similar to those of direct investments in real estate and the real estate industry in general, including, among other risks: general and local economic conditions; changes in interest rates; declines in property values; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; increases in property taxes and other operating expenses; overbuilding in their sector of the real estate market; fluctuations in rental income; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; changes in tax and regulatory requirements; losses due to environmental liabilities; casualty or condemnation losses; changing social trends regarding working arrangements; or other economic, social, political, or regulatory matters affecting the real estate industry. REITs also are dependent upon the skills and creditworthiness of their managers, subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation and generally not diversified.
Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net investment income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (“Code”) or to maintain their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The value of REIT common shares may decline when interest rates rise. REITs and other real estate company securities tend to be small- to mid-cap securities and are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-cap securities.
Sector Risk. Although the Fund will not invest in real estate directly, because it concentrates its assets in the real estate industry your investment in the Fund will be closely linked to the performance of the real estate markets and the value of the Fund’s shares may change at different rates compared to the value of shares of a fund with investments in a mix of different sectors or industries.
The Fund may at times emphasize particular sub-sectors of the real estate business — for example, commercial real estate, apartments, regional malls, offices, infrastructure, industrial, and healthcare. As such, the Fund’s performance would be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those businesses, which can be impacted by legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions and/or increased competition.
Individual sectors or sub-sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector or sub-sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
Warrants and Rights Risk. Warrants and rights do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holder to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, warrants and rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities. The Fund could lose the value of a warrant or right if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not exercised prior to the warrant’s or right’s expiration date. The market for warrants and rights may be very limited and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for warrants and rights.
A summary of the Fund’s additional principal investment risks is as follows:
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers, and your ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, processing and communications errors, counterparty and third-party disruptions or errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality, including those related to critical functions. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. It is not possible for the Manager or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Artificial Intelligence. The Fund and its service providers, including its adviser, may utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including machine learning models and generative AI, to improve operational efficiency and in connection
37 Global Real Estate ETF
with research. In addition, counterparties used by the Fund may utilize AI in their business activities. The Fund and its adviser are not in a position to control the use of AI in third-party products or services. The use of AI introduces numerous potential challenges and the use of AI can lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and competitive disadvantages, as well as negatively impact business operations, which may occur with or without mismanagement in the use of the AI. AI requires the collection and processing of substantial amounts of data, which poses risks of data inaccuracies, incompleteness, and inherent biases, and which can degrade the technology’s effectiveness and reliability. Such data can include proprietary information, the use of which by AI may be unauthorized and subject to potential liability. Rapid technological advancements further complicate risk predictions, and competitors who adopt AI more swiftly may gain a competitive edge. The complexity and opacity of AI systems raise significant accountability and ethical concerns. AI has enhanced the ability of threat actors to amplify the potency, scale, and speed of cybersecurity attacks. AI’s role in increasing automation raises concerns about job displacement and may lead to economic and social disruptions. The unpredictable nature of AI’s impact on market dynamics complicates traditional risk assessment models, making it challenging to identify risks and opportunities using historical data. Regulatory frameworks governing AI’s use, particularly concerning data privacy and protection, are evolving rapidly. These changes could materially alter how AI is used, which may negatively impact the Fund.
Risk Management. Risk is an essential part of investing. No risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to adverse events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by such events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program. The Fund could experience losses if judgments about risk prove to be incorrect.
Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value an investment, the Fund may be required to value such investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent price and from the prices used by other funds to calculate their NAVs. The Fund uses pricing services to provide values for certain securities and there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell an investment at the price established by such pricing services. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The Fund commenced operations after the assets of another investment company, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate Fund (the predecessor fund), were transferred to the Fund in a tax-free reorganization as of the close of business on October 13, 2023. The Fund has adopted the performance history of its predecessor fund. The information shown below prior to October 13, 2023 is for the predecessor fund.
Returns would have been lower if the Manager had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees, including those of the predecessor fund, during certain of the periods shown.
While the Fund’s shares would have substantially similar annual returns to the Institutional Class shares of the predecessor mutual fund, their performance may differ from that shown because the Fund has lower expenses than the predecessor fund’s Institutional Class shares. Performance for the Fund’s Shares has not been adjusted to reflect the Fund’s Shares’ lower expenses than those of the predecessor fund’s Institutional Class shares. Performance for the predecessor fund is based on the NAV per share of the predecessor fund shares rather than on market-determined prices.
38 Global Real Estate ETF
:
:
:
| 1 Year | 5 Years | Since Inception () | ||||
| Return Before Taxes | ||||||
| Return After Taxes on Distributions | ||||||
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | ||||||
| MSCI All Country World Index (Net)* (reflects reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes, but reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | ||||||
| FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Index (Net) (reflects reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes, but reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
| * |
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA” or the “Manager”) is the Fund’s investment manager.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Fund is managed by Steve Shigekawa (Managing Director of the Manager), Brian C. Jones, CFA (Managing Director of the Manager), Anton Kwang, CFA (Portfolio Manager) and Archena Alagappan (Senior Vice President of the Manager). Messrs. Shigekawa, Jones and Kwang have managed the predecessor fund since its inception in 2014. Ms. Alagappan became an Associate Portfolio Manager in April 2024.
Buying and Selling Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at its NAV only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof, and only with authorized participants who have entered into contractual arrangements with the Fund’s distributor.
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Individual Shares (rather than Creation Units) of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker or dealer at market price and most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Fund on such an exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The prices at which individual Shares may be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through brokers are based on market prices and, because Shares will trade at market prices rather than at NAV, individual Shares of the Fund may trade at a price greater than or less than NAV. Shares of the Fund are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying and selling shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer.
Recent information, including information about the Fund’s NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is included on the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/ETF.
Tax Information
Unless you invest in the Fund through a tax-advantaged retirement plan or account or are a tax-exempt investor, you will be subject to tax on Fund distributions to you of ordinary income and/or net capital gains. Those distributions generally are not taxable to such a plan or account or a tax-exempt investor, although withdrawals from certain retirement plans and accounts generally are subject to federal income tax.
Payments to Investment Providers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer or other financial intermediary, such as a bank, brokerage firm, workplace retirement program, or financial adviser (who may be affiliated with the Manager), the Fund and/or Neuberger Berman BD LLC and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker/dealer or other financial intermediary and its employees to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial intermediary or visit its website for more information.
40 Global Real Estate ETF
The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
These tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| Management fees | ||
| Other expenses1 | ||
| Total annual operating expenses | ||
| Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement | ||
| Total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement2,3 |
| 1 |
|
| 2 | |
| 3 |
The expense example can help you compare costs among funds. The example assumes that you invested $10,000 for the periods shown, that you redeemed all of your shares at the end of those periods, that the Fund earned a hypothetical 5% total return each year, and that the Fund’s expenses were those in the table. Actual performance and expenses may be higher or lower.
| $ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. Because the Fund commenced operations after August 31, 2024, it does not have a portfolio turnover rate to provide.
To pursue its goal, the Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies that are tied economically to Japan, including other investment companies that provide investment exposure to such securities. The Fund considers a company to be tied economically to Japan if: (1) the issuer is organized under the laws of Japan or the issuer maintains its principal place of business in Japan; (2) the securities of the issuer are principally listed on Japan’s stock exchanges regardless of the country in which the issuer is organized; or (3) the issuer has at least 50% of its assets in Japan or derives 50% or more of its total revenue from goods and/or services produced or sold in Japan. The Fund may hold securities of any market capitalization and in any sector. Equity securities include, but are not limited to, common stock, convertible and preferred stock, and exchange traded funds.
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The Portfolio Managers seek to identify high-quality Japanese companies that appear to be positioned for durable growth. The Portfolio Managers will employ a research driven, bottom-up, fundamental approach to stock selection, with a long term perspective that combines both quantitative analysis and qualitative judgment in seeking to identify companies that the Portfolio Managers believe are attractive investment opportunities and have the potential to increase their corporate value. To gain a deep understanding of companies and their respective business environments, the Portfolio Managers may seek to directly and/or collaboratively engage with companies and industry organizations on issues related to, among others, capital management and corporate governance, in seeking to support management and their efforts to enhance shareholder value.
In seeking to achieve the Fund’s investment objective, the Portfolio Managers use the following three step investment process to identify a potential universe of securities for the Fund:
| 1. | Quantitative screening: The Portfolio Managers screen companies based on metrics such as return on equity and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) margins, and further look for companies that they believe are priced lower than the Portfolio Managers’ estimate of their intrinsic value with identifiable reasons for the discount in an attempt to identify what they believe to be high quality companies; |
| 2. | Qualitative business analysis: The Portfolio Managers analyze numerous factors, including but not limited to, management expertise, industry trends, and the strength of a product line or brand as they seek to identify companies that the Portfolio Managers believe have the most durable business models to position themselves for long-term sustainable growth, and have the greatest opportunities for potential value creation for all shareholders. The Portfolio Managers may also seek to engage directly with company management, when appropriate. |
| 3. | Strategic valuation and analysis: The Portfolio Managers evaluate the valuation of the securities identified through the first two steps as they seek to identify high quality companies at attractive valuations. |
The Portfolio Managers generate a score for each security in a “Watch List” generated from the above steps to quantify the following factors: (i) business fundamentals, (ii) governance, (iii) environment and social factors, (iv) engagement potential, and (iv) valuations. These scores are then aggregated to generate a single composite score for each security. From the Watch List, the Portfolio Managers seek to construct a well-diversified portfolio across economic sectors with securities selected based upon their proprietary score and an assessment of their risk exposures.
As part of their fundamental investment analysis the Portfolio Managers consider Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors they believe are financially material to individual investments, where applicable. While this analysis is inherently subjective and may be informed by both internally generated and third-party metrics, data and other information, the Portfolio Managers believe that the consideration of financially material ESG factors, alongside traditional financial metrics, may enhance the Fund’s overall investment process. The consideration of ESG factors does not apply to certain instruments, such as certain derivative instruments, other registered investment companies, cash and cash equivalents. The consideration of ESG factors as part of the investment process does not mean that the Fund pursues a specific “impact” or “sustainable” investment strategy.
The Portfolio Managers may reduce or sell a security if they believe it is unattractively valued, if a company’s business fails to perform as expected, or when other opportunities appear more attractive.
The Fund will not change its strategy of normally investing at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of companies that are tied economically to Japan, including other investment companies that provide investment exposure to such securities, without providing shareholders at least 60 days’ notice. This test is applied at the time the Fund invests; later percentage changes caused by a change in Fund assets, market values or company circumstances will not require the Fund to dispose of a holding.
Most of the Fund’s performance depends on what happens in the markets in which the Fund invests, the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of those developments, and the success of the Portfolio Managers in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies The markets’ behavior can be difficult to predict, particularly in the short term. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
The Fund may take temporary defensive and cash management positions; to the extent it does, it will not be pursuing its principal investment strategies.
The actual risk exposure taken by the Fund in its investment program will vary over time, depending on various factors including the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. There can be no guarantee that the Portfolio Managers will be successful in their attempts to manage the risk exposure of the Fund or will appropriately
42 Japan Equity ETF
evaluate or weigh the multiple factors involved in investment decisions, including issuer, market and/or instrument-specific analysis, valuation and ESG factors.
Each of the following risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of any presumed importance, can significantly affect the Fund’s performance. The relative importance of, or potential exposure as a result of, each of these risks will vary based on market and other investment-specific considerations.
Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a convertible security, which is a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), typically increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks of stocks when the underlying stock’s price is high relative to the conversion price and is subject to the market risks of debt securities when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price. The general market risks of debt securities that are common to convertible securities include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk -- that is, the value of convertible securities will move in the direction opposite to movements in interest rates; they are subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest or dividends when due; and their market value may change based on changes in the issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness. Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade and are subject to the same risks as an investment in lower-rated debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield than investment grade debt securities and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. To the extent the Fund invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-cap companies, it will be subject to the risks of investing in such companies.
Currency Risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. To the extent that the Fund invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by various factors, including investor perception and changes in interest rates; intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities; or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad.
ETF Risk. As an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as authorized participants. Only an authorized participant may transact in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and authorized participants are not obligated to engage in such transactions. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable or unwilling to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund, such as in times of market stress, and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, trading in Fund shares may be significantly diminished, bid-ask spreads may widen and shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face trading halts or delisting. To the extent the Fund invests in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes, this risk is heightened.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”) are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security (i.e., the Fund’s quote from the closed foreign market). As a result, premiums or discounts to NAV may develop in share prices, and bid-ask spreads may be greater than those experienced by other funds. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
43 Japan Equity ETF
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads, which is the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of a fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market, and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. If a trading halt occurs, a shareholder may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. The bid-ask spread, which varies over time, is generally narrower if the Fund has more trading volume and market liquidity and wider if the Fund has less trading volume and market liquidity. In addition, the bid-ask spread can be affected by the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying investments and can widen if the Fund’s underlying investments become less liquid or illiquid. In addition, although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained, that bid-ask spreads will be narrow, or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed.
Foreign Risk. Foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities. Additional risks include exposure to less developed or less efficient trading markets; social, political, diplomatic, or economic instability; trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.); imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals; significant government involvement in an economy and/or market structure; fluctuations in foreign currencies or currency redenomination; potential for default on sovereign debt; nationalization or expropriation of assets; settlement, custodial or other operational risks; higher transaction costs; confiscatory withholding or other taxes; and less stringent auditing and accounting, corporate disclosure, governance, and legal standards. As a result, foreign securities may fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid, than comparable U.S. securities. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic or political developments. In addition, foreign markets may perform differently than the U.S. markets. The effect of economic instability on specific foreign markets or issuers may be difficult to predict or evaluate. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange, or by governmental authorities. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. In the event that the Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities or instruments, the Fund’s ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and the Fund could incur significant losses.
Growth Stock Risk. Because the prices of most growth stocks are based on future expectations, these stocks tend to be more sensitive than value stocks to bad economic news and negative earnings surprises. When these expectations are not met or decrease, the prices of these stocks may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Bad economic news or changing investor perceptions may adversely affect growth stocks across several sectors and industries simultaneously.
Issuer-Specific Risk. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole.
Japan Investment Risk. The Japanese economy may be subject to economic, political and social instability, which could have an adverse effect on the Japanese securities held by the Fund. The Japanese market can experience significant volatility due to exchange rates, social, political, regulatory, economic or environmental events and natural disasters that may occur in Japan.
The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan’s economic growth rate has remained relatively low. The Japanese economy is characterized by government intervention and protectionism, reliance on oil imports, an unstable financial services sector, relatively high unemployment, a highly regulated labor market, an aging demographic, declining population, and large government debt. As such, economic growth is heavily dependent on continued growth in international trade, relatively low commodities prices, government support of the financial services sector and other government policies. Japan is heavily dependent on oil and other commodity imports, and higher commodity prices could therefore have a negative impact on the Japanese economy. International trade, particularly with the U.S., also impacts the growth of the Japanese economy, and adverse economic conditions in the U.S. or other trade partners may affect Japan. The Japanese yen has fluctuated widely at times, and any increase in its value may cause a decline in exports that could weaken the Japanese economy. In addition, the yen has had a history of unpredictable and volatile movements against the U.S. dollar.
Japan also has a growing economic relationship with China and other Southeast Asian countries, and thus Japan’s economy may also be affected by economic, political or social instability in those countries (whether resulting from local or global events). Other
44 Japan Equity ETF
factors, such as the occurrence of natural disasters and relations with neighboring countries (including China, South Korea, North Korea and Russia), may also negatively impact the Japanese economy.
Liquidity Risk. From time to time, the trading market for a particular investment in which the Fund invests, or a particular type of instrument in which the Fund is invested, may become less liquid or even illiquid. Illiquid investments frequently can be more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous price or time, and there is a greater risk that the investments may not be sold for the price at which the Fund is carrying them. Certain investments that were liquid when the Fund purchased them may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly. Additionally, market closures due to holidays or other factors may render a security or group of securities (e.g., securities tied to a particular country or geographic region) illiquid for a period of time. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such securities or other investments may be volatile. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to limit losses.
Unexpected episodes of illiquidity, including due to market or political factors, instrument or issuer-specific factors and/or unanticipated outflows or other factors, may limit the Fund’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions.
Market Capitalization Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in securities of small-, mid-, or large-cap companies, it takes on the associated risks. At times, any of these market capitalizations may be out of favor with investors. Compared to small- and mid-cap companies, large-cap companies may be unable to respond as quickly to changes and opportunities and may grow at a slower rate. Compared to large-cap companies, small- and mid-cap companies may depend on a more limited management group, may have a shorter history of operations, less publicly available information, less stable earnings and limited product lines, markets or financial resources. The securities of small- and mid-cap companies are often more volatile, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, and less liquid than the securities of larger companies and may be more affected than other types of securities by the underperformance of a sector, during market downturns, by adverse publicity and investor perceptions, by interest rate changes and by government regulation.
Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. If the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for better performance.
New Fund Risk. The Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and its investment strategy may not be successful under all future market conditions, either of which could result in the Fund being liquidated at some future time without shareholder approval and/or at a time that may not be favorable for certain shareholders. New funds may not attract sufficient assets to achieve investment, trading or other efficiencies and, if the Fund does not grow in size, it will be at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV and/or a stop to trading.
Other Investment Company Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, including money market funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), its performance will be affected by the performance of those other investment companies. Investments in other investment companies are subject to the risks of the other investment companies’ investments, as well as to the other investment companies’ expenses.
An ETF may trade in the secondary market at a price below the value of its underlying portfolio, may not be liquid and may be halted by the listing exchange. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objectives. A passively managed ETF may not replicate the performance of the index it intends to track.
45 Japan Equity ETF
Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities, which are a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities, however, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred securities are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors and after the company makes required payments to holders of its debt securities. For this reason, preferred securities are subject to greater credit, interest, and liquidation risk than debt securities, and the value of preferred securities will usually react more strongly than debt securities to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies. Preferred securities may be less liquid than common stocks.
Recent Market Conditions. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing or changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time.
Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, in 2022, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks raised interest rates as part of their efforts to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks recently began to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors, such as inflation, could stop such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce bank balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various markets or decrease confidence in the markets.
Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between countries and regions, including the U.S. and China, political or economic dysfunction within some countries or regions, including major producers of commodities, and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, if the U.S. dollar continues to be strong, it may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Regulators in the U.S. have proposed and adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which apply to the Fund. The full effect of various newly adopted regulations is not currently known. Additionally, it is not currently known whether any of the proposed regulations will be adopted. However, due to the scope of regulations being proposed and adopted, certain of these changes to regulation could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for it to operate, or adversely impact performance.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact its performance.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and any sanctions and related events cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted.
High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation’s debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and substantial investment risks that cannot now be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy.
Global climate change can have potential effects on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impact of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impact of legislation, regulation and
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international accords related to climate change, including any direct or indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.
Sector Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors or sub-sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Value Stock Risk. Value stocks are those stocks whose stock prices, whether based on earnings, book value, or other financial measures, do not reflect their full economic opportunities. Value stocks may remain undervalued for extended periods of time, may decrease in value during a given period, may not ever realize what the portfolio management team believes to be their full value, or the portfolio management team’s assumptions about intrinsic value or potential for appreciation may be incorrect. This may happen, among other reasons, because of a failure to anticipate which stocks or industries would benefit from changing market or economic conditions or investor preferences.
A summary of the Fund’s additional principal investment risks is as follows:
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers, and your ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, processing and communications errors, counterparty and third-party disruptions or errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality, including those related to critical functions. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. It is not possible for the Manager or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Artificial Intelligence. The Fund and its service providers, including its adviser, may utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including machine learning models and generative AI, to improve operational efficiency and in connection with research. In addition, counterparties used by the Fund may utilize AI in their business activities. The Fund and its adviser are not in a position to control the use of AI in third-party products or services. The use of AI introduces numerous potential challenges and the use of AI can lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and competitive disadvantages, as well as negatively impact business operations, which may occur with or without mismanagement in the use of the AI. AI requires the collection and processing of substantial amounts of data, which poses risks of data inaccuracies, incompleteness, and inherent biases, and which can degrade the technology’s effectiveness and reliability. Such data can include proprietary information, the use of which by AI may be unauthorized and subject to potential liability. Rapid technological advancements further complicate risk predictions, and competitors who adopt AI more swiftly may gain a competitive edge. The complexity and opacity of AI systems raise significant accountability and ethical concerns. AI has enhanced the ability of threat actors to amplify the potency, scale, and speed of cybersecurity attacks. AI’s role in increasing automation raises concerns about job displacement and may lead to economic and social disruptions. The unpredictable nature of AI’s impact on market dynamics complicates traditional risk assessment models, making it challenging to identify risks and opportunities using historical data. Regulatory frameworks governing AI’s use, particularly concerning data privacy and protection, are evolving rapidly. These changes could materially alter how AI is used, which may negatively impact the Fund.
Risk Management. Risk is an essential part of investing. No risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to adverse events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by such events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program. The Fund could experience losses if judgments about risk prove to be incorrect.
Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value an investment, the Fund may be required to value such investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent price and from the
47 Japan Equity ETF
prices used by other funds to calculate their NAVs. The Fund uses pricing services to provide values for certain securities and there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell an investment at the price established by such pricing services. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA” or the “Manager”) is the Fund’s investment manager.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Fund is managed by Portfolio Managers, Keita Kubota, Kei Okamura, and Hiroaki Misawa. They have managed the Fund since its inception.
Buying and Selling Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at its NAV only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof, and only with authorized participants who have entered into contractual arrangements with the Fund’s distributor.
Individual Shares (rather than Creation Units) of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker or dealer at market price and most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Fund on such an exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The prices at which individual Shares may be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through brokers are based on market prices and, because Shares will trade at market prices rather than at NAV, individual Shares of the Fund may trade at a price greater than or less than NAV. Shares of the Fund are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying and selling shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer.
Recent information, including information about the Fund’s NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is included on the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/ETF.
Tax Information
Unless you invest in the Fund through a tax-advantaged retirement plan or account or are a tax-exempt investor, you will be subject to tax on Fund distributions to you of ordinary income and/or net capital gains. Those distributions generally are not taxable to such a plan or account or a tax-exempt investor, although withdrawals from certain retirement plans and accounts generally are subject to federal income tax.
Payments to Investment Providers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer or other financial intermediary, such as a bank, brokerage firm, workplace retirement program, or financial adviser (who may be affiliated with the Manager), the Fund and/or Neuberger Berman BD LLC and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker/dealer or other financial intermediary and its employees to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial intermediary or visit its website for more information.
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The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital and income generation.
These tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| Management fees | ||
| Other expenses1 | ||
| Total annual operating expenses | ||
| Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement | ||
| Total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement2 |
| 1 | |
| 2 |
The expense example can help you compare costs among funds. The example assumes that you invested $10,000 for the periods shown, that you redeemed all of your shares at the end of those periods, that the Fund earned a hypothetical 5% total return each year, and that the Fund’s expenses were those in the table. Actual performance and expenses may be higher or lower.
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the period from November 1, 2023 to the most recent fiscal year end, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
The Fund seeks to achieve its goal primarily through a strategy of writing collateralized put options on U.S. indices, including the S&P 500® Index and other indices in the S&P 500® suite of indices, and exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). The Fund attempts to generate returns through the receipt of option premiums from selling puts, as well as through investments in fixed income instruments, which collectively are intended to reduce volatility relative to what it would be if the Fund held the underlying equity index on which the options are written. The Fund’s investments in fixed income instruments may be of any duration, may include variable and floating rate instruments, and may include U.S. Treasury securities and other securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities, debt securities issued by corporations or trust entities, cash and cash equivalents, structured notes, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. The Fund also may invest in money market mutual funds and ETFs.
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In a put writing strategy, the Fund (as the seller of the option) receives premiums from the purchaser of the option in exchange for providing the purchaser with the right to sell the underlying instrument to the Fund at a specific price (i.e., the strike price). If the market price of the instrument underlying the option exceeds the strike price, it is anticipated that the option would go unexercised and the Fund would earn the full premium upon the option’s expiration or a portion of the premium upon the option’s early termination. If the market price of the instrument underlying the option drops below the strike price, it is anticipated that the option would be exercised and the Fund would pay the option buyer the difference between the market value of the underlying instrument and the strike price.
As an example, it is anticipated when the Fund writes a put option on the S&P 500 Index at a specific strike price and the S&P 500 goes above that strike price and the option is not exercised (i.e., in a rising market), the premium collected may be less than the S&P 500’s gains depending on the amount of the premium and the S&P 500’s gains. Conversely, it is anticipated when the Fund writes a put option on the S&P 500 Index at a specific strike price and the S&P 500 goes below that strike price and the option is exercised (i.e., in a falling market), the premium collected may offset all or a portion of the S&P 500’s losses depending on the amount of the premium and the S&P 500’s losses. Finally, it is anticipated when the Fund writes a put option on the S&P 500 Index at a specific strike price and the S&P 500 stays at that strike price and the option is not exercised (i.e., in a flat market), the Fund would keep the premium collected.
The Portfolio Managers will select option investments based on their estimate of current and future market volatility levels, underlying instrument valuations and perceived market risks. Further, the Portfolio Managers will evaluate relative option premiums in determining preferred option contract terms, such as strike prices and expiration dates.
At the time of writing (selling) a put option, the aggregate investment exposure, as measured on a notional basis (i.e., the value of the underlying instrument at its strike price), of the options written by the Fund will generally be equal to 100% of the Fund’s total assets. The Fund’s aggregate investment exposure, as measured on a notional basis, may be greater than 100% of the Fund’s total assets from time to time but it will not exceed 125% of its total assets.
The Fund’s fixed income instruments will be primarily investment grade and are intended to provide liquidity and preserve capital and will serve as collateral for the Fund’s investments in options. The Fund considers fixed income instruments to be investment grade if, at the time of investment, they are rated within the four highest categories by at least one independent credit rating agency or, if unrated, are determined by the Portfolio Managers to be of comparable quality. The premiums received by the Fund for writing options will generally be invested in fixed income instruments, money market mutual funds and ETFs in order to seek to partially offset any liabilities the Fund incurs from writing options. Because the Fund will use options to gain exposure to the equity markets, and because options will not require the Fund to deposit the full notional amount of the investment, the Fund will also invest a significant amount of its total assets in fixed income instruments, money market mutual funds and ETFs. Its investments in options generally will not constitute a significant amount of its total assets, however, the aggregate investment exposure of its investments in options, as discussed above, generally will be equal to 100% of its total assets.
The Fund may invest in both American-style and European-style options. The Fund may purchase and write call options on securities and indices, including writing (selling) both covered (i.e., where the Fund holds an equivalent position in the instrument underlying the option) and uncovered calls (i.e., where the Fund does not own the instrument underlying the option and must purchase the underlying instrument to meet its call obligations). The Fund may also purchase put options, including purchasing puts on security indices and put spreads on indices (i.e., buying and selling an equal number of puts on the same index with differing strike prices or expiration dates).
In an effort to achieve its goal, the Fund may engage in active and frequent trading.
Most of the Fund’s performance depends on what happens in equity, fixed income and options markets, the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of those developments, and the success of the Portfolio Managers in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments will result in leverage, which amplifies the risks that are associated with these markets. The markets’ behavior can be difficult to predict, particularly in the short term. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
The Fund may take temporary defensive and cash management positions; to the extent it does, it will not be pursuing its principal investment strategies.
The actual risk exposure taken by the Fund in its investment program will vary over time, depending on various factors including the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. There can be no guarantee that the Portfolio Managers will be successful in their attempts to manage the risk exposure of the Fund or will appropriately
50 Option Strategy ETF
evaluate or weigh the multiple factors involved in investment decisions, including issuer, market and/or instrument-specific analysis and valuation.
Each of the following risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of any presumed importance, can significantly affect the Fund’s performance. The relative importance of, or potential exposure as a result of, each of these risks will vary based on market and other investment-specific considerations.
Call Risk. Upon the issuer’s desire to call a security, or under other circumstances where a security is called, which may happen for a number of reasons, such as declining interest rates or changes in credit spreads, the issuer can opt to repay the obligation underlying a “callable security” early. When this occurs, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield or with a higher risk of default and may not realize the full anticipated benefit from such investment.
Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that issuers, guarantors, or insurers may fail, or become less able or unwilling, to pay interest and/or principal when due. Changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of an issuer or a downgrade or default affecting any of the Fund’s securities could affect the Fund’s performance by affecting the credit quality or value of the Fund’s securities. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.
Derivatives Risk. Use of derivatives, such as options, is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques, analysis and risks different from, and in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives can be highly complex and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways. Derivatives can create leverage, and the Fund could lose more than the amount it invests; some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. The value of a derivative instrument depends largely on (and is derived from) the value of the reference instrument underlying the derivative. There may be imperfect correlation between the behavior of a derivative and that of the reference instrument underlying the derivative. An abrupt change in the price of a reference instrument could render a derivative worthless. Derivatives may involve risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the reference instrument. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will use derivatives to reduce exposure to other risks when that might have been beneficial. Derivatives involve counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party to the derivative will fail to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the derivative. That risk is generally thought to be greater with over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. When the Fund uses derivatives, it will likely be required to provide margin or collateral; these practices are intended to satisfy contractual undertakings and regulatory requirements and will not prevent the Fund from incurring losses on derivatives. The need to provide margin or collateral could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise. Ongoing changes to regulation of the derivatives markets and actual and potential changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, or may otherwise adversely affect their liquidity, value or performance.
Additional risks associated with certain types of derivatives are discussed below:
Options. The use of options involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If a strategy is applied at an inappropriate time or market conditions or trends are judged incorrectly, the use of options may lower the Fund’s return. There can be no guarantee that the use of options will increase the Fund’s return or income. In addition, there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the securities underlying them and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for various options. An abrupt change in the price of an underlying security could render an option worthless. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, or in interest or currency exchange rates, including the anticipated volatility of the underlying instrument (known as implied volatility), which in turn are affected by the performance of the issuer of the underlying instrument, by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. As such, prior to the exercise or expiration of the option, the Fund is exposed to implied volatility risk, meaning the value, as based on implied volatility, of an option may increase due to market and economic conditions or views based on the sector or industry in which issuers of the underlying instrument participate, including company-specific factors.
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By writing put options, the Fund takes on the risk of declines in the value of the underlying instrument, including the possibility of a loss up to the entire strike price of each option it sells, but without the corresponding opportunity to benefit from potential increases in the value of the underlying instrument. When the Fund writes a put option, it assumes the risk that it must purchase the underlying instrument at a strike price that may be higher than the market price of the instrument. If there is a broad market decline and the Fund is not able to close out its written put options, it may result in substantial losses to the Fund. By writing a call option, the Fund may be obligated to deliver instruments underlying an option at less than the market price. In the case of an uncovered call option, there is a risk of unlimited loss. When an uncovered call is exercised, the Fund must purchase the underlying instrument to meet its call obligations and the necessary instruments may be unavailable for purchase. When the Fund writes a covered call option, it gives up the opportunity to profit from a price increase in the underlying instrument above the strike price. If a covered call option that the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will experience a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying instrument, depending on the price at which the Fund purchased the instrument and the strike price of the option. The Fund will receive a premium from writing options, but the premium received may not be sufficient to offset any losses sustained from exercised options. In the case of a covered call, the premium received may be offset by a decline in the market value of the underlying instrument during the option period. If an option that the Fund has purchased is never exercised or closed out, the Fund will lose the amount of the premium it paid and the use of those funds.
ETF Risk. As an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as authorized participants. Only an authorized participant may transact in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and authorized participants are not obligated to engage in such transactions. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable or unwilling to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund, such as in times of market stress, and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, trading in Fund shares may be significantly diminished, bid-ask spreads may widen and shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face trading halts or delisting. To the extent the Fund invests in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes, this risk is heightened.
Cash Transactions Risk. Unlike certain ETFs, the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions in cash or partially in cash. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs. Other ETFs generally are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid realizing gains in connection with transactions designed to raise cash to meet redemption requests. If the Fund effects a portion of redemptions for cash, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds, which also involves transaction costs. If the Fund recognizes gain on these sales, this generally will cause the Fund to recognize gain it might not otherwise have recognized if it were to distribute portfolio securities in-kind, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required. The Fund generally intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the Fund level and otherwise comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to, or at an earlier date than, if they had made an investment in a different ETF. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an authorized participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads, which is the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of a fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market, and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. If a trading halt occurs, a shareholder may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. The bid-ask spread, which varies over time, is generally narrower if the Fund has more trading volume and market liquidity and wider if the Fund has less trading volume and market liquidity. In addition, the bid-ask spread can be affected by the liquidity of the Fund’s
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underlying investments and can widen if the Fund’s underlying investments become less liquid or illiquid. In addition, although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained, that bid-ask spreads will be narrow, or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading and may have a high portfolio turnover rate, which may increase the Fund’s transaction costs, may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and may generate a greater amount of capital gain distributions to shareholders than if the Fund had a low portfolio turnover rate.
Interest Rate Risk. In general, the value of investments with interest rate risk, such as debt securities, will move in the direction opposite to movements in interest rates. If interest rates rise, the value of such securities may decline. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Fund’s debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities.
Issuer-Specific Risk. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole.
Leverage Risk. Leverage amplifies changes in the Fund’s net asset value and may make the Fund more volatile. Derivatives may create leverage and can result in losses to the Fund that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses or magnify the risks of other portfolio investments. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s use of any leverage will be successful and the Fund may need to dispose of some of its holdings at unfavorable times or prices. The Fund’s investment exposure can exceed its net assets, sometimes by a significant amount.
Liquidity Risk. From time to time, the trading market for a particular investment in which the Fund invests, or a particular type of instrument in which the Fund is invested, may become less liquid or even illiquid. Illiquid investments frequently can be more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous price or time, and there is a greater risk that the investments may not be sold for the price at which the Fund is carrying them. Certain investments that were liquid when the Fund purchased them may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly. Additionally, market closures due to holidays or other factors may render a security or group of securities (e.g., securities tied to a particular country or geographic region) illiquid for a period of time. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such securities or other investments may be volatile. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to limit losses.
Unexpected episodes of illiquidity, including due to market or political factors, instrument or issuer-specific factors and/or unanticipated outflows or other factors, may limit the Fund’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions.
Market Capitalization Risk. To the extent the Fund gains exposure to securities of small-, mid-, or large-cap companies, it takes on the associated risks. At times, any of these market capitalizations may be out of favor with investors. Compared to small- and mid-cap companies, large-cap companies may be unable to respond as quickly to changes and opportunities and may grow at a slower rate. Compared to large-cap companies, small- and mid-cap companies may depend on a more limited management group, may have a shorter history of operations, less publicly available information, less stable earnings and limited product lines, markets or financial resources. The securities of small- and mid-cap companies are often more volatile, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, and less liquid than the securities of larger companies and may be more affected than other types of securities by the underperformance of a sector, during market downturns, by adverse publicity and investor perceptions, by interest rate changes and by government regulation.
Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to
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instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. If the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for better performance.
Model Risk. To a significant extent, the Fund’s performance will depend on the success of implementing and managing the investment models that assist in allocating the Fund’s assets. Models that have been formulated on the basis of past market data may not be indicative of future price movements. Models rely on data inputs and such data may be incorrect or incomplete making the model unreliable. Models may not be reliable or produce unexpected results if unusual or disruptive events cause market moves the nature or size of which are inconsistent with the historic performance of individual markets and their relationship to one another or to other macroeconomic events. Models also may have hidden biases or exposure to broad structural or sentiment shifts. In the event that actual events fail to conform to the assumptions underlying such models, losses could be incurred. The performance of the investment models may be impacted by software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, and similar circumstances.
Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The value of mortgage- and asset-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage instruments, will be influenced by the factors affecting the housing market or the assets underlying the securities. These securities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities. In addition, investments in mortgage- and asset-backed securities may be subject to prepayment risk and extension risk, call risk, credit risk, valuation risk, and illiquid investment risk, sometimes to a higher degree than various other types of debt securities. These securities are also subject to the risk of default on the underlying mortgages or assets, particularly during periods of market downturn, and an unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the underlying assets will adversely affect the security’s value.
Other Investment Company Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, including money market funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), its performance will be affected by the performance of those other investment companies. Investments in other investment companies are subject to the risks of the other investment companies’ investments, as well as to the other investment companies’ expenses.
An ETF may trade in the secondary market at a price below the value of its underlying portfolio, may not be liquid and may be halted by the listing exchange. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objectives. A passively managed ETF may not replicate the performance of the index it intends to track.
Prepayment and Extension Risk. The Fund’s performance could be affected if borrowers pay back principal on certain debt securities, such as mortgage- or asset-backed securities, before (prepayment) or after (extension) the market anticipates such payments, shortening or lengthening their duration. Due to a decline in interest rates or an excess in cash flow into the issuer, a debt security might be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity. As a result of prepayment, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates, and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Conversely, rising market interest rates generally result in slower payoffs or extension, which effectively increases the duration of certain debt securities, heightening interest rate risk and increasing the magnitude of any resulting price declines.
Recent Market Conditions. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing or changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time.
Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, in 2022, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks raised interest rates as part of their efforts to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks recently began to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors, such as inflation, could stop such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce bank balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various markets or decrease confidence in the markets.
54 Option Strategy ETF
Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between countries and regions, including the U.S. and China, political or economic dysfunction within some countries or regions, including major producers of commodities, and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, if the U.S. dollar continues to be strong, it may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Regulators in the U.S. have proposed and adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which apply to the Fund. The full effect of various newly adopted regulations is not currently known. Additionally, it is not currently known whether any of the proposed regulations will be adopted. However, due to the scope of regulations being proposed and adopted, certain of these changes to regulation could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for it to operate, or adversely impact performance.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact its performance.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and any sanctions and related events cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted.
High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation’s debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and substantial investment risks that cannot now be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy.
Global climate change can have potential effects on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impact of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impact of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, including any direct or indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.
Return of Capital Risk. The Fund expects to make monthly distributions regardless of its performance and seeks to maintain relatively stable monthly distributions although the income earned by the Fund might vary from month-to-month. As a result, all or a portion of such distributions may represent a return of capital for tax purposes. A return of capital is generally tax-free to the extent of a shareholder’s basis in the Fund’s shares and reduces the shareholder’s basis in their shares and results in a higher capital gain or lower capital loss when the shares on which the return of capital distribution was received are sold. After a shareholder’s basis in the shares has been reduced to zero, return of capital distributions will be treated as gain from the sale of the shareholder’s shares. The Fund’s return of capital distributions are not derived from the net income or earnings and profits of the Fund. Shareholders should not assume that the source of distributions is from the net profits of the Fund. The character of the Fund’s distributions may change from month-to-month and there is no guarantee that they will be similar in the future.
Structured Note Risk. Structured notes are notes where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a specific asset, benchmark asset, financial instrument, market or interest rate. Generally, investments in such notes are used as a substitute for positions in underlying indicators and involve many of the same risks associated with a direct investment in the underlying indicator the notes seek to replicate. Structured notes may be exchange traded or traded over-the-counter and privately negotiated. Structured notes can have risks of both fixed income securities and derivatives transactions, including leverage risk. The interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured note may vary widely, depending on a variety of factors, including changes in the value of one or more specified reference instruments. The performance of structured notes will not replicate exactly the performance of the underlying indicator that the notes seek to replicate due to transaction costs and other expenses. Structured notes are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the structured note will not fulfill its contractual obligation to complete the transaction with the Fund. Investments in structured notes, including credit-linked notes, involve risks including interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk. Structured notes may be illiquid and may have a limited trading market, making it difficult to value them or sell them at an acceptable price.
U.S. Government Securities Risk. Although the Fund may hold securities that carry U.S. government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to shares of the Fund itself and do not guarantee the market prices, including due to changes in interest
55 Option Strategy ETF
rates, of the securities. Furthermore, not all securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury carry at least some risk of non-payment or default.
Variable and Floating Rate Instruments Risk. The market prices of instruments with variable and floating interest rates are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than are the market prices of instruments with fixed interest rates. Variable and floating rate instruments may decline in value if market interest rates or interest rates paid by such instruments do not move as expected. Certain types of floating rate instruments, such as interests in bank loans, may be subject to greater liquidity risk than other debt securities, may have restrictions on resale and may lack an active market.
A summary of the Fund’s additional principal investment risks is as follows:
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers, and your ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, processing and communications errors, counterparty and third-party disruptions or errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality, including those related to critical functions. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. It is not possible for the Manager or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Artificial Intelligence. The Fund and its service providers, including its adviser, may utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including machine learning models and generative AI, to improve operational efficiency and in connection with research. In addition, counterparties used by the Fund may utilize AI in their business activities. The Fund and its adviser are not in a position to control the use of AI in third-party products or services. The use of AI introduces numerous potential challenges and the use of AI can lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and competitive disadvantages, as well as negatively impact business operations, which may occur with or without mismanagement in the use of the AI. AI requires the collection and processing of substantial amounts of data, which poses risks of data inaccuracies, incompleteness, and inherent biases, and which can degrade the technology’s effectiveness and reliability. Such data can include proprietary information, the use of which by AI may be unauthorized and subject to potential liability. Rapid technological advancements further complicate risk predictions, and competitors who adopt AI more swiftly may gain a competitive edge. The complexity and opacity of AI systems raise significant accountability and ethical concerns. AI has enhanced the ability of threat actors to amplify the potency, scale, and speed of cybersecurity attacks. AI’s role in increasing automation raises concerns about job displacement and may lead to economic and social disruptions. The unpredictable nature of AI’s impact on market dynamics complicates traditional risk assessment models, making it challenging to identify risks and opportunities using historical data. Regulatory frameworks governing AI’s use, particularly concerning data privacy and protection, are evolving rapidly. These changes could materially alter how AI is used, which may negatively impact the Fund.
Risk Management. Risk is an essential part of investing. No risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to adverse events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by such events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program. The Fund could experience losses if judgments about risk prove to be incorrect.
Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value an investment, the Fund may be required to value such investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent price and from the prices used by other funds to calculate their NAVs. The Fund uses pricing services to provide values for certain securities and there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell an investment at the price established by such pricing services. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
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The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The Fund commenced operations after the assets of another investment company, Neuberger Berman U.S. Equity Index PutWrite Strategy Fund (the predecessor fund), were transferred to the Fund in a tax-free reorganization as of the close of business on January 26, 2024. The Fund has adopted the performance history of its predecessor fund.
Returns would have been lower if the Manager had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees, including those of the predecessor fund, during certain of the periods shown.
While the Fund’s shares would have substantially similar annual returns to the Institutional Class shares of the predecessor mutual fund, their performance may differ from that shown because the Fund has lower expenses than the predecessor fund’s Institutional Class shares. Performance for the Fund’s Shares has not been adjusted to reflect the Fund’s Shares’ lower expenses than those of the predecessor fund’s Institutional Class shares. Performance for the predecessor fund is based on the NAV per share of the predecessor fund shares rather than on market-determined prices.
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| 1 Year | 5 Years | Since Inception () | ||||
| Return Before Taxes | ||||||
| Return After Taxes on Distributions | ||||||
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | ||||||
| S&P 500® Index* | ||||||
| 50% Cboe® S&P 500 One-Week PutWrite Index / 50% Cboe® S&P 500 PutWrite Index |
| * |
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA” or the “Manager”) is the Fund’s investment manager.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Fund is managed by Derek Devens, CFA (Managing Director of NBIA), Rory Ewing (Managing Director of NBIA) and Eric Zhou (Senior Vice President of NBIA). Mr. Devens joined the firm in 2016 and has managed the Fund since its inception in 2016, and Mr. Ewing joined the firm in 2016 and has been an Associate Portfolio Manager of the Fund since February 2019. Mr. Zhou joined the firm in 2016 and has been an Associate Portfolio Manager of the Fund since February 2022.
Buying and Selling Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at its NAV only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof, and only with authorized participants who have entered into contractual arrangements with the Fund’s distributor.
Individual Shares (rather than Creation Units) of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker or dealer at market price and most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Fund on such an exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The prices at which individual Shares may be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through brokers are based on market prices and, because Shares will trade at market prices rather than at NAV, individual Shares of the Fund may trade at a price greater than or less than NAV. Shares of the Fund are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying and selling shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer.
Recent information, including information about the Fund’s NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is included on the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/ETF.
Tax Information
Unless you invest in the Fund through a tax-advantaged retirement plan or account or are a tax-exempt investor, you will be subject to tax on Fund distributions to you of ordinary income and/or net capital gains. Those distributions generally are not taxable to such a plan or account or a tax-exempt investor, although withdrawals from certain retirement plans and accounts generally are subject to federal income tax.
Payments to Investment Providers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer or other financial intermediary, such as a bank, brokerage firm, workplace retirement program, or financial adviser (who may be affiliated with the Manager), the Fund and/or Neuberger Berman BD LLC and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create
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a conflict of interest by influencing the broker/dealer or other financial intermediary and its employees to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial intermediary or visit its website for more information.
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The Fund seeks growth of capital.
These tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| Management fees | ||
| Other expenses1 | ||
| Total annual operating expenses | ||
| Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement | ||
| Total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement2 |
| 1 | |
| 2 |
The expense example can help you compare costs among funds. The example assumes that you invested $10,000 for the periods shown, that you redeemed all of your shares at the end of those periods, that the Fund earned a hypothetical 5% total return each year, and that the Fund’s expenses were those in the table. Actual performance and expenses may be higher or lower.
| $ |
$ |
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the period from March 20, 2024 (commencement of operations) to the most recent fiscal year end, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
To pursue its goal, the Fund normally invests 80% of its net assets in securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies. For purposes of this policy, the Fund considers a company to be small or mid capitalization if it has a market capitalization within the market capitalization range of companies in the Russell 2000® Index or the Russell Midcap® Index, at the time of initial purchase.
At times, the Portfolio Managers may emphasize certain sectors that they believe will benefit from market or economic trends.
Although the Fund invests primarily in domestic securities, it may also invest up to 10% of its assets in securities of foreign companies.
The Portfolio Managers use bottom-up, fundamental security analysis to identify what they believe to be undervalued companies whose current market shares and balance sheets are strong. In addition, the Portfolio Managers tend to focus on companies whose financial strength is largely based on existing business lines rather than on projected growth. The Portfolio Managers seek to identify growing, financially strong small and mid-cap companies that they believe are mispriced due to a lack of analyst research
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coverage and the market’s focus on short-term time horizons. The Portfolio Managers attempt to exploit these market inefficiencies and look for opportunities to invest in companies they believe to be undervalued. Factors in identifying such companies may include: a history of above average returns; an established market niche; circumstances that would make it difficult for new competitors to enter the market; the ability to finance their own growth; and a belief that the company has sound future business prospects. This approach is designed to let the Fund benefit from potential increases in stock prices, while endeavoring to limit the risks typically associated with small- and mid-cap securities. The Portfolio Managers seek to manage investment risk by maintaining broad issuer and industry diversification among companies, and by utilizing fundamental analysis of risk/return characteristics in securities selection.
As part of their fundamental investment analysis the Portfolio Managers consider Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors they believe are financially material to individual investments, where applicable. While this analysis is inherently subjective and may be informed by both internally generated and third-party metrics, data and other information, the Portfolio Managers believe that the consideration of financially material ESG factors, alongside traditional financial metrics, may enhance the Fund’s overall investment process. The consideration of ESG factors does not apply to certain instruments, such as certain derivative instruments, other registered investment companies, cash and cash equivalents. The consideration of ESG factors as part of the investment process does not mean that the Fund pursues a specific “impact” or “sustainable” investment strategy.
The Portfolio Managers follow a disciplined selling strategy and may sell a security when it reaches a target price, if a company’s business fails to perform as expected, or when other opportunities appear more attractive.
The Fund will not change its strategy of normally investing at least 80% of its net assets in securities of small- and mid- capitalization companies, without providing shareholders at least 60 days’ notice. This test is applied at the time the Fund invests; later percentage changes caused by a change in Fund assets, market values or company circumstances will not require the Fund to dispose of a holding.
Most of the Fund’s performance depends on what happens in the stock markets, the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of those developments, and the success of the Portfolio Managers in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies. The markets’ behavior can be difficult to predict, particularly in the short term. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
The Fund may take temporary defensive and cash management positions; to the extent it does, it will not be pursuing its principal investment strategies.
The actual risk exposure taken by the Fund in its investment program will vary over time, depending on various factors including the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. There can be no guarantee that the Portfolio Managers will be successful in their attempts to manage the risk exposure of the Fund or will appropriately evaluate or weigh the multiple factors involved in investment decisions, including issuer, market and/or instrument-specific analysis, valuation and ESG factors.
Each of the following risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of any presumed importance, can significantly affect the Fund’s performance. The relative importance of, or potential exposure as a result of, each of these risks will vary based on market and other investment-specific considerations.
ETF Risk. As an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as authorized participants. Only an authorized participant may transact in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and authorized participants are not obligated to engage in such transactions. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable or unwilling to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund, such as in times of market stress, and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, trading in Fund shares may be significantly diminished, bid-ask spreads may widen and shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face trading halts or delisting. To the extent the Fund invests in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes, this risk is heightened.
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International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”) are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security (i.e., the Fund’s quote from the closed foreign market). As a result, premiums or discounts to NAV may develop in share prices, and bid-ask spreads may be greater than those experienced by other funds. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads, which is the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of a fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market, and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. If a trading halt occurs, a shareholder may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. The bid-ask spread, which varies over time, is generally narrower if the Fund has more trading volume and market liquidity and wider if the Fund has less trading volume and market liquidity. In addition, the bid-ask spread can be affected by the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying investments and can widen if the Fund’s underlying investments become less liquid or illiquid. In addition, although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained, that bid-ask spreads will be narrow, or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed.
Foreign Exposure Risk. Securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations or holdings, or issued by foreign entities listed on a U.S. exchange, may involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in those foreign countries, as well as currency exchange rates.
Foreign Risk. Foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities. Additional risks include exposure to less developed or less efficient trading markets; social, political, diplomatic, or economic instability; trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.); imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals; significant government involvement in an economy and/or market structure; fluctuations in foreign currencies or currency redenomination; potential for default on sovereign debt; nationalization or expropriation of assets; settlement, custodial or other operational risks; higher transaction costs; confiscatory withholding or other taxes; and less stringent auditing and accounting, corporate disclosure, governance, and legal standards. As a result, foreign securities may fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid, than comparable U.S. securities. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic or political developments. In addition, foreign markets may perform differently than the U.S. markets. The effect of economic instability on specific foreign markets or issuers may be difficult to predict or evaluate. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange, or by governmental authorities. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. In the event that the Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities or instruments, the Fund’s ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and the Fund could incur significant losses.
Issuer-Specific Risk. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole.
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brokerage costs, and expenses. Large redemptions could also result in tax consequences to shareholders and impact the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy.
Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. If the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for better performance.
New Fund Risk. The Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and its investment strategy may not be successful under all future market conditions, either of which could result in the Fund being liquidated at some future time without shareholder approval and/or at a time that may not be favorable for certain shareholders. New funds may not attract sufficient assets to achieve investment, trading or other efficiencies and, if the Fund does not grow in size, it will be at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV and/or a stop to trading.
Recent Market Conditions. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing or changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time.
Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, in 2022, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks raised interest rates as part of their efforts to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks recently began to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors, such as inflation, could stop such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce bank balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various markets or decrease confidence in the markets.
Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between countries and regions, including the U.S. and China, political or economic dysfunction within some countries or regions, including major producers of commodities, and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, if the U.S. dollar continues to be strong, it may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Regulators in the U.S. have proposed and adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which apply to the Fund. The full effect of various newly adopted regulations is not currently known. Additionally, it is not currently known whether any of the proposed regulations will be adopted. However, due to the scope of regulations being proposed and adopted, certain of these changes to regulation could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for it to operate, or adversely impact performance.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact its performance.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and any sanctions and related events cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted.
High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation’s debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and
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substantial investment risks that cannot now be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy.
Global climate change can have potential effects on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impact of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impact of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, including any direct or indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.
Sector Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors or sub-sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Small- and Mid-Cap Companies Risk. At times, small- and mid-cap companies may be out of favor with investors. Compared to larger companies, small- and mid-cap companies may depend on a more limited management group, may have a shorter history of operations, less publicly available information, less stable earnings, and limited product lines, markets or financial resources. The securities of small- and mid-cap companies are often more volatile, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, and less liquid than the securities of larger companies and may be more affected than other types of securities by the underperformance of a sector, during market downturns, by adverse publicity and investor perceptions, by interest rate changes and by government regulation. To the extent the Fund holds securities of mid-cap companies, the Fund will be subject to their risks.
Value Stock Risk. Value stocks are those stocks whose stock prices, whether based on earnings, book value, or other financial measures, do not reflect their full economic opportunities. Value stocks may remain undervalued for extended periods of time, may decrease in value during a given period, may not ever realize what the portfolio management team believes to be their full value, or the portfolio management team’s assumptions about intrinsic value or potential for appreciation may be incorrect. This may happen, among other reasons, because of a failure to anticipate which stocks or industries would benefit from changing market or economic conditions or investor preferences.
A summary of the Fund’s additional principal investment risks is as follows:
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers, and your ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, processing and communications errors, counterparty and third-party disruptions or errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality, including those related to critical functions. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. It is not possible for the Manager or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Artificial Intelligence. The Fund and its service providers, including its adviser, may utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including machine learning models and generative AI, to improve operational efficiency and in connection with research. In addition, counterparties used by the Fund may utilize AI in their business activities. The Fund and its adviser are not in a position to control the use of AI in third-party products or services. The use of AI introduces numerous potential challenges and the use of AI can lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and competitive disadvantages, as well as negatively impact business operations, which may occur with or without mismanagement in the use of the AI. AI requires the collection and processing of substantial amounts of data, which poses risks of data inaccuracies, incompleteness, and inherent biases, and which can degrade the technology’s effectiveness and reliability. Such data can include proprietary information, the use of which by AI may be unauthorized and subject to potential liability. Rapid technological advancements further complicate risk predictions, and competitors who adopt AI more swiftly may gain a competitive edge. The complexity and opacity of AI systems raise significant accountability and ethical concerns. AI has enhanced the ability of threat actors to amplify the potency, scale, and speed of cybersecurity attacks. AI’s role in increasing automation raises concerns about job displacement and may lead to economic and social disruptions. The unpredictable nature of AI’s impact on market dynamics complicates traditional risk assessment models,
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making it challenging to identify risks and opportunities using historical data. Regulatory frameworks governing AI’s use, particularly concerning data privacy and protection, are evolving rapidly. These changes could materially alter how AI is used, which may negatively impact the Fund.
Risk Management. Risk is an essential part of investing. No risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to adverse events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by such events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program. The Fund could experience losses if judgments about risk prove to be incorrect.
Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value an investment, the Fund may be required to value such investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent price and from the prices used by other funds to calculate their NAVs. The Fund uses pricing services to provide values for certain securities and there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell an investment at the price established by such pricing services. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA” or the “Manager”) is the Fund’s investment manager.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Fund is managed by Robert W. D’Alelio, Brett S. Reiner and Gregory G. Spiegel (each a Managing Director of the Manager). They have managed the Fund since its inception in March 2024.
Buying and Selling Shares
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at its NAV only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof, and only with authorized participants who have entered into contractual arrangements with the Fund’s distributor.
Individual Shares (rather than Creation Units) of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker or dealer at market price and most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Fund on such an exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The prices at which individual Shares may be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through brokers are based on market prices and, because Shares will trade at market prices rather than at NAV, individual Shares of the Fund may trade at a price greater than or less than NAV. Shares of the Fund are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying and selling shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer.
Recent information, including information about the Fund’s NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is included on the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/ETF.
Tax Information
Unless you invest in the Fund through a tax-advantaged retirement plan or account or are a tax-exempt investor, you will be subject to tax on Fund distributions to you of ordinary income and/or net capital gains. Those distributions generally are not taxable to such a plan or account or a tax-exempt investor, although withdrawals from certain retirement plans and accounts generally are subject to federal income tax.
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Payments to Investment Providers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer or other financial intermediary, such as a bank, brokerage firm, workplace retirement program, or financial adviser (who may be affiliated with the Manager), the Fund and/or Neuberger Berman BD LLC and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker/dealer or other financial intermediary and its employees to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial intermediary or visit its website for more information.
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Descriptions of Certain Practices and Security Types
Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks and other securities that pay interest or dividends and are convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks. Convertible securities generally have some features of common stocks and some features of debt securities. In general, a convertible security performs more like a stock when the underlying stock’s price is high relative to the conversion price (because it is assumed that it will be converted into the stock) and performs more like a debt security when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price (because it is assumed that it will mature without being converted). Convertible securities typically pay an income yield that is higher than the dividend yield of the issuer’s common stock, but lower than the yield of the issuer’s debt securities.
Derivatives. A derivative is generally a financial contract the value of which depends on, or is derived from, changes in the value of one or more “reference instruments,” such as underlying assets (including securities), reference rates, indices or events. Derivatives may relate to stocks, bonds, credit, interest rates, commodities, currencies or currency exchange rates, or related indices. A derivative may also contain leverage to magnify the exposure to the reference instrument. Derivatives may be traded on organized exchanges and/or through clearing organizations, or in private transactions with other parties in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market with a single dealer or a prime broker acting as an intermediary with respect to an executing dealer. Derivatives may be used for hedging purposes and non-hedging (or speculative) purposes. Some derivatives require one or more parties to post “margin,” which means that a party must deposit assets with, or for the benefit of, a third party, such as a futures commission merchant, in order to initiate and maintain the derivatives position. Margin is typically adjusted daily, and adverse market movements may require a party to post additional margin.
Call Options. A call option gives the purchaser the right to buy an underlying asset or other reference instrument at a specified price, regardless of the instrument’s market price at the time. Writing (selling) a call option obligates the writer (seller) to sell the underlying asset or other reference instrument to the purchaser at a specified price if the purchaser decides to exercise the option. A call option is “covered” if the writer (seller) simultaneously holds an equivalent position in the security underlying the option. If the holder exercises an uncovered call option, the seller of the option may have to buy the underlying asset at the current market price to fulfill its obligation. The writer (seller) receives a premium when it writes a call option. Purchasing a call option gives the purchaser the right to buy the underlying asset or other reference instrument from the writer (seller) at a specified price if the purchaser decides to exercise the option. The purchaser pays a premium when it purchases a call option.
Futures. A futures contract is a standardized agreement to buy or sell a set quantity of an underlying asset at a future date, or to make or receive a cash payment based on the value of a securities index or other reference instrument at a future date.
Put Options. A put option gives the purchaser the right to sell an underlying asset or other reference instrument at a specified price, regardless of the instrument’s market price at the time. Writing (selling) a put option obligates the writer (seller) to buy the underlying asset or other reference instrument from the purchaser at a specified price if the purchaser decides to exercise the option. The writer (seller) receives a premium when it writes a put option. Purchasing a put option gives the purchaser the right to sell the underlying asset or other reference instrument to the writer (seller) at a specified price if the purchaser decides to exercise the option. The purchaser pays a premium when it purchases a put option.
ESG Investing. Funds that follow environmental, social and governance considerations seek positive social and environmental impact in addition to economic success. They are designed to allow investors to put their money to work and also support companies that follow principles of good corporate citizenship.
Fixed Income Securities. Debt securities may consist of fixed and floating rate obligations of various credit quality and duration and may be issued by: corporate entities; trusts; domestic issuers, including securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities; foreign issuers, including foreign governments and supranational entities; and municipal issuers, including within the U.S. and its territories. Such obligations may include: bonds, loans, inflation-linked debt securities, when-issued and forward-settling securities, commercial paper, mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities, and hybrid securities (including convertible securities).
Foreign Stocks. There are many promising opportunities for investment outside the United States. Foreign markets can respond to different factors and therefore may follow cycles that are different from each other. For this reason, many investors put a portion of their portfolios in foreign investments as a way of gaining further diversification.
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Growth Investing. For growth investors, the aim is to invest in companies that are already successful but could be even more so. Often, these stocks are in emerging or rapidly growing industries. While most growth stocks are known to investors, they may not yet have reached their full potential. The growth investor looks for indications of continued success.
Lower-Rated Debt Securities. Lower-rated debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) typically offer investors higher yields than other fixed income securities. The higher yields are usually justified by the weaker credit profiles of these issuers as compared to investment grade issuers. Lower-rated debt securities may include debt obligations of all types issued by U.S. and non-U.S. corporate and governmental entities, including bonds, debentures and notes, loan interests and preferred stocks that have priority over any other class of stock of the entity as to the distribution of assets or the payment of dividends. A lower-rated debt security itself may be convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities, or it may carry with it the right to acquire equity securities evidenced by warrants attached to the security or acquired as part of a unit with the security.
REITs. A REIT is a pooled investment vehicle that invests primarily in income-producing real estate or real estate related loans or interests. A domestic REIT is not taxed on net income and net realized gains that are distributed to its shareholders, provided it complies with certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), and similar treatment may also apply to foreign REITs under the laws in which they are formed. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs or mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property, derive their income primarily from rents and can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments.
Securities Listed on Chinese Stock Exchanges. Securities listed on Chinese stock exchanges, such as the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, are divided into two classes of shares: China A-shares, foreign ownership of which is restricted by the Chinese government, and China B-shares, which may be owned by both Chinese and foreign investors. China H-shares are securities listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China that are sometimes simultaneously listed on either the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. China A-shares, China B-shares and China H-shares may behave differently due to liquidity differences and the composition of shareholders, among other factors.
Short Sales. Short sales involve selling a security the Fund does not own in anticipation that the security’s price will decline. To complete the transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing the security at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be higher or lower than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. If the underlying security goes up in price during the period during which the short position is outstanding, the Fund will realize a loss on the transaction. Any loss will be increased by the amount of compensation, interest or dividends and transaction costs the Fund must pay to a lender of the security.
Value Investing. At any given time, there are companies whose stock prices, whether based on earnings, book value, or other financial measures, do not reflect their full economic opportunities. This happens when investors under-appreciate the business potential of these companies, or are distracted by transient or non-fundamental issues. The value investor examines these companies, searching for those that may rise in price when other investors realize their worth.
Additional Information about Principal Investment Risks
This section provides additional information about a Fund’s principal investment risks described in its Fund Summary section. The following risks are described in alphabetical order and not in order of any presumed importance or potential exposure.
Call Risk. Upon the issuer’s desire to call a security, or under other circumstances where a security is called, which may happen for a number of reasons, such as declining interest rates or changes in credit spreads, the issuer can opt to repay the obligation underlying a “callable security” early. When this occurs, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, with a higher risk of default, or other less favorable characteristics. This may reduce the amount of the Fund’s distributions. In addition, the Fund may not realize the full anticipated benefit from such investment. The likelihood of a call also may impact the price of a security.
Risks of Investments in China A-shares through Stock Connect Programs. There are significant risks inherent in investing in China A-shares through “Connect Programs” of local stock exchanges in China, namely the Shanghai Connect Program and the Shenzhen Connect Program. The Chinese investment and banking systems are materially different in nature from many developed markets, which exposes investors to risks that are different from those in the U.S. The Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in China A-shares through the Connect Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. A Connect Program can operate only when both markets are open for trading and when banking services are available in both markets on the corresponding settlement days. As such, if one or both markets in a particular Connect Program are closed on a U.S. trading day, the Fund may not be able to dispose of its China A-shares in a timely manner under such Connect Program,
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which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. Only certain China A-shares are eligible to be accessed through the Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Connect Programs.
The impact of this integration of Chinese and foreign markets is still unclear and the actual effect on the market for trading China A-shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is unknown though in the past the People’s Republic of China regulators have intervened in the market as they believed necessary, which may be difficult to predict. The Connect Programs are subject to regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities for both exchanges and further regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, which Chinese regulators have used in the past, may adversely impact the Connect Programs and may increase volatility, if the authorities believe it is necessary to assure orderly markets or for other reasons. The relevant regulations are subject to change, and there is no certainty as to how they will be applied and Chinese securities trading law can change on a frequent basis or be applied on a retroactive basis. Investments in China A-shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-shares are held in the Connect Programs, the Fund may not be able to exercise the rights of a direct shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the legal or “nominee holder” of the China A-shares under the Connect Programs becomes insolvent. Because all trades on the Connect Programs in respect of eligible China A-shares must be settled in Renminbi (“RMB”), the Chinese currency, investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of offshore RMB, which cannot be guaranteed.
Currently, the mainland Chinese tax authorities have temporarily exempted foreign investors from income tax and value-added tax on capital gains derived from the trading of A-shares under the Shanghai Connect Program and the Shenzhen Connect Program. It is uncertain how long this will be the case and the exemptions are subject to change.
China Investment Risk. China is considered an emerging market and carries the risks associated with emerging markets, as well as risks particular to the region surrounding China. Events in any one country within the region may impact other countries in the region or the region as a whole.
The Chinese economy and economies of countries in the region surrounding China differ from the U.S. economy in various ways, such as rate of growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position (that is, the difference in total value between payments into and out of a country over a period of time). The economies of countries in the region are affected by developments in the economies of their principal trading partners. The economies, industries, and securities and currency markets of China may be adversely affected by slow economic activity worldwide, dependence on exports and international trade, currency devaluations and other currency exchange rate fluctuations, restrictions on monetary repatriation, protectionist trade policies, especially if imposed by the U.S. or China’s other major trading partners, increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies, environmental events and natural disasters that may occur in China, and military conflicts either in response to social unrest or with other countries. Investing in companies controlled by various Chinese governmental authorities involves risks that political changes, social instability, regulatory uncertainty, adverse diplomatic developments, asset expropriation or nationalization, or confiscatory taxation could adversely affect the performance of such companies. State-owned or controlled companies may be less efficiently run and less profitable than other companies. A small number of companies and industries represent a relatively large portion of the Chinese market as a whole and may have limited or no operating history. In addition, the Chinese economy and the economies of countries surrounding China may be dependent on the economies of other Asian countries, many of which are developing countries. In addition, brokerage commissions and other fees may be different for securities traded in China than more developed markets. Currency fluctuations, devaluations and trading restrictions by any one country in the Chinese region can have a significant effect on the region as a whole. Under the economic reforms implemented by the Chinese government, the Chinese economy experienced tremendous growth. There is no assurance, however, that such growth will be sustained in the future. Official statistics indicate a recent growth rate in China that is significantly lower than that in the early part of the decade; there is also evidence that the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China is having a substantial negative impact on growth in China. Given the difficulties and evolving perceptions of investing in China, the Fund will not be able to effectively exclude all Chinese companies with negative controversies such that the Fund’s investments may not always align with the values of U.S. investors.
The Chinese government exercises significant control over the economy and may intervene in the financial markets, such as by imposing trading restrictions or banning or curtailing short selling. Further, the Chinese government may from time to time adopt measures to control the growth of the Chinese economy which may adversely impact the Fund. In addition, expropriation, including nationalization, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or other developments could adversely affect and significantly diminish the values of the Chinese companies in which the Fund invests. Significant portions of the Chinese securities markets may become rapidly illiquid, as Chinese issuers have the ability to suspend the trading of their equity securities, and have shown a willingness to exercise that option in response to market volatility and other events. The liquidity of
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Chinese securities may shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political events, or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate. Changes in the economic, diplomatic, and political relationships between other countries in China and its region could adversely impact the Fund’s investments. In addition, investments in China could be adversely affected by its political and economic relationship with Taiwan. The Chinese government is endeavoring to eliminate large amounts of low quality debt from the economy, a program that may produce an increase in the rate of defaults and harm the Chinese economy. Given the unique mixture of state-controlled and market-based economic elements in the region, the prior experience of other countries may not provide a reliable guide to the effects of various changes in economic policy, possibly resulting in miscalculations by policymakers and/or investors. In addition, military conflicts, either in response to internal social unrest or with other countries, are a risk. As the Chinese economic and political strength has grown in recent years, it has shown a greater willingness to assert itself militarily in the region. Military or diplomatic moves to resolve any issues could adversely affect the economies in the region.
In addition to the risks listed under “Foreign and Emerging Markets Risk,” investments in China are subject to significant legal, regulatory, monetary and economic risks, as well as the potential for regional and global conflicts, including actions that are contrary to the interests of the U.S. As a result, the Fund may not be suitable for all investors and should be used only by investors who understand the risks of investing in securities and instruments economically tied to China.
In addition, China’s history of political contention with Taiwan and its geographic proximity to China have resulted in ongoing tensions, which could have an adverse impact on the values of investments in China and/or Taiwan, or make investments in China and/or Taiwan impractical or impossible.
The ongoing U.S.-China “trade war” may affect the Chinese economy substantially, as the U.S. has been a principal trading partner of China. The ability of China to restructure its foreign trade relationships, and whether China is motivated to stop supporting its currency or stop trade in certain natural resources, and whether the U.S. government imposes restrictions on U.S. investor participation in certain Chinese investments, including through executive order or other means, may determine to some degree the extent to which its economy will be damaged by the trade war, and these things cannot be predicted at the present time.
The securities markets in China have a limited operating history and are not as developed as those in the U.S. Disclosure and regulatory standards in China are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers. Chinese companies, including Chinese companies that are listed on U.S. exchanges, are not subject to the same degree of accounting standards or auditor oversight as companies in more developed countries. As a result, information about the Chinese securities in which the Fund invests may be less reliable or complete. Chinese companies with securities listed on U.S. exchanges may be delisted if they do not meet U.S. accounting standards and auditor oversight requirements, which would significantly decrease the liquidity and value of the securities. In addition, there may be significant obstacles to obtaining information necessary for investigations into or litigation against Chinese companies, and shareholders may have limited legal remedies.
There has been increased attention from the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) with regard to international auditing standards of U.S.-listed companies with significant operations in China as well as PCAOB-registered auditing firms in China. The SEC and PCAOB reached an agreement to provide information to these auditing firms in 2022 but China will need to continue to permit such access, which could change in the future. If these restrictions occur again, they may result in the unavailability of material information about issuers in China or an issuer’s operations in China.
The tax laws and regulations in China are somewhat unclear and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Uncertainties in Chinese tax rules could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. The mainland Chinese tax authorities have temporarily exempted foreign investors from income tax and value-added tax on capital gains derived from the trading of China A-shares. It is uncertain how long this will be the case and the exemptions are subject to change. The interpretation, application and enforcement of such laws and regulations by the applicable authorities may vary over time and from region to region, and could have an adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders, particularly in relation to tax imposed upon foreign investors’ capital gains.
Commodity Regulatory Risk. Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF is deemed a “commodity pool” and the Fund’s investment manager is considered a “commodity pool operator” with respect to the Fund under the Commodity Exchange Act. The Fund’s investment manager is therefore subject to dual regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Compliance with regulations governing commodity pools may increase the Fund’s regulatory compliance costs. The regulatory requirements could change at any time and additional regulations could also be adopted, which may adversely impact the Fund, and may compel the Fund to consider significant changes, which could include substantially altering its principal investment strategies or, if deemed necessary, liquidating the Fund.
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Commodity Risk. The Fund’s and the Subsidiary’s significant investment exposure to the commodities markets and/ or a particular sector of the commodities markets may subject the Fund and the Subsidiary to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The commodities markets are impacted by a variety of factors, including market movements, resource availability, commodity price volatility, speculation in the commodities markets, domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies, trade policies and tariffs, war, acts of terrorism, changes in domestic or foreign interest rates and/or investor expectations concerning interest rates, domestic and foreign inflation rates and investment and trading activities in commodities. Prices of various commodities may also be affected by factors such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and other regulatory developments. The frequency, duration and magnitude of such changes often cannot be predicted. The prices of commodities can also fluctuate widely due to supply and demand disruptions in major producing or consuming regions.
Certain commodities may be produced in a limited number of countries and may be controlled by a small number of producers or groups of producers. As a result, political, economic and supply related events in such countries could have a disproportionate impact on the prices of such commodities. To the extent the Fund focuses its investments in a particular commodity in the commodities market or a particular sector of the commodities market, the Fund will be more susceptible to risks associated with the particular commodity or particular commodity sector. No active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. In addition, adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of commodities investments. Because the Fund’s and the Subsidiary’s performance is linked to the performance of potentially volatile commodities, investors should be willing to assume the risks of significant fluctuations in the value of the Fund’s shares.
Agricultural and Soft Commodities Sector Risk. Risks of investing in agricultural sector commodities include, in addition to other risks, the impact of United States and foreign government policies and regulations on planting of certain crops and possible alternative uses of agricultural resources, the location and size of crop production, trading of unprocessed or processed commodity products, and the volume and types of imports and exports. Climate change may severely impact the viability of certain crops in certain regions. Trade wars have introduced considerable uncertainty into some previously established international markets for agricultural products and could produce abrupt and substantial price changes.
Energy Sector Risk. Risks of investing in energy sector commodities include, in addition to other risks, price fluctuation caused by real and perceived inflationary trends and political developments, the cost assumed in complying with environmental and other safety regulations, including costs related to the transition to low carbon alternatives or clean energy, supply of and demand for energy fuels, energy conservation efforts, capital expenditures on and the success of exploration and production projects, increased competition and technological advances, tax and other government regulations, and policies of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and oil importing nations. In addition, companies in the energy sector are at risk of liability from accidents resulting in pollution, mishandling of materials, or other environmental damage claims and at risk of loss from terrorism, cyber incidents, natural disasters, fires and explosions. There is growing political pressure to reduce the use of fossil fuels, which could begin to impact the securities of companies in that industry and the prices of related commodities.
Industrial Metals Sector Risk. Risks of investing in industrial metals sector commodities, including strategic metals such as uranium, include, in addition to other risks, substantial price fluctuations over short periods of time, imposition of import controls, increased competition and government regulation, disruptions in mining, storing, and refining of metals, and changes in industrial, governmental, and commercial demand for industrial metals.
Precious Metals Sector Risk. Risks of investing in precious metals sector commodities include, in addition to other risks, changes in the level of the production and sale of precious metals by governments or central banks or other large holders. The precious metals sector can be affected by sharp price volatility over short periods caused by economic, financial and political factors.
Companies in each of the above sectors could also be affected by, among other things, commodity price volatility, exchange rates, government regulation, mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control devices, inflation expectations, resource availability, import controls, increased competition, technical progress, labor relations, and economic cycles.
Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a convertible security, which is a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), typically increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks of stocks, and its price may be as volatile as that of the underlying stock, when the underlying stock’s price is high relative to the conversion price, and a convertible security is subject to the market risks of debt securities, and is particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates, when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price. The general market risks of debt securities that are common to convertible securities include, but are not limited
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to, interest rate risk and credit risk -- that is, the value of convertible securities will move in the direction opposite to movements in interest rates; they are subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest or dividends when due; and their market value may change based on changes in the issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness. Because their value can be influenced by many different factors, convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than the underlying common stocks. Securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities that are convertible only at the option of the holder.
Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade and are subject to the same risks as an investment in lower-rated debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). Lower-rated debt securities involve greater risks than investment grade debt securities. Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. The credit rating of a company’s convertible securities is generally lower than that of its non-convertible debt securities. Convertible securities are normally considered “junior” securities — that is, the company usually must pay interest on its non-convertible debt securities before it can make payments on its convertible securities. If the issuer stops paying interest or principal, convertible securities may become worthless and the Fund could lose its entire investment. To the extent the Fund invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-cap companies, it will be subject to the risks of investing in such companies.
Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that issuers, guarantors, or insurers may fail, or become less able or unwilling, to pay interest and/or principal when due. Changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of an issuer, factors affecting an issuer directly (such as management changes, labor relations, collapse of key suppliers or customers, or material changes in overhead costs), factors affecting the industry in which a particular issuer operates (such as competition or technological advances) and changes in general social, economic or political conditions can increase the risk of default by an issuer, which may affect a security’s credit quality or value. A downgrade or default affecting any of the Fund’s securities could affect the Fund’s performance by affecting the credit quality or value of the Fund’s securities.
Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk. In addition, lower credit quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. Ratings represent a rating agency’s opinion regarding the quality of a security and are not a guarantee of quality, and do not protect against a decline in the value of a security. In addition, rating agencies may fail to make timely changes to credit ratings in response to subsequent events and a rating may become stale in that it fails to reflect changes in an issuer’s financial condition. The credit quality of a security or instrument can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly, which may negatively impact its liquidity and value. The securities in which the Fund invests may be subject to credit enhancement (for example, guarantees, letters of credit, or bond insurance). Entities providing credit or liquidity support also may be affected by credit risk. Credit enhancement is designed to help assure timely payment of the security; it does not protect the Fund against losses caused by declines in a security’s value due to changes in market conditions.
Currency Risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. To the extent that the Fund invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Domestic issuers that hold substantial foreign assets may be similarly affected. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate in response to factors external to a country’s economy, which makes the forecasting of currency market movements extremely difficult. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by various factors, including investor perception of a country’s economy and changes in interest rates; intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities, such as the International Monetary Fund; or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. To the extent the Fund invests or hedges based on the perceived relationship between two currencies, there is a risk that the correlation between those currencies may not behave as anticipated.
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are certificates issued by a financial institution evidencing ownership of underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks of investing directly in the underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate if, as is often the case, the underlying foreign securities are denominated in foreign currency, and there may be an imperfect correlation between the market value of depositary receipts and the underlying foreign securities. In addition, holders of depositary receipts may have limited or no rights, including voting rights, to take action with respect to the underlying securities or to compel the issuer of the receipts to take action. There is no guarantee that a financial institution will continue to sponsor a depositary receipt, or that a depositary receipt will continue to trade on an exchange, either of which could adversely affect the liquidity, availability and pricing of the instrument.
Derivatives Risk. Use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques, analysis and risks different from, and in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks
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and bonds. Derivatives can be highly complex and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways. Derivatives can create leverage, which can magnify the impact of a decline in the value of the reference instrument underlying the derivative, and the Fund could lose more than the amount it invests. Derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses, for example, where the Fund may be called upon to deliver a security it does not own. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. The value of a derivative instrument depends largely on (and is derived from) the value of the reference instrument underlying the derivative. There may be imperfect correlation between the behavior of a derivative and that of the reference instrument underlying the derivative, and the reference instrument may not perform as anticipated. An abrupt change in the price of a reference instrument could render a derivative worthless. Derivatives may involve risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the reference instrument. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will use derivatives to reduce exposure to other risks when that might have been beneficial. Derivatives may involve fees, commissions, or other costs that may reduce the Fund’s gains or exacerbate losses from the derivatives. In addition, the Fund’s use of derivatives may have different tax consequences for the Fund than an investment in the reference instruments, and those differences may increase the amount and affect the timing and character of taxable distributions payable to shareholders. Thus, the Fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments in order to satisfy its distribution requirements. Certain aspects of the regulatory treatment of derivative instruments, including federal income tax, are currently unclear and may be affected by changes in legislation, regulations, or other legally binding authority. In October 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act which regulates the use of derivatives for certain funds registered under the Investment Company Act (“Rule 18f-4”). The Fund has adopted a Rule 18f-4 Policy which provides, among other things, that unless the Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives user” as defined in Rule 18f-4, the Fund is subject to a comprehensive derivatives risk management program, to comply with certain value-at-risk based leverage limits, and to provide additional disclosure both publicly and to the SEC regarding its derivatives positions. If the Fund qualifies as a limited derivatives user, Rule 18f-4 requires the Fund to have policies and procedures to manage its aggregate derivatives risk.
Derivatives involve counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party to the derivative will fail to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the derivative. Counterparty risk may arise because of market activities and developments, the counterparty’s financial condition (including financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), or other reasons. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. Counterparty risk is generally thought to be greater with OTC derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. However, derivatives that are traded on organized exchanges and/or through clearing organizations involve the possibility that the futures commission merchant or clearing organization will default in the performance of its obligations. In addition, during periods of market volatility, such exchanges or clearing organizations may suspend or limit trading in a derivative, which may make the contract temporarily illiquid and difficult to price.
When the Fund uses derivatives, it will likely be required to provide margin or collateral; these practices are intended to satisfy contractual undertakings and regulatory requirements and will not prevent the Fund from incurring losses on derivatives. The need to provide margin or collateral could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise. Derivatives that have margin requirements involve the risk that if the Fund has insufficient cash or eligible margin securities to meet daily variation margin requirements, it may have to sell securities or other instruments from its portfolio at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. A relatively small price movement in a derivative may result in substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. The Fund normally will remain obligated to meet margin requirements until a derivatives position is closed.
Ongoing changes to regulation of the derivatives markets and actual and potential changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, or may otherwise adversely affect their liquidity, value or performance.
Although the Fund may use derivatives to attempt to hedge against certain risks, the hedging instruments may not perform as expected and could produce losses.
Additional risks associated with certain types of derivatives are discussed below:
Forward Contracts. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. Changes in foreign exchange regulations by governmental authorities might limit the trading of forward contracts on currencies. There have been periods during which certain counterparties have refused to continue to quote prices for forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread (the difference between the price at which the counterparty is prepared to buy and the price at which it is prepared to sell).
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Futures. There can be no assurance that, at all times, a liquid market will exist for offsetting a futures contract that the Fund has previously bought or sold and this may result in the inability to close a futures position when desired. This could be the case if, for example, a futures price has increased or decreased by the maximum allowable daily limit and there is no buyer (or seller) willing to purchase (or sell) the futures contract that the Fund needs to sell (or buy) at that limit price. In the absence of such limits, the liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than taking or making delivery. To the extent a Fund enters into futures contracts requiring physical delivery (e.g., certain commodities contracts), the inability of the Fund to take or make physical delivery can negatively impact performance.
Options. The use of options involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If a strategy is applied at an inappropriate time or market conditions or trends are judged incorrectly, the use of options may lower the Fund’s return. There can be no guarantee that the use of options will increase the Fund’s return or income. In addition, there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the securities underlying them and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for various options. An abrupt change in the price of an underlying security could render an option worthless. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, or in interest or currency exchange rates, including the anticipated volatility of the underlying instrument (known as implied volatility), which in turn are affected by the performance of the issuer of the underlying instrument, by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. As such, prior to the exercise or expiration of the option, the Fund is exposed to implied volatility risk, meaning the value, as based on implied volatility, of an option may increase due to market and economic conditions or views based on the sector or industry in which issuers of the underlying instrument participate, including company-specific factors.
By writing put options, the Fund takes on the risk of declines in the value of the underlying instrument, including the possibility of a loss up to the entire strike price of each option it sells, but without the corresponding opportunity to benefit from potential increases in the value of the underlying instrument. When the Fund writes a put option, it assumes the risk that it must purchase the underlying instrument at a strike price that may be higher than the market price of the instrument. If there is a broad market decline and the Fund is not able to close out its written put options, it may result in substantial losses to the Fund. By writing a call option, the Fund may be obligated to deliver instruments underlying an option at less than the market price. In the case of an uncovered call option, there is a risk of unlimited loss. When an uncovered call is exercised, the Fund must purchase the underlying instrument to meet its call obligations and the necessary instruments may be unavailable for purchase. Additionally, volatility in the market for equity securities, which has been dramatically increased recently for certain stocks, can meaningfully increase the risk of loss associated with options. When the Fund writes a covered call option, it gives up the opportunity to profit from a price increase in the underlying instrument above the strike price. If a covered call option that the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will experience a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying instrument, depending on the price at which the Fund purchased the instrument and the strike price of the option. The Fund will receive a premium from writing options, but the premium received may not be sufficient to offset any losses sustained from exercised options. In the case of a covered call, the premium received may be offset by a decline in the market value of the underlying instrument during the option period. If an option that the Fund has purchased is never exercised or closed out, the Fund will lose the amount of the premium it paid and the use of those funds.
Swaps. Swap transactions generally do not involve delivery of reference instruments or payment of the notional amount of the contract. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swaps generally is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make or, in the case of the other party to a swap defaulting, the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. If the Fund sells a credit default swap, however, the risk of loss may be the entire notional amount of the swap.
Some swaps are now executed through an organized exchange or regulated facility and cleared through a regulated clearing organization. The absence of an organized exchange or market for swap transactions may result in difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. The use of an organized exchange or market for swap transactions is expected to result in swaps being easier to trade or value, but this may not always be the case.
Dividend Risk. Dividends the Fund receives on common stocks are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of an issuer’s board of directors. There is no guarantee that the companies in which the Fund invests will declare dividends in the future or that dividends, if declared, will remain at current levels or increase over time. Changes in a company’s dividend policies, either a reduction or elimination, may cause the Fund to receive less income and may negatively impact that company’s securities. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates, and as interest rates rise or fall, the prices of such securities may be impacted. A sharp rise in interest rates, or other market downturn, could result in a decision to decrease or
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eliminate a dividend. During a broad market advance, securities that pay dividends may not appreciate as much as securities that do not pay dividends.
ESG Criteria Risk. The Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF’s application of ESG criteria is designed and utilized to help identify companies that demonstrate the potential to create economic value or reduce risk; however as with the use of any investment criteria in selecting a portfolio, there is no guarantee that the criteria used by the Fund will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers, or help reduce risk in the portfolio. Investing based on ESG criteria is qualitative and subjective by nature and there is no guarantee that the criteria used by the Fund will reflect the beliefs or values of any particular investor. The use of the Fund’s ESG criteria could also affect the Fund’s exposure to certain sectors or industries, and could impact the Fund’s investment performance depending on whether the ESG criteria used are ultimately reflected in the market. Information used to evaluate the Fund’s application of ESG criteria, like other information used to identify companies in which to invest, may not be readily available, complete, or accurate, which could negatively impact the Fund’s performance or create additional risk in the portfolio.
ETF Risk. As an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as authorized participants. Only an authorized participant may transact in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and authorized participants are not obligated to engage in such transactions. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable or unwilling to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund, such as in times of market stress, and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, trading in Fund shares may be significantly diminished, bid-ask spreads may widen and shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face trading halts or delisting. To the extent the Fund invests in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes, this risk is heightened.
Cash Transactions Risk. Unlike certain ETFs, the Fund may effect its creations and redemptions in cash or partially in cash. As a result, an investment in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in other ETFs. Other ETFs generally are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid realizing gains in connection with transactions designed to raise cash to meet redemption requests. If the Fund effects a portion of redemptions for cash, it may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds, which also involves transaction costs. If the Fund recognizes gain on these sales, this generally will cause the Fund to recognize gain it might not otherwise have recognized if it were to distribute portfolio securities in-kind, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required. The Fund generally intends to distribute these gains to shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the Fund level and otherwise comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject to, or at an earlier date than, if they had made an investment in a different ETF. In addition, cash transactions may have to be carried out over several days if the securities market in which the Fund is trading is less liquid and may involve considerable transaction expenses and taxes. These brokerage fees and taxes, which will be higher than if the Fund sold and redeemed its shares principally in-kind, may be passed on to purchasers and redeemers of shares in the form of transaction fees. However, the Fund has capped the total transaction fees that may be charged in connection with redemptions. To the extent any costs associated with cash transactions are not offset by any transaction fees payable by an authorized participant, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”) are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security (i.e., the Fund’s quote from the closed foreign market). As a result, premiums or discounts to NAV may develop in share prices, and bid-ask spreads may be greater than those experienced by other funds. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Premium/Discount Risk. The NAV of the Fund’s shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s securities holdings. The market prices of Fund shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund’s NAV and supply and demand of shares on the secondary market. It cannot be predicted whether Fund shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. Price differences may be due, in part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for shares may be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the Fund’s holdings. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods
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of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop-loss orders to sell the ETF shares may be executed at market prices that are significantly below NAV. The market prices of Fund shares may deviate significantly from the NAV of the shares during periods of market volatility or if the Fund’s holdings are or become more illiquid. Disruptions to creations and redemptions may result in trading prices that differ significantly from the Fund’s NAV. In addition, market prices of Fund shares may deviate significantly from the NAV if the number of Fund shares outstanding is smaller or if there is less active trading in Fund shares. Investors purchasing and selling Fund shares in the secondary market may not experience investment results consistent with those experienced by those creating and redeeming directly with the Fund. Further, to the extent that exchange specialists, market makers and/or authorized participants are unavailable or unable to trade the Fund’s shares and/or engage in creation and redemption transactions, premiums or discounts may widen.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. In addition, secondary market investors will incur the cost of the difference between the price that an investor is willing to pay for shares (the bid price) and the price at which an investor is willing to sell shares (the ask price). This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “spread” or “bid/ask spread.” The bid/ask spread, which increases the cost of purchasing and selling Fund shares, varies over time for shares based on trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if the Fund’s shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if the Fund’s shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Increased market volatility may cause increased bid/ask spreads.
Although Fund shares are listed for trading on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained, that bid-ask spreads will be narrow, or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. If the Fund is delisted, it may result in the liquidation of the Fund, which would adversely impact shareholders. Trading in Fund shares may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in shares is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of the Fund’s shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying holdings, which can be less liquid than the Fund’s shares. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of any Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged or that the shares will trade with any volume, or at all.
Foreign and Emerging Market Risk. Foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities. Additional risks include exposure to less developed or less efficient trading markets; social, political, diplomatic, or economic instability; trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.); imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals; significant government involvement in an economy and/or market structure; fluctuations in foreign currencies or currency redenomination; potential for default on sovereign debt; nationalization or expropriation of assets; settlement, custodial or other operational risks; higher transaction costs; confiscatory withholding or other taxes; and less stringent auditing and accounting, corporate disclosure, governance, and legal standards. The Fund may have limited or no legal recourse in the event of default with respect to certain foreign securities. In addition, key information about the issuer, the markets or the local government or economy may be unavailable, incomplete, or inaccurate. As a result, foreign securities may fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid, than comparable U.S. securities. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic or political developments. In addition, securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may involve risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in foreign countries, as well as currency exchange rates. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Investing in emerging market countries involves risks in addition to and greater than those generally associated with investing in more developed foreign countries. The governments of emerging market countries may be more unstable and more likely to impose capital controls, nationalize a company or industry, place restrictions on foreign ownership and on withdrawing sale proceeds of securities from the country, intervene in the financial markets, and/or impose burdensome taxes that could adversely affect security prices. To the extent a foreign security is denominated in U.S. dollars, there is also the risk that a foreign government will not let U.S. dollar-denominated assets leave the country. In addition, the economies of emerging market countries may be dependent on relatively few industries that are more susceptible to local and global changes, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. Emerging market countries may also have less developed legal and accounting systems, and their legal systems may deal with issuer bankruptcies and defaults differently than U.S. law would. Shareholder claims and legal remedies that are common in the United States may be difficult or impossible to pursue in many emerging market countries. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, matters of comity and various other factors, U.S. authorities may
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be limited in their ability to bring enforcement actions against non-U.S. companies and non-U.S. persons in certain emerging market countries. Most foreign and emerging market companies are not subject to the uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements applicable to issuers in the United States, which may impact the availability and quality of information about foreign and emerging market issuers. Securities markets in emerging market countries are also relatively small and have substantially lower trading volumes. Additionally, in times of market stress, regulatory authorities of different emerging market countries may apply varying techniques and degrees of intervention, which can have an effect on prices. Securities of issuers in emerging market countries may be more volatile and less liquid than securities of issuers in foreign countries with more developed economies or markets and the situation may require that the Fund fair value its holdings in those countries.
Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange, or by governmental authorities. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging or less-developed market countries than in countries with more developed markets. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and in instruments that reference the securities, such as derivative instruments, may be halted. In the event that the Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities or instruments, the Fund’s ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and the Fund could incur significant losses.
In addition, foreign markets may perform differently than the U.S. market. Over a given period of time, foreign securities may underperform U.S. securities — sometimes for years. The Fund could also underperform if it invests in countries or regions whose economic performance falls short. To the extent that the Fund invests a portion of its assets in one country, state, region or currency, an adverse economic, business or political development may affect the value of the Fund’s investments more than if its investments were not so invested. Further, from time to time, based on market or economic conditions the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in one country or geographic region. If the Fund does so, there is a greater risk that economic, political, regulatory, diplomatic, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or geographic region may have a significant impact on the Fund’s performance and that the Fund’s performance will be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. The economies and financial markets of certain regions can be highly interdependent and may decline all at the same time. In addition, certain areas are prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, droughts or tsunamis and are economically sensitive to environmental events.
The effect of economic instability on specific foreign markets or issuers may be difficult to predict or evaluate. Some national economies continue to show profound instability, which may in turn affect their international trading and financial partners or other members of their currency bloc.
