Semi-Annual Report
For the Six Months Ended
February 29, 2024
 
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
 
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January (FJAN)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January (DJAN)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February (FFEB)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March (DMAR)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April (FAPR)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April (DAPR)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May (DMAY)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June (FJUN)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June (DJUN)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July (FJUL)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July (DJUL)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August (FAUG)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August (DAUG)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September (DSEP)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October (FOCT)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October (DOCT)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - November (FNOV)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November (DNOV)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December (FDEC)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December (DDEC)
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF (BUFT)
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (BUFG)
Table of Contents 
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Semi-Annual Report
February 29, 2024 
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Table of Contents 
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Semi-Annual Report
February 29, 2024
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Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the goals, beliefs, plans or current expectations of First Trust Advisors L.P. (“First Trust” or the “Advisor”) and/or Vest Financial LLC (“Vest” or the “Sub-Advisor”) and their respective representatives, taking into account the information currently available to them. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to current or historical fact. For example, forward-looking statements include the use of words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “would” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the series of First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII (the “Trust”) described in this report (each such series is referred to as a “Fund” and collectively, as the “Funds”) to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. When evaluating the information included in this report, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the judgment of the Advisor and/or Sub- Advisor and their respective representatives only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events and circumstances that arise after the date hereof.
Performance and Risk Disclosure
There is no assurance that any Fund described in this report will achieve its investment objective. Each Fund is subject to market risk, which is the possibility that the market values of securities owned by the Fund will decline and that the value of the Fund’s shares may therefore be less than what you paid for them. Accordingly, you can lose money by investing in a Fund. See “Risk Considerations” in the Additional Information section of this report for a discussion of certain other risks of investing in the Funds.
Performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be lower or higher than the figures shown. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please visit www.ftportfolios.com or speak with your financial advisor. Investment returns, net asset value and share price will fluctuate and Fund shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
The Advisor may also periodically provide additional information on Fund performance on each Fund’s webpage at www.ftportfolios.com.
How to Read This Report
This report contains information that may help you evaluate your investment. It includes details about each Fund and presents data and analysis that provide insight into each Fund’s performance and investment approach.
The statistical information that follows may help you understand each Fund’s performance compared to that of a relevant market benchmark.
It is important to keep in mind that the opinions expressed by personnel of the Advisor and/or Sub-Advisor are just that: informed opinions. They should not be considered to be promises or advice. The opinions, like the statistics, cover the period through the date on the cover of this report. The material risks of investing in each Fund are spelled out in the prospectus, statement of additional information, and other Fund regulatory filings.
Page 1
Shareholder Letter
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Semi-Annual Letter from the Chairman and CEO
February 29, 2024
Dear Shareholders,
First Trust is pleased to provide you with the semi-annual report for certain series of the First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII (the “Funds”), which contains detailed information about the Funds for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024.
As many investors are likely aware, the S&P 500® Index (the “Index”) closed at a record 4,839.81 on January 19, 2024, besting its previous record close of 4,796.56 set on January 3, 2022. January’s all-time high was just the beginning in what has been a deluge of record-topping closes for the Index. Notably, the Index marked its 14th record-high of the year on February 29, 2024, closing at 5,096.27. The U.S. fixed income markets also rallied over the past several months. The yield on the 10-Year Treasury Note (“T-Note”) stood at 4.25% at the end of February 2024, down 74 basis points (“bps”) from its most-recent peak of 4.99% on October 19, 2023. As bond prices typically move in the opposite direction of yields, the decline in the 10-Year T-Note’s yield is reflective of substantial price movement in the asset. For comparison, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index enjoyed a total return of 7.44% over the same time frame.
Many pundits have analyzed what could be behind the recent rise in equity and bond valuations over the past six months. In our view, several factors are worth noting. First, the promise of increased efficiencies brought on by Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) has been a transformative event for U.S. equities. In the U.S., the market size for AI is expected to grow from $87.2 billion in 2023 to $237.1 billion in 2030 according to data compiled by Statista in August 2023. In addition, earnings estimates for the companies that comprise the Index continue to reflect strength. As of March 1, 2024, the Index earnings per share estimates stood at $238.3 and $271.3 for 2024 and 2025, respectively, up from an estimated $216.2 in 2023, according to data from Bloomberg. In our view, the Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) December 2023 announcement that they were targeting three cuts totaling 75 bps in 2024 also contributed to the recent surge in these markets.
As indicated above, there are a number of reasons for optimism. That said, investors would be well-served to keep a close watch for deterioration in a few key areas, in our opinion. Inflation remains well-above the Fed’s target of 2.0%, and recent data indicates that the Fed’s “Super Core” measure of inflation rose by an annualized growth rate of 8.2% through January and February 2024. Tellingly, the Federal Funds rate futures market signals that rate cut expectations have adjusted substantially this year. As of February 29, 2024, this market indicated that just three cuts totaling 85 bps were expected in 2024, down from six cuts totaling 158 bps on December 29, 2023. Another area to watch is commercial real estate. More than $2.2 trillion in commercial debt is scheduled to mature between mid-January 2024 and the end of 2027, and lender losses on loans tied to commercial real estate are forecast to increase dramatically as a result. Fitch Ratings estimates that the delinquency rate for commercial mortgage loans that have been converted into securities will rise to 4.5% in 2024, nearly double the delinquency rate for the cohort as of November 2023.
Thank you for giving First Trust the opportunity to play a role in your financial future. We value our relationship with you and will report on the Funds again in six months.
Sincerely,
 
