Empowered Funds LLC Announces ETF's Liquidation, De-listing

Rhea-AI Summary

Empowered Funds will liquidate the AOT Software Platform ETF (NYSE ARCA: AOTS) on or about August 19, 2026, following a review of investor demand. The fund will cease trading and close to new purchases after the close of regular trading on August 18, 2026.

Shareholders may sell shares before liquidation, though market liquidity is not assured. After the Liquidation Date, the fund will distribute cash pro rata to shareholders, reflecting any closing costs, treatable as a taxable event, and then terminate.

Positive

• Clear liquidation timeline with trading ending August 18, 2026 and liquidation on or about August 19, 2026
• Pro rata cash distribution to all shareholders of record promptly after the Liquidation Date
• NAV at liquidation will reflect closing costs, providing transparency on final value to shareholders

Negative

• Fund liquidation and de‑listing of AOT Software Platform ETF, ending investors' access to the strategy
• Trading and purchase cutoff after August 18, 2026, with no assurance of secondary market liquidity before then
• Portfolio may deviate from stated investment objective and increase cash holdings prior to liquidation
• Taxable event for shareholders, with liquidation proceeds generally treated as capital gain or loss
• Liquidation costs reduce final net asset value as calculated on the Liquidation Date

News Explained

During the wind-down before the August 19, 2026 liquidation, AOT Software Platform ETF may hold more cash and may no longer be invested consistently with its stated objective and strategies, changing its portfolio exposure before termination.

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NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa., July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Empowered Funds, LLC today announced the scheduled liquidation on or about August 19, 2026 (the Liquidation Date) of the following ETF (the Fund):

• AOT Software Platform ETF (NYSE ARCA: AOTS)

The Fund is being liquidated based on a review of investor demand.

The Fund will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and will be closed to purchase by investors immediately after the close of regular trading on August 18, 2026. The Fund will not accept purchase orders after August 18, 2026.

Shareholders may sell their holdings in the Fund prior to the Liquidation Date, and customary brokerage charges will apply to these transactions. However, shareholders may only be able to sell their shares to certain broker-dealers, and there is no assurance that there will be a market for the Fund's shares during this period. During the period up to the Liquidation Date, all or a portion of the Fund may not be invested in a manner consistent with its stated investment objective and strategies, and the Fund may increase its cash holdings.  

Promptly after the Liquidation Date, the Fund will distribute cash pro rata to all shareholders of record as of the Liquidation Date, subject to any required withholding. Liquidation proceeds paid to shareholders generally should be treated as received in exchange for shares and will therefore be treated as a taxable event giving rise to a capital gain or loss depending on a shareholder's tax basis. Shareholders should contact their tax advisor to discuss the tax consequences of the liquidation. In addition, these payments to shareholders may include distributions of accrued capital gains and dividends. As calculated on the Liquidation Date, the Fund's net asset value will reflect the costs of closing the Fund, if any. Once the distributions are complete, the Fund will terminate. 

Important Information

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about the Funds, please call 1.215.330.4476 or visit our website at https://aotetf.com/. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

The Fund is distributed by PINE Distributors, LLC. The Fund's investment adviser is Empowered Funds, LLC, which is doing business as ETF Architect. AOT Invest, LLC serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund. PINE Distributors LLC is not affiliated with ETF Architect or AOT Invest, LLC.

Media Contact: 
Jamie Richards
jamie@etfarchitect.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/empowered-funds-llc-announces-etfs-liquidation-de-listing-302836972.html

SOURCE ETF Architect

FAQ

When will the AOT Software Platform ETF (AOTS) be liquidated?

The AOT Software Platform ETF (AOTS) is scheduled for liquidation on or about August 19, 2026. According to Empowered Funds, shareholders of record on that Liquidation Date will receive pro rata cash distributions after costs, and the fund will then terminate.

When will AOT Software Platform ETF (AOTS) stop trading on the NYSE?

AOT Software Platform ETF (AOTS) will cease trading after the close of regular trading on August 18, 2026. According to Empowered Funds, the fund will also close to new purchase orders at that time and will not accept purchases afterward.

Can AOTS shareholders sell their ETF shares before the August 2026 liquidation?

Shareholders can sell AOTS shares before the Liquidation Date, subject to customary brokerage charges. According to Empowered Funds, sales may be limited to certain broker‑dealers, and there is no assurance an active market will exist during this period before trading ceases.

How will liquidation of AOT Software Platform ETF (AOTS) be taxed for investors?

Liquidation proceeds for AOTS shareholders generally will be treated as received in exchange for shares, creating a taxable capital gain or loss. According to Empowered Funds, payments may also include accrued capital gains and dividends, and investors should consult their tax advisor.

What happens to AOTS holdings and investment strategy before liquidation?

Before liquidation, all or part of the AOTS portfolio may not follow its stated investment objective or strategies. According to Empowered Funds, the ETF may increase cash holdings, and its net asset value on the Liquidation Date will reflect any costs of closing the fund.

Who manages and distributes the AOT Software Platform ETF (AOTS) being liquidated?

According to Empowered Funds, the AOT Software Platform ETF’s investment adviser is Empowered Funds, doing business as ETF Architect. AOT Invest serves as sub‑adviser, and the fund is distributed by PINE Distributors, which is not affiliated with ETF Architect or AOT Invest.