Foreign Exposure Risk. Securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations or holdings, or issued by foreign entities listed on a U.S. exchange, may involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in those foreign countries. Additional risks may include exposure to less developed or less efficient commercial trading markets; social, political, diplomatic or economic instability; fluctuations in foreign currencies or currency redenomination; laws limiting or restricting the movement of assets out of the country; nationalization or expropriation of assets; less stringent legal standards; possible unfavorable treatment under U.S. tax laws; and discriminatory application of local regulatory or criminal laws.
Growth Stock Risk. Because the prices of most growth stocks are based on future expectations, these stocks tend to be more sensitive than value stocks to bad economic news and negative earnings surprises. When these expectations are not met or decrease, the prices of these stocks may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Bad economic news or changing investor perceptions may adversely affect growth stocks across several sectors and industries simultaneously. Growth stocks tend to reinvest a high portion of earnings in their business, which can make them more volatile, and growth stocks also may lack the dividends often associated with value stocks that can cushion their decline in a falling market. While the price of any type of stock may rise and fall rapidly, growth stocks may underperform during periods when the market favors value stocks.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading and may have a high portfolio turnover rate, which may increase the Fund’s transaction costs, may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and may generate a greater amount of capital gain distributions to shareholders than if the Fund had a low portfolio turnover rate.
Interest Rate Risk. In general, the value of investments with interest rate risk, such as debt securities, will move in the direction opposite to movements in interest rates. If interest rates rise, the value of such securities may decline. Interest rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable and may be made in response to the supply and demand for credit, changes to government monetary policy and other initiatives, inflation rates, perceptions of risk and other factors. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for periods of volatility. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Typically, the longer the maturity (i.e., the term of a debt security) or duration (i.e., a measure of the sensitivity of a debt security to changes in market interest rates, based on the entire cash flow associated with the security) of a debt security, the
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greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. For example, if interest rates increase by 1%, a debt security with a duration of two years will decrease in value by approximately 2%. Thus, the sensitivity of the Fund’s debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Short-term securities tend to react to changes in short-term interest rates, and long-term securities tend to react to changes in long-term interest rates. Short-term and long-term interest rates, and interest rates in different countries, do not necessarily move in the same direction or by the same amount. The link between interest rates and debt security prices tends to be weaker with lower-rated debt securities than with investment grade debt securities.
Issuer-Specific Risk. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole. The value of an issuer’s securities may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, major litigation against the issuer, perceived poor management performance, changes in economic or political conditions or in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. Certain unanticipated events, such as natural disasters, may have a significant adverse effect on the value of an issuer’s securities.
Japan Investment Risk. The Japanese economy may be subject to economic, political and social instability, which could have an adverse effect on the Japanese securities held by the Fund. The Japanese market can experience significant volatility due to exchange rates, social, political, regulatory, economic or environmental events and natural disasters that may occur in Japan.
The Japanese economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the year 2000, Japan’s economic growth rate has remained relatively low. The Japanese economy is characterized by government intervention and protectionism, reliance on oil imports, an unstable financial services sector, relatively high unemployment, a highly regulated labor market, an aging demographic, declining population, and large government debt. As such, economic growth is heavily dependent on continued growth in international trade, relatively low commodities prices, government support of the financial services sector and other government policies. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, such as a shrinking workforce and higher welfare costs. To date, Japan has had restrictive immigration policies that, combined with other demographic concerns, appear to be having a negative impact on the economy. Japan is heavily dependent on oil and other commodity imports, and higher commodity prices could therefore have a negative impact on the Japanese economy. International trade, particularly with the U.S., also impacts the growth of the Japanese economy, and adverse economic conditions in the U.S. or other trade partners may affect Japan and the Fund’s investments. The Japanese yen has fluctuated widely at times, and any increase in its value may cause a decline in exports that could weaken the Japanese economy. The yen may also be affected by currency volatility elsewhere in Asia, especially Southeast Asia. In addition, the yen has had a history of unpredictable and volatile movements against the U.S. dollar. Japanese intervention in the currency markets could cause the value of the yen to fluctuate sharply and unpredictably and could cause losses to investors. Japan’s economy could be negatively impacted by many factors, including rising interest rates, tax increases and budget deficits. Japan’s growth prospects appear to be dependent on its export capabilities. Japan’s neighbors, in particular China, have become increasingly important export markets. Despite a deepening in the economic relationship between Japan and China, the countries’ political relationship has at times been strained in recent years. Should political tension increase, it could adversely affect the economy, especially the export sector, and destabilize the region as a whole. Japan is located in a region that is susceptible to natural disasters, which may have a significant impact on the business operations of Japanese companies in the affected regions and Japan’s economy.
Large Shareholder Risk. Certain large shareholders, including Authorized Participants, may from time to time own a substantial amount of the Fund’s shares. There is no requirement that these shareholders maintain their investment in the Fund. There is a risk that such large shareholders or that the Fund’s shareholders generally may redeem all or a substantial portion of their investments in the Fund in a short period of time, which could have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s NAV, liquidity, brokerage costs, and expenses. Large redemptions could also result in tax consequences to shareholders and impact the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategy. The Fund’s ability to pursue its investment objective after one or more large scale redemptions may be impaired and, as a result, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents.
Leverage Risk. Leverage amplifies changes in the Fund’s net asset value and may make the Fund more volatile. Derivatives, short positions and securities lending, may create leverage and can result in losses to the Fund that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses or magnify the risks of other portfolio investments. For certain instruments or transactions that create leverage, or have embedded leverage, relatively small market fluctuations may result in large changes in the value of such investments. In addition, the costs that the Fund pays to engage in these practices are additional costs borne by the Fund and could reduce or eliminate any net investment profits. Unless the profits from engaging in these practices exceed the costs of engaging in these practices, the use of leverage will diminish the investment performance of the Fund compared with what it would have been had the Fund not used leverage. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s use of any leverage will be successful. The Fund’s investment exposure can exceed its net assets, sometimes by a significant amount. When the Fund uses
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leverage or utilizes certain of these practices, it may need to dispose of some of its holdings at unfavorable times or prices in order to satisfy regulatory or other requirements.
Liquidity Risk. From time to time, the trading market for a particular investment or type of investment in which the Fund invests is or may become less liquid or even illiquid. Illiquid investments frequently can be more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous price or time. An illiquid investment means any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Judgment plays a greater role in pricing these investments than it does in pricing investments having more active markets, and there is a greater risk that the investments may not be sold for the price at which the Fund is carrying them. The Fund may receive illiquid securities as a result of its investment in securities involved in restructurings. Certain investments that were liquid when the Fund purchased them may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly during periods of increased market volatility, adverse investor perception, economic uncertainty or changes in interest rates. Additionally, market closures due to holidays or other factors may render a security or group of securities (e.g., securities tied to a particular country or geographic region) illiquid for a period of time, which can be extensive. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such securities or other investments may be volatile. Market participants attempting to sell the same or a similar investment at the same time as the Fund could decrease the liquidity of such investments, especially during times of market volatility. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to limit losses.
Unexpected episodes of illiquidity, including due to market or political factors, instrument or issuer-specific factors and/or unanticipated outflows or other factors, may limit the Fund’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions.
Lower-Rated Debt Securities Risk. Lower-rated debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) and unrated debt securities determined to be of comparable quality involve greater risks than investment grade debt securities. Such securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield and may fall in price, sometimes abruptly, due to changes in interest rates, market activity, economic conditions, such as when economic conditions are deteriorating or are expected to deteriorate, or other factors. These securities may be less liquid and also may require a greater degree of judgment to establish a price, may be difficult to sell at the time and price the Fund desires, and may carry higher transaction costs. In particular, these securities may be issued by smaller companies or by highly indebted companies, which are generally less able than more financially stable companies to make scheduled payments of interest and principal. Lower-rated debt securities are considered by the major rating agencies to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to pay principal and interest and carry a greater risk that the issuer of such securities will default in the timely payment of principal and interest. Such securities are susceptible to such a default or decline in market value due to real or perceived adverse economic and business developments relating to the issuer, the industry in general, market interest rates and market liquidity. Such securities may be unsecured or have insufficient collateral and may be subordinated to other creditors, which increases the risk of loss on these securities. Issuers of securities that are in default or have defaulted may fail to resume principal or interest payments, in which case the Fund may lose its entire investment. Where it deems it appropriate and in the best interests of Fund shareholders, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery on a defaulted security and/or to pursue litigation to protect the Fund’s investment.
The credit rating of a security may not accurately reflect the actual credit risk associated with such a security. The creditworthiness of issuers of these securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and the overreliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, such as a high profile default, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of such securities, especially in a thinly traded or illiquid market. To the extent the Fund owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted lower-rated debt securities or unrated debt securities of comparable quality, these securities may involve special registration responsibilities, liabilities, costs, and liquidity and valuation difficulties.
Market Capitalization Risk (Small-, Mid- and Large-Cap Companies Risk). To the extent the Fund invests in securities of small-, mid-, or large-cap companies, it takes on the associated risks. At times, any of these market capitalizations may be out of favor with investors. Compared to small- and mid-cap companies, large-cap companies may be unable to respond as quickly to changes and opportunities and may grow at a slower rate. As such, the return on investment in securities of large-cap companies may be less than the return on investment in securities of small- and/or mid-cap companies. Compared to large-cap companies, small- and mid-cap companies may depend on a more limited management group, may have a shorter history of operations, less publicly available information, less stable earnings and limited product lines, markets or financial resources. The securities of small- and mid-cap companies may fluctuate more widely in price than the market as a whole, which at times can be rapid and
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unpredictable, may be difficult to sell when the economy is not robust or during market downturns, and may be more affected than other types of securities by the underperformance of a sector, during market downturns, by adverse publicity and investor perceptions, by interest rate changes and by government regulation. There may also be less trading in small- or mid-cap securities, which means that buy and sell transactions in those securities could have a larger impact on a security’s price than is the case with large-cap securities and the Fund may not be able to liquidate a position at a particular time.
Market Direction Risk. Since the Fund will typically hold both long and short positions, an investment in the Fund will involve market risks associated with different types of investment decisions than those made for a typical “long only” fund. The Fund’s results could suffer when there is a general market advance and the Fund holds significant “short” positions, or when there is a general market decline and the Fund holds significant “long” positions. The markets may have considerable volatility from day to day and even in intra-day trading.
Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer may impact a market as a whole. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and may not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments. If the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for better performance. Geopolitical risks, including terrorism, tensions or open conflict between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major players on the world stage or major producers of oil, may lead to overall instability in world economies and markets generally and have led, and may in the future lead, to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects. Similarly, environmental and public health risks, such as natural disasters or epidemics, or widespread fear that such events may occur, may impact markets and economies adversely and cause market volatility in both the short- and long-term.
Model Risk. To a significant extent, the Fund’s performance will depend on the success of implementing and managing the investment models that assist in allocating the Fund’s assets. Fund performance will also be affected by the fundamental analysis and inputs used by models regarding investments. Models may be employed that turn out not to be well-suited to prevailing market conditions. Models that have been formulated on the basis of past market data may not be indicative of future price movements. Models rely on data inputs and such data may be incorrect or incomplete making the model unreliable. Models may not be reliable or produce unexpected results if unusual or disruptive events specific to particular corporations, or major events external to the operation of markets, cause market moves the nature or size of which are inconsistent with the historic performance of individual markets and their relationship to one another or to other macroeconomic events. Models also may have hidden biases or exposure to broad structural or sentiment shifts. In the event that actual events fail to conform to the assumptions underlying such models, losses could be incurred. The performance of the investment models may be impacted by software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, power loss, and similar events or circumstances, which may be difficult to detect and may be beyond the control of the Fund.
Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The value of mortgage- and asset-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage instruments, will be influenced by the factors affecting the housing market or the assets underlying the securities. These securities differ from more traditional debt securities because the principal is paid back over the life of the security rather than at the security’s maturity; however, principal may be repaid early if a decline in interest rates causes many borrowers to refinance (known as prepayment risk), or repaid more slowly if a rise in rates causes refinancings to slow down (known as extension risk). Thus, they tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities and as a result, these securities may exhibit additional volatility during periods of interest rate turmoil. Asset-backed securities also may not have the benefit of any security interest in the related assets. Mortgage- and asset-backed securities may be “subordinated” to other interests in the same pool and a holder of those “subordinated” securities would receive payments only after any obligations to other more “senior” investors have been satisfied. In addition, investments in mortgage- and asset-backed securities may be subject to call risk, credit risk, valuation risk, and illiquid investment risk, sometimes to a higher degree than various other types of debt securities. These securities are also subject to the risk of default on the underlying mortgages or assets, particularly during periods of market downturn, and an unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the underlying assets will adversely affect the security’s value. Further, such securities may have credit support, the utility of which could be negatively affected by such conditions as well.
Natural Resources Risk. Investments related to natural resources may be affected by numerous factors, including events occurring in nature, inflationary pressures and domestic and international politics. For example, events occurring in nature (such as earthquakes or fires in prime natural resource areas) and political events (such as coups or military confrontations) can affect the overall supply of a natural resource and the value of companies involved in such natural resource. In addition, interest rates, fluctuations in commodity prices; reduced consumer demand for commodities; reduced availability of natural gas or other commodities for transporting, processing, storing or delivering; slowdowns in new construction; international economic
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developments, energy conservation, tax and other government regulations (both U.S. and foreign) can affect the profitability and value of securities issued by these companies. Additionally, natural resource investments are subject to substantial government regulation, including environmental regulation and liability for environmental damage, and changes in the regulatory environment for these companies may adversely impact their profitability. These types of companies have historically experienced substantial price volatility. At times, the performance of these investments may lag the performance of other sectors or the market as a whole.
New Fund Risk. The Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and its investment strategy may not be successful under all future market conditions, either of which could result in the Fund being liquidated at some future time without shareholder approval and/or at a time that may not be favorable for certain shareholders. New funds may not attract sufficient assets to achieve investment, trading or other efficiencies and, if the Fund does not grow in size, it will be at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV and/or a stop to trading.
Non-Diversified Fund Risk. Each of Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF and Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF is classified as non-diversified. As such, the percentage of the Fund’s assets invested in any single issuer or a few issuers is not limited as much as it is for a fund classified as diversified. Investing a higher percentage of its assets in any one or a few issuers could increase the Fund’s risk of loss and its share price volatility, because the value of its shares would be more susceptible to adverse events affecting those issuers.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers, and your ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, processing and communications errors, counterparty and third-party disruptions or errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality, including those related to critical functions. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks (e.g., malicious software coding, ransomware, or “hacking”) or unintentional events (e.g., inadvertent release of confidential information). A cybersecurity incident could, among other things, result in the loss or theft of customer data or funds, customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems (“denial of services”), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical damage to a computer or network system, or remediation costs associated with system repairs. A cybersecurity incident may not permit the Fund and its service providers to access electronic systems to perform critical duties for the Fund, such as trading and calculating net asset value. Any cybersecurity incident could have a substantial adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders.
The occurrence of any of these problems could result in a loss of information, regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage and other consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or its shareholders. The Manager, through its monitoring and oversight of Fund service providers, endeavors to determine that service providers take appropriate precautions to avoid and mitigate risks that could lead to such problems. While the Manager has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address these problems, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, and it is not possible for the Manager or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Artificial Intelligence. The Fund and its service providers, including its adviser, may utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including machine learning models and generative AI, to improve operational efficiency and in connection with research. In addition, counterparties used by the Fund may utilize AI in their business activities. The Fund and its adviser are not in a position to control the use of AI in third-party products or services. The use of AI introduces numerous potential challenges and the use of AI can lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and competitive disadvantages, as well as negatively impact business operations, which may occur with or without mismanagement in the use of the AI. AI requires the collection and processing of substantial amounts of data, which poses risks of data inaccuracies, incompleteness, and inherent biases, and which can degrade the technology’s effectiveness and reliability. Such data can include proprietary information, the use of which by AI may be unauthorized and subject to potential liability. Rapid technological advancements further complicate risk predictions, and competitors who adopt AI more swiftly may gain a competitive edge. The complexity and opacity of AI systems raise significant accountability and ethical concerns. AI has enhanced the ability of threat actors to amplify the potency, scale, and speed of cybersecurity attacks. AI’s role in increasing automation raises concerns about job displacement and may lead to economic and social disruptions. The unpredictable nature of AI’s impact on market dynamics complicates traditional risk assessment models, making it challenging to identify risks and opportunities using historical data. Regulatory frameworks governing AI’s use,
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particularly concerning data privacy and protection, are evolving rapidly. These changes could materially alter how AI is used, which may negatively impact the Fund.
Other Investment Company Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, including money market funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), its performance will be affected by the performance of those other investment companies and to the allocation of its assets among those other investment companies. Investments in other investment companies are subject to the risks of the other investment companies’ investments, as well as to the other investment companies’ expenses. If the Fund invests in other investment companies, the Fund may receive distributions of taxable gains from portfolio transactions by that investment company and may recognize taxable gains from transactions in shares of that investment company, which could be taxable to the Fund’s shareholders when distributed to them.
An ETF may trade in the secondary market at a price below the value of its underlying portfolio, may not be liquid and may be halted by the listing exchange. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objectives. A passively managed ETF may not replicate the performance of the index it intends to track because of, for example, the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of stocks held. A passively managed ETF may not be permitted to sell poorly performing stocks that are included in its index. Investing in ETFs could incur brokerage and other trading costs for the Fund.
Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities, which are a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities, however, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Preferred securities generally are subordinated to debt securities in an issuer’s capital structure, subjecting them to a greater risk of non-payment than those more senior securities. Distributions on preferred securities are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors and after the company makes required payments to holders of its debt securities. For these reasons, preferred securities are subject to greater credit, interest, and liquidation risk than debt securities, and the value of preferred securities will usually react more strongly than debt securities to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies. Preferred securities may be less liquid than common stocks, and there is a risk an issuer of preferred securities may call or redeem prior to any stated maturity. Preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer or omit distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. Preferred shareholders may have certain rights if distributions are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer, may suffer a loss of value if distributions are not paid, and may be required to report the deferred distribution on its tax returns, even though it may not have received any cash. Generally, preferred shareholders have no voting rights with respect to the issuer unless distributions to preferred shareholders have not been paid for a stated period, at which time the preferred shareholders may elect a number of directors to the issuer’s board. Generally, once all the distributions have been paid to preferred shareholders, the preferred shareholders no longer have voting rights.
Prepayment and Extension Risk. The Fund’s performance could be affected if borrowers pay back principal on certain debt securities, such as mortgage- or asset-backed securities, before (prepayment) or after (extension) the market anticipates such payments, shortening or lengthening their duration. Due to a decline in interest rates or an excess in cash flow into the issuer, a debt security might be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity (i.e., a prepayment). As a result of prepayment, the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates, and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Prepayments could also create capital gains tax liability in some instances. Conversely, rising market interest rates generally result in slower payoffs or extension, which effectively increases the duration of certain debt securities, heightening interest rate risk and increasing the magnitude of any resulting price declines. If the Fund’s investments are locked in at a lower interest rate for a longer period of time, the Fund may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads.
Recent Market Conditions. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing or changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time.
Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, in 2022, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks raised interest rates as part of their efforts to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks recently began to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors, such as inflation, could stop such changes. It is
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difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce bank balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various markets or decrease confidence in the markets. Also, regulators have expressed concern that changes in interest rates may cause investors to sell fixed income securities faster than the market can absorb them, contributing to price volatility. Historical patterns of correlation among asset classes may break down in unanticipated ways during times of high volatility, disrupting investment programs and potentially causing losses.
Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between countries and regions, including the U.S. and China, political or economic dysfunction within some countries or regions, including major producers of commodities, and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, if the U.S. dollar continues to be strong, it may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Regulators in the U.S. have proposed and adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which implicate a Fund. The full effect of various newly adopted regulations is not currently known. Additionally, it is not currently known whether any of the proposed regulations will be adopted. However, due to the scope of regulations being proposed and adopted, certain of these changes to regulation could limit a Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for it to operate, or adversely impact its performance.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact performance.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and any sanctions and related events cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of a Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted.
Certain illnesses spread rapidly and have the potential to significantly and adversely affect the global economy. The impact of epidemics and/or pandemics that may arise in the future could negatively affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including their liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time and could last for an extended period of time.
High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation’s debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and substantial investment risks that cannot now be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy.
China’s economy, which had been sustained through debt-financed spending on housing and infrastructure, appears to be experiencing a significant slowdown and growing at a lower rate than prior years. While the Chinese government appears to be taking measures to address these issues, due to the size of China’s economy, the resolution of these issues could impact a number of other countries.
Global climate change can have potential effects on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impact of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impact of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, including any direct or indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.
A rise in sea levels, a change in weather patterns, including an increase in powerful storms and large wildfires, and/or a climate-driven increase in flooding could cause properties to lose value or become unmarketable altogether. Unlike previous declines in the real estate market, properties in affected zones may not ever recover their value. Regulatory changes and divestment movements tied to concerns about climate change could adversely affect the value of certain land and the viability of industries whose activities or products are seen as accelerating climate change.
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Losses related to climate change could adversely affect corporate issuers and mortgage lenders, the value of mortgage-backed securities, the bonds of municipalities that depend on tax or other revenues and tourist dollars generated by affected properties, and insurers of the property and/or of corporate, municipal or mortgage-backed securities. Since property and security values are driven largely by buyers’ perceptions, it is difficult to know the time period over which these market effects might unfold.
REITs and Other Real Estate Companies Risk. REITs and other real estate company securities are subject to risks similar to those of direct investments in real estate and the real estate industry in general, including, among other risks: general and local economic conditions; changes in interest rates; declines in property values; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; increases in property taxes and other operating expenses; overbuilding in their sector of the real estate market; fluctuations in rental income; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; changes in tax and regulatory requirements; losses due to environmental liabilities; casualty or condemnation losses; changing social trends regarding working arrangements; or other economic, social, political, or regulatory matters affecting the real estate industry. REITs are subject to physical risks to real property, including weather, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, war, or other events that destroy real property. REITs also are dependent upon the skills of their managers, subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation and generally not diversified. In addition, to the extent the Fund holds interests in REITs, it is expected that investors in the Fund will bear two layers of asset-based management fees and expenses (directly at the Fund level and indirectly at the REIT level). Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net investment income and net realized gains under the Code or to maintain their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, the Code generally allows individuals and certain other non-corporate entities a deduction for 20% of qualified REIT dividends. Regulations provide that a regulated investment company can pass the character of its qualified REIT dividends through to its shareholders for purposes of benefiting from this deduction.
While certain of these risk factors may affect only one or a few real estate sectors at a time, others may affect the real estate industry broadly. For example, the value of REIT common shares may decline when interest rates rise. During periods of high interest rates, REITs and other real estate companies may lose appeal for investors who may be able to obtain higher yields from other income-producing investments. High interest rates may also mean that financing for property purchases and improvements is more costly and difficult to obtain.
Most equity REITs receive a flow of income from property rentals, which, after covering their expenses, they pay to their shareholders in the form of dividends. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property they own, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit they extend or mortgages they purchase.
REITs and other real estate company securities tend to be small- to mid-cap securities and are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-cap securities. Some of the REIT securities in which the Fund invests may be preferred stock, which receives preference in the payment of dividends.
Return of Capital Risk. The Fund expects to make monthly distributions regardless of its performance and seeks to maintain relatively stable monthly distributions although the income earned by the Fund might vary from month-to-month. As a result, all or a portion of such distributions may represent a return of capital for tax purposes. A return of capital is generally tax-free to the extent of a shareholder’s basis in the Fund’s shares and reduces the shareholder’s basis in their shares and results in a higher capital gain or lower capital loss when the shares on which the return of capital distribution was received are sold. After a shareholder’s basis in the shares has been reduced to zero, return of capital distributions will be treated as gain from the sale of the shareholder’s shares. The Fund’s return of capital distributions are not derived from the net income or earnings and profits of the Fund. Shareholders should not assume that the source of distributions is from the net profits of the Fund. The character of the Fund’s distributions may change from month-to-month and there is no guarantee that they will be similar in the future.
Risk Management. Management undertakes certain analyses with the intention of identifying particular types of risks and reducing the Fund’s exposure to them. However, risk is an essential part of investing, and the degree of return an investor might expect is often tied to the degree of risk the investor is willing to accept. By its very nature, risk involves exposure to the possibility of adverse events. Accordingly, no risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to such events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by adverse events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program. While the prospectus describes material risk factors associated with the Fund’s investment program, there is no assurance that as a particular situation unfolds in the markets, management will identify all of the risks that might affect the Fund, rate their probability or potential magnitude correctly, or be able to take appropriate measures to reduce the Fund’s exposure to them. The Fund could experience losses if judgments about risk prove to be incorrect. Measures taken with the intention of decreasing exposure to identified risks might have the unintended effect of increasing exposure to other risks.
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Sector Risk. Although the Fund will not invest in real estate directly, because it concentrates its assets in the real estate industry your investment in the Fund will be closely linked to the performance of the real estate markets and the value of the Fund’s shares may change at different rates compared to the value of shares of a fund with investments in a mix of different sectors or industries.
The Fund may at times emphasize particular sub-sectors of the real estate business — for example, commercial real estate, apartments, regional malls, offices, infrastructure, industrial, and health care. As such, the Fund’s performance would be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those businesses, which can be impacted by legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions and/or increased competition.
Individual sectors or sub-sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector or sub-sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Short Sale Risk. Short sales involve selling a security the Fund does not own in anticipation that the security’s price will decline. To complete the transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing the security at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be higher or lower than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. If the underlying security goes up in price during the period during which the short position is outstanding, the Fund will realize a loss on the transaction.
Short sales, at least theoretically, present a risk of unlimited loss on an individual security basis, particularly in cases where the Fund is unable, for whatever reason, to close out its short position, since the Fund may be required to buy the security sold short at a time when the security has appreciated in value, and there is potentially no limit to the amount of such appreciation. Volatility in the market for equity securities, which has been dramatically increased recently for certain stocks, can meaningfully increase the risk of loss associated with short sales. Additionally, because the Fund may invest the proceeds of a short sale, another effect of short selling on the Fund is leverage, in that it amplifies changes in the Fund’s net asset value since it increases the exposure of the Fund to the market and may increase losses and the volatility of returns.
The Fund may not always be able to close out a short position at a favorable time or price. A lender may request that borrowed securities be returned to it on short notice, and the Fund may have to buy the borrowed securities at an unfavorable price, which will potentially reduce or eliminate any gain or cause a loss to the Fund. The Fund incurs expenses for borrowing securities that may include fees paid to the lender and amounts equal to dividends or interest paid by the borrowed security.
When the Fund is selling a security short, it must maintain a segregated account of cash or high-grade securities equal to the margin requirement. (Margin posted with the broker, not including the proceeds of the short sale, counts toward this requirement.) As a result, the Fund may maintain high levels of cash or other liquid assets (such as U.S. Treasury bills, money market instruments, certificates of deposit, high quality commercial paper and long equity positions) or may utilize the collateral obtained from securities lending for this cash. The need to maintain cash or other liquid assets in segregated accounts could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise.
Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
Structured Note Risk. Structured notes are notes where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a specific asset, benchmark asset, financial instrument, market or interest rate. Generally, investments in such notes are used as a substitute for positions in underlying indicators and involve many of the same risks associated with a direct investment in the underlying indicator the notes seek to replicate. Structured notes may be exchange traded or traded over-the-counter and privately negotiated. Structured notes can have risks of both fixed income securities and derivatives transactions, including leverage risk. The interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured note may vary widely, depending on a variety of factors, including changes in the value of one or more specified reference instruments. The performance of structured notes will not replicate exactly the performance of the underlying indicator that the notes seek to replicate due to transaction costs and other expenses. Structured notes are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the structured note will not fulfill its contractual obligation to complete the transaction with the Fund. Investments in structured notes, including credit-linked notes, involve risks including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. Structured notes may be leveraged, increasing the volatility of each structured note’s value relative to the change in the reference instrument. Structured notes may also be less liquid and more difficult to price accurately than less complex securities and instruments or more traditional debt securities. The secondary market for structured notes could be illiquid making them difficult to sell when the Fund determines to sell them. The possible lack of a liquid secondary market for structured notes and the resulting inability of the Fund to sell a structured note could expose the Fund to losses.
Subsidiary Risk. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments and operations. The commodity-linked derivative instruments and other investments held by the Subsidiary are
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similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund, and thus, present the same risks whether they are held by the Fund or the Subsidiary. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Subsidiary will be achieved. The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. However, the Fund wholly owns and controls the Subsidiary, and the Fund and the Subsidiary are both managed by Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC, making it unlikely that the Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund’s Board of Trustees has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Subsidiary, and the Fund’s role as sole shareholder of the Subsidiary. In adhering to the Fund’s investment restrictions and limitations, Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC will treat the assets of the Subsidiary generally in the same manner as assets that are held directly by the Fund. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands, under which the Fund and the Subsidiary, respectively, are organized, could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in this prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information and could adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders.
Tax Risk. To qualify as a RIC under the Code, and be eligible to receive “pass-through” tax treatment, the Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from types of income treated as “qualifying income” under the Code. Although income from certain commodity investments held by a Subsidiary would not be qualifying income if received directly by the Fund, the Code provides that a RIC’s “subpart F income” inclusions will be treated as qualifying income if the CFC distributes such income to the RIC during the year of inclusion. Further, the Service has issued Regulations providing that the annual net profit, if any, realized by a Subsidiary and included in the Fund’s income under the subpart F rules will constitute “qualifying income” for purposes of remaining qualified as a RIC whether or not the included income is distributed by the Subsidiary to the Fund if the Fund makes its investment in the Subsidiary as part of the Fund’s business of investing in stocks and securities. The Fund has also received an option of counsel, which is not binding on the Service or the courts, that income the Fund derives from the Subsidiary should constitute qualifying income.
The federal income tax treatment of the Fund’s income from the Subsidiary may be adversely affected by future legislation, other Treasury regulations, and/or other guidance issued by the Service that could affect the character, timing of recognition, and/or amount of the Fund’s taxable income and/or net capital gains and, therefore, the distributions it makes. If the Fund failed the qualifying income test for any taxable year but was eligible to and did cure the failure, it would incur potentially significant federal income tax expense. If, on the other hand, the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and was ineligible to or otherwise did not cure the failure, it would be subject to federal income tax on its taxable income at the corporate tax rate, with the consequences that its income available for distribution to shareholders would be reduced and all such distributions from its current or accumulated earnings and profits would be taxable to its shareholders as dividend income. In that event, the Fund’s Board of Trustees may authorize a significant change in investment strategy or the Fund’s liquidation.
U.S. Government Securities Risk. Although the Fund may hold securities that carry U.S. government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to shares of the Fund itself and do not guarantee the market prices, including due to changes in interest rates, of the securities. Furthermore, not all securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some are backed by the issuer’s right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, while others are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality. These securities carry at least some risk of non-payment or default by the issuer. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future. There is no assurance that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies and instrumentalities if it is not obligated by law to do so.
In recent periods, the values of U.S. government securities have been affected substantially by increased demand for them around the world. Increases or decreases in the demand for U.S. government securities may occur at any time and may result in increased volatility in the values of those securities. In recent years, credit rating agencies have shown some concern about whether the U.S. government has the political will necessary to service all of its outstanding and expected future debt, and some have adjusted their ratings or outlook for U.S. government debt accordingly. These developments, and the factors underlying them, could cause an increase in interest rates and borrowing costs, which may negatively impact both the perception of credit risk associated with the debt securities issued by the U.S. and the government’s ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms. In addition, these developments could create broader financial turmoil and uncertainty, which could increase volatility in both stock and bond markets. These events could result in significant adverse impacts on issuers of securities held by the Fund.
Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value an investment, the Fund may be required to value such investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent closing price and from
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the prices used by other funds to calculate their NAVs. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when the Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the Fund had not held fair-valued securities or had used a different methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain futures, fixed income securities, and currencies may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded but before the Fund determines its net asset value. The Fund uses pricing services to provide values for certain securities and there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell an investment at the price established by such pricing services. Different pricing services use different valuation methodologies, potentially resulting in different values for the same investments. As a result, if the Fund were to change pricing services, or if a pricing service were to change its valuation methodology, the value of the Fund’s investments could be impacted. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
Value Stock Risk. Value stocks are those stocks whose stock prices, whether based on earnings, book value, or other financial measures, do not reflect their full economic opportunities. Value stocks may remain undervalued for extended periods of time, may decrease in value during a given period, may not ever realize what the portfolio management team believes to be their full value, or the portfolio management team’s assumptions about intrinsic value or potential for appreciation may be incorrect. This may happen because value stocks, as a category, lose favor with investors compared to growth stocks, because of a failure to anticipate which stocks or industries would benefit from changing market or economic conditions,or because the stocks’ worth was misgauged. Entire industries or sectors may lose favor with investors, and the Fund, in seeking value stocks, may focus its investments more heavily in those industries or sectors. Value investing historically has gone in and out of favor during past market cycles. At times when value investing is out of favor, the securities of value companies may underperform the securities of other companies.
Variable and Floating Rate Instruments Risk. The market prices of instruments with variable and floating interest rates are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than are the market prices of instruments with fixed interest rates. Variable and floating rate instruments may decline in value if market interest rates or interest rates paid by such instruments do not move as expected. Conversely, variable and floating rate instruments will not generally rise in value if market interest rates decline. Thus, investing in variable and floating rate instruments generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in instruments with a fixed interest rate. Certain types of floating rate instruments, such as interests in bank loans, may be subject to greater liquidity risk than other debt securities, may have restrictions on resale and may lack an active market, which may make them more difficult to value or sell.
Certain variable and floating rate instruments have an interest rate floor feature, which prevents the interest rate payable by the instrument from dropping below a specified level as compared to a reference interest rate (the “reference rate”), such as SOFR. Such a floor is designed to protect the Fund from a decrease in the reference rate below the specified level. However, if the reference rate is below the floor, there will be a lag between a rise in the reference rate and a rise in the interest rate payable by the instrument, and the Fund may not benefit from increasing interest rates for a significant period of time. Rates on certain variable rate instruments typically only reset periodically.
Risks of Investing in Variable Interest Entities. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including on U.S. exchanges, many PRC-based operating companies are structured as entities commonly-referred to as variable interest entities (“VIEs”). In a typical VIE structure, the onshore PRC-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE and lists on an exchange outside of the PRC and issues exchange-traded shares that are sold to the public, including the Fund. This structure enables PRC companies in which the PRC government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no legal equity ownership of the VIE, its contractual arrangements with the VIE permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for Financial Accounting Standards Board accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying onshore PRC-based operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the onshore PRC-based operating company only through its contractual arrangements with the VIE and has no legal ownership in the VIE. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these contractual arrangements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities of the VIE are limited and the VIE may engage in activities that negatively impact the investment value. Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to VIE structures could adversely affect the PRC-based operating company’s performance, the enforceability of the offshore entity’s contractual arrangements with the VIE and the value of the offshore entity’s shares. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally or legally recognized under PRC law and therefore there is a risk that the PRC government could restrict the effectiveness of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid under PRC law. The offshore entity’s control over the VIE may also be jeopardized if certain legal formalities are not observed in connection with the agreements, if the agreements are breached or if the agreements are otherwise determined not to be enforceable under PRC
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law. If any of the foregoing were to occur, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the PRC government determines that the contractual agreements involving VIE structures do not comply with PRC laws and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a VIE to numerous sanctions such as penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, invalidate or terminate contractual arrangements and/or forfeiture or non-recognition of ownership interest.
In addition, the listed offshore entity’s benefits through its contractual arrangements over a VIE may also be jeopardized if a natural person who holds the equity interest in the VIE is deemed to breach the terms of the contractual arrangement (assuming the contractual arrangement is held to be valid under PRC law), is subject to legal proceedings or if any physical instruments for authenticating documentation by the VIE, such as chops and seals, are used without the VIE’s authorization to enter into the contractual arrangements in the PRC. Chops and seals, which are carved stamps used to sign documents by PRC companies, represent a legally binding commitment by the PRC company. Moreover, any future PRC regulatory action may limit or prohibit the ability of the offshore entity to receive the economic benefits of the VIE, which may cause the value of the Fund’s investment in the listed offshore entity to suffer a significant loss.
In addition, PRC companies listed on U.S. exchanges, including ADRs and companies that rely on VIE structures, may be delisted if they do not meet U.S. accounting standards and auditor oversight requirements. Delisting could significantly decrease the liquidity and value of the securities of these companies, decrease the ability of a Fund to invest in such securities and increase the cost of the Fund if it is required to seek alternative markets in which to invest in such securities.
Warrants and Rights Risk. Warrants and rights do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holder to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, warrants and rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments and are subject to the risks associated with the security underlying the warrant. In addition, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities and it may never be advantageous to exercise a warrant or right. If a warrant or right to subscribe to additional shares is not exercised or, when permissible, sold prior to the warrant’s or right’s expiration date or redemption by the issuer, the Fund would lose all or substantially all of the value of the warrant or right. The market for warrants and rights may be very limited and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for warrants and rights.
Information about Additional Risks and Other Practices
As discussed in the Statement of Additional Information, a Fund may engage in certain practices and invest in certain securities in addition to those described as its “principal investment strategies” in its Fund Summary section. For example, should a Fund engage in borrowing or securities lending, or should a Fund use derivatives or invest in foreign securities, it will be subject to the additional risks associated with these practices and securities, some or all of which may already be included in its “principal investment strategies.”
Borrowing money, securities lending, or using derivatives would create investment leverage, meaning that certain gains or losses would be amplified, increasing share price movements. With respect to borrowing, a Fund may borrow money to obtain the collateral needed to borrow a security in order to effect a short sale of that security. The cost to a Fund of borrowing may exceed the profits attained on any such shorts positions. Similarly, a Fund may lend securities and use the collateral obtained from the securities loans as the collateral necessary to borrow a security on which a Fund is taking a short position. Securities lending involves some risk of loss of a Fund’s rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially.
A Fund that does not engage in derivatives as part of its principal investment strategy may, to a limited extent, use certain derivatives for hedging or investment purposes. A derivative instrument, whether used for hedging or for speculation, could fail to perform as expected, causing a loss for a Fund.
Foreign securities, including those issued by foreign governments, involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities, and can fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid, than comparable U.S. securities. Securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may involve risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in foreign countries.
As part of its liquidity management practices, including for cash management purposes or to facilitate short-term liquidity, a Fund may invest in reverse repurchase agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund sells portfolio securities to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price and date, which reflects an interest payment to that party. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the other party will fail to return the securities in a timely manner, or at all, which may result in losses to the Funds. A Fund could lose money if it is unable to recover the securities and the value of the cash collateral held by a Fund is less than the value of the securities. These events could also trigger adverse tax consequences to the Funds. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve the risk that the market value of the
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securities sold will decline below the price at which a Fund is obligated to repurchase them. Reverse repurchase agreements may be viewed as a form of borrowing by a Fund. When a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, any fluctuations in the market value of either the securities transferred to another party or the securities in which the proceeds may be invested would affect the market value of the Fund’s assets. During the term of the agreement, a Fund may also be obligated to pledge additional cash and/or securities in the event of a decline in the fair value of the transferred security. The Manager monitors the creditworthiness of counterparties to reverse repurchase agreements.
In addition, a Fund may be an investment option for a Neuberger Berman fund that is managed as a “fund of funds.” As a result, from time to time, a Fund may experience relatively large redemptions or investments and could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it is not advantageous to do so.
In anticipation of adverse or uncertain market, economic, political, or other temporary conditions, including during periods of high cash inflows or outflows, a Fund may temporarily depart from its goal and use a different investment strategy (including leaving a significant portion of its assets uninvested) for defensive purposes. Doing so could help a Fund avoid losses, but may mean lost opportunities. In addition, in doing so, different factors could affect a Fund’s performance and a Fund may not achieve its goal.
In addition, to the extent a Fund is new or is undergoing a transition (such as a change in strategy, rebalancing, reorganization, liquidation or experiencing large inflows or outflows) or takes a temporary defensive position, it may deviate from its principal investment strategies during such period.
A Fund may change its goal without shareholder approval.
Please see the Statement of Additional Information for more information.
Description of Indices
The Bloomberg Commodity Index is a rolling index composed of exchange-traded futures contracts on physical commodities. The index relies primarily on liquidity data of futures contracts, along with U.S. dollar-adjusted production data, in determining the relative quantities of included commodities. The index is designed to be a highly liquid and diversified benchmark for commodities investments. The version of the index that is calculated on a total return basis reflects the returns on a fully collateralized investment in the underlying commodity futures contracts, combined with the returns on cash collateral invested in U.S. Treasury Bills.
The 50% Cboe® S&P 500 One-Week PutWrite Index/50% Cboe® S&P 500 PutWrite Index blended index is composed of 50% Cboe® S&P 500 One-Week PutWrite Index (described above) and 50% Cboe®S&P 500 PutWrite Index (described above) and is rebalanced monthly.
The Cboe S&P 500® One-Week PutWrite Index is designed to track the performance of a hypothetical strategy that sells an at-the-money (ATM) S&P 500 Index (SPX) put option on a weekly basis. The maturity of the written SPX put option is one week to expiry. The written SPX put option is collateralized by a money market account invested in one-month U.S. Treasury bills. The index rolls on a weekly basis, typically every Friday.
The Cboe S&P 500® PutWrite Index tracks the value of a passive investment strategy, which consists of overlaying S&P 500 (SPX) short put options over a money market account invested in one- and three-months U.S. Treasury bills. The SPX puts are struck at-the-money and are sold on a monthly basis.
The FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the performance of listed real estate companies and real estate investment trusts (REITs) in developed markets. Net total return indexes reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indexes) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties.
The MSCI All Country World Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The index consists of 47 country indexes comprising 23 developed and 24 emerging market country indexes. The developed market country indexes included are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The emerging market country indexes included are: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the UAE. China A shares are included starting from June 1, 2018 and are partially represented at 20% of their free float-adjusted market capitalization as of November 2019. Effective after the close on March 9, 2022, MSCI reclassified MSCI Russia
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Indexes from Emerging Markets to Standalone Markets status. At that time, all Russian securities were removed from this index at a final price of 0.00001, including both locally traded Russian equity constituents and Russian ADRs/GDRs constituents. Net total return indexes reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indexes) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties.
The MSCI China A Onshore Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that captures large and mid-cap representation across China securities listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges. Net total return indexes reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indexes) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties.
The MSCI China All Shares Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of China share classes listed in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen and outside of China. It covers the integrated MSCI China equity universe comprising A-shares, B-shares, H-shares, Red-chips, P-chips and foreign listings listed outside China or Hong Kong (e.g. ADRs). A-shares are incorporated in China and trade on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges; they are quoted in local renminbi and entail foreign investment regulations (QFII). B-shares are incorporated in China, and trade on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges; they are quoted in foreign currencies (Shanghai USD, Shenzhen HKD) and are open to foreign investors. H-shares are incorporated in China and trade on the Hong Kong exchange and other foreign exchanges. Red chips and P-chips are incorporated outside of China and trade on the Hong Kong exchange. Red chips are usually controlled by the state or a province or municipality. P-chips are non state-owned Chinese companies incorporated outside the mainland and traded in Hong Kong. Net total return indexes reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indexes) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties.
The Russell 2000® Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes approximately 2,000 of the smallest securities in the Russell 3000® Index (which measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. public companies based on total market capitalization). The index is rebalanced annually in June.
The Russell 2500™ Index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the small to mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe, commonly referred to as “smid” cap. It includes approximately 2,500 of the smallest securities in the Russell 3000® Index (which measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. public companies based on total market capitalization). The index is rebalanced annually in June.
The Russell 3000® Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. public companies based on total market capitalization. The index is rebalanced annually in June.
The Russell Midcap® Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes approximately 800 of the smallest securities in the Russell 1000® Index. The index is rebalanced annually in June.
The S&P 500® Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that focuses on the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity market, and includes a significant portion of the total value of the market.
Management of the Funds
Investment Manager
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“Manager” or “NBIA”), located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104, is each Fund’s investment manager and administrator. Neuberger Berman BD LLC (“Distributor”), located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104, is each Fund’s distributor. Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement, the Manager is responsible for choosing a Fund’s investments and handling its day-to-day business. The services provided by the Manager as the investment manager and administrator include, among others, overall responsibility for providing all supervisory, management, and administrative services reasonably necessary for the operation of the Funds, which may include, among others, compliance monitoring, operational and investment risk management, legal and administrative services and portfolio accounting services. The Manager carries out its duties subject to the policies established by the Board of Trustees. The investment advisory agreement establishes the fees a Fund pays to the Manager for its services as the Fund’s investment manager and the expenses paid directly by the Fund. Together, the Neuberger Berman affiliates manage approximately $509 billion in total assets (as of 9/30/2024) and continue an asset management history that began in 1939.
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NBIA may engage one or more of foreign affiliates that are not registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“participating affiliates”) in accordance with applicable SEC no-action letters. As participating affiliates, whether or not registered with the SEC, the affiliates may provide designated investment personnel to associate with NBIA as “associated persons” of NBIA and perform specific services for NBIA, including services for the Funds, which may involve, among other services, advisory services and portfolio management, research and/or placing orders for securities and other instruments. The designated employees of a participating affiliate act for NBIA and are subject to certain NBIA policies and procedures as well as supervision and periodic monitoring by NBIA. The Funds will pay no additional fees and expenses as a result of any such arrangements. For Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Europe Limited (“NBEL”), located at Lansdowne House, 57 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6ER, is considered a participating affiliate of NBIA that provides advisory services and portfolio management pursuant to applicable regulatory guidance. For Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF and Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Asia Limited (“NBAL”), located at 20th Floor, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong, is considered a participating affiliate of NBIA that provides advisory services and portfolio management pursuant to applicable regulatory guidance. For Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman East Asia Limited (“NBEAL”), located at Shin Marunouchi Building 11F, 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Japan, is considered a participating affiliate of NBIA that provides advisory services and portfolio management pursuant to applicable regulatory guidance. NBAL and NBEAL are responsible for choosing their respective Fund’s investments and handling their day-to-day investment business. As investment manager, NBIA is responsible for overseeing the activities of NBAL, NBEL, and NBEAL.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the investment advisory agreement for Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF will be available in the Funds’ Form N-CSR for the period ending February 28, 2025. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the investment advisory agreement for each of Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF investment advisory agreement is available in its Form N-CSR for the period ending August 31, 2024. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the investment advisory agreement for each of Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF and Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF is available in its semi-annual report to shareholders for the period ending February 29, 2024.
Neither this Prospectus nor the Statement of Additional Information is intended to give rise to any contract rights or other rights in any shareholder, other than any rights conferred explicitly by federal or state securities laws that have not been waived. The Funds enter into contractual arrangements with various parties, including, among others, the Manager, who provide services to the Funds. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended to be third party beneficiaries of, those contractual arrangements. Where shareholders are not third party beneficiaries of contractual arrangements, those contractual arrangements cannot be enforced by shareholders acting on their own behalf.
The Manager has obtained “manager of managers” exemptive relief from the SEC that permits the Manager, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, to appoint an unaffiliated subadviser or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement with an unaffiliated subadviser for a Fund without first obtaining shareholder approval. The exemptive order permits a Fund to add or to change unaffiliated subadvisers or to change the fees paid to such subadvisers from time to time without the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of the change. Under this order, the Manager has ultimate responsibility (subject to oversight by the Board) to oversee the subadvisers and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement. A Fund will notify shareholders of any change in the identity of a subadviser or the addition of a subadviser to a Fund.
Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF: The Fund pays the Manager a fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for investment advisory services. The Fund will pay the Manager a fee at the annual rate of 0.09% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for administrative services provided to the Fund.
Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF: For the 12 months ended 8/31/2024, the management fees (i.e., advisory and administration fees) paid to the Manager by the Fund were 0.59% of average daily net assets.
Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF: The Fund pays the Manager a fee at the annual rate of 0.30% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for investment advisory services. The Fund will pay the Manager a fee at the annual rate of 0.09% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for administrative services provided to the Fund.
The Manager has contractually undertaken to waive its management fee by 0.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets (“Fee Waiver”) until 8/31/2026. The Fee Waiver is not subject to repayment under the Fund’s expense limitation arrangement described in the footnotes to the fee table.
Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF: The Fund pays the Manager a fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for investment advisory services. The Fund will pay the Manager a fee at the annual rate of 0.09% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for administrative services provided to the Fund.
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Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF: The Fund will pay the Manager a fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for investment advisory services. The Fund will pay the Manager a fee at the annual rate of 0.09% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for administrative services provided to the Fund.
The Manager has contractually undertaken to waive its management fee by 0.20% of the Fund’s average daily net assets (“Fee Waiver”) until 8/31/2026. The Fee Waiver is not subject to repayment under the Fund’s expense limitation arrangement described in the footnotes to the fee table, which investors should refer to for more information.
Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF: For the 12 months ended 8/31/2024, the management fees (i.e., advisory and administration fees) paid to the Manager by the Fund were 0.50% of average daily net assets.
Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF: The Fund pays the Manager a fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for investment advisory services. The Fund will pay the Manager a fee at the annual rate of 0.09% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for administrative services provided to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
Please see the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about each Portfolio Manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by each Portfolio Manager, and each Portfolio Manager’s ownership of shares in the Fund(s) that he or she manages.
Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF
Alan Tsang, CFA, is a Managing Director of NBAL. He has been Portfolio Manager of the Fund since July 2024. Mr. Tsang joined the firm in 2012 and is currently the Director of Research - Asia in the Global Equity Research Department.
Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF
Hakan Kaya, Ph.D., is a Managing Director of NBEL. He joined the firm in 2008 and is a Portfolio Manager with the Quantitative and Multi-Asset Strategies team. Prior to joining the firm, he was a consultant at another investment firm where he developed statistical relative value and directional models for commodities investments.
David Yi Wan is a Senior Vice President of the Manager. He joined the firm in 2001 and is a Portfolio Manager with the Quantitative and Multi-Asset Strategies team. Prior to joining the firm, he worked in Information Management at another investment firm.
Michael Foster is a Managing Director of the Manager. He has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since May 2021. Mr. Foster has been a portfolio manager at the firm since 2004.
Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF
Timothy Creedon, CFA, is a Managing Director of the Manager. Mr. Creedon joined the firm in 2005 and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in July 2024. He is the Director of Research for the Global Equity Research Department and a Portfolio Manager of the related Neuberger Berman Research Opportunity account since 2011.
David Levine, CFA, is a Managing Director of the Manager. Mr. Levine joined the firm in 1995 and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in July 2024 and a Portfolio Manager of the related Neuberger Berman Research Opportunity account since its inception in 2004.
Jacob Gamerman, CFA, is a Managing Director of the Manager and joined the firm in 2011 and is a member of the Global Equity Research Department. Mr. Gamerman has been an Associate Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in July 2024 and a Senior Research Analyst of the related Neuberger Berman Research Opportunity account since 2011.
Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF
Steve Shigekawa is a Managing Director of the Manager. He has been a Portfolio Manager with the firm since 2005. Prior to that, he was an analyst with the firm covering REIT securities. Mr. Shigekawa has served as Portfolio Manager of the predecessor fund since its inception in 2014.
Brian C. Jones, CFA, is a Managing Director of the Manager. He has been a Portfolio Manager with the firm since 2007. Mr. Jones has served as Portfolio Manager of the predecessor fund since its inception in 2014. Prior to that, he was an Associate Portfolio Manager for separately managed accounts investing in REIT securities since 2007.
92
Anton Kwang, CFA, is a Managing Director of NBAL. Previously, he was an investment director and lead portfolio manager for the Asia Pacific region of another asset manager’s global property funds since 2007. Mr. Kwang has served as Portfolio Manager of the predecessor fund since its inception in 2014.
Archena Alagappan is a Senior Vice President of the Manager. She joined the firm in 2022 and has been an Associate Portfolio Manager of the Fund since April 2024.
Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF
Keita Kubota, is a Managing Director of NBEAL and joined the firm in 2019 and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception. He is the Head of the Japanese Equites team.
Kei Okamura, is a Senior Vice President of NBEAL. Mr. Okamura joined the firm in 2020 and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception.
Hiroaki Misawa, is a Senior Vice President of NBEAL and joined the firm in 2022. Mr. Misawa has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception.
Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF
Derek Devens, CFA, is a Managing Director of NBIA. Mr. Devens joined the firm in 2016 and is a Senior Portfolio Manager of the Options Group. He has managed the Fund since its inception in 2016. Prior to joining the firm, he was a member of the investment committee at another investment adviser since 2010, where he also served as a portfolio manager since 2012.
Rory Ewing is a Managing Director of NBIA. He joined the firm in 2016 and has been an Associate Portfolio Manager of the Fund since February 2019. Mr. Ewing is an Associate Portfolio Manager and a Research Analyst for the Options Group. Prior to joining the firm, he was most recently a research analyst at another investment adviser since 2013. Mr. Ewing has held several investment positions at different investment advisers.
Eric Zhou is a Senior Vice President of NBIA. He joined the firm in 2016 and has been an Associate Portfolio Manager of the Fund since February 2022. Mr. Zhou is a member of the Options Group. Prior to joining the firm, he was a research analyst at another investment adviser since 2014.
Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF
Robert W. D’Alelio is a Managing Director of the Manager. Mr. D’Alelio has been a senior member of the Small Cap Team since 1996. Mr. D’Alelio has co-managed the Fund since March 2024.
Brett S. Reiner is a Managing Director of the Manager. Mr. Reiner has been a member of the Small Cap Team since 2003. Mr. Reiner joined the firm in 2000. He has been co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund since March 2024.
Gregory G. Spiegel is a Managing Director of the Manager. Mr. Spiegel has been a member of the Small Cap Team since 2012. Mr. Spiegel joined the firm in 2012. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Spiegel was the Director of Research at another firm, covering global equities and overseeing that firm’s research analysts from 2010 to 2012. He has been co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund since March 2024.
About the Wholly Owned Subsidiary
Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF invests in a wholly owned subsidiary (“Subsidiary”).
The Subsidiary is an exempted company, the members of which have limited liability, incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Fund invests in its Subsidiary in order to gain exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the Code applicable to RICs. The Fund must maintain no more than 25% of the value of its total assets in its Subsidiary at the end of every quarter of its taxable year.
The Subsidiary is overseen by its own board of directors. However, the Fund’s Board of Trustees maintains oversight responsibility for investment activities of its Subsidiary generally as if its Subsidiary’s investments were held directly by the Fund. The Manager is responsible for the Subsidiary’s day-to-day business pursuant to a separate investment advisory agreement between the Subsidiary and the Manager. Under this agreement, the Manager provides the Subsidiary with the same type of management services, under the same terms, as are provided to the Fund.
In managing the Subsidiary’s investment portfolio, and in adhering to the Fund’s compliance policies and procedures and investment policies and restrictions, the Manager will treat the assets of the Subsidiary generally in the same manner as assets that are held directly by the Fund.
93
The Subsidiary bears the other fees and expenses it incurs in connection with its operations, such as those for services it receives from third party service providers. Accordingly, such fees and expenses are paid indirectly by the Fund.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the organization and management of the Subsidiary.
94
Financial Highlights
These financial highlights describe the performance of the Fund for the fiscal periods indicated. The Fund has adopted the performance history of the Institutional Class shares of the predecessor fund, which operated as a mutual fund. For periods prior to the close of business on October 13, 2023, the financial information shown below is for the predecessor fund. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in Institutional Class shares in the predecessor mutual fund, which the Manager believes is an accurate representation of how the Fund would have performed, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. All figures have been derived from the financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, along with full financial statements, appears in the Fund’s most recent annual shareholder report (see back cover).
Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF
| YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023(4) | 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| PER-SHARE DATA ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Data apply to a single share throughout each year indicated. You can see what the Fund earned (or lost), what it distributed to investors, and how its share price changed. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share price (NAV) at beginning of year | 32.65 | 40.43 | 45.64 | 30.58 | 25.44 | |||||||||||||||
| Plus: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from investment operations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss)(3) | 0.21 | 0.32 | 0.21 | (0.11 | ) | 0.54 | ||||||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) — realized and unrealized | 7.89 | 5.14 | (12.73 | ) | (4.78 | ) | (3.55 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Subtotal: income (loss) from investment operations | 8.10 | 5.46 | (12.52 | ) | (4.89 | ) | (3.01 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Minus: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income dividends | 0.32 | 0.25 | 0.32 | 0.25 | – | |||||||||||||||
| Capital gain distributions | – | – | 2.22 | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| Tax Return of Capital | – | – | – | 0.00 | – | |||||||||||||||
| Subtotal: distributions to shareholders | 0.32 | 0.25 | 2.54 | 0.25 | – | |||||||||||||||
| Equals: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share price (NAV) at end of year | 40.43 | 45.64 | 30.58 | 25.44 | 22.43 | |||||||||||||||
| RATIOS (% OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The ratios show the Fund’s expenses and net investment income (loss) — as they actually are as well as how they would have been if certain expense reimbursement arrangements had not been in effect. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net expenses — actual | 1.51 | 1.51 | 1.51 | 1.51 | 0.77 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross expenses(1) | 1.81 | 1.80 | 1.91 | 2.79 | 7.20 | |||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) — actual | 0.64 | 0.66 | 0.55 | (0.38 | ) | 2.30 | ||||||||||||||
| OTHER DATA | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total return shows how an investment in the Fund would have performed over each year, assuming all distributions were reinvested. The turnover rate reflects how actively the Fund bought and sold securities. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total return (%)(2) | 24.93 | 13.54 | (28.71 | ) | (16.10 | ) | (11.84 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net assets at end of year (in millions of dollars) | 52.3 | 61.3 | 32.4 | 1.7 | 5.3 | |||||||||||||||
| Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 82 | 81 | 53 | 45 | 231 | |||||||||||||||
| (1) | Shows what this ratio would have been if there had been no expense reimbursement. | |
| (2) | Would have been lower if the Manager had not reimbursed certain expenses. | |
| (3) | Calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during each fiscal period. | |
| (4) | After the close of business on October 6, 2023, the Fund’s Institutional Class underwent a reverse stock split. The per share data presented here has been retroactively adjusted to reflect this split. |
95
Financial Highlights
These financial highlights describe the performance of the Fund for the fiscal periods indicated. The Fund has adopted the performance history of the Institutional Class shares of the predecessor fund, which operated as a mutual fund. For periods prior to the close of business on October 21, 2022, the financial information shown below is for the predecessor fund. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in Institutional Class shares in the predecessor mutual fund, which the Manager believes is an accurate representation of how the Fund would have performed, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. All figures have been derived from the financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, along with full financial statements, appears in the Fund’s most recent annual shareholder report (see back cover).
Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF
| YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | For the Period from November 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022(4) |
2023(5) | 2024(5) | ||||||||||||||||||
| PER-SHARE DATA ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Data apply to a single share throughout each year indicated. You can see what the Fund earned (or lost), what it distributed to investors, and how its share price changed. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share price (NAV) at beginning of year | 27.44 | 26.60 | 22.52 | 34.57 | 25.91 | 22.68 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Plus: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from investment operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss)(3) | 0.53 | 0.18 | (0.09 | ) | 0.04 | 0.86 | 1.06 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) — realized and unrealized | (0.71 | ) | (3.82 | ) | 12.27 | 2.65 | (1.02 | ) | (1.73 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Subtotal: income (loss) from investment operations | (0.18 | ) | (3.64 | ) | 12.18 | 2.69 | (0.16 | ) | (0.67 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Minus: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income dividends | 0.66 | 0.44 | 0.13 | 11.35 | 3.07 | 0.90 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal: distributions to shareholders | 0.66 | 0.44 | 0.13 | 11.35 | 3.07 | 0.90 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equals: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share price (NAV) at end of year | 26.60 | 22.52 | 34.57 | 25.91 | 22.68 | 21.11 | ||||||||||||||||||
| RATIOS (% OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The ratios show the Fund’s expenses and net investment income (loss) — as they actually are as well as how they would have been if certain expense reimbursement arrangements had not been in effect. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net expenses — actual | 0.74 | 0.74 | 0.74 | 0.73 | ** | 0.66 | 0.65 | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross expenses(1) | 0.96 | 0.99 | 0.99 | 0.92 | ** | 0.77 | 0.76 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) — actual | 1.99 | 0.74 | (0.36 | ) | 0.22 | ** | 3.84 | 4.87 | ||||||||||||||||
| OTHER DATA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total return shows how an investment in the Fund would have performed over each year, assuming all distributions were reinvested. The turnover rate reflects how actively the Fund bought and sold securities. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total return (%)(2) | (0.41 | ) | (13.98 | ) | 54.44 | 13.67 | * | 0.25 | (2.88 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net assets at end of year (in millions of dollars) | 145.3 | 89.4 | 147.4 | 209.5 | 274.7 | 227.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 88 | 109 | 56 | 57 | * | 61 | 83 | |||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Shows what this ratio would have been if there had been no expense reimbursement. |
| (2) | Would have been lower if the Manager had not reimbursed certain expenses. |
| (3) | The per share amounts have been calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during each fiscal period. |
| (4) | After the close of business on October 14, 2022, the Fund’s Institutional Class underwent a reverse stock split. The per share data presented here has been retroactively adjusted to reflect this stock split. |
| (5) | For the year ended August 31. |
| * | Not Annualized |
| ** | Annualized |
96
Financial Highlights
These financial highlights describe the performance of the Funds for the fiscal periods indicated. All figures have been derived from the financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, along with full financial statements, appears in the Fund’s most recent annual shareholder report (see back cover).
Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF
| PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, | 2024(1) | |||
| PER-SHARE DATA ($) | ||||
| Data apply to a single share throughout each year indicated. You can see what the Fund earned (or lost), what it distributed to investors, and how its share price changed. | ||||
| Share price (NAV) at beginning of year | 25.49 | |||
| Plus: | ||||
| Income from investment operations | ||||
| Net investment income (loss)(6) | 0.03 | |||
| Net gains (losses) — realized and unrealized | 0.53 | |||
| Subtotal: income (loss) from investment operations | 0.56 | |||
| Minus: | ||||
| Distributions to shareholders | ||||
| Income dividends | – | |||
| Capital gain distributions | – | |||
| Subtotal: distributions to shareholders | – | |||
| Equals: | ||||
| Share price (NAV) at end of year | 26.05 | |||
| RATIOS (% OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) | ||||
| The ratios show the Fund’s expenses and net investment income (loss) — as they actually are as well as how they would have been if certain expense reimbursement arrangements had not been in effect. | ||||
| Net expenses — actual | 0.29 | (4) | ||
| Gross expenses(2) | 0.83 | (4)(8) | ||
| Net investment income (loss) — actual | 1.36 | (4) | ||
| OTHER DATA | ||||
| Total return shows how an investment in the Fund would have performed over each year, assuming all distributions were reinvested. The turnover rate reflects how actively the Fund bought and sold securities. | ||||
| Total return (%)(3) | 2.18 | (5) | ||
| Net assets at end of year (in millions of dollars) | 226.0 | |||
| Portfolio turnover rate (%)(7) | 5 | (1) | ||
| (1) | Period from 7/31/2024 (beginning of operations) to 8/31/2024. | |
| (2) | Shows what this ratio would have been if there had been no expense waiver of a portion of the investment management fees. | |
| (3) | Total return based on per share NAV reflects the effects of changes in NAV on the performance of the Fund during the fiscal period. Returns assume income dividends and other distributions, if any, were reinvested. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current returns may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Investment returns and principal will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than original cost. The Fund is new and has limited performance history that should not be relied on. Past performance, particularly for brief periods of time, are not indicative of future returns. Total return would have been lower if Management had not waived a portion of the investment management fee. | |
| (4) | Annualized. | |
| (5) | Not annualized. | |
| (6) | Calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during the fiscal period. | |
| (7) | The portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered in-kind. The portfolio turnover rate including securities received or delivered in-kind for fiscal periods ending 2024 was 5%. | |
| (8) | Organization expense, which is a non-recurring expense, is included in these ratios on a non-annualized basis. |
97
Financial Highlights
These financial highlights describe the performance of the Fund for the fiscal periods indicated. The Fund has adopted the performance history of the Institutional Class shares of the predecessor fund, which operated as a mutual fund. For periods prior to the close of business on October 13, 2023, the financial information shown below is for the predecessor fund. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in Institutional Class shares in the predecessor mutual fund, which the Manager believes is an accurate representation of how the Fund would have performed, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. All figures have been derived from the financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, along with full financial statements, appears in the Fund’s most recent annual shareholder report (see back cover).
Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF
| YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023(4) | 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| PER-SHARE DATA ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Data apply to a single share throughout each year indicated. You can see what the Fund earned (or lost), what it distributed to investors, and how its share price changed. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share price (NAV) at beginning of year | 32.58 | 29.93 | 37.76 | 29.90 | 25.66 | |||||||||||||||
| Plus: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from investment operations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss)(3) | 0.46 | 0.46 | 0.41 | 0.67 | 0.82 | |||||||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) — realized and unrealized | (1.59 | ) | 7.86 | (5.60 | ) | (3.00 | ) | 3.21 | ||||||||||||
| Subtotal: income (loss) from investment operations | (1.13 | ) | 8.32 | (5.19 | ) | (2.33 | ) | 4.03 | ||||||||||||
| Minus: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Income dividends | 0.87 | 0.49 | 0.57 | 0.60 | 0.65 | |||||||||||||||
| Capital gain distributions | 0.57 | – | 2.10 | 1.28 | – | |||||||||||||||
| Tax Return of Capital | 0.08 | – | – | 0.03 | – | |||||||||||||||
| Subtotal: distributions to shareholders | 1.52 | 0.49 | 2.67 | 1.91 | 0.65 | |||||||||||||||
| Equals: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share price (NAV) at end of year | 29.93 | 37.76 | 29.90 | 25.66 | 29.04 | |||||||||||||||
| RATIOS (% OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The ratios show the Fund’s expenses and net investment income (loss) — as they actually are as well as how they would have been if certain expense reimbursement arrangements had not been in effect. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net expenses — actual | 1.01 | 1.01 | 1.00 | 1.03 | 0.76 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross expenses(1) | 8.80 | 10.46 | 7.95 | 7.64 | 6.31 | |||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) — actual | 1.47 | 1.41 | 1.21 | 2.47 | 3.12 | |||||||||||||||
| OTHER DATA | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total return shows how an investment in the Fund would have performed over each year, assuming all distributions were reinvested. The turnover rate reflects how actively the Fund bought and sold securities. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total return (%)(2) | (3.48 | ) | 28.06 | (14.76 | ) | (7.85 | ) | 16.10 | ||||||||||||
| Net assets at end of year (in millions of dollars) | 1.4 | 3.6 | 2.8 | 3.0 | 6.6 | |||||||||||||||
| Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 49 | 51 | 78 | 193 | 58 | |||||||||||||||
| (1) | Shows what this ratio would have been if there had been no expense reimbursement. | |
| (2) | Would have been lower if the Manager had not reimbursed certain expenses. | |
| (3) | Calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during the fiscal period. | |
| (4) | After the close of business on October 6, 2023, the Fund’s Institutional Class underwent a reverse stock split. The per share data presented here has been retroactively adjusted to reflect this split. |
98
Financial Highlights
These financial highlights describe the performance of the Fund for the fiscal periods indicated. The Fund has adopted the performance history of the Institutional Class shares of the predecessor fund, which operated as a mutual fund. For periods prior to the close of business on January 26, 2024, the financial information shown below is for the predecessor fund. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in Institutional Class shares in the predecessor mutual fund, which the Manager believes is an accurate representation of how the Fund would have performed, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. All figures have been derived from the financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, along with full financial statements, appears in the Fund’s most recent annual shareholder report (see back cover).
Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF
| YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | For the Period from November 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024(4) |
||||||||||||||||||
| PER-SHARE DATA ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Data apply to a single share throughout each year indicated. You can see what the Fund earned (or lost), what it distributed to investors, and how its share price changed. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share price (NAV) at beginning of period | 24.45 | 25.90 | 25.09 | 31.77 | 22.91 | 24.04 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Plus: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from investment operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss)(3) | 0.41 | 0.32 | 0.02 | 0.73 | 1.33 | 1.01 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) — realized and unrealized | 1.52 | 0.23 | 6.71 | (3.69 | ) | 1.27 | 2.31 | |||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal: income from investment operations | 1.93 | 0.55 | 6.73 | (2.96 | ) | 2.60 | 3.32 | |||||||||||||||||
| Minus: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income dividends | 0.48 | 0.37 | 0.03 | 0.64 | 1.45 | 0.94 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Capital gain distributions | – | 0.99 | 0.02 | 5.26 | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||
| Tax return of capital | – | – | – | – | 0.02 | 0.27 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal: distributions to shareholders | 0.48 | 1.36 | 0.05 | 5.90 | 1.47 | 1.21 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equals: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share price (NAV) at end of year | 25.90 | 25.09 | 31.77 | 22.91 | 24.04 | 26.15 | ||||||||||||||||||
| RATIOS (% OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The ratios show the Fund’s expenses and net investment income (loss) — as they actually are as well as how they would have been if certain expense reimbursement arrangements had not been in effect. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net expenses — actual | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.57 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross expenses(1) | 0.76 | 0.74 | 0.69 | 0.70 | 0.70 | 0.62 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Net investment income (loss) — actual |
1.65 | 1.31 | 0.09 | 2.87 | 5.49 | 4.38 | ||||||||||||||||||
| OTHER DATA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total return shows how an investment in the Fund would have performed over each year, assuming all distributions were reinvested. The turnover rate reflects how actively the Fund bought and sold securities. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total return (%)(2) | 7.99 | 2.22 | 26.82 | (11.22 | ) | 11.53 | 14.02 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net assets at end of year (in millions of dollars) | 236.8 | 235.6 | 287.2 | 293.4 | 317.1 | 442.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 31 | 41 | 38 | 43 | 19 | 39 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Shows what this ratio would have been if there had been no expense reimbursement. | |
| (2) | Would have been lower if the Manager had not reimbursed certain expenses. | |
| (3) | The per share amounts have been calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during the fiscal period. | |
| (4) | After the close of business on January 19, 2024, the Fund’s Institutional Class underwent a reverse stock split. The per share data presented here has been retroactively adjusted to reflect this split. |
99
Financial Highlights
These financial highlights describe the performance of the Funds for the fiscal periods indicated. All figures have been derived from the financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, along with full financial statements, appears in the Fund’s most recent annual shareholder report (see back cover).
Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF
| PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, | 2024(1) | |||
| PER-SHARE DATA ($) | ||||
| Data apply to a single share throughout each year indicated. You can see what the Fund earned (or lost), what it distributed to investors, and how its share price changed. | ||||
| Share price (NAV) at beginning of year | 25.21 | |||
| Plus: | ||||
| Income from investment operations | ||||
| Net investment income (loss)(6) | 0.03 | |||
| Net gains (losses) — realized and unrealized | 0.97 | |||
| Subtotal: income (loss) from investment operations | 1.00 | |||
| Minus: | ||||
| Distributions to shareholders | ||||
| Income dividends | – | |||
| Capital gain distributions | – | |||
| Subtotal: distributions to shareholders | – | |||
| Equals: | ||||
| Share price (NAV) at end of year | 26.21 | |||
| RATIOS (% OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) | ||||
| The ratios show the Fund’s expenses and net investment income (loss) — as they actually are as well as how they would have been if certain expense reimbursement arrangements had not been in effect. | ||||
| Net expenses — actual | 0.73 | (4) | ||
| Gross expenses(2) | 0.92 | (4)(8) | ||
| Net investment income (loss) — actual | 0.26 | (4) | ||
| OTHER DATA | ||||
| Total return shows how an investment in the Fund would have performed over each year, assuming all distributions were reinvested. The turnover rate reflects how actively the Fund bought and sold securities. | ||||
| Total return (%)(3) | 3.95 | (5) | ||
| Net assets at end of year (in millions of dollars) | 198.5 | |||
| Portfolio turnover rate (%)(7) | 12 | (1) | ||
| (1) | Period from 3/20/2024 (beginning of operations) to 8/31/2024. |
| (2) | Shows what this ratio would have been if there had been no expense waiver of a portion of the investment management fees. |
| (3) | Total return based on per share NAV reflects the effects of changes in NAV on the performance of the Fund during the fiscal period. Returns assume income dividends and other distributions, if any, were reinvested. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current returns may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Investment returns and principal will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than original cost. The Fund is new and has limited performance history that should not be relied on. Past performance, particularly for brief periods of time, are not indicative of future returns. Total return would have been lower if Management had not waived a portion of the investment management fee. |
| (4) | Annualized. |
| (5) | Not annualized. |
| (6) | Calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during the fiscal period. |
| (7) | The portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered in-kind. The portfolio turnover rate including securities received or delivered in-kind for fiscal periods ending 2024 was 12%. |
| (8) | Organization expense, which is a non-recurring expense, is included in these ratios on a non-annualized basis. |
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Other Service Providers
Neuberger Berman BD LLC (“Distributor”), an affiliate of the Manager, serves as each Fund’s distributor. Shares in less than Creation Units are not distributed by the Distributor, and the Distributor does not maintain a secondary market in the shares of the Funds.
State Street Bank (“State Street”) serves as custodian and transfer agent for the Funds. State Street maintains in separate accounts cash, securities and other assets of the Funds, keeps all necessary accounts and records, and provides other services.
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YOUR INVESTMENT
Share Price Calculations
The net asset value per share of a Fund is the total value of Fund assets attributable to shares of that Fund minus the liabilities attributable to that Fund, divided by the total number of shares outstanding for that Fund. Because the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities changes every business day, its share price usually changes as well.
Each Fund normally calculates its share price on each day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE Exchange”) is open once daily as of 4:00 P.M., Eastern time. In the event of an emergency or other disruption in trading on the NYSE Exchange, a Fund’s share price would still normally be determined as of 4:00 P.M., Eastern time. The NYSE Exchange is generally closed on all national holidays and Good Friday; Fund shares will not be priced on those days or other days on which the NYSE Exchange is scheduled to be closed. When the NYSE Exchange is closed for unusual reasons, Fund shares will generally not be priced although a Fund may decide to remain open and price Fund shares and in such a case, the Fund would post a notice on www.nb.com/ETF.
A Fund generally values its investments based upon their last reported sale prices, market quotations, or estimates of value provided by an independent pricing service as of the time as of which the Fund’s share price is calculated. Equity securities (including securities issued by ETFs) and exchange-traded derivative instruments held by a Fund generally are valued by one or more independent pricing services approved by the Manager at the last reported sale price or official closing price or, if there is no reported sale quoted on a principal exchange or market for that security or official closing price, on the basis of market quotations. Debt securities and certain derivative instruments that do not trade on an exchange generally are valued by one or more independent pricing services approved by the Manager on the basis of market quotations and in the case of derivatives, market data about the underlying investments. Short-term securities held by a Fund may be valued on the basis of amortized cost, unless other factors indicate that amortized cost is not an accurate estimate of the security’s value.
Investments in non-exchange traded investment companies are valued using the respective fund’s daily calculated net asset value per share. The prospectus for the fund explains the circumstances under which the fund will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
If a valuation for a security is not available from an independent pricing service or if the Manager believes in good faith that the valuation does not reflect the amount a Fund would receive on a current sale of that security, the Fund seeks to obtain quotations from brokers or dealers. If such quotations are not readily available, the Fund may use a fair value estimate made according to methods approved by the Manager. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Board of Trustees designated the Manager as the Fund’s valuation designee. As the Fund’s valuation designee, the Manager is responsible for determining fair value in good faith for any and all Fund investments. A Fund may also use these methods to value certain types of illiquid securities. Fair value pricing generally will be used if the market in which a portfolio security trades closes early or if trading in a particular security was halted during the day and did not resume prior to the time as of which a Fund’s share price is calculated.
A Fund may also fair value securities that trade in a foreign market if significant events that appear likely to affect the value of those securities occur between the time the foreign market closes and the time as of which the Fund’s share price is calculated. Significant events may include (1) corporate actions or announcements that affect a single issuer, (2) governmental actions that affect securities in one sector, country or region, (3) natural disasters or armed conflicts that affect a country or region, or (4) significant domestic or foreign market fluctuations.
For certain foreign assets, after the relevant foreign markets have closed, a third-party vendor supplies evaluated, systematic fair value pricing based upon analysis of historical correlation of multiple factors. In the case of both foreign equity and foreign income securities, in the absence of precise information about the market values of these foreign securities as of the time as of which a Fund’s share price is calculated, the Manager has determined on the basis of available data that prices adjusted or evaluated in this way are likely to be closer to the prices a Fund could realize on a current sale than are the prices of those securities established at the close of the foreign markets in which the securities primarily trade. Please see the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information for additional detail about the Funds’ fair valuation practices.
The effect of using fair value pricing is that a portfolio security will be priced based on the subjective judgment of the Manager, instead of being priced using valuations from an independent pricing service. Fair value pricing can help to protect a Fund by reducing arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing will completely prevent dilution of a Fund’s net asset value by such traders.
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Trading in securities on many foreign exchanges is normally completed before a Fund calculates its net asset value. In addition, foreign markets may be open on days when U.S. markets are closed. As a result, the value of foreign securities owned by a Fund could change at times or on days when a Fund’s net asset value is not calculated, when Fund shares do not trade, and when sales and redemptions of Fund shares do not occur.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
Shares of a Fund may be purchased or redeemed directly from a Fund only in Creation Units or multiples thereof. Only a broker-dealer (“Authorized Participant”) that enters into an Authorized Participant Agreement with a Fund’s Distributor may engage in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund. Purchases and redemptions directly with a Fund must follow the Fund’s procedures, and are subject to transaction fees, which are described in the SAI. Orders for such transactions may be rejected or delayed if they are not submitted in good order and subject to the other conditions set forth in this prospectus and the SAI. Please see the SAI for more information about purchases and redemptions of Creation Units.
Once purchased (i.e., created) by an Authorized Participant, shares are listed on the Exchange and trade in the secondary market. When you buy or sell each Fund’s shares in the secondary market, you will pay or receive the market price. The price at which you buy or sell Shares (i.e., the market price) may be more or less than the NAV of the Shares. Unless imposed by your broker, there is no minimum dollar amount you must invest in a Fund and no minimum number of Shares you must buy. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities. Most investors will buy and sell shares through a broker and, thus, will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable by the Funds.
The secondary markets are closed on weekends and also are generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
For more information on how to buy and sell shares of the Funds, call 877-628-2583 or visit www.nb.com/ETF.
Premium/Discount Information
Information showing the number of days the market price of a Fund’s shares was greater than the Fund’s NAV per share (i.e., at a premium) and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV per share (i.e., at a discount) for various time periods will be available by visiting the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/ETF. The premium and discount information contained on the website will represent past performance and cannot be used to predict future results.
Portfolio Holdings Information
Each day the Funds are open for business, the Trust publicly disseminates the Fund’s full portfolio holdings as of the close of the previous day through the Funds’ website. A description of the Funds’ policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of a Funds’ portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The holdings of each Fund can be found on the Funds’ website at www.nb.com/ETF.
Active Investors and Market Timing
The Trust’s Board of Trustees has determined not to adopt policies and procedures designed to prevent or monitor for frequent purchases and redemptions of a Fund’s shares because a Fund sells and redeems its shares at NAV only in Creation Units pursuant to the terms of an Authorized Participant Agreement between the Authorized Participant and the Distributor, and such direct trading between each Fund and Authorized Participants is critical to ensuring that the Fund’s shares trade at or close to NAV. Further, the vast majority of trading in Fund shares occurs on the secondary market, which does not involve a Fund directly and therefore does not cause a Fund to experience many of the harmful effects of market timing, such as dilution and disruption of portfolio management. In addition, a Fund imposes a transaction fee on Creation Unit transactions, which is designed to offset transfer and other transaction costs incurred by a Fund in connection with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units and may employ fair valuation pricing to minimize potential dilution from market timing. A Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order at any time and reserves the right to impose restrictions on disruptive, excessive, or short-term trading.
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Investments by Registered Investment Companies
Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of a Fund. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in a Fund beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) in reliance on rules adopted by the SEC, particularly Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, or any other applicable exemptive relief.
Continuous Offering
The method by which Creation Units of Fund shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by a Fund on an ongoing basis, a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act, may occur at any point. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the Securities Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares and sells the shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a characterization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.
Dealers effecting transactions in the Fund’s shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of a Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Manager or an affiliate may pay the intermediary for marketing activities or other services related to the sale or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and your salesperson to recommend a Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
Distribution Plan
Each of the Core Equity ETF, Japan Equity ETF and Small-Mid Cap ETF has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) that allows a Fund to pay distribution fees to the Distributor and other firms that provide distribution services (“Distribution Service Providers”). Under the Plan, if a Distribution Service Provider provides distribution services, a Fund would pay distribution fees to the Distributor at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Distributor would, in turn, pay the Distribution Service Provider out of its fees. The Board of Trustees currently has determined not to implement any 12b-1 fees pursuant to the Plan. 12b-1 fees may only be imposed after approval by the Board of Trustees. Because any distribution fees would be paid out of a Fund’s assets on an on-going basis, if payments are made in the future, the distribution fees would increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
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Distributions and Taxes
Distributions (All Funds except Neuberger Berman Option Strategy) — Each Fund pays out to its shareholders any net investment income and net realized capital and foreign currency gains. Ordinarily, the China Equity ETF, Core Equity ETF, Commodity Strategy ETF, Japan Equity ETF and Small-Mid Cap ETF make distributions once a year (usually in December). The Global Real Estate ETF typically distributes any net investment income quarterly. Gains from foreign currency transactions, if any, are normally distributed in December. A Fund may make additional distributions, if necessary, to avoid federal income or excise taxes.
Distributions (Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF) — The Fund generally distributes net investment income, including short-term capital gains, if any, monthly and net realized capital gains, if any, annually. Gains from foreign currency transactions, if any, are normally distributed in December. The Fund may make additional distributions, if necessary, to avoid federal income or excise taxes. The Fund seeks to maintain relatively stable monthly distributions, although the amount of income earned by the Fund typically varies from period to period. Each month, the Fund determines the amount of distribution to pay based on a combination of expected premiums and gains (collectively referred to as “premiums”) from writing put options, the portion of such premiums to be included in such distribution and the accrued interest from the Fund’s fixed income investments, net of expenses, during that period. As a result of such distribution strategy, the Fund’s distributions are expected to exceed its earnings and profits in some or all tax years, and consequently, all or a portion of the distributions made for a taxable year may be characterized as a return of capital to shareholders.
Dividend Reinvestment Service — The Trust does not provide dividend reinvestment services. Broker-dealers may make available the Depository Trust Company book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by beneficial owners of the Funds for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Beneficial owners should contact their broker to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of participation therein. Brokers may require beneficial owners to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the Funds purchased in the secondary market.
How distributions are taxed — Except for tax-advantaged retirement plans and other tax-exempt investors (collectively, “exempt investors”) and except as noted below, all Fund distributions you receive are generally taxable to you, regardless of whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in additional Fund shares.
Fund distributions to IRAs, Roth IRAs, and qualified retirement plans generally are tax-free. Eventual withdrawals from a Roth IRA also may be tax-free, while withdrawals from other retirement plans and accounts generally are subject to federal income tax.
Distributions generally are taxable to shareholders other than exempt investors in the year they are received. In some cases, however, distributions received in January are treated for federal income tax purposes as if they had been paid the previous December 31. Your tax statement (see “Taxes and You”) will help clarify this for you.
Distributions of net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss (“dividends”) are taxed as ordinary income. However, for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each, an “individual shareholder”) who satisfy certain holding period and other restrictions with respect to their Fund shares on which the dividends are paid, a Fund’s dividends attributable to “qualified dividend income” (generally, dividends a Fund receives on stock of most U.S. and certain foreign corporations with respect to which it satisfies those restrictions) are subject to maximum federal income tax rates that are lower than the maximum rates for ordinary income (“lower maximum rates”).
Distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) are taxed as long-term capital gain and for individual shareholders are subject to the lower maximum rates. The tax treatment of capital gain distributions from a Fund depends on how long a Fund held the securities it sold that generated the gain, not on when you bought your shares of a Fund or whether you reinvested your distributions.
If, for any taxable year, a Fund distributes an amount that exceeds the sum of its investment company taxable income plus net capital gain for that year — which might result from, among other things, the difference between book and tax accounting treatment of certain derivatives and foreign currency transactions — that excess generally will not be taxable (a so-called “return of capital”), which will reduce your tax basis in your Fund shares. To the extent that excess is greater than your tax basis, it will be treated as gain from a redemption of your shares (taxed as described below). Because the Option Strategy ETF plans to make stable monthly distributions that are expected to vary from the Fund’s income from period to period, the Fund’s distributions are expected to result in a return of capital in some or all tax years. Final determination of the nature of distributions for tax purposes cannot be made until after calendar year end and will be reported on Form 1099.
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Shareholders should review any notice that accompanies a payment of dividends or other distributions to determine whether any portion of the payment represents a return of capital rather than a distribution of a Fund’s net income and/or realized gains.
Additional tax — An individual shareholder’s distributions from a Fund and net gains recognized on redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares are subject to a 3.8% federal tax on the lesser of (1) the individual’s “net investment income” (which generally includes distributions from a Fund and net gains from the disposition of Fund shares) or (2) the excess of the individual’s “modified adjusted gross income” over a specified threshold amount. This tax is in addition to any other taxes due on that income. You should consult your own tax professional regarding the effect, if any, this tax may have on your investment in Fund shares.
Taxes and You
The taxes you actually owe on Fund distributions and share transactions can vary with many factors, such as your marginal tax bracket, how long you held your shares and, if you are an individual shareholder, whether you owe federal alternative minimum tax.
How can you figure out your tax liability on Fund distributions and share transactions? One helpful tool is the tax statement that your broker sends you after the end of each calendar year. It details the distributions you received during the past year and shows their tax status. That statement, or a separate statement from your broker, also covers your share transactions.
Most importantly, consult your tax professional. Everyone’s tax situation is different, and your tax professional should be able to help you answer any questions you may have.
Buying Shares Before a Distribution
The money a Fund earns, either as net investment income or as net realized capital gains, is reflected in its net asset value until it distributes the money. At that time, the amount of the distribution is deducted from the net asset value. Because of this, to the extent the Fund’s share price correlates with its net asset value, if you buy shares of a Fund just before it makes such a distribution, you may end up getting some of your investment back as a taxable distribution. You can avoid this situation by waiting to invest until after the record date for the distribution.
Generally, if you are an exempt investor, there are no current tax consequences to you from distributions.
Taxes When Shares are Sold
Generally, you will recognize taxable gain or loss if you sell or otherwise dispose of your shares. Any gain arising from such a disposition generally will be treated as long-term capital gain if you held the shares for more than one year; otherwise, it will be classified as short-term capital gain. However, any capital loss arising from the disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received with respect to such shares. In addition, all or a portion of any loss recognized upon a disposition of shares may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules if other shares of the same Fund are purchased (whether through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the disposition. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.
Taxes on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units
A person who purchases a Creation Unit by exchanging securities in-kind generally will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and any net amount of cash received by the Authorized Participant in the exchange and (ii) the sum of the purchaser’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and any net amount of cash paid for the Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units and receives securities in-kind from the Fund will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the redeemer’s basis in the Creation Units, and the aggregate market value of the securities received and any net cash received. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an in-kind exchange of securities for Creation Units or an exchange of Creation Units for securities cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons effecting in-kind creations or redemptions should consult their own tax adviser with respect to these matters.
A Fund has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of a Fund and if, pursuant to section 351 of the Code, a Fund would have a basis in the deposit securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. A Fund also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determinations.
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Disclaimers
NYSE Arca, Inc. Disclaimer
Shares of a Fund are not sponsored, endorsed or promoted by NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”). NYSE Arca makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the shares of a Fund or any member of the public regarding the ability of a Fund to meet their investment objective. NYSE Arca is not responsible for, nor has it participated in the determination of the timing of, prices of, or quantities of shares of a Fund to be issued, nor in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the shares are redeemable. NYSE Arca has no obligation or liability to owners of the shares of a Fund in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the shares of the Fund.
NYSE Arca makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Trust on behalf of a Fund as licensee, licensee’s customers and counterparties, owners of the shares of the Fund, or any other person or entity from the use of the subject index or any data included therein in connection with the rights licensed as described herein or for any other use. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall NYSE Arca have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
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Appendix – Related Performance Information of Similar Accounts
Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF
Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF (the “Fund”) has recently commenced operations and does not yet have a full calendar year of performance. Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA”) manages other advisory accounts that have substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies as the Fund and the table below provides supplemental performance information for the Research Opportunity Composite which is a composite of such accounts (the “Composite”). The Composite performance information does not represent the performance of the Fund. It is provided to illustrate the past performance of NBIA in managing the Composite. In addition, the performance is shown against the Russell 1000® Index which is the Fund’s benchmark (the “Russell Index”), and the S&P 500® Index (“S&P Index”). The Fund’s portfolio management team is the same team that is responsible for managing the accounts that constitute the Composite.
The historical performance data for the Composite should not be considered a substitute for the Fund’s performance, and should not be considered an indication of the Fund’s future performance. The Composite started in 2004 and was comprised of 1 account with $2.2 million in market value as of December 31, 2004. Since that time, the number of accounts in the Composite has ranged from 1 to 58 accounts and the market value of the accounts has ranged from $0.5 million to $1.1 billion. Thus, accounts move in and out of the Composite over time. Since fees, commissions, and taxes may differ for the Composite and the Fund, performance data for identical periods may differ. The Composite has been constructed in compliance with the GIPS standards.
You should not assume that the Fund will have the same performance as the Composite. An investment in the Fund can lose value. The Composite includes accounts that are not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), and therefore are not subject to certain investment restrictions, diversification requirements, and other regulatory requirements imposed by the 1940 Act or by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. If those accounts had been registered under the 1940 Act, the performance results might have been lower. Although the Fund and the Composite have substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies, differences in asset size and cash flows may result in differences in security selection, relative weightings or differences in the price paid for certain securities. As such, the investments held by the Fund may not be identical to the investments held by the Composite and the future performance of the Fund will differ from the performance of the Composite.
The Composite’s net performance information is calculated in accordance with GIPS®, created and administered by the CFA Institute. This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC’s standardized methodology that will be used to calculate the Funds’ performance and may result in an average annual total return that may be higher than that derived from the SEC’s standardized methodology.
average annual total % returns as of 12/31/23
| Composite | Inception Date |
Year to Date 9/30/2024 |
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | Since Inception of Composite | |||||||
| Composite (net of fees) | 10/1/2004 | 19.87% | 27.76% | 9.06% | 16.22% | 11.96% | 10.56% | |||||||
| Russell Index | 21.18% | 26.53% | 8.97% | 15.52% | 11.80% | 10.09% | ||||||||
| S&P Index | 22.08% | 26.29% | 10.00% | 15.69% | 12.03% | 10.00% |
Composite returns are presented in U.S. dollars and include the reinvestment of dividends and interest. The Fund’s return will be reduced by management fees. Composite Net of Fee returns are the Gross of Fee returns reduced by model advisory fees of 0.25%. Actual management fees may vary among clients with the same investment strategy.
The Russell Index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes approximately 1,000 of the largest securities in the Russell 3000® Index (which measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. public companies based on total market capitalization). The index is rebalanced annually in June.
The S&P Index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that focuses on the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity market, and includes a significant portfolio of the total value of the market.
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The results of each index assume the reinvestment of dividends or interest paid on the securities constituting the index. It is not possible to invest directly in either index. Unlike the accounts in the Composite (and the Fund), each index does not incur fees or expenses.
Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF
Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF (the “Fund”) has recently commenced operations and does not yet have a full calendar year of performance. Neuberger Berman East Asia Limited (“NBEAL”), an affiliate of Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC, manages other advisory accounts that have substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies as the Fund and the table below provides supplemental performance information for the Japan Equity All Cap Composite which is a composite of such accounts (the “Composite”). The Composite performance information does not represent the performance of the Fund. It is provided to illustrate the past performance of NBEAL in managing the Composite. In addition, the performance is shown against the MSCI Japan Index (Net) (the “Index”). The Fund’s portfolio management team is the same team that is responsible for managing the accounts that constitute the Composite.
