Corporate Investment Grade Laddered Portfolio, Series 22

Corporate Bond Basics

A corporate bond is a debt obligation issued by a corporation. Issuing bonds can be an alternative to offering equity ownership by issuing stock. Payments to bondholders have priority over payments to stockholders.

Why Investment Grade?

Within the bond market, there is a category of bonds considered “investment grade.” Investment-grade bonds are rated BBB/Baa or higher by major credit rating agencies. The designation of a bond as investment grade is based upon an evaluation by a credit rating agency of the corporation’s credit history and ability to repay obligations. This rating generally signifies that the quality of a particular bond is sufficient to provide reasonable assurance of the issuer’s ability to meet their obligations to bondholders. Investment-grade bonds generally are a high credit quality asset class with historically low default rates. There is, however, no assurance that the securities selected for the trust will continue to receive an investment-grade rating in the future or that such rating will ensure an issuer’s ability to satisfy its obligations to bondholders.

What Is A Bond Ladder?

A bond ladder is a portfolio of fixed-income securities that mature at regular intervals across a chosen maturity range. The purpose of a laddered portfolio is to generate a more predictable income stream with the potential to minimize interest rate risk by holding both short-term and long-term securities. This portfolio is comprised of distinct groupings of corporate bond securities with maturities beginning approximately two years after the initial date of deposit. The portfolio is designed to return approximately 20% of your principal beginning approximately two years after the initial date of deposit and thereafter approximately 20% of your principal every two years.

Portfolio Selection

Our analysts use a multiple factor approach when assessing the credit strength of the corporate bonds that are selected for inclusion in the trust. The analysis includes the issuer’s credit rating and financial outlook in conjunction with an evaluation of fundamental characteristics of the issuer which may include leverage, liquidity and profitability as well as industry specific and geographic risk. Factors considered at the security level include an analysis of the issuer’s capital structure, the subordination of the security, coupon type, liquidity and the amount of an issue outstanding. These factors in combination with the duration, yield, price, call features and maturity result in an overall determination of relative value.

Portfolio Objectives

The objectives of this unit investment trust are to distribute high current monthly income and to preserve capital by investing in a laddered portfolio of investment-grade corporate bonds. There is, however, no assurance that the objectives will be achieved.

You should carefully consider the portfolio's investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses before investing. Contact your financial professional or call First Trust Portfolios L.P. at 1.800.621.1675 to request a prospectus, which contains this and other information about the portfolio. Read it carefully before you invest.

Risk Considerations
An investment in this unmanaged unit investment trust should be made with an understanding of the risks associated with investment grade corporate bonds, including higher interest rates, economic recession, deterioration of the bond market or investors’ perception thereof, possible downgrades and defaults of interest and/or principal.

This UIT is a buy and hold strategy and investors should consider their ability to hold the trust until maturity. There may be tax consequences unless units are purchased in an IRA or other qualified plan.

The value of the securities held by the trust may be subject to steep declines or increased volatility due to changes in performance or perception of the issuers.

As the use of Internet technology has become more prevalent in the course of business, the trust has become more susceptible to potential operational risks through breaches in cybersecurity.

In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine which has caused and could continue to cause significant market disruptions and volatility within the markets in Russia, Europe, and the United States. The hostilities and sanctions resulting from those hostilities could have a significant impact on certain investments as well as performance.

The COVID-19 global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets. While the U.S. has resumed “reasonably” normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease.