First Trust Announces a 1-for-5 Reverse Share Split for FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance ETF

WHEATON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Trust Advisors L.P. (“FTA”) announced today that the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII (the “Trust”), on behalf of FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance ETF (the “Fund”), an actively-managed exchange-traded fund (NYSE Arca: FBDC), approved a 1-for-5 reverse share split.

The reverse share split will result in every five outstanding shares of the Fund being converted into one share of the Fund, with any resulting fractional shares of the Fund being paid out in cash to the beneficial shareholder. As a result of the reverse share split, the price per share of the Fund will increase by approximately five-times its price immediately prior to the split and the number of the Fund’s total shares outstanding will correspondingly decrease. Subject to the payment of cash for fractional shares, once the reverse share split is complete, each shareholder’s account will reflect approximately one-fifth fewer Fund shares with a net asset value per share that reflects the combined shares and the reverse share split will not change the total value of a shareholder’s investment in the Fund. While the reverse share split itself is not expected to be a taxable event to shareholders, receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares may cause some shareholders to realize gains or losses, and shareholders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding any specific implications.

The Fund’s shares will continue to trade under the same ticker symbol, FBDC. The Fund’s current CUSIP number (33740F110) will be replaced by a new CUSIP number that is yet to be determined, but will be announced once available. FTA currently anticipates the reverse share split will be effective as of the opening of business on NYSE Arca on or about August 4, 2025, subject to all regulatory requirements and other conditions being satisfied.

The Fund is an actively managed ETF that seeks to provide a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of attractive total return. The Fund pursues these investment objectives by investing in business development companies and other specialty finance companies that the Fund’s investment sub-advisor, Confluence Investment Management LLC (“Confluence”), believes offer attractive opportunities for income and capital appreciation.

FTA is a federally registered investment advisor and serves as the Fund's investment advisor. FTA and its affiliate First Trust Portfolios L.P. (“FTP”), a FINRA registered broker-dealer, are privately-held companies that provide a variety of investment services. FTA has collective assets under management or supervision of approximately $278.7 billion as of June 30, 2025, through unit investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, mutual funds and separate managed accounts. FTA is the supervisor of the First Trust unit investment trusts, while FTP is the sponsor. FTP is also a distributor of mutual fund shares and exchange-traded fund creation units. FTA and FTP are based in Wheaton, Illinois.

Confluence Investment Management LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor, serves as the investment sub-advisor to the Fund. The Confluence team has more than 600 years of combined financial experience and 400 years of portfolio management/research experience, maintaining a track record that dates back to 1994. As of March 31, 2025, Confluence had $12.7 billion in assets under management and advisement (assets under management = $7.2 billion; assets under advisement = $5.5 billion).

This press release is not intended to, and shall not, constitute an offer to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. An investor should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectus for the Fund contains this and other important information and is available free of charge by calling First Trust Portfolios L.P. at 1-800-621-1675 or visiting www.ftportfolios.com. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

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Jeff Margolin – (630) 517-7643

Jim Dykas – (630) 517-7665

Source: First Trust Advisors L.P.