First Trust Advisors L.P. Announces Continuation of Share Repurchase Programs for Certain Closed-End Funds

Rhea-AI Summary

First Trust Advisors L.P. has announced the continuation of the Share Repurchase Program for three funds: First Trust New Opportunities MLP & Energy Fund (FPL), First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (FIF), and First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund (FSD). The program allows for the repurchase of up to 5% of each Fund's outstanding shares, totaling 1,247,121 for FPL, 848,383 for FIF, and 1,673,507 for FSD, until March 15, 2022. Share buybacks aim to enhance shareholder value, although there is no guarantee on the purchase levels.

Positive

• Share Repurchase Program is ongoing, indicating management's confidence in enhancing shareholder value.
• Significant number of shares available for repurchase: 1,247,121 (FPL), 848,383 (FIF), and 1,673,507 (FSD).

Negative

• None.

First Trust Advisors L.P. (“FTA”) is pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees of each of First Trust New Opportunities MLP & Energy Fund (NYSE: FPL), First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (NYSE: FIF) and First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund (NYSE: FSD) has authorized the continuation of the Share Repurchase Program for each Fund. Pursuant to each Fund’s Share Repurchase Program, each Fund may, from time to time and at the direction of management personnel, repurchase up to the amount of shares in each Fund’s Share Repurchase Program described below in secondary market transactions in accordance with applicable law. Each Fund’s Share Repurchase Program will continue until the earlier of (i) the repurchase of 5% of each Fund’s outstanding shares or (ii) March 15, 2022.

Fund	Number of Shares Available for Repurchase through March 15, 2022
First Trust New Opportunities MLP & Energy Fund	1,247,121
First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund	848,383
First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund	1,673,507

Each Fund’s repurchase activity will be disclosed in its shareholder report for the relevant fiscal period. There is no assurance that any Fund will purchase shares at any specific levels or in any specific amounts.

The risks of investing in each Fund are spelled out in its respective shareholder reports, and other regulatory filings. Each Fund’s daily closing price and net asset value per share as well as other information can be found at www.ftportfolios.com or by calling (800) 988-5891.

First Trust Advisors L.P. (“FTA”) is a federally registered investment advisor and serves as each 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 $179 billion as of February 28, 2021 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.

The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, FTA is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. FTA has no knowledge of and has not been provided any information regarding any investor. Financial advisors must determine whether particular investments are appropriate for their clients. FTA believes the financial advisor is a fiduciary, is capable of evaluating investment risks independently and is responsible for exercising independent judgment with respect to its retirement plan clients.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210309006056/en/

FAQ

What is the purpose of the Share Repurchase Program for FPL, FIF, and FSD?

The Share Repurchase Program aims to enhance shareholder value by allowing the repurchase of up to 5% of outstanding shares.

How many shares are available for repurchase in the First Trust funds?

FPL has 1,247,121 shares, FIF has 848,383 shares, and FSD has 1,673,507 shares available for repurchase.

When does the Share Repurchase Program for FPL, FIF, and FSD expire?

The program will continue until March 15, 2022.

What could be the impact of the Share Repurchase Program on the stock price of FPL, FIF, and FSD?

The program could potentially boost stock prices as it may indicate management's confidence and improve shareholder value.