The historical performance data for the Composite should not be considered a substitute for the Fund’s performance, and should not be considered an indication of the Fund’s future performance. As of December 31, 2023, the Composite was comprised of one account with approximately $5 million in assets under management. Since fees, commissions, and taxes may differ for the Composite and the Fund, performance data for identical periods may differ. You should not assume that the Fund will have the same performance as the Composite. An investment in the Fund can lose value. The Composite includes accounts that are not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), and therefore are not subject to certain investment restrictions, diversification requirements, and other regulatory requirements imposed by the 1940 Act or by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. If those accounts had been registered under the 1940 Act, the performance results might have been lower. Although the Fund and the Composite have substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies, differences in asset size and cash flows may result in differences in security selection, relative weightings or differences in the price paid for certain securities. As such, the investments held by the Fund may not be identical to the investments held by the Composite and the future performance of the Fund will differ from the performance of the Composite.
The Composite’s net performance information is calculated in accordance with GIPS®, created and administered by the CFA Institute. This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC’s standardized methodology that will be used to calculate the Funds’ performance and may result in an average annual total return that may be higher than that derived from the SEC’s standardized methodology.
average annual total % returns as of 12/31/23
| Composite | Inception Date |
Year to Date 9/30/2024 |
1 Year | 3 Years | Since Inception of Composite | |||||
| Composite (net of fees) | 1/1/2021 | 15.29% | 33.87% | 0.59% | 0.59% | |||||
| MSCI Japan Index (Net) | 12.35% | 20.32% | 0.66% | 0.66% |
Composite returns are presented in U.S. dollars and include the reinvestment of dividends and interest. The Fund’s return will be reduced by management fees. Composite Net of Fee returns are the Gross of Fee returns reduced by such fees. Composite Net of Fee returns are the Gross of Fee returns reduced by model investment advisory fees of 0.75%. Actual management fees may vary among clients with the same investment strategy.
The Index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of the large and mid-cap segments of the Japanese market. Net total return indexes reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indexes) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties.
The Index results assume the reinvestment of dividends or interest paid on the securities constituting the index. It is not possible to invest directly in the Index. Unlike the accounts in the Composite (and the Fund), the Index does not incur fees or expenses.
Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF
Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF (the “Fund”) has recently commenced operations and does not yet have a full calendar year of performance. Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA”) manages other advisory accounts that have substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies as the Fund and the table below provides supplemental performance information for the Neuberger Berman Small Mid Cap Portfolio composite which is a composite of
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such account (the “Composite”). The Composite performance information does not represent the performance of the Fund. It is provided to illustrate the past performance of NBIA in managing the Composite against the Russell 2500™ Index and the Russell 3000® Index. The Fund’s portfolio management team is the same team that is responsible for managing accounts that constitute the Composite.
The Composite started in 1994 and was comprised of 29 accounts with $801 million in market value as of December 31, 1994. Since that time, the number of accounts in the Composite has ranged from a single account to 431 accounts and the market value of the accounts has ranged from $0.2 million to $1.7 billion. As of December 31, 2021, there were 287 accounts in the Composite and the market value of the Composite was approximately $138 million. As of December 31, 2023, the Composite was comprised of a single account with approximately $0.3 million in assets under management. Thus, accounts move in and out of the Composite over time. Since fees, commissions, and taxes may differ for the Composite and the Fund, performance data for identical periods may differ. The Composite has been constructed in compliance with the GIPS® standards, created and administered by the CFA Institute.
The historical performance data for the Composite should not be considered a substitute for the Fund’s performance, and should not be considered an indication of the Fund’s future performance. You should not assume that the Fund will have the same performance as the Composite. An investment in the Fund can lose value. The Composite includes accounts that are not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), and therefore are not subject to certain investment restrictions, diversification requirements, and other regulatory requirements imposed by the 1940 Act or by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. If those accounts had been registered under the 1940 Act, the performance results might have been lower. Although the Fund and the Composite have substantially similar investment objectives, policies and investment strategies, differences in asset size and cash flows may result in differences in security selection, relative weightings or differences in the price paid for certain securities. As such, the investments held by the Fund may not be identical to the investments held by the Composite and the future performance of the Fund will differ from the performance of the Composite.
The Composite’s net performance information is calculated in accordance with GIPS®. This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC’s standardized methodology that will be used to calculate the Funds’ performance and may result in an average annual total return that may be higher than that derived from the SEC’s standardized methodology.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL % RETURNS AS OF 12/31/23
| Composite | Inception Date |
Year to Date 9/30/2024 |
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | Since Inception of Composite | |||||||
| Composite (net of fees) | 1/1/1994 | 10.55% | 15.71% | 3.42% | 12.21% | 9.08% | 11.46% | |||||||
| Russell 3000® Index | 20.63% | 25.96% | 8.54% | 15.16% | 11.48% | 10.03% | ||||||||
| Russell 2500™ Index | 11.30% | 17.42% | 4.24% | 11.67% | 8.36% | 9.96% |
Composite returns are presented in U.S. dollars and include the reinvestment of dividends and interest. The Fund’s return will be reduced by management fees. Composite Net of Fee returns are the Gross of Fee returns reduced by model investment advisory fees of 0.80%. Actual management fees may vary among clients with the same investment strategy.
The Russell 3000® Index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weight index that measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. public companies based on total market capitalization. The index is rebalanced annually in June.
The Russell 2500™ Index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the small to mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe, commonly referred to as “smid” cap. It includes approximately 2,500 of the smallest securities in the Russell 3000® Index. The index is rebalanced annually in June.
The returns of the indices assume the reinvestment of dividends or interest paid on the securities constituting the index. It is not possible to invest directly in any index. Unlike the accounts in the Composite (and the Fund), the indices do not incur fees or expenses.
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NEUBERGER BERMAN ETF TRUST
If you would like further details on these Funds, you can request a free copy of the following documents:
Shareholder Reports and Form N-CSR. Additional information about each Fund’s investments is available in each Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders and in Form N-CSR. In each Fund’s annual report, you will find each Fund’s performance data and a discussion by the Portfolio Managers about strategies and market conditions that significantly affected each Fund’s performance during the last fiscal year. In Form N-CSR, you will find each Fund’s annual and semi-annual financial statements.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI). The SAI contains more comprehensive information on each Fund, including: various types of securities and practices, and their risks, investment limitations and additional policies and information about the Fund’s management and business structure. The SAI is hereby incorporated by reference into this prospectus, making it legally part of the prospectus.
Investment Manager: Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
Obtaining Information
You can obtain a shareholder report, SAI, and other information such as financial statements from your financial intermediary, or from:
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
877-628-2583
Website: www.nb.com/ETF
Reports and other information about the Funds are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
Each Fund’s current net asset value per share is made available at: www.nb.com/ETF.
The “Neuberger Berman” name and logo and “Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC” are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. The individual Fund names in this prospectus are either service marks or registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC or Neuberger Berman Group LLC. ©2024 Neuberger Berman BD LLC, distributor. All rights reserved.
SEC File Number: 811-23761
X0275 12/24
Neuberger Berman ETF Trust
| Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF (formerly, Neuberger Berman Carbon Transition & Infrastructure ETF) |
Shares of the Fund are not individually redeemable. Shares of the Fund are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”).
Prospectus December 18, 2024
These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission has not determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Contents
NEUBERGER BERMAN ETF TRUST
Fund Summary
The Fund seeks total return through growth and income.
These tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| Management fees1 | ||
| Other expenses2 | ||
| Total annual operating expenses | ||
| Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement | ||
| Total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement3 |
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 3 |
The expense example can help you compare costs among funds. The example assumes that you invested $10,000 for the periods shown, that you redeemed all of your shares at the end of those periods, that the Fund earned a hypothetical 5% total return each year, and that the Fund’s expenses were those in the table. Actual performance and expenses may be higher or lower.
| 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | |||
| $ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
The Fund pays
transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio
turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These
costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent
fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowing for investment purposes) in equity securities of energy transition companies and infrastructure companies.
The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in energy transition companies, which it considers to be those companies operating energy infrastructure assets such as pipelines or renewable energy production, utilities, publicly-traded master limited partnerships or limited liability companies taxed as partnerships (“MLPs”), MLPs that are taxed as C-corporations, MLP affiliates, such as midstream C-corporations, (“MLP affiliates”), and companies that derive the majority of their revenues from operating or providing services in support of infrastructure assets such as pipelines, power transmission, and petroleum and natural gas storage
2 Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF
in the petroleum, natural gas, and power generation industries. The Fund may also invest in growth-oriented utilities and power companies, as well as utility-scale renewable energy infrastructure companies, such as companies involved with solar farms, wind farms, hydro power and nuclear power, and companies that operate in any aspect of the utilities, renewable and natural resources industries and sectors. These may include companies involved in exploration and production of natural resources, refining and marketing of natural resources, coal and metals mining, oilfield services, drilling, integrated natural gas midstream services, transportation and storage of natural resources, shipping, chemicals, electricity generation and distribution, and renewable resources.
The balance of the Fund’s assets that satisfy the 80% test above will be invested in infrastructure companies, which it considers to be companies that own, operate, or are involved in the development, production, distribution, transportation, or servicing of industrial materials (including electrical equipment, machinery, chemicals, construction materials and equipment, steel, and timber), energy (including pipelines, natural gas and liquefied natural gas exports), utilities, clean energy and renewable energy (including power generators, equipment suppliers, electric utilities and multi-utilities), real estate investments (including warehouses, water, sewer and logistical facilities), and telecommunication networks (including cell towers, data centers and internet providers).
The Fund may invest in companies of any market capitalization, credit quality, industry or sector. Although energy transition and infrastructure companies may be found in any industry or sector, the Fund will concentrate its investments in companies operating in the oil, gas and consumable fuels industry. The Fund may also directly invest up to 25% of its total assets in equity securities of certain MLPs treated as publicly-traded partnerships.
The Fund may invest in both U.S. and foreign companies, including securities denominated in a non-U.S. currency, depositary receipts and securities and other instruments issued by U.S. and Canadian income and royalty trusts (i.e., trusts that receive pass-through tax treatment and are typically involved in oil and gas production). The Fund may also invest in other investment companies and money market funds. The Fund also may invest up to 20% of its net assets in securities that are not energy transition or infrastructure related, such as common and preferred equity securities.
The Portfolio Managers utilize proprietary research and fundamental quantitative and qualitative analysis in identifying investment opportunities for the Fund. The Portfolio Managers seek to identify energy transition and infrastructure companies that they believe have one or more of the following: a history of increasing distributions, stable and reliable cash flows and transparency into future earnings potential, strong financials, management teams that demonstrate visibility in cash flows for equity holders, low correlation to commodity prices, and multi-year contracts that typically charge flat inflation adjusted fees to produce steady payments. While the Fund currently expects to emphasize midstream investments, the Fund may invest in other areas of the natural resources industry (including companies engaged in “upstream” or “downstream” production activities) or in non-energy securities. “Midstream investments” generally include companies primarily engaged in activities such as the transportation (including marine), storage, gathering, and processing, distributing or marketing of natural resources. “Upstream” production activities generally include the exploration, recovery, development and production of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids and other resources. “Downstream” production activities generally include the refining and distribution of natural gas liquids and crude oil and other resources.
The Portfolio Managers follow a disciplined selling strategy and may sell a position for a variety of reasons, including if a company fails to perform as expected, exhibits deteriorating fundamentals, to accommodate a more compelling investment opportunity, if the Portfolio Managers deem a position to be overvalued or when there are changes to macroeconomic factors, markets, sectors and/or the company that would alter the Portfolio Managers’ assumptions about the company. The Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means that it can invest more of its assets in fewer companies than a diversified fund.
The Fund will not change its strategy of normally investing at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowing for investment purposes) in equity securities of energy transition companies and infrastructure companies without providing shareholders at least 60 days’ notice. This test is applied at the time the Fund invests; later percentage changes caused by a change in Fund assets, market values or company circumstances will not require the Fund to dispose of a holding.
Most of the Fund’s performance depends on what happens in the stock market, the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of those developments, and the success of the Portfolio Managers in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies. The market’s behavior can be difficult to predict, particularly in the short term. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal. The Fund may take temporary defensive and cash management positions; to the extent it does, it will not be pursuing its principal investment strategies.
3 Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF
The actual risk exposure taken by the Fund in its investment program will vary over time, depending on various factors including the Portfolio Managers’ evaluation of issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. There can be no guarantee that the Portfolio Managers will be successful in their attempts to manage the risk exposure of the Fund or will appropriately evaluate or weigh the multiple factors involved in investment decisions, including issuer, market and/or instrument-specific analysis and valuation.
Each of the following risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of any presumed importance, can significantly affect the Fund’s performance. The relative importance of, or potential exposure as a result of, each of these risks will vary based on market and other investment-specific considerations.
Currency Risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. To the extent that the Fund invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by various factors, including investor perception and changes in interest rates; intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities; or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad.
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are certificates issued by a financial institution evidencing ownership of underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks of investing directly in the underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate if, as is often the case, the underlying foreign securities are denominated in foreign currency, and there may be an imperfect correlation between the market value of depositary receipts and the underlying foreign securities.
Energy Transition Risk. Energy transition companies may be more volatile than more established companies. These companies may be dependent on government regulation and subsidies related to transitioning to the use of more renewable energy sources. If government subsidies and incentives for transitioning to using more renewable energy sources are reduced or eliminated, the demand for the services provided by energy transition companies may be negatively impacted. In addition, changes in U.S., European and other governments’ policies towards the use of renewable energy sources, such as electric vehicles, and power sources, such as solar, wind and hydrogen, may have an adverse impact on these companies. These investments may be negatively impacted by industrial accidents; natural phenomena such as weather conditions, floods, rockslides and earthquakes; changes in fuel and power costs and potential fuel and power shortages; shortages of and cost of supplies, labor costs, shortages or strikes, civil unrest; reduced availability of renewable energy sources; slowdowns in new construction; and threats of attack by terrorists on renewable energy assets. Energy transition companies may be small, have a limited operating history, limited resources and may never operate profitably without government or regulatory support. In addition, new and emerging technologies may have a significant impact on these companies, which may not be possible to predict.
ETF Risk. As an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as authorized participants. Only an authorized participant may transact in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and authorized participants are not obligated to engage in such transactions. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable or unwilling to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund, such as in times of market stress, and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, trading in Fund shares may be significantly diminished, bid-ask spreads may widen and shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face trading halts or delisting. To the extent the Fund invests in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes, this risk is heightened.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”) are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security (i.e., the Fund’s quote from the closed foreign market). As a result, premiums or discounts to NAV may develop in share prices, and bid-ask spreads may be greater than those experienced by other funds. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their
4 Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF
shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Premium/Discount Risk. There may be times when the market price of the Fund’s shares is more than the NAV intra-day (at a premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (at a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below NAV.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads, which is the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of a fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market, and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. If a trading halt occurs, a shareholder may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. The bid-ask spread, which varies over time, is generally narrower if the Fund has more trading volume and market liquidity and wider if the Fund has less trading volume and market liquidity. In addition, the bid-ask spread can be affected by the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying investments and can widen if the Fund’s underlying investments become less liquid or illiquid. In addition, although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained, that bid-ask spreads will be narrow, or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed.
Foreign Risk. Foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities. Additional risks include exposure to less developed or less efficient trading markets; social, political, diplomatic, or economic instability; trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.); imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals; significant government involvement in an economy and/or market structure; fluctuations in foreign currencies or currency redenomination; potential for default on sovereign debt; nationalization or expropriation of assets; settlement, custodial or other operational risks; higher transaction costs; confiscatory withholding or other taxes; and less stringent auditing and accounting, corporate disclosure, governance, and legal standards. As a result, foreign securities may fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid, than comparable U.S. securities. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic or political developments. In addition, foreign markets may perform differently than the U.S. markets. The effect of economic instability on specific foreign markets or issuers may be difficult to predict or evaluate. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange, or by governmental authorities. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. In the event that the Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities or instruments, the Fund’s ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and the Fund could incur significant losses.
Foreign Exposure Risk. Securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations or holdings, or issued by foreign entities listed on a U.S. exchange, may involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in those foreign countries, as well as currency exchange rates.
Growth Stock Risk. Because the prices of most growth stocks are based on future expectations, these stocks tend to be more sensitive than value stocks to bad economic news and negative earnings surprises. When these expectations are not met or decrease, the prices of these stocks may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Bad economic news or changing investor perceptions may adversely affect growth stocks across several sectors and industries simultaneously.
Industry Concentration Risk. The Fund concentrates its investments in a particular industry or group of industries and has greater exposure than other funds to market, economic and other factors affecting that industry or group of industries.
Infrastructure Risk. Infrastructure companies may be adversely affected by a variety of factors that impact their business or operations, including higher than expected costs in connection with projects, costs associated with environmental and other regulations, the effects of economic slowdown and surplus capacity, increased competition from other providers of services, and the effects of government regulation and other factors. Additionally, infrastructure companies may be adversely impacted by rising
5 Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF
interest rates, governmental regulation of rates charged to customers, service interruptions due to environmental, operational or other mishaps, the imposition of special tariffs and changes in tax laws, regulatory policies and accounting standards.
Issuer-Specific Risk. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole.
Liquidity Risk. From time to time, the trading market for a particular investment in which the Fund invests, or a particular type of instrument in which the Fund is invested, may become less liquid or even illiquid. Illiquid investments frequently can be more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous price or time, and there is a greater risk that the investments may not be sold for the price at which the Fund is carrying them. Certain investments that were liquid when the Fund purchased them may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly. Additionally, market closures due to holidays or other factors may render a security or group of securities (e.g., securities tied to a particular country or geographic region) illiquid for a period of time. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such securities or other investments may be volatile. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to limit losses.
Unexpected episodes of illiquidity, including due to market or political factors, instrument or issuer-specific factors and/or unanticipated outflows or other factors, may limit the Fund’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions.
Market Capitalization Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in securities of small-, mid-, or large-cap companies, it takes on the associated risks. At times, any of these market capitalizations may be out of favor with investors. Compared to small- and mid-cap companies, large-cap companies may be unable to respond as quickly to changes and opportunities and may grow at a slower rate. Compared to large-cap companies, small- and mid-cap companies may depend on a more limited management group, may have a shorter history of operations, less publicly available information, less stable earnings and limited product lines, markets or financial resources. The securities of small- and mid-cap companies are often more volatile, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, and less liquid than the securities of larger companies and may be more affected than other types of securities by the underperformance of a sector, during market downturns, by adverse publicity and investor perceptions, by interest rate changes and by government regulation.
Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health risks may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. If the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for better performance.
Master Limited Partnership Risk. Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. MLPs holding credit-related investments are subject to interest rate risk and the risk of default on payment obligations by debt issuers. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or a particular geographic region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs’ ability to vary their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies, and may be difficult to value. MLPs involve certain other risks, including risks related to limited control and voting rights on matters affecting MLPs, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between an MLP and the MLP’s general partner, cash flow risks, dilution risks, and risks related to the general partner’s right to require unitholders to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. Distributions from an MLP may consist in part of a return of the amount originally invested, which would not be taxable to the extent the distributions
6 Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF
do not exceed the investor’s adjusted basis in its MLP interest. These reductions in the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the MLP securities will increase the amount of gain (or decrease the amount of loss) recognized by the Fund on a subsequent sale of the securities.
Much of the benefit the Fund derives from its investment in equity securities of MLPs is a result of MLPs generally being treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A change in current tax law, or a change in the business of a given MLP, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and subject to corporate level tax on its income, and could reduce the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP to its unit holders, such as the Fund. If an MLP were classified as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, the MLP may incur significant federal and state tax liability, likely causing a reduction in the value of the Fund’s shares.
The risks of investing in an MLP generally include those inherent in investing in a partnership as opposed to a corporation. For example, state law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded investors in an MLP than investors in a corporation. Although unitholders of an MLP are generally limited in their liability, similar to a corporation’s shareholders, creditors typically have the right to seek the return of distributions made to unitholders if the liability in question arose before the distributions were paid. This liability may stay attached to a unitholder even after it sells its units.
Master Limited Partnership Tax Risk. MLPs are generally treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Partnerships do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner is allocated a share of the partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses. A change in current tax law or a change in the underlying business mix of a given MLP could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in the MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax (as well as state and local income taxes) on its taxable income. This would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP and could result in a reduction in the value of the Fund’s investment in the MLP and lower income to the Fund. To the extent a distribution received by the Fund from an MLP is treated as a return of capital, the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the interests of the MLP may be reduced, which will result in an increase in an amount of income or gain (or decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized by the Fund for tax purposes upon the sale of any such interests or upon subsequent distributions in respect of such interests. Furthermore, any return of capital distribution received from the MLP may require the Fund to restate the character of its distributions and amend any shareholder tax reporting previously issued. Moreover, a change in current tax law, or a change in the underlying business mix of a given MLP, could result in an MLP investment being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which could result in a reduction of the value of the Fund’s investment in the MLP and lower income to the Fund.
The Fund must limit its investments in MLPs that are qualified publicly traded partnerships to no more than 25% of its total assets as of the end of each quarter of its taxable year in order to maintain its tax status as a regulated investment company (“RIC”).
Cash distributions received by the Fund from MLPs may not correspond to the amount of income allocated to it by the MLPs in any given taxable year. If the amount of income allocated to the Fund exceeds the amount of cash received by the Fund from such MLPs, the Fund may have difficulty making distributions in the amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements for maintaining RIC status and avoiding any income and excise taxes. Accordingly, the Fund may need to dispose of securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to generate sufficient cash to satisfy the distribution requirements. On the other hand, if the amount of cash received by the Fund from MLPs exceeds the income allocated to the Fund, the Fund’s distribution of such excess cash could be a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital is generally tax-free to the extent of a shareholder’s basis in the Fund’s shares and reduces the shareholder’s basis in their shares and results in a higher capital gain or lower capital loss when the shares on which the return of capital distribution was received are sold. The Fund’s return of capital distributions are not derived from the net income or earnings and profits of the Fund.
The Fund may invest in MLPs taxed as C corporations. Such MLPs are obligated to pay federal income tax on their taxable income at the corporate tax rate and the amount of cash available for distribution by such MLPs would generally be reduced by any such tax. Additionally, distributions received by the Fund would be taxed under federal income tax laws applicable to corporate dividends (as dividend income, potentially subject to the corporate dividends received deduction, return of capital, or capital gain). Thus, investment in MLPs taxed as C corporations could result in a reduction of the value of your investment in the Fund and lower income, as compared to investments in MLPs that are classified as partnerships for tax purposes.
Natural Resources Risk. Investments related to natural resources (including MLPs) may be affected by numerous factors, including events occurring in nature, inflationary pressures and domestic and international politics. For example, events occurring in nature (such as earthquakes or fires in prime natural resource areas) and political events (such as coups or military
7 Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF
confrontations) can affect the overall supply of a natural resource and the value of companies involved in such natural resource. In addition, interest rates, fluctuations in commodity prices; reduced consumer demand for commodities such as oil, natural gas or petroleum products; reduced availability of natural gas or other commodities for transporting, processing, storing or delivering; slowdowns in new construction; international economic developments, energy conservation, tax and other government regulations (both U.S. and foreign) can affect the profitability and value of securities issued by these companies. Additionally, natural resource investments are subject to substantial government regulation, including environmental regulation and liability for environmental damage, and changes in the regulatory environment for these companies may adversely impact their profitability. These types of companies have historically experienced substantial price volatility. At times, the performance of these investments may lag the performance of other sectors or the market as a whole.
Non-Diversified
Fund Risk.
Other Investment Company Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, including money market funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), its performance will be affected by the performance of those other investment companies. Investments in other investment companies are subject to the risks of the other investment companies’ investments, as well as to the other investment companies’ expenses.
An ETF may trade in the secondary market at a price below the value of its underlying portfolio, may not be liquid and may be halted by the listing exchange. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objectives. A passively managed ETF may not replicate the performance of the index it intends to track.
Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities, which are a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities, however, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred securities are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors and after the company makes required payments to holders of its debt securities. For this reason, preferred securities are subject to greater credit, interest, and liquidation risk than debt securities, and the value of preferred securities will usually react more strongly than debt securities to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies. Preferred securities may be less liquid than common stocks.
Real Estate Companies Risk. Real estate company securities are subject to risks similar to those of direct investments in real estate and the real estate industry in general, including, among other risks: general and local economic conditions; changes in interest rates; declines in property values; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; increases in property taxes and other operating expenses; overbuilding in their sector of the real estate market; fluctuations in rental income; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; changes in tax and regulatory requirements; losses due to environmental liabilities; casualty or condemnation losses; changing social trends regarding working arrangements; or other economic, social, political, or regulatory matters affecting the real estate industry.
Recent Market Conditions. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing or changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time.
Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, in 2022, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks raised interest rates as part of their efforts to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks recently began to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors, such as inflation, could stop such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce
8 Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF
bank balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various markets or decrease confidence in the markets.
Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between countries and regions, including the U.S. and China, political or economic dysfunction within some countries or regions, including major producers of commodities, and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, if the U.S. dollar continues to be strong, it may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Regulators in the U.S. have proposed and adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which apply to the Fund. The full effect of various newly adopted regulations is not currently known. Additionally, it is not currently known whether any of the proposed regulations will be adopted. However, due to the scope of regulations being proposed and adopted, certain of these changes to regulation could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for it to operate, or adversely impact performance.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact its performance.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and any sanctions and related events cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted.
High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation’s debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and substantial investment risks that cannot now be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy.
Global climate change can have potential effects on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impact of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impact of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, including any direct or indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.
Sector Risk. In addition to the Fund’s policy regarding concentration oil, gas and renewables industry, from time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. The sectors in which energy transition companies are found may change in the future, and the sectors in which the Fund invests may change with such change in sectors. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors or sub-sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Additional risks associated with certain types of sectors are discussed below:
Energy Sector Risk. Companies operating in the energy sector may be cyclical and highly dependent on energy prices and volumes. They may be adversely impacted by general economic conditions, worldwide supply and demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil and other energy price volatility, energy conservation efforts, environmental policies, depletion of resources, the cost of providing the specific utility services and other factors that they cannot control. Companies in this sector may be subject to substantial government regulation and contractual fixed pricing. In addition, these companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Industrial Sector Risk. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by general economic trends, including employment, economic growth, and interest rates, changes in consumer sentiment and spending, commodity prices, legislation, government regulation and spending, import controls, and worldwide competition. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by liability for environmental damages, product liability
9 Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF
claims and exchange rates. The products of manufacturing companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction.
Materials Sector Risk. Companies in the materials sector may be adversely affected by the level and volatility of commodity prices, exchange rates, import controls, increased competition, environmental policies, consumer demand, and events occurring in nature. Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including, among others, that at times worldwide production of industrial materials has exceeded demand as a result of over-building or economic downturns, leading to poor investment returns or losses. Other risks may include liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control. The materials sector may also be affected by economic cycles, rising interest rates, high inflation, technical progress, labor relations, legislative or regulatory changes, local and international politics, and adverse market conditions.
Utilities Sector Risk. Companies in the utilities sector may be adversely affected by supply and demand, operating costs, federal and state regulations, environmental factors, liabilities for environmental damage, including wildfires and general civil liabilities, and rate caps or rate changes. The value of regulated utility equity securities may tend to have an inverse relationship to the movement of interest rates. In addition, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, government intervention or other factors may render a utility company’s equipment unusable or obsolete and negatively impact these companies. Certain utility companies have experienced full or partial deregulation in recent years. Unregulated power companies can be affected by commodity price volatility and competition. The utilities sector also can be significantly affected by increased financing costs, changes in taxation, lower demand, natural resource conservation, rising energy costs and commodity price fluctuations.
Renewable and alternative energy companies in the utilities sector can be significantly affected by obsolescence of existing technology, short product cycles, legislation resulting in more strict government regulations and enforcement policies, fluctuations in energy prices, and supply and demand of alternative energy fuels and energy conservation.
Risks Related to Investing in the Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels Industry. The oil, gas and consumable fuels industry is cyclical and highly dependent on the market price of commodities and, in particular, fuel, and can be highly volatile. The market value of companies in the oil, gas and consumable fuels industry are strongly affected by the levels and volatility of global commodity prices, supply and demand, capital expenditures on exploration and production, energy conservation efforts, the prices of alternative fuels, exchange rates and technological advances. Companies in this industry are subject to substantial government regulation and contractual fixed pricing, which may increase the cost of business and limit these companies’ earnings. Actions taken by central governments may dramatically impact supply and demand forces that influence the prices of fuel, resulting in volatility for companies in the industry. A significant portion of revenues of companies in the industry may depend on a relatively small number of customers, including governmental entities and utilities. As a result, governmental budget restraints may adversely impact companies in the industry.
Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
Value Stock Risk. Value stocks are those stocks whose stock prices, whether based on earnings, book value, or other financial measures, do not reflect their full economic opportunities. Value stocks may remain undervalued for extended periods of time, may decrease in value during a given period, may not ever realize what the portfolio management team believes to be their full value, or the portfolio management team’s assumptions about intrinsic value or potential for appreciation may be incorrect. This may happen, among other reasons, because of a failure to anticipate which stocks or industries would benefit from changing market or economic conditions or investor preferences.
A summary of the Fund’s additional principal investment risks is as follows:
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers, and your ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, processing and communications errors, counterparty and third-party disruptions or errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality, including those related to critical functions. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. It is not possible for the Manager or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and
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controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Artificial Intelligence. The Fund and its service providers, including its adviser, may utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including machine learning models and generative AI, to improve operational efficiency and in connection with research. In addition, counterparties used by the Fund may utilize AI in their business activities. The Fund and its adviser are not in a position to control the use of AI in third-party products or services. The use of AI introduces numerous potential challenges and the use of AI can lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and competitive disadvantages, as well as negatively impact business operations, which may occur with or without mismanagement in the use of the AI. AI requires the collection and processing of substantial amounts of data, which poses risks of data inaccuracies, incompleteness, and inherent biases, and which can degrade the technology’s effectiveness and reliability. Such data can include proprietary information, the use of which by AI may be unauthorized and subject to potential liability. Rapid technological advancements further complicate risk predictions, and competitors who adopt AI more swiftly may gain a competitive edge. The complexity and opacity of AI systems raise significant accountability and ethical concerns. AI has enhanced the ability of threat actors to amplify the potency, scale, and speed of cybersecurity attacks. AI’s role in increasing automation raises concerns about job displacement and may lead to economic and social disruptions. The unpredictable nature of AI’s impact on market dynamics complicates traditional risk assessment models, making it challenging to identify risks and opportunities using historical data. Regulatory frameworks governing AI’s use, particularly concerning data privacy and protection, are evolving rapidly. These changes could materially alter how AI is used, which may negatively impact the Fund.
Risk Management. Risk is an essential part of investing. No risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to adverse events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by such events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program. The Fund could experience losses if judgments about risk prove to be incorrect.
Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value an investment, the Fund may be required to value such investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent price and from the prices used by other funds to calculate their NAVs. The Fund uses pricing services to provide values for certain securities and there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell an investment at the price established by such pricing services. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
The following
bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.
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| 1 Year | Since
Inception () | |||
| Return Before Taxes | ||||
| Return After Taxes on Distributions | ||||
| Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | ||||
| S&P 500® Index* | ||||
| Alerian MLP Index | ||||
| MSCI All Country World Index (Net) (reflects reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes, but reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
| * |
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“Manager”) is the Fund’s investment manager.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Fund is managed by Douglas Rachlin (Managing Director of the Manager), Paolo Frattaroli (Managing Director of the Manager), and Robert Russo (Managing Director of the Manager). They have managed the Fund since November 2024.
BUYING AND SELLING SHARES
The Fund issues and redeems Shares at its NAV only in a large specified number of Shares each called a “Creation Unit,” or multiples thereof, and only with authorized participants who have entered into contractual arrangements with the Fund’s distributor.
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Individual Shares (rather than Creation Units) of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker or dealer at market price and most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Fund on such an exchange. These transactions do not involve the Fund. The prices at which individual Shares may be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through brokers are based on market prices and, because Shares will trade at market prices rather than at NAV, individual Shares of the Fund may trade at a price greater than or less than NAV. Shares of the Fund are listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.
An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Most investors will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying and selling shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer.
Recent information, including information about the Fund’s NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is included on the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/ETF.
TAX INFORMATION
Unless you invest in the Fund through a tax-advantaged retirement plan or account or are a tax-exempt investor, you will be subject to tax on Fund distributions to you of ordinary income and/or net capital gains. Those distributions generally are not taxable to such a plan or account or a tax-exempt investor, although withdrawals from certain retirement plans and accounts generally are subject to federal income tax.
PAYMENTS TO INVESTMENT PROVIDERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker/dealer or other financial intermediary, such as a bank, brokerage firm, workplace retirement program, or financial adviser (who may be affiliated with the Manager), the Fund and/or Neuberger Berman BD LLC and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker/dealer or other financial intermediary and its employees to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial intermediary or visit its website for more information.
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Descriptions of Certain Practices and Security Types
Foreign Markets. There are many promising opportunities for investment outside the United States. Foreign markets can respond to different factors and therefore may follow cycles that are different from each other. For this reason, many investors put a portion of their portfolios in foreign investments as a way of gaining further diversification.
Additional Information about Principal Investment Risks
This section provides additional information about the Fund’s principal investment risks described in the Fund Summary section. The following risks are described in alphabetical order and not in order of any presumed importance or potential exposure.
Currency Risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. To the extent that the Fund invests in securities or other instruments denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Domestic issuers that hold substantial foreign assets may be similarly affected. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate in response to factors external to a country’s economy, which makes the forecasting of currency market movements extremely difficult. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by various factors, including investor perception of a country’s economy and changes in interest rates; intervention, or failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities, such as the International Monetary Fund; or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. To the extent the Fund invests or hedges based on the perceived relationship between two currencies, there is a risk that the correlation between those currencies may not behave as anticipated.
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts are certificates issued by a financial institution evidencing ownership of underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks of investing directly in the underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate if, as is often the case, the underlying foreign securities are denominated in foreign currency, and there may be an imperfect correlation between the market value of depositary receipts and the underlying foreign securities. In addition, holders of depositary receipts may have limited or no rights, including voting rights, to take action with respect to the underlying securities or to compel the issuer of the receipts to take action. There is no guarantee that a financial institution will continue to sponsor a depositary receipt, or that a depositary receipt will continue to trade on an exchange, either of which could adversely affect the liquidity, availability and pricing of the instrument.
Energy Transition Risk. Energy transition companies may be more volatile than more established companies. These companies may be dependent on government regulation and subsidies related to transitioning to the use of more renewable energy sources. If government subsidies and incentives for transitioning to using more renewable energy sources are reduced or eliminated, the demand for the services provided by energy transition companies may be negatively impacted. In addition, changes in U.S., European and other governments’ policies towards the use of renewable energy sources, such as electric vehicles, and power sources, such as solar, wind and hydrogen, may have an adverse impact on these companies. These investments may be negatively impacted by industrial accidents; natural phenomena such as weather conditions, floods, rockslides and earthquakes; changes in fuel and power costs and potential fuel and power shortages; shortages of and cost of supplies, labor costs, shortages or strikes, civil unrest; reduced availability of renewable energy sources; slowdowns in new construction; and threats of attack by terrorists on renewable energy assets. Energy transition companies may be small, have a limited operating history, limited resources and may never operate profitably without government or regulatory support. In addition, new and emerging technologies may have a significant impact on these companies, which may not be possible to predict.
ETF Risk. As an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), the Fund is subject to the following risks:
Authorized Participants Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as authorized participants. Only an authorized participant may transact in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and authorized participants are not obligated to engage in such transactions. To the extent they exit the business or are otherwise unable or unwilling to proceed in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund, such as in times of market stress, and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, trading in Fund shares may be significantly diminished, bid-ask spreads may widen and shares of the Fund may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face trading halts or delisting. To the extent the Fund invests in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes, this risk is heightened.
International Closed Market Trading Risk. To the extent the Fund’s investments trade in markets that are closed when the Fund and NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”) are open, there are likely to be deviations between current pricing of
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an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security (i.e., the Fund’s quote from the closed foreign market). As a result, premiums or discounts to NAV may develop in share prices, and bid-ask spreads may be greater than those experienced by other funds. In addition, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Premium/Discount Risk. The NAV of the Fund’s shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s securities holdings. The market prices of Fund shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund’s NAV and supply and demand of shares on the secondary market. It cannot be predicted whether Fund shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. Price differences may be due, in part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for shares may be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the Fund’s holdings. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop-loss orders to sell the ETF shares may be executed at market prices that are significantly below NAV. The market prices of Fund shares may deviate significantly from the NAV of the shares during periods of market volatility or if the Fund’s holdings are or become more illiquid. Disruptions to creations and redemptions may result in trading prices that differ significantly from the Fund’s NAV. In addition, market prices of Fund shares may deviate significantly from the NAV if the number of Fund shares outstanding is smaller or if there is less active trading in Fund shares. Investors purchasing and selling Fund shares in the secondary market may not experience investment results consistent with those experienced by those creating and redeeming directly with the Fund. Further, to the extent that exchange specialists, market makers and/or authorized participants are unavailable or unable to trade the Fund’s shares and/or engage in creation and redemption transactions, premiums or discounts may widen.
Secondary Market Trading Risk. Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of shares. In addition, secondary market investors will incur the cost of the difference between the price that an investor is willing to pay for shares (the bid price) and the price at which an investor is willing to sell shares (the ask price). This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “spread” or “bid/ask spread.” The bid/ask spread, which increases the cost of purchasing and selling Fund shares, varies over time for shares based on trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if the Fund’s shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if the Fund’s shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Increased market volatility may cause increased bid/ask spreads.
Although Fund shares are listed for trading on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained, that bid-ask spreads will be narrow, or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. If the Fund is delisted, it may result in the liquidation of the Fund, which would adversely impact shareholders. Trading in Fund shares may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in shares is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of the Fund’s shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying holdings, which can be less liquid than the Fund’s shares. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of any Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged or that the shares will trade with any volume, or at all.
Foreign Risk. Foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with comparable U.S. securities. Additional risks include exposure to less developed or less efficient trading markets; social, political, diplomatic, or economic instability; trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.); imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals; significant government involvement in an economy and/or market structure; fluctuations in foreign currencies or currency redenomination; potential for default on sovereign debt; nationalization or expropriation of assets; settlement, custodial or other operational risks; higher transaction costs; confiscatory withholding or other taxes; and less stringent auditing and accounting, corporate disclosure, governance, and legal standards. The Fund may have limited or no legal recourse in the event of default with respect to certain foreign securities. In addition, key information about the issuer, the markets or the local government or economy may be unavailable, incomplete or inaccurate. As a result, foreign securities may fluctuate more widely in price, and may also be less liquid, than comparable U.S. securities. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic or political developments. In addition, securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations may involve risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in foreign countries, as well as currency exchange rates. Regardless of where a company is organized or its
15
stock is traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and in instruments that reference the securities, such as derivative instruments, may be halted. In the event that the Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities or instruments, the Fund’s ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and the Fund could incur significant losses.
In addition, foreign markets may perform differently than the U.S. market. Over a given period of time, foreign securities may underperform U.S. securities — sometimes for years. The Fund could also underperform if it invests in countries or regions whose economic performance falls short. To the extent that the Fund invests a portion of its assets in one country, state, region or currency, an adverse economic, business or political development may affect the value of the Fund’s investments more than if its investments were not so invested.
The effect of economic instability on specific foreign markets or issuers may be difficult to predict or evaluate. Some national economies continue to show profound instability, which may in turn affect their international trading and financial partners or other members of their currency bloc.
Foreign Exposure Risk. Securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations or holdings, or issued by foreign entities listed on a U.S. exchange, may involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in those foreign countries. Additional risks may include exposure to less developed or less efficient commercial trading markets; social, political, diplomatic or economic instability; fluctuations in foreign currencies or currency redenomination; laws limiting or restricting the movement of assets out of the country; nationalization or expropriation of assets; less stringent legal standards; possible unfavorable treatment under U.S. tax laws; and discriminatory application of local regulatory or criminal laws.
Growth Stock Risk. Because the prices of most growth stocks are based on future expectations, these stocks tend to be more sensitive than value stocks to bad economic news and negative earnings surprises. When these expectations are not met or decrease, the prices of these stocks may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. The Fund attempts to lessen the risk of such losses by seeking growth stocks that sell at what the adviser believes are attractive prices. If the adviser is incorrect in its assessment of a stock’s value, this may negatively impact the Fund. Bad economic news or changing investor perceptions may adversely affect growth stocks across several sectors and industries simultaneously. Growth stocks tend to reinvest a high portion of earnings in their business, which can make them more volatile, and growth stocks also may lack the dividends often associated with value stocks that can cushion their decline in a falling market. While the price of any type of stock may rise and fall rapidly, growth stocks may underperform during periods when the market favors value stocks.
Industry Concentration Risk. The Fund concentrates its investments in a particular industry or group of industries and has greater exposure than other funds to market, economic and other factors affecting that industry or group of industries.
Infrastructure Risk. Infrastructure companies may be adversely affected by a variety of factors that impact their business or operations, including higher than expected costs in connection with projects, high leverage, costs associated with environmental and other regulations, the effects of economic slowdown and surplus capacity, general changes in market sentiment towards infrastructure companies, increased competition from other providers of services, and the effects of government regulation and other factors. Additionally, infrastructure companies may be adversely impacted by rising interest rates, governmental regulation of rates charged to customers, service interruptions due to environmental, operational or other mishaps, the imposition of special tariffs and changes in tax laws, regulatory policies and accounting standards.
Issuer-Specific Risk. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole. The value of an issuer’s securities may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including disappointing earnings reports by the issuer, unsuccessful products or services, loss of major customers, major litigation against the issuer, perceived poor management performance, changes in economic or political conditions or in government regulations affecting the issuer or the competitive environment. Certain unanticipated events, such as natural disasters, may have a significant adverse effect on the value of an issuer’s securities.
Large Shareholder Risk. Certain large shareholders, including Authorized Participants, may from time to time own a substantial amount of the Fund’s shares. There is no requirement that these shareholders maintain their investment in the Fund. There is a risk that such large shareholders or that the Fund’s shareholders generally may redeem all or a substantial portion of their investments in the Fund in a short period of time, which could have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s NAV, liquidity, brokerage costs, and expenses. Large redemptions could also result in tax consequences to shareholders and impact the Fund’s
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ability to implement its investment strategy. The Fund’s ability to pursue its investment objective after one or more large scale redemptions may be impaired and, as a result, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents.
Liquidity Risk. From time to time, the trading market for a particular investment or type of investment in which the Fund invests is or may become less liquid or even illiquid. Illiquid investments frequently can be more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous price or time. An illiquid investment means any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Judgment plays a greater role in pricing these investments than it does in pricing investments having more active markets, and there is a greater risk that the investments may not be sold for the price at which the Fund is carrying them. The Fund may receive illiquid securities as a result of its investment in securities involved in restructurings. Certain investments that were liquid when the Fund purchased them may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly during periods of increased market volatility, adverse investor perception, economic uncertainty or changes in interest rates. Additionally, market closures due to holidays or other factors may render a security or group of securities (e.g., securities tied to a particular country or geographic region) illiquid for a period of time, which can be extensive. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such securities or other investments may be volatile. Market participants attempting to sell the same or a similar investment at the same time as the Fund could decrease the liquidity of such investments, especially during times of market volatility. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to limit losses.
Unexpected episodes of illiquidity, including due to market or political factors, instrument or issuer-specific factors and/or unanticipated outflows or other factors, may limit the Fund’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions.
Market Capitalization Risk (Small-, Mid- and Large-Cap Companies Risk). To the extent the Fund invests in securities of small-, mid-, or large-cap companies, it takes on the associated risks. At times, any of these market capitalizations may be out of favor with investors. Compared to small- and mid-cap companies, large-cap companies may be unable to respond as quickly to changes and opportunities and may grow at a slower rate. As such, the return on investment in securities of large-cap companies may be less than the return on investment in securities of small- and/or mid-cap companies. Compared to large-cap companies, small- and mid-cap companies may depend on a more limited management group, may have a shorter history of operations, less publicly available information, less stable earnings and limited product lines, markets or financial resources. The securities of small- and mid-cap companies may fluctuate more widely in price than the market as a whole, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, may be difficult to sell when the economy is not robust or during market downturns, and may be more affected than other types of securities by the underperformance of a sector, during market downturns, by adverse publicity and investor perceptions, by interest rate changes and by government regulation. There may also be less trading in small- or mid-cap securities, which means that buy and sell transactions in those securities could have a larger impact on a security’s price than is the case with large-cap securities and the Fund may not be able to liquidate a position at a particular time.
Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer may impact a market as a whole. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods and may not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments. If the Fund sells a portfolio position before it reaches its market peak, it may miss out on opportunities for better performance. Geopolitical risks, including terrorism, tensions or open conflict between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major players on the world stage or major producers of oil, may lead to overall instability in world economies and markets generally and have led, and may in the future lead, to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects. Similarly, environmental and public health risks, such as natural disasters or epidemics, or widespread fear that such events may occur, may impact markets and economies adversely and cause market volatility in both the short- and long-term.
Master Limited Partnership Risk. Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. MLPs holding credit-related investments are subject to interest rate risk and the risk of default on payment obligations by debt issuers. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or a particular geographic region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs’ ability to vary their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies, and may be difficult to value. MLPs
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involve certain other risks, including risks related to limited control and voting rights on matters affecting MLPs, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between an MLP and the MLP’s general partner, cash flow risks, dilution risks, and risks related to the general partner’s right to require unit holders to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. Distributions from an MLP may consist in part of a return of the amount originally invested, which would not be taxable to the extent the distributions do not exceed the investor’s adjusted basis in its MLP interest. These reductions in the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the MLP securities will increase the amount of gain (or decrease the amount of loss) recognized by the Fund on a subsequent sale of the securities.
Much of the benefit the Fund derives from its investment in equity securities of MLPs is a result of MLPs generally being treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A change in current tax law, or a change in the business of a given MLP, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and subject to corporate level tax on its income, and could reduce the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP to its unit holders, such as the Fund. If an MLP were classified as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, the MLP may incur significant federal and state tax liability, likely causing a reduction in the value of the Fund’s shares.
The risks of investing in an MLP generally include those inherent in investing in a partnership as opposed to a corporation. For example, state law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded investors in an MLP than investors in a corporation. Although unit holders of an MLP are generally limited in their liability, similar to a corporation’s shareholders, creditors typically have the right to seek the return of distributions made to unit holders if the liability in question arose before the distributions were paid. This liability may stay attached to a unit holder even after it sells its units.
Master Limited Partnership Tax Risk. MLPs are generally treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Partnerships do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner is allocated a share of the partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses. A change in current tax law or a change in the underlying business mix of a given MLP could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in the MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax (as well as state and local income taxes) on its taxable income. This would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP and could result in a reduction in the value of the Fund’s investment in the MLP and lower income to the Fund. To the extent a distribution received by the Fund from an MLP is treated as a return of capital, the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the interests of the MLP may be reduced, which will result in an increase in an amount of income or gain (or decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized by the Fund for tax purposes upon the sale of any such interests or upon subsequent distributions in respect of such interests. Furthermore, any return of capital distribution received from the MLP may require the Fund to restate the character of its distributions and amend any shareholder tax reporting previously issued. Moreover, a change in current tax law, or a change in the underlying business mix of a given MLP, could result in an MLP investment being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which could result in a reduction of the value of the Fund’s investment in the MLP and lower income to the Fund.
The Fund must limit its investments in MLPs that are qualified publicly traded partnerships to no more than 25% of its total assets as of the end of each quarter of its taxable year in order to maintain its tax status as a regulated investment company (“RIC”).
Cash distributions received by the Fund from MLPs may not correspond to the amount of income allocated to it by the MLPs in any given taxable year. If the amount of income allocated to the Fund exceeds the amount of cash received by the Fund from such MLPs, the Fund may have difficulty making distributions in the amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements for maintaining RIC status and avoiding any income and excise taxes. Accordingly, the Fund may need to dispose of securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to generate sufficient cash to satisfy the distribution requirements. On the other hand, if the amount of cash received by the Fund from MLPs exceeds the income allocated to the Fund, the Fund’s distribution of such excess cash could be a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital is generally tax-free to the extent of a shareholder’s basis in the Fund’s shares and reduces the shareholder’s basis in their shares and results in a higher capital gain or lower capital loss when the shares on which the return of capital distribution was received are sold. The Fund’s return of capital distributions are not derived from the net income or earnings and profits of the Fund.
The Fund may invest in MLPs taxed as C corporations. Such MLPs are obligated to pay federal income tax on their taxable income at the corporate tax rate and the amount of cash available for distribution by such MLPs would generally be reduced by any such tax. Additionally, distributions received by the Fund would be taxed under federal income tax laws applicable to corporate dividends (as dividend income, potentially subject to the corporate dividends received deduction, return of capital, or capital gain). Thus, investment in MLPs taxed as C corporations could result in a reduction of the value of your investment in the Fund and lower income, as compared to investments in MLPs that are classified as partnerships for tax purposes.
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Natural Resources Risk. Investments related to natural resources (including MLPs) may be affected by numerous factors, including events occurring in nature, inflationary pressures and domestic and international politics. For example, events occurring in nature (such as earthquakes or fires in prime natural resource areas) and political events (such as coups or military confrontations) can affect the overall supply of a natural resource and the value of companies involved in such natural resource. In addition, interest rates, fluctuations in commodity prices; reduced consumer demand for commodities such as oil, natural gas or petroleum products; reduced availability of natural gas or other commodities for transporting, processing, storing or delivering; slowdowns in new construction; international economic developments, energy conservation, tax and other government regulations (both U.S. and foreign) can affect the profitability and value of securities issued by these companies. Additionally, natural resource investments are subject to substantial government regulation, including environmental regulation and liability for environmental damage, and changes in the regulatory environment for these companies may adversely impact their profitability. These types of companies have historically experienced substantial price volatility. At times, the performance of these investments may lag the performance of other sectors or the market as a whole.
Non-Diversified Fund Risk. The Fund is classified as non-diversified. As such, the percentage of the Fund’s assets invested in any single issuer or a few issuers is not limited as much as it is for a fund classified as diversified. Investing a higher percentage of its assets in any one or a few issuers could increase the Fund’s risk of loss and its share price volatility, because the value of its shares would be more susceptible to adverse events affecting those issuers.
Other Investment Company Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, including money market funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), its performance will be affected by the performance of those other investment companies and to the allocation of its assets among those other investment companies. Investments in other investment companies are subject to the risks of the other investment companies’ investments, as well as to the other investment companies’ expenses. If the Fund invests in other investment companies, the Fund may receive distributions of taxable gains from portfolio transactions by that investment company and may recognize taxable gains from transactions in shares of that investment company, which could be taxable to the Fund’s shareholders when distributed to them.
An ETF may trade in the secondary market at a price below the value of its underlying portfolio, may not be liquid and may be halted by the listing exchange. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objectives. A passively managed ETF may not replicate the performance of the index it intends to track because of, for example, the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of stocks held. A passively managed ETF may not be permitted to sell poorly performing stocks that are included in its index. Investing in ETFs could incur brokerage and other trading costs for the Fund.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers, and your ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, processing and communications errors, counterparty and third-party disruptions or errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality, including those related to critical functions. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks (e.g., malicious software coding, ransomware, or “hacking”) or unintentional events (e.g., inadvertent release of confidential information). A cybersecurity incident could, among other things, result in the loss or theft of customer data or funds, customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems (“denial of services”), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical damage to a computer or network system, or remediation costs associated with system repairs. A cybersecurity incident may not permit the Fund and its service providers to access electronic systems to perform critical duties for the Fund, such as trading and calculating net asset value. Any cybersecurity incident could have a substantial adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders.
The occurrence of any of these problems could result in a loss of information, regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage and other consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or its shareholders. The Manager, through its monitoring and oversight of Fund service providers, endeavors to determine that service providers take appropriate precautions to avoid and mitigate risks that could lead to such problems. While the Manager has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address these problems, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, and it is not possible for the Manager or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
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Artificial Intelligence. The Fund and its service providers, including its adviser, may utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, including machine learning models and generative AI, to improve operational efficiency and in connection with research. In addition, counterparties used by the Fund may utilize AI in their business activities. The Fund and its adviser are not in a position to control the use of AI in third-party products or services. The use of AI introduces numerous potential challenges and the use of AI can lead to reputational damage, legal liabilities, and competitive disadvantages, as well as negatively impact business operations, which may occur with or without mismanagement in the use of the AI. AI requires the collection and processing of substantial amounts of data, which poses risks of data inaccuracies, incompleteness, and inherent biases, and which can degrade the technology’s effectiveness and reliability. Such data can include proprietary information, the use of which by AI may be unauthorized and subject to potential liability. Rapid technological advancements further complicate risk predictions, and competitors who adopt AI more swiftly may gain a competitive edge. The complexity and opacity of AI systems raise significant accountability and ethical concerns. AI has enhanced the ability of threat actors to amplify the potency, scale, and speed of cybersecurity attacks. AI’s role in increasing automation raises concerns about job displacement and may lead to economic and social disruptions. The unpredictable nature of AI’s impact on market dynamics complicates traditional risk assessment models, making it challenging to identify risks and opportunities using historical data. Regulatory frameworks governing AI’s use, particularly concerning data privacy and protection, are evolving rapidly. These changes could materially alter how AI is used, which may negatively impact the Fund.
Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities, which are a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities, however, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Preferred securities generally are subordinated to debt securities in an issuer’s capital structure, subjecting them to a greater risk of non-payment than those more senior securities. Distributions on preferred securities are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors and after the company makes required payments to holders of its debt securities. For these reasons, preferred securities are subject to greater credit, interest, and liquidation risk than debt securities, and the value of preferred securities will usually react more strongly than debt securities to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies. Preferred securities may be less liquid than common stocks, and there is a risk an issuer of preferred securities may call or redeem prior to any stated maturity. Preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer or omit distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. Preferred shareholders may have certain rights if distributions are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer, may suffer a loss of value if distributions are not paid, and may be required to report the deferred distribution on its tax returns, even though it may not have received any cash. Generally, preferred shareholders have no voting rights with respect to the issuer unless distributions to preferred shareholders have not been paid for a stated period, at which time the preferred shareholders may elect a number of directors to the issuer’s board. Generally, once all the distributions have been paid to preferred shareholders, the preferred shareholders no longer have voting rights.
Real Estate Companies Risk. Real estate company securities are subject to risks similar to those of direct investments in real estate and the real estate industry in general, including, among other risks: general and local economic conditions; changes in interest rates; declines in property values; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; increases in property taxes and other operating expenses; overbuilding in their sector of the real estate market; fluctuations in rental income; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; changes in tax and regulatory requirements; losses due to environmental liabilities; casualty or condemnation losses; changing social trends regarding working arrangements; or other economic, social, political, or regulatory matters affecting the real estate industry.
Recent Market Conditions. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing or changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time.
Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, in 2022, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks raised interest rates as part of their efforts to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks recently began to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors, such as inflation, could stop such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant
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market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce bank balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various markets or decrease confidence in the markets. Also, regulators have expressed concern that changes in interest rates may cause investors to sell fixed income securities faster than the market can absorb them, contributing to price volatility. Historical patterns of correlation among asset classes may break down in unanticipated ways during times of high volatility, disrupting investment programs and potentially causing losses.
Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between countries and regions, including the U.S. and China, political or economic dysfunction within some countries or regions, including major producers of commodities, and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, if the U.S. dollar continues to be strong, it may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Regulators in the U.S. have proposed and adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which implicate the Fund. The full effect of various newly adopted regulations is not currently known. Additionally, it is not currently known whether any of the proposed regulations will be adopted. However, due to the scope of regulations being proposed and adopted, certain of these changes to regulation could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for it to operate, or adversely impact its performance.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact performance.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and any sanctions and related events cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted.
Certain illnesses spread rapidly and have the potential to significantly and adversely affect the global economy. The impact of epidemics and/or pandemics that may arise in the future could negatively affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including their liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time and could last for an extended period of time.
High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation’s debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and substantial investment risks that cannot now be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy.
China’s economy, which had been sustained through debt-financed spending on housing and infrastructure, appears to be experiencing a significant slowdown and growing at a lower rate than prior years. While the Chinese government appears to be taking measures to address these issues, due to the size of China’s economy, the resolution of these issues could impact a number of other countries.
Global climate change can have potential effects on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impact of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impact of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, including any direct or indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.
A rise in sea levels, a change in weather patterns, including an increase in powerful storms and large wildfires, and/or a climate-driven increase in flooding could cause properties to lose value or become unmarketable altogether. Unlike previous declines in the real estate market, properties in affected zones may not ever recover their value. Regulatory changes and divestment movements tied to concerns about climate change could adversely affect the value of certain land and the viability of industries whose activities or products are seen as accelerating climate change.
Losses related to climate change could adversely affect corporate issuers and mortgage lenders, the value of mortgage-backed securities, the bonds of municipalities that depend on tax or other revenues and tourist dollars generated by affected properties, and insurers of the property and/or of corporate, municipal or mortgage-backed securities. Since property and security values are driven largely by buyers’ perceptions, it is difficult to know the time period over which these market effects might unfold.
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Sector Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in one sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors, industries, or sub-sectors. An individual sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. The Fund’s performance could also be affected if the sectors, industries, or sub-sectors do not perform as expected. Alternatively, the lack of exposure to one or more sectors or industries may adversely affect performance. For a summary of the Fund’s recent sector allocations, see its most recent shareholder report. (The information in the report is as of the date of the report and may have changed.) For information about the risks of investing in particular sectors, see the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.
Additional risks associated with certain types of sectors are discussed below:
Energy Sector Risk. Companies operating in the energy sector may be cyclical and highly dependent on energy prices and volumes. They may be adversely impacted by general economic conditions, worldwide supply and demand, political instability in the regions that the companies operate, government regulation stipulating rates charged by utilities, interest rate sensitivity, oil and other energy price volatility, energy conservation efforts, environmental policies, depletion of resources, the cost of providing the specific utility services and other factors that they cannot control. These companies may also be significantly impacted by the supply of, and demand for, specific products or commodities, such as oil and natural gas, the prices of which can have significant volatility. Companies in this sector may be subject to substantial government regulation and contractual fixed pricing. Because a significant portion of revenues of companies in this sector is derived from a relatively small number of customers that are largely comprised of governmental entities and utilities, governmental budget constraints may have a significant impact on the stock prices of companies in this sector. In addition, these companies are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in injury, loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters.
Industrial Sector Risk. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by general economic trends, including employment, economic growth, and interest rates, changes in consumer sentiment and spending, commodity prices, which may be influenced or characterized by unpredictable factors, legislation, government regulation and spending, import controls, and worldwide competition. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by liability for environmental damages, product liability claims, mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control, and exchange rates. These companies are affected by supply and demand for industrial sector products in general. The products of manufacturing companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction.
Materials Sector Risk. Companies in the materials sector may be adversely affected by the level and volatility of commodity prices, exchange rates, import controls, increased competition, environmental policies, consumer demand, and events occurring in nature. For instance, natural events (such as earthquakes, hurricanes or fires in prime natural resource areas) and political events (such as government instability or military confrontations) can affect the value of companies involved in business activities in the materials sector. Performance of such companies may be affected by factors including, among others, that at times worldwide production of industrial materials has exceeded demand as a result of over-building or economic downturns, leading to poor investment returns or losses. Other risks may include liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control. The materials sector may also be affected by economic cycles, rising interest rates, high inflation, technical progress, labor relations, legislative or regulatory changes, local and international politics, and adverse market conditions.
Utilities Sector Risk. Companies in the utilities sector may be adversely affected by supply and demand, operating costs, federal and state regulations, environmental factors, liabilities for environmental damage including wildfires and general civil liabilities, and rate caps or rate changes. The value of regulated utility equity securities may tend to have an inverse relationship to the movement of interest rates. In addition, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, government intervention or other factors may render a utility company’s equipment unusable or obsolete and negatively impact these companies. Certain utility companies have experienced full or partial deregulation in recent years. Unregulated power companies can be affected by commodity price volatility and competition. The utilities sector also can be significantly affected by increased financing costs, changes in taxation, lower demand, natural resource conservation, restrictions on operations and increased costs and delays associated with compliance with environmental regulations, rising energy costs and commodity price fluctuations.
Renewable and alternative energy companies in the utilities sector can be significantly affected by obsolescence of existing technology, short product cycles, legislation resulting in more strict government regulations and enforcement policies,
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fluctuations in energy prices, including the supply of and demand for oil and gas, and supply and demand of alternative energy fuels and energy conservation.
Risk Management. Management undertakes certain analyses with the intention of identifying particular types of risks and reducing the Fund’s exposure to them. However, risk is an essential part of investing, and the degree of return an investor might expect is often tied to the degree of risk the investor is willing to accept. By its very nature, risk involves exposure to the possibility of adverse events. Accordingly, no risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to such events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by adverse events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program. While the prospectus describes material risk factors associated with the Fund’s investment program, there is no assurance that as a particular situation unfolds in the markets, management will identify all of the risks that might affect the Fund, rate their probability or potential magnitude correctly, or be able to take appropriate measures to reduce the Fund’s exposure to them. The Fund could experience losses if judgments about risk prove to be incorrect. Measures taken with the intention of decreasing exposure to identified risks might have the unintended effect of increasing exposure to other risks.
Risks Related to Investing in the Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels Industry. The oil, gas and consumable fuels industry is cyclical and highly dependent on the market price of commodities and, in particular, fuel, and can be highly volatile. The market value of companies in the oil, gas and consumable fuels industry are strongly affected by the levels and volatility of global commodity prices, supply and demand, capital expenditures on exploration and production, energy conservation efforts, the prices of alternative fuels, exchange rates and technological advances. Companies in this industry are subject to substantial government regulation and contractual fixed pricing, which may increase the cost of business and limit these companies’ earnings. Actions taken by central governments may dramatically impact supply and demand forces that influence the prices of fuel, resulting in volatility for companies in the industry. A significant portion of revenues of companies in the industry may depend on a relatively small number of customers, including governmental entities and utilities. As a result, governmental budget restraints may adversely impact companies in the industry.
Small Fund Risk. The Fund is small and does not yet have a significant number of shares outstanding. Small funds are at greater risk than larger funds of wider bid-ask spreads for its shares, trading at a greater premium or discount to NAV, liquidation and/or a stop to trading.
Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value an investment, the Fund may be required to value such investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent closing price and from the prices used by other funds to calculate their NAVs. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when the Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the Fund had not held fair-valued securities or had used a different methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain futures, fixed income securities, and currencies may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded but before the Fund determines its net asset value. The Fund uses pricing services to provide values for certain securities and there is no assurance that the Fund will be able to sell an investment at the price established by such pricing services. Different pricing services use different valuation methodologies, potentially resulting in different values for the same investments. As a result, if the Fund were to change pricing services, or if a pricing service were to change its valuation methodology, the value of the Fund’s investments could be impacted. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
Value Stock Risk. Value stocks are those stocks whose stock prices, whether based on earnings, book value, or other financial measures, do not reflect their full economic opportunities. Value stocks may remain undervalued for extended periods of time, may decrease in value during a given period, may not ever realize what the portfolio management team believes to be their full value, or the portfolio management team’s assumptions about intrinsic value or potential for appreciation may be incorrect. This may happen because value stocks, as a category, lose favor with investors compared to growth stocks, because of a failure to anticipate which stocks or industries would benefit from changing market or economic conditions, a misappraisal of a stock’s growth potential, or because the stocks’ worth was misgauged. Entire industries or sectors may lose favor with investors, and the Fund, in seeking value stocks, may focus its investments more heavily in those industries or sectors. Value investing historically has gone in and out of favor during past market cycles. At times when value investing is out of favor, the securities of value companies may underperform the securities of other companies.
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Information about Additional Risks and Other Practices
As discussed in the Statement of Additional Information, the Fund may engage in certain practices and invest in certain securities in addition to those described as its “principal investment strategies” in the Fund Summary section. For example, should the Fund engage in borrowing or securities lending, or should the Fund use derivatives, it will be subject to the additional risks associated with these practices and securities; some or all of which may already be included in its “principal investment strategies.”
Borrowing money, securities lending, or using derivatives would create investment leverage, meaning that certain gains or losses would be amplified, increasing share price movements. The Fund may, to a limited extent, use certain derivatives for hedging or investment purposes. A derivative instrument, whether used for hedging or for speculation, could fail to perform as expected, causing a loss for the Fund.
In addition, the Fund may be an investment option for a Neuberger Berman fund that is managed as a “fund of funds.” As a result, from time to time, the Fund may experience relatively large redemptions or investments and could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it is not advantageous to do so.
In anticipation of adverse or uncertain market, economic, political, or other temporary conditions, including during periods of high cash inflows or outflows, the Fund may temporarily depart from its goal and use a different investment strategy (including leaving a significant portion of its assets uninvested) for defensive purposes. Doing so could help the Fund avoid losses, but may mean lost opportunities. In addition, in doing so, different factors could affect the Fund’s performance and the Fund may not achieve its goal.
In addition, to the extent the Fund is new or is undergoing a transition (such as a change in strategy, rebalancing, reorganization, liquidation or experiencing large inflows or outflows) or takes a temporary defensive position, it may deviate from its principal investment strategies during such period.
The Fund may change its goal without shareholder approval.
Please see the Statement of Additional Information for more information.
Descriptions of Indices
The Alerian MLP Index is a capped, float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of energy infrastructure Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs). The index’s constituents are publicly traded partnerships or LLCs who earn the majority of their cash flows from qualified activities involving energy commodities. The maximum constituent weight is capped at 10% at each quarterly rebalancing. Effective after market close on December 21, 2018, index constituents were required to have a minimum market cap of $75 million. Prior to this date, the index also included other non-infrastructure energy MLPs.
The MSCI All Country World Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The index consists of 47 country indexes comprising 23 developed and 24 emerging market country indexes. The developed market country indexes included are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The emerging market country indexes included are: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the UAE. China A shares are included starting from June 1, 2018 and are partially represented at 20% of their free float-adjusted market capitalization as of November 2019. Effective after the close on March 9, 2022, MSCI reclassified MSCI Russia Indexes from Emerging Markets to Standalone Markets status. At that time, all Russian securities were removed from this index at a final price of 0.00001, including both locally traded Russian equity constituents and Russian ADRs/GDRs constituents. Net total return indexes reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indexes) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties.
The S&P 500® Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that focuses on the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity market, and includes a significant portion of the total value of the market.
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Management of the Fund
Investment Manager
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“Manager” or “NBIA”), located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104, is the Fund’s investment manager and administrator. Neuberger Berman BD LLC (“Distributor”), located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104, is the Fund’s distributor. Pursuant to a management agreement, the Manager is responsible for choosing the Fund’s investments and handling its day-to-day business. The services provided by the Manager as the investment manager and administrator include, among others, overall responsibility for providing all supervisory, management, and administrative services reasonably necessary for the operation of the Fund, which may include, among others, compliance monitoring, operational and investment risk management, legal and administrative services and portfolio accounting services. The Manager carries out its duties subject to the policies established by the Board of Trustees. The management agreement establishes the fees the Fund pays to the Manager for its services as the Fund’s investment manager and the expenses paid directly by the Fund. Together, the Neuberger Berman affiliates manage approximately $507 billion in total assets (as of 9/30/2024) and continue an asset management history that began in 1939.
NBIA may engage one or more of foreign affiliates that are not registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“participating affiliates”) in accordance with applicable SEC no-action letters. As participating affiliates, whether or not registered with the SEC, the affiliates may provide designated investment personnel to associate with NBIA as “associated persons” of NBIA and perform specific advisory services for NBIA, including services for the Fund, which may involve, among other services, portfolio management and/or placing orders for securities and other instruments. The designated employees of a participating affiliate act for NBIA and are subject to certain NBIA policies and procedures as well as supervision and periodic monitoring by NBIA. The Fund will pay no additional fees and expenses as a result of any such arrangements.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement will be available in the Fund’s Form N-CSR for the period ended October 31, 2024.
Neither this Prospectus nor the Statement of Additional Information is intended to give rise to any contract rights or other rights in any shareholder, other than any rights conferred explicitly by federal or state securities laws that have not been waived. The Fund enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including, among others, the Manager, who provide services to the Fund. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended to be third party beneficiaries of, those contractual arrangements. Where shareholders are not third party beneficiaries of contractual arrangements, those contractual arrangements cannot be enforced by shareholders acting on their own behalf.
The Manager has obtained “manager of managers” exemptive relief from the SEC that permits the Manager, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, to appoint an unaffiliated subadviser or to change the terms of a subadvisory agreement with an unaffiliated subadviser for the Fund without first obtaining shareholder approval. The exemptive order permits the Fund to add or to change unaffiliated subadvisers or to change the fees paid to such subadvisers from time to time without the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of the change. Under this order, the Manager has ultimate responsibility (subject to oversight by the Board) to oversee the subadvisers and recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement. The Fund will notify shareholders of any change in the identity of a subadviser or the addition of a subadviser to the Fund.Effective November 1, 2024, the Fund will pay NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.55% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for investment advisory services and the Fund will pay NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.09% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for administrative services provided to the Fund. Prior to November 1, 2024, the Fund paid NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for investment advisory and administrative services under a management agreement structured as a unitary fee arrangement.
Portfolio Managers
Please see the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about each Portfolio Manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by each Portfolio Manager, and each Portfolio Manager’s ownership of shares in the Fund(s) that he manages.
Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF
Douglas Rachlin, is a Managing Director of the Manager. Mr. Rachlin joined the firm in 2005 and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since November 2024.
Paolo Frattaroli, is a Managing Director of the Manager. Mr. Frattaroli joined the firm in 2006 and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since November 2024.
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Robert Russo, is a Senior Vice President of the Manager Mr. Russo joined the firm in 2005 and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since November 2024.
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Other Service Providers
Neuberger Berman BD LLC (“Distributor”), an affiliate of the Manager, serves as the Fund’s distributor. Shares in less than Creation Units are not distributed by the Distributor, and the Distributor does not maintain a secondary market in the shares of the Fund.
State Street Bank (“State Street”) serves as custodian and transfer agent for the Fund. State Street maintains in separate accounts cash, securities and other assets of the Fund, keeps all necessary accounts and records, and provides other services.
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Financial Highlights
These financial highlights describe the performance of the Fund for the fiscal periods indicated. All figures have been derived from the financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, along with full financial statements, appears in the Fund’s most recent annual shareholder report (see back cover).
Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF
| PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, | 2022(1) | 2023 | 2024 | |||||||||
| PER-SHARE DATA ($) | ||||||||||||
| Data apply to a single share throughout each year indicated. You can see what the Fund earned (or lost), what it distributed to investors, and how its share price changed. | ||||||||||||
| Share price (NAV) at beginning of year | 25.15 | 24.20 | 24.16 | |||||||||
| Plus: | ||||||||||||
| Income from investment operations | ||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss)(6) | 0.14 | 0.41 | 0.39 | |||||||||
| Net gains (losses) — realized and unrealized | (1.09 | ) | (0.25 | ) | 5.19 | |||||||
| Subtotal: income (loss) from investment operations | (0.95 | ) | 0.16 | 5.58 | ||||||||
| Minus: | ||||||||||||
| Distributions to shareholders | ||||||||||||
| Income dividends | – | 0.20 | 0.31 | |||||||||
| Capital gain distributions | – | – | – | |||||||||
| Subtotal: distributions to shareholders | – | 0.20 | 0.31 | |||||||||
| Equals: | ||||||||||||
| Share price (NAV) at end of year | 24.20 | 24.16 | 29.43 | |||||||||
| RATIOS (% OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) | ||||||||||||
| The ratios show the Fund’s expenses and net investment income (loss) — as they actually are as well as how they would have been if certain expense reimbursement arrangements had not been in effect. | ||||||||||||
| Net expenses — actual | 0.55 | (4) | 0.55 | 0.55 | ||||||||
| Gross expenses(2) | 0.65 | (4) | 0.65 | 0.65 | ||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) — actual | 1.54 | (4) | 1.68 | 1.53 | ||||||||
| OTHER DATA | ||||||||||||
| Total return shows how an investment in the Fund would have performed over each year, assuming all distributions were reinvested. The turnover rate reflects how actively the Fund bought and sold securities. | ||||||||||||
| Total return (%)(3) | (3.79 | )(5) | 0.70 | 23.31 | ||||||||
| Net assets at end of year (in millions of dollars) | 5.4 | 25.4 | 32.4 | |||||||||
| Portfolio turnover rate (%)(7) | 5 | (5) | 10 | 12 | ||||||||
| (1) | Period from 4/6/2022 (beginning of operations) to 8/31/2022. | |
| (2) | Shows what this ratio would have been if there had been no expense waiver of a portion of the investment management fees. | |
| (3) | Total return based on per share NAV reflects the effects of changes in NAV on the performance of the Fund during the fiscal period. Returns assume income dividends and other distributions, if any, were reinvested. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current returns may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Investment returns and principal will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than original cost. The Fund is new and has limited performance history that should not be relied on. Past performance, particularly for brief periods of time, are not indicative of future returns. Total return would have been lower if Management had not waived a portion of the investment management fee. | |
| (4) | Annualized. | |
| (5) | Not annualized. | |
| (6) | Calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during the fiscal period. | |
| (7) | The portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered in-kind. The portfolio turnover rate including securities received or delivered in-kind for fiscal periods ending 2024, 2023 and 2022 was 12%, 12% and 8%, respectively. |
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YOUR INVESTMENT
Share Price Calculations
The net asset value per share of the Fund is the total value of Fund assets attributable to shares of the Fund minus the liabilities attributable to the Fund, divided by the total number of shares outstanding for the Fund. Because the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities changes every business day, its share price usually changes as well.
The Fund normally calculates its share price on each day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE Exchange”) is open once daily as of 4:00 P.M., Eastern time. In the event of an emergency or other disruption in trading on the NYSE Exchange, the Fund’s share price would still normally be determined as of 4:00 P.M., Eastern time. The NYSE Exchange is generally closed on all national holidays and Good Friday; Fund shares will not be priced on those days or other days on which the NYSE Exchange is scheduled to be closed. When the NYSE Exchange is closed for unusual reasons, Fund shares will generally not be priced although the Fund may decide to remain open and price Fund shares and in such a case, the Fund would post a notice on www.nb.com/ETF.
The Fund generally values its investments based upon their last reported sale prices, market quotations, or estimates of value provided by an independent pricing service as of the time as of which the Fund’s share price is calculated. Equity securities (including securities issued by ETFs) and exchange-traded derivative instruments held by the Fund generally are valued by one or more independent pricing services approved by the Manager at the last reported sale price or official closing price or, if there is no reported sale quoted on a principal exchange or market for that security or official closing price, on the basis of market quotations. Debt securities and certain derivative instruments that do not trade on an exchange generally are valued by one or more independent pricing services approved by the Manager on the basis of market quotations and in the case of derivatives, market data about the underlying investments. Short-term securities held by the Fund may be valued on the basis of amortized cost, unless other factors indicate that amortized cost is not an accurate estimate of the security’s value.
Investments in non-exchange traded investment companies are valued using the respective fund’s daily calculated net asset value per share. The prospectuses for these funds explain the circumstances under which the funds will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
If a valuation for a security is not available from an independent pricing service or if the Manager believes in good faith that the valuation does not reflect the amount the Fund would receive on a current sale of that security, the Fund seeks to obtain quotations from brokers or dealers. If such quotations are not readily available, the Fund may use a fair value estimate made according to methods approved by the Manager. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Board of Trustees designated the Manager as the Fund’s valuation designee. As the Fund’s valuation designee, the Manager is responsible for determining fair value in good faith for any and all Fund investments. The Fund may also use these methods to value certain types of illiquid securities. Fair value pricing generally will be used if the market in which a portfolio security trades closes early or if trading in a particular security was halted during the day and did not resume prior to the time as of which the Fund’s share price is calculated.
The Fund may also fair value securities that trade in a foreign market if significant events that appear likely to affect the value of those securities occur between the time the foreign market closes and the time as of which the Fund’s share price is calculated. Significant events may include (1) corporate actions or announcements that affect a single issuer, (2) governmental actions that affect securities in one sector, country or region, (3) natural disasters or armed conflicts that affect a country or region, or (4) significant domestic or foreign market fluctuations.
For certain foreign assets, after the relevant foreign markets have closed, a third-party vendor supplies evaluated, systematic fair value pricing based upon analysis of historical correlation of multiple factors. In the case of both foreign equity and foreign income securities, in the absence of precise information about the market values of these foreign securities as of the time as of which the Fund’s share price is calculated, the Manager has determined on the basis of available data that prices adjusted or evaluated in this way are likely to be closer to the prices the Fund could realize on a current sale than are the prices of those securities established at the close of the foreign markets in which the securities primarily trade. Please see the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information for additional detail about the Fund’s fair valuation practices.
The effect of using fair value pricing is that a portfolio security will be priced based on the subjective judgment of the Manager, instead of being priced using valuations from an independent pricing service. Fair value pricing can help to protect the Fund by reducing arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing will completely prevent dilution of the Fund’s net asset value by such traders.
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Trading in securities on many foreign exchanges is normally completed before the Fund calculates its net asset value. In addition, foreign markets may be open on days when U.S. markets are closed. As a result, the value of foreign securities owned by the Fund could change at times or on days when the Fund’s net asset value is not calculated, when Fund shares do not trade, and when sales and redemptions of Fund shares do not occur.
Buying and Selling Fund Shares
Shares of the Fund may be purchased or redeemed directly from the Fund only in Creation Units or multiples thereof. Only a broker-dealer (“Authorized Participant”) that enters into an Authorized Participant Agreement with the Fund’s Distributor may engage in creation and redemption transactions directly with the Fund. Purchases and redemptions directly with the Fund must follow the Fund’s procedures, and are subject to transaction fees, which are described in the SAI. Orders for such transactions may be rejected or delayed if they are not submitted in good order and subject to the other conditions set forth in this prospectus and the SAI. Please see the SAI for more information about purchases and redemptions of Creation Units.
Once purchased (i.e., created) by an Authorized Participant, shares are listed on the Exchange and trade in the secondary market. When you buy or sell the Fund’s shares in the secondary market, you will pay or receive the market price. The price at which you buy or sell Shares (i.e., the market price) may be more or less than the NAV of the Shares. Unless imposed by your broker, there is no minimum dollar amount you must invest in the Fund and no minimum number of Shares you must buy. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities. Most investors will buy and sell shares through a broker and, thus, will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges when buying or selling shares. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable by the Fund.
The secondary markets are closed on weekends and also are generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
For more information on how to buy and sell shares of the Fund, call 877-628-2583 or visit www.nb.com/ETF.
Premium/Discount Information
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater than the Fund’s NAV per share (i.e., at a premium) and the number of days it was less than the Fund’s NAV per share (i.e., at a discount) for various time periods will be available by visiting the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/ETF. The premium and discount information contained on the website will represent past performance and cannot be used to predict future results.
Portfolio Holdings Information
Each day the Fund is open for business, the Trust publicly disseminates the Fund’s full portfolio holdings as of the close of the previous day through the Fund’s website. A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The holdings of the Fund can be found on the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/ETF.
Active Investors and Market Timing
The Trust’s Board of Trustees has determined not to adopt policies and procedures designed to prevent or monitor for frequent purchases and redemptions of the Fund’s shares because the Fund sells and redeems its shares at NAV only in Creation Units pursuant to the terms of an Authorized Participant Agreement between the Authorized Participant and the Distributor, and such direct trading between the Fund and Authorized Participants is critical to ensuring that the Fund’s shares trade at or close to NAV. Further, the vast majority of trading in Fund shares occurs on the secondary market, which does not involve the Fund directly and therefore does not cause the Fund to experience many of the harmful effects of market timing, such as dilution and disruption of portfolio management. In addition, the Fund imposes a transaction fee on Creation Unit transactions, which is designed to offset transfer and other transaction costs incurred by the Fund in connection with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units and may employ fair valuation pricing to minimize potential dilution from market timing. The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order at any time and reserves the right to impose restrictions on disruptive, excessive, or short-term trading.
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Investments by Registered Investment Companies
Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of the Fund. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in the Fund beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) in reliance on rules adopted by the SEC, particularly Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, or any other applicable exemptive relief.
Continuous Offering
The method by which Creation Units of Fund shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by the Fund on an ongoing basis, a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act, may occur at any point. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the Securities Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares and sells the shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a characterization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.
Dealers effecting transactions in the Fund’s shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Manager or an affiliate may pay the intermediary for marketing activities or other services related to the sale or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
Distribution Plan
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) that allows the Fund to pay distribution fees to the Distributor and other firms that provide distribution services (“Distribution Service Providers”). Under the Plan, if a Distribution Service Provider provides distribution services, the Fund would pay distribution fees to the Distributor at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Distributor would, in turn, pay the Distribution Service Provider out of its fees. The Board of Trustees currently has determined not to implement any 12b-1 fees pursuant to the Plan. 12b-1 fees may only be imposed after approval by the Board of Trustees. Because any distribution fees would be paid out of the Fund’s assets on an on-going basis, if payments are made in the future, the distribution fees would increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
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Distributions and Taxes
Distributions — The Fund generally distributes net investment income, including short-term capital gains, if any, quarterly and net realized capital gains, if any, annually. Gains from foreign currency transactions, if any, are normally distributed in December. The Fund may make additional distributions, if necessary, to avoid federal income or excise taxes.
Dividend Reinvestment Service — The Trust does not provide dividend reinvestment services. Broker-dealers may make available the Depository Trust Company book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by beneficial owners of the Fund for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Beneficial owners should contact their broker to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of participation therein. Brokers may require beneficial owners to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the Fund purchased in the secondary market.
How distributions are taxed — Except for tax-advantaged retirement plans and other tax-exempt investors (collectively, “exempt investors”) and except as noted below, all Fund distributions you receive are generally taxable to you, regardless of whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in additional Fund shares.
Fund distributions to IRAs, Roth IRAs, and qualified retirement plans generally are tax-free. Eventual withdrawals from a Roth IRA also may be tax-free, while withdrawals from other retirement plans and accounts generally are subject to federal income tax.
Distributions generally are taxable to shareholders other than exempt investors in the year they are received. In some cases, however, distributions received in January are treated for federal income tax purposes as if they had been paid the previous December 31. Your tax statement (see “Taxes and You”) will help clarify this for you.
Distributions of net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss (“dividends”) are taxed as ordinary income. However, for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each, an “individual shareholder”) who satisfy certain holding period and other restrictions with respect to their Fund shares on which the dividends are paid, the Fund’s dividends attributable to “qualified dividend income” (generally, dividends the Fund receives on stock of most U.S. and certain foreign corporations with respect to which it satisfies those restrictions) are subject to maximum federal income tax rates that are lower than the maximum rates for ordinary income (“lower maximum rates”).
Distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) are taxed as long-term capital gain and for individual shareholders are subject to the lower maximum rates. The tax treatment of capital gain distributions from the Fund depends on how long the Fund held the securities it sold that generated the gain, not on when you bought your shares of the Fund or whether you reinvested your distributions.
If, for any taxable year, the Fund distributes an amount that exceeds the sum of its investment company taxable income plus net capital gain for that year — which might result from, among other things, the difference between book and tax accounting treatment of certain derivatives and foreign currency transactions — that excess generally will not be taxable (a so-called “return of capital”), which will reduce your tax basis in your Fund shares. To the extent that excess is greater than your tax basis, it will be treated as gain from a redemption of your shares (taxed as described below).
Shareholders should review any notice that accompanies a payment of dividends or other distributions to determine whether any portion of the payment represents a return of capital rather than a distribution of the Fund’s net income and/or realized gains.
Additional tax — An individual shareholder’s distributions from the Fund and net gains recognized on redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares are subject to a 3.8% federal tax on the lesser of (1) the individual’s “net investment income” (which generally includes distributions from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of Fund shares) or (2) the excess of the individual’s “modified adjusted gross income” over a specified threshold amount. This tax is in addition to any other taxes due on that income. You should consult your own tax professional regarding the effect, if any, this tax may have on your investment in Fund shares.
Taxes and You
The taxes you actually owe on Fund distributions and share transactions can vary with many factors, such as your marginal tax bracket, how long you held your shares and, if you are an individual shareholder, whether you owe federal alternative minimum tax.
How can you figure out your tax liability on Fund distributions and share transactions? One helpful tool is the tax statement that your broker sends you after the end of each calendar year. It details the distributions you received
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during the past year and shows their tax status. That statement, or a separate statement from your broker, also covers your share transactions.
Most importantly, consult your tax professional. Everyone’s tax situation is different, and your tax professional should be able to help you answer any questions you may have.
Buying Shares Before a Distribution
The money the Fund earns, either as net investment income or as net realized capital gains, is reflected in its net asset value until it distributes the money. At that time, the amount of the distribution is deducted from the net asset value. Because of this, to the extent the Fund’s share price correlates with its net asset value, if you buy shares of the Fund just before it makes such a distribution, you may end up getting some of your investment back as a taxable distribution. You can avoid this situation by waiting to invest until after the record date for the distribution.
Generally, if you are an exempt investor, there are no current tax consequences to you from distributions.
Taxes When Shares are Sold
Generally, you will recognize taxable gain or loss if you sell or otherwise dispose of your shares. Any gain arising from such a disposition generally will be treated as long-term capital gain if you held the shares for more than one year; otherwise, it will be classified as short-term capital gain. However, any capital loss arising from the disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received with respect to such shares. In addition, all or a portion of any loss recognized upon a disposition of shares may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules if other shares of the same Fund are purchased (whether through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the disposition. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.
Taxes on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units
A person who purchases a Creation Unit by exchanging securities in-kind generally will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and any net amount of cash received by the Authorized Participant in the exchange and (ii) the sum of the purchaser’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and any net amount of cash paid for the Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units and receives securities in-kind from the Fund will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the redeemer’s basis in the Creation Units, and the aggregate market value of the securities received and any net cash received. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an in-kind exchange of securities for Creation Units or an exchange of Creation Units for securities cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons effecting in-kind creations or redemptions should consult their own tax adviser with respect to these matters.
The Fund has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to section 351 of the Code, the Fund would have a basis in the deposit securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Fund also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determinations.
Disclaimers
NYSE Arca, Inc. Disclaimer
Shares of the Fund are not sponsored, endorsed or promoted by NYSE Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”). NYSE Arca makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the shares of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the ability of the Fund to meet their investment objective. NYSE Arca is not responsible for, nor has it participated in the determination of the timing of, prices of, or quantities of shares of the Fund to be issued, nor in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the shares are redeemable. NYSE Arca has no obligation or liability to owners of the shares of the Fund in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the shares of the Fund.
NYSE Arca makes no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Trust on behalf of the Fund as licensee, licensee’s customers and counterparties, owners of the shares of the Fund, or any other person or entity from the use of the subject index or any data included therein in connection with the rights licensed as described herein or for any other use. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall NYSE Arca have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
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NEUBERGER BERMAN ETF TRUST
If you would like further details on the Fund, you can request a free copy of the following documents:
Shareholder Reports and Form N-CSR. Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders and in Form N-CSR. In the Fund’s annual report, you will find the Fund’s performance data and a discussion by the Portfolio Managers about strategies and market conditions that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during the last fiscal year. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund’s annual and semi-annual financial statements.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI). The SAI contains more comprehensive information on the Fund, including: various types of securities and practices, and their risks, investment limitations and additional policies and information about the Fund’s management and business structure. The SAI is hereby incorporated by reference into this prospectus, making it legally part of the prospectus.
Investment Manager: Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
Obtaining Information
You can obtain a shareholder report, SAI, and other information such as financial statements from your financial intermediary, or from:
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
877-628-2583
Website: www.nb.com/ETF
Reports and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
The Fund’s current net asset value per share is made available at: www.nb.com/ETF.
The “Neuberger Berman” name and logo and “Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC” are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. The individual Fund name in this prospectus is either a service mark or a registered service mark of Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC or Neuberger Berman Group LLC. ©2024 Neuberger Berman BD LLC, distributor. All rights reserved.
SEC File Number: 811-23761
Z0664 12/24
NEUBERGER BERMAN ETF TRUST
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DATED DECEMBER 18, 2024
| Fund | Exchange: | Ticker: | ||
| Neuberger
Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF (formerly, Neuberger Berman Carbon Transition & Infrastructure ETF) |
NYSE Arca, Inc. | NBCT | ||
|
Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF |
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
NBCE |
||
|
Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF |
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
NBCM |
||
Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF |
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
NBCR |
||
|
Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF |
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
NBDS |
||
Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF1 |
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
NBGR |
||
Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF |
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
NBJP |
||
|
Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF |
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
NBCC |
||
Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF |
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
NBOS |
||
Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF |
NYSE Arca, Inc. |
NBSM |
1290 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, NY 10104
(877)-628-2583
www.nb.com/ETF
| 1 | The Board of Trustees of the Fund approved the liquidation of the Fund. The Fund will create and redeem creation units through the close of regular trading on January 9, 2025, on NYSE Arca, Inc., the Fund’s principal listing exchange (the “Exchange”). January 9, 2025 will also be the last day of trading of the Fund’s shares on the Exchange. Fund shareholders may sell their Fund holdings on the Exchange through January 9, 2025, after which the Fund will not accept creations or redemptions of the Fund’s shares. Customary brokerage charges may apply to such transactions. From January 10, 2025 through the Liquidation Date, shareholders will be unable to sell their shares on the Exchange. The Fund intends to complete the liquidation of its assets, cease operations, and distribute proceeds to shareholders of record on or about January 16, 2025 (the “Liquidation Date”). Shareholders of record of the Fund on the Liquidation Date will receive cash equal to the net asset value of their shares as of such date, which will include any dividends or distributions calculated as of that date. The Fund may depart from its stated goals, strategies and techniques as the Fund begins to convert all portfolio securities to cash or cash equivalents in preparation for the final distribution to shareholders. For more information, call us at 800-877-9700 or visit www.nb.com/ETF. |
Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF (formerly, Neuberger Berman Carbon Transition & Infrastructure ETF), Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, and Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF, and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF (each a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”) are exchange-traded funds that offer shares pursuant to prospectuses dated December 18, 2024.
The prospectus and summary prospectus (together, the “Prospectus”) provide more information about your Fund that you should know before investing. You can get a free copy of the Prospectus, annual report and/or semi-annual report from Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA” or the “Manager”), 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104, or by calling the Funds’ number or visiting the Funds’ website, each as listed above. You should read the Prospectus and consider the investment objective, risks, and fees and expenses of your Fund carefully before investing.
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. This SAI is not an offer to sell any shares of the Funds. A written offer can be made only by a Prospectus.
Each Fund’s financial statements, notes thereto and the report of its independent registered public accounting firm are incorporated by reference from the Fund’s annual report to shareholders into (and are therefore legally part of) this SAI.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations not contained in the Prospectuses or in this SAI in connection with the offering made by the Prospectuses, and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by a Fund or its distributor. The Prospectuses and this SAI do not constitute an offering by a Fund or its distributor in any jurisdiction in which such offering may not lawfully be made.
The “Neuberger Berman” name and logo and “Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC” are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. The individual Fund names in this SAI are either service marks or registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC or Neuberger Berman Group LLC. ©2024 Neuberger Berman BD LLC, distributor. All rights reserved.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ii
INVESTMENT INFORMATION
Each Fund is a separate operating series of Neuberger Berman ETF Trust (“Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust since November 5, 2010, that is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as an open-end management investment company.
Each Fund offers and issues shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”) at their net asset value (“NAV”) only in aggregations of a specified number of Shares (each, a “Creation Unit”). Similarly, Shares are redeemable by a Fund only in Creation Units. Only Authorized Participants (as defined in the “Creation and Redemption of Creation Units” section of this SAI) who have entered into contractual arrangements with the Fund’s Distributor may enter into Creation Unit transactions with a Fund on behalf of themselves or their customers. Creation Units of a Fund are issued and redeemed generally in exchange for a basket of securities (“Basket”), together with a specified cash payment, or, in certain circumstances, for an all cash payment. Unlike mutual funds, Shares are not individually redeemable.
Shares of each Fund are listed on the national securities exchange, NYSE Arca, Inc. (“Exchange”) and trade in the secondary market, where most investors will buy and sell them at market prices that change throughout the day. Such market prices may be lower, higher or equal to NAV. Accordingly, when transacting in the secondary market, investors may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling shares. They may also be subject to brokerage commissions and charges. Shares of each Fund are traded on the Exchange.
The Board of Trustees reserves the right to declare a split or a consolidation in the number of Shares outstanding of a Fund, and to make a corresponding change in the number of Shares constituting a Creation Unit.
The Trust reserves the right to permit or require that creations and redemptions of Shares be effected entirely in cash, in-kind or a combination thereof. Fees imposed by a Fund in connection with creations and redemptions of Shares (“Transaction Fees”) and other costs associated with creations or redemptions that include cash may be higher than Transaction Fees and other costs associated with in-kind creations or redemptions. In all cases, conditions with respect to creations and redemptions of Shares and fees are limited in accordance with the requirements of SEC rules and regulations applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities. See the “Creation and Redemption of Creation Units” section of this SAI for more information.
The Trust reserves the right to permit or require a “cash” option for creations and redemptions of Shares (subject to applicable legal requirements). In each instance of such cash creations or redemptions, the Trust may impose transaction fees based on transaction expenses related to the particular exchange, which fees may be higher than the transaction fees associated with in-kind purchases or redemptions. Because the Trust, on behalf of each Fund reserves the right to issue and redeem Creation Units principally for cash, each Fund may incur higher costs in buying and selling securities than if the Fund issued and redeemed Creation Units principally in-kind. To the extent that these additional costs are not offset, these costs may be imposed on the Fund and may decrease the Fund’s NAV.
Each Fund is a separate series of the Trust, and each Share of a Fund represents an equal proportionate interest in the Fund. All consideration received by the Trust for a Fund’s Shares and all assets of a Fund belong solely to that Fund and would be subject to liabilities related thereto.
1
Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, and Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF (each a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”) commenced operations on April 6, 2022. Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy Fund (“Commodity Strategy Predecessor Fund”) began operations on August 27, 2012 as a traditional open-end mutual fund. The Commodity Strategy Predecessor Fund was reorganized into Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF as of the close of business on October 21, 2022. Neuberger Berman Greater China Equity Fund (“China Equity Predecessor Fund”) began operations on July 17, 2013 as a traditional open-end mutual fund. The China Equity Predecessor Fund was reorganized into Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF as of the close of business on October 13, 2023. Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate Fund (“Global Real Estate Predecessor Fund” and, together with Commodity Strategy Predecessor Fund and China Equity Predecessor Fund, the “Predecessor Funds” and each, a “Predecessor Fund”) began operations on December 30, 2014 as a traditional open-end mutual fund. The Global Real Estate Predecessor Fund was reorganized into Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF as of the close of business on October 13, 2023. Neuberger Berman U.S. Equity Index PutWrite Strategy Fund (“Option Strategy Predecessor Fund”) began operations on September 16, 2016 as a traditional open-end mutual fund. The Option Strategy Predecessor Fund was reorganized into Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF as of the close of business on January 26, 2024. Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF commenced operations on March 20, 2024. Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF commenced operations on July 31, 2024. Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF commenced operations on September 11, 2024.
The following information supplements the discussion of the Funds’ investment objectives, policies, and limitations in the Prospectuses. The investment objective and, unless otherwise specified, the investment policies and limitations of each Fund are not fundamental.
Any investment objective, policy, or limitation that is not fundamental may be changed by the trustees of the Trust (“Fund Trustees”) without shareholder approval. The fundamental investment policies and limitations of a Fund may not be changed without the approval of the lesser of:
(1) 67% of the units of beneficial interest (“shares”) of the Fund present at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented, or
(2) a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
These percentages are required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and are referred to in this SAI as a “1940 Act majority vote.” Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF, and Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF operate as non-diversified investment companies. Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF, and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF operate as diversified investment companies.
The policy of a Fund permitting it to operate as a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act may change by operation of law. Specifically, Rule 13a-1 under the 1940 Act provides in effect that, if a fund’s investment portfolio actually meets the standards of a diversified fund for three consecutive years, the fund’s status will change to that of a diversified fund.
Investment Policies and Limitations
Except as set forth in the investment limitation on borrowing and the investment limitation on illiquid securities, any investment policy or limitation that involves a maximum percentage of securities or assets will not be considered exceeded unless the percentage limitation is exceeded immediately after, and because of, a transaction by a Fund. If events subsequent to a transaction result in a Fund exceeding the percentage limitation on illiquid securities, the Manager will take appropriate steps to reduce the percentage held in illiquid securities, as may be required by law, within a reasonable amount of time.
2
The following investment policies and limitations are fundamental and apply to all Funds unless otherwise indicated:
1. Borrowing. The Fund may not borrow money except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
2. Commodities. The Fund may purchase or sell commodities or contracts related to commodities to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
3. Diversification (Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF). The Fund is non-diversified under the 1940 Act.
Diversification (Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF). The Fund may not, with respect to 75% of the value of its total assets, purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities (“U.S. Government and Agency Securities”), or securities issued by other investment companies) if, as a result, (i) more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of that issuer or (ii) the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
4. Industry Concentration (Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF). The Fund may not make any investment if, as a result, the Fund’s investments will be concentrated in any one industry except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority; except that the Fund will invest greater than 25% of its total assets in the aggregate in companies conducting their principal business in the oil, gas and consumable fuels industry. This limitation does not apply to U.S. Government and Agency Securities, securities of other investment companies, and state, territorial or municipal securities or such other securities as may be excluded for this purpose under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief or SEC or SEC staff interpretations.
Industry Concentration (Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF, and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF). The Fund may not make any investment if, as a result, the Fund’s investments will be concentrated in any one industry except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority. This limitation does not apply to U.S. Government and Agency Securities, securities of other investment companies, and state, territorial or municipal securities or such other securities as may be excluded for this purpose under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief or SEC or SEC staff interpretations.
Industry Concentration (Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF). The Fund may not make any investment if, as a result, the Fund’s investments will be concentrated in any one industry except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority, except that it may invest 25% or more of its total assets in investments that provide exposure to the group of industries that comprise the commodities sector. This limitation does not apply to U.S. Government and Agency Securities, securities of other investment companies, and state, territorial or municipal securities or such other securities as may be excluded for this purpose under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief or SEC or SEC staff interpretations.
3
Industry Concentration (Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF). The Fund may not make any investment if, as a result, the Fund’s investments will be concentrated in any one industry except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority; except that the Fund will invest greater than 25% of its total assets in the aggregate in companies conducting their principal business in one or more industries within the information technology and communication services groups of industries. This limitation does not apply to U.S. Government and Agency Securities, securities of other investment companies, and state, territorial or municipal securities or such other securities as may be excluded for this purpose under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief or SEC or SEC staff interpretations.
Industry Concentration (Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF). The Fund may not make any investment if, as a result, the Fund’s investments will be concentrated in any one industry except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority, except that the Fund will invest greater than 25% of its total assets in the real estate industry. This limitation does not apply to U.S. Government and Agency Securities, securities of other investment companies, and state, territorial or municipal securities or such other securities as may be excluded for this purpose under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief or SEC or SEC staff interpretations.
5. Lending. The Fund may lend money or other assets to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
6. Real Estate. The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
7. Senior Securities. The Fund may not issue senior securities except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
8. Underwriting. The Fund may not engage in the business of underwriting the securities of other issuers except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF, and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF’s limitation on investments in any one issuer does not limit the Fund’s ability to invest up to 100% of its total assets in a master portfolio with the same investment objective, policies and limitations as the Fund.
Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF has the following additional fundamental investment policy:
Notwithstanding any other investment policy of the Fund, the Fund may invest all of its investable assets in an open-end management investment company having substantially the same investment objective, policies, and limitations as the Fund.
4
Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF, and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF have the following additional fundamental investment policy:
Notwithstanding any other investment policy of the Fund, the Fund may invest all of its investable assets (cash, securities, and receivables relating to securities) in an open-end management investment company having substantially the same investment objective, policies, and limitations as the Fund.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to borrowing set forth in (1) above, the Fund may pledge assets in connection with permitted borrowings.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to borrowing set forth in (1) above, the 1940 Act permits the Fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the Fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the Fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. (The Fund’s total assets include the amounts being borrowed.) To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act requires the Fund to maintain an “asset coverage” of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings, provided that in the event that the Fund’s asset coverage falls below 300%, the Fund is required to reduce the amount of its borrowings so that it meets the 300% asset coverage threshold within three days (not including Sundays and holidays). Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the Fund’s total assets (including amounts borrowed), minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. Certain trading practices and investments, such as reverse repurchase agreements, may be considered to be borrowings and thus subject to the 1940 Act restrictions. The Fund also has obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit it to borrow money from other funds for temporary purposes.
For purposes of the fundamental policy relating to commodities set forth in (2) above, the Fund does not consider foreign currencies or forward contracts to be physical commodities. Also, this limitation does not prohibit the Fund from purchasing securities backed by physical commodities, including interests in exchange-traded investment trusts and other similar entities, derivative instruments, or from purchasing physical commodities.
For purposes of the fundamental policy relating to commodities set forth in (2) above, the restriction does not prevent a Fund from investing in a wholly owned subsidiary, thereby gaining exposure to the investment returns of commodities markets within the limitations of federal income tax requirements, or from investing in commodity-linked derivative instruments.
None of the foregoing fundamental policies shall be construed to prevent a Fund from purchasing, holding, or selling all or a portion of any issuance of sukuk or similarly structured investments.
The more narrowly industries are defined, the more likely it is that multiple industries will be affected in a similar fashion by a single economic or regulatory development.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to industry concentration set forth in (4) above, the 1940 Act does not define what constitutes “concentration” in an industry. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment of 25% or more of a fund’s total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the same industry or group of industries constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. The policy on industry concentration above will be interpreted to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time by the SEC, SEC staff or other relevant authority. The policy also will be interpreted to permit investment without limit in the following: securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities; securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; securities of foreign governments; and repurchase agreements collateralized by any such obligations. Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities will not be considered to be members of any industry and there will be no limit on investment in issuers domiciled in a single jurisdiction or country. For purposes of the fundamental policy relating to industry concentration, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are grouped according to the nature of their collateral, and certificates of deposit (“CDs”) are interpreted to include similar types of time deposits.
5
For purposes of the fundamental policy relating to industry concentration set forth in (4) above, industry classifications are determined for each Fund (except Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF) in accordance with the industry or sub-industry classifications established by the Global Industry Classification Standard. For purposes of the investment limitation on concentration in a particular industry, industry classifications are determined for Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF in accordance with the classifications of the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Index. However, NBIA will, on behalf of a Fund, make reasonable determinations as to the appropriate industry classification to assign to each security or instrument in which the Fund invests. The definition of what constitutes a particular “industry” is an evolving one, particularly for industries or sectors within industries that are new or are undergoing rapid development. Some securities could reasonably fall within more than one industry category. Each Fund’s industry concentration policy will be interpreted to give broad authority to a Fund as to how to classify issuers within or among industries.
Also, with respect to the fundamental policy relating to industry concentration set forth in (4) above, the Fund determines the “issuer” of a municipal obligation that is not a general obligation note or bond based on the obligation’s characteristics. The most significant of these characteristics is the source of funds for the repayment of principal and payment of interest on the obligation. If an obligation is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or other guarantee, without which the obligation would not qualify for purchase under the Fund’s quality restrictions, the issuer of the letter of credit or the guarantee is considered an issuer of the obligation. If an obligation meets the Fund’s quality restrictions without credit support, the Fund treats the commercial developer or the industrial user, rather than the governmental entity or the guarantor, as the only issuer of the obligation, even if the obligation is backed by a letter of credit or other guarantee.
For purposes of the fundamental policy relating to industry concentration set forth in (4) above, the Fund will not exclude securities the interest on which is exempt from federal income tax (“tax-exempt securities”) that are issued by municipalities to finance non-governmental projects, such as hospitals (i.e., private activity bonds (“PABs”)), from the investment limitation.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to industry concentration set forth in (4) above, if an investment company in which the Fund invests has an industry concentration policy, the Fund will consider that investment company for purposes of the Fund’s industry concentration policy.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to lending set forth in (5) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit the Fund from making loans; however, SEC staff interpretations currently prohibit funds from lending more than one-third of their total assets, except through the purchase of debt obligations or the use of repurchase agreements. (A repurchase agreement is an agreement to purchase a security, coupled with an agreement to sell that security back to the original seller on an agreed-upon date at a price that reflects current interest rates. The SEC frequently treats repurchase agreements as loans.) The Fund also will be permitted by this policy to make loans of money, including to other funds. The Fund has obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to make loans to other funds for temporary purposes. The policy in (5) above will be interpreted not to prevent the Fund from purchasing or investing in debt obligations and loans. In addition, collateral arrangements with respect to options, forward currency and futures transactions and other derivative instruments, as well as delays in the settlement of securities transactions, will not be considered loans.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to real estate set forth in (6) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit the Fund from owning real estate; however, the Fund could lose favorable tax treatment if too much of its income is from sources other than investments in securities. This does not prevent the Fund from investing in securities of companies that invest in real estate or real estate-related activities.
With respect to the fundamental policy relating to issuing senior securities set forth in (7) above, “senior securities” are defined as Fund obligations that have a priority over the Fund’s shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of Fund assets. The 1940 Act prohibits the Fund from issuing senior securities except that the Fund may borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the Fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose. The Fund may also borrow up to 5% of the Fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes, and these borrowings are not considered senior securities. The policy in (7) above will be interpreted not to prevent collateral arrangements with respect to swaps, options, forward or futures contracts or other derivatives, or the posting of initial or variation margin.
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With respect to the fundamental policy relating to underwriting set forth in (8) above, the 1940 Act does not prohibit the Fund from engaging in the underwriting business or from underwriting the securities of other issuers; in fact, the 1940 Act permits the Fund to have underwriting commitments of up to 25% of its assets under certain circumstances. Those circumstances currently are that the amount of the Fund’s underwriting commitments, when added to the value of the Fund’s investments in issuers where the Fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of those issuers, cannot exceed the 25% cap. A fund engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act. Although it is not believed that the application of the 1933 Act provisions described above would cause the Fund to be engaged in the business of underwriting, the policy in (8) above will be interpreted not to prevent the Fund from engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities, regardless of whether the Fund may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act.
The Fund’s fundamental policies will be interpreted broadly. For example, the policies will be interpreted to refer to the 1940 Act and the related rules as they are in effect from time to time, and to interpretations and modifications of or relating to the 1940 Act by the SEC and others as they are given from time to time. When a policy provides that an investment practice may be conducted as permitted by the 1940 Act, the policy will be interpreted to mean either that the 1940 Act expressly permits the practice or that the 1940 Act does not prohibit the practice.
Senior Securities. Section 18(f)(1) of the 1940 Act prohibits an open-end investment company from issuing any class of senior security, or selling any class of senior security of which it is the issuer, except that the investment company may borrow from a bank provided that immediately after any such borrowing there is asset coverage of at least 300% for all of its borrowings. Rule 18f-4, which became effective in August 2022, permits funds to engage in “derivatives transactions” as defined by that rule that would otherwise be subject to the restrictions of Section 18 of the 1940 Act on their issuance of “senior securities.” For information on Rule 18f-4, see “Additional Investment Information -- Futures Contracts, Options on Futures Contracts, Options on Securities and Indices, Forward Currency Contracts, Options on Foreign Currencies, and Swap Agreements” below.
The following investment policies and limitations are non-fundamental:
1. Lending (Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF). Except for the purchase of debt securities and engaging in repurchase agreements, the Fund may not make any loans other than securities loans.
Lending (Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, and Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF). Except for the purchase of debt securities, loans, loan participations or other forms of direct debt instruments and engaging in repurchase agreements, the Fund may not make any loans other than securities loans.
2. Margin Transactions (Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF and Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF). The Fund may not purchase securities on margin from brokers or other lenders, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of securities transactions. Margin payments in connection with transactions and short sales shall not constitute the purchase of securities on margin and shall not be deemed to violate the foregoing limitation.
Margin Transactions (Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF and Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF). The Fund may not purchase securities on margin from brokers or other lenders, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of securities transactions. Margin posted as collateral in connection with derivatives transactions and short sales shall not constitute the purchase of securities on margin and shall not be deemed to violate the foregoing limitation.
3. Illiquid Securities (Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, and Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF). The Fund may not purchase any security if, as a result, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in illiquid securities. An illiquid investment means any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment.
Illiquid Securities (Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF). The Fund may not purchase any security if, as a result, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in illiquid securities. Generally, illiquid securities include securities that cannot be expected to be sold or disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business for approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the securities, such as repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days.
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4. Investment by a Fund of Funds (Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, and Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF). If shares of the Fund are purchased by another fund in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act, for so long as shares of the Fund are held by such fund, the Fund will not purchase securities of registered open-end investment companies or registered unit investment trusts in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act.
5. Investments in Any One Issuer (Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF). At the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, Government securities (as defined for purposes of Subchapter M of Chapter 1 of Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”)), securities of other “regulated investment companies” (as defined in section 851(a) of the Code) (each, a “RIC”), and other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the issuer’s outstanding voting securities, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in (a) securities (other than Government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, (b) securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers the Fund controls that are determined to be engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or (c) securities of one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined in the Code).
6. 80% Policy (Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF). The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities and other investment companies that provide investment exposure to equity securities. Although this is a non-fundamental policy, the Fund Trustees will not change this policy without at least 60 days’ notice to shareholders.
80% Policy (Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF). The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities that are tied economically to equity securities of Japan, including other investment companies that provide investment exposure to equity securities of Japan. Although this is a non-fundamental policy, the Fund Trustees will not change this policy without at least 60 days’ notice to shareholders.
80% Policy (Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF). The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies. Although this is a non-fundamental policy, the Fund Trustees will not change this policy without at least 60 days’ notice to shareholders.
Cash Management and Temporary Defensive Positions
For temporary defensive purposes, or to manage cash pending investment or payout, each Fund (except Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF) may invest up to 100% of its total assets in cash or cash equivalents, U.S. Government and Agency Securities, commercial paper, money market funds, and certain other money market instruments, as well as repurchase agreements collateralized by the foregoing.
For temporary defensive purposes, or to manage cash pending investment or payout, Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF may invest up to 100% of its total assets in short-term foreign and U.S. investments, such as cash or cash equivalents, commercial paper, short-term bank obligations, U.S. Government and Agency Securities, and repurchase agreements.
A Fund may also invest in such instruments to increase liquidity or to provide collateral to be segregated. These investments may prevent a Fund from achieving its investment objective.
In reliance on an SEC exemptive rule, a Fund may invest an unlimited amount of its uninvested cash and cash collateral received in connection with securities lending in shares of money market funds and unregistered funds that operate in compliance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, whether or not advised by NBIA or an affiliate, under specified conditions. Among other things, the conditions preclude an investing Fund from paying a sales charge, as defined in rule 2830(b) of the NASD Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) (“sales charge”), or a service fee, as defined in that rule, in connection with its purchase or redemption of the money market fund’s or unregistered fund’s shares, or a Fund’s investment adviser must waive a sufficient amount of its advisory fee to offset any such sales charge or service fee. Money market funds and unregistered funds do not necessarily invest in accordance with Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF’s sustainable exclusion policy.
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Additional Investment Information
Unless otherwise indicated, the Funds may buy the types of securities and use the investment techniques described below, subject to any applicable investment policies and limitations. However, the Funds may not buy all of the types of securities or use all of the investment techniques described below. Each Fund’s principal investment strategies and the principal risks of each Fund’s principal investment strategies are discussed in the Prospectuses.
Pursuant to Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, each Fund may invest in both affiliated and unaffiliated investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), (“underlying funds”) in excess of the limits in Section 12 of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. When a Fund invests in underlying funds, it is indirectly exposed to the investment practices of the underlying funds and, therefore, is subject to all the risks associated with the practices of the underlying funds. This SAI is not an offer to sell shares of any underlying fund. Shares of an underlying fund are sold only through the currently effective prospectus for that underlying fund. Unless otherwise noted herein, the investment practices and associated risks detailed below also include those to which a Fund indirectly may be exposed through its investment in an underlying fund. Unless otherwise noted herein, any references to investments made by a Fund include those that may be made both directly by a Fund and indirectly by a Fund through its investments in underlying funds.
Asset-Backed Securities. Asset-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets such as, among other things, motor vehicle installment sales contracts, installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, and receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements, or a combination of the foregoing. These assets are securitized through the use of trusts and special purpose corporations. Credit enhancements, such as various forms of cash collateral accounts or letters of credit, may support payments of principal and interest on asset-backed securities. Although these securities may be supported by letters of credit or other credit enhancements, payment of interest and principal ultimately depends upon individuals paying the underlying loans, which may be affected adversely by general downturns in the economy. Asset-backed securities are subject to the same risk of prepayment described with respect to mortgage-backed securities and to extension risk (the risk that an issuer of a security will make principal payments slower than anticipated by the investor, thus extending the securities’ duration). The risk that recovery on repossessed collateral might be unavailable or inadequate to support payments, however, is greater for asset-backed securities than for mortgage-backed securities.
Certificates for Automobile ReceivablesSM (“CARSSM”) represent undivided fractional interests in a trust whose assets consist of a pool of motor vehicle retail installment sales contracts and security interests in the vehicles securing those contracts. Payments of principal and interest on the underlying contracts are passed through monthly to certificate holders and are guaranteed up to specified amounts by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the trustee or originator of the trust. Underlying installment sales contracts are subject to prepayment, which may reduce the overall return to certificate holders. Certificate holders also may experience delays in payment or losses on CARSSM if the trust does not realize the full amounts due on underlying installment sales contracts because of unanticipated legal or administrative costs of enforcing the contracts; depreciation, damage, or loss of the vehicles securing the contracts; or other factors.
Credit card receivable securities are backed by receivables from revolving credit card agreements (“Accounts”). Credit balances on Accounts are generally paid down more rapidly than are automobile contracts. Most of the credit card receivable securities issued publicly to date have been pass-through certificates. In order to lengthen their maturity or duration, most such securities provide for a fixed period during which only interest payments on the underlying Accounts are passed through to the security holder; principal payments received on the Accounts are used to fund the transfer of additional credit card charges made on the Accounts to the pool of assets supporting the securities. Usually, the initial fixed period may be shortened if specified events occur which signal a potential deterioration in the quality of the assets backing the security, such as the imposition of a cap on interest rates. An issuer’s ability to extend the life of an issue of credit card receivable securities thus depends on the continued generation of principal amounts in the underlying Accounts and the non-occurrence of the specified events. The non-deductibility of consumer interest, as well as competitive and general economic factors, could adversely affect the rate at which new receivables are created in an Account and conveyed to an issuer, thereby shortening the expected weighted average life of the related security and reducing its yield. An acceleration in cardholders’ payment rates or any other event that shortens the period during which additional credit card charges on an Account may be transferred to the pool of assets supporting the related security could have a similar effect on its weighted average life and yield.
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Credit cardholders are entitled to the protection of state and federal consumer credit laws. Many of those laws give a holder the right to set off certain amounts against balances owed on the credit card, thereby reducing amounts paid on Accounts. In addition, unlike the collateral for most other asset-backed securities, Accounts are unsecured obligations of the cardholder.
A Fund may invest in trust preferred securities, which are a type of asset-backed security. Trust preferred securities represent interests in a trust formed by a parent company to finance its operations. The trust sells preferred shares and invests the proceeds in debt securities of the parent. This debt may be subordinated and unsecured. Dividend payments on the trust preferred securities match the interest payments on the debt securities; if no interest is paid on the debt securities, the trust will not make current payments on its preferred securities. Unlike typical asset-backed securities, which have many underlying payors and are usually overcollateralized, trust preferred securities have only one underlying payor and are not overcollateralized. Issuers of trust preferred securities and their parents currently enjoy favorable tax treatment. If the tax characterization of trust preferred securities were to change, they could be redeemed by the issuers, which could result in a loss to a Fund.
Banking and Savings Institution Securities. These include CDs, time deposits, bankers’ acceptances, and other short-term and long-term debt obligations issued by commercial banks and savings institutions. The CDs, time deposits, and bankers’ acceptances in which a Fund invests typically are not covered by deposit insurance.
A certificate of deposit is a short-term negotiable certificate issued by a commercial bank against funds deposited in the bank and is either interest-bearing or purchased on a discount basis. A bankers’ acceptance is a short-term draft drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower, usually in connection with an international commercial transaction. The borrower is liable for payment as is the bank, which unconditionally guarantees to pay the draft at its face amount on the maturity date. Fixed time deposits are obligations of branches of U.S. banks or foreign banks that are payable at a stated maturity date and bear a fixed rate of interest. Although fixed time deposits do not have a market, there are no contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in the deposit to a third party. Deposit notes are notes issued by commercial banks that generally bear fixed rates of interest and typically have original maturities ranging from eighteen months to five years.
Banks are subject to extensive governmental regulations that may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments that may be made and the interest rates and fees that may be charged. The profitability of this industry is largely dependent upon the availability and cost of capital, which can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Also, general economic conditions, consolidation and competition among banking and savings institutions play an important part in the operations of this industry and exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties of borrowers might affect a bank’s ability to meet its obligations. Bank obligations may be general obligations of the parent bank or may be limited to the issuing branch by the terms of the specific obligations or by government regulation.
In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was passed, which significantly impacted the financial services industry, including more stringent regulation of depository institutions and their holding companies. Federal regulatory agencies are still implementing many of the Dodd-Frank Act’s provisions but increased regulation could impact the operations and profitability of depository institutions and their holding companies.
In addition, securities of foreign banks and foreign branches of U.S. banks may involve investment risks in addition to those relating to domestic bank obligations. Such risks include future political and economic developments, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, and the possible adoption of foreign governmental restrictions that might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on such obligations. In addition, foreign banks and foreign branches of U.S. banks may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements and non-U.S. issuers generally are subject to different accounting, auditing, reporting and recordkeeping standards than those applicable to U.S. issuers.
In March 2023, the shut-down of certain financial institutions raised economic concerns over disruption in the U.S. banking system. There can be no certainty that the actions taken by the U.S. government to strengthen public confidence in the U.S. banking system will be effective in mitigating the effects of financial institution failures on the economy and restoring public confidence in the U.S. banking system.
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Catastrophe Bonds. Catastrophe Bonds (“CAT Bonds”) are a form of insurance-linked securities that are sold in the capital markets. CAT Bonds are a way for insurers, reinsurers, corporations and government entities that have risks associated with natural catastrophe events and disasters to transfer those risks to the capital market in securities format. They are often structured as floating rate bonds whose principal is lost if specified trigger conditions are met. If the triggered conditions are met, the principal is paid to the sponsor and the purchaser of the CAT Bond may lose all or a portion of the principal. If the triggered conditions are not met, the purchaser of the CAT Bond will receive its principal plus interest. CAT Bonds are generally exposed to what are believed to be relatively low probability, large-scale natural catastrophe events in the United States, Japan, Europe and elsewhere. CAT Bonds may also be structured as derivatives that are triggered by amounts actually lost by the protected counterparty, modeled losses (determined pursuant to predetermined algorithms or models), losses incurred by a specified industry, one or more event parameters or combinations of the foregoing. Certain CAT Bonds may cover the risk that multiple loss events will occur.
To issue a CAT Bond, the sponsor creates a special purpose vehicle that issues individual notes to capital markets investors. The special purpose vehicle provides protection to the sponsor against the risk of specified natural or non-natural catastrophes or events. More specifically, the obligation of the special purpose vehicle to repay principal is contingent on the occurrence or non-occurrence of whatever catastrophic event or events are specified. In the event that the specific natural catastrophe mentioned in the CAT Bond occurs, the bond is “triggered” and all or a portion of the original principal can be used to pay the approved claims from the trigger event. CAT Bonds may provide for extensions of maturity that are mandatory, or optional, at the discretion of the issuer, in order to process and audit loss claims in those cases where a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. An investment in CAT Bonds may be subject to counterparty party risk, adverse regulatory and jurisdictional interpretations, adverse tax consequences, liquidity risk and foreign currency risk. In addition, an investment in CAT Bonds is subject to the following additional risks:
| ● | Limited Resources of Issuers. The issuers of CAT Bonds often are thinly capitalized, special purpose entities that do not have ready access to additional capital. In the event of unanticipated expenses or liabilities, such entities may not have the resources available to pay such expenses or liabilities or the required interest and/or principal on their issued securities. |
| ● | Investments of Issuers. The ability of issuers of CAT Bonds to provide the expected investment returns on their issued securities is based in part on such entities’ investments, which may be subject to credit default risk, interest rate risk and other risks. |
| ● | Regulation. Entities that issue CAT Bonds may be subject to substantial regulation of their insurance and other activities. Such regulation can lead to unanticipated expenses that may result in such an entity being unable to satisfy its obligations, including those related to its issued securities. Conversely, because such entities often are domiciled in non-U.S. jurisdictions, such entities may not be subject to the same degree of regulatory oversight to which investors may be accustomed to seeing in issuers and insurance companies in the U.S. Similarly, because such entities often are subject only to the laws of non-U.S. jurisdictions, it could be difficult for an investor in such an entity to make a claim or enforce a judgment against the entity or its directors or officers. |
| ● | Subordination; No Recourse. CAT Bonds often are subordinated to other obligations of the issuer, such as those obligations to a ceding insurer. Consequently, if such an entity incurs unexpected expenses or liabilities in connection with its activities, the entity may be unable to pay the required interest and/or principal on its issued securities. In particular, CAT Bonds are issued without recourse. As a result, if an issuer of a CAT Bond defaulted on its obligations under the CAT Bond, an investor would have no recourse to recover any amount of the principal invested to purchase the CAT Bond. |
| ● | Lower or No Ratings. CAT Bonds may receive low ratings or be unrated by rating agencies. Consequently, such securities may be relatively illiquid and subject to adverse publicity and investor perceptions, any of which may act to depress prices. |
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Cap and Trade and Carbon Emission Allowances (Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF). Cap and trade regimes and related markets are new and based on scientific principles that are subject to debate. Cap and trade regimes have arisen primarily due to relative international consensus with respect to scientific evidence indicating a correlative relationship between the rise in global temperatures and extreme weather events, on the one hand, and the rise in Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) emissions in the atmosphere, on the other hand. If this consensus were to break down, cap and trade regimes and the value of the Fund may be negatively affected. Scientists are still debating whether the rise in atmospheric GHGs is caused by human activity such as GHG emissions generated through the burning of fossil fuels, as well as the acceptable level of GHG concentrations in the atmosphere. If the science supporting the relationship or the acceptable level of GHG concentrations is discredited or proved to be incorrect or inaccurate, it may negatively affect cap and trade regimes and the value of the Fund. There is no assurance that cap and trade regimes will continue to exist. Cap and trade may not prove to be an effective method of reduction in GHG emissions. As a result or due to other factors, cap and trade regimes may be terminated or may not be renewed upon their expiration. The EU ETS is organized into a number of phases, each which a predetermined duration. Currently, the EU ETS is in Phase III. There can be no assurance that the EU ETS will enter into a new phase as scheduled. New technologies may arise that may diminish or eliminate the need for cap and trade markets. Ultimately, the cost of emissions credits is determined by the cost of actually reducing emissions levels. If the price of credits becomes too high, it will be more economical for companies to develop or invest in green technologies, thereby suppressing the demand for credits and adversely affecting the price of the Fund.
Cap and trade regimes set emission limits (i.e., the right to emit a certain quantity of GHG emissions), which can be allocated or auctioned to the parties in the mechanism up to the total emissions cap. This allocation may be larger or smaller than is needed for a stable price of credits and can lead to large price volatility, which could affect the value of the Fund. Depending upon the industries covered under each cap and trade mechanism represented in the Index, unpredictable demand for their products and services can affect the value of GHG emissions credits. For example, very mild winters or very cool summers can decrease demand for electric utilities and therefore require fewer carbon credits to offset reduced production and GHG emissions. The ability of the GHG emitting companies to pass on the cost of emissions credits to consumers can affect the price of the carbon credit futures. If the price of emissions can be passed on to the end customer with little impact upon consumer demand, it is likely that industries may continue emitting and purchase any shortfall in the market at the prevailing price. If, however, the producer is unable to pass on the cost, it may be incentivized to reduce production in order to decrease its need for offsetting emissions credits, which could adversely affect the price of carbon credit futures and the Fund. Regulatory risk related to changes in regulation and enforcement of cap and trade regimes could also adversely affect market behavior. If fines or other penalties for non-compliance are not enforced, incentives to purchase GHG credits will deteriorate, which could result in a decline in the price of emissions credits and a drop in the value of the Fund. In addition, as cap and trade markets develop, new regulation with respect to these markets may arise, which could have a negative effect on the value and liquidity of the cap and trade markets and the Fund. See “Additional Investment Information -- Futures Contracts, Options on Futures Contracts, Options on Securities and Indices, Forward Currency Contracts, Options on Foreign Currencies, and Swap Agreements” below.
Collateralized Loan Obligations. The Fund also may invest in collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), which are another type of asset-backed security. A CLO is a trust or other special purpose entity that is comprised of or collateralized by a pool of loans, including domestic and non-U.S. senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. The loans generate cash flow that is allocated among one or more classes of securities (“tranches”) that vary in risk and yield. The most senior tranche has the best credit quality and the lowest yield compared to the other tranches. The equity tranche has the highest potential yield but also has the greatest risk, as it bears the bulk of defaults from the underlying loans and helps to protect the more senior tranches from risk of these defaults. However, despite the protection from the equity and other more junior tranches, more senior tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults and decreased market value due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to CLO securities as a class.
Normally, CLOs are privately offered and sold and are not registered under state or federal securities laws. Therefore, investments in CLOs may be characterized by the Fund as illiquid securities; however, an active dealer market may exist for CLOs allowing a CLO to qualify for transactions pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. CLOs normally charge management fees and administrative expenses, which are in addition to those of the Fund.
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The riskiness of investing in CLOs depends largely on the quality and type of the collateral loans and the tranche of the CLO in which the Fund invests. In addition to the normal risks associated with fixed-income securities discussed elsewhere in this SAI and the Fund’s Prospectus (such as interest rate risk and credit risk), CLOs carry risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from the collateral will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the Fund may invest in CLO tranches that are subordinate to other tranches; and (iv) the complex structure of the CLO may not be fully understood at the time of investment or may result in the quality of the underlying collateral not being fully understood and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results. In addition, interest on certain tranches of a CLO may be paid in-kind (meaning that unpaid interest is effectively added to principal), which involves continued exposure to default risk with respect to such payments. Certain CLOs may receive credit enhancement in the form of a senior-subordinate structure, over-collateralization or bond insurance, but such enhancement may not always be present and may fail to protect the Fund against the risk of loss due to defaults on the collateral. Certain CLOs may not hold loans directly, but rather, use derivatives such as swaps to create “synthetic” exposure to the collateral pool of loans. Such CLOs entail the risks of derivative instruments described elsewhere in this SAI.
Commercial Paper. Commercial paper is a short-term debt security issued by a corporation, bank, municipality, or other issuer, usually for purposes such as financing current operations. Each Fund may invest in commercial paper that cannot be resold to the public without an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act. While some restricted commercial paper normally is deemed illiquid, the Manager may in certain cases determine that such paper is liquid.
Commodities Related Investments. Each Fund may purchase securities backed by physical commodities, including interests in exchange-traded investment trusts and other similar entities, the value of the shares of which relates directly to the value of physical commodities held by such an entity. As an investor in such an entity, a Fund would indirectly bear its pro rata share of the entity’s expenses, which may include storage and other costs relating to the entity’s investments in physical commodities.
In addition, a Fund will not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year in which more than 10% of its gross income consists of “non-qualifying” income, which includes gains from selling physical commodities (or options or futures contracts thereon unless the gain is realized from certain hedging transactions) and certain other non-passive income. A Fund’s investment in securities backed by, or in such entities that invest in, physical commodities, other than shares of a wholly owned Subsidiary (as defined below), would produce non-qualifying income, although investments in certain “commodity linked notes” and/or stock of a “controlled foreign corporation” that invests in physical commodities and annually distributes its net income and gains generally should not produce such income. To remain within the 10% limitation, a Fund may need to hold such an investment or sell it at a loss, or sell other investments, when for investment reasons it would not otherwise do so. The availability of such measures does not guarantee that a Fund would be able to satisfy that limitation.
Exposure to physical commodities may subject a Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of such investments may be affected by overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as supply and demand, drought, floods, weather, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. Their value may also respond to investor perception of instability in the national or international economy, whether or not justified by the facts. However, these investments may help to moderate fluctuations in the value of a Fund’s other holdings, because these investments may not correlate with investments in traditional securities. Economic and other events (whether real or perceived) can reduce the demand for commodities, which may reduce market prices and cause the value of a Fund’s shares to fall. No active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability of a Fund to sell or realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. Certain commodities are subject to limited pricing flexibility because of supply and demand factors. Others are subject to broad price fluctuations as a result of the volatility of the prices for certain raw materials and the instability of the supplies of other materials. These additional variables may create additional investment risks and result in greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. Because physical commodities do not generate investment income, the return on such investments will be derived solely from the appreciation or depreciation on such investments. Certain types of commodities instruments (such as commodity-linked swaps and commodity-linked structured notes) are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or will be unable to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument.
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With respect to Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, the commodity-related investments of its wholly owned Subsidiary (as defined below) will not generally be subject to U.S. laws (including securities laws) and their protections. Further, they will be subject to the laws of a foreign jurisdiction, which can be adversely affected by developments in that jurisdiction.
Policies and Limitations. For the Funds’ policies and limitations on commodities, see “Investment Policies and Limitations -- Commodities” above. In addition, a Fund does not intend to sell commodities related investments when doing so would cause it to fail to qualify as a RIC.
Contingent Convertible Securities. Contingent convertible securities (“CoCos”) are a form of hybrid security that are intended to either convert into equity or have their principal written down upon the occurrence of certain triggers. The triggers are generally linked to regulatory capital thresholds or regulatory actions calling into question the issuer’s continued viability as a going concern. The unique equity conversion or principal write-down features of CoCos are tailored to the issuer and its regulatory requirements. CoCos typically will be issued in the form of subordinated debt instruments in order to provide the appropriate regulatory capital treatment prior to a conversion. One type of CoCo provides for mandatory conversion of the security into common stock of the issuer under certain circumstances. The mandatory conversion might relate, for example, to the issuer’s failure to maintain a capital minimum required by regulations. Because the common stock of the issuer may not pay a dividend, investors in such securities could experience reduced yields (or no yields at all) and conversion would worsen the investor’s standing in the case of an issuer’s insolvency. Another type of CoCo has characteristics designed to absorb losses, where the liquidation value of the security may be adjusted downward to below the original par value or written off entirely under certain circumstances. For instance, in the event that losses have eroded the issuer’s capital levels to below a specified threshold, the liquidation value of the security may be reduced in whole or in part. The write-down of the security’s par value may occur automatically and would not entitle holders to institute bankruptcy proceedings against the issuer. In addition, an automatic write-down could result in a reduced income rate if the dividend or interest payment associated with the security is based on the security’s par value. Such securities may, but are not required to, provide for circumstances under which the liquidation value of the security may be adjusted back up to par, such as an improvement in capitalization or earnings. In addition, CoCos may have no stated maturity and may have fully discretionary coupons that can potentially be cancelled at the issuer’s discretion or may be prohibited by the relevant regulatory authority from being paid in order to help the issuer absorb losses.
Convertible Securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, or other security or debt obligation that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. Convertible securities generally have features of, and risks associated with, both equity and fixed income instruments. As such, the value of most convertible securities will vary with changes in the price of, and will be subject to the risks associated with, the underlying common stock. Additionally, convertible securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer may not be able to pay principal or interest when due and the value of the convertible security may change based on the issuer’s credit rating. Convertible securities are considered equity securities for purposes of Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF and Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF’s non-fundamental policy to each invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities.
A convertible security entitles the holder to receive the interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, such securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower than the yield on non-convertible debt. Convertible securities are usually subordinated to comparable-tier non-convertible securities and other senior debt obligations of the issuer, but rank senior to common stock in a company’s capital structure. The value of a convertible security is a function of (1) its yield in comparison to the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (2) its worth if converted into the underlying common stock.
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The price of a convertible security often reflects variations in the price of the underlying common stock in a way that non-convertible debt may not. Convertible securities may be issued by smaller capitalization companies whose stock prices may be more volatile than larger capitalization companies. A convertible security may have a mandatory conversion feature or a call feature that subjects it to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to convert it into the underlying common stock, sell it to a third party or permit the issuer to redeem the security. Any of these actions could have an adverse effect on a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives.
Direct Debt Instruments including Loans, Loan Assignments, and Loan Participations. Direct debt includes interests in loans, notes and other interests in amounts owed to financial institutions by borrowers, such as companies and governments, including emerging market countries. Direct debt instruments are interests in amounts owed by corporate, governmental, or other borrowers (including emerging market countries) to lenders or lending syndicates. Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of principal and interest. The borrower may be in financial distress or may default. If a Fund does not receive scheduled interest or principal payments on such indebtedness, a Fund’s share price and yield could be adversely affected. Participations in debt instruments may involve a risk of insolvency of the selling bank. In addition, there may be fewer legal protections for owners of participation interests than for direct lenders. Direct indebtedness of developing countries involves a risk that the governmental entities responsible for the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to pay interest and repay principal when due. See the additional risks described under “Foreign Securities” in this SAI.
Direct debt instruments may have floating interest rates. These interest rates will vary depending on the terms of the underlying loan and market conditions.
Loans, Loan Assignments, and Loan Participations. Floating rate securities, including loans, provide for automatic adjustment of the interest rate at fixed intervals (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, or semi-annually) or automatic adjustment of the interest rate whenever a specified interest rate or index changes. The interest rate on floating rate securities ordinarily is determined by reference to LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), a particular bank’s prime rate, the 90-day U.S. Treasury Bill rate, the rate of return on commercial paper or bank CDs, an index of short-term tax-exempt rates or some other objective measure. A Fund may invest in secured and unsecured loans.
A Fund may invest in direct debt instruments by direct investment as a lender, by taking an assignment of all or a portion of an interest in a loan previously held by another institution or by acquiring a participation interest in a loan that continues to be held by another institution. It also may be difficult for a Fund to obtain an accurate picture of a selling bank’s financial condition. Loans are subject to the same risks as other direct debt instruments discussed above and carry additional risks described in this section.
Direct Investments. When a Fund invests as an initial investor in a new loan, the investment is typically made at par value. Secondary purchases of loans may be made at a premium to par, at par, or at a discount to par. Therefore, a Fund’s return on a secondary investment may be lower, equal, or higher than if a Fund had made a direct investment. As an initial investor in a new loan, a Fund may be paid a commitment fee.
Assignments. When a Fund purchases a loan by assignment, a Fund typically succeeds to the rights of the assigning lender under the loan agreement and becomes a lender under the loan agreement. Subject to the terms of the loan agreement, a Fund typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the loan agreement of the assigning lender. However, assignments may be arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, and the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender.
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Participation Interests. A Fund’s rights under a participation interest with respect to a particular loan may be more limited than the rights of original lenders or of investors who acquire an assignment of that loan. In purchasing participation interests, a Fund will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the participation interest (the “participating lender”) and only when the participating lender receives the payments from the borrower.
In a participation interest, a Fund will usually have a contractual relationship only with the selling institution and not the underlying borrower. A Fund normally will have to rely on the participating lender to demand and receive payments in respect of the loans, and to pay those amounts on to a Fund; thus, a Fund will be subject to the risk that the lender may be unwilling or unable to do so. In such a case, a Fund would not likely have any rights against the borrower directly. In addition, a Fund generally will have no right to object to certain changes to the loan agreement agreed to by the participating lender.
In buying a participation interest, a Fund might not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the related loan and may be subject to any rights of set off the borrower has against the selling institution. In the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of the borrower, the obligation of the borrower to repay the loan may be subject to certain defenses that can be asserted by the borrower as a result of any improper conduct of the participating lender. As a result, a Fund may be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that exist when a Fund is an original lender or assignee.
Creditworthiness. A Fund’s ability to receive payments in connection with loans depends on the financial condition of the borrower. The Manager will not rely solely on another lending institution’s credit analysis of the borrower, but will perform its own investment analysis of the borrower. The Manager’s analysis may include consideration of the borrower’s financial strength, managerial experience, debt coverage, additional borrowing requirements or debt maturity schedules, changing financial conditions, and responsiveness to changes in business conditions and interest rates. Indebtedness of borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks and may be highly speculative. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or restructuring may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. In connection with the restructuring of a loan or other direct debt instrument outside of bankruptcy court in a negotiated work-out or in the context of bankruptcy proceedings, equity securities or junior debt securities may be received in exchange for all or a portion of an interest in the security.
In buying a participation interest, a Fund assumes the credit risk of both the borrower and the participating lender. If the participating lender fails to perform its obligations under the participation agreement, a Fund might incur costs and delays in realizing payment and suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. If a participating lender becomes insolvent, a Fund may be treated as a general creditor of that lender. As a general creditor, a Fund may not benefit from a right of set off that the lender has against the borrower. A Fund will acquire a participation interest only if the Manager determines that the participating lender or other intermediary participant selling the participation interest is creditworthy.
Ratings. Loan interests may not be rated by independent rating agencies and therefore, investments in a particular loan participation may depend almost exclusively on the credit analysis of the borrower performed by the Manager.
Agents. Loans are typically administered by a bank, insurance company, finance company or other financial institution (the “agent”) for a lending syndicate of financial institutions. In a typical loan, the agent administers the terms of the loan agreement and is responsible for the collection of principal and interest and fee payments from the borrower and the apportionment of these payments to all lenders that are parties to the loan agreement. In addition, an institution (which may be the agent) may hold collateral on behalf of the lenders. Typically, under loan agreements, the agent is given broad authority in monitoring the borrower’s performance and is obligated to use the same care it would use in the management of its own property. In asserting rights against a borrower, a Fund normally will be dependent on the willingness of the lead bank to assert these rights, or upon a vote of all the lenders to authorize the action.
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If an agent becomes insolvent, or has a receiver, conservator, or similar official appointed for it by the appropriate regulatory authority, or becomes a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding, the agent’s appointment may be terminated and a successor agent would be appointed. If an appropriate regulator or court determines that assets held by the agent for the benefit of the purchasers of loans are subject to the claims of the agent’s general or secured creditors, a Fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on a loan or suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. A Fund may be subject to similar risks when it buys a participation interest or an assignment from an intermediary.
Collateral. Although most of the loans in which a Fund invests are secured, there is no assurance that the collateral can be promptly liquidated, or that its liquidation value will be equal to the value of the debt. In most loan agreements there is no formal requirement to pledge additional collateral if the value of the initial collateral declines. As a result, a loan may not always be fully collateralized and can decline significantly in value.
If a borrower becomes insolvent, access to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy and other laws. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy may pay only a small portion of the amount owed, if they are able to pay at all. In addition, if a secured loan is foreclosed, a Fund may bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. The collateral may be difficult to sell and a Fund would bear the risk that the collateral may decline in value while a Fund is holding it. There is also a possibility that a Fund will become the owner of its pro rata share of the collateral which may carry additional risks and liabilities. In addition, under legal theories of lender liability, a Fund potentially might be held liable as a co-lender. In the event of a borrower’s bankruptcy or insolvency, the borrower’s obligation to repay the loan may be subject to certain defenses that the borrower can assert as a result of improper conduct by the Agent.
Some loans are unsecured. If the borrower defaults on an unsecured loan, a Fund will be a general creditor and will not have rights to any specific assets of the borrower.
Liquidity. Loans are generally subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Loans are not currently listed on any securities exchange or automatic quotation system. As a result, there may not be a recognized, liquid public market for loan interests.
Prepayment Risk and Maturity. Because many loans are repaid early, the actual maturity of loans is typically shorter than their stated final maturity calculated solely on the basis of the stated life and payment schedule. The degree to which borrowers prepay loans, whether as a contractual requirement or at their election, may be affected by general business conditions, market interest rates, the borrower’s financial condition and competitive conditions among lenders. Such prepayments may require a Fund to replace an investment with a lower yielding security which may have an adverse effect on a Fund’s share price. Prepayments cannot be predicted with accuracy. Floating rate loans can be less sensitive to prepayment risk, but a Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) may still fluctuate in response to interest rate changes because variable interest rates may reset only periodically and may not rise or decline as much as interest rates in general.
Restrictive Covenants. A borrower must comply with various restrictive covenants in a loan agreement such as restrictions on dividend payments and limits on total debt. The loan agreement may also contain a covenant requiring the borrower to prepay the loan with any free cash flow. A breach of a covenant is normally an event of default, which provides the agent or the lenders the right to call the outstanding loan.
Fees and Expenses. A Fund may be required to pay and receive various fees and commissions in the process of purchasing, selling, and holding loans. The fee component may include any, or a combination of, the following elements: assignment fees, arrangement fees, non-use fees, facility fees, letter of credit fees, and ticking fees. Arrangement fees are paid at the commencement of a loan as compensation for the initiation of the transaction. A non-use fee is paid based upon the amount committed but not used under the loan. Facility fees are on-going annual fees paid in connection with a loan. Letter of credit fees are paid if a loan involves a letter of credit. Ticking fees are paid from the initial commitment indication until loan closing if for an extended period. The amount of fees is negotiated at the time of closing. In addition, a Fund incurs expenses associated with researching and analyzing potential loan investments, including legal fees.
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Available Information. Loans normally are not registered with the SEC or any state securities commission or listed on any securities exchange. As a result, the amount of public information available about a specific loan historically has been less extensive than if the loan were registered or exchange traded. They may also not be considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as a Fund, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the strong anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws.
Leveraged Buy-Out Transactions. Loans purchased by a Fund may represent interests in loans made to finance highly leveraged corporate acquisitions, known as “leveraged buy-out” transactions, leveraged recapitalization loans and other types of acquisition financing. The highly leveraged capital structure of the borrowers in such transactions may make such loans especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market conditions.
Junior Loans. A Fund may invest in second lien secured loans and secured and unsecured subordinated loans, including bridge loans (“Junior Loans”). In the event of a bankruptcy or liquidation, second lien secured loans are generally paid only if the value of the borrower’s collateral is sufficient to satisfy the borrower’s obligations to the first lien secured lenders and even then, the remaining collateral may not be sufficient to cover the amount owed to a Fund. Second lien secured loans give investors priority over general unsecured creditors in the event of an asset sale.
Junior Loans are subject to the same general risks inherent to any loan investment, including credit risk, market and liquidity risk, and interest rate risk. Due to their lower place in the borrower’s capital structure, Junior Loans involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower.
Bridge Loans. Bridge loans or bridge facilities are short-term loan arrangements (e.g., 12 to 18 months) typically made by a borrower in anticipation of intermediate-term or long-term permanent financing. Most bridge loans are structured as floating-rate debt with step-up provisions under which the interest rate on the bridge loan rises over time. Thus, the longer the loan remains outstanding, the more the interest rate increases. In addition, bridge loans commonly contain a conversion feature that allows the bridge loan investor to convert its loan interest into senior exchange notes if the loan has not been prepaid in full on or prior to its maturity date. Bridge loans may be subordinate to other debt and may be secured or unsecured. Like any loan, bridge loans involve credit risk. Bridge loans are generally made with the expectation that the borrower will be able to obtain permanent financing in the near future. Any delay in obtaining permanent financing subjects the bridge loan investor to increased risk. A borrower’s use of bridge loans also involves the risk that the borrower may be unable to locate permanent financing to replace the bridge loan, which may impair the borrower’s perceived creditworthiness.
Delayed draw term loans. A Fund may be obligated under the terms of the relevant loan documents to advance additional funds after the initial disbursement that it makes at the time of its investment. For example, the loan may not have been fully funded at that time or the lenders may have ongoing commitments to make further advances up to a stated maximum. When a loan has been fully funded, however, repaid principal amounts normally may not be reborrowed. Interest accrues on the outstanding principal amount of the loan. The borrower normally may pay a fee during any commitment period.
Policies and Limitations. A Fund does not intend to invest in loan instruments that could require additional investments upon the borrower’s demand, but may invest in loans that require funding at a later date following the initial investment in the loan.
A Fund’s policies limit the percentage of its assets that can be invested in the securities of one issuer or in issuers primarily involved in one industry. Legal interpretations by the SEC staff may require a Fund to treat both the lending bank and the borrower as “issuers” of a loan participation by a Fund. In combination, a Fund’s policies and the SEC staff’s interpretations may limit the amount a Fund can invest in loan participations.
For purposes of determining its dollar-weighted average maturity or duration, a Fund calculates the remaining maturity or duration of loans on the basis of the stated life and payment schedule.
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Distressed Securities (Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF). The Fund may invest in distressed securities, including loans, bonds and notes may involve a substantial degree of risk. Distressed securities include securities of companies that are in financial distress and that may be in or about to enter bankruptcy.
The Fund may invest in issuers of distressed securities that the Manager expects will make an exchange offer or will be the subject of a plan of reorganization that the Fund will receive new securities in return for the distressed securities. A significant period of time may pass between the time at which the Fund makes its investment in these distressed securities and the time that any exchange offer or plan of reorganization is completed and there can be no assurance that such an exchange offer will be made or that such a plan of reorganization will be adopted. During this period, it is unlikely that the Fund will receive any interest payments on the distressed securities, the Fund will be subject to significant uncertainty as to whether or not the exchange offer or plan of reorganization will be completed and the Fund may be required to bear certain extraordinary expenses to protect and recover its investment. Therefore, to the extent the Fund seeks capital appreciation through investment in distressed securities, the Fund’s ability to achieve current income for its shareholders may be diminished.
The Fund also will be subject to significant uncertainty as to when and in what manner and for what value the obligations evidenced by the distressed securities will eventually be satisfied (e.g., through a liquidation of the obligor’s assets, an exchange offer or plan of reorganization involving the distressed securities or a payment of some amount in satisfaction of the obligation). Even if an exchange offer is made or plan of reorganization is adopted with respect to distressed securities held by the Fund, there can be no assurance that the securities or other assets received by the Fund in connection with such exchange offer or plan of reorganization will not have a lower value or income potential than may have been anticipated when the investment was made or no value. Moreover, any securities received by the Fund upon completion of an exchange offer or plan of reorganization may be restricted as to resale. Similarly, if the Fund participates in negotiations with respect to any exchange offer or plan of reorganization with respect to an issuer of distressed securities, the Fund may be restricted from disposing of such securities. To the extent that the Fund becomes involved in such proceedings, the Fund may have a more active participation in the affairs of the issuer than that assumed generally by an investor. The Fund, however, will not make investments for the purpose of exercising day-to-day management of any issuer’s affairs.
In certain periods, there may be little or no liquidity in the markets for distressed securities or other instruments. In addition, the prices of such securities may be subject to periods of abrupt and erratic market movements and above-average price volatility. It may be difficult to obtain financial information regarding the financial condition of a borrower or issuer, and its financial condition may be changing rapidly. It may be more difficult to value such securities and the spread between the bid and asked prices of such securities may be greater than normally expected.
Dollar Rolls. In a “dollar roll,” the Fund sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously agrees to repurchase substantially similar (i.e., same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date from the same party. During the period before the repurchase, the Fund forgoes principal and interest payments on the securities. The Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”), as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Dollar rolls may increase fluctuations in the Fund’s NAV and may be viewed as a form of leverage. A “covered roll” is a specific type of dollar roll in which the Fund holds an offsetting cash position or a cash-equivalent securities position that matures on or before the forward settlement date of the dollar roll transaction. There is a risk that the counterparty will be unable or unwilling to complete the transaction as scheduled, which may result in losses to the Fund. The Manager monitors the creditworthiness of counterparties to dollar rolls.
Policies and Limitations. Dollar rolls are considered borrowings for purposes of the Fund’s investment policies and limitations concerning borrowings.
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Energy-Related Investments. The securities of companies in energy-related activities include, among others, integrated oil and gas companies, refining companies, independent oil and gas companies, oil service companies, coal companies, energy infrastructure companies, energy transportation companies, energy master limited partnerships (see “Master Limited Partnerships” above), natural gas and electric utilities, and alternative energy providers. Companies in the energy sector are especially affected by variations in the commodities markets (that may be due to market events, regulatory developments or other factors that a Fund cannot control) and may lack the resources and the broad business lines to weather hard times. These companies face the risk that their earnings, dividends and stock prices will be affected by changes in the prices and supplies of energy fuels. Prices and supplies of energy can fluctuate significantly over short and long periods because of a variety of factors, including the supply and demand for energy fuels, international political events, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, tax and other governmental regulations, policies of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”), and relationships among OPEC members and between OPEC and oil-importing countries. In addition, companies in the energy sector are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in pollution or other environmental damage claims and risk of loss from terrorism and natural disasters. Shifts in energy consumption or supply disruptions may significantly impact companies in this sector. Further, because a significant portion of revenues of companies in this sector are derived from a relatively small number of customers that are largely composed of governmental entities and utilities, governmental budget constraints may have a significant impact on the stock prices of companies in this industry.
Equity Securities. Equity securities in which a Fund may invest include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities and warrants. Common stocks and preferred stocks represent shares of ownership in a corporation. Preferred stocks usually have specific dividends and rank after bonds and before common stock in claims on assets of the corporation should it be dissolved. Increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a corporation’s stock price. Convertible securities are debt or preferred equity securities convertible into common stock. Usually, convertible securities pay dividends or interest at rates higher than common stock, but lower than other securities. Convertible securities usually participate to some extent in the appreciation or depreciation of the underlying stock into which they are convertible. Warrants are options to buy a stated number of shares of common stock at a specified price anytime during the life of the warrants.
To the extent a Fund invests in such securities, the value of securities held by the Fund will be affected by changes in the stock markets, which may be the result of domestic or international political or economic news, changes in interest rates or changing investor sentiment. At times, the stock markets can be volatile and stock prices can change substantially. Because some investors purchase equity securities with borrowed money, an increase in interest rates can cause a decline in equity prices. The equity securities of smaller companies are more sensitive to these changes than those of larger companies. This market risk will affect a Fund’s NAV per share, which will fluctuate as the value of the securities held by the Fund changes. Not all stock prices change uniformly or at the same time and not all stock markets move in the same direction at the same time. Other factors affect a particular stock’s prices, such as poor earnings reports by an issuer, loss of major customers, major litigation against an issuer, or changes in governmental regulations affecting an industry. Adverse news affecting one company can sometimes depress the stock prices of all companies in the same industry. Not all factors can be predicted.
ESG Policies and Limitations Risk. The Funds’ application of any ESG policies and limitations described below is designed and utilized to help identify companies that demonstrate the potential to create economic value or reduce risk; however as with the use of any investment criteria in selecting a portfolio, there is no guarantee that the criteria used by a Fund will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers, or help reduce risk in the portfolio. The use of the Funds’ ESG policies and limitations could also affect the Funds’ exposure to certain sectors or industries, and could impact a Fund’s investment performance depending on whether the ESG policies and limitations used are ultimately reflected in the market.
Fixed Income Securities. Fixed income securities are subject to the risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payments on its obligations (“credit risk”) and are subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity (“interest rate risk”), market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer, and market liquidity (“market risk”). The value of a Fund’s fixed income investments is likely to decline in times of rising market interest rates. Conversely, the value of a Fund’s fixed income investments is likely to rise in times of declining market interest rates. Typically, the longer the time to maturity of a given security, the greater is the change in its value in response to a change in interest rates. Foreign debt securities are subject to risks similar to those of other foreign securities.
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Lower-rated securities are more likely to react to developments affecting market and credit risk than are more highly rated securities, which react primarily to movements in the general level of interest rates. Debt securities in the lowest rating categories may involve a substantial risk of default or may be in default. Changes in economic conditions or developments regarding the individual issuer are more likely to cause price volatility and weaken the capacity of the issuer of such securities to make principal and interest payments than is the case for higher-grade debt securities. An economic downturn affecting the issuer may result in an increased incidence of default. The market for lower-rated securities may be thinner and less active than for higher-rated securities. Pricing of thinly traded securities requires greater judgment than pricing of securities for which market transactions are regularly reported. Odd lots may trade at lower prices than institutional round lots. The Manager will invest in lower rated securities only when it concludes that the anticipated return on such an investment to Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF warrants exposure to the additional level of risk.
Call Risk. Some debt securities in which a Fund may invest are also subject to the risk that the issuer might repay them early (“call risk”). When market interest rates are low, issuers generally call securities paying higher interest rates. For this reason, a Fund holding a callable security may not enjoy the increase in the security’s market price that usually accompanies a decline in rates. Furthermore, a Fund would have to reinvest the proceeds from the called security at the current, lower rates.
Ratings of Fixed Income Securities. A Fund may purchase securities rated by S&P, Moody’s, Fitch, Inc. or any other nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) (please see the Prospectuses for further information). The ratings of an NRSRO represent its opinion as to the quality of securities it undertakes to rate. Ratings are not absolute standards of quality; consequently, securities with the same maturity, duration, coupon, and rating may have different yields. In addition, NRSROs are subject to an inherent conflict of interest because they are often compensated by the same issuers whose securities they rate. Although the Funds may rely on the ratings of any NRSRO, the Funds refer primarily to ratings assigned by S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch, Inc., which are described in Appendix A. A Fund may also invest in unrated securities that have been determined by the Manager to be comparable in quality to the rated securities in which the Fund may permissibly invest.
High-Quality Debt Securities. High-quality debt securities are securities that have received from at least one NRSRO, such as S&P, Moody’s or Fitch, Inc., a rating in one of the two highest rating categories (the highest category in the case of commercial paper) or, if not rated by any NRSRO, such as U.S. Government and Agency Securities, have been determined by the Manager to be of comparable quality.
Investment Grade Debt Securities. Investment grade debt securities are securities that have received, from at least one NRSRO that has rated it, a rating in one of the four highest rating categories or, if not rated by any NRSRO, have been determined by the Manager to be of comparable quality. Moody’s deems securities rated in its fourth highest rating category (Baa) to have speculative characteristics; a change in economic factors could lead to a weakened capacity of the issuer to repay. If a security receives one rating in one of the four highest rating categories and another rating below the fourth highest rating category, it will be considered investment grade.
Lower-Rated Debt Securities. Lower-rated debt securities or “junk bonds” are those rated below the fourth highest category (including those securities rated as low as D by S&P) or unrated securities of comparable quality. Securities rated below investment grade are often considered speculative. See the risks described under “Lower-Rated Debt Securities” in this SAI.
Ratings Downgrades. Subsequent to a Fund’s purchase of debt securities, the rating of that issue of debt securities may be reduced, so that the securities would no longer be eligible for purchase by that Fund.
Duration and Maturity. Duration is a measure of the sensitivity of debt securities to changes in market interest rates, based on the entire cash flow associated with the securities, including payments occurring before the final repayment of principal.
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The Manager may utilize duration as a tool in portfolio selection instead of the more traditional measure known as “term to maturity.” “Term to maturity” measures only the time until a debt security provides its final payment, taking no account of the pattern of the security’s payments prior to maturity. Duration incorporates a debt security’s yield, coupon interest payments, final maturity and call features into one measure. Duration therefore provides a more accurate measurement of a debt security’s likely price change in response to a given change in market interest rates. The longer the duration, the greater the debt security’s price movement will be as interest rates change. For any fixed income security with interest payments occurring prior to the payment of principal, duration is always less than maturity.
Futures, options and options on futures have durations which are generally related to the duration of the securities underlying them. Holding long futures or call option positions will lengthen a Fund’s duration by approximately the same amount as would holding an equivalent amount of the underlying securities. Short futures or put options have durations roughly equal to the negative of the duration of the securities that underlie these positions, and have the effect of reducing portfolio duration by approximately the same amount as would selling an equivalent amount of the underlying securities.
There are some situations where even the standard duration calculation does not properly reflect the interest rate exposure of a security. For example, floating and variable rate securities often have final maturities of ten or more years; however, their interest rate exposure corresponds to the frequency of the coupon reset. Another example where the interest rate exposure is not properly captured by duration is the case of mortgage-backed securities. The stated final maturity of such securities is generally 30 years, but current and expected prepayment rates are critical in determining the securities’ interest rate exposure. In these and other similar situations, the Manager, where permitted, will use more sophisticated analytical techniques that incorporate the economic life of a security into the determination of its interest rate exposure.
A Fund may invest in securities of any maturity and does not have a target average duration.
Policies and Limitations. For each Fund (except Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF and Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF), there are no restrictions as to the amount of a Fund’s assets that may be invested in fixed income securities or the ratings of such securities each Fund may acquire or the portion of its assets each may invest in debt securities in a particular ratings category.
Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF and Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF each normally may invest up to 20% of its net assets in debt securities. Subsequent to its purchase by a Fund, an issue of debt securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced, so that the securities would no longer be eligible for purchase by that Fund. The Manager will make a determination as to whether Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF should dispose of the downgraded securities. There are no restrictions as to the ratings of debt securities Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF may acquire or the portion of its assets it may invest in debt securities in a particular ratings category.
Foreign Securities. A Fund may invest in equity, debt, or other securities of foreign issuers and foreign branches of U.S. banks. These securities may be U.S. dollar denominated or denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies and may include (1) common and preferred stocks, (2) negotiable CDs, commercial paper, fixed time deposits, and bankers’ acceptances, (3) obligations of other corporations, and (4) obligations of foreign governments and their subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities, international agencies, and supranational entities. Foreign issuers are issuers organized and doing business principally outside the United States and include banks, non-U.S. governments, and quasi-governmental organizations. Investments in foreign securities involve sovereign and other risks, in addition to the credit and market risks normally associated with domestic securities. These risks include the possibility of adverse political and economic developments (including political or social instability, nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation); the potentially adverse effects of the unavailability of public information regarding issuers, less governmental supervision and regulation of financial markets, reduced liquidity of certain financial markets, and the lack of uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards or the application of standards that are different or less stringent than those applied in the United States; different laws and customs governing securities tracking; and possibly limited access to the courts to enforce a Fund’s rights as an investor. It may be difficult to invoke legal process or to enforce contractual obligations abroad, and it may be especially difficult to sue a foreign government in the courts of that country.
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Additionally, investing in foreign currency denominated securities involves the additional risks of (a) adverse changes in foreign exchange rates, (b) nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation, and (c) adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations (which could prevent cash from being brought back to the United States). Additionally, dividends and interest payable on foreign securities (and gains realized on disposition thereof) may be subject to foreign taxes, including taxes withheld from those payments. Commissions on foreign securities exchanges are often at fixed rates and are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although a Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on portfolio transactions.
Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and in less volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price volatility. Additional costs associated with an investment in foreign securities may include higher custodial fees than apply to domestic custody arrangements and transaction costs of foreign currency conversions.
Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures. In certain markets, there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of a Fund are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of a Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result in losses to a Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. The inability of a Fund to settle security purchases or sales due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to pay additional expenses, such as interest charges.
Securities of issuers traded on exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by government authorities. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging or less-developed market countries than in countries with more developed markets. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and instruments that reference the securities, such as participatory notes (or “P-notes”) or other derivative instruments, may be halted. In the event that a Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities or instruments, the Fund’s ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and the Fund could incur significant losses.
Interest rates prevailing in other countries may affect the prices of foreign securities and exchange rates for foreign currencies. Local factors, including the strength of the local economy, the demand for borrowing, the government’s fiscal and monetary policies, and the international balance of payments, often affect interest rates in other countries. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, and balance of payments position.
A Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) and International Depositary Receipts (“IDRs”). ADRs (sponsored or unsponsored) are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing its ownership of the underlying foreign securities. Most ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars and are traded on a U.S. stock exchange. However, they are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate if, as is often the case, the underlying securities are denominated in foreign currency. EDRs are receipts issued by a European bank evidencing its ownership of the underlying foreign securities and are often denominated in a foreign currency. GDRs are receipts issued by either a U.S. or non-U.S. banking institution evidencing its ownership of the underlying foreign securities and are often denominated in U.S. dollars. IDRs are receipts typically issued by a foreign bank or trust company evidencing its ownership of the underlying foreign securities. Depositary receipts involve many of the same risks of investing directly in foreign securities, including currency risks and risks of foreign investing.
Issuers of the securities underlying sponsored depositary receipts, but not unsponsored depositary receipts, are contractually obligated to disclose material information in the United States. Therefore, the market value of unsponsored depositary receipts is less likely to reflect the effect of such information.
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Policies and Limitations. No Fund is restricted in the amount it may invest in foreign securities, including foreign securities denominated in any one foreign currency. There also will be no limit on investment in issuers domiciled or doing business in, or whose securities are primarily traded in, a single jurisdiction or country.
Securities of Issuers in Emerging Market Countries. The risks described above for foreign securities may be heightened in connection with investments in emerging market countries. Historically, the markets of emerging market countries have been more volatile than the markets of developed countries, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. In particular, emerging market countries may have less stable governments; may present the risks of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership and prohibitions on the repatriation of assets; and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries. The economies of emerging market countries may be reliant on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions and may suffer from high and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times.
In determining where an issuer of a security is based, the Manager may consider such factors as where the company is legally organized, maintains its principal corporate offices and/or conducts its principal operations.
Additional costs could be incurred in connection with a Fund’s investment activities outside the United States. Brokerage commissions may be higher outside the United States, and a Fund will bear certain expenses in connection with its currency transactions. Furthermore, increased custodian costs may be associated with maintaining assets in certain jurisdictions.
Certain risk factors related to emerging market countries include:
Currency fluctuations. A Fund’s investments may be valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Certain emerging market countries’ currencies have experienced and may in the future experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar. For example, if the U.S. dollar appreciates against foreign currencies, the value of a Fund’s securities holdings would generally depreciate and vice versa. Consistent with its investment objective, a Fund can engage in certain currency transactions to hedge against currency fluctuations. See “Forward Foreign Currency Transactions.” After a Fund has distributed income, subsequent foreign currency losses may result in the Fund’s having distributed more income in a particular fiscal period than was available from investment income, which could result in a return of capital to shareholders.
Government regulation. The political, economic and social structures of certain developing countries may be more volatile and less developed than those in the United States. Certain emerging market countries lack uniform accounting, auditing, financial reporting and corporate governance standards, have less governmental supervision of financial markets than in the United States, and do not honor legal rights enjoyed in the United States. Certain governments may be more unstable and present greater risks of nationalization or restrictions on foreign ownership of local companies.
Repatriation of investment income, capital and the proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in some emerging market countries. While a Fund will only invest in markets where these restrictions are considered acceptable by the Manager, a country could impose new or additional repatriation restrictions after the Fund’s investment. If this happened, a Fund’s response might include, among other things, applying to the appropriate authorities for a waiver of the restrictions or engaging in transactions in other markets designed to offset the risks of decline in that country. Such restrictions will be considered in relation to a Fund’s liquidity needs and all other positive and negative factors. Further, some attractive equity securities may not be available to a Fund, or a Fund may have to pay a premium to purchase those equity securities, due to foreign shareholders already holding the maximum amount legally permissible.
While government involvement in the private sector varies in degree among emerging market countries, such involvement may in some cases include government ownership of companies in certain sectors, wage and price controls or imposition of trade barriers, market manipulation and other protectionist measures. With respect to any emerging market country, there is no guarantee that some future economic or political crisis will not lead to price controls, forced mergers of companies, expropriation, or creation of government monopolies to the possible detriment of a Fund’s investments.
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Less developed securities markets. Emerging market countries may have less well developed securities markets and exchanges. These markets have lower trading volumes than the securities markets of more developed countries. These markets may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume. Consequently, these markets may be substantially less liquid than those of more developed countries, and the securities of issuers located in these markets may have limited marketability. These factors may make prompt liquidation of substantial portfolio holdings difficult or impossible at times.
Settlement risks. Settlement systems in emerging market countries are generally less well organized than developed markets. Supervisory authorities may also be unable to apply standards comparable to those in developed markets. Thus, there may be risks that settlement may be delayed and that cash or securities belonging to a Fund may be in jeopardy because of failures of or defects in the systems. In particular, market practice may require that payment be made before receipt of the security being purchased or that delivery of a security be made before payment is received. In such cases, default by a broker or bank (the “counterparty”) through whom the transaction is effected might cause a Fund to suffer a loss. A Fund will seek, where possible, to use counterparties whose financial status is such that this risk is reduced. However, there can be no certainty that a Fund will be successful in eliminating this risk, particularly as counterparties operating in emerging market countries frequently lack the substance or financial resources of those in developed countries. There may also be a danger that, because of uncertainties in the operation of settlement systems in individual markets, competing claims may arise with respect to securities held by or to be transferred to a Fund.
Investor information. A Fund may encounter problems assessing investment opportunities in certain emerging market securities markets in light of limitations on available information, including the quality and reliability of such information, and different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and recordkeeping standards. In such circumstances, the Manager will seek alternative sources of information, and to the extent it may not be satisfied with the sufficiency of the information obtained with respect to a particular market or security, a Fund will not invest in such market or security.
Taxation. Taxation of dividends received, and net capital gains realized, by non-residents on securities issued in emerging market countries varies among those countries, and, in some cases, the applicable tax rate is comparatively high. In addition, emerging market countries typically have less well-defined tax laws and procedures than developed countries, and such laws and procedures may permit retroactive taxation so that a Fund could in the future become subject to local tax liability that it had not reasonably anticipated in conducting its investment activities or valuing its assets.
Litigation and Enforcement. A Fund and its shareholders may encounter substantial difficulties in obtaining and enforcing judgments against non-U.S. resident individuals and companies.
Fraudulent securities. Securities purchased by a Fund may subsequently be found to be fraudulent or counterfeit, resulting in a loss to the Fund.
Risks of Investing in Frontier Emerging Market Countries. Frontier emerging market countries are countries that have smaller economies or less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets. Frontier emerging market countries tend to have relatively low gross national product per capita compared to the larger traditionally-recognized emerging markets. The frontier emerging market countries include the least developed countries even by emerging markets standards. The risks of investments in frontier emerging market countries include all the risks described above for investment in foreign securities and emerging markets, although these risks are magnified in the case of frontier emerging market countries.
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Risks of Variable Interest Entities. For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including on U.S. exchanges, many PRC-based operating companies are structured as entities commonly referred to as variable interest entities (“VIEs”). In a typical VIE structure, the onshore PRC-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity then issues exchange-traded shares that are sold to the public, including non-Chinese investors (such as the Fund). The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements with the VIE. This structure enables PRC companies in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no legal equity ownership of the VIE, its contractual arrangements with the VIE permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE’s financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying PRC-based operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the PRC-based operating company only through its contractual arrangements with the VIE and has no legal ownership in the VIE. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these contractual arrangements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the VIE are limited and the VIE may engage in activities that negatively impact the investment value.
Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to VIE structures could adversely affect the Chinese operating company’s performance, the enforceability of the offshore entity’s contractual arrangements with the VIE and the value of the offshore entity’s shares. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally or legally recognized under PRC law and therefore there is a risk that the PRC government could restrict the effectiveness of such structures or negatively impact the VIE’s contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid under PRC law. The offshore entity’s control over the VIE may also be jeopardized if certain legal formalities are not observed in connection with the agreements, if the agreements are breached or if the agreements are otherwise determined not to be enforceable under PRC law. If any of the foregoing were to occur, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the PRC government determines that the contractual agreements involving the VIE structures do not comply with PRC laws and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a VIE to numerous sanctions such as penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, invalidation or termination of contractual arrangements and/or forfeiture or non-recognition of ownership interest. In addition, the listed offshore entity’s benefits through its contractual arrangements over a VIE may also be jeopardized if a natural person who holds the equity interest in the VIE is deemed to breach the terms of the contractual arrangement (assuming the contractual arrangement is held to be valid under PRC law), is subject to legal proceedings or if any physical instruments for authenticating documentation by the VIE, such as chops and seals, are used without the VIE’s authorization to enter into the contractual arrangements in PRC. Chops and seals, which are carved stamps used to sign documents, represent a legally binding commitment by the company. Moreover, any future regulatory action may limit or prohibit the ability of the offshore entity to receive the economic benefits of the VIE, which may cause the value of the Fund’s investment in the listed offshore entity to suffer a significant loss.
In addition, PRC companies listed on U.S. exchanges, including ADRs and companies that rely on VIE structures, may be delisted if they do not meet U.S. accounting standards and auditor oversight requirements. Delisting could significantly decrease the liquidity and value of the securities of these companies, decrease the ability of a Fund to invest in such securities and increase the cost of the Fund if it is required to seek alternative markets in which to invest in such securities.
Sovereign Government and Supranational Debt. Investments in debt securities issued by foreign governments and their political subdivisions or agencies (“Sovereign Debt”) involve special risks. Sovereign Debt is subject to risks in addition to those relating to non-U.S. investments generally. The issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal and/or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, and a fund may have limited legal recourse in the event of a default. As a sovereign entity, the issuing government may be immune from lawsuits in the event of its failure or refusal to pay the obligations when due.
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Sovereign Debt differs from debt obligations issued by private entities in that, generally, remedies for defaults must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party. Legal recourse is therefore somewhat diminished. Political conditions, especially a sovereign entity’s willingness to meet the terms of its debt obligations, are of considerable significance. Also, holders of commercial bank debt issued by the same sovereign entity may contest payments to the holders of Sovereign Debt in the event of default under commercial bank loan agreements.
A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its non-U.S. reserves, the availability of sufficient non-U.S. exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject. Increased protectionism on the part of a country’s trading partners or political changes in those countries, could also adversely affect its exports. Such events could diminish a country’s trade account surplus, if any, or the credit standing of a particular local government or agency.
Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on disbursements or assistance from foreign governments or multinational agencies, the country’s access to trade and other international credits, and the country’s balance of trade. Assistance may be dependent on a country’s implementation of austerity measures and reforms, which measures may limit or be perceived to limit economic growth and recovery. Some sovereign debtors have rescheduled their debt payments, declared moratoria on payments or restructured their debt to effectively eliminate portions of it, and similar occurrences may happen in the future. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental entities have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.
The ability of some sovereign debtors to repay their obligations may depend on the timely receipt of assistance from international agencies or other governments, the flow of which is not assured. The willingness of such agencies to make these payments may depend on the sovereign debtor’s willingness to institute certain economic changes, the implementation of which may be politically difficult.
The occurrence of political, social or diplomatic changes in one or more of the countries issuing Sovereign Debt could adversely affect a Fund’s investments. Political changes or a deterioration of a country’s domestic economy or balance of trade may affect the willingness of countries to service their Sovereign Debt. While NBIA endeavors to manage investments in a manner that will minimize the exposure to such risks, there can be no assurance that adverse political changes will not cause a Fund to suffer a loss of interest or principal on any of its holdings.
Sovereign Debt may include: debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, governmental agencies or instrumentalities and political subdivisions located in emerging market countries; debt securities issued by government owned, controlled or sponsored entities located in emerging market countries; interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of instruments issued by any of the above issuers; participations in loans between emerging market governments and financial institutions; and Brady Bonds, which are debt securities issued under the framework of the Brady Plan as a means for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external indebtedness.
Brady Bonds may be collateralized or uncollateralized and issued in various currencies (although most are dollar-denominated) and they are actively traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) secondary market. Certain Brady Bonds are collateralized in full as to principal due at maturity by zero coupon obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities having the same maturity (“Collateralized Brady Bonds”). Brady Bonds are not, however, considered to be U.S. Government Securities.
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Dollar-denominated, Collateralized Brady Bonds may be fixed rate bonds or floating rate bonds. Interest payments on Brady Bonds are often collateralized by cash or securities in an amount that, in the case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at least one year of rolling interest payments or, in the case of floating rate bonds, initially is equal to at least one year’s rolling interest payments based on the applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are entitled to “value recovery payments” in certain circumstances, which in effect constitute supplemental interest payments but generally are not collateralized. Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation components: (i) collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity; (ii) collateralized interest payments; (iii) uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute the “residual risk”). In the event of a default with respect to Collateralized Brady Bonds as a result of which the payment obligations of the issuer are accelerated, the U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations held as collateral for the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors, nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. The collateral will be held by the collateral agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted Brady Bonds, which will continue to be outstanding, at which time the face amount of the collateral will equal the principal payments which would have been due on the Brady Bonds in the normal course. In addition, in light of the residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds should be viewed as speculative.
Supranational entities may also issue debt securities. A supranational entity is a bank, commission or company established or financially supported by the national governments of one or more countries to promote reconstruction or development. Included among these organizations are the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Supranational organizations have no taxing authority and are dependent on their members for payments of interest and principal. Further, the lending activities of such entities are limited to a percentage of their total capital, reserves and net income.
Fund of Funds Structure. Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act, in relevant part, prohibits a registered investment company from acquiring shares of an investment company if after such acquisition the securities represent more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the acquired company, more than 5% of the total assets of the acquiring company, or, together with the securities of any other investment companies, more than 10% of the total assets of the acquiring company except in reliance on certain exceptions contained in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. Pursuant to Rule 12d1-4, a Fund is permitted to exceed the limits of Section 12 of the 1940 Act if the Fund complies with Rule 12d1-4’s conditions, including (i) limits on control and voting; (ii) required evaluations and findings; (iii) required fund of funds investment agreements; and (iv) limits on complex structures.
The Manager may be deemed to have a conflict of interest when determining whether to invest or maintain a Fund’s assets in affiliated underlying funds. The Manager would seek to mitigate this conflict of interest, however, by undertaking to waive a portion of the fees it receives from affiliated underlying funds on the Fund’s assets invested in those affiliated underlying funds as described below under “Contractual Expense Limitation and Fee Waivers.” The Manager and its affiliates may derive indirect benefits such as increased assets under management from investing Fund assets in an affiliated underlying fund, which benefits would not be present if investments were made in unaffiliated underlying funds. In addition, although the Manager will waive a portion of its fees as described below under “Contractual Expense Limitation and Fee Waivers,” the Fund will indirectly bear its pro rata share of an affiliated underlying fund’s other fees and expenses, and such fees and expenses may be paid to the Manager or its affiliates or a third party.
Futures Contracts, Options on Futures Contracts, Options on Securities and Indices, Forward Currency Contracts, Options on Foreign Currencies, and Swap Agreements (collectively, “Financial Instruments”). Financial Instruments are instruments whose value is dependent upon the value of an underlying asset or assets, which may include stocks, bonds, commodities, interest rates, currency exchange rates, or related indices. As described below, Financial Instruments may be used for “hedging” purposes, meaning that they may be used in an effort to offset a decline in value in a Fund’s other investments, which could result from changes in interest rates, market prices, currency fluctuations, or other market factors. Financial Instruments may also be used for non-hedging purposes in an effort to implement a cash management strategy, to enhance income or gain, to manage or adjust the risk profile of a Fund or the risk of individual positions, to gain exposure more efficiently than through a direct purchase of the underlying security, or to gain exposure to securities, markets, sectors or geographical areas.
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The Dodd-Frank Act requires the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) to establish new regulations with respect to derivatives defined as security-based swaps (e.g., derivatives based on an equity or a narrowly based equity index) and swaps (e.g., derivatives based on a broad-based index or commodity), respectively, and the markets in which these instruments trade. In addition, it subjected all security-based swaps and swaps to SEC and CFTC jurisdiction, respectively.
Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act regulates the use of derivatives transactions as defined by that rule for certain funds registered under the 1940 Act (“Rule 18f-4”). Due to the way derivatives transactions are defined by Rule 18f-4, it includes transactions traditionally characterized as derivatives as well as certain transactions that have not been traditionally characterized as derivatives. Unless a Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives user” as defined in Rule 18f-4, the rule, among other things, requires the Fund to establish a derivatives risk management program, comply with certain value-at-risk (“VAR”) based leverage limits, appoint a derivatives risk manager and provide additional disclosure both publicly and to the SEC regarding its derivatives positions. Rule 18f-4 provides an exception for limited derivatives users, which Rule 18f-4 defines as any fund that limits its derivatives exposure to 10% of its net assets, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions. Limited derivatives users are exempt from Rule 18f-4’s requirements to comply with VaR-based limits, appoint a derivatives risk manager, and adopt a derivatives risk management program. A limited derivatives user must still adopt and implement policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage its derivatives risk.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. A Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts (sometimes referred to as “futures”) and options thereon for hedging purposes (i.e., to attempt to offset against changes in the prices of securities or, in the case of foreign currency futures and options thereon, to attempt to offset against changes in prevailing currency exchange rates) or non-hedging purposes.
A “purchase” of a futures contract (or entering into a “long” futures position) entails the buyer’s assumption of a contractual obligation to take delivery of the instrument underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future time. A “sale” of a futures contract (or entering into a “short” futures position) entails the seller’s assumption of a contractual obligation to make delivery of the instrument underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future time.
The value of a futures contract tends to increase or decrease in tandem with the value of its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures contracts will tend to increase a Fund’s exposure to positive and negative price fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if the Fund had purchased the underlying instrument directly. A Fund may purchase futures contracts to fix what the Manager believes to be a favorable price for securities the Fund intends to purchase. When a Fund sells a futures contract, by contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move in a direction contrary to the market for the underlying instrument. Selling futures contracts, therefore, will tend to offset both positive and negative market price changes, much as if a Fund had sold the underlying instrument. A Fund may sell futures contracts to offset a possible decline in the value of its portfolio securities. In addition, a Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge to attempt to compensate for anticipated differences in volatility between positions a Fund may wish to hedge and the standardized futures contracts available to it, although this may not be successful in all cases. Further, a loss incurred on a particular transaction being used as a hedge does not mean that it failed to achieve its objective, if the goal was to prevent a worse loss that may have resulted had a particular securities or cash market investment suffered a substantial loss and there were no offsetting hedge.
Certain futures, including index futures and futures not calling for the physical delivery or acquisition of the instrument underlying the contract, are settled on a net cash payment basis rather than by the delivery of the underlying instrument. In addition, although futures contracts by their terms may call for the physical delivery or acquisition of the instrument underlying the contract, in most cases the contractual obligation is extinguished by being closed out before the expiration of the contract. A futures position is closed out by buying (to close out an earlier sale) or selling (to close out an earlier purchase) an identical futures contract calling for delivery in the same month. This may result in a profit or loss. While futures contracts entered into by a Fund will usually be liquidated in this manner, a Fund may instead make or take delivery of the underlying instrument or utilize the cash settlement process whenever it appears economically advantageous for it to do so.
Because the futures markets may be more liquid than the cash markets, the use of futures contracts permits a Fund to enhance portfolio liquidity and maintain a defensive position without having to sell portfolio securities. For example, (i) futures contracts on single stocks, interest rates and indices (including on narrow-based indices) and options thereon may be used as a maturity or duration management device and/or a device to reduce risk or preserve total return in an adverse environment for the hedged securities, and (ii) foreign currency futures and options thereon may be used as a means of establishing more definitely the effective return on, or the purchase price of, securities denominated in foreign currencies that are held or intended to be acquired by a Fund.
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For purposes of managing cash flow, a Fund may use futures and options thereon to increase its exposure to the performance of a recognized securities index.
With respect to currency futures, a Fund may sell a currency futures contract or a call option thereon, or may purchase a put option on a currency futures contract, if the Manager anticipates that exchange rates for a particular currency will fall. Such a transaction will be used as a hedge (or, in the case of a sale of a call option, a partial hedge) against a decrease in the value of portfolio securities denominated in that currency. If the Manager anticipates that exchange rates for a particular currency will rise, a Fund may purchase a currency futures contract or a call option thereon to protect against an increase in the price of securities that are denominated in that currency and that the Fund intends to purchase. A Fund also may purchase a currency futures contract or a call option thereon for non-hedging purposes when the Manager anticipates that a particular currency will appreciate in value, but securities denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not held in the Fund’s investment portfolio.
Each Fund may invest in commodity-linked futures contracts. A Fund may invest either directly or through a wholly owned Subsidiary (as defined below). Currently, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF invests in commodity-linked futures contracts through a wholly owned Subsidiary. Commodity-linked futures contracts are generally based upon commodities within six main commodity groups: (1) energy, which includes, among others, crude oil, gas oil, natural gas, gasoline and heating oil; (2) livestock, which includes, among others, feeder cattle, live cattle and hogs; (3) agriculture, which includes, among others, wheat (Kansas City wheat and Chicago wheat), corn and soybeans; (4) industrial metals, which includes, among others, aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, zinc and strategic metals (e.g., uranium); (5) precious metals, which includes, among others, gold, silver, platinum and palladium; and (6) softs, which includes, among others, cotton, coffee, sugar and cocoa. With respect to these physical commodities, the price of a commodity futures contract will reflect the storage costs of purchasing the physical commodity. These storage costs include the time value of money invested in the physical commodity plus the actual costs of storing the commodity, less any benefits from ownership of the physical commodity that are not obtained by the holder of a futures contract (these benefits are sometimes referred to as the “convenience yield”). To the extent that these storage costs change for an underlying commodity while a Fund is long futures contracts on that commodity, the value of the futures contract may change proportionately. A Fund may also invest in futures contracts on carbon allowances. Under certain regulatory regimes, a limit is set by a regulator, such as a government entity, on the total amount of specific greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, that can be emitted by regulated entities, such as manufacturers or energy producers. The regulator then may issue or sell individual “emission allowances” to regulated entities, which can then be traded on the open market. The regulator may gradually reduce the market cap on emission allowances, thereby increasing the value of such allowances and forcing regulated entities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. See “Cap and Trade.” To the extent that a Fund may invest in foreign currency-denominated securities, it also may invest in foreign currency futures contracts and options thereon.
“Initial Margin” with respect to a futures contract is the amount of assets that must be deposited by a Fund with, or for the benefit of, a futures commission merchant or broker in order to initiate the Fund’s futures positions. Initial margin is the margin deposit made by a Fund when it enters into a futures contract; it is intended to assure performance of the contract by the Fund. If the value of the Fund’s futures account declines by a specified amount, the Fund will receive a margin call and be required to post assets sufficient to restore the equity in the account to the initial margin level. (This is sometimes referred to as “variation margin;” technically, variation margin refers to daily payments that a clearing member firm is required to pay to the clearing organization based upon marking to market of the firm’s portfolio.) However, if favorable price changes in the futures account cause the margin deposit to exceed the required initial margin level, the excess margin may be transferred to the Fund. The futures commission merchant or clearing member firm through which a Fund enters into and clears futures contracts may require a margin deposit in excess of exchange minimum requirements based upon its assessment of a Fund’s creditworthiness. In computing its NAV, a Fund will mark to market the value of its open futures positions. A Fund also must make margin deposits with respect to options on futures that it has written (but not with respect to options on futures that it has purchased, if the Fund has paid the required premium in full at the outset). If the futures commission merchant or broker holding the margin deposit or premium goes bankrupt, a Fund could suffer a delay in recovering excess margin or other funds and could ultimately suffer a loss.
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Because of the low margin deposits required, futures trading involves an extremely high degree of leverage; as a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss, or gain, to the investor. Losses that may arise from certain futures transactions are potentially unlimited, and may exceed initial margin deposits as well as deposits made in response to subsequent margin calls.
A Fund may enter into futures contracts and options thereon that are traded on exchanges regulated by the CFTC or on non-U.S. exchanges. U.S. futures contracts are traded on exchanges that have been designated as “contract markets” by the CFTC; futures transactions must be executed through a futures commission merchant that is a member of the relevant contract market. Futures executed on regulated futures exchanges have minimal counterparty risk to a Fund because the exchange’s clearing organization assumes the position of the counterparty in each transaction. Thus, a Fund is exposed to risk only in connection with the clearing organization and not in connection with the original counterparty to the transaction. However, if a futures customer defaults on a futures contract and the futures commission merchant carrying that customer’s account cannot cover the defaulting customer’s obligations on its futures contracts, the clearing organization may use any or all of the collateral in the futures commission merchant’s customer omnibus account — including the assets of the futures commission merchant’s other customers, such as a Fund — to meet the defaulting customer’s obligations. This is sometimes referred to as “fellow customer risk.” Trading on non-U.S. exchanges is subject to the legal requirements of the jurisdiction in which the exchange is located and to the rules of such exchange, and may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees. Funds deposited in connection with such trading may also be subject to the bankruptcy laws of such other jurisdiction, which may result in a delay in recovering such funds in a bankruptcy and could ultimately result in a loss.
An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in the contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the option exercise period. The writer of the option is required upon exercise to assume a short futures position (if the option is a call) or a long futures position (if the option is a put). Upon exercise of the option, the accumulated cash balance in the writer’s futures margin account is delivered to the holder of the option. That balance represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract at exercise exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. Options on futures have characteristics and risks similar to those of securities options, as discussed herein.