James A. Bowen
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Chief Executive Officer of First Trust Advisors L.P.
Page 2
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January (FJAN)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 15.70% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from January 22, 2024 through January 17, 2025 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “FJAN.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(1/15/21)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(1/15/21)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
9.74%
21.59%
10.75%
37.52%
Market Price
9.74%
21.52%
10.75%
37.52%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
11.88%
42.01%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to January 22, 2024, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 19.04% and an Outcome Period of January 23, 2023 through
January 19, 2024.
Page 3
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January (DJAN)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 13.94% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30%, over the period from January 22, 2024 through January 17, 2025 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “DJAN.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(1/15/21)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(1/15/21)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
7.11%
16.67%
5.52%
18.26%
Market Price
7.34%
16.75%
5.52%
18.26%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
11.88%
42.01%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to January 22, 2024, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 14.70% and an Outcome Period of January 23, 2023 through
January 19, 2024.
Page 4
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February (FFEB)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 16.82% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from February 20, 2024 through February 21, 2025 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “FFEB.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(2/21/20)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(2/21/20)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
10.24%
22.24%
9.68%
44.95%
Market Price
10.09%
22.11%
9.64%
44.75%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
12.90%
62.95%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to February 20, 2024, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 19.25% and an Outcome Period of February 21, 2023
through February 16, 2024.
Page 5
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 15.05% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30%, over the period from February 20, 2024 through February 21, 2025 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “DFEB.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(2/21/20)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(2/21/20)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
7.16%
16.94%
5.78%
25.36%
Market Price
7.43%
16.90%
5.78%
25.33%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
12.90%
62.95%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to February 20, 2024, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 14.97% and an Outcome Period of February 21, 2023
through February 16, 2024.
Page 6
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 19.35% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from March 20, 2023 through March 15, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “FMAR.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(3/19/21)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(3/19/21)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
6.74%
18.39%
9.32%
30.03%
Market Price
6.74%
18.13%
9.33%
30.07%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
11.08%
36.36%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to March 20, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 14.78% and an Outcome Period of March 21, 2022 through
March 17, 2023.
Page 7
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March (DMAR)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 14.36% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30%, over the period from March 20, 2023 through March 15, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “DMAR.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(3/19/21)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(3/19/21)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
4.89%
13.50%
5.14%
15.91%
Market Price
5.15%
13.53%
5.14%
15.91%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
11.08%
36.36%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to March 20, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 10.02% and an Outcome Period of March 21, 2022 through
March 17, 2023.
Page 8
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April (FAPR)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 18.48% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from April 24, 2023 through April 19, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “FAPR.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(4/16/21)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(4/16/21)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
8.69%
19.63%
6.65%
20.31%
Market Price
8.72%
19.39%
6.65%
20.31%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
8.78%
27.38%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to April 24, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 16.35% and an Outcome Period of April 18, 2022 through
April 21, 2023.
Page 9
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April (DAPR)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 14.05% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30%, over the period from April 24, 2023 through April 19, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “DAPR.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(4/16/21)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(4/16/21)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
6.43%
12.16%
3.46%
10.25%
Market Price
6.70%
12.04%
3.46%
10.25%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
8.78%
27.38%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to April 24, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 10.96% and an Outcome Period of April 18, 2022 through
April 21, 2023.
Page 10
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 17.65% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from May 22, 2023 through May 17, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “FMAY.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(5/15/20)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(5/15/20)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
8.73%
19.19%
9.53%
41.23%
Market Price
8.65%
19.08%
9.51%
41.13%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
18.27%
89.00%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to May 22, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 20.45% and an Outcome Period of May 23, 2022 through
May 19, 2023.
Page 11
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May (DMAY)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 13.67% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30%, over the period from May 22, 2023 through May 17, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “DMAY.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(5/15/20)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(5/15/20)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
6.62%
16.55%
5.39%
22.04%
Market Price
6.93%
16.49%
5.38%
21.98%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
18.27%
89.00%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to May 22, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 13.93% and an Outcome Period of May 23, 2022 through
May 19, 2023.
Page 12
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June (FJUN)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 18.25% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from June 20, 2023 through June 21, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “FJUN.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(6/19/20)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(6/19/20)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
9.76%
24.51%
12.16%
52.83%
Market Price
9.98%
24.17%
12.13%
52.66%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
16.22%
74.35%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to June 20, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 22.20% and an Outcome Period of June 21, 2022 through
June 16, 2023.
Page 13
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June (DJUN)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 14.70% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30%, over the period from June 20, 2023 through June 21, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “DJUN.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(6/19/20)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(6/19/20)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
8.63%
19.04%
7.50%
30.64%
Market Price
8.55%
19.01%
7.49%
30.58%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
16.22%
74.35%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to June 20, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 15.59% and an Outcome Period of June 21, 2022 through
June 16, 2023.
Page 14
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July (FJUL)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 17.46% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from July 24, 2023 through July 19, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “FJUL.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(7/17/20)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(7/17/20)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
9.94%
23.36%
10.61%
44.05%
Market Price
10.02%
23.65%
10.64%
44.18%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
15.27%
67.31%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to July 24, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 21.30% and an Outcome Period of July 18, 2022 through
July 21, 2023.
Page 15
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July (DJUL)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 14.79% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30%, over the period from July 24, 2023 through July 19, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “DJUL.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(7/17/20)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(7/17/20)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
9.01%
20.79%
6.60%
26.03%
Market Price
8.77%
20.74%
6.57%
25.89%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
15.27%
67.31%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to July 24, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 15.02% and an Outcome Period of July 18, 2022 through
July 21, 2023.
Page 16
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August (FAUG)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 18.70% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from August 21, 2023 through August 16, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “FAUG.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(11/6/19)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(11/6/19)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
9.35%
18.52%
8.17%
40.30%
Market Price
9.32%
18.59%
8.17%
40.33%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
14.27%
77.87%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to August 21, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 20.46% and an Outcome Period of August 22, 2022 through
August 18, 2023.
Page 17
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August (DAUG)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 15.24% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30%, over the period from August 21, 2023 through August 16, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “DAUG.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(11/6/19)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(11/6/19)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
7.52%
16.23%
4.64%
21.59%
Market Price
7.78%
16.09%
4.63%
21.53%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
14.27%
77.87%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to August 21, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 14.47% and an Outcome Period of August 22, 2022 through
August 18, 2023.
Page 18
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 18.20% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from September 18, 2023 through September 20, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “FSEP.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(9/18/20)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(9/18/20)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
8.68%
21.67%
10.38%
40.56%
Market Price
8.70%
21.66%
10.39%
40.59%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
15.02%
62.04%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to September 18, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 23.41% and an Outcome Period of September 19, 2022
through September 15, 2023.
Page 19
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September (DSEP)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 15.30% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30%, over the period from September 18, 2023 through September 20, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “DSEP.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(9/18/20)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(9/18/20)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
8.04%
20.61%
7.14%
26.81%
Market Price
7.93%
20.42%
7.09%
26.61%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
15.02%
62.04%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to September 18, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 16.98% and an Outcome Period of September 19, 2022
through September 15, 2023.
Page 20
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October (FOCT)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 18.85% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from October 23, 2023 through October 18, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “FOCT.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(10/16/20)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(10/16/20)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
4.78%
17.62%
9.14%
34.28%
Market Price
4.86%
17.85%
9.17%
34.38%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
13.71%
54.23%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to October 23, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 27.12% and an Outcome Period of October 24, 2022 through
October 20, 2023.
Page 21
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October (DOCT)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 15.38% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30%, over the period from October 23, 2023 through October 18, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “DOCT.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(10/16/20)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(10/16/20)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
5.07%
16.16%
6.82%
24.91%
Market Price
5.13%
16.16%
6.81%
24.87%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
13.71%
54.23%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to October 23, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 19.20% and an Outcome Period of October 24, 2022 through
October 20, 2023.
Page 22
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - November (FNOV)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - November (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 17.45% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from November 20, 2023 through November 15, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “FNOV.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(11/15/19)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(11/15/19)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
7.88%
20.54%
8.91%
44.21%
Market Price
8.17%
20.66%
8.92%
44.27%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
13.95%
75.18%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to November 20, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 23.77% and an Outcome Period of November 21, 2022
through November 17, 2023.
Page 23
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November (DNOV)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 15.06% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30%, over the period from November 20, 2023 through November 15, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “DNOV.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(11/15/19)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(11/15/19)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
8.18%
19.43%
6.46%
30.80%
Market Price
8.13%
19.22%
6.41%
30.54%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
13.95%
75.18%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to November 20, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 17.19% and an Outcome Period of November 21, 2022
through November 17, 2023.
Page 24
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December (FDEC)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 16.65% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from December 18, 2023 through December 20, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “FDEC.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(12/18/20)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(12/18/20)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
11.29%
24.20%
9.70%
34.46%
Market Price
11.00%
23.88%
9.59%
34.03%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
12.17%
44.42%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to December 18, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 23.10% and an Outcome Period of December 19, 2022
through December 15, 2023.
Page 25
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December (DDEC)
The investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 14.35% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30%, over the period from December 18, 2023 through December 20, 2024 (the “Outcome Period”).* Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF. Subsequent Outcome Periods will begin on the day the prior Outcome Period ends and will end on the approximate one-year anniversary of that new Outcome Period. On the first day of each new Outcome Period, the Fund resets by investing in a new set of FLEX Options that are designed to provide a new cap for the new Outcome Period. This means that the cap will change for each Outcome Period based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Fund will be perpetually offered and not terminate after the current or any subsequent Outcome Period. An investor that purchases Fund shares other than on the first day of an Outcome Period and/or sells Fund shares prior to the end of an Outcome Period may experience results that are very different from the target outcomes sought by the Fund for that Outcome Period. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “DDEC.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(12/18/20)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(12/18/20)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
8.24%
18.22%
6.53%
22.40%
Market Price
7.89%
17.83%
6.43%
22.04%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
12.17%
44.42%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
 
