Corporate Investment Grade Laddered Portfolio, Series 24
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.
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.
| Not FDIC Insured • Not Bank Guaranteed • May Lose Value |
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.
Certain of the securities held by the trust is issued by a REIT. Companies involved in the real estate industry are subject to changes in the real estate market, vacancy rates and competition, volatile interest rates and economic recession.
Securities of non-U.S. issuers are subject to additional risks, including currency fluctuations, political risks, withholding, the lack of adequate financial information, and exchange control restrictions impacting non-U.S. 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 ongoing effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic, or the potential impacts of any future public health crisis, may cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets. While vaccines have been developed, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against future variants of the disease.
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.
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.