Although a Fund believes that the use of futures contracts and options may benefit it, if the Manager’s judgment about the general direction of the markets or about interest rate or currency exchange rate trends is incorrect, the Fund’s overall return would be lower than if it had not entered into any such contracts. The prices of futures contracts and options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in interest or currency exchange rates, which in turn are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. At best, the correlation between changes in prices of futures contracts or options and of securities being hedged can be only approximate due to differences between the futures and securities markets or differences between the securities or currencies underlying a Fund’s futures or options position and the securities held by or to be purchased for the Fund. The currency futures or options market may be dominated by short-term traders seeking to profit from changes in exchange rates. This would reduce the value of such contracts used for hedging purposes over a short-term period. Such distortions are generally minor and would diminish as the contract approaches maturity.
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Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may limit the amount of fluctuation in the price of a futures contract or option thereon during a single trading day; once the daily limit has been reached, no trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. Daily limits govern only price movements during a particular trading day, however; they do not limit potential losses. In fact, a daily limit may increase the risk of loss, because prices can move to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of unfavorable futures and options positions and subjecting traders to substantial losses. If this were to happen with respect to a position held by a Fund, it could (depending on the size of the position) have an adverse impact on the Fund’s NAV. In addition, a Fund would continue to be subject to margin calls and might be required to maintain the position being hedged by the futures contract or option thereon or to maintain cash or securities in a collateral account.
Many electronic trading facilities that support futures trading are supported by computer-based component systems for the order, routing, execution, matching, registration or clearing of trades. A Fund’s ability to recover certain losses may be subject to limits on liability imposed by the system provider, the market, the clearing house or member firms.
Call Options on Securities. A Fund may write (sell) covered and uncovered call options and purchase call options on securities for hedging purposes (i.e., to attempt to reduce, at least in part, the effect on the Fund’s NAV of price fluctuations of securities held by the Fund) or non-hedging purposes. A call option is “covered” if a Fund simultaneously holds an equivalent position in the security underlying the option. A call option is “uncovered” if a Fund does not simultaneously hold an equivalent position in the security underlying the option. Portfolio securities on which a Fund may write and purchase call options are purchased solely on the basis of investment considerations consistent with the Fund’s investment objective.
When a Fund writes a call option, it is obligated to sell a security to a purchaser at a specified price at any time until a certain date if the purchaser decides to exercise the option. A Fund will receive a premium for writing a call option. So long as the obligation of the call option continues, a Fund may be assigned an exercise notice, requiring it to deliver the underlying security against payment of the exercise price. A Fund may be obligated to deliver securities underlying an option at less than the market price.
The writing of covered call options is a conservative investment technique that is believed to involve relatively little risk (in contrast to the writing of “naked” or uncovered call options, which the Funds will not do), but is capable of enhancing a Fund’s total return. When writing a covered call option, a Fund, in return for the premium, gives up the opportunity for profit from a price increase in the underlying security above the exercise price, but retains the risk of loss should the price of the security decline.
The writing of uncovered call options, at least theoretically, presents the potential for an unlimited loss, since it assumes the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the market price of the security underlying the option above the exercise price of the option. When an uncovered call is exercised, the Fund must purchase the underlying security to meet its call obligations and the necessary securities may be unavailable for purchase. In addition, the purchase of securities to satisfy the exercise of a call option can cause the price of the underlying securities to rise further, sometimes by a significant amount, thereby exacerbating the loss.
If a call option that a Fund has written expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium; however, that gain may be offset by a decline in the market value of the underlying security during the option period. If a call option that a Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security.
When a Fund purchases a call option, it pays a premium to the writer for the right to purchase a security from the writer for a specified amount at any time until a certain date. A Fund generally would purchase a call option to offset a previously written call option or to protect itself against an increase in the price of a security it intends to purchase.
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Put Options on Securities. A Fund may write (sell) and purchase put options on securities for hedging purposes (i.e., to attempt to reduce, at least in part, the effect on the Fund’s NAV of price fluctuations of securities held by the Fund) or non-hedging purposes. Portfolio securities on which a Fund may write and purchase put options are purchased solely on the basis of investment considerations consistent with the Fund’s investment objective.
When a Fund writes a put option, it is obligated to acquire a security at a certain price at any time until a certain date if the purchaser decides to exercise the option. A Fund will receive a premium for writing a put option. When writing a put option, a Fund, in return for the premium, takes the risk that it must purchase the underlying security at a price that may be higher than the current market price of the security. If a put option that a Fund has written expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium.
When a Fund purchases a put option, it pays a premium to the writer for the right to sell a security to the writer for a specified amount at any time until a certain date. A Fund generally would purchase a put option to protect itself against a decrease in the market value of a security it owns.
Low Exercise Price Options. A Fund may use non-standard warrants, including low exercise price options (“LEPOs”), to gain exposure to issuers in certain countries. These securities are issued by banks and other financial institutions. LEPOs are different from standard warrants in that they do not give their holders the right to receive a security of the issuer upon exercise. Rather, LEPOs pay the holder the difference in price of the underlying security between the date the LEPO was purchased and the date it is sold. By purchasing LEPOs, a Fund could incur losses because it would face many of the same types of risks as owning the underlying security directly. Additionally, LEPOs entail the same risks as other over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives. These include the risk that the counterparty or issuer of the LEPO may be unable or unwilling to make payments or to otherwise honor its obligations, that the parties to the transaction may disagree as to the meaning or application of contractual terms, or that the instrument may not perform as expected. Additionally, while LEPOs may be listed on an exchange, there is no guarantee that a liquid market will exist or that the counterparty or issuer of a LEPO will be willing to repurchase such instrument when a Fund wishes to sell it.
General Information About Options on Securities. The exercise price of an option may be below, equal to, or above the market value of the underlying security at the time the option is written. Options normally have expiration dates between three and nine months from the date written. American-style options are exercisable at any time prior to their expiration date. European-style options are exercisable only immediately prior to their expiration date. The obligation under any option written by a Fund terminates upon expiration of the option or, at an earlier time, when the Fund offsets the option by entering into a “closing purchase transaction” to purchase an option of the same series. If an option is purchased by a Fund and is never exercised or closed out, the Fund will lose the entire amount of the premium paid.
Options are traded both on U.S. national securities exchanges and in the OTC market. Options also are traded on non-U.S. exchanges. Exchange-traded options are issued by a clearing organization affiliated with the exchange on which the option is listed; the clearing organization in effect guarantees completion of every exchange-traded option. In contrast, OTC options are contracts between a Fund and a counterparty, with no clearing organization guarantee. Thus, when a Fund sells (or purchases) an OTC option, it generally will be able to “close out” the option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing transaction with the dealer to whom (or from whom) the Fund originally sold (or purchased) the option. There can be no assurance that a Fund would be able to liquidate an OTC option at any time prior to expiration. Unless a Fund is able to effect a closing purchase transaction in a covered OTC call option it has written, it will not be able to liquidate securities used as cover until the option expires or is exercised or until different cover is substituted. In the event of the counterparty’s insolvency, a Fund may be unable to liquidate its options position and the associated cover. The Manager monitors the creditworthiness of dealers with which a Fund may engage in OTC options transactions.
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The premium a Fund receives (or pays) when it writes (or purchases) an option is the amount at which the option is currently traded on the applicable market. The premium may reflect, among other things, the current market price of the underlying security, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price, the historical price volatility of the underlying security, the length of the option period, the general supply of and demand for credit, and the interest rate environment. The premium a Fund receives when it writes an option is recorded as a liability on the Fund’s statement of assets and liabilities. This liability is adjusted daily to the option’s current market value.
Closing transactions are effected in order to realize a profit (or minimize a loss) on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, or to permit the sale or the put of the underlying security. Furthermore, effecting a closing transaction permits a Fund to write another call option on the underlying security with a different exercise price or expiration date or both. There is, of course, no assurance that a Fund will be able to effect closing transactions at favorable prices. If a Fund cannot enter into such a transaction, it may be required to hold a security that it might otherwise have sold (or purchase a security that it might otherwise not have bought), in which case it would continue to be at market risk on the security.
A Fund will realize a profit or loss from a closing purchase transaction if the cost of the transaction is less or more than the premium received from writing the call or put option. Because increases in the market price of a call option generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying security, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option is likely to be offset, in whole or in part, by appreciation of the underlying security owned by the Fund; however, the Fund could be in a less advantageous position than if it had not written the call option.
A Fund pays brokerage commissions or spreads in connection with purchasing or writing options, including those used to close out existing positions. From time to time, a Fund may purchase an underlying security for delivery in accordance with an exercise notice of a call option assigned to it, rather than deliver the security from its inventory. In those cases, additional brokerage commissions are incurred.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities close, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets.
Additionally, volatility in the market for equity securities, which can impact a single stock or certain segments of stocks and can happen suddenly, can meaningfully increase the risk of loss associated with options.
Put and Call Options on Securities Indices and Other Financial Indices. A Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call options on securities indices and other financial indices for hedging or non-hedging purposes. In so doing, a Fund can pursue many of the same objectives it would pursue through the purchase and sale of options on individual securities or other instruments.
Options on securities indices and other financial indices are similar to options on a security or other instrument except that, rather than settling by physical delivery of the underlying instrument, options on indices settle by cash settlement; that is, an option on an index gives the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option (except if, in the case of an OTC option, physical delivery is specified). This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option times a specified multiple (multiplier), which determines the total dollar value for each point of such difference. The seller of the option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of this amount.
A securities index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the securities included in the index. The gain or loss on an option on an index depends on price movements in the instruments comprising the market, market segment, industry or other composite on which the underlying index is based, rather than price movements in individual securities, as is the case with respect to options on securities. The risks of investment in options on indices may be greater than the risks of investment in options on securities.
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The effectiveness of hedging through the purchase of securities index options will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the securities being hedged correlate with price movements in the selected securities index. Perfect correlation is not possible because the securities held or to be acquired by a Fund will not exactly match the composition of the securities indices on which options are available.
For purposes of managing cash flow, a Fund may purchase put and call options on securities indices to increase its exposure to the performance of a recognized securities index.
Securities index options have characteristics and risks similar to those of securities options, as discussed herein. Certain securities index options are traded in the OTC market and involve liquidity and credit risks that may not be present in the case of exchange-traded securities index options.
Options on Foreign Currencies. A Fund may write (sell) and purchase covered call and put options on foreign currencies for hedging or non-hedging purposes. A Fund may use options on foreign currencies to protect against decreases in the U.S. dollar value of securities held or increases in the U.S. dollar cost of securities to be acquired by the Fund or to protect the U.S. dollar equivalent of dividends, interest, or other payments on those securities. In addition, a Fund may write and purchase covered call and put options on foreign currencies for non-hedging purposes (e.g., when the Manager anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value, but securities denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not held in the Fund’s investment portfolio). A Fund may write covered call and put options on any currency in order to realize greater income than would be realized on portfolio securities alone.
Currency options have characteristics and risks similar to those of securities options, as discussed herein. Certain options on foreign currencies are traded on the OTC market and involve liquidity and credit risks that may not be present in the case of exchange-traded currency options.
Forward Foreign Currency Transactions. A Fund may enter into contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days in excess of two days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract (“forward currency contracts”) for hedging or non-hedging purposes. A Fund also may engage in foreign currency transactions on a spot basis (i.e., cash transaction that results in actual delivery within two days) at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency market.
A Fund may enter into forward currency contracts in an attempt to hedge against changes in prevailing currency exchange rates (i.e., as a means of establishing more definitely the effective return on, or the purchase price of, securities denominated in foreign currencies). A Fund may also enter into forward currency contracts to protect against decreases in the U.S. dollar value of securities held or increases in the U.S. dollar cost of securities to be acquired by a Fund or to protect the U.S. dollar equivalent of dividends, interest, or other payments on those securities. In addition, a Fund may enter into forward currency contracts for non-hedging purposes when the Manager anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value, but securities denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not held in the Fund’s investment portfolio. The cost to a Fund of engaging in forward currency contracts varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period, and the market conditions then prevailing.
Sellers or purchasers of forward currency contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions, similar to closing transactions on futures, by purchasing or selling, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument sold or bought, respectively. Secondary markets generally do not exist for forward currency contracts, however, with the result that closing transactions generally can be made for forward currency contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty. Thus, there can be no assurance that a Fund will in fact be able to close out a forward currency contract at a favorable price prior to maturity. In addition, in the event of insolvency of the counterparty, a Fund might be unable to close out a forward currency contract at any time prior to maturity. In either event, the Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position, and would continue to be required to maintain a position in the securities or currencies that are the subject of the hedge or to maintain cash or securities.
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The precise matching of forward currency contract amounts and the value of the securities involved generally will not be possible because the value of such securities, measured in the foreign currency, will change after the forward currency contract has been established. Thus, a Fund might need to purchase or sell foreign currencies in the spot (cash) market to the extent such foreign currencies are not covered by forward currency contracts. The projection of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
The Manager believes that the use of foreign currency hedging techniques, including “proxy-hedges,” can provide significant protection of NAV in the event of a general increase or decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies. For example, the return available from securities denominated in a particular foreign currency would decline if the value of the U.S. dollar increased against that currency. Such a decline could be partially or completely offset by an increase in the value of a hedge involving a forward currency contract to sell that foreign currency or a proxy-hedge involving a forward currency contract to sell a different foreign currency whose behavior is expected to resemble the behavior of the currency in which the securities being hedged are denominated but which is available on more advantageous terms.
However, a hedge or a proxy-hedge cannot protect against exchange rate risks perfectly and, if the Manager is incorrect in its judgment of future exchange rate relationships, a Fund could be in a less advantageous position than if such a hedge had not been established. If a Fund uses proxy-hedging, it may experience losses on both the currency in which it has invested and the currency used for hedging if the two currencies do not vary with the expected degree of correlation. Using forward currency contracts to protect the value of a Fund’s securities against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the underlying securities. A Fund may experience delays in the settlement of its foreign currency transactions.
Forward currency contracts in which a Fund may engage include foreign exchange forwards. The consummation of a foreign exchange forward requires the actual exchange of the principal amounts of the two currencies in the contract (i.e., settlement on a physical basis). Because foreign exchange forwards are physically settled through an exchange of currencies, they are traded in the interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A foreign exchange forward generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades; foreign exchange dealers realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the prices at which they are buying and the prices at which they are selling various currencies. When a Fund enters into a foreign exchange forward, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.
A Fund may be required to obtain the currency that it must deliver under the foreign exchange forward through the sale of portfolio securities denominated in such currency or through conversion of other assets of the Fund into such currency. When a Fund engages in foreign currency transactions for hedging purposes, it will not enter into foreign exchange forwards to sell currency or maintain a net exposure to such contracts if their consummation would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency materially in excess of the value of its portfolio securities or other assets denominated in that currency.
Forward currency contracts in which a Fund may engage also include non-deliverable forwards (“NDFs”). NDFs are cash-settled, short-term forward contracts on foreign currencies (each a “Reference Currency”) that are non-convertible and that may be thinly traded or illiquid. NDFs involve an obligation to pay an amount (the “Settlement Amount”) equal to the difference between the prevailing market exchange rate for the Reference Currency and the agreed upon exchange rate (the “NDF Rate”), with respect to an agreed notional amount. NDFs have a fixing date and a settlement (delivery) date. The fixing date is the date and time at which the difference between the prevailing market exchange rate and the agreed upon exchange rate is calculated. The settlement (delivery) date is the date by which the payment of the Settlement Amount is due to the party receiving payment.
Although NDFs are similar to forward exchange forwards, NDFs do not require physical delivery of the Reference Currency on the settlement date. Rather, on the settlement date, the only transfer between the counterparties is the monetary settlement amount representing the difference between the NDF Rate and the prevailing market exchange rate. NDFs typically may have terms from one month up to two years and are settled in U.S. dollars.
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NDFs are subject to many of the risks associated with derivatives in general and forward currency transactions, including risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency and the risk that the counterparty will fail to fulfill its obligations. Although NDFs have historically been traded OTC, in the future, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, they may be exchange-traded. Under such circumstances, they may be centrally cleared and a secondary market for them will exist. With respect to NDFs that are centrally-cleared, an investor could lose margin payments it has deposited with the clearing organization as well as the net amount of gains not yet paid by the clearing organization if the clearing organization breaches its obligations under the NDF, becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy. In the event of bankruptcy of the clearing organization, the investor may be entitled to the net amount of gains the investor is entitled to receive plus the return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the clearing organization’s other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the investor. Even if some NDFs remain traded OTC, they will be subject to margin requirements for uncleared swaps and counterparty risk common to other swaps, as discussed below.
A Fund may purchase securities of an issuer domiciled in a country other than the country in whose currency the securities are denominated.
Swap Agreements. A Fund may enter into swap agreements to manage or gain exposure to particular types of investments (including commodities, equity securities, interest rates or indices of equity securities in which the Fund otherwise could not invest efficiently) or to help enhance the value of its portfolio. A Fund may also enter into other types of swap agreements, including total return swaps, asset swaps, currency swaps and credit default swaps, and may write (sell) and purchase options thereon for hedging and non-hedging purposes.
Swap agreements historically have been individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. Swap agreements can vary in term like other fixed-income investments. Most swap agreements are currently traded over-the-counter. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange one or more payments based, for example, on the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments (such as securities, indices, or other financial or economic interests). The gross payments to be exchanged (or “swapped”) between the parties are calculated with respect to a notional amount, which is the predetermined dollar principal of the trade representing the hypothetical underlying quantity upon which payment obligations are computed. If a swap agreement provides for payment in different currencies, the parties may agree to exchange the principal amount. A swap also includes an instrument that is dependent on the occurrence, nonoccurrence or the extent of the occurrence of an event or contingency associated with a potential financial, economic or commercial consequence, such as a credit default swap.
Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of a Fund’s investments and its share price and yield. Swap agreements are subject to liquidity risk, meaning that a Fund may be unable to sell a swap agreement to a third party at a favorable price. Swap agreements may involve leverage and may be highly volatile; depending on how they are used, they may have a considerable impact on a Fund’s performance. The risks of swap agreements depend upon a Fund’s ability to terminate its swap agreements or reduce its exposure through offsetting transactions. Swaps are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with stocks, bonds, and other traditional investments.
Some swaps currently are, and more in the future will be, centrally cleared. Swaps that are centrally cleared are subject to the creditworthiness of the clearing organization involved in the transaction. For example, an investor could lose margin payments it has deposited with its futures commission merchant as well as the net amount of gains not yet paid by the clearing organization if the clearing organization becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy. In the event of bankruptcy of the clearing organization, the investor may be entitled to the net amount of gains the investor is entitled to receive plus the return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the clearing organization’s other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the investor.
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To the extent a swap is not centrally cleared, the use of a swap involves the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty or the failure of the counterparty to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the agreement. If a counterparty’s creditworthiness declines, the value of the swap might decline, potentially resulting in losses to a Fund. Changing conditions in a particular market area, whether or not directly related to the referenced assets that underlie the swap agreement, may have an adverse impact on the creditworthiness of the counterparty. If a default occurs by the counterparty to such a transaction, a Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.
Following the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act and promulgation of related CFTC regulations, U.S. swap markets have undergone substantial change in recent years. Reporting and recordkeeping requirements are now required for all swap transactions in the U.S., and certain swaps may also be subject to margin, clearing and trade execution mandates, among other regulatory obligations. Regulations adopted by the CFTC, SEC and prudential regulators may require certain Fund counterparties to post and collect margin on OTC swaps, and exchanges also have minimum margin requirements for exchange-traded and cleared swaps. The prudential regulators issued final rules that require banks subject to their supervision to exchange variation and initial margin in respect of their obligations arising under OTC swap agreements with certain of their counterparties. The CFTC adopted similar rules that apply to CFTC-registered swap dealers that are not banks. Such rules will generally require a Fund to set aside additional eligible assets in order to meet the new variation and initial margin requirements when they enter into OTC swap agreements. The European Supervisory Authorities (“ESA”), various national regulators in Europe, the Australian Securities & Investment Commission, the Japanese Financial Services Agency and the Canadian Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions adopted rules and regulations that are similar to that of the U.S. prudential regulators. All such variation and initial margin requirements are now effective. Due to these regulations, a Fund may be required by its swap dealer counterparties to enter into additional documentation (including ISDA Credit Support Annexes), and post and collect margin related to its swap agreements.
CFTC regulations now also allow for the minimum transfer amount (“MTA”) of initial and variation margin to apply separately to each separately managed investment account or sleeve (“SMA”) that an asset manager is responsible for, rather than having to calculate the MTA across all accounts of the Fund or other counterparty. An SMA’s MTA may be calculated separately from other SMAs of the same legal entity so long as it meets the following conditions: (1) the SMA is managed by an asset manager and is governed by an investment management agreement, pursuant to which the SMA owner has granted the asset manager authority with respect to certain of the owner’s assets; (2) swaps are entered into by the asset manager on behalf of the SMA pursuant to the investment management agreement, and (3) the swaps of such SMA are subject to a master netting agreement that does not permit netting of initial or variation margin obligations across SMAs of the legal entity that have swaps outstanding with the applicable swap dealer counterparty; and (4) the MTA is no greater than $50,000 for each applicable SMA. As of the date of this SAI, the prudential regulators have not provided similar relief, although swaps dealers subject to a prudential regulator are expected to act in a manner consistent with the relief provided by the CFTC.
Regulations adopted by the prudential regulators require certain banks to include in a range of financial contracts, including swap agreements, terms delaying or restricting default, termination and other rights in the event that the bank and/or its affiliates become subject to certain types of resolution or insolvency proceedings. The regulations could limit a Fund’s ability to exercise a range of cross-default rights if its counterparty, or an affiliate of the counterparty, is subject to bankruptcy or similar proceedings. Such regulations could further negatively impact a Fund’s use of swaps.
Swap agreements can take many different forms and are known by a variety of names including, but not limited to, interest rate swaps, mortgage swaps, total return swaps, inflation swaps, asset swaps (where parties exchange assets, typically a debt security), currency swaps, equity swaps, credit default swaps, commodity-linked swaps, and contracts for differences. A Fund may also write (sell) and purchase options on swaps (swaptions).
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Swaps on Carbon Credit Futures (Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF). The Fund may invest in swaps on futures based on carbon “allowances” or “credits.” Under certain regulatory regimes, a limit is set by a regulator, such as a government entity, on the total amount of specific greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, that can be emitted by regulated entities, such as manufacturers or energy producers. The regulator then may issue or sell individual “emission allowances” to regulated entities, which can then be traded on the open market. The regulator may gradually reduce the market cap on emission allowances, thereby increasing the value of such allowances and forcing regulated entities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Interest Rate Swaps, Mortgage Swaps, and Interest Rate “Caps,” “Floors,” and “Collars.” In a typical interest rate swap agreement, one party agrees to make regular payments equal to a floating rate on a specified amount in exchange for payments equal to a fixed rate, or a different floating rate, on the same amount for a specified period. Mortgage swap agreements are similar to interest rate swap agreements, except the notional principal amount is tied to a reference pool of mortgages or index of mortgages. In an interest rate cap or floor, one party agrees, usually in return for a fee, to make payments under particular circumstances. For example, the purchaser of an interest rate cap has the right to receive payments to the extent a specified interest rate exceeds an agreed level; the purchaser of an interest rate floor has the right to receive payments to the extent a specified interest rate falls below an agreed level. An interest rate collar entitles the purchaser to receive payments to the extent a specified interest rate falls outside an agreed range.
Among other techniques, a Fund may use interest rate swaps to offset declines in the value of fixed income securities held by the Fund. In such an instance, a Fund may agree with a counterparty to pay a fixed rate (multiplied by a notional amount) and the counterparty to pay a floating rate multiplied by the same notional amount. If long-term interest rates rise, resulting in a diminution in the value of a Fund’s portfolio, the Fund would receive payments under the swap that would offset, in whole or in part, such diminution in value; if interest rates fall, the Fund would likely lose money on the swap transaction. A Fund may also enter into constant maturity swaps, which are a variation of the typical interest rate swap. Constant maturity swaps are exposed to changes in long-term interest rate movements.
Total Return Swaps. A Fund may enter into total return swaps (“TRS”) to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or market. A Fund may be either a total return receiver or a total return payer. Generally, the total return payer sells to the total return receiver an amount equal to all cash flows and price appreciation on a defined security or asset payable at periodic times during the swap term (i.e., credit risk) in return for a periodic payment from the total return receiver based on a designated index (e.g., the London Interbank Offered Rate, known as LIBOR or the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, known as SOFR) and spread, plus the amount of any price depreciation on the reference security or asset. The total return payer does not need to own the underlying security or asset to enter into a total return swap. The final payment at the end of the swap term includes final settlement of the current market price of the underlying reference security or asset, and payment by the applicable party for any appreciation or depreciation in value. Usually, collateral must be posted by the total return receiver to secure the periodic interest-based and market price depreciation payments depending on the credit quality of the underlying reference security and creditworthiness of the total return receiver, and the collateral amount is marked-to-market daily equal to the market price of the underlying reference security or asset between periodic payment dates.
TRS may effectively add leverage to a Fund’s portfolio because, in addition to its net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. If a Fund is the total return receiver in a TRS, then the credit risk for an underlying asset is transferred to the Fund in exchange for its receipt of the return (appreciation) on that asset. If a Fund is the total return payer, it is hedging the downside risk of an underlying asset but it is obligated to pay the amount of any appreciation on that asset.
Inflation Swaps. In an inflation swap, one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index, such as the Consumer Price Index, over the term of the swap (with some lag on the referenced inflation index) and the other party agrees to pay a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swaps may be used to protect a Fund’s NAV against an unexpected change in the rate of inflation measured by an inflation index.
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Credit Default Swaps. In a credit default swap, the credit default protection buyer makes periodic payments, known as premiums, to the credit default protection seller. In return, the credit default protection seller will make a payment to the credit default protection buyer upon the occurrence of a specified credit event. A credit default swap can refer to a single issuer or asset, a basket of issuers or assets or index of assets, each known as the reference entity or underlying asset. A Fund may act as either the buyer or the seller of a credit default swap. A Fund may buy or sell credit default protection on a basket of issuers or assets, even if a number of the underlying assets referenced in the basket are lower-quality debt securities. In an unhedged credit default swap, a Fund buys credit default protection on a single issuer or asset, a basket of issuers or assets or index of assets without owning the underlying asset or debt issued by the reference entity. Credit default swaps involve greater and different risks than investing directly in the referenced asset, because, in addition to market risk, credit default swaps include liquidity, counterparty and operational risk.
Credit default swaps allow a Fund to acquire or reduce credit exposure to a particular issuer, asset or basket of assets. If a swap agreement calls for payments by a Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. If a Fund is the credit default protection seller, the Fund will experience a loss if a credit event occurs and the credit of the reference entity or underlying asset has deteriorated. If a Fund is the credit default protection buyer, the Fund will be required to pay premiums to the credit default protection seller. In the case of a physically settled credit default swap in which a Fund is the protection seller, the Fund must be prepared to pay par for and take possession of debt of a defaulted issuer delivered to the Fund by the credit default protection buyer. Any loss would be offset by the premium payments a Fund receives as the seller of credit default protection.
Commodity-Linked Swaps. Commodity-linked swaps are two party contracts in which the parties agree to exchange the return or interest rate on one instrument for the return of a particular commodity, commodity index or commodity futures or options contract. The payment streams are calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional amount. A one-period swap contract operates in a manner similar to a forward or futures contract because there is an agreement to swap a commodity for cash at only one forward date. A Fund may engage in swap transactions that have more than one period and therefore more than one exchange of payments. A Fund may invest in total return commodity swaps to gain exposure to the overall commodity markets. In a total return commodity swap, a Fund will receive the price appreciation of a commodity index, a portion of the index, or a single commodity in exchange for paying an agreed-upon fee. If a commodity swap is for one period, a Fund will pay a fixed fee, established at the outset of the swap. However, if the term of a commodity swap is more than one period, with interim swap payments, a Fund will pay an adjustable or floating fee. With “floating” rate, the fee is pegged to a base rate such as LIBOR or SOFR, and is adjusted each period. Therefore, if interest rates increase over the term of the swap contract, a Fund may be required to pay a higher fee at each swap reset date.
Currency Swaps. A currency swap involves the exchange by a Fund and another party of the cash flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value differential among them, such as exchanging a right to receive a payment in foreign currency for the right to receive U.S. dollars. A Fund may enter into currency swaps (where the parties exchange their respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies). Currency swap agreements may be entered into on a net basis or may involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the entire principal value of another designated currency. In such cases, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the counterparty will default on its contractual delivery obligations.
Equity Swaps. Equity swaps are contracts that allow one party to exchange the returns, including any dividend income, on an equity security or group of equity securities for another payment stream. Under an equity swap, payments may be made at the conclusion of the equity swap or periodically during its term. A Fund may enter into equity swaps. An equity swap may be used to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances in which direct investment may be restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise deemed impractical or disadvantageous. Furthermore, equity swaps may be illiquid and a Fund may be unable to terminate its obligations when desired. In addition, the value of some components of an equity swap (such as the dividends on a common stock) may also be sensitive to changes in interest rates.
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Options on Swaps (Swaptions). A swaption is an option to enter into a swap agreement. The purchaser of a swaption pays a premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, a Fund generally will incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swaption than when it purchases a swaption. When a Fund purchases a swaption, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised.
Contracts for Differences. A Fund may purchase contracts for differences (“CFDs”). A CFD is a form of equity swap in which its value is based on the fluctuating value of some underlying instrument (e.g., a single security, stock basket or index). A CFD is a privately negotiated contract between two parties, buyer and seller, stipulating that the seller will pay to or receive from the buyer the difference between the nominal value of the underlying instrument at the opening of the contract and that instrument’s value at the end of the contract. The buyer and seller are both required to post margin, which is adjusted daily, and adverse market movements against the underlying instrument may require the buyer to make additional margin payments. The buyer will also pay to the seller a financing rate on the notional amount of the capital employed by the seller less the margin deposit. A CFD is usually terminated at the buyer’s initiative.
A CFD can be set up to take either a short or long position on the underlying instrument and enables a Fund to potentially capture movements in the share prices of the underlying instrument without the need to own the underlying instrument. By entering into a CFD transaction, a Fund could incur losses because it would face many of the same types of risks as owning the underlying instrument directly.
As with other types of swap transactions, CFDs also carry counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty to the CFD transaction may be unable or unwilling to make payments or to otherwise honor its financial obligations under the terms of the contract, that the parties to the transaction may disagree as to the meaning or application of contractual terms, or that the instrument may not perform as expected. If the counterparty were to do so, the value of the contract, and of a Fund’s shares, may be reduced.
Combined Transactions. A Fund may enter into multiple transactions, which may include multiple options transactions, multiple interest rate transactions and any combination of options and interest rate transactions, instead of a single Financial Instrument, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the judgment of the Manager, it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so. A combined transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of its component transactions. Although a Fund will normally enter into combined transactions based on the Manager’s judgment that the combined transactions will reduce risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management goal, it is possible that the combined transactions will instead increase risk or hinder achievement of the desired portfolio management goal.
Regulatory Limitations on Using Futures, Options on Futures, and Swaps.
The CFTC has adopted regulations that subject registered investment companies and/or their investment advisors to regulation by the CFTC if the registered investment company invests more than a prescribed level of its NAV in commodity futures, options on commodities or commodity futures, swaps, or other financial instruments regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act, or if the registered investment company is marketed as a vehicle for obtaining exposure to such commodity interests.
Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF, and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF:
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As discussed in more detail below, the Manager has claimed an exclusion from CPO registration pursuant to CFTC Rule 4.5, with respect to all of the Funds. To remain eligible for this exclusion, a Fund must comply with certain limitations, including limits on trading in commodity interests, and restrictions on the manner in which the Fund markets its commodity interests trading activities. These limitations may restrict a Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategy, increase the costs of implementing its strategy, increase its expenses and/or adversely affect its total return.
To qualify for the CFTC Rule 4.5 exclusion, a Fund is permitted to engage in unlimited “bona fide hedging” (as defined by the CFTC), but if a Fund uses commodity interests other than for bona fide hedging purposes, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish these positions, determined at the time the most recent position was established, may not exceed 5% of the Fund’s NAV (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions and excluding the amount by which options that are “in-the-money” at the time of purchase are “in-the-money”) or, alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of non-bona fide hedging commodity interest positions, determined at the time the most recent position was established, may not exceed 100% of the Fund’s NAV (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to complying with these de minimis trading limitations, to qualify for the exclusion, a Fund must satisfy a marketing test, which requires, among other things, that a Fund not hold itself out as a vehicle for trading commodity interests.
A Fund may be exposed to commodity interests indirectly in excess of the de minimis trading limitations described above. Such exposure may result from a Fund’s investment in other investment vehicles, such as real estate investment trusts, collateralized loan obligations, collateralized debt obligations and other securitization vehicles that may invest directly in commodity interests. These investment vehicles are referred to collectively as “underlying investment vehicles.” The CFTC treats a fund as a commodity pool whether it invests in commodity interests directly or indirectly through its investments in underlying investment vehicles. The CFTC staff has issued a no-action letter permitting the manager of a fund that invests in such underlying investment vehicles to defer registering as a CPO or claiming the exclusion from the CPO definition until six months from the date on which the CFTC issues additional guidance on the application of the calculation of the de minimis trading limitations in the context of the CPO exemption in CFTC Regulation 4.5 (the "Deadline"). Such guidance is expected to clarify how to calculate compliance with the de minimis trading limitations given a fund’s investments in underlying investment vehicles that may cause the fund to be deemed to be indirectly trading commodity interests. The Manager has filed the required notice to claim this no-action relief with respect to each Fund. In addition, the Manager has claimed an exclusion (under CFTC Regulation 4.5) from the CPO definition with respect to each Fund. As a result, at this time the Manager is not required to register as a CPO with respect to any Fund and need not generally comply with the regulatory requirements otherwise applicable to a registered CPO. Prior to the Deadline, however, the Manager will determine with respect to each Fund whether it must operate as a registered CPO or whether it can rely on an exemption or exclusion from the CPO definition. If the Manager determines that it can rely on the exclusion in CFTC Regulation 4.5 with respect to a Fund, then the Manager, in its management of that Fund, will comply with one of the two alternative de minimis trading limitations in that regulation. Complying with the de minimis trading limitations may restrict the Manager’s ability to use derivatives as part of a Fund’s investment strategies. Although the Manager believes that it will be able to execute each Fund’s investment strategies within the de minimis trading limitations, a Fund’s performance could be adversely affected. If the Manager determines that it cannot rely on the exclusion in CFTC Regulation 4.5 with respect to a Fund, then the Manager will serve as a registered CPO with respect to that Fund. CPO regulation would increase the regulatory requirements to which a Fund is subject and it is expected that it would increase costs for a Fund.
Pursuant to authority granted under the Dodd-Frank Act, the Treasury Department issued a notice of final determination stating that foreign exchange forwards and foreign exchange swaps, as defined in the Dodd-Frank Act and described above, should not be considered swaps for most purposes. Thus, foreign exchange forwards and foreign exchange swaps are not deemed to be commodity interests. Therefore, if the Manager determines that it can rely on the exclusion in CFTC Regulation 4.5 with respect to a Fund, the Fund may enter into foreign exchange forwards and foreign exchange swaps without such transactions counting against the de minimis trading limitations discussed above. Notwithstanding the Treasury Department determination, foreign exchange forwards and foreign exchange swaps (1) must be reported to swap data repositories, (2) may be subject to business conduct standards, and (3) are subject to antifraud and anti-manipulation proscriptions of swap execution facilities. In addition, for purposes of determining whether any Fund may be subject to initial margin requirements for uncleared swaps, the average daily aggregate notional amount of a foreign exchange forward or a foreign exchange swap must be included in the calculation of whether such Fund has a “material swaps exposure” as defined in the regulations.
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In addition, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations adopted by the CFTC in connection with implementing the Dodd-Frank Act, NDFs are deemed to be commodity interests, including for purposes of amended CFTC Regulation 4.5, and are subject to the full array of regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act. Therefore, if the Manager determines that it can rely on the exclusion in CFTC Regulation 4.5 with respect to a Fund, the Fund will limit its investment in NDFs as discussed above.
The staff of the CFTC has issued guidance providing that, for purposes of determining compliance with CFTC Regulation 4.5, and the de minimis trading limitations discussed above, swaps that are centrally-cleared on the same clearing organization may be netted where appropriate, but no such netting is permitted for uncleared swaps. To the extent some NDFs remain traded OTC and are not centrally-cleared, the absolute notional value of all such transactions, rather than the net notional value, would be counted against the de minimis trading limitations discussed above.
Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF:
The Fund is deemed a “commodity pool” and the Fund’s investment manager is considered a “commodity pool operator” with respect to the Fund under the Commodity Exchange Act. The Fund’s investment manager is therefore subject to dual regulation by the SEC and the CFTC. Compliance with regulations governing commodity pools may increase the Fund’s regulatory compliance costs. The regulatory requirements could change at any time and additional regulations could also be adopted, which may adversely impact the Fund, and may compel the Fund to consider significant changes, which could include substantially altering its principal investment strategies or, if deemed necessary, liquidating the Fund.
General Risks of Financial Instruments. The primary risks in using Financial Instruments are: (1) imperfect correlation or no correlation between changes in market value of the securities or currencies held or to be acquired by a Fund and the prices of Financial Instruments; (2) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for Financial Instruments and the resulting inability to close out Financial Instruments when desired; (3) the fact that the skills needed to use Financial Instruments are different from those needed to select a Fund’s securities; (4) the fact that, although use of Financial Instruments for hedging purposes can reduce the risk of loss, they also can reduce the opportunity for gain, or even result in losses, by offsetting favorable price movements in hedged investments; (5) the possible inability of a Fund to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time that would otherwise be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for a Fund to sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time; and (6) when traded on non-U.S. exchanges, Financial Instruments may not be regulated as rigorously as in the United States. There can be no assurance that a Fund’s use of Financial Instruments will be successful.
In addition, Financial Instruments may contain leverage to magnify the exposure to the underlying asset or assets.
A Fund’s use of Financial Instruments may be limited by the provisions of the Code and Treasury Department regulations with which it must comply to continue to qualify as a RIC. See “Additional Tax Information.” Financial Instruments may not be available with respect to some currencies, especially those of so-called emerging market countries.
Policies and Limitations. When hedging, the Manager intends to reduce the risk of imperfect correlation by investing only in Financial Instruments whose behavior is expected to resemble or offset that of a Fund’s underlying securities or currency. The Manager intends to reduce the risk that a Fund will be unable to close out Financial Instruments by entering into such transactions only if the Manager believes there will be an active and liquid secondary market.
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Illiquid Securities. Generally, an illiquid security is any investment that may not reasonably be expected to be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Illiquid securities may include unregistered or other restricted securities and repurchase agreements maturing in greater than seven days. Illiquid securities may also include commercial paper under Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act, and Rule 144A securities (restricted securities that may be traded freely among qualified institutional buyers pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the securities laws); these securities are considered illiquid unless the Manager determines they are liquid. Most such securities held by the Funds are deemed liquid. Generally, foreign securities freely tradable in their principal market are not considered restricted or illiquid, even if they are not registered in the United States. Illiquid securities may be difficult for a Fund to value or dispose of due to the absence of an active trading market. The sale of some illiquid securities by a Fund may be subject to legal restrictions, which could be costly to the Fund.
Policies and Limitations. For the Funds’ policies and limitations on illiquid securities, see “Investment Policies and Limitations -- Illiquid Securities” above.
Indexed Securities. A Fund may invest in indexed securities whose values are linked to currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices, or other financial indicators, domestic or foreign. Most indexed securities are short- to intermediate-term fixed income securities whose values at maturity or interest rates rise or fall according to the change in one or more specified underlying instruments. The value of indexed securities may increase or decrease if the underlying instrument appreciates, and they may have return characteristics similar to direct investment in the underlying instrument. An indexed security may be more volatile than the underlying instrument itself.
Inflation-Indexed Securities. Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed income securities whose principal value or coupon (interest payment) is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. A Fund may invest in inflation-indexed securities issued in any country. Two structures are common. The Treasury Department and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Other issuers pay out the index-based accruals as part of a semiannual coupon.
A Fund may invest in Treasury Department inflation-indexed securities, formerly called “U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities,” (“U.S. TIPS”), which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. The periodic adjustment of U.S. TIPS is currently tied to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”), which is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is part of the Labor Department. The CPI-U is a measurement of changes in the cost of living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation and energy. Inflation-indexed bonds issued by a non-U.S. government are generally adjusted to reflect a comparable inflation index, calculated by that government. There can be no assurance that the CPI-U or any non-U.S. inflation index will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. In addition, there can be no assurance that the rate of inflation in a non-U.S. country will be correlated to the rate of inflation in the United States. The three-month lag in calculating the CPI-U for purposes of adjusting the principal value of U.S. TIPS may give rise to risks under certain circumstances.
Interest is calculated on the basis of the current adjusted principal value. The principal value of inflation-indexed securities declines in periods of deflation, but holders at maturity receive no less than par. However, if a Fund purchases inflation-indexed securities in the secondary market whose principal values have been adjusted upward due to inflation since issuance, the Fund may experience a loss if there is a subsequent period of deflation. If inflation is lower than expected during the period a Fund holds the security, the Fund may earn less on it than on a conventional bond. A Fund may also invest in other inflation-related bonds which may or may not provide a guarantee of principal. If a guarantee of principal is not provided, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal amount.
Because the coupon rate on inflation-indexed securities is lower than fixed-rate Treasury Department securities, the CPI-U would have to rise at least to the amount of the difference between the coupon rate of the fixed-rate Treasury Department issues and the coupon rate of the inflation-indexed securities, assuming all other factors are equal, in order for such securities to match the performance of the fixed-rate Treasury Department securities.
Inflation-indexed securities are expected to react primarily to changes in the “real” interest rate (i.e., the nominal (or stated) rate less the rate of inflation), while a typical bond reacts to changes in the nominal interest rate. Accordingly, inflation-indexed securities have characteristics of fixed-rate Treasury Department securities having a shorter duration. Changes in market interest rates from causes other than inflation will likely affect the market prices of inflation-indexed securities in the same manner as conventional bonds.
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Any increase in the principal value of an inflation-indexed security is taxable in the year the increase occurs, even though its holders do not receive cash representing the increase until the security matures. Because a Fund must distribute substantially all of its net investment income (including non-cash income attributable to those principal value increases) and net realized gains to its shareholders each taxable year to continue to qualify for treatment as a RIC and to minimize or avoid payment of federal income and excise taxes, a Fund may have to dispose of other investments under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may be required to borrow, to satisfy its distribution requirements.
The Treasury Department began issuing inflation-indexed bonds in 1997. Certain non-U.S. governments, such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, have a longer history of issuing inflation-indexed bonds, and there may be a more liquid market in certain of these countries for these securities.
Interfund Lending. Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the SEC and corresponding compliance procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees, the Funds may lend money to, and borrow money from, each other pursuant to a master interfund lending agreement (“Interfund Lending Program”). Under the Interfund Lending Program, the Funds may lend or borrow money for temporary purposes directly to or from one another (an “Interfund Loan”), subject to meeting the conditions of the SEC exemptive order. All Interfund Loans consist only of uninvested cash reserves that the lending Fund otherwise would invest in short-term repurchase agreements or other short-term instruments.
If a Fund has outstanding bank borrowings, any Interfund Loans to the Fund would: (a) be at an interest rate equal to or lower than that of any outstanding bank loan, (b) be secured at least on an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value as any outstanding bank loan that requires collateral, (c) have a maturity no longer than any outstanding bank loan (and in any event not over seven days), and (d) provide that, if an event of default occurs under any agreement evidencing an outstanding bank loan to the Fund, that event of default will automatically (without need for action or notice by the lending Fund) constitute an immediate event of default under the Interfund Lending Program, entitling the lending Fund to call the Interfund Loan (and exercise all rights with respect to any collateral), and that such call will be made if the lending bank exercises its right to call its loan under its agreement with the borrowing Fund.
A Fund may make an unsecured borrowing under the Interfund Lending Program if its outstanding borrowings from all sources immediately after the borrowing under the Interfund Lending Program are equal to or less than 10% of its total assets, provided that, if the Fund has a secured loan outstanding from any other lender, including but not limited to another Fund, the Fund’s borrowing under the Interfund Lending Program would be secured on at least an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value as any outstanding loan that requires collateral. If a Fund’s total outstanding borrowings immediately after an interfund borrowing under the Interfund Lending Program exceeded 10% of its total assets, the Fund may borrow through the Interfund Lending Program on a secured basis only. A Fund may not borrow under the Interfund Lending Program or from any other source if its total outstanding borrowings immediately after the borrowing would be more than 331/3% of its total assets.
No Fund may lend to another Fund through the Interfund Lending Program if the loan would cause the lending Fund’s aggregate outstanding loans through the Interfund Lending Program to exceed 15% of its current net assets at the time of the loan. A Fund’s Interfund Loans to any one Fund shall not exceed 5% of the lending Fund’s net assets. The duration of Interfund Loans is limited to the time required to receive payment for securities sold, but in no event more than seven days, and for purposes of this condition, loans effected within seven days of each other will be treated as separate loan transactions. Each Interfund Loan may be called on one business day’s notice by a lending Fund and may be repaid on any day by a borrowing Fund.
The limitations detailed above and the other conditions of the SEC exemptive relief application permitting interfund lending are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending for both the lending Fund and the borrowing Fund. However, no borrowing or lending activity is without risk. When a Fund borrows money from another Fund, there is a risk that the Interfund Loan could be called on one day’s notice or not renewed, in which case the Fund may have to borrow from a bank at higher rates or sell portfolio securities if an Interfund Loan is not available from another Fund. There can be no assurance than an Interfund Loan will be available to any Fund either as a borrower or lender. Interfund Loans are subject to the risk that the borrowing Fund could be unable to repay the loan when due, and a delay in repayment to a lending Fund could result in a lost opportunity or additional lending costs. No Fund may borrow more than the amount permitted by its investment limitations.
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Investments by Funds of Funds or Other Large Shareholders. A Fund may experience large redemptions or investments due to transactions in Fund shares by funds of funds, other large shareholders, or similarly managed accounts. While it is impossible to predict the overall effect of these transactions over time, there could be an adverse impact on a Fund’s performance. In the event of such redemptions or investments, a Fund could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it may not otherwise desire to do so. Such transactions may increase a Fund’s brokerage and/or other transaction costs and affect the liquidity of a Fund’s portfolio. In addition, when funds of funds or other investors own a substantial portion of a Fund’s shares, a large redemption by such an investor could cause actual expenses to increase, or could result in the Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio. Redemptions of Fund shares could also accelerate a Fund’s realization of capital gains (which would be taxable to its shareholders when distributed to them) if the Fund is unable to transact in-kind and sales of securities needed to fund the redemptions result in net capital gains. The impact of these transactions is likely to be greater when a fund of funds or other significant investor purchases, redeems, or owns a substantial portion of a Fund’s shares. A high volume of redemption requests can impact a Fund the same way as the transactions of a single shareholder with substantial investments.
Investing in China (Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF). Investing in China involves a high degree of risk and special considerations not typically associated with investing in more established economies or securities markets. Such risks may include: (a) social, economic and political uncertainty (including the risk of armed conflict); (b) the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets or confiscatory taxation; (c) dependency on exports and the corresponding importance of international trade; (d) increasing competition from Asia’s low-cost emerging economies; (e) greater price volatility and significantly smaller market capitalization of securities markets; (f) substantially less liquidity, particularly of certain share classes of mainland China-listed securities; (g) currency exchange rate fluctuations and the lack of available currency hedging instruments; (h) higher rates of inflation; (i) controls on foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of invested capital and on the Fund’s ability to exchange local currencies for U.S. dollars; (j) greater governmental involvement in and control over the economy; (k) uncertainty regarding the Chinese government’s commitment to economic reforms; (l) the fact that some Chinese companies may be smaller, less seasoned and newly-organized companies; (m) the differences in, or lack of, auditing and financial reporting standards which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers; (n) the fact that statistical information regarding the economy of China may be inaccurate or not comparable to statistical information regarding the U.S. or other economies; (o) less extensive, and still developing, legal systems and regulatory frameworks regarding the securities markets, business entities and commercial transactions; (p) the fact that the settlement period of securities transactions in foreign markets may be longer; (q) the fact that it may be more difficult, or impossible, to obtain and/or enforce a judgment than in other countries; (r) the rapid and erratic nature of growth, particularly in mainland China, resulting in inefficiencies and dislocations; (s) economies characterized by over-extension of credit and rising unemployment; and (t) the risk that, because of the degree of interconnectivity between the economies and financial markets of mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, any sizable reduction in the demand for goods, or an economic downturn, could negatively affect the surrounding economies and financial markets, as well. Given the difficulties and evolving perceptions of investing in China, the Fund will not be able to effectively exclude all Chinese companies with negative controversies such that the Fund’s investments may not always align with the values of U.S. investors.
Mainland China is dominated by the one-party rule of the Communist Party. After the formation of the Chinese socialist state in 1949, the Chinese government renounced various debt obligations and nationalized private assets without providing any form of compensation. There can be no assurance that the Chinese government will not take similar actions in the future. Investments in China involve the risk of greater control over the economy, political and legal uncertainties and currency fluctuations or blockage. The Chinese government exercises significant control over economic growth through the allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency denominated obligations, setting monetary policy, and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. Through its policies, the government may provide preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. The policies set by the government could have a substantial adverse effect on the Chinese economy and the Fund’s investments.
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For over three decades, the Chinese government has been reforming economic and market practices and providing a larger sphere for private ownership of property. While currently contributing to growth and prosperity, the Chinese government still exercises substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector and may own or control many companies, and the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support these economic reform programs and could possibly return to the completely centrally planned economy that previously existed. Under the economic reforms implemented by the Chinese government, the Chinese economy has experienced tremendous growth. There is no assurance, however, that such growth will be sustained in the future. Further, the Chinese government may from time to time adopt measures to control the growth of the Chinese economy which may also adversely impact the Fund.
Economic growth in China has also historically been accompanied by periods of high inflation. Beginning in 2004, the Chinese government commenced the implementation of various measures to control inflation, which included the tightening of the money supply, the raising of interest rates and more stringent control over certain industries. Rising inflation may, in the future, adversely affect the performance of the Chinese economy and the Fund’s investments.
As with all transition economies, mainland China’s ability to develop and sustain a credible legal, regulatory, monetary, and socioeconomic system could influence the course of outside investment. The real estate market, once rapidly growing in major cities, has slowed down since the imposition of tighter government controls. Additionally, local government debt is still very high, and local governments have few viable means to raise revenue, especially with the fall in demand for housing in certain areas. Moreover, although the government has tried to restructure its economy towards consumption, it remains somewhat dependent on exports and is therefore susceptible to downturns abroad which may weaken demand for its exports and reduce foreign investments in the country. In particular, the economy faces the prospect of prolonged weakness in demand for exports as its major trading partners, such as the U.S., Japan, and Europe, continue to experience economic uncertainty stemming from the global financial crisis and European crisis, among other things. Over the long term, China’s aging infrastructure, worsening environmental conditions, rapid and inequitable urbanization, and quickly widening urban and rural income gap, which all carry political and economic implications, are among the country’s major challenges. In addition, China continues to exercise some control over the value of its currency, rather than allowing the value of the currency to be determined entirely by market forces. This type of currency regime may experience sudden and significant currency adjustments, which may adversely impact investment returns.
The securities markets in China have a limited operating history and are not as developed as those in the U.S. These markets tend to have had greater volatility than markets in the U.S. and some other countries. In addition, there is less regulation and monitoring of Chinese securities markets and the activities of investors, brokers and other participants than in the U.S. Accordingly, issuers of securities in China are not subject to the same degree of regulation as are U.S. issuers with respect to such matters as insider trading rules, tender offer regulation, stockholder proxy requirements and the requirements mandating timely disclosure of information. During periods of significant market volatility, the Chinese government has, from time to time, intervened in its domestic securities markets to a greater degree than would be typical in more developed markets. Stock markets in China are in the process of change and further development. This may lead to trading volatility, unpredictable trading suspensions, difficulty in the settlement and recording of transactions and difficulty in interpreting and applying the relevant regulations.
The willingness and ability of the mainland Chinese government to support the region surrounding China markets is uncertain. Taiwan and Hong Kong do not exercise the same level of control over their economies as mainland China does, but changes to their political and economic relationships with mainland China could adversely impact investments in Taiwan and Hong Kong. An investment in the Fund involves risk of a total loss. The political reunification of mainland China and Taiwan is a highly problematic issue and is unlikely to be settled in the near future. This situation poses a threat to Taiwan’s economy and could negatively affect its stock market. Hong Kong is closely tied to mainland China, economically and through its 1997 designation as a Special Administrative Region. The Chinese government has committed by treaty to preserve Hong Kong’s autonomy and its economic, political and social freedoms until 2047. However, if the Chinese government exerts its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, such as when the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China rather than the Hong Kong Legislative Council directly enacted the Hong Kong national security law (officially the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) on June 30, 2020, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect markets and business performance. Hong Kong is no longer afforded preferential economic treatment by the U.S. and there is uncertainty as to how the economy of Hong Kong will be affected. Hong Kong’s success depends, in large part, on its ability to retain the legal, financial, and monetary systems that allow economic freedom and market expansion.
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Disclosure and regulatory standards in China are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers. Chinese companies, including Chinese companies that are listed on U.S. exchanges, are not subject to the same degree of accounting standards or auditor oversight as companies in more developed countries. As a result, information about the Chinese securities in which the Fund invests may be less reliable or complete. Chinese companies with securities listed on U.S. exchanges may be delisted if they do not meet U.S. accounting standards and auditor oversight requirements, which would significantly decrease the liquidity and value of the securities. In addition, there may be significant obstacles to obtaining information necessary for investigations into or litigation against Chinese companies, and shareholders may have limited legal remedies.
There has been increased attention from the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) with regard to international auditing standards of U.S.-listed companies with significant operations in China as well as PCAOB-registered auditing firms in China. The SEC and PCAOB reached an agreement to provide information to these auditing firms in 2022 but China will need to continue to permit such access, which could change in the future. If these restrictions occur again, they may result in the unavailability of material information about issuers in China or an issuer’s operations in China.
China operates under a civil law system, in which court precedent is not binding. Because there is no binding precedent to interpret existing statutes, there is uncertainty regarding the implementation of existing law. Legal principles relating to corporate affairs and the validity of corporate procedures, directors’ fiduciary duties and liabilities and stockholders’ rights often differ from those that may apply in the U.S. and other countries. Chinese laws providing protection to investors, such as laws regarding the fiduciary duties of officers and directors, are undeveloped and will not provide investors, such as the Fund, with protection in all situations where protection would be provided by comparable law in the U.S. China lacks a national set of laws that address all issues that may arise with regard to a foreign investor such as the Fund. It may therefore be difficult for the Fund to enforce its rights as an investor under Chinese corporate and securities laws, and it may be difficult or impossible for the Fund to obtain a judgment in court. Moreover, as Chinese corporate and securities laws continue to develop, these developments may adversely affect foreign investors, such as the Fund.
The region surrounding China has historically been prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, droughts, floods and tsunamis and is economically sensitive to environmental events. Any such event could cause a significant impact on the economy of, or investments in, the region surrounding China.
Japanese Investments. The Fund may invest in securities of Japanese issuers and the performance of the Fund may be affected by events influencing Japan’s social, political, and economic conditions, as well as the exchange rate between the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar. Japan’s economy fell into a long recession in the 1990s. After a few years of mild recovery in the mid-2000s, Japan’s economy fell into another recession as a result of the recent global economic crisis and has struggled with low growth rates since. This economic recession was likely compounded by Japan’s massive government debt, the aging and shrinking of the population, relatively high unemployment, an unstable financial sector, low domestic consumption, certain corporate structural weaknesses, government intervention and protectionism, and reliance on oil imports, which remain some of the major long-term problems of the Japanese economy. Economic growth in Japan is dependent on domestic consumption, deregulation and consistent government policy. In the longer term, Japan will have to address the effects of an aging population, such as a shrinking workforce and higher welfare costs. To date, Japan has had restrictive immigration policies that, combined with other demographic concerns, appear to be having a negative impact on the economy. Japan has recently embarked on a program of monetary loosening, fiscal stimulus, and growth-oriented structural reform, which has generated early success in raising growth rates. However, the long term potential of this strategy remains uncertain.
Overseas trade is important to Japan’s economy and Japan’s economic growth is significantly driven by its exports. Japan is heavily dependent on oil and other commodity imports, and higher commodity prices could therefore have a negative impact on the Japanese economy. International trade, particularly with the U.S., also impacts the growth of the Japanese economy, and adverse economic conditions in the U.S. or other trade partners may affect Japan and the Fund’s investments. Domestic or foreign trade sanctions or other protectionist measures could harm Japan’s economy. Japan’s growth prospects appear to be dependent on its export capabilities. Japan’s neighbors, in particular China, have become increasingly important export markets. As a result, Japan is particularly susceptible to slowing economic growth in China, Japan’s second largest export market. Despite a deepening in the economic relationship between Japan and China, the countries’ political relationship has at times been strained in recent years. Should political tension increase, it could adversely affect the economy, especially the export sector, and destabilize the region as a whole. Japan’s economic prospects may also be affected by the natural, political and military situations of its near neighbors, notably North and South Korea, China, and Russia.
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Currency fluctuations, which have been significant at times, can have a considerable impact on exports and the overall Japanese economy. The Japanese yen has fluctuated widely during recent periods and may be affected by currency volatility elsewhere in Asia, especially Southeast Asia. In addition, the yen has had a history of unpredictable and volatile movements against the U.S. dollar. Japanese intervention in the currency markets could cause the value of the yen to fluctuate sharply and unpredictably and could cause losses to investors. A weak yen is disadvantageous to U.S. shareholders investing in yen-denominated securities. A strong yen, however, could be an impediment to strong continued exports and economic recovery because it makes Japanese goods sold in other countries more expensive and reduces the value of foreign earnings repatriated to Japan.
Japan is located in a part of the world that has historically been prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons and volcanic eruptions, which may have a significant impact on the business operations of Japanese companies in the affected regions and Japan’s economy. Japan has one of the world’s highest population densities, with a significant percentage of its total population concentrated in the metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. A natural disaster centered in or very near to one of these cities could have a particularly devastating effect on Japan’s financial markets. Japan also faces risks associated with climate change and transitioning to a lower-carbon economy.
Leverage. A Fund may engage in transactions that have the effect of leverage. Although leverage creates an opportunity for increased total return, it also can create special risk considerations. For example, leverage from borrowing may amplify changes in a Fund’s NAV. Although the principal of such borrowings will be fixed, a Fund’s assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding. Leverage from borrowing creates interest expenses for a Fund. To the extent the income derived from securities purchased with borrowed funds is sufficient to cover the cost of leveraging, the net income of a Fund will be greater than it would be if leverage were not used. Conversely, to the extent the income derived from securities purchased with borrowed funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leveraging, the net income of a Fund will be less than it would be if leverage were not used and, therefore, the amount (if any) available for distribution to the Fund’s shareholders as dividends will be reduced. Reverse repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, when-issued and delayed-delivery transactions, certain Financial Instruments (as defined above), and short sales, among others, may create leverage.
Policies and Limitations. For the Funds’ policies and limitations on borrowing, see “Investment Policies and Limitations -- Borrowing” above. Each Fund may make investments while borrowings are outstanding. A Fund also may use leverage to purchase securities needed to close out short sales or to obtain the collateral needed to borrow a security in order to effect a short sale of that security. A Fund may engage in transactions that have the effect of leverage for investment purposes and to facilitate hedging transactions.
LIBOR Rate Risk. Many debt securities, derivatives and other financial instruments, including some of the Fund’s investments, have historically utilized the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as the reference or benchmark rate for variable interest rate calculations. In 2017, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) announced that after 2021 it would cease its active encouragement of UK banks to provide the quotations needed to sustain LIBOR. The ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (the “ICE”), the current administrator of LIBOR, ceased publishing most LIBOR maturities, including some U.S. dollar LIBOR maturities, on December 31, 2021, and the remaining and most liquid U.S. dollar LIBOR maturities ceased to be published after June 30, 2023.
The FCA previously announced that it would require the ICE to continue publishing a 3-month synthetic sterling LIBOR, which is expected to cease at the end of March 2024. On April 3, 2023, the FCA announced that it would require the ICE to continue publishing 1-, 3- and 6-month U.S. dollar LIBOR until September 30, 2024 using an unrepresentative synthetic methodology (“synthetic U.S. dollar LIBOR”). Synthetic U.S. dollar LIBOR will be calculated using the same methodology used in the LIBOR Act. Synthetic U.S. dollar LIBOR cannot be used for cleared derivatives, but could be used in untransitioned legacy contracts unless they contain fallback language addressing LIBOR that has become “unrepresentative.”
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Also in 2017, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a group of large U.S. banks working with the Federal Reserve, announced its selection of a new Secured Overnight Funding Rate (“SOFR”), which is a broad measure of the cost of overnight borrowings secured by Treasury Department securities, as an appropriate replacement for U.S. dollar LIBOR. Bank working groups and regulators in other countries have suggested other alternatives for their markets, including the Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”) in England.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York began publishing SOFR in April 2018, with the expectation that it could be used on a voluntary basis in new instruments and for new transactions under existing instruments. However, SOFR is fundamentally different from LIBOR. It is a secured, nearly risk-free rate, while LIBOR is an unsecured rate that includes an element of bank credit risk. Also, while term SOFR for various maturities has begun to be adopted by some parties and for some types of transactions, SOFR is strictly an overnight rate, while LIBOR historically has been published for various maturities, ranging from overnight to one year. Thus, LIBOR may be expected to be higher than SOFR, and the spread between the two is likely to widen in times of market stress. Certain existing contracts provide for a spread adjustment for transitioning to SOFR from LIBOR, but there is no assurance that it will provide adequate compensation. Term SOFR rates for various maturities, may not be available, recommended, or operationally feasible at the applicable benchmark replacement date.
Various financial industry groups have planned for and have implemented the transition from LIBOR to SOFR or another new benchmark, but there are obstacles to converting certain longer term securities and transactions. The transition process for these instruments might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity. It also could lead to a reduction in the value of some LIBOR-based investments and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against existing LIBOR-based instruments.
Lower-Rated Debt Securities. Lower-rated debt securities or “junk bonds” are those rated below the fourth highest category (including those securities rated as low as D by S&P) or unrated securities of comparable quality. Securities rated below investment grade are often considered to be speculative. These securities have poor protection with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Lower-rated debt securities generally offer a higher current yield than that available for investment grade issues with similar maturities, but they may involve significant risk under adverse conditions. In particular, adverse changes in general economic conditions and in the industries in which the issuers are engaged and changes in the financial condition of the issuers are more likely to cause price volatility and weaken the capacity of the issuer to make principal and interest payments than is the case for higher-grade debt securities. These securities are susceptible to default or decline in market value due to real or perceived adverse economic and business developments relating to the issuer, market interest rates and market liquidity. In addition, the Fund that invests in lower-quality securities may incur additional expenses to the extent recovery is sought on defaulted securities. Because of the many risks involved in investing in lower-rated debt securities, the success of such investments is dependent on the credit analysis of the Manager.
During periods of economic downturn or rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which could adversely affect their ability to make payments of interest and principal and increase the possibility of default. In addition, such issuers may not have more traditional methods of financing available to them and may be unable to repay debt at maturity by refinancing. The risk of loss due to default by such issuers is significantly greater because such securities frequently are unsecured and subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness.
At certain times in the past, the market for lower-rated debt securities has expanded rapidly, and its growth generally paralleled a long economic expansion. In the past, the prices of many lower-rated debt securities declined substantially, reflecting an expectation that many issuers of such securities might experience financial difficulties. As a result, the yields on lower-rated debt securities rose dramatically. However, such higher yields did not reflect the value of the income stream that holders of such securities expected, but rather the risk that holders of such securities could lose a substantial portion of their value as a result of the issuers’ financial restructuring or defaults. There can be no assurance that such declines will not recur.
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The market for lower-rated debt issues generally is thinner or less active than that for higher quality securities, which may limit the Fund’s ability to sell such securities at fair value in response to changes in the economy or financial markets. Judgment may play a greater role in pricing such securities than it does for more liquid securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may also decrease the values and liquidity of lower rated debt securities, especially in a thinly traded market.
The Fund may invest in securities whose ratings imply an imminent risk of default with respect to such payments. Issuers of securities in default may fail to resume principal or interest payments, in which case the Fund may lose its entire investment.
See Appendix A for further information about the ratings of debt securities assigned by S&P, Fitch, Inc., and Moody’s.
Policies and Limitations. The Fund may invest up to 10% of total assets under normal market conditions in debt securities rated by at least one NRSRO in the lowest investment grade category (BBB/Baa) or lower or unrated securities of comparable quality. This policy does not apply to collateral received for securities lending. The Fund does not normally invest in or continue to hold securities that are in default or have defaulted with respect to the payment of interest or repayment of principal but may do so depending on market conditions.
The Fund considers bonds rated by at least one NRSRO below the fourth highest rating category to be lower-rated debt securities or “junk bonds.”
Master Limited Partnerships. Master limited partnerships (“MLPs”) are limited partnerships (or similar entities, such as limited liability companies) in which the ownership units (e.g., limited partnership interests) are publicly traded. MLP units are registered with the SEC and are freely traded on a securities exchange or in the OTC market. Many MLPs operate in oil and gas related businesses, including energy processing and distribution. Many MLPs are pass-through entities that generally are taxed at the unitholder level and are not subject to federal or state income tax at the entity level. Annual income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of such an MLP pass-through directly to its unitholders. Distributions from an MLP may consist in part of a return of capital. Additionally, since MLPs generally conduct business in multiple states, the Fund may be subject to income or franchise tax in each of the states in which the partnership does business. The additional cost of preparing and filing the tax returns and paying the related taxes may adversely impact the Fund’s return on its investment in MLPs. Generally, an MLP is operated under the supervision of one or more general partners. Limited partners are not involved in the day-to-day management of an MLP.
Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in their underlying assets and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. MLPs holding credit-related investments are subject to interest rate risk and the risk of default on payment obligations by debt issuers. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or a particular geographic region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs’ ability to vary their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies.
The risks of investing in an MLP are generally those inherent in investing in a partnership as opposed to a corporation. For example, state law governing partnerships is different than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded investors in an MLP than investors in a corporation. For example, although unitholders of an MLP are generally limited in their liability, similar to a corporation’s shareholders, creditors typically have the right to seek the return of distributions made to unitholders if the liability in question arose before the distributions were paid. This liability may stay attached to a unitholder even after it sells its units.
Policies and Limitations. Under certain circumstances, an MLP could be deemed an investment company. If that occurred, a Fund’s investment in the MLP’s securities would be limited by the 1940 Act. See “Securities of Other Investment Companies.”
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Mortgage-Backed Securities. Mortgage-backed securities, including residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, represent direct or indirect participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of mortgage loans. Those securities may be guaranteed by a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality (such as by Ginnie Mae); issued and guaranteed by a government-sponsored stockholder-owned corporation, though not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States (such as by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (collectively, the “GSEs”), and described in greater detail below); or issued by fully private issuers. Private issuers are generally originators of and investors in mortgage loans and include savings associations, mortgage bankers, commercial banks, investment bankers, and special purpose entities. Private mortgage-backed securities may be backed by U.S. Government agency supported mortgage loans or some form of non-governmental credit enhancement.
Government-related guarantors (i.e., not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government) include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored corporation owned by stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Federal Housing Finance Authority (“FHFA”). Fannie Mae purchases residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers that include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers. Fannie Mae guarantees the timely payment of principal and interest on pass-through securities that it issues, but those securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
Freddie Mac is a government-sponsored corporation formerly owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks and now owned by stockholders. Freddie Mac issues Participation Certificates (“PCs”), which represent interests in mortgages from Freddie Mac’s national portfolio. Freddie Mac guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal on the PCs it issues, but those PCs are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
The Treasury Department has historically had the authority to purchase obligations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. However, in 2008, due to capitalization concerns, Congress provided the Treasury Department with additional authority to lend the GSEs emergency funds and to purchase their stock. In September 2008, those capital concerns led the Treasury Department and the FHFA to announce that the GSEs had been placed in conservatorship.
Since that time, the GSEs have received significant capital support through Treasury Department preferred stock purchases as well as Treasury Department and Federal Reserve purchases of their mortgage backed securities (“MBS”). While the MBS purchase programs ended in 2010, the Treasury Department announced in December 2009 that it would continue its support for the entities’ capital as necessary to prevent a negative net worth. However, no assurance can be given that the Federal Reserve, Treasury Department, or FHFA initiatives will ensure that the GSEs will remain successful in meeting their obligations with respect to the debt and MBS they issue into the future.
In 2012, the FHFA initiated a strategic plan to develop a program related to credit risk transfers intended to reduce Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s overall risk through the creation of credit risk transfer assets (“CRTs”). CRTs come in two primary series: Structured Agency Credit Risk (“STACRs”) for Freddie Mac and Connecticut Avenue Securities (“CAS”) for Fannie Mae, although other series may be developed in the future. CRTs are typically structured as unsecured general obligations of either entities guaranteed by a government-sponsored stockholder-owned corporation, though not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States (such as by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (collectively, the “GSEs”) or special purpose entities), and their cash flows are based on the performance of a pool of reference loans. Unlike traditional residential MBS securities, bond payments typically do not come directly from the underlying mortgages. Instead, the GSEs either make the payments to CRT investors, or the GSEs make certain payments to the special purpose entities and the special purpose entities make payments to the investors. In certain structures, the special purpose entities make payments to the GSEs upon the occurrence of credit events with respect to the underlying mortgages, and the obligation of the special purpose entity to make such payments to the GSE is senior to the obligation of the special purpose entity to make payments to the CRT investors. CRTs are typically floating rate securities and may have multiple tranches with losses first allocated to the most junior or subordinate tranche. This structure results in increased sensitivity to dramatic housing downturns, especially for the subordinate tranches. Many CRTs also have collateral performance triggers (e.g., based on credit enhancement, delinquencies or defaults, etc.) that could shut off principal payments to subordinate tranches. Generally, GSEs have the ability to call all of the CRT tranches at par in 10 years.
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In addition, the future of the GSEs is in serious question as the U.S. Government is considering multiple options, ranging on a spectrum from significant reform, nationalization, privatization, consolidation, or abolishment of the entities. Congress is considering several pieces of legislation that would reform the GSEs, proposing to address their structure, mission, portfolio limits, and guarantee fees, among other issues.
The FHFA and the Treasury Department (through its agreement to purchase GSE preferred stock) have imposed strict limits on the size of GSEs’ mortgage portfolios. In August 2012, the Treasury Department amended its preferred stock purchase agreements to provide that the GSEs’ portfolios would be wound down at an annual rate of 15 percent (up from the previously agreed annual rate of 10 percent), requiring the GSEs to reach the $250 billion target by December 31, 2018. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were below the $250 billion cap for year-end 2018. On December 21, 2017, a letter agreement between the Treasury Department and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac changed the terms of the senior preferred stock certificates to permit the GSEs each to retain a $3 billion capital reserve, quarterly. Under the 2017 letter, each GSE paid a dividend to the Treasury Department equal to the amount that its net worth exceeded $3 billion at the end of each quarter. On September 30, 2019, the Treasury Department and the FHFA, acting as conservator to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, announced amendments to the respective senior preferred stock certificates that will permit the GSEs to retain earnings beyond the $3 billion capital reserves previously allowed through the 2017 letter agreements. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now permitted to maintain capital reserves of $25 billion and $20 billion, respectively.
Mortgage-backed securities may have either fixed or adjustable interest rates. Tax or regulatory changes may adversely affect the mortgage securities market. In addition, changes in the market’s perception of the issuer may affect the value of mortgage-backed securities. The rate of return on mortgage-backed securities may be affected by prepayments of principal on the underlying loans, which generally increase as market interest rates decline; as a result, when interest rates decline, holders of these securities normally do not benefit from appreciation in market value to the same extent as holders of other non-callable debt securities.
Because many mortgages are repaid early, the actual maturity and duration of mortgage-backed securities are typically shorter than their stated final maturity and their duration calculated solely on the basis of the stated life and payment schedule. In calculating its dollar-weighted average maturity and duration, a Fund may apply certain industry conventions regarding the maturity and duration of mortgage-backed instruments. Different analysts use different models and assumptions in making these determinations. The Funds use an approach that the Manager believes is reasonable in light of all relevant circumstances. If this determination is not borne out in practice, it could positively or negatively affect the value of a Fund when market interest rates change. Increasing market interest rates generally extend the effective maturities of mortgage-backed securities, increasing their sensitivity to interest rate changes.
Mortgage-backed securities may be issued in the form of collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) or collateralized mortgage-backed bonds (“CBOs”). CMOs are obligations that are fully collateralized, directly or indirectly, by a pool of mortgages; payments of principal and interest on the mortgages are passed through to the holders of the CMOs, although not necessarily on a pro rata basis, on the same schedule as they are received. CBOs are general obligations of the issuer that are fully collateralized, directly or indirectly, by a pool of mortgages. The mortgages serve as collateral for the issuer’s payment obligations on the bonds, but interest and principal payments on the mortgages are not passed through either directly (as with mortgage-backed “pass-through” securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities) or on a modified basis (as with CMOs). Accordingly, a change in the rate of prepayments on the pool of mortgages could change the effective maturity or the duration of a CMO but not that of a CBO (although, like many bonds, CBOs may be callable by the issuer prior to maturity). To the extent that rising interest rates cause prepayments to occur at a slower than expected rate, a CMO could be converted into a longer-term security that is subject to greater risk of price volatility.
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Governmental, government-related, and private entities (such as commercial banks, savings institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers, and other secondary market issuers, including securities broker-dealers and special purpose entities that generally are affiliates of the foregoing established to issue such securities) may create mortgage loan pools to back CMOs and CBOs. Such issuers may be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans, as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-backed securities. Pools created by non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than governmental and government-related pools because of the absence of direct or indirect government or agency guarantees. Various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool, and hazard insurance and letters of credit, may support timely payment of interest and principal of non-governmental pools. Governmental entities, private insurers, and mortgage poolers issue these forms of insurance and guarantees. The Manager considers such insurance and guarantees, as well as the creditworthiness of the issuers thereof, in determining whether a mortgage-backed security meets a Fund’s investment quality standards. There can be no assurance that private insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under insurance policies or guarantee arrangements. A Fund may buy mortgage-backed securities without insurance or guarantees, if the Manager determines that the securities meet the Fund’s quality standards. The Manager will, consistent with a Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations and quality standards, consider making investments in new types of mortgage-backed securities as such securities are developed and offered to investors.
Policies and Limitations. A Fund may not purchase mortgage-backed securities that, in the Manager’s opinion, are illiquid if, as a result, more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
Freddie Mac Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. Freddie Mac CMOs are debt obligations of Freddie Mac issued in multiple tranches having different maturity dates that are secured by the pledge of a pool of conventional mortgage loans purchased by Freddie Mac. Unlike Freddie Mac PCs, payments of principal and interest on the CMOs are made semiannually, as opposed to monthly. The amount of principal payable on each semiannual payment date is determined in accordance with Freddie Mac’s mandatory sinking fund schedule, which, in turn, is equal to approximately 100% of FHA prepayment experience applied to the mortgage collateral pool. All sinking fund payments in the CMOs are allocated to the retirement of the individual tranches of bonds in the order of their stated maturities. Payment of principal on the mortgage loans in the collateral pool in excess of the amount of Freddie Mac’s minimum sinking fund obligation for any payment date are paid to the holders of the CMOs as additional sinking fund payments. This “pass-through” of prepayments has the effect of retiring most CMO tranches prior to their stated final maturity.
If collection of principal (including prepayments) on the mortgage loans during any semiannual payment period is not sufficient to meet Freddie Mac’s minimum sinking fund obligation on the next sinking fund payment date, Freddie Mac agrees to make up the deficiency from its general funds.
Criteria for the mortgage loans in the pool backing the Freddie Mac CMOs are identical to those of Freddie Mac PCs. Freddie Mac has the right to substitute collateral in the event of delinquencies and/or defaults.
Other Mortgage-Related Securities. Other mortgage-related securities include securities other than those described above that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans on real property, including stripped mortgage-backed securities. Other mortgage-related securities may be equity or debt securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks, partnerships, trusts and special purpose entities of the foregoing.
Municipal Obligations. Municipal obligations are issued by or on behalf of states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories and possessions and their political subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities. The interest on municipal obligations is generally exempt from federal income tax. A Fund determines the tax-exempt status of the interest on any issue of municipal obligations based on an opinion of the issuer’s bond counsel, which is not binding on the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“Service”) or the courts, at the time the obligations are issued.
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Municipal obligations include “general obligation” securities, which are backed by the full taxing power of the issuing governmental entity, and “revenue” securities, which are backed only by the income from a specific project, facility, or tax. Municipal obligations also include PABs, which are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to finance various privately operated facilities, and are generally supported only by revenue from those facilities, if any. They are not backed by the credit of any governmental or public authority. “Anticipation notes” are issued by municipalities in expectation of future proceeds from the issuance of bonds or from taxes or other revenues and are payable from those bond proceeds, taxes, or revenues. Municipal obligations also include tax-exempt commercial paper, which is issued by municipalities to help finance short-term capital or operating requirements.
The value of municipal obligations depends on the continuing payment of interest and principal when due by the issuers of the municipal obligations (or, in the case of PABs, the revenues generated by the facility financed by the bonds or, in certain other instances, the provider of the credit facility backing the obligations or insurers issuing insurance backing the obligations).
A Fund may purchase municipal securities that are fully or partially backed by entities providing credit support such as letters of credit, guarantees, or insurance. The credit quality of the entities that provide such credit support will affect the market values of those securities. The insurance feature of a municipal security guarantees the full and timely payment of interest and principal through the life of an insured obligation. The insurance feature does not, however, guarantee the market value of the insured obligation or the NAV of a Fund’s shares represented by such an insured obligation. The Manager generally looks to the credit quality of the issuer of a municipal security to determine whether the security meets a Fund’s quality restrictions, even if the security is covered by insurance. However, a downgrade in the claims-paying ability of an insurer of a municipal security could have an adverse effect on the market value of the security. Certain significant providers of insurance for municipal securities can incur and, in the past have incurred, significant losses as a result of exposure to certain categories of investments, such as sub-prime mortgages and other lower credit quality investments that have experienced defaults or otherwise suffered extreme credit deterioration. Such losses can adversely impact the capital adequacy of these insurers and may call into question the insurers’ ability to fulfill their obligations under such insurance if they are called to do so, which could negatively affect a Fund. There are a limited number of providers of insurance for municipal securities and a Fund may have multiple investments covered by one insurer. Accordingly, this may make the value of those investments dependent on the claims-paying ability of that one insurer and could result in share price volatility for the Fund’s shares.
As with other fixed income securities, an increase in interest rates generally will reduce the value of a Fund’s investments in municipal obligations, whereas a decline in interest rates generally will increase that value.
Some municipal securities, including those in the high yield market, may include transfer restrictions (e.g., may only be transferred to qualified institutional buyers and purchasers meeting other qualification requirements set by the issuer). As such, it may be difficult to sell municipal securities at a time when it may otherwise be desirable to do so or a Fund may be able to sell them only at prices that are less than what the Fund regards as their fair market value.
Periodic efforts to restructure the federal budget and the relationship between the federal government and state and local governments may adversely impact the financing of some issuers of municipal securities. Some states and localities may experience substantial deficits and may find it difficult for political or economic reasons to increase taxes. Efforts are periodically undertaken that may result in a restructuring of the federal income tax system. These developments could reduce the value of all municipal securities, or the securities of particular issuers.
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Unlike other types of investments, municipal obligations have traditionally not been subject to the registration requirements of the federal securities laws, although there have been proposals to provide for such registration. This lack of SEC regulation has adversely affected the quantity and quality of information available to the bond markets about issuers and their financial condition. The SEC has responded to the need for such information with Rule 15c2-12 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Rule”). The Rule requires that underwriters must reasonably determine that an issuer of municipal securities undertakes in a written agreement for the benefit of the holders of such securities to file with a nationally recognized municipal securities information repository certain information regarding the financial condition of the issuer and material events relating to such securities. The SEC’s intent in adopting the Rule was to provide holders and potential holders of municipal securities with more adequate financial information concerning issuers of municipal securities. The Rule provides exemptions for issuances with a principal amount of less than $1,000,000 and certain privately placed issuances.
The federal bankruptcy statutes provide that, in certain circumstances, political subdivisions and authorities of states may initiate bankruptcy proceedings without prior notice to or consent of their creditors. These proceedings could result in material and adverse changes in the rights of holders of their obligations.
From time to time, federal legislation has affected the availability of municipal obligations for investment by a Fund. There can be no assurance that legislation adversely affecting the tax-exempt status of the interest on municipal obligations will not be enacted in the future.
In response to the national economic downturn, governmental cost burdens may be reallocated among federal, state and local governments. Also, as a result of the downturn, many state and local governments are experiencing significant reductions in revenues and are consequently experiencing difficulties meeting ongoing expenses. Certain of these state or local governments may have difficulty paying principal or interest when due on their outstanding debt and may experience credit ratings downgrades on their debt. In addition, municipal securities backed by revenues from a project or specified assets may be adversely impacted by a municipality’s failure to collect the revenue.
The Service occasionally challenges the tax-exempt status of the interest on particular municipal securities. If the Service determined that interest earned on a municipal security a Fund held was taxable and the issuer thereof failed to overcome that determination, that interest would be taxable to the Fund, possibly retroactive to the time the Fund purchased the security.
Listed below are different types of municipal obligations:
General Obligation Bonds. A general obligation bond is backed by the governmental issuer’s pledge of its full faith and credit and power to raise taxes for payment of principal and interest under the bond. The taxes or special assessments that can be levied for the payment of debt service may be limited or unlimited as to rate or amount. Many jurisdictions face political and economic constraints on their ability to raise taxes. These limitations and constraints may adversely affect the ability of the governmental issuer to meet its obligations under the bonds in a timely manner.
Revenue Bonds. Revenue bonds are backed by the income from a specific project, facility or tax. Revenue bonds are issued to finance a wide variety of public projects, including (1) housing, (2) electric, gas, water, and sewer systems, (3) highways, bridges, and tunnels, (4) port and airport facilities, (5) colleges and universities, and (6) hospitals. In some cases, repayment of these bonds depends upon annual legislative appropriations; in other cases, if the issuer is unable to meet its legal obligation to repay the bond, repayment becomes an unenforceable “moral obligation” of a related governmental unit. Revenue bonds issued by housing finance authorities are backed by a wider range of security, including partially or fully insured mortgages, rent subsidized and/or collateralized mortgages, and net revenues from housing projects.
Most PABs are revenue bonds, in that principal and interest are payable only from the net revenues of the facility financed by the bonds. These bonds generally do not constitute a pledge of the general credit of the public issuer or private operator or user of the facility. In some cases, however, payment may be secured by a pledge of real and personal property constituting the facility.
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Resource Recovery Bonds. Resource recovery bonds are a type of revenue bond issued to build facilities such as solid waste incinerators or waste-to-energy plants. Typically, a private corporation will be involved on a temporary basis during the construction of the facility, and the revenue stream will be secured by fees or rents paid by municipalities for use of the facilities. The credit and quality of resource recovery bonds may be affected by the viability of the project itself, tax incentives for the project, and changing environmental regulations or interpretations thereof.
Municipal Lease Obligations. These obligations, which may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase, or a conditional sale contract, are issued by a state or local government or authority to acquire land and a wide variety of equipment and facilities. A Fund will usually invest in municipal lease obligations through certificates of participation (“COPs”), which give the Fund a specified, undivided interest in the obligation. For example, a COP may be created when long-term revenue bonds are issued by a governmental corporation to pay for the acquisition of property. The payments made by the municipality under the lease are used to repay interest and principal on the bonds. Once these lease payments are completed, the municipality gains ownership of the property. These obligations are distinguished from general obligation or revenue bonds in that they typically are not backed fully by the municipality’s credit, and their interest may become taxable if the lease is assigned. The lease subject to the transaction usually contains a “non-appropriation” clause. A non-appropriation clause states that, while the municipality will use its best efforts to make lease payments, the municipality may terminate the lease without penalty if its appropriating body does not allocate the necessary funds. Such termination would result in a significant loss to a Fund.
Municipal Notes. Municipal notes include the following:
1. Project notes are issued by local issuing agencies created under the laws of a state, territory, or possession of the United States to finance low-income housing, urban redevelopment, and similar projects. These notes are backed by an agreement between the local issuing agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). Although the notes are primarily obligations of the local issuing agency, the HUD agreement provides the full faith and credit of the United States as additional security.
2. Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance working capital needs of municipalities. Generally, they are issued in anticipation of future seasonal tax revenues, such as property, income and sales taxes, and are payable from these future revenues.
3. Revenue anticipation notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other types of revenue, including revenue made available under certain state aid funding programs. Such appropriation of revenue is generally accounted for in the state budgetary process.
4. Bond anticipation notes are issued to provide interim financing until long-term bond financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds provide the funds for the repayment of the notes.
5. Construction loan notes are sold to provide construction financing. After completion of construction, many projects receive permanent financing from Fannie Mae (also known as the Federal National Mortgage Association) or Ginnie Mae (also known as the Government National Mortgage Association).
6. Tax-exempt commercial paper is a short-term obligation issued by a state or local government or an agency thereof to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer-term financing.
7. Pre-refunded and “escrowed” municipal bonds are bonds with respect to which the issuer has deposited, in an escrow account, an amount of securities and cash, if any, that will be sufficient to pay the periodic interest on and principal amount of the bonds, either at their stated maturity date or on the date the issuer may call the bonds for payment. This arrangement gives the investment a quality equal to the securities in the account, usually U.S. Government Securities (defined below). A Fund can also purchase bonds issued to refund earlier issues. The proceeds of these refunding bonds are often used for escrow to support refunding.
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Participation Interests of Municipal Obligations. A Fund may purchase from banks participation interests in all or part of specific holdings of short-term municipal obligations. Each participation interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a selling bank determined by the Manager to be creditworthy. A Fund has the right to sell the participation interest back to the bank, usually after seven days’ notice, for the full principal amount of its participation, plus accrued interest, but only (1) to provide portfolio liquidity, (2) to maintain portfolio quality, or (3) to avoid losses when the underlying municipal obligations are in default. Although no Fund currently intends to acquire participation interests, each Fund reserves the right to do so in the future.
Purchases with a Standby Commitment to Repurchase. When a Fund purchases municipal obligations, it also may acquire a standby commitment obligating the seller to repurchase the obligations at an agreed upon price on a specified date or within a specified period. A standby commitment is the equivalent of a nontransferable “put” option held by a Fund that terminates if the Fund sells the obligations to a third party.
A Fund may enter into standby commitments only with banks and (if permitted under the 1940 Act) securities dealers determined to be creditworthy. A Fund’s ability to exercise a standby commitment depends on the ability of the bank or securities dealer to pay for the obligations on exercise of the commitment. If a bank or securities dealer defaults on its commitment to repurchase such obligations, a Fund may be unable to recover all or even part of any loss it may sustain from having to sell the obligations elsewhere.
Although no Fund currently intends to invest in standby commitments, each Fund reserves the right to do so in the future. By enabling a Fund to dispose of municipal obligations at a predetermined price prior to maturity, this investment technique allows a Fund to be fully invested while preserving the flexibility to make commitments for when-issued securities, take advantage of other buying opportunities, and meet redemptions.
Standby commitments are valued at zero in determining NAV. The maturity or duration of municipal obligations purchased by a Fund is not shortened by a standby commitment. Therefore, standby commitments do not affect the dollar-weighted average maturity or duration of a Fund’s investment portfolio.
Residual Interest Bonds. A Fund may purchase one component of a municipal security that is structured in two parts: A variable rate security and a residual interest bond. The interest rate for the variable rate security is determined by an index or an auction process held approximately every 35 days, while the residual interest bond holder receives the balance of the income less an auction fee. These instruments are also known as inverse floaters because the income received on the residual interest bond is inversely related to the market rates. The market prices of residual interest bonds are highly sensitive to changes in market rates and may decrease significantly when market rates increase.
Tender Option Bonds. Tender option bonds are created by coupling an intermediate- or long-term fixed rate tax-exempt bond (generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) with a tender agreement that gives the holder the option to tender the bond at its face value. As consideration for providing the tender option, the sponsor (usually a bank, broker-dealer, or other financial institution) receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the bond’s fixed coupon rate and the rate (determined by a remarketing or similar agent) that would cause the bond, coupled with the tender option, to trade at par on the date of such determination. After payment of the tender option fee, a Fund effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term tax-exempt rate. The Manager considers the creditworthiness of the issuer of the underlying bond, the custodian, and the third-party provider of the tender option. In certain instances, a sponsor may terminate a tender option if, for example, the issuer of the underlying bond defaults on interest payments or the bond’s rating falls below investment grade.
Yield and Price Characteristics of Municipal Obligations. Municipal obligations generally have the same yield and price characteristics as other debt securities. Yields depend on a variety of factors, including general conditions in the money and bond markets and, in the case of any particular securities issue, its amount, maturity, duration, and rating. Market prices of fixed income securities usually vary upward or downward in inverse relationship to market interest rates.
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Municipal obligations with longer maturities or durations tend to produce higher yields. They are generally subject to potentially greater price fluctuations, and thus greater appreciation or depreciation in value, than obligations with shorter maturities or durations and lower yields. An increase in interest rates generally will reduce the value of a Fund’s investments, whereas a decline in interest rates generally will increase that value. The ability of a Fund to achieve its investment objective also is dependent on the continuing ability of the issuers of the municipal obligations in which the Fund invests (or, in the case of PABs, the revenues generated by the facility financed by the bonds or, in certain other instances, the provider of the credit facility backing the bonds) to pay interest and principal when due.
Policies and Limitations. No Fund will acquire standby commitments with a view to exercising them when the exercise price exceeds the current value of the underlying obligations; a Fund will do so only to facilitate portfolio liquidity.
Natural Disasters and Adverse Weather Conditions. Certain areas of the world historically have been prone to major natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, flooding, tidal waves, tsunamis, erupting volcanoes, wildfires or droughts, and have been economically sensitive to environmental events. Such disasters, and the resulting damage, could have a severe and negative impact on a Fund’s investment portfolio and, in the longer term, could impair the ability of issuers in which a Fund invests to conduct their businesses in the manner normally conducted. Adverse weather conditions may also have a particularly significant negative effect on issuers in the agricultural sector and on insurance companies that insure against the impact of natural disasters.
Operational and Cybersecurity Risk. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform necessary business functions, the Funds or their service providers, including Authorized Participants, as well as securities trading venues, such as the Exchange, and your ability to transact with the Funds or securities trading venues, may be negatively impacted due to operational matters arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. A cybersecurity incident may refer to intentional or unintentional events that allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause a Fund or Fund service providers (including, but not limited to, the Funds’ manager, distributor, fund accountants, custodian, transfer agent, sub-advisers (if applicable), and financial intermediaries), as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. A cybersecurity incident could, among other things, result in the loss or theft of customer data or funds, customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems (“denial of services”), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical damage to a computer or network system, or remediation costs associated with system repairs. Any of these results could have a substantial adverse impact on the Funds and their shareholders. For example, if a cybersecurity incident results in a denial of service, Fund shareholders could lose access to their electronic accounts and be unable to buy or sell Fund shares for an unknown period of time, and employees could be unable to access electronic systems to perform critical duties for the Funds, such as trading, NAV calculation, shareholder accounting or fulfillment of Fund transactions.
A Fund’s service providers may also be negatively impacted due to operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology, changes in personnel, and errors caused by third-party service providers or trading counterparties. In particular, these errors or failures as well as other technological issues may adversely affect the Funds’ ability to calculate their NAVs in a timely manner, including over a potentially extended period.
The occurrence of an operational or cybersecurity incident could result in regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures, or financial loss of a significant magnitude and could result in allegations that the Fund or Fund service provider violated privacy and other laws. Similar adverse consequences could result from incidents affecting issuers of securities in which a Fund invests, counterparties with which a Fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, and other financial institutions and other parties. Although the Funds and their Manager endeavor to determine that service providers have established risk management systems that seek to reduce these operational and cybersecurity risks, and business continuity plans in the event there is an incident, there are inherent limitations in these systems and plans, including the possibility that certain risks may not have been identified, in large part because different or unknown threats may emerge in the future. Furthermore, the Funds do not control the operational and cybersecurity systems and plans of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest or the Funds’ third-party service providers or trading counterparties or any other service providers whose operations may affect a Fund or its shareholders.
