By: NEOS Investments

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ETFs that utilize option writing strategies to generate income can be an attractive option for investors looking to enhance portfolio income or manage risk. Options-based ETFs focused on generating reliable income for investors may also provide return of capital distributions. While some investors may view return of capital as a negative, there are several reasons why it may offer an added layer of tax efficiency.

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What Is “Return of Capital” in an ETF?

Return of capital is a distribution made by an ETF to its investors that is classified as a return of the investor's original investment. Unlike dividends or interest income, return of capital is not considered income, and is not immediately taxable. Instead, it reduces the investor's cost basis in the ETF, which can potentially reduce the amount of capital gains tax owed when the investor sells their shares. Return of capital can be particularly useful for ETFs that use option writing strategies to generate income.

What Factors Might Investors Want to Consider?

• Return of capital can help lower an investor's current tax liability. By reducing the amount of taxable income an investor receives, return of capital can potentially reduce the amount of taxes owed in the year the distribution is received. This may be especially favorable for investors in higher tax brackets.
• Return of capital can help investors manage their cash flow needs. By returning a portion of the investor's original investment, return of capital can provide investors with a steady stream of cash flow without requiring them to sell assets. This can be particularly useful for retirees or others who rely on investment income to meet their living expenses.
• Finally, return of capital can potentially help investors generate higher after-tax monthly income distributions. Because return of capital is not immediately taxable, it can help investors reduce their current tax liability and potentially boost their after-tax returns.

Return of Capital in NEOS ETFs

Options-based income ETFs from NEOS aim to harness the tax efficiency of return of capital distributions for investors without eroding their underlying principle. Each ETF seeks to fund a portion of its monthly income distributions from sold index option premium, which is converted to capital gains, and then paid out to investors on a monthly basis.

The experienced portfolio management team behind the NEOS ETFs have decades of experience creating and managing options-based ETFs. When possible, they seek to find losses in each ETF's portfolio that can be used to offset gains, potentially helping a portion of Fund distributions receive a return of capital designation.

In addition to each ETFs primary goal of offering monthly income and tax efficiency, we seek to maintain or grow each fund’s net asset value (NAV) over time, so that we don't erode an investors original investment, while aiming to pay out a reliable and tax-efficient monthly income distribution.

Additionally, a unique feature within the ETF product structure is that portfolio losses can be indefinitely carried forward, and can be used at opportune times to offset gains in our ETF's equity or option portfolios, helping to potentially offer a high monthly distribution with minimal tax liabilities.

While “return of capital” can sound like a negative characteristic, it can be a valuable component of ETFs that use option writing strategies, particularly from a tax perspective. As with any investment, investors should carefully consider the risks and benefits before making any investment decisions.