7 Things Advisors Need to Know About Unit Investment Trusts
July 24, 2012 7:35 AM
7 Things Advisors Need to Know About Unit Investment Trusts<br><br>
Unit investment trusts aren?t as popular with investors as mutual funds, ETFs or closed-end funds, but they share many of the qualities of these more widely held and, frankly, better understood investment products.
Yet UITs can be a viable alternative for investors who prefer to hold a diversified blend of stock without sacrificing liquidity. Equally important, because the investments within the unit trust rarely change, it's easy for advisors and clients to track the performance of their diversified investment portfolio.
Here are seven facts advisors and their clients need to know about unit investment trusts:
Source: Kevin Mahn, President and Chief Investment Officer, Hennion & Walsh Asset Management.
Yet UITs can be a viable alternative for investors who prefer to hold a diversified blend of stock without sacrificing liquidity. Equally important, because the investments within the unit trust rarely change, it's easy for advisors and clients to track the performance of their diversified investment portfolio.
Here are seven facts advisors and their clients need to know about unit investment trusts:
Source: Kevin Mahn, President and Chief Investment Officer, Hennion & Walsh Asset Management.
1. What Are UITs?<br><br>
Unit Investment Trusts (UITs) are a fixed portfolio of stocks, bonds or other securities. These types of portfolios allow investors to know what securities are held within a UIT as of the date of deposit, as well as the mandatory termination date of the trust.
While it is not common, a trust may terminate early as described in the prospectus. UITs offer an attractive opportunity for investors to own a portfolio of securities via a low minimum, typically liquid investment.
As a point of contrast, while many actively managed funds continually buy and sell securities, thereby changing their investment mix, the securities held in a UIT generally remain fixed.
Image: Shutterstock
While it is not common, a trust may terminate early as described in the prospectus. UITs offer an attractive opportunity for investors to own a portfolio of securities via a low minimum, typically liquid investment.
As a point of contrast, while many actively managed funds continually buy and sell securities, thereby changing their investment mix, the securities held in a UIT generally remain fixed.
Image: Shutterstock
2. How Are Securities In UITs Chosen?<br><br>
UIT securities are chosen according to a quantitative selection process determined by a sponsor while some are based on an index. Other UITs are chosen by experienced analysts or portfolio managers, who research the securities and screen them for various characteristics, according to specific objectives.
Once securities are selected, the UIT portfolios are then supervised accordingly throughout the life of the trust.
Once securities are selected, the UIT portfolios are then supervised accordingly throughout the life of the trust.
3. Can Securities Be Removed From a UIT at Any Time?<br><br>
While it is rare, a security held in a UIT may be removed from a portfolio under certain circumstances, such as a significant decline in credit rating. By and large, securities held in a UIT remain fixed for the life of the trust, regardless of market value.
4. What Options Are Available to Investors When a UIT Matures?<br><br>
Option #1: Rollover at a Reduced Sales Charge
At a reduced sales charge, investors may roll over into a new series of the same trust, if available, or any other SmartTrust? UIT available in the primary market*
Option #2: Maturity
Investors may do nothing and allow the portfolio units to mature. The trust will liquidate and they will receive a cash distribution of the trust's proceeds, if any.
Option #3: In-kind Distribution
Investors may generally request an in-kind distribution of the securities underlying the units if they own 2,500 or more units at either the time of purchase or maturity. Please see additional provisions set forth in the prospectus. SmartTrust? Unit Investment Trusts are generally long-term investment strategies and investors should consider their ability to invest in successive portfolios, if available.
Investors should consult their tax advisor to determine tax consequences associated with an investment from one portfolio to the next, if available. Refer to the trust prospectus for more complete in-kind distribution information. In-kind distribution is generally available for stocks traded and held in the United States. In-kind distribution may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice.
*Maturity rollover is considered a taxable event. Please refer to each trust's prospectus for complete rollover option information. Investors should be aware that there is a time limit to notify the trustee of the rollover.
At a reduced sales charge, investors may roll over into a new series of the same trust, if available, or any other SmartTrust? UIT available in the primary market*
Option #2: Maturity
Investors may do nothing and allow the portfolio units to mature. The trust will liquidate and they will receive a cash distribution of the trust's proceeds, if any.
Option #3: In-kind Distribution
Investors may generally request an in-kind distribution of the securities underlying the units if they own 2,500 or more units at either the time of purchase or maturity. Please see additional provisions set forth in the prospectus. SmartTrust? Unit Investment Trusts are generally long-term investment strategies and investors should consider their ability to invest in successive portfolios, if available.
Investors should consult their tax advisor to determine tax consequences associated with an investment from one portfolio to the next, if available. Refer to the trust prospectus for more complete in-kind distribution information. In-kind distribution is generally available for stocks traded and held in the United States. In-kind distribution may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice.
*Maturity rollover is considered a taxable event. Please refer to each trust's prospectus for complete rollover option information. Investors should be aware that there is a time limit to notify the trustee of the rollover.
5. Can Units of UITs Be Sold Prior to Maturity?<br><br>
You may sell all, or a portion of, your units any day the stock market is open. You will receive the then-current net asset value of the units, based on the current market value of the underlying securities in the portfolio, less any remaining deferred sales charge, as of the evaluation time.
Obviously, as the market fluctuates, so will the value of your units. Therefore, your units may be worth more or less than what you originally paid.
Obviously, as the market fluctuates, so will the value of your units. Therefore, your units may be worth more or less than what you originally paid.
6. How Are UITs Priced?<br><br>
UITs are priced at the end of each business day similar to mutual funds. The price is based on the market value of the underlying securities and includes cash and other assets and liabilities held by the trust.
7. Are UITs Regulated?<br><br>
Unit investment trusts are one of three basic types of investment company. Investment companies are subject to stringent federal laws and oversight by the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is important to note that the SEC does not approve or disapprove of UITs or the securities within a given UIT or pass upon the adequacy of any prospectus for a given UIT.
Investment companies are regulated primarily under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This federal statute is highly detailed and governs the structure and day-to-day operations of investment companies. Investment companies are also subject to regulations of the Securities Act of 1933, FINRA, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Also see:
7 Top Dividend-Focused ETFs
6 Simple (But Important) ETF Trading Tips
10 Gigantic Mistakes That Can Cripple Your Clients? ETF Portfolios
10 Undervalued, Dividend-Paying Stocks
10 Dividend-Paying Stocks Your Clients Will Want
Investment companies are regulated primarily under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This federal statute is highly detailed and governs the structure and day-to-day operations of investment companies. Investment companies are also subject to regulations of the Securities Act of 1933, FINRA, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Also see:
7 Top Dividend-Focused ETFs
6 Simple (But Important) ETF Trading Tips
10 Gigantic Mistakes That Can Cripple Your Clients? ETF Portfolios
10 Undervalued, Dividend-Paying Stocks
10 Dividend-Paying Stocks Your Clients Will Want