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Preferred Stock. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, dividends on preferred stock are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors. Preferred shareholders may have certain rights if dividends are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer. Shareholders may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. The market prices of preferred stocks are generally more sensitive to changes in the issuer’s creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities.
Private Companies and Pre-IPO Investments. Investments in private companies, including companies that have not yet issued securities publicly in an IPO (“Pre-IPO shares”) involve greater risks than investments in securities of companies that have traded publicly on an exchange for extended periods of time. Investments in these companies are generally less liquid than investments in securities issued by public companies and may be difficult for a Fund to value. Compared to public companies, private companies may have a more limited management group and limited operating histories with narrower, less established product lines and smaller market shares, which may cause them to be more vulnerable to competitors’ actions, market conditions and consumer sentiment with respect to their products or services, as well as general economic downturns. In addition, private companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations. This could lead to bankruptcy or liquidation of such private company or the dilution or subordination of a Fund’s investment in such private company. Additionally, there is significantly less information available about private companies’ business models, quality of management, earnings growth potential and other criteria used to evaluate their investment prospects and the little public information available about such companies may not be reliable. Because financial reporting obligations for private companies are not as rigorous as public companies, it may be difficult to fully assess the rights and values of certain securities issued by private companies. A Fund may only have limited access to a private company’s actual financial results and there is no assurance that the information obtained by the Fund is reliable. Although there is a potential for pre-IPO shares to increase in value if the company does issue shares in an IPO, IPOs are risky and volatile and may cause the value of a Fund’s investment to decrease significantly. Moreover, because securities issued by private companies are generally not freely or publicly tradable, a Fund may not have the opportunity to purchase or the ability to sell these shares in the amounts or at the prices the Fund desires. The private companies a Fund may invest in may not ever issue shares in an IPO and a liquid market for their pre-IPO shares may never develop, which may negatively affect the price at which the Fund can sell these shares and make it more difficult to sell these shares, which could also adversely affect the Fund’s liquidity. Furthermore, these investments may be subject to additional contractual restrictions on resale that would prevent the Fund from selling the company’s securities for a period of time following any IPO. A Fund’s investment in a private company’s securities will involve investing in restricted securities. See “Restricted Securities and Rule 144A Securities” for risks related to restricted securities. If a Fund invests in private companies or issuers, there is a possibility that NBIA may obtain access to material non-public information about an issuer of private placement securities, which may limit NBIA’s ability to sell such securities, could negatively impact NBIA’s ability to manage the Fund since NBIA may be required to sell other securities to meet redemptions, or could adversely impact a Fund’s performance.
Private Investments in Public Equity (PIPEs). A Fund may invest in securities issued in private investments in public equity transactions, commonly referred to as “PIPEs.” A PIPE investment involves the sale of equity securities, or securities convertible into equity securities, in a private placement transaction by an issuer that already has outstanding, publicly traded equity securities of the same class. Shares acquired in PIPEs are commonly sold at a discount to the current market value per share of the issuer’s publicly traded securities.
Securities acquired in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain period of time from the date the private sale is completed, which may be months and perhaps longer. PIPEs may contain provisions that require the issuer to pay penalties to the holder if the securities are not registered within a specified period. Until the public registration process is completed, securities acquired in PIPEs are restricted and, like investments in other types of restricted securities, may be illiquid. Any number of factors may prevent or delay a proposed registration. Prior to or in the absence of registration, it may be possible for securities acquired in PIPEs to be resold in transactions exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. There is no guarantee, however, that an active trading market for such securities will exist at the time of disposition, and the lack of such a market could hurt the market value of a Fund’s investments. Even if the securities acquired in PIPEs become registered, or a Fund is able to sell the securities through an exempt transaction, a Fund may not be able to sell all the securities it holds on short notice and the sale could impact the market price of the securities. See “Restricted Securities and Rule 144A Securities” for risks related to restricted securities.
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Real Estate-Related Instruments. A Fund will not invest directly in real estate, but a Fund may invest in securities issued by real estate companies. Investments in the securities of companies in the real estate industry subject a Fund to the risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate. These risks include declines in the value of real estate, risks associated with general and local economic conditions, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds, overbuilding, extended vacancies of properties, increased competition, increase in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, losses due to costs resulting from the clean-up of environmental problems, liability to third parties for damages resulting from environmental problems, casualty or condemnation losses, limitation on rents, changes in neighborhood values and the appeal of properties to tenants, and changes in interest rates. In addition, certain real estate valuations, including residential real estate values, are influenced by market sentiments, which can change rapidly and could result in a sharp downward adjustment from current valuation levels.
Real estate-related instruments include securities of real estate investment trusts (also known as “REITs”), commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities and real estate financings. Such instruments are sensitive to factors such as real estate values and property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, overbuilding, and the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Real estate-related instruments may also be affected by tax and regulatory requirements, such as those relating to the environment.
REITs are sometimes informally characterized as equity REITs and mortgage REITs. An equity REIT invests primarily in the fee ownership or leasehold ownership of land and buildings and derives its income primarily from rental income. An equity REIT may also realize capital gains (or losses) by selling real estate properties in its portfolio that have appreciated (or depreciated) in value. A mortgage REIT invests primarily in mortgages on real estate, which may secure construction, development or long-term loans, and derives its income primarily from interest payments on the credit it has extended.
REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are subject to interest rate risk. Rising interest rates may cause REIT investors to demand a higher annual yield, which may, in turn, cause a decline in the market price of the equity securities issued by a REIT. Rising interest rates also generally increase the costs of obtaining financing, which could cause the value of a Fund’s REIT investments to decline. During periods when interest rates are declining, mortgages are often refinanced. Refinancing may reduce the yield on investments in mortgage REITs. In addition, because mortgage REITs depend on payment under their mortgage loans and leases to generate cash to make distributions to their shareholders, investments in such REITs may be adversely affected by defaults on such mortgage loans or leases.
REITs are dependent upon management skill, are not diversified, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, and self-liquidation. Domestic REITs are also subject to the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free “pass-through” of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Code and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act.
REITs are subject to management fees and other expenses. Therefore, investments in REITs will cause a Fund to bear its proportionate share of the costs of the REITs’ operations. At the same time, a Fund will continue to pay its own management fees and expenses with respect to all of its assets, including any portion invested in REITs.
Policies and Limitations. For Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF’s policies and limitations on real estate related instruments, see “Investment Policies and Limitations -- Real Estate Equity Securities” above. Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF defines a real estate company as one that derives at least 50% of its revenue or profits from real estate, or has at least 50% of its assets invested in real estate.
Recent Market Conditions. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing or changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time.
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Although interest rates were unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, in 2022, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks raised interest rates as part of their efforts to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks recently began to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors, such as inflation, could stop such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, or the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Additionally, various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce bank balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various markets or decrease confidence in the markets. Also, regulators have expressed concern that changes in interest rates may cause investors to sell fixed income securities faster than the market can absorb them, contributing to price volatility. Historical patterns of correlation among asset classes may break down in unanticipated ways during times of high volatility, disrupting investment programs and potentially causing losses.
Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between countries and regions, including the U.S. and China, political or economic dysfunction within some countries or regions, including major producers of commodities, and dramatic changes in commodity and currency prices could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, if the U.S. dollar continues to be strong, it may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Regulators in the U.S. have proposed and adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which implicate a Fund. The full effect of various newly adopted regulations is not currently known. Additionally, it is not currently known whether any of the proposed regulations will be adopted. However, due to the scope of regulations being proposed and adopted, certain of these changes to regulation could limit a Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for it to operate, or adversely impact its performance.
Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact performance.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and any sanctions and related events cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of a Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted.
Certain illnesses spread rapidly and have the potential to significantly and adversely affect the global economy. The impact of epidemics and/or pandemics that may arise in the future could negatively affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including their liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time and could last for an extended period of time.
High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation’s debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and substantial investment risks that cannot now be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy.
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China’s economy, which had been sustained through debt-financed spending on housing and infrastructure, appears to be experiencing a significant slowdown and growing at a lower rate than prior years. While the Chinese government appears to be taking measures to address these issues, due to the size of China’s economy, the resolution of these issues could impact a number of other countries.
Global climate change can have potential effects on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impact of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impact of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, including any direct or indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.
A rise in sea levels, a change in weather patterns, including an increase in powerful storms and large wildfires, and/or a climate-driven increase in flooding could cause properties to lose value or become unmarketable altogether. Unlike previous declines in the real estate market, properties in affected zones may not ever recover their value. Regulatory changes and divestment movements tied to concerns about climate change could adversely affect the value of certain land and the viability of industries whose activities or products are seen as accelerating climate change.
Losses related to climate change could adversely affect corporate issuers and mortgage lenders, the value of mortgage-backed securities, the bonds of municipalities that depend on tax or other revenues and tourist dollars generated by affected properties, and insurers of the property and/or of corporate, municipal or mortgage-backed securities. Since property and security values are driven largely by buyers’ perceptions, it is difficult to know the time period over which these market effects might unfold.
Repurchase Agreements. In a repurchase agreement, a Fund purchases securities from a bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System, from a foreign bank or from a U.S. branch or agency of a foreign bank, or from a securities dealer that agrees to repurchase the securities from the Fund at a higher price on a designated future date. Repurchase agreements generally are for a short period of time, usually less than a week. Costs, delays, or losses could result if the selling party to a repurchase agreement becomes bankrupt or otherwise defaults. The Manager monitors the creditworthiness of sellers. If a Fund enters into a repurchase agreement subject to foreign law and the counter-party defaults, that Fund may not enjoy protections comparable to those provided to certain repurchase agreements under U.S. bankruptcy law and may suffer delays and losses in disposing of the collateral as a result.
Policies and Limitations. Repurchase agreements with a maturity or demand of more than seven days are considered to be illiquid securities. No Fund may enter into a repurchase agreement with a maturity or demand of more than seven days if, as a result, more than 15% of the value of its net assets would then be invested in such repurchase agreements and other illiquid securities. A Fund may enter into a repurchase agreement only if (1) the underlying securities (excluding maturity and duration limitations, if any) are of a type that the Fund’s investment policies and limitations would allow it to purchase directly, (2) the market value of the underlying securities, including accrued interest, at all times equals or exceeds the repurchase price, and (3) payment for the underlying securities is made only upon satisfactory evidence that the securities are being held for the Fund’s account by its custodian or a bank acting as the Fund’s agent.
Restricted Securities and Rule 144A Securities. A Fund may invest in “restricted securities,” which generally are securities that may be resold to the public only pursuant to an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act or an exemption from registration. Regulation S under the 1933 Act is an exemption from registration that permits, under certain circumstances, the resale of restricted securities in offshore transactions, subject to certain conditions, and Rule 144A under the 1933 Act is an exemption that permits the resale of certain restricted securities to qualified institutional buyers.
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Since its adoption by the SEC in 1990, Rule 144A has facilitated trading of restricted securities among qualified institutional investors. To the extent restricted securities held by a Fund qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Fund expects that it will be able to dispose of the securities without registering the resale of such securities under the 1933 Act. However, to the extent that a robust market for such 144A securities does not develop, or a market develops but experiences periods of illiquidity, investments in Rule 144A securities could increase the level of a Fund’s illiquidity.
Where an exemption from registration under the 1933 Act is unavailable, or where an institutional market is limited, a Fund may, in certain circumstances, be permitted to require the issuer of restricted securities held by the Fund to file a registration statement to register the resale of such securities under the 1933 Act. In such case, the Fund will typically be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to resell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, or the value of the security were to decline, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities for which no market exists are priced by a method that the Fund Trustees believe accurately reflects fair value.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund sells portfolio securities to another party and agrees to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price and date, which reflects an interest payment. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the other party will fail to return the securities in a timely manner, or at all, which may result in losses to a Fund. A Fund could lose money if it is unable to recover the securities and the value of the collateral held by the Fund is less than the value of the securities. These events could also trigger adverse tax consequences to a Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold will decline below the price at which a Fund is obligated to repurchase them. Reverse repurchase agreements may be viewed as a form of borrowing by a Fund. When a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, any fluctuations in the market value of either the securities transferred to another party or the securities in which the proceeds may be invested would affect the market value of the Fund’s assets. During the term of the agreement, a Fund may also be obligated to pledge additional cash and/or securities in the event of a decline in the fair value of the transferred security. The Manager monitors the creditworthiness of counterparties to reverse repurchase agreements. For the Funds’ policies and limitations on borrowing, see “Investment Policies and Limitations -- Borrowing” above.
Policies and Limitations. Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, among other things, permits a fund to treat reverse repurchase transactions (and other similar financing transactions) either as borrowings (subject to the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act) or as “derivatives transactions” subject to the requirements of Rule 18f-4. Accordingly, any reverse repurchase agreements treated as a borrowing will be considered borrowings for purposes of a Fund’s investment policies and limitations concerning borrowings. Any reverse repurchase agreements treated as a derivatives transaction as defined in Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act will be subject to the requirements of that rule.
Risks of Investments in China A-shares through the Stock Connect Programs. There are significant risks inherent in investing in China A-shares through “Connect Programs” of local stock exchanges in China, such as the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program (“Shanghai Connect Program”) and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program (“Shenzhen Connect Program”). The Connect Programs are subject to daily quota limitations and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict a Fund’s ability to invest in China A-shares through the Connect Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. A Chinese stock exchange may be open at a time when the relevant Connect Program is not trading (i.e. the Shanghai Stock Exchange under the Shanghai Connect Program or the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under the Shenzhen Connect Program), with the result that prices of China A-shares may fluctuate at times when a Fund is unable to add to or exit its position. Only certain China A-shares are eligible to be accessed through the Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Connect Programs. The future impact of this integration of Chinese and foreign markets is unclear and the actual effect on the market for trading China A-shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is unknown. In addition, there is no assurance that the necessary systems required to operate the Connect Programs will function properly or will continue to be adapted to changes and developments in both markets. In the event that the relevant systems do not function properly, trading through the Connect Programs could be disrupted.
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The Connect Programs are subject to regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities for both the Chinese and the Hong Kong stock exchanges and further regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the Connect Programs, if the authorities believe it is necessary to assure orderly markets or for other reasons. The relevant regulations are subject to change, and there is no certainty as to how they will be applied and Chinese securities trading law can change on a frequent basis or be applied on a retroactive basis. Further, there is no guarantee that the relevant Chinese stock exchange (i.e. Shanghai Stock Exchange or Shenzhen Stock Exchange) involved in a particular Connect Program and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange will continue to support such Connect Program in the future. Investments in China A-shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of the Chinese and/or the Hong Kong stock exchanges and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. In the event that China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited (“ChinaClear”), the depository of the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, defaulted, the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited, being the nominee under the Connect Programs, has limited responsibility to assist clearing participants in pursuing claims against ChinaClear. Currently, there is little precedent that the applicable courts in mainland China would accept beneficial owners, rather than the nominee, under the Connect Programs to pursue claims directly against ChinaClear in mainland China. Therefore, a Fund may not be able to recover fully its losses from ChinaClear or may be delayed in receiving proceeds as part of any recovery process. A Fund also may not be able to exercise the rights of a shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of China A-shares. A Fund may not be able to participate in corporate actions affecting China A-shares held through the Connect Programs due to the fact that the Fund only holds such China A-shares beneficially, time constraints or for other operational reasons. Similarly, a Fund may not be able to appoint proxies or participate in shareholders’ meetings due to the fact that the Fund only holds such China A-shares beneficially as well as current limitations on the use of multiple proxies in China. Because all trades on the Connect Programs in respect of eligible China A-shares must be settled in Renminbi (“RMB”), the Chinese currency, investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of offshore RMB, which cannot be guaranteed.
Currently, the mainland Chinese tax authorities have temporarily exempted foreign investors from income tax and value-added tax on capital gains derived from the trading of A-shares under the Shanghai Connect Program and the Shenzhen Connect Program. It is uncertain how long this will be the case and the exemptions are subject to change. Trades on the Connect Programs may be subject to certain operational requirements prior to trading, which may restrict the ability of the Fund to sell China A-shares on that trading day if such requirements are not completed prior to the market opening. For example, certain local custodians offer a “bundled brokerage/custodian” solution to address such requirements but this may limit the number of brokers that the Fund may use to execute trades. An enhanced model has also been implemented by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, but there are operational and practical challenges for an investor to utilize such enhanced model. Investors holding 5% or more of the total shares issued by a China-A share issuer are subject to numerous disclosure requirements and complicated trading restrictions. If the Fund holds 5% or more of the total shares of a China-A share issuer through its Connect Program investments, it will be subject to these requirements and restrictions. It is possible that NBIA and/or its affiliates to be aggregated for purposes of this limitation. If this occurs, it makes it more likely that the Fund may not be able to dispose of its holdings of China A-Shares in a timely manner.
The Chinese regulatory authorities require that before an investor sells any share, there should be sufficient shares in the account, otherwise the Shanghai Stock Exchange or Shenzhen Stock Exchange will reject the sell order concerned. Hong Kong Stock Exchange will carry out pre-trade checking on China A-Shares sell orders of its participants (i.e. the stock brokers) to ensure there is no over-selling. If the Fund intends to sell certain China A-Shares it holds, it must transfer those China A-Shares to the respective accounts of its broker(s) before the market opens on the day of selling (“Intended Trading Day”). If it fails to meet this deadline, it will not be able to sell those shares on the Intended Trading Day. Because of this requirement, the Fund may not be able to dispose of its holdings of China A-Shares in a timely manner.
Issuers of China A-shares have a foreign ownership limit of not more than 10% per individual and 30% in the aggregate. In the event that the ownership limit is breached, it is unlikely that an investor would be notified until the end of the trading day, after which a forced sale procedure would be implemented to bring the foreign ownership percentage back below 10% or 30%, as applicable. This is operationally complicated and may adversely impact the Fund’s performance.
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The focus of the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets are somewhat different. The Shenzhen Stock Exchange tends to focus on small- and mid-cap “growth stocks” in fast-growing sectors such as information technology, consumer cyclicals, and healthcare whereas the Shanghai Stock Exchange is dominated by relatively large-cap enterprises and has a strong focus on finance and industrial sectors.
Risks Associated with Sci-Tech Innovation Board (Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF). Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF may invest in companies listed on the Science-technology Innovation Board (“Sci-tech Board”) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (“SSE”). The Sci-tech Board is a newly established board and may have a limited number of listed companies and investments in the Sci-tech Board may be concentrated in a small number of stocks. Investments in companies listed on the Sci-tech Board may result in significant losses for the Fund and its investors. The following additional risks apply to investments in companies listed on the Sci-tech Board:
Regulatory Risk. Trading on the Sci-tech Board commenced on July 22, 2019 and it is novel in nature. The listing rules and implementation thereof are untested and are subject to amendments by regulatory authorities in China from time to time in order to respond to any new issues arising thereof. Any such revision or promulgation may adversely impact the Fund.
Lower Listing Thresholds. The Sci-tech Board has a registration system for listing procedures. As such, there may be less regulatory scrutiny on pre-listing review by the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the SSE. Furthermore, the companies listed on the Sci-tech Board are subject to less stringent listing requirements or thresholds as compared to that of the main board of the SSE. The applicants are not required to be profitable before listing, and they may be unprofitable and unable to distribute dividends after listing.
Unstable Profit-making Capability. The Sci-tech Board mainly attracts the companies in high-tech and strategically emerging sectors such as new generation information technology, advanced equipment, new materials and energy, and biomedicine. The companies in such business sectors typically require significant research and development investment, have a long operational cycle before becoming profitable, are vulnerable to rapid change or replacement of technology, depend heavily on certain key technologies, key projects or key technical personnel and/or have a relatively small pool of qualified suppliers. The relevant company’s ability to make or maintain profit and the sustainability of the companies or even the industries concerned are uncertain. The Fund’s investment in such companies is subject to higher risk than the companies of traditional industries.
Higher Fluctuation on Stock Prices. The trading of shares listed on the Sci-tech Board is subject to less stringent trading limitations as compared to that of the main board of the SSE. No trading price fluctuation limitation is set for the first five days of listing and the trading thereafter is subject to a daily price fluctuation limitation of 20% (as opposed to 10% for the main board of the SSE). Furthermore, listed companies on the Sci-tech Board are usually of emerging nature with a smaller operating scale. Hence, they are subject to higher fluctuation in stock prices and liquidity and have higher risks and turnover ratios than companies listed on the main board of the SSE.
Over-valuation Risk. The companies listed on the Sci-tech Board may not have comparable companies on the market due to their emerging nature, novel technology, unstable profitability and high operation risk. The traditional evaluation methods may not apply to such companies. Stocks listed on the Sci-tech Board may be overvalued and such exceptionally high valuation may not be sustainable.
Delisting Risk. The relevant rules of the Sci-tech Board embrace stricter conditions for delisting as compared to the main board of the SSE. Under such rules, the listed companies are subject to expanded circumstances that may lead to faster forced delisting, such as the failure to maintain business growth, faulty information disclosure or business operation. A listed company which lacks sustainable operations relies on trading activities that are unrelated to its core business or derives its revenues mainly on related parties’ transactions without substantial commercial content, may be forced to delist. It can be anticipated that the listed companies of the Sci-tech Board will be subject to more frequent and faster delisting. The Fund may suffer severe losses if the companies in which it invests are no longer listed and, presumably, have reduced secondary market liquidity.
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Weighted Voting Rights Structure. The relevant rules for the Sci-tech Board allow the listed company to adopt weighted voting rights structure where the voting rights of certain shareholders are disproportionate to their shareholdings. Such voting rights structure may lead to concentrated management of the company concerned and, with superior voting power held by a group of associated persons, increase the risk that the management may pursue projects that are not in the best interests of the company but for their own good. Such governance structures may also make the management less accountable for their behavior. With inferior voting rights, other shareholders will lack the power to remove the management for unsatisfactory performance. More importantly, shareholders may lose the opportunity to consider lucrative takeover offers from outsiders if the founders/management take an anti-takeover stance. The business operation of the company concerned is more vulnerable to the manipulation of the shareholders with superior voting power.
Stock Option Plan. The listed companies of the Sci-tech Board are allowed to adopt stock option or stock incentive plans with more flexible terms of price, upper limit of ratio and qualified optionees. The implementation of such stock option plans may increase the number of shares of the company concerned and dilute the interest of the Fund in such company.
Risks of Reliance on Computer Programs or Codes. Many processes used in Fund management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of computer programs or codes, some of which are created or maintained by the Manager or its affiliates and some of which are created or maintained by third parties. Errors in these programs or codes may go undetected, possibly for quite some time, which could adversely affect a Fund’s operations or performance. Computer programs or codes are susceptible to human error when they are first created and as they are developed and maintained. Some funds, like the Funds, may be subject to heightened risk in this area because the funds’ advisers rely to a greater extent on computer programs or codes in managing the funds’ assets.
While efforts are made to guard against problems associated with computer programs or codes, there can be no assurance that such efforts will always be successful. The Funds have limited insight into the computer programs and processes of some service providers and may have to rely on contractual assurances or business relationships to protect against some errors in the service providers’ systems.
Sector Risk. From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, a Fund may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent a Fund invests more heavily in one sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors, industries, or sub-sectors. An individual sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. A Fund’s performance could also be affected if the sectors, industries, or sub-sectors do not perform as expected. Alternatively, the lack of exposure to one or more sectors or industries may adversely affect performance.
Communication Services Sector. The communication services sector, particularly telephone operating companies, are subject to both federal and state government regulations. Many telecommunications companies intensely compete for market share and can be impacted by technology changes within the sector such as the shift from wired to wireless communications. In September 2018, the communication services sector was redefined to also include media, entertainment and select internet-related companies. Media and entertainment companies can be subject to the risk that their content may not be purchased or subscribed to. Internet-related companies may be subject to greater regulatory oversight given increased cyberattack risk and privacy concerns. Additionally, internet-related companies may not achieve investor expectations for higher growth levels, which can result in stock price declines.
Consumer Discretionary Sector. The consumer discretionary sector can be significantly affected by the performance of the overall economy, interest rates, competition, and consumer confidence. Success can depend heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer discretionary products.
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Consumer Staples Sector. The consumer staples sector can be significantly affected by demographic and product trends, competitive pricing, food fads, marketing campaigns, and environmental factors, as well as the performance of the overall economy, interest rates, consumer confidence, and the cost of commodities. Regulations and policies of various domestic and foreign governments affect agricultural products as well as other consumer staples.
Energy Sector. The energy sector can be significantly affected by fluctuations in energy prices and supply and demand of energy fuels caused by geopolitical events, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, weather or meteorological events, and tax and other government regulations. In addition, companies in the energy sector are at risk of civil liability from accidents resulting in pollution or other environmental damage claims. In addition, since the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, the U.S. government has issued public warnings indicating that energy assets, specifically those related to pipeline infrastructure and production, transmission, and distribution facilities, might be future targets of terrorist activity. Further, because a significant portion of revenues of companies in this sector are derived from a relatively small number of customers that are largely composed of governmental entities and utilities, governmental budget constraints may have a significant impact on the stock prices of companies in this sector.
Financials Sector. The financials sector is subject to extensive government regulation, which can limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments that companies in this sector can make, and the interest rates and fees that these companies can charge. Profitability can be largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital and the rate of corporate and consumer debt defaults, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Financial difficulties of borrowers can negatively affect the financials sector. Insurance companies can be subject to severe price competition. The financials sector can be subject to relatively rapid change as distinctions between financial service segments become increasingly blurred.
Health Care Sector. The health care sector is subject to government regulation and reimbursement rates, as well as government approval of products and services, which could have a significant effect on price and availability. Furthermore, the types of products or services produced or provided by health care companies quickly can become obsolete. In addition, pharmaceutical companies and other companies in the health care sector can be significantly affected by patent expirations.
Industrials Sector. The industrials sector can be significantly affected by general economic trends, including employment, economic growth, and interest rates, changes in consumer sentiment and spending, commodity prices, legislation, government regulation and spending, import controls, and worldwide competition. Companies in this sector also can be adversely affected by liability for environmental damage, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control.
Information Technology Sector. The information technology sector can be significantly affected by obsolescence of existing technology, short product cycles, falling prices and profits, competition from new market entrants, and general economic conditions. The issuers of technology securities also may be smaller or newer companies, which may lack depth of management, be unable to generate funds necessary for growth or potential development, or be developing or marketing new products or services for which markets are not yet established and may never become established.
Materials Sector. The materials sector can be significantly affected by the level and volatility of commodity prices, the exchange value of the dollar, import and export controls, and worldwide competition. At times, worldwide production of materials has exceeded demand as a result of over-building or economic downturns, which has led to commodity price declines and unit price reductions. Companies in this sector also can be adversely affected by liability for environmental damage, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control.
Utilities Sector. The utilities sector can be significantly affected by government regulation, interest rate changes, financing difficulties, supply and demand of services or fuel, changes in taxation, natural resource conservation, intense competition, and commodity price fluctuations.
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Securities Loans. A Fund may lend portfolio securities to banks, brokerage firms, and other institutional investors, provided that cash or equivalent collateral, initially equal to at least 102% (105% in the case of foreign securities) of the market value of the loaned securities, is maintained by the borrower with the Fund or with the Fund’s lending agent, who holds the collateral on the Fund’s behalf. Thereafter, cash or equivalent collateral, equal to at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities, is to be continuously maintained by the borrower with the Fund. A Fund may invest the cash collateral and earn income, or it may receive an agreed upon amount of interest income from a borrower that has delivered equivalent collateral. During the time securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund an amount equivalent to any dividends or interest paid on such securities. These loans are subject to termination at the option of the Fund or the borrower. A Fund may pay reasonable administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan and may pay a negotiated portion of the interest earned on the cash or equivalent collateral to the borrower. A Fund does not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan. However, it is each Fund’s policy to attempt to terminate loans in time to vote those proxies that the Fund has determined are material to the interests of the Fund. The Manager believes the risk of loss on these transactions is slight because if a borrower were to default for any reason, the collateral should satisfy the obligation. However, as with other extensions of secured credit, loans of portfolio securities involve some risk of loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. A Fund may loan securities through third parties not affiliated with Neuberger Berman BD LLC (“Neuberger Berman”) that would act as agent to lend securities to principal borrowers.
Policies and Limitations. Each Fund may lend portfolio securities with a value not exceeding 33-1/3% of its total assets (taken at current value) to banks, brokerage firms, or other institutional investors. The Funds have authorized State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) to effect loans of available securities of the Funds with entities on State Street’s approved list of borrowers, which includes State Street and its affiliates. The Funds may obtain a list of these approved borrowers. Borrowers are required continuously to secure their obligations to return securities on loan from a Fund by depositing collateral in a form determined to be satisfactory by the Fund Trustees. The collateral, which must be marked to market daily, must be initially equal to at least 102% (105% in the case of foreign securities) of the market value of the loaned securities, which will also be marked to market daily. Thereafter, the collateral must be equal to at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities. See the section entitled “Cash Management and Temporary Defensive Positions” for additional information on how a Fund may invest the collateral obtained from securities lending. A Fund does not count uninvested collateral for purposes of any investment policy or limitation that requires the Fund to invest specific percentages of its assets in accordance with its principal investment program.
The following tables show the dollar amounts of income and dollar amounts of fees and/or compensation paid, relating to the securities lending activities during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024 of Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF and Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF.
| Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF | |
| Gross income from securities lending activities | $20,298 |
| Fees and/or compensation paid by the Fund for securities lending activities and related services | |
| Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split | $240 |
| Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split | $121 |
| Administrative fees not included in revenue split | $0 |
| Indemnification fees not included in revenue split | $0 |
| Rebate (paid to borrower) | $17,772 |
| Other fees relating to the securities lending program that are not included in the revenue split | $0 |
| Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities | $18,133 |
| Net income from securities lending activities | $2,165 |
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| Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF | |
| Gross income from securities lending activities | $7,076 |
| Fees and/or compensation paid by the Fund for securities lending activities and related services | |
| Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split | $155 |
| Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split | $38 |
| Administrative fees not included in revenue split | $0 |
| Indemnification fees not included in revenue split | $0 |
| Rebate (paid to borrower) | $5,476 |
| Other fees relating to the securities lending program that are not included in the revenue split | $0 |
| Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities | $5,669 |
| Net income from securities lending activities | $1,407 |
| Disrupters ETF | |
| Gross income from securities lending activities | $468 |
| Fees and/or compensation paid by the Fund for securities lending activities and related services | |
| Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split | $3 |
| Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split | $3 |
| Administrative fees not included in revenue split | $0 |
| Indemnification fees not included in revenue split | $0 |
| Rebate (paid to borrower) | $438 |
| Other fees relating to the securities lending program that are not included in the revenue split | $0 |
| Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities | $444 |
| Net income from securities lending activities | $24 |
Securities of ETFs and Other Exchange-Traded Investment Vehicles. A Fund may invest in the securities of ETFs and other pooled investment vehicles that are traded on an exchange and that hold a portfolio of securities or other financial instruments (collectively, “exchange-traded investment vehicles”). When investing in the securities of exchange-traded investment vehicles, a Fund will be indirectly exposed to all the risks of the portfolio securities or other financial instruments they hold. The performance of an exchange-traded investment vehicle will be reduced by transaction and other expenses, including fees paid by the exchange-traded investment vehicle to service providers. ETFs are investment companies that are registered as open-end management companies or unit investment trusts. The limits that apply to a Fund’s investment in securities of other investment companies generally apply also to a Fund’s investment in securities of ETFs. See “Securities of Other Investment Companies.”
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Shares of exchange-traded investment vehicles are listed and traded in the secondary market. Many exchange-traded investment vehicles are passively managed and seek to provide returns that track the price and yield performance of a particular index or otherwise provide exposure to an asset class (e.g., currencies or commodities). Although such exchange-traded investment vehicles may invest in other instruments, they largely hold the securities (e.g., common stocks) of the relevant index or financial instruments that provide exposure to the relevant asset class. The share price of an exchange-traded investment vehicle may not track its specified market index, if any, and may trade below its NAV. An active secondary market in the shares of an exchange-traded investment vehicle may not develop or be maintained and may be halted or interrupted due to actions by its listing exchange, unusual market conditions, or other reasons. There can be no assurance that the shares of an exchange-traded investment vehicle will continue to be listed on an active exchange.
A Fund also may effect short sales of exchange-traded investment vehicles and may purchase and sell options on shares of exchange-traded investment vehicles. If a Fund effects a short sale of an exchange-traded investment vehicle, it may take long positions in individual securities held by the exchange-traded investment vehicle to limit the potential loss in the event of an increase in the market price of the exchange-traded investment vehicle sold short.
Securities of Other Investment Companies. As indicated above, investments by a Fund in shares of other investment companies are subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. However, pursuant to Rule 12d1-4, a Fund is permitted to invest in shares of certain investment companies beyond the limits contained in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder if the Fund complies with the adopted framework for fund of funds arrangements under the rule. A Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, including open-end management companies, closed-end management companies (including business development companies (“BDCs”)) and unit investment trusts, that are consistent with its investment objectives and policies. Such an investment may be the most practical or only manner in which a Fund can invest in certain asset classes or participate in certain markets, such as foreign markets, because of the expenses involved or because other vehicles for investing in those markets may not be available at the time the Fund is ready to make an investment. When investing in the securities of other investment companies, a Fund will be indirectly exposed to all the risks of such investment companies’ portfolio securities. In addition, as a shareholder in an investment company, a Fund would indirectly bear its pro rata share of that investment company’s advisory fees and other operating expenses. Fees and expenses incurred indirectly by a Fund as a result of its investment in shares of one or more other investment companies generally are referred to as “acquired fund fees and expenses” and may appear as a separate line item in a Fund’s Prospectus fee table. For certain investment companies, such as BDCs, these expenses may be significant. The 1940 Act imposes certain restraints upon the operations of a BDC. For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets primarily in securities of private companies or thinly traded U.S. public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. As a result, BDCs generally invest in less mature private companies, which involve greater risk than well-established, publicly-traded companies. In addition, the shares of closed-end management companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above, while the sale of such securities may be made at substantial discounts from, the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities. Historically, shares of closed-end funds, including BDCs, have frequently traded at a discount to their NAV, which discounts have, on occasion, been substantial and lasted for sustained periods of time.
Certain money market funds that operate in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act float their NAV while others seek to preserve the value of investments at a stable NAV (typically $1.00 per share). An investment in a money market fund, even an investment in a fund seeking to maintain a stable NAV per share, is not guaranteed, and it is possible for a Fund to lose money by investing in these and other types of money market funds. If the liquidity of a money market fund’s portfolio deteriorates below certain levels, the money market fund may suspend redemptions (i.e., impose a redemption gate) and thereby prevent a Fund from selling its investment in the money market fund or impose a fee of up to 2% on amounts a Fund redeems from the money market fund (i.e., impose a liquidity fee).
Policies and Limitations. For cash management purposes, a Fund may invest an unlimited amount of its uninvested cash and cash collateral received in connection with securities lending in shares of money market funds and unregistered funds that operate in compliance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, whether or not advised by the Manager or an affiliate, under specified conditions. See “Cash Management and Temporary Defensive Positions.”
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Otherwise, a Fund’s investment in securities of other investment companies is generally limited to (i) 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the Fund’s total assets with respect to any one investment company and (iii) 10% of the Fund’s total assets in all investment companies in the aggregate. However, a Fund may exceed these limits when investing in shares of certain other investment companies, subject to the requirements under Rule 12d1-4. In addition, each Fund may exceed these limits when investing in shares of certain other investment companies, subject to the requirements under Rule 12d1-4. See “Fund of Funds Structure.”
Fund of fund arrangements must comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act, Rule 12d1-4, or another rule. Pursuant to Rule 12d1-4, a Fund is permitted to exceed the limits of Section 12 of the 1940 Act if the Fund complies with Rule 12d1-4’s conditions, including (i) limits on control and voting; (ii) required evaluations and findings; (iii) required fund of funds investment agreements; and (iv) limits on complex structures. Each Fund is also able to invest up to 100% of its total assets in a master portfolio with the same investment objectives, policies and limitations as the Fund.
Short Sales. A Fund may use short sales for hedging and non-hedging purposes. To effect a short sale, a Fund borrows a security from or through a brokerage firm to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is then obliged to replace the borrowed security by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay the lender any dividends on the borrowed security and may be required to pay loan fees or interest. Short sales, at least theoretically, present a risk of unlimited loss on an individual security basis, particularly in cases where the Fund is unable, for whatever reason, to close out its short positions, since the Fund may be required to buy the security sold short at a time when the security has appreciated in value, and there is potentially no limit to the amount of such appreciation.
A Fund may realize a gain if the security declines in price between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed security. A Fund will incur a loss if the price of the security increases between those dates. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss will be increased, by the amount of any premium or interest a Fund is required to pay in connection with a short sale. A short position may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the securities sold short and the securities being hedged.
A Fund may also make short sales against-the-box, in which it sells short securities only if it owns or has the right to obtain without payment of additional consideration an equal amount of the same type of securities sold. The effect of short selling is similar to the effect of leverage. Short selling may amplify changes in a Fund’s NAV. Short selling may also produce higher than normal portfolio turnover, which may result in increased transaction costs to a Fund.
Policies and Limitations. A Fund’s ability to engage in short sales may be impaired by any temporary prohibitions on short selling imposed by domestic and certain foreign government regulators. Any short sale borrowing is defined as a derivatives transaction under Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act and will be subject to the requirements of that rule.
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies. A Fund may invest in stock, warrants or other securities of special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”) or similar special purpose entities that pool funds to seek potential acquisition opportunities. Unless and until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC or similar entity generally maintains assets (less a portion retained to cover expenses) in a trust account comprised of U.S. Government securities, money market securities, and cash. If an acquisition is not completed within a pre-established period of time, the invested funds are returned to the entity’s shareholders. Because SPACs and similar entities are in essence blank-check companies without an operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity’s management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. SPACs have provided an opportunity for startups to go public without going through the traditional IPO process. This presents the risk that startups may become publicly traded with potentially less due diligence than what is typical in a traditional IPO through an underwriter. Since SPAC sponsors often stand to earn equity in the company if a deal is completed, SPAC sponsors may have a potential conflict of interest in completing a deal that may be unfavorable for other investors in the SPAC. SPACs may allow shareholders to redeem their pro rata investment immediately after the SPAC announces a proposed acquisition, sometimes including interest, which may prevent the entity’s management from completing the transaction. Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries or regions, which may increase the volatility of their prices. In addition, investments in SPACs may include private placements, including PIPEs, and, accordingly, may be considered illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale.
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Stripped Mortgage Backed Securities (SMBS). SMBS are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing.
SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a Fund’s yield to maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup some or all of its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories.
Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these securities were only recently developed. As a result, established trading markets have not yet developed and, accordingly, these securities may be deemed “illiquid” and subject to a Fund’s limitations on investments in illiquid securities.
Stripped Securities. Stripped securities are the separate income or principal components of a debt security. The risks associated with stripped securities are similar to those of other debt securities, although stripped securities may be more volatile, and the value of certain types of stripped securities may move in the same direction as interest rates. U.S. Treasury securities that have been stripped by a Federal Reserve Bank are obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury.
Privately stripped government securities are created when a dealer deposits a U.S. Treasury security or other U.S. Government security with a custodian for safekeeping. The custodian issues separate receipts for the coupon payments and the principal payment, which the dealer then sells. These coupons are not obligations of the U.S. Treasury.
Structured Notes. A Fund may invest in structured notes, such as participatory notes, credit linked notes and securities (“CLNs”), exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”) and other related instruments. These instruments are notes where the principal and/or interest rate or value of the structured note is determined by reference to the performance of an underlying indicator. Underlying indicators may include a security or other financial instrument, asset, currency, interest rate, credit rating, commodity, volatility measure or index. Generally, investments in such notes are used as a substitute for positions in underlying indicators. The interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured note may vary widely, depending on a variety of factors, including the volatility of the underlying indicator. The performance results of structured notes will not replicate exactly the performance of the underlying indicator that the notes seek to replicate due to transaction costs and other expenses. Issuers of structured notes can vary and may include corporations, banks, broker-dealers and limited purpose trusts or other vehicles. Structured notes may be exchange traded or traded OTC and privately negotiated.
Investments in structured notes involve many of the same risks associated with a direct investment in the underlying indicator the notes seek to replicate. Structured notes may be considered hybrid instruments as they may exhibit features of both fixed income securities and derivatives. The return on a structured note that is linked to a particular underlying indicator that pays dividends generally is increased to the extent of any dividends paid in connection with the underlying indicator. However, the holder of a structured note typically does not receive voting rights and other rights as it would if it directly owned the underlying indicator. In addition, structured notes are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the structured note will not fulfill its contractual obligation to complete the transaction with a Fund. Structured notes constitute general unsecured contractual obligations of the issuer of the note and a Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such issuer and has no rights under a structured note against the issuer of an underlying indicator. Structured notes involve transaction costs. Structured notes may be considered illiquid and, therefore, structured notes considered illiquid will be subject to a Fund’s percentage limitation on investments in illiquid securities.
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CLNs are typically issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle (the “CLN trust”) that, in turn, invests in a derivative or basket of derivatives instruments, such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and/or other securities, in order to provide exposure to certain high yield, sovereign debt, emerging markets, or other fixed income markets. Generally, investments in CLNs represent the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the CLN. However, these payments are conditioned on the CLN trust’s receipt of payments from, and the CLN trust’s potential obligations, to the counterparties to the derivative instruments and other securities in which the CLN trust invests. For example, the CLN trust may sell one or more credit default swaps, under which the CLN trust would receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has occurred with respect to the referenced debt obligation upon which the swap is based. If a default were to occur, the stream of payments may stop and the CLN trust would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the referenced debt obligation. This, in turn, would reduce the amount of income and principal that a Fund would receive as an investor in the CLN trust.
A Fund may enter in CLNs to gain access to sovereign debt and securities in emerging markets, particularly in markets where the Fund is not able to purchase securities directly due to domicile restrictions or tax restrictions or tariffs. In such an instance, the issuer of the CLN may purchase the reference security directly and/or gain exposure through a credit default swap or other derivative.
A Fund’s investments in CLNs are subject to the risks associated with the underlying reference obligations and derivative instruments, including, among others, credit risk, default risk, counterparty risk, interest rate risk, leverage risk and management risk.
Structured notes may also include exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”), which are typically unsecured and unsubordinated like other structured notes. ETN returns are based upon the performance of one or more underlying indicators and typically, no periodic coupon payments are distributed and no principal protections exists, even at maturity. ETNs are listed on an exchange and traded in the secondary market. An ETN can be held until maturity, at which time the issuer pays the investor a cash amount equal to the principal amount, subject to the day’s market benchmark or strategy factor. When a Fund invests in ETNs, it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. Because fees reduce the amount of return at maturity or upon redemption, if the value of the underlying indicator decreases or does not increase significantly, a Fund may receive less than the principal amount of its investment at maturity or upon redemption. In addition, the value of an ETN also may be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying indicator, changes in the applicable interest rates, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the underlying indicator. Some ETNs that use leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid, and thus they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs are subject to the same risk as other instruments that use leverage in any form. There may be restrictions on a Fund’s right to redeem its investment in an ETN, which are generally meant to be held until maturity. A decision by a Fund to sell ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. In addition, although an ETN may be listed on an exchange, the issuer may not be required to maintain the listing, and there can be no assurance that a secondary market will exist for an ETN.
Sukuk. Sukuk are financial certificates which are structured to comply with Shariah law and its investment principles, which prohibit the charging or payment of interest. Sukuk represent undivided shares in the ownership of tangible assets relating to a specific investment activity. The sukuk issuer, often a special purpose vehicle established to issue the sukuk, holds title to an asset or pool of assets. The sukuk represent an interest in that asset, so the income to the investor comes from a share in revenues generated from the asset, not from interest on the investor’s money. The sukuk investor’s investment in the sukuk does not represent a debt by the issuer of the underlying asset to the entity that issued the sukuk. The issuer of the sukuk agrees in advance to repurchase the sukuk from the investor on a certain date at a certain price.
As unsecured investments, sukuk are backed only by the credit of the issuing entity, which may be a special purpose vehicle that holds no other assets. They are thus subject to the risk that the issuer may not be able to repurchase the instrument at the agreed upon date for the agreed upon price, if at all. Furthermore, since the purchasers of sukuk are investors in the underlying asset, they are subject to the risk that the asset may not perform as expected, and the flow of income from the investments may be slower than expected or may cease altogether. In the event of default, the process may take longer to resolve than conventional bonds. Evolving interpretations of Islamic law by courts or prominent scholars may affect the free transferability of sukuk in ways that cannot now be foreseen. In that event, a Fund may be required to hold its sukuk for longer than intended, even if their condition is deteriorating.
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While the sukuk market has grown significantly in recent years, there may be times when the market is illiquid and it is difficult for a Fund to make an investment in or dispose of sukuk. Furthermore, the global sukuk market is significantly smaller than the conventional bond markets and restrictions imposed by the Shariah board of the issuing entity may limit the investable universe of the Fund. Although a Fund may invest in sukuk, other investments by the Fund, and the Fund as a whole, will not conform to Shariah law.
Terrorism Risks. The terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, had a disruptive effect on the U.S. economy and financial markets. Terrorist attacks and other geopolitical events have led to, and may in the future lead to, increased short-term market volatility and may have long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and financial markets. Those events could also have an acute effect on individual issuers, related groups of issuers, or issuers concentrated in a single geographic area. A similar disruption of the financial markets or other terrorist attacks could adversely impact interest rates, auctions, secondary trading, ratings, credit risk, inflation and other factors relating to portfolio securities and adversely affect Fund service providers and the Funds’ operations.
Thermal Coal Policy. Investments by the Funds (except Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF) in securities issued by companies that have more than 25% of revenue derived from thermal coal mining or are expanding new thermal coal power generation are subject to formal review and approval by Neuberger Berman’s Environmental, Social and Governance Committee before the initiation of any new investment positions in the securities of those companies.
U.S. Government and Agency Securities. “U.S. Government Securities” are obligations of the U.S. Treasury backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. During times of market turbulence, investors may turn to the safety of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, causing the prices of these securities to rise and their yields to decline. As a result of this and other market influences, yields of short-term U.S. Treasury debt instruments are currently near historical lows.
“U.S. Government Agency Securities” are issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies, or by instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, such as Ginnie Mae (also known as the Government National Mortgage Association), Fannie Mae (also known as the Federal National Mortgage Association), Freddie Mac (also known as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation), SLM Corporation (formerly, the Student Loan Marketing Association) (commonly known as “Sallie Mae”), Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLB”), and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Some U.S. Government Agency Securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States, while others may be supported by the issuer’s ability to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, subject to the U.S. Treasury’s discretion in certain cases, or only by the credit of the issuer. Accordingly, there is at least a possibility of default. U.S. Government Agency Securities include U.S. Government agency mortgage-backed securities. (See “Mortgage-Backed Securities,” above.) The market prices of U.S. Government Agency Securities are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government and generally fluctuate inversely with changing interest rates.
U.S. Government Agency Securities are deemed to include (i) securities for which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities and (ii) participations in loans made to foreign governments or their agencies that are so guaranteed. The secondary market for certain of these participations is extremely limited. In the absence of a suitable secondary market, such participations may therefore be regarded as illiquid.
A Fund may invest in separately traded principal and interest components of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. The principal and interest components of selected securities are traded independently under the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities (“STRIPS”) program. Under the STRIPS program, the principal and interest components are individually numbered and separately issued by the U.S. Treasury at the request of depository financial institutions, which then trade the component parts independently. The market prices of STRIPS generally are more volatile than that of U.S. Treasury bills with comparable maturities.
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Variable or Floating Rate Securities; Demand and Put Features. Variable rate and floating rate securities provide for automatic adjustment of the interest rate at fixed intervals (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, or semi-annually) or automatic adjustment of the interest rate whenever a specified interest rate or index changes. The interest rate on variable and floating rate securities (collectively, “Adjustable Rate Securities”) ordinarily is determined by reference to a particular bank’s prime rate, the 90-day U.S. Treasury Bill rate, the rate of return on commercial paper or bank CDs, an index of short-term tax-exempt rates or some other objective measure.
Adjustable Rate Securities frequently permit the holder to demand payment of the obligations’ principal and accrued interest at any time or at specified intervals not exceeding one year. The demand feature usually is backed by a credit instrument (e.g., a bank letter of credit) from a creditworthy issuer and sometimes by insurance from a creditworthy insurer. Without these credit enhancements, some Adjustable Rate Securities might not meet a Fund’s quality standards. Accordingly, in purchasing these securities, a Fund relies primarily on the creditworthiness of the credit instrument issuer or the insurer. A Fund can also buy fixed rate securities accompanied by a demand feature or by a put option, which permits the Fund to sell the security to the issuer or third party at a specified price. A Fund may rely on the creditworthiness of issuers of the credit enhancements in purchasing these securities.
Policies and Limitations. A Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities backed by credit instruments from any one issuer or by insurance from any one insurer. For purposes of this limitation, the Fund excludes securities that do not rely on the credit instrument or insurance for their ratings, i.e., stand on their own credit. In calculating its dollar-weighted average maturity and duration, the Fund is permitted to treat certain Adjustable Rate Securities as maturing on a date prior to the date on which the final repayment of principal must unconditionally be made. In applying such maturity shortening devices, the Manager considers whether the interest rate reset is expected to cause the security to trade at approximately its par value.
Warrants and Rights. Warrants and rights may be acquired by a Fund in connection with other securities or separately. Warrants are securities permitting, but not obligating, their holder to subscribe for other securities or commodities and provide a Fund with the right to purchase at a later date other securities of the issuer. Rights are similar to warrants but typically are issued by a company to existing holders of its stock and provide those holders the right to purchase additional shares of stock at a later date. Rights also normally have a shorter duration than warrants. Warrants and rights do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holder to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. Warrants and rights may be more speculative than certain other types of investments and entail risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional equity instrument. While warrants and rights are generally considered equity securities, because the value of a warrant or right is derived, at least in part, from the value of the underlying securities, they may be considered hybrid instruments that have features of both equity securities and derivative instruments. However, there are characteristics of warrants and rights that differ from derivatives, including that the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities. The purchase of warrants and rights involves the risk that a Fund could lose the purchase value of the warrants or rights if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not exercised prior to the warrants’ or rights’ expiration date because warrants and rights cease to have value if they are not exercised prior to their expiration date. Also, the purchase of warrants and rights involves the risk that the effective price paid for the warrants or rights added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price such as when there is no movement in the price of the underlying security. The market for warrants or rights may be very limited and it may be difficult to sell them promptly at an acceptable price.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments. A Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis and may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis. These transactions involve a commitment by a Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily within two months, although a Fund may agree to a longer settlement period). These transactions may involve mortgage-backed securities, such as GNMA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac certificates. The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued and delayed-delivery purchases and forward commitment transactions are negotiated directly with the other party, and such commitments are not traded on exchanges.
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When-issued and delayed-delivery purchases and forward commitment transactions enable a Fund to “lock in” what the Manager believes to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices, a Fund might sell securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, a Fund might purchase a security on a when-issued, delayed-delivery or forward commitment basis and sell a similar security to settle such purchase, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. When-issued, delayed-delivery and forward commitment transactions are subject to the risk that a counterparty may fail to complete the purchase or sale of the security. If this occurs, a Fund may lose the opportunity to purchase or sell the security at the agreed upon price. To reduce this risk, a Fund will enter into transactions with established counterparties and the Manager will monitor the creditworthiness of such counterparties.
The value of securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed-delivery or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value are reflected in the computation of a Fund’s NAV starting on the date of the agreement to purchase the securities. Because a Fund has not yet paid for the securities, this produces an effect similar to leverage. A Fund does not earn interest on securities it has committed to purchase until the securities are paid for and delivered on the settlement date. Because a Fund is committed to buying them at a certain price, any change in the value of these securities, even prior to their issuance, affects the value of the Fund’s interests. The purchase of securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis also involves a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines before the settlement date. When a Fund makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement are included in that Fund’s assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities are not reflected in a Fund’s NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect.
When-issued, delayed-delivery and forward commitment transactions may cause a Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its purchase or sale obligations.
Policies and Limitations. A Fund will purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis or purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, a Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it has been entered into. A Fund also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. A Fund may realize capital gains or losses in connection with these transactions. Depending on the terms of the when-issued, delayed-delivery and forward commitment transactions, these transactions may meet the definition of a derivatives transaction under Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act and, if they do, they will be subject to the requirements of that rule.
A Fund may also enter into a TBA agreement and “roll over” such agreement prior to the settlement date by selling the obligation to purchase the pools set forth in the agreement and entering into a new TBA agreement for future delivery of pools of mortgage-backed securities. TBA mortgage-backed securities may increase prepayment risks because the underlying mortgages may be less favorable than anticipated by a Fund.
Wholly Owned Subsidiary (Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF). The Fund invests a portion of its assets in a wholly owned subsidiary organized as an exempted company with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands (“Subsidiary”). The Fund invests in the Subsidiary in order to indirectly gain exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of Subchapter M of Chapter 1 of Subtitle A of the Code applicable to RICs. The Fund must maintain no more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the Subsidiary at the end of every quarter of its taxable year. The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, and shares of the Subsidiary will not be sold or offered to other investors. The Subsidiary’s commodity-linked investments (including commodity-linked futures contracts, structured notes, swaps and options) are expected to produce leveraged exposure to the performance of the commodities markets. The Subsidiary also may invest in money market funds, fixed income securities and other instruments that may serve as collateral for its commodity-linked positions and may hold cash or cash equivalents.
The Fund has received an opinion of counsel, which is not binding on the Service or the courts, that distributions of income it receives from the Subsidiary that satisfy certain requirements will constitute qualifying income. See “Additional Tax Information - Taxation of the Fund - The Subsidiary.”
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If the Fund’s income from the Subsidiary was not qualifying income, the Fund could be unable to qualify as a RIC for one or more taxable years. If the Fund failed to so qualify for any taxable year but was eligible to and did cure the failure, it would incur potentially significant federal income tax expense. If, on the other hand, the Fund failed to so qualify for any taxable year and was ineligible to or otherwise did not cure the failure, it would be subject to federal income tax on its taxable income at corporate rates, with the consequence that its income available for distribution to shareholders would be reduced, and all such distributions from earnings and profits would be taxable to them as dividend income. In that event, the Trustees may authorize a significant change in investment strategy or a Fund’s liquidation.
The commodity-related investments of the Subsidiary will not generally be subject to U.S. laws (including securities laws) and their protections. Further, they will be subject to the laws of a foreign jurisdiction, which can be adversely affected by developments in that jurisdiction.
The Subsidiary is overseen by its own board of directors. While the Subsidiary may be considered similar to an investment company, it is not registered under the 1940 Act and, except as noted in the Fund’s prospectus or this SAI, is not subject to all of the investor protection requirements of the 1940 Act and other U.S. statutes and regulations. Consequently, the Fund, as the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, will not have all of the protections afforded to investors in registered mutual funds. However, the Subsidiary is wholly owned and controlled by the Fund and the Fund Trustees maintain oversight responsibility for investment activities of the Subsidiary generally (with respect to compliance and investment policies and procedures) as if the Subsidiary’s investments were held directly by a Fund. Furthermore, NBIA is responsible for the Subsidiary’s day-to-day business pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement between the Subsidiary and NBIA. Therefore, the Fund’s ownership and control of the Subsidiary make it unlikely that the Subsidiary would take any action contrary to the interests of the Fund or its shareholders. Under the Investment Management Agreement with the Subsidiary, NBIA provides the Subsidiary with the same type of management services, under the same terms, as are provided to the Fund. The Subsidiary also has contracted with service providers to provide custody and other services to the Subsidiary.
In managing the Subsidiary’s investment portfolio, and in adhering to the Fund’s compliance policies and procedures, NBIA treats the assets of the Subsidiary as if the assets were held directly by the Fund. NBIA also treats the assets of the Subsidiary as if the assets were held directly by the Fund with respect to its adherence to the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions.
The Subsidiary pays NBIA for the investment management services it receives. The Subsidiary also bears other fees and expenses it incurs in connection with its operations, such as those for services it receives from third party service providers.
The financial information of the Subsidiary is consolidated in the Fund’s financial statements, as contained within the Fund’s Annual and Semiannual Reports provided to shareholders. Changes in U.S. laws (where the Fund is organized) and/or the Cayman Islands (where the Subsidiary is organized), could prevent the Fund and/or the Subsidiary from operating as described in the Fund’s prospectus and this SAI and could negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders. For example, the Cayman Islands has undertaken not to impose certain taxes on the Subsidiary, including any income, corporate, or capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift tax, or withholding tax. If the Subsidiary’s exemption from those taxes were revoked, thus requiring the Subsidiary to pay Cayman Islands taxes, the investment returns of the Fund would likely decrease.
By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments.
Zero Coupon Securities, Step Coupon Securities, Pay-in-Kind Securities and Discount Obligations. A Fund may invest in zero coupon securities, step coupon securities and pay-in-kind securities. These do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or that specify a future date when the securities begin to pay current interest. Each Fund may also acquire certain debt securities at a discount. These discount obligations involve special risk considerations. Zero coupon securities and step coupon securities are debt obligations that are issued and traded at a discount from their face amount or par value (known as “original issue discount” or “OID”). OID varies depending on prevailing interest rates, the time remaining until cash payments begin, the liquidity of the security, and the perceived credit quality of the issuer.
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Zero coupon securities and step coupon securities are redeemed at face value when they mature. Accrued OID must be included in a Fund’s gross income for federal tax purposes ratably each taxable year prior to the receipt of any actual payments. Pay-in-kind securities pay “interest” through the issuance of additional securities.
Because each Fund must distribute substantially all of its net investment income (including non-cash income attributable to OID and “interest” on pay-in-kind securities) and net realized gains to its shareholders each taxable year to qualify or to continue to qualify for treatment as a RIC and to minimize or avoid payment of federal income and excise taxes, a Fund may have to dispose of portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may be required to borrow, to satisfy the distribution requirements. See “Additional Tax Information – Taxation of the Funds.”
The market prices of zero coupon securities, step coupon securities, pay-in-kind securities and discount obligations generally are more volatile than the prices of securities that pay cash interest periodically. Those securities and obligations are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than other types of debt securities having a similar maturity and credit quality.
Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF – Sustainable Exclusion Policy
The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in securities of Chinese companies that meet its investment criteria. The Fund is designed for investors seeking to invest in leading Chinese companies with business policies and practices that the Portfolio Managers believe will be broadly consistent with the personal values of many U.S. investors. The Fund is intended for investors who seek to benefit from Chinese economic growth and recognize China’s importance to solving the world’s sustainability-related ambitions, particularly related to climate. Given the difficulties and evolving perceptions of investing in China, the Fund will not be able to effectively exclude all Chinese companies with negative controversies such that the Fund’s investments may not always align with the values of U.S. investors.
This policy should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus for the Fund. The Fund’s Sustainable Exclusion Policy requires interpretation in its application and the discretion of the portfolio management team. The Portfolio Managers may reduce or sell a security if a company’s business fails to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with the Fund’s investment criteria and when upon review and further engagement with the company, the Portfolio Managers deem, that an ESG related controversy materially impacts a holding’s ability to continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with the Fund’s investment criteria. To determine and monitor revenue-based and absolute exclusions, the portfolio management team uses data generated internally by the Manager and/or its affiliates or provided by one or more external ESG research providers. Please note that the Fund’s investment criteria and the Fund’s Sustainable Exclusion Policy are subject to change to ensure that the requirements continue to meet current regulatory requirements.
The following discussion provides further detail about the interpretation of the Fund’s Sustainable Exclusion Policy.
DEFINITION OF EXCLUSIONS
Global Standards and Norms. We prohibit the initiation of new investment positions, as well as the retention of existing positions, in securities of issuers, whose activities breach the principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises, the International Labor Organization’s declaration on Fundamental Rights and Principles at Work and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Tobacco. We prohibit purchases of companies involved in tobacco production such as cigars, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, dissolvable and chewing tobacco. This also includes companies that grow or process raw tobacco leaves.
Gambling. The Fund does not buy or hold companies that derive 5% or more of revenues from the provision of gaming services. This primarily excludes owners and operators of casinos, horse tracks or other betting establishments. The Fund does not buy or hold companies that derive 5% or more of revenues from the manufacture of gaming equipment or the provision of goods and services to lottery operations.
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Fossil Fuels. We believe a sustainable portfolio minimizes or neutralizes the exposure to certain pieces of the fossil fuel value chain owing to the varied contribution to climate and environmental risk.
| ● | Coal and unconventional oil & gas supply. Given the high carbon footprint among fossil fuels, we prohibit ownership of businesses with substantial revenue derived from the extraction of coal or unconventional oil methods. We define these as: |
| ○ | Thermal coal. 10% is the maximum acceptable percentage of revenue derived from the mining of thermal coal. |
| ○ | Unconventional oil supply (oil sands). 10% is the maximum acceptable percentage of revenue derived from oil sands extraction. |
| ● | Electricity generation. For companies where power generation makes up more than 10% of revenue, we believe a sustainable portfolio should only invest in generation owners that are aligned with a lower carbon emissions economy. We therefore prohibit investment in generators where: |
| ○ | Thermal coal. 30% is the maximum acceptable percentage of MWh generation derived from thermal coal. |
| ○ | Liquid fuels (oil). 30% is the maximum acceptable percentage of MWh generation derived from liquid fuels (oil). |
| ○ | Natural gas electricity generation. 90% is the maximum acceptable percentage of MWh generation derived from natural gas and this threshold may decline over time to align with a glide path to greater renewables penetration. |
| ● | Conventional oil & gas supply. We recognize natural gas can play a role in the transition to a lower carbon economy, and believe oil and gas producers should be evolving their businesses to increase the proportion of gas and renewables in the business mix. We therefore prohibit investment in oil and gas producers with less than 20% of reserves from natural gas. |
| ○ | In addition, the Fund will invest in a manner consistent with the ambition of aligning the portfolio with achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions in aggregate based on a timeline on or before China’s current Nationally Determined Contribution goal which seeks to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, and also based on internal interim targets which may be set from time to time. |
Sanction-related Exclusions. The Manager and its affiliates are committed to complying with all applicable economic sanctions, including those issued by the United States through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the United Nations Security Council. In order to ensure compliance, among other things, the Manager and/or its affiliates performs ongoing sanctions screening and restricts transactions with sanctions targets at the firm level. We also seek to identify and attempt to avoid investing in companies that we believe may become subject to sanctions in the future. We will use our best judgment as we seek to identify and attempt to avoid investing in such companies, but there is no guarantee that companies held by the Fund will not become subject to sanctions in the future, given increasing geopolitical tensions.
Defense & Military Contracting. We seek to avoid investment in companies involved in the production and sale of military weapons and equipment. In some cases, it is difficult to clearly distinguish between contracts that are weapons-related and those that are not. The Portfolio Managers will use their best judgment in making such determinations.
Controversial Weapons. We are committed to supporting and upholding conventions that seek to ban the production of controversial weapons. As a result, we prohibit investing in securities issued by companies that we believe are involved in the manufacture of controversial weapons.
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We define involvement in the manufacture of controversial weapons as either being responsible for end manufacture and assembly of controversial weapons or being responsible for the manufacture of intended use components for controversial weapons. We do not include dual-use component manufacturers or delivery platform manufacturers. We define controversial weapons as:
| ● | Biological and chemical weapons. Weapons outlawed by the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention of 1972 and the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993. |
| ● | Anti-personnel mines. Weapons that signatories agreed to prohibit the use, stockpiling, production or transfer of under the 1997 Anti-personnel Landmines Convention. The convention was concluded in Oslo on September 18, 1997 and entered into force on March 1, 1999, six months after it was ratified by 40 states. Today, the treaty is still open for ratification by signatories and for accession by those that did not sign before March 1999. The Convention does not address the issue of financial support for companies that manufacture such weapons. |
| ● | Cluster munitions. Weapons that signatories agreed to restrict the manufacture, use and stockpiling of, as well as components of these weapons, under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. The Convention was agreed in Dublin, Ireland on May 30, 2008 and entered into force on August 1, 2010, six months after it was ratified by 30 states. Today, the treaty is still open for ratification by signatories and for accession by those that did not sign before August 2000. The implications for financial support of companies that manufacture cluster munitions is left unclear in the Convention. As a result, signatory states and the institutions based on them have taken a range of approaches to the question of prohibiting or allowing investments in cluster munitions producers: some prohibit all investments, some prohibit only direct investments and some have not yet banned investments. |
| ● | Depleted uranium weapons. Companies involved in the production of depleted uranium (DU) weapons, ammunition and armor. |
GENERAL
Corporate Actions. If a company held in the Fund subsequently becomes involved in tobacco, gambling, weapons or fossil fuels (as described above) through a corporate acquisition or change of business strategy, and lacking a credible path to remediation no longer satisfies the Fund’s investment criteria, the Fund will eliminate the position at the time deemed appropriate by the Fund given market conditions. The Fund will divest such companies’ shares whether or not they have taken strong positive initiatives in the other ESG areas that the Fund considers.
Parent and Subsidiary Relationships. This policy will also evaluate parent / subsidiary relationships and upon evaluation of an issuer’s eligibility pursuant to this Sustainable Exclusion Policy, all subsidiaries which are greater than 50% owned by the issuer, will be considered consolidated for the purpose of considering the metrics and overall worthiness of the issuer to comply with the policy. This policy, however, does not require that the parent company of an issuer be considered when evaluating the issuer’s metrics and overall worthiness to comply with this policy. As such, the policy permits investment in an issuer whose products and services meet the requirements of the policy, provided that the issuer is a stand-alone business operation whose obligations are non-recourse to its parent company, such issuers being “Eligible Subsidiaries”. Financial services firms (e.g., banks, broker-dealers, asset managers, insurance companies) and investment companies will not be consolidated with other companies based on their investment in or provision of loans to such companies.
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PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Each Fund’s performance figures are based on historical results and are not intended to indicate future performance. The share price and total return of each Fund will vary, and an investment in a Fund, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than an investor’s original cost.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The following tables set forth information concerning the Fund Trustees and Officers of the Trust. All persons named as Fund Trustees and Officers also serve in similar capacities for other funds administered or managed by NBIA. A Fund Trustee who is not an “interested person” of NBIA (including its affiliates) or the Trust is deemed to be an independent Fund Trustee (“Independent Fund Trustee”).
Information about the Board of Trustees
| Name, (Year of Birth), and Address(1) |
Position(s)
and Length of Time Served(2) |
Principal Occupation(s)(3) | Number
of Funds in Fund Complex Overseen by Fund Trustee |
Other
Directorships Held Outside Fund Complex by Fund Trustee(3) |
| Independent Fund Trustees | ||||
Michael
J. (1949) |
Trustee since 2021 |
President, Carragh Consulting USA, since 2014; formerly, Executive, General Electric Company, 1970 to 2014, including President, Mutual Funds and Global Investment Programs, GE Asset Management, 2011 to 2014, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mutual Funds and Intermediary Business, GE Asset Management, 2007 to 2011, President, Institutional Sales and Marketing, GE Asset Management, 1998 to 2007, and Chief Financial Officer, GE Asset Management, and Deputy Treasurer, GE Company, 1988 to 1993. | 51 | Member of Advisory Board, Burke Neurological Institute, since 2021; Parish Councilor, St. Pius X, since 2021, and Treasurer, since 2020; formerly, Director, America Press, Inc. (not-for-profit Jesuit publisher), 2015 to 2021; formerly, Director, Fordham University, 2001 to 2018; formerly, Director, The Gabelli Go Anywhere Trust, June 2015 to June 2016; formerly, Director, Skin Cancer Foundation (not-for-profit), 2006 to 2015; formerly, Director, GE Investments Funds, Inc., 1997 to 2014; formerly, Trustee, GE Institutional Funds, 1997 to 2014; formerly, Director, GE Asset Management, 1988 to 2014; formerly, Director, Elfun Trusts, 1988 to 2014; formerly, Trustee, GE Pension & Benefit Plans, 1988 to 2014; formerly, Member of Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute. |
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| Name, (Year of Birth), and Address(1) |
Position(s)
and Length of Time Served(2) |
Principal Occupation(s)(3) | Number
of Funds in Fund Complex Overseen by Fund Trustee |
Other
Directorships Held Outside Fund Complex by Fund Trustee(3) |
Marc Gary (1952) |
Trustee since 2021 |
Executive Vice Chancellor Emeritus, The Jewish Theological Seminary, since 2020; formerly, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, The Jewish Theological Seminary, 2012 to 2020; formerly, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Fidelity Investments, 2007 to 2012; formerly, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, BellSouth Corporation, 2004 to 2007; formerly, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, BellSouth Corporation, 2000 to 2004; formerly, Associate, Partner, and National Litigation Practice Co-Chair, Mayer, Brown LLP, 1981 to 2000; formerly, Associate Independent Counsel, Office of Independent Counsel, 1990 to 1992. | 51 | Director, Jewish Federation of Atlanta, since 2023; Director, Israel Policy Forum, since 2023; Director, JCC of Westchester, since 2022; Director, Jewish Democratic Counsel of America, since 2022; Chair and Director, USCJ Supporting Foundation, since 2021; Director, UJA Federation of Greater New York, since 2019; Trustee, The Jewish Theological Seminary, since 2014; Director, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (not-for-profit), since 2005; formerly, Director, Jewish Federation of New York, 2017 to 2023; formerly, Director, Legility, Inc. (privately held for-profit company), 2012 to 2021; formerly, Director, Equal Justice Works (not-for-profit), 2005 to 2014; formerly, Director, Corporate Counsel Institute, Georgetown University Law Center, 2007 to 2012; formerly, Director, Greater Boston Legal Services (not-for-profit), 2007 to 2012. |
Martha C. Goss (1949) |
Trustee since 2021 | Formerly, President, Woodhill Enterprises Inc./Chase Hollow Associates LLC (personal investment vehicle), 2006 to 2020; formerly, Consultant, Resources Global Professionals (temporary staffing), 2002 to 2006; formerly, Chief Financial Officer, Booz-Allen & Hamilton, Inc., 1995 to 1999; formerly, Enterprise Risk Officer, Prudential Insurance, 1994 to 1995; formerly, President, Prudential Asset Management Company, 1992 to 1994; formerly, President, Prudential Power Funding (investments in electric and gas utilities and alternative energy projects), 1989 to 1992; formerly, Treasurer, Prudential Insurance Company, 1983 to 1989. | 51 | Director, American Water (water utility), since 2003; Director, Allianz Life of New York (insurance), since 2005; formerly, Director, Berger Group Holdings, Inc. (engineering consulting firm), 2013 to 2018; formerly, Director, Financial Women’s Association of New York (not-for-profit association), 1987 to 1996 and 2003 to 2019; Trustee Emerita, Brown University, since 1998; Director, Museum of American Finance (not-for-profit), since 2013; formerly, Non-Executive Chair and Director, Channel Reinsurance (financial guaranty reinsurance), 2006 to 2010; formerly, Director, Ocwen Financial Corporation (mortgage servicing), 2005 to 2010; formerly, Director, Claire’s Stores, Inc. (retailer), 2005 to 2007; formerly, Director, Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc. (engineering consulting firm), 2007 to 2010; formerly, Director, Bank Leumi (commercial bank), 2005 to 2007; formerly, Advisory Board Member, Attensity (software developer), 2005 to 2007; formerly, Director, Foster Wheeler Manufacturing, 1994 to 2004; formerly, Director, Dexter Corp. (Manufacturer of Non-Wovens, Plastics, and Medical Supplies), 1992 to 2001. |
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| Name, (Year of Birth), and Address(1) |
Position(s)
and Length of Time Served(2) |
Principal Occupation(s)(3) | Number
of Funds in Fund Complex Overseen by Fund Trustee |
Other
Directorships Held Outside Fund Complex by Fund Trustee(3) |
Ami Kaplan (1960) |
Trustee since 2023 | Formerly, Partner, Deloitte LLP, 1982 to 2023, including Vice Chair, 2017 to 2020; formerly, President and Board Chair, Women’s Forum of New York, 2014 to 2016. | 51 | None. |
Michael M. Knetter (1960) |
Trustee since 2021 |
President and Chief Executive Officer, University of Wisconsin Foundation, since 2010; formerly, Dean, School of Business, University of Wisconsin - Madison; formerly, Professor of International Economics and Associate Dean, Amos Tuck School of Business - Dartmouth College, 1998 to 2002. | 51 | Director, 1WS Credit Income Fund, since 2018; Board Member, American Family Insurance (a mutual company, not publicly traded), since March 2009; formerly, Trustee, Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., 2007 to 2011; formerly, Director, Wausau Paper, 2005 to 2011; formerly, Director, Great Wolf Resorts, 2004 to 2009. |
Deborah C. McLean (1954) |
Trustee since 2021 |
Member, Circle Financial Group (private wealth management membership practice), since 2011; Managing Director, Golden Seeds LLC (an angel investing group), since 2009; Adjunct Professor (Corporate Finance), Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, since 2008; formerly, Visiting Assistant Professor, Fairfield University, Dolan School of Business, Fall 2007; formerly, Adjunct Associate Professor of Finance, Richmond, The American International University in London, 1999 to 2007. | 51 | Board Member, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, since 2020; Board Member, Norwalk Community College Foundation, since 2014; formerly, Dean’s Advisory Council, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, 2014 to 2023; formerly, Director and Treasurer, At Home in Darien (not-for-profit), 2012 to 2014; formerly, Director, National Executive Service Corps (not-for-profit), 2012 to 2013; formerly, Trustee, Richmond, The American International University in London, 1999 to 2013. |
George W. Morriss (1947) |
Trustee since 2021 |
Formerly, Adjunct Professor, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, 2012 to 2018; formerly, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, People’s United Bank, Connecticut (a financial services company), 1991 to 2001. | 51 | Director and Audit Chair, 1WS Credit Income Fund, since 2018; Director and Chair, Thrivent Church Loan Income Fund, since 2018; formerly, Trustee, Steben Alternative Investment Funds, Steben Select Multi-Strategy Fund, and Steben Select Multi-Strategy Master Fund, 2013 to 2017; formerly, Treasurer, National Association of Corporate Directors, Connecticut Chapter, 2011 to 2015; formerly, Manager, Larch Lane Multi-Strategy Fund complex (which consisted of three funds), 2006 to 2011; formerly, Member, NASDAQ Issuers’ Affairs Committee, 1995 to 2003. |
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| Name, (Year of Birth), and Address(1) |
Position(s)
and Length of Time Served(2) |
Principal Occupation(s)(3) | Number
of Funds in Fund Complex Overseen by Fund Trustee |
Other
Directorships Held Outside Fund Complex by Fund Trustee(3) |
Paul M. Nakasone (1963) |
Trustee since 2024 | Formerly, Director, National Security Agency, 2018 to 2024; formerly, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command, 2018 to 2024. | 51 | None. |
Tom D. Seip (1950) |
Trustee since 2021; Chairman of the Board since 2021; formerly, Lead Independent Trustee from 2006 to 2008 | Formerly, Managing Member, Ridgefield Farm LLC (a private investment vehicle), 2004 to 2016; formerly, President and CEO, Westaff, Inc. (temporary staffing), May 2001 to January 2002; formerly, Senior Executive, The Charles Schwab Corporation, 1983 to 1998, including Chief Executive Officer, Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc.; formerly, Trustee, Schwab Family of Funds and Schwab Investments, 1997 to 1998; formerly, Executive Vice President-Retail Brokerage, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., 1994 to 1997. | 51 | Trustee, University of Maryland, Shore Regional Health System, since 2020; formerly, Director, H&R Block, Inc. (tax services company), 2001 to 2018; formerly, Director, Talbot Hospice Inc., 2013 to 2016; formerly, Chairman, Governance and Nominating Committee, H&R Block, Inc., 2011 to 2015; formerly, Chairman, Compensation Committee, H&R Block, Inc., 2006 to 2010; formerly, Director, Forward Management, Inc. (asset management company), 1999 to 2006. |
Franklyn E. Smith (1961) |
Trustee since 2023 | Formerly, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1989 to 2021. | 51 | Director, Zurich American Insurance Company, Zurich American Life Insurance Company and Zurich American Life Insurance Company of New York, since 2023. |
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| Name, (Year of Birth), and Address(1) |
Position(s)
and Length of Time Served(2) |
Principal Occupation(s)(3) | Number
of Funds in Fund Complex Overseen by Fund Trustee |
Other
Directorships Held Outside Fund Complex by Fund Trustee(3) |
| Fund Trustees who are “Interested Persons” | ||||
Joseph V. Amato* (1962) |
Chief Executive Officer and President since 2021 and Trustee since 2021 | President and Director, Neuberger Berman Group LLC, since 2009; President and Chief Executive Officer, Neuberger Berman BD LLC and Neuberger Berman Holdings LLC (including its predecessor, Neuberger Berman Inc.), since 2007; Chief Investment Officer (Equities) and President (Equities), NBIA (formerly, Neuberger Berman Fixed Income LLC and including predecessor entities), since 2007, and Board Member of NBIA, since 2006; formerly, Global Head of Asset Management of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.’s (“LBHI”) Investment Management Division, 2006 to 2009; formerly, member of LBHI’s Investment Management Division’s Executive Management Committee, 2006 to 2009; formerly, Managing Director, Lehman Brothers Inc. (“LBI”), 2006 to 2008; formerly, Chief Recruiting and Development Officer, LBI, 2005 to 2006; formerly, Global Head of LBI’s Equity Sales and a Member of its Equities Division Executive Committee, 2003 to 2005; President and Chief Executive Officer, ten registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. | 51 | Member of Board of Advisors, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University, since 2001; Member of New York City Board of Advisors, Teach for America, since 2005; Trustee, Montclair Kimberley Academy (private school), since 2007; Member of Board of Regents, Georgetown University, since 2013. |
| (1) | The business address of each listed person is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104. |
| (2) | Pursuant to the Trust’s Amended and Restated Trust Instrument (“Trust Instrument”), subject to any limitations on the term of service imposed by the By-Laws or any retirement policy adopted by the Fund Trustees, each Fund Trustee shall hold office for life or until his or her successor is elected or the Trust terminates; except that (a) any Fund Trustee may resign by delivering a written resignation; (b) any Fund Trustee may be removed with or without cause at any time by a written instrument signed by at least two-thirds of the other Fund Trustees; (c) any Fund Trustee who requests to be retired, or who has become unable to serve, may be retired by a written instrument signed by a majority of the other Fund Trustees; and (d) any Fund Trustee may be removed at any shareholder meeting by a vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares. |
| (3) | Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the positions shown during at least the last five years. |
| * | Indicates a Fund Trustee who is an “interested person” within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Mr. Amato is an interested person of the Trust by virtue of the fact that he is an officer of NBIA and/or its affiliates. |
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Information about the Officers of the Trust
| Name, (Year of Birth), and Address(1) |
Position(s)
and Length of Time Served(2) |
Principal Occupation(s)(3) |
Claudia A. Brandon (1956) |
Executive Vice President since 2021 and Secretary since 2021 |
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2007 and Employee since 1999; Senior Vice President, NBIA, since 2008 and Assistant Secretary since 2004; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2002 to 2006; formerly, Vice President, Mutual Fund Board Relations, NBIA, 2000 to 2008; formerly, Vice President, NBIA, 1986 to 1999 and Employee, 1984 to 1999; Executive Vice President and Secretary, twenty-eight registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. |
Agnes Diaz (1971) |
Vice President since 2021 |
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2012; Senior Vice President, NBIA, since 2012 and Employee since 1996; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2007 to 2012; Vice President, ten registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. |
Anthony DiBernardo (1979) |
Assistant Treasurer since 2021 |
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2014; Senior Vice President, NBIA, since 2014, and Employee since 2003; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2009 to 2014; Assistant Treasurer, ten registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. |
Corey A. Issing (1978) |
Chief Compliance Officer since 2024 and Chief Legal Officer since 2021 (only for purposes of sections 307 and 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) |
General Counsel, Mutual Funds, since 2016 and Managing Director, NBIA, since 2017; formerly, Associate General Counsel, 2015 to 2016; Counsel, 2007 to 2015; Senior Vice President, 2013 to 2016; Vice President, 2009 to 2013; Chief Legal Officer (only for purposes of sections 307 and 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), twenty-eight registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. |
Brian Kerrane (1969) |
Chief Operating Officer since 2021 and Vice President since 2021 |
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman, since 2013; Chief Operating Officer, Mutual Funds, and Managing Director, NBIA, since 2015; formerly, Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2006 to 2014; Vice President, NBIA, 2008 to 2015 and Employee since 1991; Chief Operating Officer, ten registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator; Vice President, twenty-eight registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. |
Sheila R. James (1965) |
Assistant Secretary since 2021 |
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2023 and Employee since 1999; Senior Vice President, NBIA, since 2023; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2008 to 2023; Assistant Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2007; Employee, NBIA, 1991 to 1999; Assistant Secretary, twenty-eight registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. |
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| Name, (Year of Birth), and Address(1) |
Position(s)
and Length of Time Served(2) |
Principal Occupation(s)(3) |
Anthony Maltese (1959) |
Vice President since 2021 |
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2014 and Employee since 2000; Senior Vice President, NBIA, since 2014; Vice President, ten registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. |
Josephine Marone (1963) |
Assistant Secretary since 2021 |
Senior Paralegal, Neuberger Berman, since 2007 and Employee since 2007; Assistant Secretary, twenty-eight registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. |
Owen F. McEntee, Jr. (1961) |
Vice President since 2021 |
Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2006; Vice President, NBIA, since 2006 and Employee since 1992; Vice President, ten registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. |
John M. McGovern (1970) |
Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer since 2021 |
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman, since 2022; Senior Vice President, NBIA, since 2007 and Employee since 1993; formerly, Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2007 to 2021; formerly, Vice President, Neuberger Berman, 2004 to 2006; formerly, Assistant Treasurer, 2002 to 2005; Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, ten registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. |
Frank Rosato (1971) |
Assistant Treasurer since 2021 |
Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2006; Vice President, NBIA, since 2006 and Employee since 1995; Assistant Treasurer, ten registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. |
Daniel Tracer (1987) |
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer since 2023 |
Senior Vice President and Head of Financial Regulation, Neuberger Berman, since February 2023; Assistant United States Attorney, Southern District of New York, 2016 to 2023; Trial Attorney, Department of Justice Antitrust Division, 2012 to 2015; Senior Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, five registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. |
| (1) | The business address of each listed person is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104. |
| (2) | Pursuant to the By-Laws of the Trust, each officer elected by the Fund Trustees shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, inability to serve, or resignation. Officers serve at the pleasure of the Fund Trustees and may be removed at any time with or without cause. |
| (3) | Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the positions shown during at least the last five years. |
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The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees (“Board”) is responsible for managing the business and affairs of the Trust. Among other things, the Board generally oversees the portfolio management of each Fund and reviews and approves each Fund’s investment advisory and sub-advisory contracts and other principal contracts.
The Board has appointed an Independent Fund Trustee to serve in the role of Chairman of the Board. The Chair’s primary responsibilities are (i) to participate in the preparation of the agenda for meetings of the Board and in the identification of information to be presented to the Board; (ii) to preside at all meetings of the Board; (iii) to act as the Board’s liaison with management between meetings of the Board; and (iv) to act as the primary contact for board communications. The Chair may perform such other functions as may be requested by the Board from time to time. Except for any duties specified herein or pursuant to the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or By-laws, the designation as Chair does not impose on such Independent Fund Trustee any duties, obligations or liability that is greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person as a member of the Board, generally.
As described below, the Board has an established committee structure through which the Board considers and addresses important matters involving the Funds, including those identified as presenting conflicts or potential conflicts of interest for management. The Independent Fund Trustees also regularly meet outside the presence of management and are advised by experienced independent legal counsel knowledgeable in matters of investment company regulation. The Board periodically evaluates its structure and composition as well as various aspects of its operations. The Board believes that its leadership structure, including its Independent Chair and its committee structure, is appropriate in light of, among other factors, the asset size of the fund complex overseen by the Board, the nature and number of funds overseen by the Board, the number of Fund Trustees, the range of experience represented on the Board, and the Board’s responsibilities.
Additional Information About Fund Trustees
In choosing each Fund Trustee to serve, the Board was generally aware of each Fund Trustee’s skills, experience, judgment, analytical ability, intelligence, common sense, previous profit and not-for-profit board membership and, for each Independent Fund Trustee, his or her demonstrated willingness to take an independent and questioning stance toward management. Each Fund Trustee also now has considerable familiarity with the funds in the Neuberger Berman fund complex, the Manager, the distributor, and their operations, as well as the special regulatory requirements governing regulated investment companies and the special responsibilities of investment company directors, and has substantial prior service serving as a trustee of the trusts comprising the Neuberger Berman fund complex over multiple years. No particular qualification, experience or background establishes the basis for any Fund Trustee’s position on the Board and the Governance and Nominating Committee and individual Board members may have attributed different weights to the various factors.
In addition to the information set forth in the table above and other relevant qualifications, experience, attributes or skills applicable to a particular Fund Trustee, the following provides further information about the qualifications and experience of each Fund Trustee.
Independent Fund Trustees
Michael J. Cosgrove: Mr. Cosgrove is President of an asset management consulting firm. He has experience as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of the asset management division of a major multinational corporation. He also has experience as a President of institutional sales and marketing for the asset management division of the same corporation, where he was responsible for all distribution, marketing, and development of mutual fund products. He also has served as a member of the boards of various not-for-profit organizations. He has served as a trustee for the Neuberger Berman fund complex for multiple years.
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Marc Gary: Mr. Gary has legal and investment management experience as executive vice president and general counsel of a major asset management firm. He also has experience as executive vice president and general counsel at a large corporation, and as national litigation practice chair at a large law firm. He has served as a member of the boards of various profit and not-for-profit organizations. He formerly served as the executive vice chancellor and COO of a religious seminary where he oversaw the seminary’s institutional budget. He has served as a trustee for the Neuberger Berman fund complex for multiple years.
Martha Clark Goss: Ms. Goss has experience as chief operating and financial officer of an insurance holding company. She has experience as an investment professional, head of an investment unit and treasurer for a major insurance company, experience as the Chief Financial Officer of two consulting firms, and experience as a lending officer and credit analyst at a major bank. She has experience managing a personal investment vehicle. She has served as a member of the boards of various profit and not-for-profit organizations, including five NYSE listed companies, and a university. She has served as a trustee for the Neuberger Berman fund complex for multiple years.
Ami Kaplan: Ms. Kaplan has experience in the financial services industry. She was a partner at a large professional service firm, where she worked with global financial services clients on various matters. In her 40 years at that firm, she served in many different roles, including as Vice Chair of the firm and Deputy New York Regional Managing Partner. She is member of the New York and New Jersey State Societies of CPA and has held a variety of roles with not-for-profit company boards.
Michael M. Knetter: Dr. Knetter has organizational management experience as a dean of a major university business school and as President and CEO of a university supporting foundation. He also has responsibility for overseeing management of the university’s endowment. He has academic experience as a professor of international economics. He has served as a member of the boards of various public companies and another mutual fund. He has served as a trustee for the Neuberger Berman fund complex for multiple years.
Deborah C. McLean: Ms. McLean has experience in the financial services industry. She is currently involved with a high-net-worth private wealth management membership practice and an angel investing group, where she is active in investment screening and deal leadership and execution. For many years she has been engaged in numerous roles with a variety of not-for-profit and private company boards and has taught corporate finance at the graduate and undergraduate levels. She commenced her professional training at a major financial services corporation, where she was employed for multiple years. She has served as a trustee for the Neuberger Berman fund complex for multiple years.
George W. Morriss: Mr. Morriss has experience in senior management and as chief financial officer of a financial services company. He has investment management experience as a portfolio manager managing personal and institutional funds. He has served as a member of a committee of representatives from companies listed on NASDAQ. He has served on the board of another mutual fund complex. He has served as a member of the board of funds of hedge funds. He has an advanced degree in finance. He has served as a trustee for the Neuberger Berman fund complex for multiple years.
Paul M. Nakasone: General Nakasone has organizational management and cybersecurity experience. He has held many leadership roles with the United States Army and Department of Defense over the span of nearly four decades, including serving as commander of United States Cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency, chief of the Central Security Service, and numerous other leadership roles across all levels of the Joint Force and Army, with assignments in Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In these roles, General Nakasone has led forces in peace and war along with advising on geopolitical and cybersecurity matters. He has served as a Fund Trustee since 2024.
Tom D. Seip: Mr. Seip has experience in senior management and as chief executive officer and director of a financial services company overseeing other mutual funds and brokerage. He has experience as director of an asset management company. He has experience in management of a private investment partnership. He has served as a trustee for the Neuberger Berman fund complex for multiple years and as Independent Chair and/or Lead Independent Trustee of the Board.
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Franklyn E. Smith: Mr. Smith has experience in the financial services industry. He was a partner at a large professional service firm, where he was the Market Team leader and Primary Reporting Partner in the New York office’s Asset & Wealth Management Practice. He spent 32 years at that firm servicing financial services clients, with a focus on mutual fund clients for the last 25 years. He is a CPA with a license in New York and holds an advanced degree in public accounting. He serves on the boards of a major insurance company and a not-for-profit organization.
Fund Trustees who are “Interested Persons”
Joseph V. Amato: Mr. Amato has investment management experience as an executive with Neuberger Berman and another financial services firm. Effective July 1, 2018, Mr. Amato began serving as Chief Executive Officer and President of the funds in the Neuberger Berman fund complex. He also serves as Neuberger Berman’s Chief Investment Officer for equity investments. He has experience in leadership roles within Neuberger Berman and its affiliated entities. He has served as a member of the board of a major university business school. He has served as a trustee for the Neuberger Berman fund complex for multiple years.
Information About Committees
The Board has established several standing committees to oversee particular aspects of the Funds’ management. The standing committees of the Board are described below.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee’s purposes are: (a) in accordance with exchange requirements and Rule 32a-4 under the 1940 Act, to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Funds and, as the Committee deems appropriate, to inquire into the internal control over financial reporting of service providers; (b) in accordance with exchange requirements and Rule 32a-4 under the 1940 Act, to oversee the quality and integrity of the Funds’ financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (c) in accordance with exchange requirements and Rule 32a-4 under the 1940 Act, to oversee, or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of, the Funds’ compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the Funds’ accounting and financial reporting, internal control over financial reporting and independent audits; (d) to approve prior to appointment by the Board, the engagement of the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm and, in connection therewith, to review and evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm; (e) to act as a liaison between the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm and the full Board; (f) to oversee the operation of policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that each portfolio holding is valued in an appropriate and timely manner, reflecting information known to management (including management’s internal Valuation Committee) about the issuer, current market conditions, and other material factors (“Pricing Policy”); (g) to consider and evaluate, and recommend to the Board when the Committee deems it appropriate, amendments to the Pricing Policy proposed by management, counsel, the auditors, the Committee itself or others; and (h) to oversee fair value determinations performed by the Manager as the Funds’ valuation designee and, in connection therewith, to receive and review the reports and notifications required to be provided by the valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act and to request such information from the valuation designee as the Committee deems necessary to oversee the performance of fair valuation determinations by the valuation designee. Its members are Michael J. Cosgrove (Chair), Martha C. Goss (Vice Chair), Deborah C. McLean and Paul M. Nakasone. All members are Independent Fund Trustees. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, the Committee met 7 times.
Contract Review Committee. The Contract Review Committee is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to the Board regarding whether to approve or renew the Trust’s principal contractual arrangements, Rule 12b-1 plans, and such other agreements or plans involving the Trust as the Board determines from time to time. The Contract Review Committee oversees and guides the process by which the Independent Trustees annually consider whether to approve or renew such contracts and plans. Its members are Marc Gary, Deborah C. McLean (Chair), George W. Morriss (Vice Chair), Michael J. Cosgrove, and Franklyn E. Smith. All members are Independent Fund Trustees. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, the Committee met 7 times.
