Empowered Funds LLC Announces ETFs Liquidation, De-listing

Rhea-AI Summary

Empowered Funds (NYSE: STXI) announced scheduled liquidation and delisting of Strive International Developed Markets ETF (STXI) and Strive Mid-Cap ETF (STXM), with funds closing to purchases after March 26, 2026 and a projected liquidation date on or about March 27, 2026.

Shareholders may sell on or before the Closing Date, distributions of cash pro rata are expected on or about March 30, 2026, and proceeds will generally be taxable as capital gain or loss.

Positive

• Clear timetable: Closing Date March 26, 2026
• Pro rata cash distribution expected March 30, 2026

Negative

• Funds will be delisted and cease trading, ending liquidity
• Liquidation may trigger taxable capital gains or losses for investors

Key Figures

Liquidation Date: March 27, 2026 Closing Date: March 26, 2026 Distribution Date: March 30, 2026 +3 more

6 metrics

Liquidation Date March 27, 2026 Scheduled ETF liquidation date for STXI and STXM

Closing Date March 26, 2026 Last trading day and final date for purchase orders

Distribution Date March 30, 2026 Date cash will be distributed pro rata to shareholders

Current Price $31.76 Price prior to liquidation announcement impact

52-week High $34.175 Pre-announcement 52-week high level

52-week Low $23.1 Pre-announcement 52-week low level

Market Reality Check

Price: $31.84 Vol: Volume 2,089 is at 0.33x ...

low vol

$31.84 Last Close

Volume Volume 2,089 is at 0.33x the 20-day average of 6,329, indicating relatively light trading ahead of the liquidation announcement. low

Technical Price at 31.76 is trading above the 200-day MA of 30.3, despite the fund’s scheduled liquidation.

Peers on Argus

No peer ETFs are flagged in the momentum scanner, and there is no sector-wide mo...

No peer ETFs are flagged in the momentum scanner, and there is no sector-wide move indicated; trading dynamics appear specific to STXI’s liquidation news.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement sets a clear timeline for STXI’s closure, with trading ending on March 26, 2026, l...

Analysis

This announcement sets a clear timeline for STXI’s closure, with trading ending on March 26, 2026, liquidation on March 27, 2026, and cash distributions on March 30, 2026. Investors face a taxable event tied to their individual tax basis, and net asset value will reflect any closing costs. Key metrics to watch include the fund’s NAV into the liquidation date and any accrued capital gains or dividends in final payouts.

Key Terms

net asset value, capital gains, dividends, broker-dealers, +1 more

5 terms

net asset value financial

"the Funds' net asset value will reflect the costs of closing the Funds"

Net asset value is the total value of an investment fund's assets minus any liabilities, divided by the number of shares or units outstanding. It represents the per-share worth of the fund, similar to how the value of a house is determined by its total worth after debts are subtracted. Investors use it to gauge the true value of their holdings and to compare different investment options.

capital gains financial

"these payments to shareholders may include distributions of accrued capital gains and dividends"

Capital gains are the profit you make when you sell an investment—like a stock, bond, or property—for more than you paid for it. Investors care because these gains directly boost returns and can trigger taxes, so the timing and choice to sell affect how much money you keep; think of it like selling a house for a higher price and deciding when to close the sale to maximize proceeds after taxes.

dividends financial

"distributions of accrued capital gains and dividends"

Dividends are cash payments a company gives to its shareholders from profits or cash reserves, effectively sharing part of its earnings with owners. They matter to investors because they provide a steady income stream, act like an interest or rent payment on owning the stock, and signal management’s confidence in the business—factors that influence total return and share price. Regular or special dividends can change an investor’s income and reinvestment strategy.

broker-dealers financial

"shareholders may only be able to sell their shares to certain broker-dealers"

A broker-dealer is a firm or individual that helps people buy and sell securities and may also trade those securities for its own account. Think of it like a market clerk who can either match a buyer with a seller or sell items from the shop’s shelves; investors rely on broker-dealers to execute trades, custody assets, provide market access and advice, and their actions and fees can affect trade speed, cost and potential conflicts of interest.

tax basis financial

"capital gain or loss depending on a shareholder's tax basis"

Tax basis is the original value assigned to an asset for tax purposes, adjusted over time for things like improvements, depreciation, or distributions; it serves as the starting point used to calculate gain or loss when the asset is sold. For investors, it determines how much of a sale is treated as taxable profit—think of it as the purchase price on a receipt you subtract from the selling price to see what portion is taxed, so a higher basis usually means a smaller tax bill.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa., March 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Empowered Funds, LLC today announced the scheduled liquidation on or about March 27, 2026 (the Liquidation Date) of the following ETFs (the Funds):

• Strive International Developed Markets ETF (NYSE: STXI)
• Strive Mid-Cap ETF (NYSE: STXM)

The Funds are being liquidated based on a review of the products' strategies and anticipated investor demand. 

The Funds 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 March 26, 2026 (the "Closing Date"). The Funds will not accept purchase orders after the Closing Date.

Shareholders may sell their holdings in the Funds on or prior to the Closing 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 Funds' shares during this period. During the period up to the Liquidation Date, all or a portion of each Fund may not be invested in a manner consistent with its stated investment objective and strategies, and each Fund may increase its cash holdings.

On or about March 30, 2026, the Funds 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 Funds' net asset value will reflect the costs of closing the Funds, if any. Once the distributions are complete, the Funds will terminate.

ABOUT ETF ARCHITECT

Veteran owned and operated; ETF Architect is the market leader for best-in-class ETF operations. ETF Architect partners with Advisers, ETF sponsors, mutual fund managers, and industry veterans to launch ETFs. For more information, visit www.ETFArchitect.com.

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 1.855.427.7360 or visit our website at https://www.strivefunds.com/. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

The Funds are distributed by PINE Distributors, LLC. The Funds' investment adviser is Empowered Funds, LLC, which is doing business as ETF Architect. Strive Asset Management, LLC serves as the sub-adviser to the Funds. PINE Distributors LLC is not affiliated with ETF Architect or Strive Asset Management, LLC.

Contact:
ETF Architect
(215) 330-4476

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/empowered-funds-llc-announces-etfs-liquidation-de-listing-302708484.html

SOURCE ETF Architect

FAQ

When will STXI and STXM stop accepting purchases and trading on NYSE?

The Funds stop accepting purchases after the close of trading on March 26, 2026. According to Empowered Funds, shares may be sold on or before that Closing Date, but purchase orders will not be accepted after that time.

What is the expected Liquidation Date and distribution timing for STXI (NYSE: STXI)?

The Liquidation Date is on or about March 27, 2026 and distributions are expected on or about March 30, 2026. According to Empowered Funds, cash will be distributed pro rata to shareholders of record as of the Liquidation Date.

How will shareholders receive proceeds and are distributions taxable for STXI?

Proceeds will be distributed in cash pro rata to shareholders and are generally taxable as capital gain or loss. According to Empowered Funds, payments may include accrued capital gains and dividends, and investors should consult tax advisors.

Can shareholders sell STXI shares after the Closing Date on March 26, 2026?

Shareholders cannot purchase after the Closing Date and selling may be limited after close on March 26, 2026. According to Empowered Funds, there is no assurance a market will exist and some broker-dealers may not facilitate trades.

Will STXI maintain its investment objective and holdings before liquidation?

Between the Closing Date and Liquidation Date, the Funds may not remain fully invested in stated strategies and may increase cash holdings. According to Empowered Funds, investments could be adjusted to facilitate winding down and cover closing costs.