Aptus Capital Advisors Expands Active, Options-Based ETF Lineup with the Launch of the Aptus Deferred Income ETF (Cboe: DEFR)

DEFR aims to enhance fixed income returns, with improved tax-efficiency

Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC (Aptus) today announced the launch of the Aptus Deferred Income ETF (Cboe: DEFR), an actively managed ETF designed for investors seeking core fixed income exposure with the objective of outperformance and/or enhanced tax efficiency. DEFR targets pre-tax returns that exceed those of traditional bond portfolios, by shifting the composition of return to reduce current taxable income—an advantage for high-income investors and taxable accounts.

DEFR offers a differentiated approach to fixed income. Instead of relying on the interest income from traditional bonds, it uses a unique combination of Treasury ETF exposure and option overlay strategies. This structure is designed to replicate the interest rate sensitivity and return potential of core bonds, but with returns driven primarily by capital appreciation and deferred gains rather than current taxable income, for tax-efficiency.

“Our goal with DEFR is to help investors keep more of what they earn,” said JD Gardner, Founder and Portfolio Manager at Aptus. “By emphasizing tax-deferred sources of return, DEFR aims to outperform traditional core bond portfolios, without the drag of annual interest income taxed at higher short-term rates.”

DEFR expands Aptus’ lineup of actively managed ETFs, which surpassed $4.5 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025. It builds on the firm’s growing expertise in options-based ETFs, a category in which Aptus has seen strong adoption with products like the Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) and the Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF (ACIO). These funds are designed with investor outcomes in mind, combining thoughtful portfolio construction, tax awareness, and a focus on risk management.

“We are pleased to welcome the listing of the Aptus Deferred Income ETF on Cboe,” said Victor Werny, Head of North American ETP Listings at Cboe Global Markets. “This launch contributes to the broader trend of growth in actively managed, options-based ETFs. We value our ongoing relationship with Aptus and appreciate their continued engagement with Cboe.”

For more information on DEFR and Aptus’ full suite of ETF offerings, visit www.aptusetfs.com.

About Aptus Capital Advisors

Founded in 2013, Aptus Capital Advisors is an SEC-registered investment advisor committed to developing ETFs that provide risk-managed growth through targeted exposure and strategic hedging. Aptus ETFs are crafted to help financial advisors and their clients pursue better outcomes through market participation combined with effective downside protection.

Aptus Capital Advisors is an SEC-registered investment advisor and serves as the Fund’s investment advisor. The funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

Disclosures

An investor should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the ETFs as applicable, before investing. Be sure to consult with an investment & tax professional before implementing any investment strategy. The prospectus of DEFR contains this and other important information and is available free of charge by calling toll-free at 1-800-617-0004 or writing to Aptus at 314 Magnolia Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

Investing involves risk and principal loss is possible. Shares of ETFs are bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Derivative Securities Risk. The Fund invests in options that derive their performance from the performance of an underlying reference asset. Derivatives, such as the options in which the Fund invests, can be volatile and involve various types and degrees of risks, depending upon the characteristics of a particular derivative. High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may frequently buy and sell portfolio securities and other assets to rebalance the Fund’s exposure to specific securities. New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized investment company with a limited operating history. Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. Options Risk. Selling (writing) and buying options are speculative activities and entail greater than ordinary investment risks. Futures Contracts Risk. A decision as to whether, when, and how to use futures involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events.

Aptus Capital Advisors is the advisor to the Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) and Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF (ACIO) which are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

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