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Ethics and Compliance Committee. The Ethics and Compliance Committee generally: (a) coordinates the Board’s oversight of the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) in connection with the implementation of the Trust’s program for compliance with Rule 38a-1 and the Trust’s implementation and enforcement of its compliance policies and procedures; (b) oversees the compliance with the Trust’s Code of Ethics, which restricts the personal securities transactions, including transactions in Fund shares, of employees, officers, and trustees; (c) considers and evaluates management’s framework for identifying, prioritizing, and managing compliance risks; (d) oversees the program by which the manager seeks to monitor and improve the quality of execution for portfolio transactions; and (e) considers and evaluates management’s reports regarding internal audit reviews involving compliance matters; payments made to third-party intermediaries; and proxy voting policies, guidelines and procedures. The Committee shall not assume oversight duties to the extent that such duties have been assigned by the Board expressly to another Committee of the Board (such as oversight of internal controls over financial reporting, which has been assigned to the Audit Committee) or to the Board as a whole. The Committee’s primary function is oversight. Each investment adviser, sub-adviser, principal underwriter, administrator, custodian and transfer agent, as applicable (collectively, “Service Providers”) is responsible for its own compliance with the federal securities laws and for devising, implementing, maintaining and updating appropriate policies, procedures and codes of ethics to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and their contracts with the Funds. The CCO is responsible for administering each Fund’s compliance program, including devising and implementing appropriate methods of testing compliance by the Fund and its Service Providers. Its members are Marc Gary (Chair), Ami Kaplan, Michael M. Knetter, and Tom D. Seip. All members are Independent Fund Trustees. The entire Board will receive at least annually a report on the compliance programs of the Trust and service providers and the required annual reports on the administration of the Code of Ethics and the required annual certifications from the Trust and NBIA. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, the Committee met 4 times.
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is responsible for acting in an emergency when a quorum of the Board is not available; the Committee has all the powers of the Board when the Board is not in session to the extent permitted by Delaware law. Its members are Joseph V. Amato (Vice Chair), Michael J. Cosgrove, Marc Gary, Martha C. Goss, Michael M. Knetter, Deborah C. McLean, George W. Morriss, and Tom D. Seip (Chair). All members, except for Mr. Amato, are Independent Fund Trustees. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, the Committee did not meet.
Governance and Nominating Committee. The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for: (a) considering and evaluating the structure, composition and operation of the Board and each committee thereof, including the operation of the annual self-evaluation by the Board; (b) evaluating and nominating individuals to serve as Fund Trustees including as Independent Fund Trustees, as members of committees, as Chair of the Board and as officers of the Trust; (c) recommending for Board approval any proposed changes to Committee membership and recommending for Board and Committee approval any proposed changes to the Chair and Vice Chair appointments of any Committee following consultation with members of each such Committee; and (d) considering and making recommendations relating to the compensation of Independent Fund Trustees. Its members are Martha C. Goss (Chair), Paul M. Nakasone, Michael M. Knetter, and Tom D. Seip. All members are Independent Fund Trustees. The selection and nomination of candidates to serve as independent trustees is committed to the discretion of the current Independent Fund Trustees. The Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders; shareholders may send resumes of recommended persons to the attention of Claudia A. Brandon, Secretary, Neuberger Berman ETF Trust, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, the Committee met 5 times.
Investment Performance Committee. The Investment Performance Committee is responsible for overseeing and guiding the process by which the Board reviews Fund performance and interfacing with management personnel responsible for investment risk management. Each Fund Trustee is a member of the Committee. Michael M. Knetter and Deborah C. McLean are the Chair and the Vice Chair, respectively, of the Committee. All members, except for Mr. Amato, are Independent Fund Trustees. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, the Committee met 4 times.
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Risk Management Oversight
As an integral part of its responsibility for oversight of the Funds in the interests of shareholders, the Board oversees risk management of the Funds’ administration and operations. The Board views risk management as an important responsibility of management.
A Fund faces a number of risks, such as investment risk, counterparty risk, valuation risk, liquidity risk, reputational risk, risk of operational failure or lack of business continuity, cybersecurity risk, and legal, compliance and regulatory risk. Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of a Fund. Under the overall supervision of the Board, the Funds, the Funds’ investment manager, and the affiliates of the investment manager, or other service providers to the Funds, employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various of those possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks.
The Board exercises oversight of the investment manager’s risk management processes primarily through the Board’s committee structure. The various committees, as appropriate, and/or, at times, the Board, meet periodically with the Chief Risk Officer, head of operational risk, the Chief Information Security Officer, the Chief Compliance Officer, the Treasurer, the Chief Investment Officers for equity, alternative and fixed income, the heads of Internal Audit, and the Funds’ independent auditor. The committees or the Board, as appropriate, review with these individuals, among other things, the design and implementation of risk management strategies in their respective areas, and events and circumstances that have arisen and responses thereto.
The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Funds can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Funds’ goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Fund Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. Furthermore, it is in the very nature of certain risks that they can be evaluated only as probabilities, and not as certainties. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s risk management oversight is subject to substantial limitations, and no risk management program can predict the likelihood or seriousness of, or mitigate the effects of, all potential risks.
Compensation and Indemnification
The Trust’s Trust Instrument provides that the Trust will indemnify its Fund Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred in connection with litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Trust, unless it is adjudicated that they (a) engaged in bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of their offices, or (b) did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that their action was in the best interest of the Trust. In the case of settlement, such indemnification will not be provided unless it has been determined (by a court or other body approving the settlement or other disposition, by a majority of disinterested trustees based upon a review of readily available facts, or in a written opinion of independent counsel) that such officers or Fund Trustees have not engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of their duties.
Officers and Fund Trustees who are interested persons of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, receive no salary or fees from the Trust.
Effective January 1, 2024, for serving as a trustee of the Neuberger Berman Funds, each Independent Fund Trustee and any Fund Trustee who is an “interested person” of the Trust but who is not an employee of NBIA or its affiliates receives an annual retainer of $200,000, paid quarterly, and a fee of $17,500 for each of the regularly scheduled meetings he or she attended in-person or by telephone. For any additional special in-person or telephonic meeting of the Board, the Governance and Nominating Committee will determine whether a fee is warranted. To compensate for the additional time commitment, the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Chair of the Contract Review Committee (effective January 1, 2023) receive $25,000 per year, and each Chair of the other Committees (effective January 1, 2024) receives $20,000 per year, with the exception of the Chair of the Executive Committee who receives no additional compensation for this role. No additional compensation is provided for service on a Board committee. The Chair of the Board who is also an Independent Fund Trustee receives an additional $90,000 per year.
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The Neuberger Berman Funds reimburse Independent Fund Trustees for their travel and other out-of-pocket expenses related to attendance at Board meetings. The Independent Fund Trustee compensation is allocated to each fund in the fund family based on a method the Board finds reasonable.
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of the Fund Trustees. The Trust does not have any retirement plan for the Fund Trustees.
TABLE OF COMPENSATION
FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED 8/31/2024
Name and Position with the Trust |
Aggregate
Compensation |
Total
Compensation from |
| Independent Fund Trustees | ||
| Michael J. Cosgrove Trustee |
$36,134 | $280,000 |
| Marc Gary Trustee |
$35,246 | $272,500 |
| Martha C. Goss Trustee |
$35,246 | $272,500 |
| Ami Kaplan Trustee |
$32,973 | $255,000 |
| Michael M. Knetter Trustee |
$35,246 | $272,500 |
| Deborah C. McLean Trustee |
$36,134 | $280,000 |
| George W. Morriss Trustee |
$35,336 | $280,000 |
| Paul M. Nakasone* Trustee |
$7,344 | $42,225 |
| Tom D. Seip Chairman of the Board and Trustee |
$43,330 | $335,000 |
| Franklyn E. Smith Trustee |
$32,973 | $255,000 |
| James G. Stavridis** Trustee |
$32,973 | $255,000 |
| Fund Trustees who are “Interested Persons” | ||
| Joseph V. Amato President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee |
$0 | $0 |
| * | Paul M. Nakasone became Fund Trustee in September 2024. Amounts are estimated for the current fiscal year; actual amounts may vary. |
| ** | James G. Stavridis retired from his position as Fund Trustee effective June 30, 2024. |
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Ownership of Equity Securities by the Fund Trustees
The following table sets forth the dollar range of securities owned by each Fund Trustee in each Fund as of December 31, 2023.
| China
Equity ETF |
Commodity Strategy ETF | Core
Equity ETF@ |
Disrupters ETF |
Energy
Transition & Infrastructure ETF |
Global
Real Estate ETF |
Japan
Equity ETF@ |
Next
Generation Connected Consumer ETF |
Option
Strategy ETF@ |
Small-Mid
Cap ETF@ |
|
| Independent Fund Trustees | ||||||||||
| Michael J. Cosgrove | A | A | N/A | A | A | A | N/A | A | N/A | N/A |
| Marc Gary | A | A | N/A | A | A | A | N/A | A | N/A | N/A |
| Martha C. Goss | A | A | N/A | A | A | A | N/A | A | N/A | N/A |
| Ami Kaplan* | A | A | N/A | A | A | A | N/A | A | N/A | N/A |
| Michael M. Knetter | A | D | N/A | A | A | A | N/A | A | N/A | N/A |
| Deborah C. McLean | A |
A |
N/A | A |
A | A |
N/A | A |
N/A | N/A |
| George W. Morriss | A | A | N/A | A | A | A | N/A | A | N/A | N/A |
| Paul M. Nakasone** | A | A | N/A | A | A | A | N/A | A | N/A | N/A |
| Tom D. Seip | A | A | N/A | A | A | A | N/A | A | N/A | N/A |
| Franklyn E. Smith* | A | A | N/A | A | A | A | N/A | A | N/A | N/A |
| Fund Trustees who are “Interested Persons” | ||||||||||
| Joseph V. Amato | A | A | N/A | A | A | A | N/A | A | N/A | N/A |
A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001 - $50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; E = over $100,000
| * | Ami Kaplan and Franklyn E. Smith became Fund Trustees in June 2023. |
| ** | Paul M. Nakasone became Fund Trustee in September 2024. Information as of May 14, 2024. |
| @ | No data available because the Fund did not commence operations until after December 31, 2023. |
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The following table sets forth the aggregate dollar range of securities owned by each Fund Trustee in all the funds in the fund family overseen by the Fund Trustee, valued as of December 31, 2023.
| Name of Fund Trustee | Aggregate
Dollar Range of Equity Securities Held in all Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Fund Trustee in Family of Investment Companies |
| Independent Fund Trustees | |
| Michael J. Cosgrove | E |
| Marc Gary | E |
| Martha C. Goss | E |
| Ami Kaplan* | A |
| Michael M. Knetter | E |
| Deborah C. McLean | E |
| George W. Morriss | E |
| Paul M. Nakasone** | A |
| Tom D. Seip | E |
| Franklyn E. Smith* | A |
| Fund Trustees who are “Interested Persons” | |
| Joseph V. Amato | E |
A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001 - $50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; E = over $100,000
| * | Ami Kaplan and Franklyn E. Smith became Fund Trustees in June 2023. |
| ** | Paul M. Nakasone became Fund Trustee in September 2024. Information as of May 14, 2024. |
As of November 30, 2024, the Fund Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, owned beneficially or of record less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund.
Independent Fund Trustees’ Ownership of Securities
No Independent Fund Trustee (including his/her immediate family members) owns any securities (not including shares of registered investment companies) in any Neuberger Berman entity.
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INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
Investment Manager and Administrator
Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF and Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF:
NBIA serves as the investment manager for each Fund pursuant to a management agreement with the Trust, dated January 3, 2022.
Under the Management Agreement for each Fund, the Manager is responsible for choosing a Fund’s investments and handling its day-to-day business. In addition, the Manager provides to each Fund certain Fund services and administrative services as specified in the Management Agreement. The services provided by the Manager as the investment manager include, among others, overall responsibility for providing all supervisory, management, and administrative services reasonably necessary for the operation of the Funds, which may include, among others, compliance monitoring, operational and investment risk management, legal and administrative services and portfolio accounting services. Under the Management Agreement, the Manager bears all of its own costs associated with providing services to a Fund. In addition, the Manager has contractually agreed to pay all operating expenses of each Fund, except (i) interest and taxes (including, but not limited to, income, excise, transaction, transfer and withholding taxes); (ii) brokerage expenses, including commissions, and other transaction costs; (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iv) dividend and interest expenses relating to short sales; (v) expenses incurred in connection with any distribution plan adopted by the Trust in compliance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, including distribution fees; (vi) the compensation payable to the Manager under this Agreement; (vii) securities lending expenses; (viii) litigation expenses and tax reclaim expenses; (ix) indemnification expenses; and (x) any expenses determined to be extraordinary expenses by the Board. The Manager carries out its duties subject to the policies established by the Board.
The Management Agreement for each Fund provides, in substance, that NBIA will make and implement investment decisions for the Funds in its discretion and will continuously develop an investment program for the Funds’ assets. The Management Agreement permits NBIA to effect securities transactions on behalf of the Funds through associated persons of NBIA. The Management Agreement also specifically permits NBIA to compensate, through higher commissions, brokers and dealers who provide investment research and analysis to the Funds. NBIA will also provide facilities, services, and personnel as well as accounting, record keeping and other services to the Funds pursuant to the Management Agreement.
NBIA provides to each Fund, without separate cost, office space, equipment, and facilities and the personnel necessary to perform executive, administrative, and clerical functions. NBIA pays all salaries, expenses, and fees of the officers, trustees, and employees of the Trust who are officers, directors, or employees of NBIA. One director of NBIA, who also serves as an officer of NBIA, presently serves as a Fund Trustee and officer of the Trust. See “Trustees and Officers.” Each Fund pays NBIA a management fee based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, as described below.
The services provided by NBIA under the Management Agreement for each Fund also include, among other things: (i) coordinating and overseeing all matters relating to the operation of the Funds, including overseeing the custodian, accounting services agent, independent auditors, legal counsel and other agents and contractors engaged by the Funds; (ii) assuring that all financial, accounting and other records required to be prepared and preserved by the Funds are prepared and preserved by it or on its behalf in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; (iii) assisting in the preparation of all periodic reports by the Funds to shareholders; (iv) assisting in the preparation of all reports and filings required to maintain the registration and qualification of each Fund and its shares, or to meet other regulatory or tax requirements applicable to the Fund under federal and state securities and tax laws; and (v) furnishing such office space, office equipment and office facilities as are adequate for the needs of the Funds.
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Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF:
NBIA serves as the investment manager for each Fund pursuant to a management agreement dated October 21, 2022.
The Management Agreement for Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF provides, in substance, that NBIA will make and implement investment decisions for each Fund in its discretion and will continuously develop an investment program for each Fund’s assets. The Management Agreement permits NBIA to effect securities transactions on behalf of each Fund through associated persons of NBIA. The Management Agreement also specifically permits NBIA to compensate, through higher commissions, brokers and dealers who provide investment research and analysis to the Funds. NBIA will also provide facilities, services, and personnel as well as accounting, record keeping and other services to the Funds pursuant to the Management Agreement.
NBIA provides to Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF, without separate cost, office space, equipment, and facilities and the personnel necessary to perform executive, administrative, and clerical functions. NBIA pays all salaries, expenses, and fees of the officers, trustees, and employees of the Trust who are officers, directors, or employees of NBIA. One director of NBIA, who also serves as an officer of NBIA, presently serves as the Fund Trustee and officer of the Trust. See “Trustees and Officers.” Each Fund pays NBIA a management fee based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, as described below.
NBIA also provides to Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF facilities, services, and personnel as well as accounting, record keeping and other services to each Fund pursuant to an administration agreement with the Funds (“Administration Agreement”). The services provided by NBIA under the Management Agreement and Administration Agreement include, among others, overall responsibility for providing all supervisory, management, and administrative services reasonably necessary for the operation of each Fund, which may include, among others, compliance monitoring, operational and investment risk management, legal and administrative services and portfolio accounting services. These services also include, among other things: (i) coordinating and overseeing all matters relating to the operation of the Funds, including overseeing the custodian, accounting services agent, independent auditors, legal counsel and other agents and contractors engaged by the Funds; (ii) assuring that all financial, accounting and other records required to be prepared and preserved by the Funds are prepared and preserved by it or on its behalf in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; (iii) assisting in the preparation of all periodic reports by the Funds to shareholders; (iv) assisting in the preparation of all reports and filings required to maintain the registration and qualification of each Fund and its shares, or to meet other regulatory or tax requirements applicable to the Fund under federal and state securities and tax laws; and (v) furnishing such office space, office equipment and office facilities as are adequate for the needs of the Funds.
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Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF:
NBIA also plays an active role in the daily pricing of each Fund’s shares, provides information to the Board necessary to its oversight of certain valuation functions, and annually conducts due diligence on the outside independent pricing services. NBIA prepares reports and other materials necessary and appropriate for the Board’s ongoing oversight of each Fund and its service providers; and prepares an extensive report in connection with the Board’s annual review of the Management Agreements, Distribution Agreement and Rule 12b-1 Plan (if applicable). Each Management Agreement continues for two years and is renewable thereafter from year to year with respect to a Fund, so long as its continuance is approved at least annually (1) by the vote of a majority of the Independent Fund Trustees and (2) by the vote of a majority of the Fund Trustees or by a 1940 Act majority vote of the outstanding shares of that Fund. Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF’s Administration Agreement continues for one year and is renewable thereafter from year to year, so long as its continuance is approved at least annually (1) by the vote of a majority of the Independent Fund Trustees, and (2) by the vote of a majority of the Fund Trustees or by a 1940 Act majority vote of the outstanding shares of that Fund.
Each Management Agreement is terminable, without penalty, with respect to a Fund on 60 days’ written notice either by the Trust or by NBIA. Each Management Agreement terminates automatically if it is assigned. Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF’s Administration Agreement is terminable, without penalty, with respect to a Fund on 60 days’ written notice either by the Trust or by NBIA.
NBIA may engage one or more of foreign affiliates that are not registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“participating affiliates”) in accordance with applicable SEC no‐action letters. As participating affiliates, whether or not registered with the SEC, the affiliates may provide designated investment personnel to associate with NBIA as “associated persons” of NBIA and perform specific advisory services for NBIA, including services for the Funds, which may involve, among other services, portfolio management and/or placing orders for securities and other instruments. The designated employees of a participating affiliate act for NBIA and are subject to certain NBIA policies and procedures as well as supervision and periodic monitoring by NBIA. Neuberger Berman East Asia Limited (“NBEAL”), located at Shin Marunouchi Building 11F, 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Japan, is considered a participating affiliate of NBIA pursuant to applicable regulatory guidance for Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF. NBEAL is responsible for choosing Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF’s investments and handling its day-to-day investment business. As investment manager, NBIA is responsible for overseeing the activities of NBEAL. For Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Asia Limited, located at 20th Floor, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong, is considered a participating affiliate of NBIA pursuant to applicable regulatory guidance and is responsible for choosing Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF’s investments and handling its day-to-day investment business. As investment manager, NBIA is responsible for overseeing the activities of Neuberger Berman Asia Limited. The Funds will pay no additional fees and expenses as a result of any such arrangements.
Third parties may be subject to federal or state laws that limit their ability to provide certain administrative or distribution related services. NBIA and the Funds intend to contract with third parties for only those services they may legally provide. If, due to a change in laws governing those third parties or in the interpretation of any such law, a third party is prohibited from performing some or all of the above-described services, NBIA or a Fund may be required to find alternative means of providing those services. Any such change is not expected to impact the Funds or their shareholders adversely.
From time to time, NBIA or its affiliates may invest “seed” capital in a Fund. These investments are generally intended to enable the Fund to commence investment operations and achieve sufficient scale and may be withdrawn, in whole or in part, at such time as NBIA or its affiliates determine to be appropriate. NBIA and its affiliates may, from time to time, hedge some or all of the investment exposure of the seed capital invested in the Fund.
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Management and Administration Fees
For investment management services, Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF pays NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
For investment management services, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF pays NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.50% of the first $250 million of the Fund’s average daily net assets, 0.475% of the next $250 million, 0.450% of the next $250 million, 0.425% of the next $250 million, 0.400% of the next $500 million, 0.375% of the next $2.5 billion, and 0.350% of average daily net assets in excess of $4 billion. The amount that the Fund pays to NBIA for investment management services will be reduced by the amount of any management fee that NBIA receives from the Subsidiary.
For investment management services, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF pays NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.30% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
For investment management services, Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF pays NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Effective November 1, 2024, for investment management services, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF pays NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.55% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Prior to November 1, 2024, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF paid NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets under a management agreement structured as a unitary fee arrangement.
For investment management services, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF pays NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
For investment management services, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF pays NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
For investment management services, Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF pays NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
For investment management services, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF pays NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.41% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
For investment management services, Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF pays NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
For administrative services, Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, effective November 1, 2024, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF each pay NBIA a fee at the annual rate of 0.09% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, plus certain out of pocket expenses for technology used for shareholder servicing and shareholder communications, subject to the prior approval of an annual budget by the Fund Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Fund Trustees, and periodic reports to the Board on actual expenses. With the Fund’s consent, NBIA may subcontract to third parties some of its responsibilities to that Fund under the Administration Agreement and may compensate each such third party that provides such services. Prior to November 1, 2024, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF did not pay a separate fee for administrative services since the Fund was under a management agreement structured as a unitary fee arrangement.
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During the fiscal years ended August 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Funds indicated below accrued management, and administration fees, as applicable, as follows:
Management
and Administration Fees | ||||||||||||
| Fund | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| China Equity ETF* | $ | 31,730 | ^ | N/A | N/A | |||||||
| Commodity Strategy ETF** | $ | 1,537,915 | $ | 1,475,369 | ^^ | N/A | ||||||
| Core Equity ETF*** | $ | 54,736 | ^^^ | N/A | N/A | |||||||
| Disrupters ETF | $ | 94,779 | $ | 57,942 | $ | 13,008 | ||||||
| Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF | $ | 178,707 | $ | 107,706 | $ | 13,654 | ||||||
| Global Real Estate ETF* | $ | 36,924 | ^ | N/A | N/A | |||||||
| Japan Equity ETF**** | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
| Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF | $ | 35,857 | $ | 33,247 | $ | 11,924 | ||||||
| Option Strategy ETF***** | $ | 1,997,858 | ^^^^ | N/A | N/A | |||||||
| Small-Mid Cap ETF****** | $ | 501,509 | ^^^^^ | N/A | N/A | |||||||
| * | Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF and Global Real Estate ETF did not commence operations until October 16, 2023. | |
| ** | Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF did not commence operations until October 24, 2022. | |
| *** | Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF did not commence operations until July 31, 2024. | |
| **** | Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF did not commence operations until September 11, 2024. | |
| ***** | Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF did not commence operations until January 29, 2024. | |
| ****** | Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF did not commence operations until March 20, 2024. | |
| ^ | For the period from October 16, 2023 to August 31, 2024. | |
| ^^ | For the period from October 24, 2022 to August 31, 2023. | |
| ^^^ | For the period from July 31, 2024 to August 31, 2024. | |
| ^^^^ | For the period from January 29, 2024 to August 31, 2024. | |
| ^^^^^ | For the period from March 20, 2024 to August 31, 2024. |
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Contractual Expense Limitation and Fee Waivers
NBIA has contractually undertaken, during the respective period noted below, to waive fees and/or reimburse annual operating expenses of each Fund listed below so that its total operating expenses (excluding interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes including any expenses relating to tax reclaims, dividend and interest expenses relating to short sales, and extraordinary expenses, if any) (“Operating Expenses”) do not exceed the rate per annum noted below. Commitment fees relating to borrowings are treated as interest for purposes of this exclusion. Because the contractual undertaking excludes certain expenses, the Fund’s net expenses may exceed its contractual expense limitation. For purposes of this limitation, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF’s Operating Expenses shall be deemed to include the Operating Expenses of the Subsidiary.
| Fund | Limitation Period | Expense Limitation |
| China Equity ETF | 8/31/2028 | 0.74% |
| Commodity Strategy ETF | 8/31/2028 | 0.64% |
| Core Equity ETF | 8/31/2026 | 0.29% (after taking into account the Core Equity Fee Waiver discussed below) |
| 9/1/2026-8/31/2028 | 0.39% | |
| Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF | 11/1/2024-4/8/2025 | 0.55%* |
| 4/9/2025-10/31/2028 | 0.65% | |
| Global Real Estate ETF | 8/31/2028 | 0.74% |
| Japan Equity ETF | 8/31/2026 | 0.49% (after taking into account the Japan Equity Fee Waiver discussed below) |
| 9/1/2026-8/31/2028 | 0.69% | |
| Option Strategy ETF | 8/31/2028 | 0.55% |
| Small-Mid Cap ETF | 8/31/2028 | 0.73% |
| * | Not subject to repayment. |
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Each Fund listed agrees to repay NBIA out of assets attributable to Fund noted below any fees waived by NBIA under the expense limitation or any Operating Expenses NBIA reimburses in excess of the expense limitation for the Fund, including those fees and expenses waived or reimbursed for each Fund’s Predecessor Fund, provided that the repayment does not cause a Fund’s Operating Expenses to exceed the expense limitation in place at the time the fees were waived and/or the expenses were reimbursed, or the expense limitation in place at the time a Fund repays NBIA, whichever is lower. Any such repayment must be made within three years after the year in which NBIA incurred the expense. The current amount subject to recoupment for the Institutional Class of each Predecessor Fund is set forth below along with the expiration date of such recoupment.
| Term | Amount Available in Dollars | |||
| China Equity Predecessor Fund** | ||||
| Expiring 8/31/2025 | $ | 183,057 | ||
| Expiring 8/31/2026 | $ | 226,862 | ||
| Commodity Strategy Predecessor Fund* | ||||
| Expiring 8/31/2025 | $ | 290,598 | ||
| Expiring 8/31/2026 | $ | 269,638 | ||
| Global Real Estate Predecessor Fund** | ||||
| Expiring 8/31/2025 | $ | 233,706 | ||
| Expiring 8/31/2026 | $ | 245,533 | ||
| Option Strategy Predecessor Fund*** | ||||
| Expiring 10/31/2025 | $ | 145,420 | ||
| Expiring 10/31/2026 | $ | 152,800 | ||
| * | Commodity Strategy Predecessor Fund ceased operations as of the close of business on October 21, 2022. | |
| ** | China Equity Predecessor Fund and Global Real Estate Predecessor Fund, each ceased operations as of the close of business on October 13, 2023. | |
| *** | Option Strategy Predecessor Fund ceased operations as of the close of business on January 26, 2024. |
For Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, NBIA had contractually undertaken to waive its management fee by 0.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This undertaking ended on October 31, 2024 by consent of the Board.
For Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF and Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF, NBIA has contractually undertaken to waive its management fee by 0.10% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. The undertaking lasts until April 8, 2026 and may not be terminated during its term without the consent of the Board.
For Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, NBIA has also contractually undertaken to waive its management fee by 0.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets (“Core Equity Fee Waiver”). The undertaking lasts until August 31, 2026 and may not be terminated during its term without the consent of the Board. The Core Equity Fee Waiver is not subject to repayment under the expense limitation arrangement described above.
For Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, NBIA has also contractually undertaken to waive its management fee by 0.20% of the Fund’s average daily net assets (“Japan Equity Fee Waiver”). The undertaking lasts until August 31, 2026 and may not be terminated during its term without the consent of the Board. The Japan Equity Fee Waiver is not subject to repayment under the expense limitation arrangement described above.
With a Fund’s consent, NBIA may subcontract to third parties some of its responsibilities to that Fund under the Management Agreement and may compensate each such third party that provides such services.
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NBIA reimbursed each Fund listed below the following amount of expenses pursuant to that Fund’s fee waiver and/or expense limitation:
| Expenses Reimbursed for Fiscal Years Ended August 31, | ||||||||||||
| Fund | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| China Equity ETF | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
| Commodity Strategy ETF | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
| Core Equity ETF | $ | 14,035 | ** | N/A | N/A | |||||||
| Disrupters ETF | $ | 14,581 | $ | 8,914 | $ | 2,001 | * | |||||
| Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF | $ | 27,494 | $ | 16,570 | $ | 2,100 | * | |||||
| Global Real Estate ETF | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
| Japan Equity ETF | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
| Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF | $ | 5,516 | $ | 5,115 | $ | 1,834 | * | |||||
| Option Strategy ETF | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
| Small-Mid Cap ETF | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
| * | For the period from April 6, 2022 to August 31, 2022. | |
| ** | For the period from July 31, 2024 to August 31, 2024. |
Voluntary Expense Limitations
For so long as a Fund invests any assets in an affiliated underlying fund (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes affiliated underlying ETFs), NBIA undertakes to waive a portion of the Fund’s advisory fee equal to (i) the advisory fee it receives from such affiliated underlying fund on those assets, as described in the affiliated underlying fund’s prospectus; or (ii) for any affiliated underlying fund for which NBIA is paid a unitary management fee (as opposed to a separate advisory fee and administration fee), the fees paid to NBIA or its affiliates but excluding the expenses paid by NBIA or its affiliates to third-party service providers of the affiliated underlying fund. This undertaking may not be terminated without the consent of the Board.
Portfolio Manager Information
The table below lists the Portfolio Manager(s) of each Fund and the Fund(s) for which the Portfolio Manager has day-to-day management responsibility.
| Portfolio Manager | Fund(s) Managed |
| Archena Alagappan | Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF |
| Richard Bradt | Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF |
| Timothy Creedon | Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF |
| Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF | |
| Kai Cui | Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF |
| Robert W. D’Alelio | Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF |
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| Portfolio Manager | Fund(s) Managed |
| Derek Devens | Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF |
| Rory Ewing | Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF |
| Paolo Frattaroli | Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF |
| Michael Foster | Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF |
| Jacob Gamerman | Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF |
| Brian C. Jones | Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF |
| Hakan Kaya | Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF |
| Keita Kubota | Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF |
| Anton Kwang | Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF |
| David Levine | Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF |
| Kevin McCarthy | Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF |
| Hiroaki Misawa | Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF |
Kei Okamura |
Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF |
| Douglas Rachlin | Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF |
| Hari Ramanan | Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF |
Brett S. Reiner |
Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF |
| Robert Russo | Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF |
| John San Marco | Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF |
| Steve Shigekawa | Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF |
| Gregory G. Spiegel | Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF |
| Jason Tauber | Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF |
| Alan Tsang | Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF |
| David Wan | Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF |
| Eric Zhou | Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF |
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Accounts Managed
The table below describes the accounts for which each Portfolio Manager has day-to-day management responsibility as of August 31, 2024.
| Type of Account | Number of Accounts Managed |
Total
Assets ($ millions) |
Number of Accounts Managed for which Advisory Fee is Performance- Based |
Assets
($ millions) | ||||
| Archena Alagappan*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 3 | 1,018 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 6 | 836 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 19 | 96 | - | - | ||||
| Richard Bradt*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 1 | 19 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 3 | 215 | 1 | 82 | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 1,332 | 3,828 | 1 | 498 | ||||
| Timothy Creedon*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 6 | 3,576 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 21 | 7,754 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 449 | 3,489 | 1 | 1,653 | ||||
| Kai Cui*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 1 | 6 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Robert W. D’Alelio*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 5 | 11,650 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 3 | 684 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 716 | 4,541 | - | - | ||||
| Derek Devens*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 3 | 529 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 3 | 2,229 | 1 | 55 | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 99 | 1,519 | - | - | ||||
| Rory Ewing*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 3 | 529 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 3 | 2,229 | 1 | 55 | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 93 | 1,500 | - | - | ||||
| Paolo Frattaroli***^ | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 1 | 625 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 2 | 328 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 1,023 | 1,912 | - | - | ||||
| Michael Foster*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 7 | 1,052 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 2 | 46 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 293 | 8,144 | - | - | ||||
| Jacob Gamerman*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 1 | 1,701 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 72 | 1,530 | - | - | ||||
| Brian C. Jones*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 3 | 1,018 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 6 | 836 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 19 | 96 | - | - | ||||
| Hakan Kaya*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 4 | 908 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 6 | 550 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 1 | 4 | - | - |
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| Type of Account | Number of Accounts Managed |
Total
Assets ($ millions) |
Number of Accounts Managed for which Advisory Fee is Performance- Based |
Assets
($ millions) | ||||
| Keita Kubota*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 4 | 324 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Anton Kwang*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 1 | 7 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 1 | 21 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | - | - | - | - | ||||
| David Levine*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 1 | 1,701 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 1 | 5 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 426 | 1,795 | - | - | ||||
| Kevin McCarthy*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 1 | 6 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Hiroaki Misawa*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 4 | 324 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Kei Okamura*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 4 | 324 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Douglas Rachlin***^ | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 1 | 625 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 2 | 328 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 1,023 | 1,912 | - | - | ||||
| Hari Ramanan*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 6 | 3,576 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 20 | 7,749 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 174 | 2,856 | 1 | 1,653 | ||||
| Brett S. Reiner*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 5 | 11,650 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 3 | 684 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 716 | 4,541 | - | - | ||||
| Robert Russo***^ | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 1 | 625 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 2 | 328 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 1,023 | 1,912 | - | - | ||||
| John San Marco*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 1 | 6 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Steve Shigekawa*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 3 | 1,018 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 6 | 836 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 19 | 96 | - | - | ||||
| Gregory G. Spiegel*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 5 | 11,650 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 3 | 684 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 457 | 4,247 | - | - |
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| Type of Account | Number of Accounts Managed |
Total
Assets ($ millions) |
Number of Accounts Managed for which Advisory Fee is Performance- Based |
Assets
($ millions) | ||||
| Jason Tauber*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 1 | 19 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 3 | 215 | 1 | 82 | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 1,332 | 3,828 | 1 | 498 | ||||
| Alan Tsang*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 1 | 5 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 2 | 3 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 1 | 1 | - | - | ||||
| David Wan*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 4 | 908 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 6 | 550 | - | - | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 1 | 4 | - | - | ||||
| Eric Zhou*** | ||||||||
| Registered Investment Companies* | 2 | 508 | - | - | ||||
| Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 1 | 55 | 1 | 55 | ||||
| Other Accounts** | 22 | 1,009 | - | - |
| * | Registered Investment Companies include all funds managed by the Portfolio Manager, including the Funds. | |
| ** | Other Accounts include: Institutional Separate Accounts, Sub-Advised Accounts, and Managed Accounts (WRAP Accounts). | |
| *** | A portion of certain accounts may be managed by other Portfolio Managers; however, the total assets of such accounts are included even though the Portfolio Manager listed is not involved in the day-to-day management of the entire account. | |
| ^ | Information as of November 1, 2024. Messrs. Frattaroli, Rachlin and Russo became portfolio managers of Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF effective November 1, 2024. |
Conflicts of Interest
Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a Portfolio Manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one Fund or other account. The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different or similar objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees, as the Portfolio Manager must allocate his or her time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. The Portfolio Manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities or instruments held by a Fund, and which may include transactions that are directly contrary to the positions taken by a Fund. For example, a Portfolio Manager may engage in short sales of securities or instruments for another account that are the same type of securities or instruments in which a Fund it manages also invests. In such a case, the Portfolio Manager could be seen as harming the performance of the Fund for the benefit of the account engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities or instruments to fall. Additionally, if a Portfolio Manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, a Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity. There may also be regulatory limitations that prevent a Fund from participating in a transaction that another account or fund managed by the same Portfolio Manager will invest. For example, the 1940 Act prohibits the Funds from participating in certain transactions with certain of its affiliates and from participating in “joint” transactions alongside certain of its affiliates. The prohibition on “joint” transactions may limit the ability of the Funds to participate alongside its affiliates in privately negotiated transactions unless the transaction is otherwise permitted under existing regulatory guidance and may reduce the amount of privately negotiated transactions that the Funds may participate. Further, the Manager may take an investment position or action for a fund or account that may be different from, inconsistent with, or have different rights than (e.g., voting rights, dividend or repayment priorities or other features that may conflict with one another),
108
an action or position taken for one or more other funds or accounts, including a Fund, having similar or different objectives. A conflict may also be created by investing in different parts of an issuer’s capital structure (e.g., equity or debt, or different positions in the debt structure). Those positions and actions may adversely impact, or in some instances benefit, one or more affected accounts, including the funds. Potential conflicts may also arise because portfolio decisions and related actions regarding a position held for a fund or another account may not be in the best interests of a position held by another fund or account having similar or different objectives. If one account were to buy or sell portfolio securities or instruments shortly before another account bought or sold the same securities or instruments, it could affect the price paid or received by the second account. Securities selected for funds or accounts other than a Fund may outperform the securities selected for the Fund. Finally, a conflict of interest may arise if the Manager and a Portfolio Manager have a financial incentive to favor one account over another, such as a performance-based management fee that applies to one account but not all funds or accounts for which the Portfolio Manager is responsible. In the ordinary course of operations, certain businesses within the Neuberger Berman organization (the “Firm”) will seek access to material non-public information. For instance, NBIA portfolio managers may obtain and utilize material non-public information in purchasing loans and other debt instruments and certain privately placed or restricted equity instruments. From time to time, NBIA portfolio managers will be offered the opportunity on behalf of applicable clients to participate on a creditors or other similar committee in connection with restructuring or other “work-out” activity, which participation could provide access to material non-public information. The Firm maintains procedures that address the process by which material non-public information may be acquired intentionally by the Firm. When considering whether to acquire material non-public information, the Firm will attempt to balance the interests of all clients, taking into consideration relevant factors, including the extent of the prohibition on trading that would occur, the size of the Firm’s existing position in the issuer, if any, and the value of the information as it relates to the investment decision-making process. The acquisition of material non-public information would likely give rise to a conflict of interest since the Firm may be prohibited from rendering investment advice to clients regarding the securities or instruments of such issuer and thereby potentially limiting the universe of securities or instruments that the Firm, including a Fund, may purchase or potentially limiting the ability of the Firm, including a Fund, to sell such securities or instruments. Similarly, where the Firm declines access to (or otherwise does not receive or share within the Firm) material non-public information regarding an issuer, the portfolio managers could potentially base investment decisions with respect to assets of such issuer solely on public information, thereby limiting the amount of information available to the portfolio managers in connection with such investment decisions. In determining whether or not to elect to receive material non-public information, the Firm will endeavor to act fairly to its clients as a whole. The Firm reserves the right to decline access to material non-public information, including declining to join a creditors or similar committee.
NBIA and each Fund have adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.
Compensation of Portfolio Managers Our compensation philosophy is one that focuses on rewarding performance and incentivizing our employees. We are also focused on creating a compensation process that we believe is fair, transparent, and competitive with the market.
Compensation for Portfolio Managers consists of either (i) fixed (salary) and variable (discretionary bonus) compensation but is more heavily weighted on the variable portion of total compensation, (ii) on a production model, whereby formulaic compensation is paid from the team compensation pool on a fixed schedule (typically monthly), or (iii) a combination of salary, bonus and/or production compensation. Compensation is paid from a team compensation pool made available to the portfolio management team with which the Portfolio Manager is associated. The size of the team compensation pool is determined based on a formula that takes into consideration a number of factors including the pre-tax revenue that is generated by that particular portfolio management team, less certain adjustments. The amount allocated to individual Portfolio Managers is determined on the basis of a variety of criteria, including investment performance (including the aggregate multi-year track record), utilization of central resources (including research, sales and operations/support), business building to further the longer term sustainable success of the investment team, effective team/people management, and overall contribution to the success of Neuberger Berman. Certain Portfolio Managers may manage products other than mutual funds, such as high net worth separate accounts. The share of pre-tax revenue a Portfolio Manager receives pursuant to any such arrangement will vary based on certain revenue thresholds.
The terms of our long-term retention incentives are as follows:
Employee-Owned Equity. Certain employees (primarily senior leadership and investment professionals) participated in Neuberger Berman’s equity ownership structure, which was launched as part of the firm’s management buyout in 2009 and designed to incentivize and retain key personnel. We currently offer an equity acquisition program which allows employees a more direct opportunity to invest in Neuberger Berman.
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Contingent Compensation. Certain employees may participate in the Neuberger Berman Group Contingent Compensation Plan (the “CCP”) to serve as a means to further align the interests of our employees with the success of the firm and the interests of our clients, and to reward continued employment. Under the CCP, up to 20% of a participant’s annual total compensation in excess of $500,000 is contingent and subject to vesting. The contingent amounts are maintained in a notional account that is tied to the performance of a portfolio of Neuberger Berman investment strategies as specified by the firm on an employee-by-employee basis. By having a participant’s contingent compensation tied to Neuberger Berman investment strategies, each employee is given further incentive to operate as a prudent risk manager and to collaborate with colleagues to maximize performance across all business areas. In the case of members of investment teams, including Portfolio Managers, the CCP is currently structured so that such employees have exposure to the investment strategies of their respective teams as well as the broader Neuberger Berman portfolio.
Restrictive Covenants. Most investment professionals, including Portfolio Managers, are subject to notice periods and restrictive covenants which include employee and client non-solicit restrictions as well as restrictions on the use of confidential information. In addition, depending on participation levels, certain senior professionals who have received equity grants have also agreed to additional notice and transition periods and, in some cases, non-compete restrictions.
Ownership of Securities
Set forth below is the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Portfolio Manager in the Fund(s) that the Portfolio Manager manages, as of August 31, 2024, unless otherwise indicated.
| Portfolio Manager | Fund(s) Managed | Dollar Range of Equity Securities Owned in the Fund |
| Archena Alagappan | Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF | A |
| Richard Bradt | Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF | A |
| Timothy Creedon | Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF | A |
| Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF | A | |
| Kai Cui | Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF | A |
| Robert W. D’Alelio | Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF | A |
| Derek Devens | Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF | G |
| Rory Ewing | Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF | F |
| Paolo Frattaroli* | Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF | A |
| Michael Foster | Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF | A |
| Jacob Gamerman | Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF | A |
| Brian C. Jones | Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF | A |
| Hakan Kaya | Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF | C |
| Keita Kubota | Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF | A |
| Anton Kwang | Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF | A |
| David Levine | Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF | A |
| Kevin McCarthy | Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF | C |
| Hiroaki Misawa | Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF | A |
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| Portfolio Manager | Fund(s) Managed | Dollar Range of Equity Securities Owned in the Fund |
Kei Okamura |
Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF | A |
| Douglas Rachlin* | Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF | A |
| Hari Ramanan | Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF | A |
Brett S. Reiner |
Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF | A |
| Robert Russo* | Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF | A |
| John San Marco | Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF | F |
| Steve Shigekawa | Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF | D |
| Gregory G. Spiegel | Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF | A |
| Jason Tauber | Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF | B |
| Alan Tsang | Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF | A |
| David Wan | Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF | B |
| Eric Zhou | Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF | E |
A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001 - $50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; E = over $100,000
| * | Information as of November 1, 2024. Messrs. Frattaroli, Rachlin and Russo became portfolio managers of Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF effective November 1, 2024. |
Other Investment Companies or Accounts Managed
The investment decisions concerning the Funds and the other registered investment companies managed by NBIA (collectively, “Other NB Funds”) have been and will continue to be made independently of one another. In terms of their investment objectives, most of the Other NB Funds differ from the Funds. Even where the investment objectives are similar, however, the methods used by the Other NB Funds and the Funds to achieve their objectives may differ. The investment results achieved by all of the registered investment companies managed by NBIA have varied from one another in the past and are likely to vary in the future. In addition, NBIA or its affiliates may manage one or more Other NB Funds or other accounts with similar investment objectives and strategies as the Funds that may have risks that are greater or less than the Funds.
There may be occasions when a Fund and one or more of the Other NB Funds or other accounts managed by NBIA are contemporaneously engaged in purchasing or selling the same securities from or to third parties. When this occurs, the transactions may be aggregated to obtain favorable execution to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations. The transactions will be allocated according to one or more methods designed to ensure that the allocation is equitable to the funds and accounts involved. Although in some cases this arrangement may have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the securities as to a Fund, in other cases it is believed that a Fund’s ability to participate in volume transactions may produce better executions for it. In any case, it is the judgment of the Fund Trustees that the desirability of a Fund having its advisory arrangements with NBIA outweighs any disadvantages that may result from contemporaneous transactions.
The Funds are subject to certain limitations imposed on all advisory clients of NBIA (including the Funds, the Other NB Funds, and other managed funds or accounts) and personnel of NBIA and its affiliates. These include, for example, limits that may be imposed in certain industries or by certain companies, and policies of NBIA that limit the aggregate purchases, by all accounts under management, of the outstanding shares of public companies.
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Codes of Ethics
The Funds and NBIA have personal securities trading policies that restrict the personal securities transactions of employees, officers, and Fund Trustees. Their primary purpose is to ensure that personal trading by these individuals does not disadvantage any fund managed by NBIA. The Funds’ Portfolio Managers and other investment personnel who comply with the policies’ preclearance and disclosure procedures may be permitted to purchase, sell or hold certain types of securities which also may be or are held in the funds they advise, but are restricted from trading in close conjunction with their funds or taking personal advantage of investment opportunities that may belong to the funds. Text-only versions of the Codes of Ethics can be viewed online or downloaded from the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet web site at www.sec.gov.
Management and Control of NBIA
NBIA is an indirect subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC (“NBG”). The directors, officers and/or employees of NBIA who are deemed “control persons” of NBIA are: Joseph Amato, Ashok Bhatia, Kenneth deRegt, Douglas Kramer, and Stephen Wright. Mr. Amato is a Trustee of the Trust.
NBG’s voting equity is owned by NBSH Acquisition, LLC (“NBSH”). NBSH is owned by portfolio managers, members of the NBG’s management team and certain of NBG’s key employees and senior professionals.
DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS
Distributor
Neuberger Berman BD LLC (“Neuberger Berman” or the “Distributor”) serves as the distributor in connection with the continuous offering of each Fund’s shares.
Shares are continuously offered for sale by the Trust through the Distributor or its agent only in Creation Units, as described in the Prospectus and below in the “Creation and Redemption of Creation Units” section of this SAI. Fund shares in amounts less than Creation Units are generally not distributed by the Distributor or its agent. The Distributor or its agent will arrange for the delivery of the prospectus and, upon request, this SAI to persons purchasing Creation Units and will maintain records of both orders placed with it or its agents and confirmations of acceptance furnished by it or its agents.
The Distributor may enter into agreements with securities dealers (“Soliciting Dealers”) who will solicit purchases of Creation Units of Fund shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Authorized Participants, Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) participants and/or investor services organizations.
In connection with the sale of its shares, each Fund has authorized the Distributor to give only the information, and to make only the statements and representations, contained in the Prospectuses and this SAI or that properly may be included in sales literature and advertisements in accordance with the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, and applicable rules of self-regulatory organizations. Sales may be made only by a Prospectus, which may be delivered personally, through the mails, or by electronic means. The Distributor is the Funds’ “principal underwriter” within the meaning of the 1940 Act.
Additional Payments to Financial Intermediaries
The Distributor and/or NBIA and/or their affiliates may pay additional compensation and/or provide incentives (out of their own resources and not as an expense of the Funds) to certain brokers, dealers, or other financial intermediaries (“Financial Intermediaries”) for certain activities related to a Fund, including marketing and education support and the sale of a Fund’s shares.
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Such payments (often referred to as revenue sharing payments) are intended to provide additional compensation to Financial Intermediaries for various services, which may include without limitation, participating in joint advertising with a Financial Intermediary, granting the Distributor’s and/or NBIA’s and/or their affiliates’ personnel reasonable access to a Financial Intermediary’s financial advisers and consultants, allowing the Distributor’s and/or NBIA’s and/or their affiliates’ personnel to attend conferences, placing the Funds on the Financial Intermediary’s sales system, preferred or recommended fund list, providing periodic and ongoing education and training of Financial Intermediary personnel regarding the Funds; disseminating to Financial Intermediary personnel information and product marketing materials regarding the Funds; explaining to clients the features and characteristics of the Funds; conducting due diligence regarding the Funds; providing reasonable access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of a Financial Intermediary; training, due diligence, sales reporting data or information and other promotional incentives, and furnishing marketing support and other services. The Distributor and/or NBIA and/or their affiliates may make other payments or allow other promotional incentives to Financial Intermediaries to the extent permitted by SEC and FINRA rules and by other applicable laws and regulations.
The level of such payments made to Financial Intermediaries may be a fixed fee or based upon one or more of the following factors: reputation in the industry, ability to attract and retain assets, target markets, customer relationships, quality of service, actual or expected sales, current assets and/or number of accounts of the Fund attributable to the Financial Intermediary, the particular Fund or fund type or other measures as agreed to by the Distributor and/or NBIA and/or their affiliates and the Financial Intermediaries or any combination thereof. The amount of these payments is determined at the discretion of the Distributor and/or NBIA and/or their affiliates from time to time, may be substantial, and may be different for different Financial Intermediaries based on, for example, the nature of the services provided by the Financial Intermediary.
Receipt of, or the prospect of receiving, this additional compensation, may influence a Financial Intermediary’s recommendation of the Funds. These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for Fund shares and will not increase Fund expenses. You should review your Financial Intermediary’s compensation disclosure and/or talk to your Financial Intermediary to obtain more information on how this compensation may have influenced your Financial Intermediary’s recommendation of a Fund.
The Distributor and NBIA and their affiliates are motivated to make the payments described above since they promote the sale of Fund shares and the retention of those investments by clients of Financial Intermediaries. To the extent Financial Intermediaries sell more shares of the Funds or retain shares of the Funds in their clients’ accounts, NBIA and/or its affiliates benefit from the incremental management and other fees paid to NBIA and/or its affiliates by the Funds with respect to those assets.
Distribution Plan (Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF, Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF)
The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan applicable to the Fund’s shares. Under the Distribution Plan, the Distributor, or designated service providers, may receive up to 0.25% of a Fund’s assets attributable to shares as compensation for distribution services pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. Distribution services may include: (i) services in connection with distribution assistance, or (ii) payments to financial institutions and other financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers, fund “supermarkets” and the Distributor’s affiliates and subsidiaries, as compensation for services or reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with distribution assistance. The Distributor may, at its discretion, retain a portion of such payments to compensate itself for distribution services and distribution related expenses such as the costs of preparation, printing, mailing or otherwise disseminating sales literature, advertising, and prospectuses (other than those furnished to current shareholders of a Fund), promotional and incentive programs, and such other marketing expenses that the Distributor may incur. The plan is a compensation plan, which means that the Distributor is compensated regardless of its expenses, as opposed to a reimbursement plan which reimburses only for expenses incurred.
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No distribution fees are currently charged to the Funds and there are currently no plans to impose these fees. The Plan was adopted in order to permit the implementation of each Fund’s method of distribution. In the event that 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, because a Fund pays these fees out of assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees may cost you more than other types of sales charges and will increase the cost of your investment in a Fund.
The Plan will remain in effect for a period of one year and is renewable from year to year with respect to a Fund, so long as its continuance is approved at least annually (1) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees and (2) by a vote of the majority of those Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plan (“Rule 12b-1 Trustees”). The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of fees that may be paid by a Fund under the Plan unless such amendment is approved by a 1940 Act majority vote of the outstanding shares and by a Fund’s Trustees in the manner described above. The Plan is terminable with respect to a Fund at any time by a vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees or by a 1940 Act majority vote of the outstanding shares.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE INFORMATION
Net Asset Value
The NAV per share of a Fund is the total value of Fund assets attributable to shares of that Fund (the market value of the securities the Fund holds plus cash and other assets) minus the liabilities attributable to that Fund, divided by the total number of shares outstanding for that Fund. Because the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities changes every business day, its share price usually changes as well.
Each Fund normally calculates its NAV on each day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE Exchange”) is open once daily as of 4:00 P.M., Eastern time. Because the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities changes every business day, its share price usually changes as well. In the event of an emergency or other disruption in trading on the NYSE Exchange, a Fund’s NAV would still normally be determined as of 4:00 P.M., Eastern time. The NYSE Exchange is generally closed on all national holidays and Good Friday; Fund shares will not be priced on those days or other days on which the NYSE Exchange is scheduled to be closed. When the NYSE Exchange is closed for unusual reasons, Fund shares will generally not be priced although a Fund may decide to remain open and in such a case, the Fund would post a notice on www.nb.com/ETF.
A Fund generally values its investments based upon their last reported sale prices, market quotations, or estimates of value provided by an independent pricing service as of the time as of which the Fund’s share price is calculated.
A Fund uses one or more independent pricing services approved by NBIA to value its equity portfolio securities (including exchange-traded derivative instruments and securities issued by ETFs). An independent pricing service values equity portfolio securities (including exchange-traded derivative instruments and securities issued by ETFs) listed on the NYSE Exchange, the NYSE MKT LLC or other national securities exchanges, and other securities or instruments for which market quotations are readily available, at the last reported sale price on the day the securities are being valued. Securities traded primarily on the NASDAQ Stock Market are normally valued by the independent pricing service at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”) provided by NASDAQ each business day. The NOCP is the most recently reported price as of 4:00:02 p.m., Eastern time, unless that price is outside the range of the “inside” bid and asked prices (i.e., the bid and asked prices that dealers quote to each other when trading for their own accounts); in that case, NASDAQ will adjust the price to equal the inside bid or asked price, whichever is closer. Because of delays in reporting trades, the NOCP may not be based on the price of the last trade to occur before the market closes. If there is no sale of a security or other instrument on a particular day, the independent pricing services may value the security or other instrument based on market quotations.
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A Fund uses one or more independent pricing services approved by NBIA to value its debt portfolio securities and other instruments, including certain derivative instruments that do not trade on an exchange. Valuations of debt securities and other instruments provided by an independent pricing service are based on readily available bid quotations or, if quotations are not readily available, by methods that include considerations such as: yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions. Valuations of derivatives that do not trade on an exchange provided by an independent pricing service are based on market data about the underlying investments. Short-term securities with remaining maturities of less than 60 days may be valued at cost, which, when combined with interest earned, approximates market value, unless other factors indicate that this method does not provide an accurate estimate of the short-term security’s value.
NBIA has developed a process to periodically review information provided by independent pricing services for all types of securities.
Investments in non-exchange traded investment companies are valued using the respective fund’s daily calculated NAV per share. The prospectuses for these funds explain the circumstances under which the funds will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
If a valuation for a security is not available from an independent pricing service or if NBIA believes in good faith that the valuation received does not reflect the amount a Fund might reasonably expect to receive on a current sale of that security, the Fund seeks to obtain quotations from brokers or dealers. If such quotations are not readily available, the Fund may use a fair value estimate made according to methods NBIA has approved in the good-faith belief that the resulting valuation will reflect the fair value of the security. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated NBIA as the Funds’ valuation designee. As the Funds’ valuation designee, NBIA is responsible for determining fair value in good faith for all Fund investments. A Fund may also use these methods to value certain types of illiquid securities and instruments for which broker quotes are rarely, if ever, available, such as options that are out of the money, or for which no trading activity exists. Fair value pricing generally will be used if the market in which a portfolio security trades closes early or if trading in a particular security was halted during the day and did not resume prior to a Fund’s NAV calculation. Numerous factors may be considered when determining the fair value of a security or other instrument, including available analyst, media or other reports, trading in futures or ADRs, and whether the issuer of the security or other instrument being fair valued has other securities or other instruments outstanding.
The value of a Fund’s investments in foreign securities is generally determined using the same valuation methods used for other Fund investments, as discussed above. Foreign security prices expressed in local currency values are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m., Eastern time.
If, after the close of the principal market on which a security is traded and before the time a Fund’s securities are priced that day, an event occurs that NBIA deems likely to cause a material change in the value of that security, NBIA may ascertain a fair value for such security. Such events may include circumstances in which the value of the U.S. markets changes by a percentage deemed significant with respect to the security in question.
Foreign securities are traded in foreign markets that may be open on days when the NYSE is closed. As a result, the NAV of a Fund may be significantly affected on days when shareholders do not have access to that Fund.
Under the 1940 Act, the Funds are required to act in good faith in determining the fair value of portfolio securities. The SEC has recognized that a security’s valuation may differ depending on the method used for determining value. The fair value ascertained for a security is an estimate and there is no assurance, given the limited information available at the time of fair valuation, that a security’s fair value will be the same as or close to the subsequent opening market price for that security.
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NBIA has approved the use of ICE Data Service (“ICE”) to assist in determining the fair value of foreign equity securities when changes in the value of a certain index suggest that the closing prices on the foreign exchanges may no longer represent the amount that a Fund could expect to receive for those securities or on days when foreign markets are closed and U.S. markets are open. In each of these events, ICE will provide adjusted prices for certain foreign equity securities using a statistical analysis of historical correlations of multiple factors. NBIA has also approved the use of ICE to evaluate the prices of foreign income securities at the time as of which a Fund’s share price is calculated. ICE utilizes benchmark spread and yield curves and evaluates available market activity from the local close to the time as of which a Fund’s share price is calculated to assist in determining prices for certain foreign income securities. In the case of both foreign equity and foreign income securities, in the absence of precise information about the market values of these foreign securities as of the time as of which a Fund’s share price is calculated, NBIA has determined based on available data that prices adjusted or evaluated in this way are likely to be closer to the prices a Fund could realize on a current sale than the prices of those securities established at the close of the foreign markets in which the securities primarily trade. Foreign securities are traded in foreign markets that may be open on days when the NYSE is closed. As a result, the NAV of a Fund may be significantly affected on days when shareholders do not have access to that Fund.
EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING
A discussion of exchange listing and trading matters associated with an investment in a Fund is contained in the Prospectus. The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, such sections of the Prospectus.
The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Exchange identified on the cover of this SAI at trading prices that may differ from a Fund’s NAV. There can be no assurance that the Exchange requirements necessary to maintain the listing of the shares of the Fund will continue to be met. The Exchange may, but is not required to, remove the shares of the Fund from listing if, among other matters: (i) the Exchange becomes aware that the Fund is no longer eligible to operate in reliance on Rule 6c-11 of the Investment Company Act; (ii) if the Fund no longer complies with the requirements set forth by the Exchange; (iii) following the initial 12-month period after commencement of trading of the Fund, there are fewer than fifty (50) Beneficial Owners (as that term is defined below) of the shares of the Fund; or (iv) such other event shall occur or condition exist that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange will remove the shares of the Fund from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund.
Trading prices of Shares on the Exchange may differ from the Fund’s daily NAV. Market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors may affect the trading prices of Shares.
As in the case of other stocks traded on the Exchange, broker’s commissions on purchases or sales of shares in market transactions will be based on investors’ negotiated commission rates.
The Trust reserves the right to adjust the price levels of shares in the future to help maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of a Fund or the total value of an investor’s investment in a Fund.
BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM
The information below supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.
The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) acts as securities depository for a Funds’ shares. Shares of a Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of the DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., and deposited with, or on behalf of, the DTC.
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The DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants (“DTC Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities’ certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own the DTC. More specifically, the DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants, by the Exchange, and FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (the “Indirect Participants”).
Beneficial ownership of shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein as “Beneficial Owners”) is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by the DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of shares. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability of certain investors to acquire beneficial interests in Fund shares.
Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the Trust and the DTC, the DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the shares of a Fund held by each DTC Participant. The Trust shall inquire of each such DTC Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust shall provide each such DTC Participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Share distributions shall be made to the DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all shares. The DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in shares of a Fund as shown on the records of the DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of shares held through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such DTC Participants.
The Trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such shares, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between the DTC and DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants.
The DTC may decide to discontinue providing its service with respect to shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Trust shall take action to find a replacement for the DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost.
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CREATION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS
Except as otherwise noted below, the following applies to any Fund covered by this SAI:
General
The Trust issues and redeems shares of the Fund only in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without a sales load but subject to the transaction fees described below, at the NAV next determined after receipt, on any Business Day (as defined below), of an order in proper form. A “Business Day”, as used herein, is any day on which the NYSE is open for business. As of the date of this SAI, the NYSE observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Currently, the number of shares that constitutes a Creation Unit is 25,000 shares. In its discretion, the Trust reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of the Fund’s shares that constitute a Creation Unit. The Board reserves the right to declare a split or a consolidation in the number of shares outstanding of the Fund, and to make changes in the number of shares constituting a Creation Unit, including in the event that the per share price in the secondary market rises (or declines) to an amount that falls outside the range deemed desirable by the Board.
Creation Units may be purchased and redeemed only by or through a DTC Participant that has entered into an Authorized Participant Agreement with the Distributor (an “Authorized Participant”). Such Authorized Participant will agree, pursuant to the terms of such Authorized Participant Agreement and on behalf of itself or any investor on whose behalf it will act, to certain conditions, including those set forth below, the Authorized Participant Agreement and any handbook or similar document governing the Authorized Participants (collectively, the “AP Agreement”). Investors who are not Authorized Participants must make appropriate arrangements with an Authorized Participant to purchase or redeem Creation Units. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not be a DTC Participant or may not have executed an Authorized Participant Agreement with the Distributor and that Creation Unit orders may have to be placed by the investor’s broker through an Authorized Participant. As a result, orders placed through an Authorized Participant may result in additional charges to such investor. A list of current Authorized Participants may be obtained from the Distributor.
Investors who are not Authorized Participants may purchase and sell shares of the Fund through an Authorized Participant or on the secondary market.
Because the portfolio securities of certain Funds may trade on days that the NYSE Exchange is closed or are otherwise not Business Days for a Fund, shareholders may not be able to purchase or redeem their shares of such a Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.
Custom Baskets
The Basket of securities comprising a Fund Deposit and a Fund Redemption (each, as defined below) may be representative of the Fund’s portfolio holdings; or the Fund may utilize “Custom Baskets” provided that certain conditions are met. A Custom Basket is (i) a Basket that is composed of a non-representative selection of the Fund’s portfolio holdings, or (ii) a representative Basket that is different from the initial Basket used in transactions on the same business day. The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that govern the construction and acceptance of Baskets, including heightened requirements for Custom Baskets. Such policies and procedures provide detailed parameters for the construction and acceptance of Custom Baskets, establish processes for revisions to, or deviations from, such parameters, and specify the titles and roles of the employees of the Manager who are required to review each Custom Basket for compliance with those parameters. In connection with the construction and acceptance of Custom Baskets, the Manager may consider various factors, including, but not limited to: (1) whether the securities, assets and other positions comprising a Basket are consistent with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and disclosure; (2) whether the securities, assets and other positions can legally and readily be acquired, transferred and held by the Fund and/or Authorized Participant(s), as applicable; (3) whether the Custom Basket increases the liquidity of a Fund’s portfolio, noting that a Custom Basket may not be accepted which adversely affects the liquidity position of a Fund’s portfolio when other Basket options exist (4) whether and to what extent to include cash in the Basket; (5) whether the use of Custom Baskets may reduce costs, increase (tax) efficiency and improve trading in Fund shares; and (6) with respect to index-based strategies, whether the securities, assets and other positions aid the Fund to track its underlying index. The policies and procedures apply different criteria to different types of Custom Baskets in order to mitigate against potential overreaching by an Authorized Participant, although there is no guarantee that such policies and procedures will be effective.
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Purchases of Creation Units
The consideration for the purchase of Creation Units of the Fund consists of an in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities (“Deposit Securities”) or cash for all or any portion of such securities (“Deposit Cash”) (collectively, the “Deposit Basket”) and the Cash Component, which is an amount equal to the difference between the aggregate NAV of a Creation Unit and the Deposit Basket. Together, the Deposit Basket and the Cash Component constitute the “Fund Deposit.”
The Custodian or the Manager normally makes available through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) on each Business Day, prior to the opening of regular trading on the Exchange, the estimated amount of the Cash Component to be included in a Fund Deposit for the day along with the list of names and number of shares of each security in a pro rata slice of the portfolio, which normally represents the Deposit Securities and Deposit Cash in the day’s Fund Deposit. Such Fund Deposit will normally be applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, in order to effect purchases of Creation Units of the Fund until such time as the next-announced Fund Deposit is made available. The means by which the Deposit Basket and Cash Component are to be delivered by the Authorized Participant to the Fund are set forth in the AP Agreement, except to the extent the Distributor and the Authorized Participant otherwise agree. Fund shares will be settled through the DTC system.
The identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities change pursuant to, among other matters, changes in the composition of the Fund’s portfolio and as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events are reflected from time to time.
Cash purchases of Creation Units will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases. The Authorized Participant will pay the cash equivalent of the Deposit Securities as Deposit Cash plus or minus the same Cash Component.
NBIA, on behalf of the Fund, will convert subscriptions that are made in whole or in part in cash, including Deposit Cash, into the relevant foreign currency prior to investment at the applicable exchange rate and subject to the applicable spread. Those purchasing Creation Units of the Fund bear the risk associated with changes in the currency exchange rate between the time they place their order and the time that the Fund converts any cash received into foreign investments.
Placement of Purchase Orders
For a purchase order to be processed based on the NAV calculated on a particular Business Day, the purchase order must be received in proper form and accepted by the Trust prior to the time as of which the NAV is calculated (“Cutoff Time”). Investors who are not Authorized Participants and seek to place a purchase order for a Creation Unit through an Authorized Participant should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the purchase order to the Distributor by the Cutoff Time on such Business Day. Custom Orders must normally be received in proper form and accepted by the Trust at least two hours prior to Cutoff Time.
The AP Agreement sets forth the different methods whereby Authorized Participants can submit purchase orders. A purchase order is considered to be in “proper form” if a request in a form satisfactory to the Fund is (1) received by the Distributor from an Authorized Participant on behalf of itself or another person within the time period set above, and (2) all the procedures and other requirements applicable to the method used by the Authorized Participant to submit the purchase order, such as, in the case of purchase orders submitted through the Transfer Agent’s online order taking portal, the completion of all required fields, including as set forth in the AP Agreement are properly followed.
Creation Unit orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure, may impede transmissions between the Distributor and an Authorized Participant. Orders to create shares of the Fund that are submitted on the Business Day immediately preceding a holiday or a day (other than a weekend) when the securities markets in a foreign market in which the Fund may invest are closed may not be accepted or may be charged the maximum transaction fee. A Purchase order, if accepted by the Trust, will be processed based on the NAV as of the next Cutoff Time.
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Acceptance of Orders for, and Issuance of, Creation Units
All questions as to whether an order has been submitted in proper form and the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Fund and the Fund’s determination shall be final and binding.
The Fund reserves the right to reject or revoke acceptance of a creation order, for any reason, provided that such action is not in contravention of Rule 6c-11. For example, the Fund may reject or revoke acceptance of a creation order including, but not limited to, when (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (iii) the Deposit Securities delivered do not conform to the identity and number of shares specified; (iv) acceptance of the Fund Deposit is not legally required or would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; or (v) circumstances outside the control of the Fund, the Distributor and NBIA make it impracticable to process purchase orders. The Distributor shall notify a prospective purchaser of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such purchaser of the rejection or revocation of acceptance of such order. The Fund, the Custodian, the sub-custodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such notification.
Except as provided in the following paragraph, a Creation Unit will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Fund of the Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component, Deposit Cash and creation transaction fees have been completed. In this regard, the Custodian will require, prior to the issuance of a Creation Unit, that the sub-custodian confirm to the Custodian that the Deposit Securities have been delivered to the account of the Fund at the sub-custodian(s). If the Fund does not receive the foregoing by the time specified herein the Creation Unit may not be delivered or the purchase order may be rejected.
The Fund may issue Creation Units to an Authorized Participant, notwithstanding the fact that all Deposit Securities have not been received, in reliance on the undertaking of the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by such Authorized Participant’s delivery and maintenance of collateral having a value of up to 115% of the value of the missing Deposit Securities. The only collateral that is acceptable is cash in U.S. dollars. Such cash collateral must be delivered no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time on the contractual settlement date of the Creation Unit(s). The Fund may buy the missing Deposit Securities at any time, and the Authorized Participant will be liable for any shortfall between the cost to the Fund of purchasing such securities and the cash collateral. In addition, the cash collateral may be invested at the risk of the Authorized Participant, and any income on invested cash collateral will be paid to that Authorized Participant. Information concerning the Fund’s current procedures for collateralization of missing Deposit Securities is available from the Distributor.
In certain cases, an Authorized Participant may create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis or require a representation from the Authorized Participant that the creation and redemption transactions are for separate Beneficial Owners.
Once the Fund has accepted a purchase order, upon the next determination of the NAV of the shares, the Fund may confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit, against receipt of payment, at such NAV. The Distributor will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance to the Authorized Participant that placed the order. Creation Units typically are settled on a “T+1” basis (i.e., one Business Day after trade date), unless a Fund and Authorized Participant agree to a different Settlement Date. However, the Fund reserves the right to settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+1, including in order to accommodate non-U.S. market holiday schedules, closures and settlement cycles, and to account for different treatment among non-U.S. and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates.
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Creation Transaction Fees
A standard creation transaction fee is imposed to offset transfer and other costs associated with the issuance of Creation Units. The standard creation transaction fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant creates a Creation Unit, and is the same, regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by the Authorized Participant on the applicable Business Day.
The Authorized Participant may also be required to pay a variable transaction fee (up to the maximum amount shown in the table below) to cover certain brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, market impact and other costs and expenses. Authorized Participants will also bear the costs of transferring the Deposit Securities, including any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses.
The standard creation transaction fee and maximum variable transaction fee for a Creation Unit are set forth below:
| FUND | STANDARD TRANSACTION FEE |
MAXIMUM VARIABLE TRANSACTION FEE* |
| China Equity ETF | $350 (in-kind transaction)
$100 (cash transaction) |
7% |
| Commodity Strategy ETF | $100 (cash transaction) | 2% |
| Core Equity ETF | $250 (in-kind transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| Disrupters ETF | $125 (in-kind transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF | $300 (in-kind transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| Global Real Estate ETF | $400 (in-kind transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| Japan Equity ETF | $600 (in-kind transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
5% |
| Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF | $300 (in-kind transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| Option Strategy ETF | $125 (in-kind transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
3% |
| Small-Mid Cap ETF | $150 (in-kind transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| * | As a percentage of the Creation Unit(s) purchased. |
The Manager may adjust the transactions fees from time to time based on actual experience.
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Redemptions of Creation Units
The consideration paid by the Fund for the redemption of Creation Units consists of an in-kind basket of designated securities (“Redemption Securities”) or cash for all or any portion of such securities (“Redemption Cash”) (collectively, the “Fund Securities”) and the Cash Component, which is an amount equal to the difference between the aggregate NAV of a Creation Unit and the Fund Securities. Together, the Fund Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Fund Redemption.”
The Custodian or the Manager normally makes available through NSCC on each Business Day, prior to the opening of regular trading on the Exchange, the estimated amount of the Cash Component to be included in a Fund Redemption for the day along with the list of names and the number of shares of in a pro rata slice of the portfolio, which normally represents the Redemption Securities and Redemption Cash in the day’s Fund Redemption. Such Fund Redemption is applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, for redemptions of Creation Units of the Fund until such time as the next-announced Fund Redemption is made available. The delivery of Fund shares will be settled through the DTC system. The means by which the Fund Securities and Cash Component are to be delivered to the Authorized Participant by the Fund are set forth in the AP Agreement, except to the extent the Distributor and the Authorized Participant otherwise agree.
The identity and number of shares of the Redemption Securities change pursuant to, among other matters, changes in the composition of the Fund’s portfolio and as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events are reflected from time to time. The composition of the Redemption Securities may also change in response to adjustments to the weighting or composition of the component securities constituting the Fund’s Underlying Index and may not be the same as the Deposit Securities.
Cash redemptions of Creation Units will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind redemptions. The Authorized Participant will receive the cash equivalent of the Fund Securities as Redemption Cash plus or minus the same Cash Component.
NBIA, on behalf of the Fund, may sell investments denominated in foreign currencies and convert such proceeds into U.S. Dollars at the applicable exchange rate and subject to the applicable spread for redemptions that are made in whole or in part for cash, including Redemption Cash. Those redeeming Creation Units of the Fund bear the risk associated with changes in the currency exchange rate between the time they place their order and the time that the Fund converts any investments into U.S. Dollars.
Placement of Redemption Orders
For a redemption order to be processed based on the NAV calculated on a particular Business Day, the order must be received in proper form and accepted by the Trust prior to the time as of which the NAV is calculated (“Cutoff Time”). Investors who are not Authorized Participants and seek to place a redemption order for a Creation Unit through an Authorized Participant should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the redemption order to the Distributor by the Cutoff Time on such Business Day. Custom Orders must be received in proper form and accepted by the Trust at least two hours prior to Cutoff Time.
The AP Agreement sets forth the different methods whereby Authorized Participants can submit purchase or redemption requests. A purchase or redemption request is considered to be in “proper form” if a request in a form satisfactory to the Fund is (1) received by the Distributor from an Authorized Participant on behalf of itself or another person within the time period set above, and (2) all the procedures and other requirements applicable to the method used by the Authorized Participant to submit the purchase or redemption order, such as, in the case of purchase or redemption orders submitted through the Transfer Agent’s website, the completion of all required fields, and including as set forth in the AP Agreement are properly followed.
Creation Unit orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure, may impede transmissions between the Distributor and an Authorized Participant. Orders to redeem shares of the Fund that are submitted on the Business Day immediately preceding a holiday or a day (other than a weekend) when the securities markets in a foreign market in which the Fund may invest are closed may be charged the maximum transaction fee. A purchase or redemption request, if accepted by the Trust, will be processed based on the NAV as of the next Cutoff Time.
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Acceptance of Orders for, and Redemption of, Creation Units
All questions as to whether an order has been submitted in proper form and the requisite number of Fund shares and transaction fees have been delivered shall be determined by the Fund, and the Fund’s determination shall be final and binding.
The Fund reserves the right to reject a redemption order if the order is not in proper form. In addition, the right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to the Fund (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), (ii) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted, (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares of the Fund’s portfolio securities or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC. The Fund or Distributor will notify the Authorized Participant of such rejection, but the Fund, Custodian, sub-custodian and Distributor shall not be liable for any failure to give such notification.
The payment by the Fund of the Fund Securities, including Redemption Securities, Redemption Cash, and Cash Component will not be issued until the transfer of the Creation Unit(s) and the applicable redemption transaction fees has been completed. If the Transfer Agent does not receive the investor’s shares through DTC’s facilities and the applicable redemption transaction fees by the required time, the redemption request may be rejected.
To the extent contemplated by the AP Agreement, in the event the Authorized Participant has submitted a redemption request in proper form but is unable to transfer all or part of the Creation Unit to be redeemed to the Fund’s Transfer Agent, the Transfer Agent may nonetheless accept the redemption request in reliance on the undertaking by the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing shares as soon as possible. Such undertaking may be secured by the Authorized Participant’s delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash having a value (marked to market daily) of up to 115% of the value of the missing shares, which the Trust may change from time to time. The current procedures for collateralization of missing shares require, among other things, that any cash collateral shall be in the form of U.S. dollars in immediately available funds and shall be held by the Custodian and marked to market daily, and that the fees of the Custodian and any sub-custodians in respect of the delivery, maintenance and redelivery of the cash collateral shall be payable by the Authorized Participant. The AP Agreement will permit the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, to purchase the missing shares at any time and will subject the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Trust of purchasing such shares and the value of the collateral.
A redeeming Beneficial Owner or Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such Beneficial Owner must maintain appropriate security arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction where Redemption Securities are customarily traded and will be delivered. If neither the redeeming Beneficial Owner nor the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such redeeming Beneficial Owner has appropriate arrangements to take delivery of Redemption Securities in the applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of Redemption Securities in such jurisdiction, the Trust may redeem shares in Redemption Cash, and the redeeming Beneficial Owner will be required to receive its redemption proceeds as Redemption Cash. In addition, because redemptions of shares for Redemption Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Fund cannot lawfully deliver specific Redemption Securities or cannot do so without first registering a Fund Security under such laws. All such redemptions will involve Custom Baskets, subject to the Trust’s policies and procedures governing Custom Baskets.
Once the Fund has accepted a redemption order, upon the next determination of the NAV of the shares, the Fund may confirm the redemption of a Creation Unit, against receipt of payment, at such NAV. The Distributor will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance to the Authorized Participant that placed the order. Deliveries of redemption proceeds by the Fund typically are settled on a “T+1” basis (i.e., one Business Day after trade date), but may be made up to seven days later, particularly in stressed market conditions, unless the Fund and Authorized Participant agree to a different Settlement Date. The Fund reserves the right to settle in-kind redemption transactions involving foreign securities up to 15 days later to accommodate non-U.S. market holiday schedules (see below for further information), closures and settlement cycles, to account for different treatment among non-U.S. and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and dividend ex-dates (i.e., the last date the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security sold), and in certain other circumstances.
In certain cases, an Authorized Participant may create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis or require a representation from the Authorized Participant that the creation and redemption transactions are for separate Beneficial Owners.
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Redemption Transaction Fees
A standard redemption transaction fee is imposed to offset transfer and other costs associated with the redemption of Creation Units. The standard redemption transaction fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit, and is the same regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed by an Authorized Participant on the applicable Business Day.
The Authorized Participant may also be required to pay a variable transaction fee (up to the maximum amount shown in the table below) to cover certain brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, market impact and other costs and expenses. Authorized Participants will also bear the costs of transferring the Redemption Securities, including any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses. Investors who use the services of a broker or other financial intermediary may be charged a fee for such services.
The standard redemption transaction fee and maximum variable transaction fee for a Creation Unit are set forth below:
| FUND | STANDARD TRANSACTION FEE |
MAXIMUM VARIABLE TRANSACTION FEE* |
| China Equity ETF | $350 (in-kind transaction)
$100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| Commodity Strategy ETF | $100 (cash transaction) | 2% |
| Core Equity ETF | $250 (in-kind transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| Disrupters ETF | $125 (in-kind transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF | $300 (in-kind transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| Global Real Estate ETF | $400 (in-kind transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| Japan Equity ETF | $600 (in-kind transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF | $300 (in-kind
transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| Option Strategy ETF | $125 (in-kind
transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| Small-Mid Cap ETF | $150 (in-kind transaction) $100 (cash transaction) |
2% |
| * | As a percentage of the Creation Unit(s) redeemed. |
The Manager may adjust the transactions fees from time to time based on actual experience.
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Taxation on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units
An Authorized Participant generally will recognize either gain or loss upon the exchange of Deposit Securities for Creation Units. This gain or loss will generally equal the difference between (i) the sum of the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and any net amount of cash received by the Authorized Participant in the exchange and (ii) the sum of the Authorized Participant’s aggregate basis in the Deposit Securities exchanged therefor and any net amount of cash paid for the Creation Units. However, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “Service”) may apply the wash sales rules to determine that any loss realized upon the exchange of Deposit Securities for Creation Units is not currently deductible. Authorized Participants should consult their own tax advisers.
Current U.S. federal tax laws dictate that capital gain or loss realized from the redemption of Creation Units will generally create long-term capital gain or loss if the Authorized Participant holds the Creation Units for more than one year, or short-term capital gain or loss if the Creation Units were held for one year or less, if the Creation Units are held as capital assets.
Postponement of Redemptions
For every occurrence of one or more intervening holidays in the applicable non-U.S. market that are not holidays observed in the U.S. equity market, the redemption settlement cycle will be extended by the number of such intervening holidays. In addition to holidays, other unforeseeable closings in a non-U.S. market due to emergencies may also prevent the Trust from delivering securities within normal settlement period. The securities delivery cycles currently practicable for transferring portfolio securities to redeeming investors, coupled with non-U.S. market holiday schedules, will require a delivery process longer than seven calendar days, in certain circumstances, but in no event longer than 15 calendar days.
The right of redemption may also be suspended or the date of payment postponed (1) for any period during which the relevant Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading on the relevant Exchange is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares of a Fund or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (4) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
China Equity ETF, Core Equity ETF, Commodity Strategy ETF, Disrupters ETF, Japan Equity ETF, Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF and Small-Mid Cap ETF pay out dividends, if any, at least annually. Global Real Estate ETF and Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF pay out dividends, if any, quarterly. Option Strategy ETF pays out dividends, including short-term capital gains, if any, monthly. Each Fund also distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to investors annually. Each Fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis. A Fund may occasionally be required to make supplemental distributions at some other time during the year. No dividend reinvestment service is provided by the Trust. Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole shares only if the broker through whom you purchased shares makes such option available. Your broker is responsible for distributing the income and capital gain distributions to you.
The Trust reserves the right to declare special distributions if, in its reasonable discretion, such action is necessary or advisable.
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ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
Taxation of the Funds
Each Fund intends to qualify each taxable year for treatment as a RIC. To qualify for treatment as a RIC, each Fund, which is treated as a separate corporation for federal tax purposes, must distribute to its shareholders for each taxable year at least the sum of (1) 90% of its investment company taxable income (consisting generally of net investment income, the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss, and net gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions, all determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) and (2) 90% of its net interest income excludable from gross income under section 103(a) of the Code (“Distribution Requirement”) and must meet several additional requirements. With respect to each Fund, these requirements include the following:
(1) the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from (a) dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from certain Financial Instruments) derived with respect to its business of investing in securities or those currencies (“Qualifying Other Income”) and (b) net income from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (i.e., a “publicly traded partnership” that is treated as a partnership for federal tax purposes and satisfies certain qualifying income requirements but derives less than 90% of its gross income from the items described in clause (a)) (“QPTP”) (“Income Requirement”); and
(2) at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the issuer’s outstanding voting securities (equity securities of QPTPs being considered voting securities for these purposes), and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in (i) the securities (other than Government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, (such as the Subsidiary), (ii) the securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers the Fund controls (by owning 20% or more of their voting power) that are determined to be engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or (iii) the securities of one or more QPTPs (collectively, “Diversification Requirements”).
If a Fund invests cash collateral received in connection with securities lending in an unregistered fund (as noted above under “Investment Information -- Cash Management and Temporary Defensive Positions”), the Fund generally will be treated as (1) owning a proportionate share of the unregistered fund’s assets for purposes of determining the Fund’s compliance with the Diversification Requirements and certain other provisions (including the provision that permits it to enable its shareholders to get the benefit of foreign taxes it pays, as described below) and (2) being entitled to the income on that share for purposes of determining whether it satisfies the Income Requirement.
By qualifying for treatment as a RIC, a Fund (but not its shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on the part of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) that it distributes to its shareholders. If a Fund failed to qualify for that treatment for any taxable year -- either (1) by failing to satisfy the Distribution Requirement, even if it satisfied the Income and Diversification Requirements, or (2) by failing to satisfy the Income Requirement and/or either Diversification Requirement and was unable, or determined not, to avail itself of Code provisions that enable a RIC to cure a failure to satisfy any of the Income and Diversification Requirements as long as the failure “is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect” and the RIC pays a deductible tax calculated in accordance with those provisions and meets certain other requirements -- then, (a) the Fund would be taxed on the full amount of its taxable income for that year without being able to deduct the distributions it makes to its shareholders and (b) the shareholders would treat all those distributions, including distributions of net capital gain, and amounts that otherwise would be “exempt-interest dividends” (described below), as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s earnings and profits. Those dividends would be taxable as ordinary income, except that, for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each, an “individual shareholder”), the part thereof that is “qualified dividend income” (as described in each Prospectus) (“QDI”) would be taxable for federal tax purposes at the rates for net capital gain -- a maximum of 15% for a single shareholder with taxable income not exceeding $533,400, or $600,050 for married shareholders filing jointly, and 20% for individual shareholders with taxable income exceeding those respective amounts, which apply for 2025 and will be adjusted for inflation annually. In the case of corporate shareholders that meet certain holding period and other requirements regarding their Fund shares, all or part of those dividends would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction available to corporations (“DRD”). In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make substantial distributions before requalifying for RIC treatment.
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A Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax (“Excise Tax”) to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all of its ordinary income for that year and capital gain net income for the one-year period ended on October 31 of that year, plus certain other amounts. Each Fund intends to continue to make sufficient distributions each year to avoid liability for the Excise Tax.
A Fund’s use of hedging strategies, such as writing (selling) and purchasing options (including Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF’s strategy of writing collateralized put options on U.S. equity indices) and futures contracts and entering into forward contracts, involves complex rules that will determine for income tax purposes the amount, character, and timing of recognition of the gains and losses it realizes in connection therewith. Gains from the disposition of foreign currencies (except certain gains that may be excluded by future regulations), and gains from certain Financial Instruments a Fund derives with respect to its business of investing in securities or foreign currencies, will be treated as Qualifying Other Income.
Some futures contracts, certain foreign currency contracts, and “nonequity” options (i.e., certain listed options, such as those on a “broad-based” securities index) -- except any “securities futures contract” that is not a “dealer securities futures contract” (both as defined in the Code) and any interest rate swap, currency swap, basis swap, interest rate cap, interest rate floor, commodity swap, equity swap, equity index swap, credit default swap, or similar agreement -- in which a Fund invests may be subject to Code section 1256 (collectively, “Section 1256 contracts”). Any Section 1256 contracts a Fund holds at the end of its taxable year (and generally for purposes of the Excise Tax, on October 31 of each year) must be “marked to market” (that is, treated as having been sold at that time for their fair market value) for federal tax purposes, with the result that unrealized gains or losses will be treated as though they were realized. Sixty percent of any net gain or loss recognized as a result of these deemed sales, and 60% of any net realized gain or loss from any actual sales, of Section 1256 contracts are treated as long-term capital gain or loss; the remainder is treated as short-term capital gain or loss. These rules may operate to increase the amount that a Fund must distribute to satisfy the Distribution Requirement (i.e., with respect to the portion treated as short-term capital gain), which will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them, and to increase the net capital gain the Fund recognizes, without in either case increasing the cash available to it. Section 1256 contracts also may be marked-to-market for purposes of the Excise Tax. A Fund may elect to exclude certain transactions from the operation of these rules, although doing so may have the effect of increasing the relative proportion of short-term capital gain (taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them) and/or increasing the amount of dividends it must distribute to meet the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax.
The premium a Fund receives for writing (selling) a put or call option that is not a Section 1256 contract is not included in gross income at the time of receipt. If such an option written (sold) by a Fund expires, it realizes a short-term capital gain equal to the amount of the premium it received for writing the option. If a Fund terminates its obligations under such an option by entering into a closing transaction, it realizes a short-term capital gain (or loss), depending on whether the cost of the closing transaction is less (or more) than that amount. If a call written by a Fund is exercised, it is treated as having sold the underlying security, producing long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the holding period of the underlying security and whether the sum of the option price it receives on the exercise plus the premium it received when it wrote the option is more or less than its basis in the underlying security.
A Fund may acquire zero coupon or other securities issued with OID, as well as pay-in-kind securities, which pay “interest” through the issuance of additional securities, and U.S. TIPS, the principal value of which is adjusted daily in accordance with changes in the CPI-U. As a holder of those securities, a Fund must include in gross income the OID that accrues on the securities during the taxable year, as well as such “interest” received on pay-in-kind securities and principal adjustments on U.S. TIPS, even if it receives no corresponding payment on them during the year. Because each Fund annually must distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income, including any accrued OID and other non-cash income, to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax, a Fund may be required in a particular year to distribute as a dividend an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash it actually receives. Those distributions will be made from a Fund’s cash assets or, if necessary, from the proceeds of sales of its securities. A Fund may realize capital gains or losses from those sales, which would increase or decrease its investment company taxable income and/or net capital gain.
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If a Fund has an “appreciated financial position” -- generally, an interest (including an interest through an option, futures or forward contract, or short sale) with respect to any stock, debt instrument (other than “straight debt”), or partnership interest the fair market value of which exceeds its adjusted basis -- and enters into a “constructive sale” of the position, the Fund will be treated as having made an actual sale thereof, with the result that it will recognize gain at that time. A constructive sale generally consists of a short sale, an offsetting notional principal contract, or a futures or forward contract a Fund or a related person enters into with respect to the same or substantially identical property. In addition, if the appreciated financial position is itself a short sale or such a contract, acquisition of the underlying property or substantially identical property will be deemed a constructive sale. The foregoing will not apply, however, to any Fund’s transaction during any taxable year that otherwise would be treated as a constructive sale if the transaction is closed within 30 days after the end of that year and the Fund holds the appreciated financial position unhedged for 60 days after that closing (i.e., at no time during that 60-day period is the Fund’s risk of loss regarding that position reduced by reason of certain specified transactions with respect to substantially identical or related property, such as having an option to sell, being contractually obligated to sell, making a short sale of, or granting an option to buy substantially identical stock or securities).
A Fund may invest in ownership units (i.e., limited partnership or similar interests) in MLPs, which generally are classified as partnerships (and not treated as corporations) for federal tax purposes. Most MLPs in which a Fund may invest are expected to be QPTPs, all the net income from which (regardless of source) would be “qualifying income” for the Fund under the Income Requirement. If a Fund invests in an MLP, or an ETF organized as a partnership, that is not a QPTP, including a company principally engaged in the real estate industry that is classified for federal tax purposes as a partnership (and not as a corporation or REIT), the net income the Fund earns therefrom would be treated as such qualifying income only to the extent it would be such if realized directly by the Fund in the same manner as realized by that MLP, ETF or company. Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2026, the Code (in general terms) allows individuals and certain noncorporate entities a deduction for 20% of, among other things, the aggregate amount of its “qualified REIT dividends” and “qualified publicly traded partnership income” (“QPTPI”) (the latter including income of an entity such as an MLP). Regulations allow a RIC to pass the character of its qualified REIT dividends through to its shareholders provided certain holding period requirements are met. The Treasury Department has announced that it is considering adopting regulations that would provide a similar pass-through by RICs of QPTPI, but that pass-through is not currently available. As a result, a shareholder in a Fund that invests in REITs will be eligible to receive the benefit of the deductions that are available to direct investors in REITs, but a shareholder in a Fund that invests in MLPs will not currently receive the benefit of the deductions that are available to direct investors in MLPs.
A Fund may invest in one or more wholly owned subsidiaries as special purpose entities to hold certain investments that, if held directly by the Fund, might not generate qualifying income for the Fund under the Income Requirement. Any such special purpose entity likely would be subject to federal income tax, resulting in a reduced after-tax return on the investment return of the assets held by it, as compared with a direct investment by the Fund in such assets.
A Fund may sustain net capital losses (i.e., realized capital losses in excess of realized capital gains, whether short-term or long-term) for a taxable year. A Fund’s net capital losses, if any, cannot be used by its shareholders (i.e., they do not flow through to its shareholders). Rather, a Fund may use its net capital losses realized in a particular taxable year, subject to applicable limitations, to offset its net capital gains realized in one or more subsequent taxable years (a “capital loss carryover”) -- realized net capital losses may not be “carried back” -- without being required to distribute those gains to its shareholders. Capital loss carryovers may be applied against realized capital gains in each succeeding taxable year, until they have been reduced to zero.
A Fund’s capital loss carryovers may be carried forward indefinitely. Capital losses carried over retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses.
As of August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF had an aggregate capital loss carryforward of approximately $18,303,022. This loss carryforward is available to offset future realized net capital gains.
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As of August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF had an aggregate capital loss carryforward of approximately $2,635,452. This loss carryforward is available to offset future realized net capital gains.
As of August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF had an aggregate capital loss carryforward of approximately $182,631. This loss carryforward is available to offset future realized net capital gains.
As of August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF had an aggregate capital loss carryforward of approximately $617,488. This loss carryforward is available to offset future realized net capital gains.
As of August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF had an aggregate capital loss carryforward of approximately $1,775,098. This loss carryforward is available to offset future realized net capital gains.
As of August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF had an aggregate capital loss carryforward of approximately $629,608. This loss carryforward is available to offset future realized net capital gains.
As of August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF had an aggregate capital loss carryforward of approximately $433,250. This loss carryforward is available to offset future realized net capital gains.
As of August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF had an aggregate capital loss carryforward of approximately $16,618,179. This loss carryforward is available to offset future realized net capital gains.
As of August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF had an aggregate capital loss carryforward of approximately $1,325,826. This loss carryforward is available to offset future realized net capital gains.
A Fund may retain or distribute its net capital gain for each taxable year. If a Fund elects to retain its net capital gain, the Fund will be taxed thereon (except to the extent of any available capital loss carryovers) at the corporate income tax rate. If a Fund elects to retain its net capital gain, it is expected that the Fund also will elect to have shareholders treated as if each received a distribution of its pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each shareholder will be required to report its pro rata share of such gain on its tax return as long-term capital gain, will receive a refundable tax credit for its pro rata share of tax paid by the Fund on the gain, and will increase the tax basis for its shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit.
Dividends and interest a Fund receives, and gains it realizes, on foreign securities may be subject to income, withholding, or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions (“foreign taxes”) that would reduce the total return on its investments. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries which entitle the Fund to a reduced rate of, or exemption from, tax on such income. Some countries require the filing of a tax reclaim or other forms to receive the benefit of the reduced tax rate; whether or when the Fund will receive the tax reclaim is within the control of the individual country. Information required on these forms may not be available such as shareholder information; therefore, the Fund may not receive the reduced treaty rates or potential reclaims. Other countries have conflicting and changing instructions and restrictive timing requirements which may cause the Fund not to receive the reduced treaty rates or potential reclaims. Other countries may subject capital gains realized by the Fund on sale or disposition of securities of that country to taxation. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of the Fund’s assets to be invested in various countries is not known. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may elect to pass-through foreign tax credits, although it reserves the right not to do so. In some instances it may be more costly to pursue tax reclaims than the value of the benefits received by the Fund. If the Fund makes such an election and obtains a refund of foreign taxes paid by the Fund in a prior year, the Fund may be eligible to reduce the amount of foreign taxes reported by the Fund to its shareholders, generally by the amount of the foreign taxes refunded, for the year in which the refund is received.
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A Fund may invest in the stock of “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”). A PFIC is any foreign corporation (with certain exceptions) that, in general, meets either of the following tests for a taxable year: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive or (2) an average of at least 50% of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, a Fund that holds stock of a PFIC will be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” it receives on the stock and of any gain on its disposition of the stock (collectively, “PFIC income”), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC income as a taxable dividend to its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be included in the Fund’s investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent it distributes that income to its shareholders. A Fund’s distributions attributable to PFIC income will not be eligible for the reduced maximum federal income tax rates on individual shareholders’ QDI.
If a Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”), then in lieu of the Fund’s incurring the foregoing tax and interest obligation, the Fund would be required to include in income each taxable year its pro rata share of the QEF’s annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain -- which the Fund most likely would have to distribute to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax -- even if the Fund did not receive those earnings and gain from the QEF. In most instances it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain requirements thereof.
A Fund may elect to “mark-to-market” any stock in a PFIC it owns at the end of its taxable year. “Marking-to-market,” in this context, means including in gross income each taxable year (and treating as ordinary income) the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock over a Fund’s adjusted basis therein (including net mark-to-market gain or loss for each prior taxable year for which an election was in effect) as of the end of that year. Pursuant to the election, a Fund also would be allowed to deduct (as an ordinary, not a capital, loss) the excess, if any, of its adjusted basis in PFIC stock over the fair market value thereof as of the taxable year-end, but only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains with respect to that stock the Fund included in income for prior taxable years under the election. A Fund’s adjusted basis in each PFIC’s stock subject to the election would be adjusted to reflect the amounts of income included and deductions taken thereunder.
Investors should be aware that determining whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination that is based on various facts and circumstances and thus is subject to change, and the principles and methodology used therein are subject to interpretation. As a result, a Fund may not be able, at the time it acquires a foreign corporation’s shares, to ascertain whether the corporation is a PFIC, and a foreign corporation may become a PFIC after a Fund acquires shares therein. While each Fund generally will seek to minimize its investments in PFIC shares, and to make appropriate elections when they are available, to lessen the adverse tax consequences detailed above, there are no guarantees that it will be able to do so, and each Fund reserves the right to make such investments as a matter of its investment policy.
Under Code section 988, gains or losses (1) from the disposition of foreign currencies, including forward contracts, (2) except in certain circumstances, from Financial Instruments on or involving foreign currencies and from notional principal contracts (e.g., swaps, caps, floors, and collars) involving payments denominated in foreign currencies, (3) on the disposition of each foreign-currency-denominated debt security that are attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the dates of acquisition and disposition of the security, and (4) that are attributable to exchange rate fluctuations between the time a Fund accrues interest, dividends, or other receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time it actually collects the receivables or pays the liabilities generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss. These gains or losses will increase or decrease the amount of a Fund’s investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income, rather than increasing or decreasing the amount of its net capital gain. If a Fund’s section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable income for a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to distribute any dividends, and any distributions made during that year before the losses were realized would be recharacterized as a “return of capital” to shareholders, rather than as a dividend, thereby reducing each shareholder’s basis in his or her Fund shares and/or resulting in some shareholders’ recognition of capital gain. Although each Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. A Fund will do so from time to time, incurring the costs of currency conversion.
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A Fund may invest in REITs that (1) hold residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”) or (2) engage in mortgage securitization transactions that cause the REITs to be taxable mortgage pools (“TMPs”) or have a qualified REIT subsidiary that is a TMP. A portion of the net income allocable to REMIC residual interest holders may be an “excess inclusion.” The Code authorizes the issuance of regulations dealing with the taxation and reporting of excess inclusion income of REITs and RICs that hold residual REMIC interests and of REITs, or qualified REIT subsidiaries, that are TMPs. Although those regulations have not yet been issued, in 2006 the Treasury Department and the Service issued a notice (“Notice”) announcing that, pending the issuance of further guidance, the Service would apply the principles in the following paragraphs to all excess inclusion income, whether from REMIC residual interests or TMPs.
The Notice provides that a REIT must (1) determine whether it or its qualified REIT subsidiary (or a part of either) is a TMP and, if so, calculate the TMP’s excess inclusion income under a “reasonable method,” (2) allocate its excess inclusion income to its shareholders generally in proportion to dividends paid, (3) inform shareholders that are not “disqualified organizations” (i.e., governmental units and tax-exempt entities that are not subject to tax on unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”)) of the amount and character of the excess inclusion income allocated thereto, (4) pay tax (at the highest federal income tax rate imposed on corporations) on the excess inclusion income allocated to its disqualified organization shareholders, and (5) apply the withholding tax provisions with respect to the excess inclusion part of dividends paid to foreign persons without regard to any treaty exception or reduction in tax rate. Excess inclusion income allocated to certain tax-exempt entities (including qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, and public charities) constitutes UBTI to them.
A RIC with excess inclusion income is subject to rules identical to those in clauses (2) through (5) (substituting “that are nominees” for “that are not ‘disqualified organizations’” in clause (3) and inserting “record shareholders that are” after “its” in clause (4)). The Notice further provides that a RIC is not required to report the amount and character of the excess inclusion income allocated to its shareholders that are not nominees, except that (1) a RIC with excess inclusion income from all sources that exceeds 1% of its gross income must do so and (2) any other RIC must do so by taking into account only excess inclusion income allocated to the RIC from REITs the excess inclusion income of which exceeded 3% of its dividends. A Fund will not invest directly in REMIC residual interests and does not intend to invest in REITs that, to its knowledge, invest in those interests or are TMPs or have a qualified REIT subsidiary that is a TMP.
Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2026, the Code generally allows individuals and certain non-corporate entities, such as partnerships (including LLCs classified as such) and S corporations (each, a “non-corporate entity”), a deduction for 20% of the aggregate amount of the entity’s “qualified REIT dividends” and “qualified publicly traded partnership income” (“QPTPI”) (the latter including income of a “publicly traded partnership” that is not treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, such as an MLP). Regulations provide that a RIC can pass the character of its qualified REIT dividends through to its shareholders provided certain holding period requirements are met. The Treasury Department has announced that it is considering adopting regulations that would provide a similar pass-through by RICs of QPTPI, but that pass-through is not currently available. As a result, a shareholder in a Fund that invests in REITs will be eligible to receive the benefit of the deductions that are available to direct investors in REITs, but a shareholder in a Fund that invests in MLPs will not currently receive the benefit of the deductions that are available to direct investors in MLPs.
Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF’s investments in China may be impacted by tax laws and regulations, the interpretation, application, and enforcement of which by the applicable tax authorities are not as consistent and transparent as those of more developed nations; they may vary over time and from region to region and are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. For example, the Fund’s investments in equity-linked instruments issued by “qualified foreign institutional investors” (each, a “QFII”) (which are qualified foreign institutional investors permitted to participate in China’s mainland stock exchanges) may be affected by the taxation of QFIIs as the result of an announcement in November 2014 by the tax authorities of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). Specifically, they announced that capital gains derived from Chinese equity investments by QFIIs during the period November 17, 2009 to November 16, 2014, would be subject to capital gains tax. The Fund may be indirectly affected adversely by that policy if the amount of tax ultimately collected by the Chinese tax authorities with respect to the equity-linked instruments in which the Fund has invested is more than the withholding amount provisioned under the terms of those instruments. It is unclear in practice when those tax authorities will start to collect the tax on past gains. The Chinese tax authorities further announced a temporary exemption (the length of which is uncertain) for QFIIs that do not have an establishment or place of business in China or QFIIs that have an establishment or place of business in China but the gains are not effectively connected with that establishment or place of business from such capital gains tax on future (though not past) capital gains derived from the trading of A-Shares and other Chinese equity interest investments starting November 17, 2014. There is no indication as to how long the temporary exemption will remain in effect.
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The Chinese tax authorities also announced that capital gains realized by certain foreign investors, such as the Fund, from trading eligible A-Shares on the Chinese stock exchanges (“Eligible Securities”) through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program and/or the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect Program (collectively, the “Connect Programs”) will enjoy a temporary exemption from Chinese capital gains tax. Again, it is uncertain when such exemption will expire, and it also is unclear whether other Chinese taxes will apply to the trading of Eligible Securities under the Connect Programs in the future. Because the tax guidance concerning the Connect Programs are relatively new, there are uncertainties as to how these tax guidance will be implemented in practice.
There is no certainty as to how long the foregoing temporary tax exemptions will continue to apply, that tax will not be re-imposed retrospectively, or that new tax regulations and practice in China specifically relating to QFIIs and the Connect Programs will not be promulgated in the future. Such uncertainties may affect the Fund’s NAV and thus may advantage or disadvantage Fund shareholders. For example, if the Chinese tax imposed directly or indirectly on the Fund was increased or the retrospective collection of tax was more than the amount the Fund had provisioned for, its NAV would be adversely affected but the amount previously paid to a redeeming shareholder would not be adjusted and any detriment from such change would be suffered solely by the remaining shareholders Conversely, if further exemptions from (or reductions in) Chinese tax were implemented, thus positively affecting the Fund’s NAV, a shareholder who redeemed before those changes were reflected in the Fund’s NAV would not benefit therefrom.
The Subsidiary
Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF invests a portion of its assets (not exceeding the amount permitted by the 25% Diversification Requirement) in a Subsidiary, which is classified as a corporation for federal tax purposes. A foreign corporation, such as a Subsidiary (in this subsection, referred to as the “Subsidiary”), generally is not subject to federal income tax unless it is engaged in the conduct of a trade or business in the United States. The Subsidiary intends to operate in a manner that is expected to meet the requirements of a “safe harbor” under section 864(b)(2) of the Code, under which it may trade in stocks or securities or certain commodities for its own account without being deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business. If, however, certain of the Subsidiary’s activities did not meet those safe harbor requirements, it might be considered as being so engaged. Even if the Subsidiary is not so engaged, it may be subject to a withholding tax at a rate of 30% certain types of U.S.-source gross income that is not effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
The Subsidiary, which is wholly owned by the Fund, is a controlled foreign corporation (a “CFC”), and the Fund is a “United States shareholder” thereof. As a result, the Fund is required to include in its gross income each taxable year all of the Subsidiary’s “subpart F income,” which generally is treated as ordinary income; it is expected that virtually all of the Subsidiary’s income will be “subpart F income.” If the Subsidiary realizes a net loss, that loss generally would not be available to offset the Fund’s income. The Fund’s inclusion of the Subsidiary’s “subpart F income” in its gross income increases the Fund’s tax basis in its shares of the Subsidiary. Distributions by the Subsidiary to the Fund are not taxable to the extent of its previously undistributed “subpart F income” and reduce the Fund’s tax basis in those shares.
Although gains from the disposition of commodities are not considered qualifying income, it is the Subsidiary rather than the Fund, that recognizes such gains. The Code provides that income of a CFC, when properly distributed to a RIC shareholder, will constitute qualifying income. Further, the Service has issued Regulations providing that the income of a CFC, in which a RIC invests as part of its business of investing in stocks or securities, that the Code requires a RIC to include in its gross income each taxable year (“Subpart F Inclusion”) will constitute qualifying income for the RIC whether or not the Subpart F Inclusion is distributed by the CFC to the RIC. The Fund has also received an opinion of counsel, which is not binding on the Service or the courts, that income the Fund derives from the Subsidiary should constitute qualifying income.
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The federal income tax treatment of the Fund’s income from the Subsidiary also may be adversely affected by future legislation, other Treasury Regulations, and/or other guidance issued by the Service that could affect the character, timing of recognition, and/or amount of the Fund’s taxable income and/or net capital gains and, therefore, the distributions it makes. If the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for any taxable year but was eligible to and did cure the failure, it would incur potentially significant additional federal income tax expense. If, on the other hand, the Fund failed to so qualify for any taxable year and was ineligible to or otherwise did not cure the failure, it would be subject to federal income tax on its taxable income at the corporate rate (currently, 21%), with the consequence that its income available for distribution to shareholders would be reduced and all such distributions from its current or accumulated earnings and profits would be taxable to them as dividend income (and no part of those distributions would be taxable as long-term capital gain). In that event, the Trust’s Board may authorize a significant change in investment strategy or the Fund’s liquidation.
Special Considerations Related to Japanese Law (Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF)
Role of NBEAL acting as an independent agent
Under Japanese tax law, where portfolio managers are making discretionary trading decisions in Japan on behalf of an offshore (i.e., non-Japan domiciled) fund, this may create a taxable permanent establishment in Japan. If the Fund was determined to have a permanent establishment in Japan, the Fund would likely be subject to full Japanese tax rates within the range of 31-35%.
Japanese tax law does, however, provide an exemption from this general rule where the portfolio manager is acting as an independent agent for the offshore principal (either as an offshore fund or an offshore investment manager). The Japanese Financial Service Agency (“FSA”) provided guidance on how this exemption applies to Japanese discretionary investment managers (“DIMs”) as a safe harbor rule in the context of an investment management business (i.e., restricted to where a foreign general partner or foreign investment manager of a foreign fund enters into a discretionary investment agreement with a Japanese DIM registered under the Japanese Financial Instruments and Exchange Law, and the DIM conducts certain investment activities). Where applicable and the DIM satisfies all of the five tests set forth below, it should be treated as an independent agent of the foreign fund or foreign investment manager and its activities in Japan should not give rise to a permanent establishment of the foreign fund / manager in Japan:
| ● | Detailed Instructions Test: The DIM should have sufficient discretion in relation to the investment management activity performed in Japan. |
| ● | Shared Officers Test: 50% or more of the DIM’s officers should not simultaneously serve as officers or employees of the offshore fund / manager. |
| ● | Remuneration Test: Remuneration received by the DIM should be reflective of the value and risk it bears and should correspond to the level of assets managed by the DIM or the investment management business income generated by the activities of the DIM. |
| ● | Diversification Capacity Test: The DIM should have the capacity to diversify its business or acquire clients without fundamentally altering the way in which it conducts its business. |
| ● | Specially Related Persons Test: The DIM should not be acting exclusively or almost exclusively on behalf of “Specially Related Persons” (i.e., one who is in a relationship with the agent, where (i) one person directly or indirectly controls the other (by directly or indirectly owning over 50% of the value or number of outstanding shares, etc.); or (ii) both persons are directly or indirectly controlled by the same person (by directly or indirectly owning over 50% of the value or number of outstanding shares in both persons, etc.)). |
The determination of whether the Fund is considered to have a permanent establishment in Japan is one based on its particular facts and circumstances. NBIA, as the investment manager, has delegated to NBEAL the responsibility of choosing the Fund’s investments and handling its day-to-day investment business. Whilst there can be no assurance that the Japanese tax authorities will not seek to assert that the Fund has a permanent establishment in Japan or that such an assertion will not be upheld, NBEAL intends to conduct its investment management business for the Fund as an independent agent in accordance with the FSA’s guidance.
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Japanese Taxation on Income from the Fund’s Investments in Japan
The Fund may be subject to tax on investments in Japan in certain circumstances. A summary of the principal (but not exclusive) Japanese taxes that may apply follows and is based on the Fund being treated as a non-resident investment company in the U.S. without a permanent establishment in Japan.
Dividends paid by publicly listed Japanese companies to the Fund are generally subject to withholding tax at the rate of 15.315% (and at the rate of 20.42% for private companies) until December 31, 2037). Such withholding also applies on the calculation of deemed dividends that may arise from share buybacks. This rate of withholding may be reduced by application for relief available pursuant to the Japan-U.S. tax treaty, subject to qualifying requirements, including meeting the terms of the limitation on benefits article, and the timely filing of application forms with the Japanese tax authorities.
Interest on loans paid by a Japanese resident to the Fund is generally subject to Japanese withholding tax at the rate of 20.42%. Interest on bonds issued by a Japanese corporation to the Fund is subject to withholding tax at a rate of 15.315%, subject to specific relief and exemptions under Japanese law from tax for the issuance of certain forms of corporate bonds. Withholding tax on interest to duly qualified U.S. residents may be fully exempt under the Japan-U.S. tax treaty, subject to meeting qualifying terms and conditions.
The Fund should not generally be subject to tax on capital gains from the disposition of shares in a Japanese company unless the Fund (together with any special related parties) sells 5% or more of the shares in the Japanese company in any given fiscal year and owns or has owned 25% or more of the shares in the Japanese company at any time during the fiscal year of sale or during the prior two fiscal years (the “25/5 Rule”). Taxation in Japan under the 25/5 Rule may be relieved under Japan-U.S. tax treaty, subject to meeting qualifying terms and conditions.
If the Fund sold shares in a Japanese real estate holding company – that is, a company whose assets consist of 50% or more of real estate assets (including shares in other real estate holding companies) by reference to fair market value at any time during a 365-day period ending on the date of sale – any resulting capital gains would be subject to Japanese tax if the Fund (together with its specially related parties) owned more than 5% of the shares of the listed real estate holding company (2% if private) as of the end of the accounting period immediately prior to the year of sale (the “Real Estate Holding Company Rule”).
If the Fund sells (or transfers due to capital reduction or other transactions which are treated as a sale for Japanese tax purposes) shares in a Japanese company which the Fund has acquired for the purposes of manipulating the market price of the shares, the Fund may be subject to Japanese tax.
If the 25/5 Rule, Real Estate Holding Company Rule or the market manipulation rule applies, the Fund would be subject to Japanese national corporation tax at the rate of 25.59%, and where the tax is due by filing a return within two months following the fiscal year of the Fund in which the gain arose.
Japanese ETFs are listed investment trusts and the interests held are not shares but rather beneficiary interests issued by these trusts. The Fund would be subject to 15.315% withholding tax on profit distributions from investments in Japanese ETFs. Withholding tax on distributions of profits by Japanese ETFs may be reduced to duly qualified U.S. residents under the Japan-U.S. tax treaty, subject to meeting qualifying terms and conditions.
Taxation of the Funds’ Shareholders
The following discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of investing in a Fund is based on the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations, and other applicable authority, all as in effect as of the date of the filing of this SAI. These authorities are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, possibly with retroactive effect. The following discussion is only a summary of some of the important U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to investments in a Fund. There may be other tax considerations applicable to particular shareholders. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding their particular situation and the possible application of foreign, state, and local tax laws.
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All Funds (except Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF)
A Fund receives ordinary income generally in the form of dividends and/or interest on its investments. A Fund may also recognize ordinary income from other sources, including, but not limited to, certain gains on foreign currency-related transactions. This income, less expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, constitutes the Fund’s net investment income from which dividends may be paid. If you are a taxable investor, distributions of net investment income generally are taxable as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s earnings and profits. In the case of a Fund whose strategy includes investing in stocks of corporations, a portion of the income dividends paid by the Fund may be qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at reduced rates.
Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF
The Fund receives ordinary income generally in the form of dividends and/or interest on its investments. The Fund may also recognize ordinary income from other sources, including, but not limited to, certain gains on foreign currency-related transactions. The Fund also recognizes short-term capital gains from its option strategy. This income, less expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, constitutes the Fund’s net investment income from which dividends may be paid. If you are a taxable investor, distributions of net investment income generally are taxable as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s earnings and profits. The Fund generally distributes net investment income, including short-term capital gains, if any, monthly and net realized capital gains, if any, annually. Gains from foreign currency transactions, if any, are normally distributed in December. The Fund may make additional distributions, if necessary, to avoid federal income or excise taxes. The Fund seeks to maintain relatively stable monthly distributions, although the amount of income earned by the Fund typically varies from period to period. Each month, the Fund determines the amount of distribution to pay based on a combination of expected premiums and gains (collectively referred to as “premiums”) from writing put options, the portion of such premiums to be included in such distribution and the accrued interest from the Fund’s fixed income investments, net of expenses, during that period. As a result of such distribution strategy, the Fund’s distributions are expected to exceed its earnings and profits in some or all tax years, and consequently, all or a portion of the distributions made for a taxable year may be characterized as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable but will reduce each shareholder’s cost basis in the Fund and result in a higher capital gain or lower capital loss when the Fund shares on which the distribution was received are sold. After a shareholder’s basis in the Fund shares has been reduced to zero, distributions in excess of earnings and profits will be treated as gain from the sale of the shareholder’s shares of the Fund.
All Funds
At the time of your purchase of shares, the Fund’s NAV may reflect undistributed income, undistributed capital gains, or net unrealized appreciation of Fund securities held by the Fund. A subsequent distribution of such amounts, although constituting a return of your investment, would be taxable, and would be taxed as ordinary income (some portion of which may be taxed as qualified dividend income), capital gains, or some combination of both, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. The Fund may be able to reduce the amount of such distributions from capital gains by utilizing its capital loss carryovers, if any.
Dividends and other distributions by a Fund are generally treated under the Code as received by the shareholders at the time the dividend or distribution is made. However, if any dividend or distribution is declared by a Fund in October, November or December of any calendar year and payable to its shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month but is actually paid during the following January, such dividend or distribution will be deemed to have been received by each shareholder on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.
If more than 50% of the value of a Fund’s total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will be eligible to, and may, file with the Service an election that will enable its shareholders, in effect, to receive the benefit of the foreign tax credit with respect to any foreign taxes the Fund paid. Pursuant to that election, the Fund would treat those taxes as dividends paid to its shareholders and each shareholder would be required to (1) include in gross income, and treat as paid by the shareholder, his or her share of those taxes, (2) treat his or her share of those taxes and of any dividend the Fund paid that represents its income from foreign or U.S. possessions sources (“foreign-source income”) as his or her own income from those sources, and (3) either use the foregoing information in calculating the foreign tax credit against his or her federal income tax or, alternatively, deduct the foreign taxes deemed paid by him or her in computing his or her taxable income. A Fund will report to its shareholders shortly after each taxable year their respective shares of the Fund’s foreign taxes and foreign-source income for that year if it makes this election. An individual shareholders of the Fund who, for a taxable year, has no more than $300 ($600 for a married person filing jointly) of creditable foreign taxes included on Forms 1099 and all of whose foreign-source income is “qualified passive income” may elect for that year to be exempt from the extremely complicated foreign tax credit limitation and thus be able to claim a foreign tax credit without having to file the detailed Form 1116 that otherwise is required.
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If a Fund makes a “return of capital” distribution to its shareholders -- i.e., a distribution in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits -- the excess will (a) reduce each shareholder’s tax basis in its shares (thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a shareholder’s subsequent taxable disposition of the shares) and (b) if for any shareholder the excess is greater than that basis, be treated as realized capital gain.
For U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly), a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax will apply on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” including interest, dividends, and capital gains, which generally includes taxable distributions received from a Fund. This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.
A sale or exchange of shares in a Fund may give rise to a gain or loss. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than 12 months. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be disallowed if shares of the same Fund are purchased within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
As noted above, for U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly), a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax will apply on “net investment income,” including interest, dividends, and capital gains, which generally includes taxable distributions received from a Fund and taxable gains on the disposition of shares of the Fund.
A Fund (or a financial intermediary, such as a broker, through which a shareholder holds Fund shares) generally is required to withhold and to remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and sale or redemption proceeds paid to any shareholder who fails to properly furnish a correct taxpayer identification number, who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify that he, she or it is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding tax rate is currently 24%.
Non-U.S. Shareholders
Dividends a Fund pays to a nonresident alien individual, a foreign corporation or partnership, or foreign trust or estate (each, a “foreign shareholder”), other than (1) dividends paid to a foreign shareholder whose ownership of shares is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business the shareholder carries on (“effectively connected”) and (2) capital gain distributions paid to a nonresident alien individual who is physically present in the United States for no more than 182 days during the taxable year, generally will be subject to a federal withholding tax of 30% (or lower treaty rate). If a foreign shareholder’s ownership of Fund shares is effectively connected, the foreign shareholder will not be subject to that withholding tax but will be subject to federal income tax on income dividends from a Fund as if it were a U.S. shareholder. A foreign shareholder generally will be exempt from federal income tax on gain realized on the sale of Fund shares and Fund distributions of net capital gain, unless the shareholder is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year (special rules apply in the case of a shareholder that is a foreign trust or foreign partnership). Two categories of dividends, “interest-related dividends” and “short-term capital gain dividends,” a Fund pays to foreign shareholders (with certain exceptions) and reports in writing to its shareholders also are exempt from that tax. “Interest-related dividends” are dividends that are attributable to “qualified net interest income” (i.e., “qualified interest income,” which generally consists of certain OID, interest on obligations “in registered form,” and interest on deposits, less allocable deductions) from sources within the United States. “Short-term capital gain dividends” are dividends that are attributable to “qualified short-term gain” (i.e., net short-term capital gain, computed with certain adjustments).
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Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”), “foreign financial institutions” (“FFIs”) and “non-financial foreign entities” (“NFFEs”) that are shareholders of a Fund may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on income dividends a Fund pays. A withholding tax that would have applied to certain capital gain distributions and the proceeds of redemptions of Fund shares it pays after December 31, 2018 would be eliminated by proposed regulations (having immediate effect while pending). As discussed more fully below, the FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided (a) by an FFI, if it reports certain information regarding direct and indirect ownership of financial accounts U.S. persons hold with the FFI, and (b) by an NFFE that certifies its status as such and information regarding substantial U.S. owners.
An FFI can avoid FATCA withholding by becoming a “participating FFI,” which requires the FFI to enter into a tax compliance agreement with the Service. Under such an agreement, a participating FFI agrees to (1) verify and document whether it has U.S. accountholders, (2) report certain information regarding their accounts to the Service, and (3) meet certain other specified requirements.
The Treasury Department has negotiated intergovernmental agreements (“IGAs”) with certain countries and is in various stages of negotiations with other foreign countries with respect to one or more alternative approaches to implement FATCA. An entity in one of those countries may be required to comply with the terms of the IGA instead of Treasury Department regulations.
An FFI resident in a country that has entered into a Model I IGA with the United States must report to that country’s government (pursuant to the terms of the applicable IGA and applicable law), which will, in turn, report to the Service. An FFI resident in a Model II IGA country generally must comply with U.S. regulatory requirements, with certain exceptions, including the treatment of recalcitrant accountholders. An FFI resident in one of those countries that complies with whichever of the foregoing applies will be exempt from FATCA withholding.
An NFFE that is the beneficial owner of a payment from a Fund can avoid FATCA withholding generally by certifying its status as such and, in certain circumstances, either that (1) it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or (2) it does have one or more such owners and reports the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of each such owner. The NFFE will report to the Fund or other applicable withholding agent, which may, in turn, report information to the Service.
Those foreign shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted, or deemed compliant categories established by Treasury Department regulations, IGAs, and other guidance regarding FATCA. An FFI or NFFE that invests in a Fund will need to provide the Fund with documentation properly certifying the entity’s status under FATCA to avoid FATCA withholding. The requirements imposed by FATCA are different from, and in addition to, the tax certification rules to avoid backup withholding described above. Foreign investors are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the application of these requirements to their own situation and the impact thereof on their investment in a Fund.
Creation and Redemption of Creation Units
An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus the amount of cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of any securities received plus the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units. The Service, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the creation of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the securities exchanged for such Creation Units have been held for more than one year.
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Any capital gain or loss realized upon the redemption of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares comprising the Creation Units have been held for more than one year. Otherwise, such capital gains or losses will be treated as short-term capital gains or losses.
Persons purchasing or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction.
The Trust on behalf of a Fund has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Code, the Fund would have a basis in the deposit securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Trust also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination.
Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations
Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if an individual shareholder recognizes a loss of $2 million or more in any single tax year or, for a corporate shareholder, $10 million or more in any single tax year, the shareholder must file with the Service a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
General Considerations
The U.S. federal income tax discussion set forth above is for general information only. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisers regarding the specific federal income tax consequences of purchasing, holding and disposing of shares of a Fund, as well as the effect of state, local and foreign tax law and any proposed tax law changes.
FUND TRANSACTIONS
In effecting securities transactions, the Funds seek to obtain the best price and execution of orders. While affiliates of NBIA are permitted to act as brokers for the Funds in the purchase and sale of their portfolio securities (other than certain securities traded on the OTC market) where such brokers are capable of providing best execution (“Affiliated Brokers”), the Funds generally will use unaffiliated brokers. For Fund transactions which involve securities traded on the OTC market, the Fund purchases and sells OTC securities in principal transactions with dealers who are the principal market makers for such securities.
Purchases and sales of certain debt securities generally are transacted with issuers, underwriters, or dealers that serve as primary market-makers, who act as principals for the securities on a net basis. The Funds typically do not pay brokerage commissions for such purchases and sales. Instead, the price paid for newly issued securities usually includes a concession or discount paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and the prices quoted by market-makers reflect a spread between the bid and the asked prices from which the dealer derives a profit.
For Fund transactions which involve securities traded on the OTC market, a Fund purchases and sells OTC securities in principal transactions with dealers who are the principal market makers for such securities. Loans will be purchased in individually negotiated transactions with commercial banks, thrifts, insurance companies, finance companies and other financial institutions. In determining whether to purchase loans from these financial institutions, the Manager may consider, among other factors, the financial strength, professional ability, level of service and research capability of the institution. While financial institutions generally are not required to repurchase loans which they have sold, they may act as principal or on an agency basis in connection with a Fund’s disposition of loans.
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During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, China Equity Predecessor Fund paid brokerage commissions of $63,655, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, China Equity Predecessor Fund paid brokerage commissions of $27,905, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman.
During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF paid brokerage commissions of $17,080, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman. During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, transactions in which the Fund used Neuberger Berman as broker comprised 0% of the aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions, and 0% of the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund. 100% of the $17,080 paid to other brokers by the Fund during that fiscal period (representing commissions on transactions involving approximately $21,335,035) was directed to those brokers at least partially on the basis of research services they provided. During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, the Fund did not acquire or hold any securities of its regular brokers or dealers.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, Commodity Strategy Predecessor Fund paid brokerage commissions of $22,968, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman.
During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2023, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF paid brokerage commissions of $42,456, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF paid brokerage commissions of $47,621, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, transactions in which the Fund used Neuberger Berman as broker comprised 0% of the aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions, and 0% of the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund. 100% of the $47,621 paid to other brokers by the Fund during that fiscal year (representing commissions on transactions involving approximately $180,526) was directed to those brokers at least partially on the basis of research services they provided. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, the Fund acquired securities of the following of its “regular brokers or dealers” (as defined under the 1940 Act): Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., Wells Fargo Brokerage Services, LLC, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co., and Bank of America; at that date, the Fund held the securities of its regular brokers or dealers with an aggregate value as follows: Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., $5,932,300; Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., $5,581,313; Wells Fargo Brokerage Services, LLC, $5,697,083; JP Morgan Chase & Co., Inc., $5,557,157; Goldman Sachs & Co., $4,129,776; and Bank of America, $3,364,857.
During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF paid brokerage commissions of $4,590, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman. During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, transactions in which the Fund used Neuberger Berman as broker comprised 0% of the aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions, and 0% of the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund. 100% of the $4,590 paid to other brokers by the Fund during that fiscal period (representing commissions on transactions involving approximately $12,177,950) was directed to those brokers at least partially on the basis of research services they provided. During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, the Fund acquired securities of the following of its “regular brokers or dealers” (as defined under the 1940 Act): JP Morgan Chase & Co., Inc., Bank of America, Goldman Sachs & Co., and Wells Fargo Brokerage Services, LLC; at that date, the Fund held the securities of its regular brokers or dealers with an aggregate value as follows: JP Morgan Chase & Co., Inc., $3,645,132; Bank of America, $1,866,513; Goldman Sachs & Co., $1,302,158; and Wells Fargo Brokerage Services, LLC, $953,587.
During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2022, Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF paid brokerage commissions of $307, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF paid brokerage commissions of $1,688, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman.
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During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF paid brokerage commissions of $2,111, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, transactions in which the Fund used Neuberger Berman as broker comprised 0% of the aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions, and 0% of the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund. 100% of the $2,111 paid to other brokers by the Fund during that fiscal year (representing commissions on transactions involving approximately $14,145,303) was directed to those brokers at least partially on the basis of research services they provided. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, the Fund did not acquire or hold any securities of its regular brokers or dealers.
During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2022, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF paid brokerage commissions of $476, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF paid brokerage commissions of $2,286, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF paid brokerage commissions of $3,843, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, transactions in which the Fund used Neuberger Berman as broker comprised 0% of the aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions, and 0% of the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund. 100% of the $3,843 paid to other brokers by the Fund during that fiscal year (representing commissions on transactions involving approximately $6,851,013) was directed to those brokers at least partially on the basis of research services they provided. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, the Fund did not acquire or hold any securities of its regular brokers or dealers.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, Global Real Estate Predecessor Fund paid brokerage commissions of $4,172, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, Global Real Estate Predecessor Fund paid brokerage commissions of $9,130, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman.
During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF paid brokerage commissions of $4,115, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman. During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, transactions in which the Fund used Neuberger Berman as broker comprised 0% of the aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions, and 0% of the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund. 100% of the $4,115 paid to other brokers by the Fund during that fiscal period (representing commissions on transactions involving approximately $6,460,076) was directed to those brokers at least partially on the basis of research services they provided. During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, the Fund did not acquire or hold any securities of its regular brokers or dealers.
During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2022, Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF paid brokerage commissions of $1,565, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF paid brokerage commissions of $2,883, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF paid brokerage commissions of $2,239, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, transactions in which the Fund used Neuberger Berman as broker comprised 0% of the aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions, and 0% of the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund. 100% of the $2,239 paid to other brokers by the Fund during that fiscal year (representing commissions on transactions involving approximately $3,725,352) was directed to those brokers at least partially on the basis of research services they provided. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, the Fund did not acquire or hold any securities of its regular brokers or dealers.
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During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, Option Strategy Predecessor Fund paid brokerage commissions of $34,805, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023, Option Strategy Predecessor Fund paid brokerage commissions of $32,745, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman.
During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF paid brokerage commissions of $20,476, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman. During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, transactions in which the Fund used Neuberger Berman as broker comprised 0% of the aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions, and 0% of the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund. 100% of the $20,476 paid to other brokers by the Fund during that fiscal period (representing commissions on transactions involving approximately $114,985,271) was directed to those brokers at least partially on the basis of research services they provided. During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, the Fund did not acquire or hold any securities of its regular brokers or dealers.
During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF paid brokerage commissions of $6,822, of which $0 was paid to Neuberger Berman. During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, transactions in which the Fund used Neuberger Berman as broker comprised 0% of the aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions, and 0% of the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund. 100% of the $6,822 paid to other brokers by the Fund during that fiscal period (representing commissions on transactions involving approximately $45,687,702) was directed to those brokers at least partially on the basis of research services they provided. During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2024, the Fund did not acquire or hold any securities of its regular brokers or dealers.
The amount of brokerage commissions paid by a Fund may vary significantly from year to year due to a variety of factors, including the types of investments selected by the Manager, investment strategy changes, changing asset levels, shareholder activity, and/or portfolio turnover.
Commission rates, being a component of price, are considered along with other relevant factors in evaluating best price and execution. In selecting a broker other than an Affiliated Broker to execute Fund transactions, NBIA generally considers the quality and reliability of brokerage services, including execution capability, speed of execution, overall performance, and financial responsibility, and may consider, among other factors, research and other investment information or services (“research services”) provided by those brokers as well as any expense offset arrangements offered by the brokers.
Each Fund may use an Affiliated Broker where, in the judgment of NBIA, that firm is able to obtain a price and execution at least as favorable as other qualified brokers. To the Funds’ knowledge, no affiliate of any Fund receives give-ups or reciprocal business in connection with its securities transactions.
The use of an Affiliated Broker for each Fund is subject to the requirements of Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Section 11(a) prohibits members of national securities exchanges from retaining compensation for executing exchange transactions for accounts which they or their affiliates manage, except where they have the authorization of the persons authorized to transact business for the account and comply with certain annual reporting requirements. Before an Affiliated Broker is used, the Trust and NBIA expressly authorize the Affiliated Broker to retain such compensation, and the Affiliate Broker would have to agree to comply with the reporting requirements of Section 11(a).
Under the 1940 Act, commissions paid by each Fund to an Affiliated Broker in connection with a purchase or sale of securities on a securities exchange may not exceed the usual and customary broker’s commission. Accordingly, with respect to each Fund the commissions paid an Affiliated Broker will be at least as favorable to the Fund as those that would be charged by other qualified brokers having comparable execution capability in NBIA’s judgment. The Funds do not deem it practicable and in their best interests to solicit competitive bids for commissions on each transaction effected by an Affiliated Broker. However, when an Affiliated Broker is executing portfolio transactions on behalf of a Fund, consideration regularly will be given to information concerning the prevailing level of commissions charged by other brokers on comparable transactions during comparable periods of time. The 1940 Act generally prohibits an Affiliated Broker from acting as principal in the purchase of portfolio securities from, or the sale of portfolio securities to, a Fund unless an appropriate exemption is available.
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A committee of Independent Fund Trustees from time to time will review, among other things, information relating to the commissions charged by an Affiliated Broker to the Funds and to their other customers and information concerning the prevailing level of commissions charged by other brokers having comparable execution capability.
To ensure that accounts of all investment clients, including a Fund, are treated fairly in the event that an Affiliated Broker receives transaction instructions regarding the same security for more than one investment account at or about the same time, the Affiliated Broker may combine orders placed on behalf of clients, including advisory accounts in which affiliated persons have an investment interest, for the purpose of negotiating brokerage commissions or obtaining a more favorable price. Where appropriate, securities purchased or sold may be allocated, in terms of amount, to a client according to the proportion that the size of the order placed by that account bears to the aggregate size of orders contemporaneously placed by the other accounts, subject to de minimis exceptions. All participating accounts will pay or receive the same price when orders are combined.
Under policies adopted by the Board, an Affiliated Broker may enter into agency cross-trades on behalf of a Fund. An agency cross-trade is a securities transaction in which the same broker acts as agent on both sides of the trade and the broker or an affiliate has discretion over one of the participating accounts. In this situation, the Affiliated Broker would receive brokerage commissions from both participants in the trade. The other account participating in an agency cross-trade with a Fund cannot be an account over which the Affiliated Broker exercises investment discretion. A member of the Board who will not be affiliated with the Affiliated Broker will review information about each agency cross-trade that the Fund participates in.
In selecting a broker to execute Fund transactions, NBIA considers the quality and reliability of brokerage services, including execution capability, speed of execution, overall performance, and financial responsibility, and may consider, among other factors, research and other investment information provided by non-affiliated brokers.
A committee comprised of officers of NBIA who are portfolio managers of the Funds and Other NB Funds (collectively, “NB Funds”) and some of NBIA’s managed accounts (“Managed Accounts”) periodically evaluates throughout the year the nature and quality of the brokerage and research services provided by other brokers. Based on this evaluation, the committee establishes a list and projected rankings of preferred brokers for use in determining the relative amounts of commissions to be allocated to those brokers. Ordinarily, the brokers on the list effect a large portion of the brokerage transactions for the NB Funds and the Managed Accounts. However, in any semi-annual period, brokers not on the list may be used, and the relative amounts of brokerage commissions paid to the brokers on the list may vary substantially from the projected rankings. These variations reflect the following factors, among others: (1) brokers not on the list or ranking below other brokers on the list may be selected for particular transactions because they provide better price and/or execution, which is the primary consideration in allocating brokerage; (2) adjustments may be required because of periodic changes in the execution capabilities of or research or other services provided by particular brokers or in the execution or research needs of the NB Funds and/or the Managed Accounts; and (3) the aggregate amount of brokerage commissions generated by transactions for the NB Funds and the Managed Accounts may change substantially from one semi-annual period to the next.
The commissions paid to a broker other than an Affiliated Broker may be higher than the amount another firm might charge if the Manager determines in good faith that the amount of those commissions is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the broker. The Manager believes that those research services benefit the Funds by supplementing the information otherwise available to the Manager. That research may be used by the Manager in servicing Other NB Funds and in servicing the Managed Accounts. On the other hand, research received by the Manager from brokers effecting portfolio transactions on behalf of the Other NB Funds and from brokers effecting portfolio transactions on behalf of the Managed Accounts may be used for the Funds’ benefit.
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In certain instances the Manager may specifically allocate brokerage for research services (including research reports on issuers and industries, as well as economic and financial data) which may otherwise be purchased for cash. While the receipt of such services has not reduced the Manager’s normal internal research activities, the Manager’s expenses could be materially increased if it were to generate such additional information internally. To the extent such research services are provided by others, the Manager is relieved of expenses it may otherwise incur. In some cases research services are generated by third parties but provided to the Manager by or through broker dealers. Research obtained in this manner may be used in servicing any or all clients of the Manager and may be used in connection with clients other than those clients whose brokerage commissions are used to acquire the research services described herein. With regard to allocation of brokerage to acquire research services described above, the Manager always considers its best execution obligation when deciding which broker to utilize.
Insofar as Fund transactions result from active management of equity securities, and insofar as Fund transactions result from seeking capital appreciation by selling securities whenever sales are deemed advisable without regard to the length of time the securities may have been held, it may be expected that the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by a Fund to brokers (including to Affiliated Brokers) may be greater than if securities were selected solely on a long-term basis.
Each Fund may, from time to time, loan portfolio securities to broker-dealers affiliated with NBIA (“Affiliated Borrowers”) in accordance with the terms and conditions of an order issued by the SEC. The order exempts such transactions from the provisions of the 1940 Act that would otherwise prohibit these transactions, subject to certain conditions. In accordance with the order, securities loans made by a Fund to Affiliated Borrowers are fully secured by cash collateral. Each loan to an Affiliated Borrower by a Fund will be made on terms at least as favorable to the Fund as comparable loans to unaffiliated borrowers, and no loans will be made to an Affiliated Borrower unless the Affiliated Borrower represents that the terms are at least as favorable to the Fund as those it provides to unaffiliated lenders in comparable transactions. All transactions with Affiliated Borrowers will be reviewed periodically by officers of the Trust and reported to the Board.
Portfolio Turnover
A Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing (1) the lesser of the cost of the securities purchased or the proceeds from the securities sold by the Fund during the fiscal year (other than securities, including options, whose maturity or expiration date at the time of acquisition was one year or less) by (2) the month-end average of the value of such securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year.
Portfolio turnover may vary significantly from year to year due to a variety of factors, including fluctuating volume of shareholder purchase and redemption orders, market conditions, investment strategy changes, and/or changes in the Manager’s investment outlook.
Proxy Voting
The Board has delegated to NBIA the responsibility to vote proxies related to the securities held in the Funds’ portfolios. Under this authority, NBIA is required by the Board to vote proxies related to portfolio securities in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders. The Board permits NBIA to contract with a third party to obtain proxy voting and related services, including research of current issues.
NBIA has implemented written Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (“Proxy Voting Policy”) that are designed to reasonably ensure that NBIA votes proxies prudently and in the best interest of its advisory clients for whom NBIA has voting authority, including the Funds. The Proxy Voting Policy also describes how NBIA addresses any conflicts that may arise between its interests and those of its clients with respect to proxy voting. The following is a summary of the Proxy Voting Policy. The Proxy Voting Policy can be found in Appendix B to this SAI. NBIA’s Governance and Proxy Voting Guidelines (“voting guidelines”) are available on www.nb.com.
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NBIA’s Governance and Proxy Committee (“Proxy Committee”) is responsible for developing, authorizing, implementing and updating the Proxy Voting Policy, administering and overseeing the proxy voting process and engaging and overseeing any independent third-party vendors as voting delegates to review, monitor and/or vote proxies. In order to apply the Proxy Voting Policy noted above in a timely and consistent manner, NBIA utilizes Glass, Lewis & Co. (“Glass Lewis”) to vote proxies in accordance with NBIA’s voting guidelines. In instances where a material conflict has been determined to exist, NBIA will generally instruct that such shares be voted in the same proportion as other shares are voted with respect to a proposal, subject to applicable legal, regulatory and operational requirements.
NBIA retains final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting. NBIA believes that this process is reasonably designed to address material conflicts of interest that may arise between NBIA and a Fund or other clients as to how proxies are voted.
In the event that an investment professional at NBIA believes that it is in the best interests of a client or clients to vote proxies in a manner inconsistent with the voting guidelines, the Proxy Committee will review information submitted by the investment professional to determine that there is no material conflict of interest between NBIA and the client with respect to the voting of the proxy in the requested manner. In the event that the Proxy Committee determines that such vote will not present a material conflict, the Proxy Committee will make a determination whether to vote such proxy as recommended by the NB investment professional.
If the Proxy Committee determines that the voting of a proxy as recommended by the investment professional would not be appropriate, the Proxy Committee shall: (i) take no further action, in which case NBIA shall vote such proxy in accordance with the voting guidelines; (ii) disclose such conflict to the client or clients and obtain instructions or consent, which may be negative consent, from the client as to how to vote the proxy; (iii) suggest that the client or clients engage another party to determine how to vote the proxy; (iv) instruct that such shares be voted in the same proportion as other shares are voted with respect to a proposal, subject to applicable legal, regulatory and operational requirements; or (v) engage another independent third party to determine how to vote the proxy.
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available, without charge, by calling 1-800-877-9700 (toll-free) or by visiting www.nb.com or the website of the SEC, www.sec.gov.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Policy
The Funds prohibit the disclosure of their portfolio holdings, before such portfolio holdings are publicly disclosed, to any outside parties, including individual or institutional investors, intermediaries, third party service providers to NBIA or the Funds, rating and ranking organizations, and affiliated persons of the Funds or NBIA (the “Potential Recipients”) unless such disclosure is consistent with the Funds’ legitimate business purposes and is in the best interests of their shareholders (the “Best Interests Standard”).
NBIA and the Funds have determined that the only categories of Potential Recipients that meet the Best Interests Standard are certain fund rating and ranking organizations and third party service providers to NBIA or the Funds with a specific business reason to know the portfolio holdings of the Funds (e.g., custodians, prime brokers, etc.) (the “Allowable Recipients”). As such, certain procedures must be adhered to before the Allowable Recipients may receive the portfolio holdings prior to their being made public. Allowable Recipients that get approved for receipt of the portfolio holdings are known as “Approved Recipients.” NBIA may expand the categories of Allowable Recipients only if it is determined that the Best Interests Standard has been met and only with the written concurrence of NBIA’s legal and compliance department. These procedures are designed to address conflicts of interest between the shareholders, on the one hand, and NBIA or any affiliated person of either NBIA or the Funds on the other, by creating a review and approval process of Potential Recipients of portfolio holdings consistent with the Best Interests Standard.
NBIA serves as investment adviser to various other funds and accounts that may have investment objectives, strategies and portfolio holdings that are substantially similar to or overlap with those of the Funds, and in some cases, these other funds and accounts may publicly disclose portfolio holdings on a more frequent basis than is required for the Funds. As a result, it is possible that other market participants may use such information for their own benefit, which could negatively impact the Funds’ execution of purchase and sale transactions.
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Public Disclosure
Complete Portfolio Holdings – Each Fund discloses its full portfolio holdings, as of the close of business the prior day, each day before the opening of trading on NYSE Arca, Inc. at www.nb.com/ETF.
Selective Disclosure Procedures
Disclosure of portfolio holdings may be requested by completing and submitting a holdings disclosure form to NBIA’s legal and compliance department or to the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer for review, approval and processing.
Neither the Funds, NBIA, nor any affiliate of either may receive any compensation or consideration for the disclosure of portfolio holdings. Each Allowable Recipient must be subject to a duty of confidentiality or sign a non-disclosure agreement, including an undertaking not to trade on the information, before they may become an Approved Recipient. Allowable Recipients are (1) required to keep all portfolio holdings information confidential and (2) prohibited from trading based on such information. The Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer shall report any material issues that may arise under these policies to the Board.
Pursuant to a Code of Ethics adopted by the Funds and NBIA (“NB Code”), employees are prohibited from revealing information relating to current or anticipated investment intentions, portfolio holdings, portfolio transactions or activities of the Funds except to persons whose responsibilities require knowledge of the information. The NB Code also prohibits any individual associated with the Funds or NBIA, from engaging directly or indirectly, in any transaction in securities held or to be acquired by the Funds while in possession of material non-public information regarding such securities or their issuer.
Portfolio Holdings Approved Recipients
The Funds currently have ongoing arrangements to disclose portfolio holdings information prior to its being made public with the following Approved Recipients:
State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”). Each Fund has selected State Street as custodian for its securities and cash. Pursuant to a custodian contract, each Fund employs State Street as the custodian of its assets. As custodian, State Street creates and maintains all records relating to each Fund’s activities and supplies each Fund with a daily tabulation of the securities it owns and that are held by State Street. Pursuant to such contract, State Street agrees that all books, records, information and data pertaining to the business of each Fund which are exchanged or received pursuant to the contract shall remain confidential, shall not be voluntarily disclosed to any other person, except as may be required by law, and shall not be used by State Street for any purpose not directly related to the business of any Fund, except with such Fund’s written consent. State Street receives reasonable compensation for its services and expenses as custodian.
Securities Lending Agent. The Funds may enter into a securities lending agreement with State Street under which State Street acts as a principal borrower or agent to lend securities to entities on State Street’s approved list of borrowers, which includes State Street and its affiliates. The Funds also may enter into securities lending agreements with other entities under which the Funds loan securities to a counterparty acting as a principal borrower or a lending agent. Those principal borrowers or agents may receive each Fund’s portfolio holdings daily. Each such principal borrower that receives such information is or will be subject to an agreement that all financial, statistical, personal, technical and other data and information related to the Fund’s operations that is designated by the Fund as confidential will be protected from unauthorized use and disclosure by the principal borrower. The Funds pay State Street a fee for agency and/or administrative services related to its role as lending agent. Each Fund also pays the principal borrowers a fee with respect to the cash collateral that it receives and retains the income earned on reinvestment of that cash collateral.
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Other Third-Party Service Providers to the Funds. The Funds also disclose portfolio holdings information (including the portfolio composition file) prior to its being made public, which may be daily, to Ernst & Young LLP, their independent registered public accounting firm, legal counsel, financial printers, authorized participants, NSCC, proxy voting firms including Glass, Lewis & Co., class action service providers, including Financial Recovery Technologies LLC, pricing vendors, and other third-party service providers to the Funds who require access to this information to fulfill their duties to the Funds.
In addition, the Funds may disclose portfolio holdings information to third parties that provide operational services, data analytic services or trading services, or calculate information derived from holdings for use by NBIA and/or Neuberger Berman. The Funds provide their complete portfolio holdings daily to FactSet Research Systems Inc., Aladdin, Bloomberg L.P., ConsenSys, EquiLend Holdings LLC, Liquidnet Holdings, Inc., State Street, S&P Global Inc., Verity, Virtu Financial Inc., RIMES Technologies Corporation, Inalytics and Acuity Knowledge Partners. These third parties may receive reasonable compensation for their services.
The Funds also disclose their portfolio holdings information daily, in a non-fund-specific manner, to pricing vendors Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. and London Stock Exchange Group plc. From time to time, the Funds may also disclose portfolio holdings information to trade organizations, such as the Investment Company Institute.
Rating, Ranking and Research Agencies. Each Fund sends its complete portfolio holdings information to rating, ranking and research agencies for the purpose of having such agency develop a rating, ranking or specific research product for the Fund. Each Fund provides its complete portfolio holdings to: Lipper, a Refinitiv company, on the sixth business day following each month-end, and to Bloomberg and Morningstar on the sixteenth calendar day of each month. No compensation is received by any Fund, NBIA, or any other person in connection with the disclosure of this information.
In all cases, the third-party service provider receiving the information has agreed in writing (or is otherwise required by professional and/or written confidentiality requirements or fiduciary duty) to keep the information confidential, to use it only for the agreed-upon purpose(s), and not to trade securities on the basis of such information.
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
Shareholders of each Fund receive unaudited semi-annual financial statements, as well as year-end financial statements audited by the respective independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund. Each Fund’s statements show the investments owned by it and the market values thereof and provide other information about the Fund and its operations.
ORGANIZATION, CAPITALIZATION AND OTHER MATTERS
Each Fund is a separate ongoing series of the Trust, a Delaware statutory trust organized pursuant to an Amended and Restated Trust Instrument (“Trust Instrument”) dated as of December 8, 2021. The Trust is registered under the 1940 Act as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The Trust has fourteen separate operating series. The Fund Trustees may establish additional series or classes of shares without the approval of shareholders. The assets of each series belong only to that series, and the liabilities of each series are borne solely by that series and no other.
Description of Shares. Each Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with a par value of $0.001. Shares of each Fund represent has a pro rata interest in the assets of a Fund. Shares have no pre-emptive, exchange, subscription or conversion rights and are freely transferable. Each Share is entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by the Board with respect to each Fund, and in the net distributable assets of the Fund on liquidation.
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Each Share has one vote with respect to matters upon which a shareholder vote is required consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder and each fractional Share has a proportional fractional vote. Shares of all Funds vote together as a single class except that if the matter being voted on affects only a particular Fund, the matter will be voted on only by that Fund, and if a matter affects a particular Fund differently from other Funds, that Fund will vote separately on such matter. Under Delaware law, the Trust is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. All Shares of the Trust have noncumulative voting rights for the election of Trustees. Under Delaware law, Trustees of the Trust may be removed by vote of the shareholders.
Shareholder Meetings. The Fund Trustees do not intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders of the Funds. The Fund Trustees will call special meetings of shareholders of a Fund only if required under the 1940 Act or in their discretion or upon the written request of holders of 25% or more of the outstanding shares of that Fund entitled to vote at the meeting.
Certain Provisions of Trust Instrument. Under Delaware law, the shareholders of a Fund will not be personally liable for the obligations of any Fund; a shareholder is entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to shareholders of a Delaware corporation. To guard against the risk that Delaware law might not be applied in other states, the Trust Instrument requires that every written obligation of the Trust or a Fund contain a statement that such obligation may be enforced only against the assets of the Trust or Fund and provides for indemnification out of Trust or Fund property of any shareholder nevertheless held personally liable for Trust or Fund obligations, respectively, merely on the basis of being a shareholder.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
Each Fund has selected State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, as custodian for its securities and cash. State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as each Fund’s transfer and servicing agent, administering purchases, redemptions, and transfers of Fund shares and the payment of dividends and other distributions. All correspondence should be mailed to Neuberger Berman Funds, One Heritage Drive Floor 1, North Quincy, MA 02171.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Each Fund has selected Ernst & Young LLP, 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116, as the independent registered public accounting firm that will audit its financial statements.
LEGAL COUNSEL
The Trust has selected K&L Gates LLP, 1601 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006-1600, as its legal counsel.
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CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
Although the Trust does not have information concerning the beneficial ownership of shares held in the names of DTC participants, as of November 30, 2024, the name and percentage ownership of each DTC participant that owned of record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a Fund were as follows:
| Fund | Name & Address | Percentage of Shares Held | ||
| Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF | Goldman
Sachs & Co 200 West Street New York, NY 10282 | 5.92% | ||
| JP
MORGAN SECURITIES LLC 4 CHASE METROTECH CTR BROOKLYN NY 11245-0001 | 7.09% | |||
| JP
MORGAN SECURITIES LLC 4 CHASE METROTECH CTR BROOKLYN NY 11245-0001 | 14.36% | |||
| Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF | Northern
Trust Co 50 South Lasalle Street Chicago, IL 60603 | 6.30% | ||
| Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF | CHARLES
SCHWAB & CO INC 211 MAIN ST SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 | 8.61% | ||
| Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF | Bank
Of America One Bryant Park New York, NY 10036 | 5.30% | ||
| STATE
STREET BANK AND TRUST 1 LINCOLN ST BOSTON MA 02111-2901 | 18.18% | |||
| Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF | Bank
Of America One Bryant Park New York, NY 10036 | 8.35% | ||
| Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF | NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL 499 WASHINGTON BLVD JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 | 17.05% | ||
| Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF | NORTHERN TRUST CO 50 SOUTH LASALLE STREET CHICAGO, IL 60603 | 5.38% | ||
| Wells
Fargo Clearing Services LLC One North Jefferson Avenue Mail Code: H0004-05E St. Louis, MO 63103 | 6.72% | |||
| STATE
STREET BANK AND TRUST 1 LINCOLN ST BOSTON MA 02111-2901 | 22.62% |
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Although the Trust does not have information concerning the beneficial ownership of shares held in the names of DTC participants, as of November 30, 2024, the name and percentage ownership of each DTC participant that owned of record 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a Fund were as follows:
| Fund | Name & Address | Percentage of Shares Held | ||
| Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF | NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL 499 WASHINGTON BLVD JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 | 64.86% | ||
| Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF | NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL 499 WASHINGTON BLVD JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 | 39.34% | ||
| CHARLES SCHWAB
& CO INC 211 MAIN ST SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 | 45.30% | |||
| Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF | NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL 499 WASHINGTON BLVD JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 | 98.38% | ||
| Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF | STATE STREET BANK
AND TRUST 1 LINCOLN ST BOSTON MA 02111-2901 | 30.77% | ||
| NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL 499 WASHINGTON BLVD JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 | 46.51% | |||
| Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF | NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL 499 WASHINGTON BLVD JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 | 71.34% | ||
| Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF | NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL 499 WASHINGTON BLVD JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 | 76.22% | ||
| Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF | STATE STREET BANK
AND TRUST 1 LINCOLN ST BOSTON MA 02111-2901 | 80.00% | ||
| Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF | NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL 499 WASHINGTON BLVD JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 | 47.84% | ||
| Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF | NATIONAL
FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL 499 WASHINGTON BLVD JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 | 97.93% |
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This SAI and the Prospectuses do not contain all the information included in the Trust’s registration statement filed with the SEC under the 1933 Act with respect to the securities offered by the Prospectuses. The registration statement, including the exhibits filed therewith, may be examined at the SEC’s offices in Washington, D.C. The SEC maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains this SAI, material incorporated by reference, and other information regarding the Funds.
Statements contained in this SAI and in the Prospectuses as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete. In each instance where reference is made to a contract or other document a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement is qualified in all respects by such reference.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following financial statements and related documents are incorporated herein by reference from the Funds’ Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024:
The audited financial statements of Neuberger Berman China Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, Neuberger Berman Core Equity ETF, Neuberger Berman Disrupters ETF, Neuberger Berman Energy Transition & Infrastructure ETF (formerly, Neuberger Berman Carbon Transition & Infrastructure ETF), Neuberger Berman Global Real Estate ETF, Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connected Consumer ETF, Neuberger Berman Option Strategy ETF and Neuberger Berman Small-Mid Cap ETF, notes thereto, and the reports of Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, with respect to such audited financial statements.
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APPENDIX A
Long-Term and Short-Term Debt Securities Rating Descriptions
S&P Global Ratings Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings*:
The following descriptions have been published by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC.
AAA – An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA – An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.
A – An obligation rated ‘A’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.
BBB – An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC, and C – Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.
BB – An obligation rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
B – An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
CCC – An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
CC – An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘CC’ rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.
C – An obligation rated ‘C’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.
D – An obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within the next five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or the next 30 calendar days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.
| * | Ratings from ‘AA’ to ‘CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories. |
A-1
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) -- Global Long-Term Rating Scale:
The following descriptions have been published by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
Aaa – Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.
Aa – Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A – Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa – Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Ba – Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B – Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Caa – Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Ca – Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C – Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a “(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.*
| * | By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security. |
A-2
Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”) -- Corporate Finance Obligations – Long-Term Rating Scale:
The following descriptions have been published by Fitch Ratings, Inc., Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries.
AAA – Highest Credit Quality. ‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA – Very High Credit Quality. ‘AA’ ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A – High Credit Quality. ‘A’ ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB – Good Credit Quality. ‘BBB’ ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.
BB – Speculative. ‘BB’ ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.
B – Highly Speculative. ‘B’ ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.
CCC – Substantial Credit Risk. ‘CCC’ ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present.
CC – Very High Levels of Credit Risk. ‘CC’ ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk.
C – Exceptionally High Levels of Credit Risk. ‘C’ indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.
Ratings in the categories of ‘CCC’, ‘CC’ and ‘C’ can also relate to obligations or issuers that are in default. In this case, the rating does not opine on default risk but reflects the recovery expectation only.
A-3
DBRS -- Long-Term Obligations Rating Scale:
The following descriptions have been published by Morningstar DBRS.
AAA – Highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.
AA – Superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from AAA only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.
A – Good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than AA. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
BBB – Adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.
BB – Speculative, non-investment-grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.
B – Highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.
CCC, CC, C – Very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although CC and C rating categories are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default or subordinated to obligations rated in the CCC to B range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the C category.
D – When the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or winding-up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to D may occur. Morningstar DBRS may also use SD (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a distressed exchange. See the Default Definition document on dbrs.morningstar.com under Understanding Ratings for more information.
A-4
S&P Global Ratings -- Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings:
The following descriptions have been published by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC.
A-1 – A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2 – A short-term obligation rated ‘A-2’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3 – A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
B – A short-term obligation rated ‘B’ is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.
C – A short-term obligation rated ‘C’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
D – A short-term obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.
Dual ratings may be assigned to debt issues that have a put option or demand feature. The first component of the rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second component of the rating addresses only the demand feature. The first component of the rating can relate to either a short-term or long-term transaction and accordingly use either short-term or long-term rating symbols. The second component of the rating relates to the put option and is assigned a short-term rating symbol (for example, ‘AAA/A-1+’ or ‘A-1+/A-1’). With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, the U.S. municipal short-term note rating symbols are used for the first component of the rating (for example, ‘SP-1+/A-1+’).
A-5
Moody’s -- Global Short-Term Rating Scale:
The following descriptions have been published by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
P-1 – Ratings of Prime-1 reflect a superior ability to repay short-term obligations.
P-2 – Ratings of Prime-2 reflect a strong ability to repay short-term obligations.
P-3 – Ratings of Prime-3 reflect an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
NP – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
Fitch -- Short-Term Ratings Assigned to Issuers and Obligations:
The following descriptions have been published by Fitch Ratings, Inc., Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries.
F1 – Highest Short-Term Credit Quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added ‘+’ to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2 – Good Short-Term Credit Quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
F3 – Fair Short-Term Credit Quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
B – Speculative Short-Term Credit Quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C - High Short-Term Default Risk. Default is a real possibility.
RD – Restricted Default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.
D – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.
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DBRS -- Commercial Paper and Short-Term Debt Rating Scale:
The following descriptions have been published by Morningstar DBRS.
R-1 (high) – Highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.
R-1 (middle) – Superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from R-1 (high) by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.
R-1 (low) – Good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favourable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
R-2 (high) – Upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.
R-2 (middle) – Adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.
R-2 (low) – Lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.
R-3 – Lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events, and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.
R-4 – Speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.
R-5 – Highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.
D – When the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to D may occur. Morningstar DBRS may also use SD (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”. See the Default Definition document on dbrs.morningstar.com under Understanding Ratings for more information.
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APPENDIX B
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
March 2024
| I. | Introduction and General Principles |
| A. | Certain investment adviser subsidiaries of Neuberger Berman Group LLC (“NB”) have been delegated the authority and responsibility to vote the proxies of their respective investment advisory clients and exercise such responsibility according to these policies and procedures. |
| B. | NB understands that proxy voting is an integral aspect of investment management. Accordingly, proxy voting must be conducted with the same degree of prudence and loyalty accorded any fiduciary or other obligation of an investment manager. |
| C. | NB believes that the following policies and procedures are reasonably expected to ensure that proxy matters are conducted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with NB’s fiduciary duties, applicable rules under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA clients set out in Department of Labor interpretations, the UK Stewardship Code, the Japan Stewardship Code and other applicable laws and regulations. |
| D. | In instances where NB does not have authority to vote client proxies, it is the responsibility of the client to instruct the relevant custody bank or banks to mail proxy material directly to such client. |
| E. | In all circumstances, NB will comply with specific client directions to vote proxies, whether or not such client directions specify voting proxies in a manner that is different from NB’s proxy votes for other client accounts. |
| F. | NB will seek to vote all shares under its authority so long as that action is not in conflict with client instructions. There may be circumstances under which NB may abstain from voting a client proxy, such as when NB believes voting would not be in clients’ best interests (e.g., not voting in countries with share blocking or meetings in which voting would entail additional costs). NB understands that it must weigh the costs and benefits of voting proxy proposals relating to foreign securities and make an informed decision with respect to whether voting a given proxy proposal is prudent and solely in the interests of the clients and, in the case of an ERISA client and other accounts and clients subject to similar local laws, a plan’s participants and beneficiaries. NB’s decision in such circumstances will take into account the effect that the proxy vote, either by itself or together with other votes, is expected to have on the value of the client’s investment and whether this expected effect would outweigh the cost of voting. |
| II. | Responsibility and Oversight |
| A. | NB has designated a Governance & Proxy Committee (“Proxy Committee”) with the responsibility for: |
| (i) | developing, authorizing, implementing and updating NB’s policies and procedures; |
| (ii) | administering and overseeing the governance and proxy voting processes; and |
| (iii) | engaging and overseeing any third-party vendors as voting delegates to review, monitor and/or vote proxies. |
NB, at the recommendation of the Proxy Committee, has retained Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC (“Glass Lewis”) as its proxy voting service provider.
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Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
| B. | The Proxy Committee will meet as frequently and in such manner as necessary or appropriate to fulfill its responsibilities. |
| C. | The members of the Proxy Committee will be appointed from time to time and will include the Chief Investment Officer (Equities), the Director of Global Equity Research, the Head of ESG & Impact Investing, and certain portfolio managers. A senior member of the Legal and Compliance Department will advise the Proxy Committee and may vote as a full member of the Committee if a vote is needed to establish a quorum or in the event that a vote is needed to break a tie. The Director of Investment Stewardship serves in an advisory role to the Proxy Committee but may also vote as a full member of the Committee if a vote is needed to establish a quorum or in the event that a vote is needed to break a tie. The Proxy Committee may also appoint substitute or additional members if needed to establish quorum in the absence of one or more members. |
| D. | In the event that one or more members of the Proxy Committee are not independent with respect to a particular matter, the remaining members of the Proxy Committee shall constitute an ad hoc independent subcommittee of the Proxy Committee, which will have full authority to act upon such matter. |
| III. | Proxy Voting Guidelines |
| A. | The Proxy Committee developed the Governance and Proxy Voting Guidelines (“Voting Guidelines”) based on our Governance and Engagement Principles. These Guidelines are updated as appropriate and generally at least on an annual basis. With input from certain of our investment professionals, the modifications are intended to reflect emerging corporate governance issues and themes. The Proxy Committee recognizes that in certain circumstances it may be in the interests of our clients to deviate from our Voting Guidelines. |
| B. | Our views regarding corporate governance and engagement, and the related stewardship actions, are informed by our ESG Investing group, in consultation with professionals in the Legal & Compliance and Global Equity Research groups, among others. These insightful, experienced and dedicated groups enable us to think strategically about engagement and stewardship priorities. |
| C. | We believe NB’s Voting Guidelines generally represent the voting positions most likely to support our clients’ best economic interests across a range of sectors and contexts. These guidelines are not intended to constrain our consideration of the specific issues facing a particular company on a particular vote, and so there will be times when we deviate from the Voting Guidelines. |
| D. | In the event that a portfolio manager or other investment professional at Neuberger Berman believes that it is in the best interest of a client or clients to vote proxies other than as provided in NB’s Voting Guidelines, the portfolio manager or other investment professional will submit in writing to the Proxy Committee the basis for his or her recommendation. The Proxy Committee will review this recommendation in the context of the specific circumstances of the proxy vote being considered and with the intention of voting in the best interest of our clients. |
| IV. | Proxy Voting Procedures |
| A. | NB will vote client proxies in accordance with a client’s specific request even if it is in a manner inconsistent with NB’s proxy votes for other client accounts. Such specific requests should be made in writing by the individual client or by an authorized officer, representative or named fiduciary of a client. |
| B. | NB has engaged Glass Lewis as its proxy voting service provider to: |
| (i) | provide research on proxy matters; |
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Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
| (ii) | in a timely manner, notify NB of and provide additional solicitation materials made available reasonably in advance of a vote deadline; |
| (iii) | vote proxies in accordance with NB’s Voting Guidelines or as otherwise instructed and submit such proxies in a timely manner; |
| (iv) | handle other administrative functions of proxy voting; |
| (v) | maintain records of proxy statements and additional solicitation materials received in connection with proxy votes and provide copies of such proxy statements promptly upon request; and |
| (vi) | maintain records of votes cast. |
| C. | Except in instances where clients have retained voting authority, NB will instruct custodians of client accounts to forward all proxy statements and materials received in respect of client accounts to Glass Lewis. |
| D. | NB retains final authority and fiduciary responsibility, consistent with applicable law, for proxy voting for clients that have delegated it authority and discretion to vote proxies. |
| V. | Conflicts of Interest |
| A. | NB shall direct Glass Lewis to vote proxies in accordance with the Voting Guidelines described in Section III or, in instances where a material conflict has been determined to exist, NB will generally instruct that such shares be voted in the same proportion as other shares are voted with respect to a proposal, subject to applicable legal, regulatory and operational requirements. NB believes that this process is reasonably designed to address material conflicts of interest that may arise in conjunction with proxy voting decisions. Potential conflicts considered by the Proxy Committee when it is determining whether to deviate from NB’s Voting Guidelines include, among others: a material client relationship with the corporate issuer being considered; personal or business relationships between the portfolio managers and an executive officer; director, or director nominee of the issuer; joint business ventures; or a direct transactional relationship between the issuer and senior executives of NB. |
| B. | In the event that an NB Investment Professional believes that it is in the best interest of a client or clients to vote proxies in a manner inconsistent with the Voting Guidelines described in Section III, such NB Investment Professional will contact a member of the Legal & Compliance Department advising the Proxy Committee and complete and sign a questionnaire in the form adopted from time to time. Such questionnaires will require specific information, including the reasons the NB Investment Professional believes a proxy vote in this manner is in the best interest of a client or clients and disclosure of specific ownership, business or personal relationship, or other matters that may raise a potential material conflict of interest with respect to the voting of the proxy. The Proxy Committee will meet with the NB Investment Professional to review the completed questionnaire and consider such other matters as it deems appropriate to determine that there is no material conflict of interest with respect to the voting of the proxy in the requested manner. The Proxy Committee shall document its consideration of such other matters. In the event that the Proxy Committee determines that such vote will not present a material conflict, the Proxy Committee will make a determination whether to vote such proxy as recommended by the NB Investment Professional. In the event of a determination to vote the proxy as recommended by the NB Investment Professional, an authorized member of the Proxy Committee will instruct Glass Lewis to vote in such manner with respect to the client or clients. In the event that the Proxy Committee determines that the voting of a proxy as recommended by the NB Investment Professional would not be appropriate, the Proxy Committee will: |
| (i) | take no further action, in which case the Committee shall vote such proxy in accordance with the Voting Guidelines; |
| (ii) | disclose such conflict to the client or clients and obtain written direction from the client with respect to voting the proxy; |
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Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
| (iii) | suggest that the client or clients engage another party to determine how to vote the proxy; |
| (iv) | instruct that such shares be voted in the same proportion as other shares are voted with respect to a proposal, subject to applicable legal, regulatory and operational requirements; or |
| (v) | engage another independent third party to determine how to vote the proxy if voting in the manner described in (iv) is not feasible. |
A record of the Proxy Committee’s determinations shall be prepared and maintained in accordance with applicable policies.
| C. | In the event that the Voting Guidelines described in Section III do not address how a proxy should be voted the Proxy Committee will make a determination as to how the proxy should be voted. The Proxy Committee will consider such matters as it deems appropriate to determine how such proxy should be voted, including whether there is a material conflict of interest with respect to the voting of the proxy in accordance with its decision. The Proxy Committee shall document its consideration of such matters, and an authorized member of the Proxy Committee will instruct Glass Lewis to vote in such manner with respect to such client or clients. |
| D. | Material conflicts cannot be resolved by simply abstaining from voting. |
| VI. | Recordkeeping |
NB will maintain records relating to the implementation of the Voting Guidelines and these procedures, including:
| (i) | a copy of the Voting Guidelines and these procedures, which shall be made available to clients upon request; |
| (ii) | proxy statements received regarding client securities (which will be satisfied by relying on EDGAR or Glass Lewis); |
| (iii) | a record of each vote cast (which Glass Lewis maintains on NB’s behalf); |
| (iv) | a copy of each questionnaire completed by any NB Investment Professional under Section V above; and |
| (v) | any other document created by NB that was material to a determination regarding the voting of proxies on behalf of clients or that memorializes the basis for that decision. |
Such proxy voting books and records shall be maintained in an easily accessible place, which may include electronic means, for a period of five years, the first two by the Legal & Compliance Department. Material conflicts cannot be resolved by simply abstaining from voting.
| VII. | Engagement and Monitoring |
Consistent with the firm’s active management strategies, NB portfolio managers and members of the Global Equity Research team continuously monitor material investment factors at portfolio companies. NB professionals remain informed of trends and best practices related to the effective fiduciary administration of proxy voting. NB will make revisions to its Voting Guidelines and related procedures document when it determines it is appropriate or when we observe the opportunity to materially improve outcomes for our clients. Additionally, we will regularly undertake a review of selected voting and engagement cases to better learn how to improve the monitoring of our portfolio companies and the effectiveness of our stewardship activities.
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Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
| VIII. | Securities Lending |
Some NB products or client accounts where NB has authority and responsibility to vote the proxies may participate in a securities lending program administered by NB. Where a security is currently on loan ahead of a shareholder meeting, NB will generally attempt to terminate the loan in time to vote those shares. Where a security that is potentially subject to being loaned is eligible to be voted in a stockholder meeting a portfolio manager may restrict the security from lending. NB maintains the list of securities restricted from lending and receives daily updates on upcoming proxy events from the custodian.
| IX. | Disclosure |
Neuberger Berman will publicly disclose all voting records of its co-mingled funds (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities [UCITS] and mutual funds), which can be found at https://www.nb.com/en/us/esg/nb-votes -- Neuberger Berman cannot publicly disclose vote level records for separate accounts without express permission of the client. Neuberger Berman will publicly disclose aggregate reporting on at least an annual basis for all votes cast across co-mingled and separate accounts. Neuberger Berman welcomes the opportunity to discuss the rationale for a given vote with investee companies as part of our ongoing engagement activities. Neuberger Berman may also choose to provide broad explanations for certain voting positions on important or topical issues in advance of the vote. Additionally, our proxy voting guidelines can be found on our website: https://www.nb.com/en/us/esg/nb-votes.
Proxy Committee Membership as of March 2024:
Joseph Amato, President and Chief Investment Officer (Equities)
Jonathan Bailey, Head of ESG & Impact Investing
Elias Cohen, Portfolio Manager
Timothy Creedon, Director of Global Equity Research
Richard Glasebrook, Portfolio Manager
Brett Reiner, Portfolio Manager
Amit Solomon, Portfolio Manager
Corey Issing*, Legal and Compliance
Caitlin McSherry*, Head of Investment Stewardship
| * | Corey Issing and Caitlin McSherry serve in advisory roles to the Committee. They are ex officio members of the Committee. They will only vote as full members of the Committee if their votes are needed to establish a quorum or in the event that a vote is needed to break a tie vote. |
SEC File Number: 811-23761
X0120 12/24
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NEUBERGER BERMAN ETF TRUST
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 26 ON FORM N-1A
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
| Item 28. | Exhibits. |
| Item 29. | Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control with Registrant. |
No person is controlled by or under common control with the Registrant.
| Item 30. | Indemnification. |
A Delaware statutory trust may provide in its governing instrument for indemnification of its officers and trustees from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever. Article IX, Section 2 of the Trust Instrument provides that the Registrant shall indemnify any present or former trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant (“Covered Person”) to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or her in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding (“Action”) in which he or she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his or her being or having been a Covered Person and against amounts paid or incurred by him or her in settlement thereof. Indemnification will not be provided to a person adjudged by a court or other body to be liable to the Registrant or its shareholders by reason of “willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office” (“Disabling Conduct”), or not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interest of the Registrant. In the event of a settlement, no indemnification may be provided unless there has been a determination that the officer or trustee did not engage in Disabling Conduct (i) by the court or other body approving the settlement; (ii) by at least a majority of those trustees who are neither interested persons, as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), of the Registrant (“Independent Trustees”), nor parties to the matter based upon a review of readily available facts; or (iii) by written opinion of independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily available facts.
Pursuant to Article IX, Section 3 of the Trust Instrument, if any present or former shareholder of any series (“Series”) of the Registrant shall be held personally liable solely by reason of his or her being or having been a shareholder and not because of his or her acts or omissions or for some other reason, the present or former shareholder (or his or her heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives or in the case of any entity, its general successor) shall be entitled out of the assets belonging to the applicable Series to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability. The Registrant, on behalf of the affected Series, shall, upon request by such shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made against such shareholder for any act or obligation of the Series and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets of the Series.
The Management Agreement between NBIA and the Registrant provides that neither NBIA nor any director, officer or employee of NBIA performing services for the series of the Registrant at the direction or request of NBIA in connection with NBIA’s discharge of its obligations under the Agreement shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a series in connection with any matter to which the Agreement relates; provided, that nothing in the Agreement shall be construed (i) to protect NBIA against any liability to the Registrant or any series thereof or their interest holders to which NBIA would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of NBIA’s reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Agreement, or (ii) to protect any director, officer or employee of NBIA who is or was a trustee or officer of the Registrant against any liability to the Registrant or any series thereof or its interest holders to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person’s office with Registrant.
The Administration Agreement between the Registrant and NBIA provides that the Registrant will indemnify NBIA and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by NBIA that result from: (i) any claim, action, suit or proceeding in connection with NBIA’s entry into or performance of this Agreement with respect to such series; or (ii) any action taken or omission to act committed by NBIA in the performance of its obligations under the Agreement with respect to such series; or (iii) any action of NBIA upon instructions believed in good faith by it to have been executed by a duly authorized officer or representative of the Registrant with respect to such series; provided, that NBIA shall not be entitled to such indemnification in respect of actions or omissions constituting negligence or misconduct on the part of NBIA or that of its employees, agents or contractors. Before confessing any claim against it which may be subject to indemnification by a series under the Agreement, NBIA shall give such series reasonable opportunity to defend against such claim in its own name or in the name of NBIA. The Administration Agreement also provides that NBIA will indemnify the Registrant and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by the Registrant that result from: (i) NBIA’s failure to comply with the terms of the Agreement; or (ii) NBIA’s lack of good faith in performing its obligations under the Agreement; or (iii) the negligence or misconduct of NBIA, or its employees, agents or contractors in connection with the Agreement. The Registrant shall not be entitled to such indemnification in respect of actions or omissions constituting negligence or misconduct on the part of the Registrant or its employees, agents or contractors other than NBIA, unless such negligence or misconduct results from or is accompanied by negligence or misconduct on the part of NBIA, any affiliated person of NBIA, or any affiliated person of an affiliated person of NBIA.
The Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and NBBD provides that NBBD shall look only to the assets of a Series for the Registrant’s performance of the Agreement by the Registrant on behalf of such Series, and neither the Trustees nor any of the Registrant’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as adopted (“1933 Act”) may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. The Registrant also maintains Directors and Officers Insurance.
| Item 31. | Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser. |
There is set forth below information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each director or officer of NBIA is, or at any time during the past two years has been, engaged for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
| NAME | BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS | |
|
Archena Alagappan Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Associate Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Joseph V. Amato President – Equities and Chief Investment Officer – Equities, NBIA |
Chief Executive Officer and President, Neuberger Berman Holdings LLC (including its predecessor, Neuberger Berman Inc.); President and Director of Neuberger Berman Group LLC; Chief Executive Officer and President, NB BD LLC; Director/Trustee, ten registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator; Chief Executive Officer and President, ten registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. | |
| Thanos Bardas Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Ashok Bhatia Co-Chief Investment Officer – Fixed Income and Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Jennifer Blachford Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
James Bowden Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Managing Director, NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (“NBAA”). | |
| Claudia A. Brandon Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Executive Vice President and Secretary, twenty-eight registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. | |
|
Richard N. Bradt Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| David M. Brown Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Chad Bruso Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
John Buser Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; President and Managing Director, NBAA. | |
|
Stephen J. Casey Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Brad E. Cetron Chief Compliance Officer, Head of Compliance and Managing Director, NBIA |
Chief Compliance Officer and Managing Director, NB BD LLC. |
| NAME | BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS | |
| Elias Cohen Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Timothy Creedon Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Kai Cui Managing Director, NBIA |
Portfolio Manager. | |
| Robert W. D’Alelio Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Derek Devens Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Agnes Diaz Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Vice President, ten registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. | |
| Anthony DiBernardo Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Assistant Treasurer, ten registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. | |
|
Rory Ewing Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Michael Foster Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Raman Gambhir Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Associate Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Jacob Gamerman |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Rand W. Gesing Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Jennifer Gorgoll Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Michael C. Greene Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Daniel P. Hanson Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Jeffrey Hunn Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| William Hunter Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. |
| NAME | BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS | |
|
Fred Ingham Managing Director, NBIA |
Portfolio Manager. | |
| James L. Iselin Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Corey A. Issing General Counsel – Mutual Funds and Managing Director, NBIA |
Chief Legal Officer (only for purposes of sections 307 and 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), twenty-eight registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. | |
|
Sheila James Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Assistant Secretary, twenty-eight registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. | |
| Brian C. Jones Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Charles Kantor Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Tokufumi Kato Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Brian Kerrane Chief Operating Officer – Mutual Funds and Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Chief Operating Officer, and Vice President, twenty-eight registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. | |
|
Erik Knutzen Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Multi-Asset Class Chief Investment Officer, Neuberger Berman Group LLC. | |
|
Christopher Kocinski Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| David Kupperman Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Managing Director, NBAIM; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Nathan Kush Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| David Levine Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Richard S. Levine Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Joseph Lind Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. |
| NAME | BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS | |
|
Brian Lord Chief Compliance Officer – Fixed Income and Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC. | |
| Joseph P. Lynch Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Jeffrey Majit Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Managing Director, NBAIM; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Anthony Maltese Senior Vice President |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Vice President, ten registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. | |
|
Jared Mann Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
James F. McAree Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Kevin McCarthy Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Matthew McGinnis Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
John McGovern Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, ten registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. | |
|
S. Blake Miller Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Trevor Moreno Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Richard S. Nackenson Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Benjamin H. Nahum Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Olumide Owolabi Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Eric J. Pelio Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Alexandra Pomeroy Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. |
| NAME | BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS | |
| Douglas A. Rachlin Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Hari Ramanan Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Marc Regenbaum Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Brett S. Reiner Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Joana Rocha Schaff Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Managing Director, NBAA. | |
| Conrad A. Saldanha Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Eli M. Salzmann Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
John San Marco Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Linda Sharaby Secretary and Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director and Secretary, NB BD LLC; Managing Director and Secretary, Neuberger Berman Holdings LLC. | |
| Steve Shigekawa Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Ronald B. Silvestri Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Jonathan Shofet Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Managing Director, NBAA. | |
|
Brien Smith Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, NBAA. | |
|
Amit Solomon Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Gregory G. Spiegel Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
David Stonberg Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Managing Director, NBAA. | |
|
Robert Surgent Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. |
| NAME | BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS | |
|
Brad Tank Co-Chief Investment Officer - Fixed Income and Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Jason Tauber Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Daniel Tracer Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President and Head of Financial Regulation, NB BD LLC; Senior Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, five registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as investment manager and/or administrator. | |
| Shawn Trudeau Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Anthony Tutrone Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, NBAA. | |
|
James Tyre Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
|
Gorky Urquieta Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Judith M. Vale Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC. | |
|
Leo Anthony Viola Controller and Managing Director, NBIA |
Controller and Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Treasurer, NBAA. | |
|
Peter Von Lehe Managing Director, NBIA |
Managing Director, NB BD LLC; Managing Director, NBAA. | |
|
David Yi Wan Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. | |
| Eric Zhou Senior Vice President, NBIA |
Senior Vice President, NB BD LLC; Portfolio Manager. |
The principal address of NBIA and each of the investment companies named above is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104-0002.
| Item 32. | Principal Underwriters. |
(a) Neuberger Berman BD LLC, the principal underwriter distributing securities of the Registrant, is also the principal underwriter and distributor for each of the following investment companies:
Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust
Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Neuberger Berman Income Funds
(b) Set forth below is information concerning the directors and officers of the Registrant’s principal underwriter. The principal business address of each of the persons listed is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104-0002, which is also the address of the Registrant’s principal underwriter.
| NAME | POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH UNDERWRITER | POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH REGISTRANT | ||
| Archena Alagappan | Senior Vice President | None | ||
| Joseph V. Amato | Chief Executive Officer and President | President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee | ||
| Thanos Bardas | Managing Director | None | ||
| Ashok Bhatia | Managing Director | None | ||
| Jennifer Blachford | Senior Vice President | None | ||
| James Bowden | Managing Director | None | ||
| Richard N. Bradt | Managing Director | None | ||
| Claudia A. Brandon | Senior Vice President | Executive Vice President and Secretary | ||
| David M. Brown | Managing Director | None | ||
| Chad Bruso | Managing Director | None | ||
| John Buser | Managing Director | None | ||
| Stephen J. Casey | Managing Director | None | ||
| Brad E. Cetron | Chief Compliance Officer and Managing Director | None | ||
| Elias Cohen | Managing Director | None | ||
| Timothy Creedon | Managing Director | None | ||
| Robert W. D’Alelio | Managing Director | None | ||
| Derek Devens | Managing Director | None | ||
| Agnes Diaz | Senior Vice President | Vice President | ||
| Anthony DiBernardo | Senior Vice President | Assistant Treasurer | ||
| Michael Foster | Managing Director | None | ||
| Raman Gambhir | Managing Director | None | ||
| Jacob Gamerman | Managing Director | None | ||
| Rand W. Gesing | Senior Vice President | None | ||
| Jennifer Gorgoll | Managing Director | None | ||
| Michael C. Greene | Managing Director | None | ||
| Jeffrey Hunn | Senior Vice President | None | ||
| William Hunter | Managing Director | None | ||
| James L. Iselin | Managing Director | None | ||
| Sheila James | Senior Vice President | Assistant Secretary | ||
| Brian C. Jones | Managing Director | None | ||
| Charles Kantor | Managing Director | None | ||
| Brian Kerrane | Managing Director | Chief Operating Officer and Vice President | ||
| Erik Knutzen | Managing Director | None | ||
| Christopher Kocinski | Managing Director | None | ||
| David Kupperman | Managing Director | None | ||
| Nathan Kush | Managing Director | None | ||
| David Levine | Managing Director | None | ||
| Richard S. Levine | Managing Director | None |
| NAME | POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH UNDERWRITER | POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH REGISTRANT | ||
| Joseph Lind | Managing Director | None | ||
| Brian Lord | Senior Vice President | None | ||
| Joseph P. Lynch | Managing Director | None | ||
| Jeffrey Majit | Managing Director | None | ||
| Anthony Maltese | Senior Vice President | Vice President | ||
| Jared Mann | Managing Director | None | ||
| James F. McAree | Managing Director | None | ||
| Kevin McCarthy | Managing Director | None | ||
| Matthew McGinnis | Senior Vice President | None | ||
| John McGovern | Managing Director | Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer | ||
| S. Blake Miller | Managing Director | None | ||
| Trevor Moreno | Managing Director | None | ||
| Richard S. Nackenson | Managing Director | None | ||
| Benjamin H. Nahum | Managing Director | None | ||
| Olumide Owolabi | Managing Director | None | ||
| Eric J. Pelio | Senior Vice President | None | ||
| Alexandra Pomeroy | Managing Director | None | ||
| Douglas A. Rachlin | Managing Director | None | ||
| Marc Regenbaum | Managing Director | None | ||
| Brett S. Reiner | Managing Director | None | ||
| Henry Rosenberg | Managing Director | None | ||
| Conrad A. Saldanha | Managing Director | None | ||
| Eli M. Salzmann | Managing Director | None | ||
| Ronald B. Silvestri | Managing Director | None | ||
| Linda Sharaby | Secretary and Managing Director | None | ||
| Steve Shigekawa | Managing Director | None | ||
| Jonathan Shofet | Managing Director | None | ||
| Brien Smith | Managing Director | None | ||
| Amit Solomon | Managing Director | None | ||
| Gregory G. Spiegel | Managing Director | None | ||
| David Stonberg | Managing Director | None | ||
| Robert Surgent | Managing Director | None | ||
| Brad Tank | Managing Director | None | ||
| Jason Tauber | Managing Director | None | ||
| Daniel Tracer | Senior Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, Head of Financial Regulation, and Senior Vice President | Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer | ||
| Shawn Trudeau | Managing Director | None | ||
| Anthony Tutrone | Managing Director | None | ||
| James Tyre | Senior Vice President | None | ||
| Gorky Urquieta | Managing Director | None | ||
| Judith M. Vale | Managing Director | None | ||
| Leo Anthony Viola | Controller and Managing Director | None | ||
| Peter Von Lehe | Managing Director | None | ||
| David Yi Wan | Senior Vice President | None | ||
| Richard Werman | Managing Director | None | ||
| Eric Zhou | Senior Vice President | None |
(c) No commissions or other compensation were received directly or indirectly from the Registrant by any principal underwriter who was not an affiliated person of the Registrant.
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.
All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder with respect to the Registrant are maintained at the offices of State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, except for the Registrant’s Trust Instrument and By-Laws, minutes of meetings of the Registrant’s Trustees and shareholders and the Registrant’s policies and contracts, which are maintained at the offices of the Registrant, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104-0002.
Item 34. Management Services.
Other than as set forth in Parts A and B of this Post-Effective Amendment, the Registrant is not a party to any management-related service contract.
Item 35. Undertakings.
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement under Rule 485(b) under the 1933 Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City and State of New York on the 2nd day of December, 2024.
| NEUBERGER BERMAN ETF TRUST | ||
| By: | /s/ Joseph V. Amato | |
| Name: | Joseph V. Amato | |
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ Joseph V. Amato |
President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee |
December 2, 2024 | ||
| Joseph V. Amato | ||||
| /s/ John M. McGovern |
Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer |
December 2, 2024 | ||
| John M. McGovern | ||||
/s/ Michael J. Cosgrove |
Trustee | December 13, 2024 | ||
| Michael J. Cosgrove* | ||||
/s/ Marc Gary |
Trustee | December 13, 2024 | ||
| Marc Gary* | ||||
/s/ Martha C. Goss |
Trustee | December 13, 2024 | ||
| Martha C. Goss* | ||||
/s/ Ami Kaplan |
Trustee | December 13, 2024 | ||
| Ami Kaplan* | ||||
/s/ Michael M. Knetter |
Trustee | December 13, 2024 | ||
| Michael M. Knetter* | ||||
/s/ Deborah C. McLean |
Trustee | December 13, 2024 | ||
| Deborah C. McLean* | ||||
/s/ George W. Morriss |
Trustee | December 13, 2024 | ||
| George W. Morriss* | ||||
/s/ Paul M. Nakasone |
Trustee | December 13, 2024 | ||
| Paul M. Nakasone* | ||||
/s/ Tom D. Seip |
Chairman of the Board and Trustee | December 13, 2024 | ||
| Tom D. Seip* | ||||
/s/ Franklyn E. Smith |
Trustee | December 13, 2024 | ||
| Franklyn E. Smith* |
| * | Signatures affixed by Franklin H. Na on December 13, 2024, pursuant to powers of attorney filed with the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on March 30, 2022, Post‑Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on August 2, 2023, and Post‑Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on September 27, 2024 (File Nos. 333-261613 and 811-23761). |
SIGNATURES
Neuberger Berman Cayman Commodity Fund I Ltd. has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement for Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, a series of Neuberger Berman ETF Trust, with respect only to information that specifically relates to Neuberger Berman Cayman Commodity Fund I Ltd., to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City and State of New York on the 13th day of December, 2024.
|
NEUBERGER BERMAN CAYMAN COMMODITY FUND I LTD. |
||
| By: | /s/ Joseph V. Amato | |
| Name: | Joseph V. Amato | |
| Title: | Director | |
This Registration Statement of Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF, a series of Neuberger Berman ETF Trust, with respect only to information that specifically relates Neuberger Berman Cayman Commodity Fund I Ltd., has been signed by the following persons in the capacities on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ Joseph V. Amato | Director, Neuberger Berman Cayman Commodity Fund I Ltd. | December 13, 2024 | ||
| Joseph V. Amato | ||||
| /s/ George W. Morriss | Director, Neuberger Berman Cayman Commodity Fund I Ltd. | December 13, 2024 | ||
| George W. Morriss* |
| * | Signatures affixed by Franklin H. Na on December 13, 2024, pursuant to a power of attorney filed with Post- Effective Amendment No. 69 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Neuberger Berman Alternative Funds, File Nos. 333-122847 and 811-21715, on February 25, 2019. |
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