*
Prior to December 18, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 16.68% and an Outcome Period of December 19, 2022
through December 15, 2023.
Page 26
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF (BUFT)
The investment objective of the FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with capital preservation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a portfolio of exchange-traded funds that seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) based on the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (“SPY”), up to a predetermined upside cap, while providing a defined buffer against losses of SPY over a defined one-year period (the “Underlying ETFs”). Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in Underlying ETFs. The Fund and each Underlying ETF are advised by First Trust Advisors L.P. and sub-advised by Vest Financial LLC. PDR Services, LLC serves as SPY’s sponsor. The investment objective of SPY is to seek to provide investment results that, before expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500® Index. Unlike the Underlying ETFs, the Fund itself does not pursue a defined outcome strategy. The buffer is provided only by the Underlying ETFs and the Fund itself does not provide any stated buffer against losses. The Fund will likely not receive the full benefit of the Underlying ETF buffers and could have limited upside potential. The Fund’s returns may be limited to the caps of the Underlying ETFs. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “BUFT.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(10/26/21)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(10/26/21)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
5.72%
13.64%
2.58%
6.15%
Market Price
5.72%
13.76%
2.60%
6.20%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
6.42%
15.72%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
Page 27
Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited) (Continued)
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (BUFG)
The investment objective of the FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide investors with capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a portfolio of exchange-traded funds that seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) based on the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (“SPY”), up to a predetermined upside cap, while providing a defined buffer against losses of SPY over a defined one-year period (the “Underlying ETFs”). Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in Underlying ETFs. The Fund and each Underlying ETF are advised by First Trust Advisors L.P. and sub-advised by Vest Financial LLC. PDR Services, LLC serves as SPY’s sponsor. The investment objective of SPY is to seek to provide investment results that, before expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500® Index. Unlike the Underlying ETFs, the Fund itself does not pursue a target outcome strategy. The buffer is provided only by the Underlying ETFs and the Fund itself does not provide any stated buffer against losses. The Fund will likely not receive the full benefit of the Underlying ETFs and the Fund itself does not provide any stated buffer against losses. The Fund’s returns may be limited to the caps of the Underlying ETFs. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc., under the ticker symbol “BUFG.”
 
Performance
 
 
 
Average Annual
Total Returns
Cumulative
Total Returns
 
6 Months
Ended
2/29/24
1 Year
Ended
2/29/24
Inception
(10/26/21)
to 2/29/24
Inception
(10/26/21)
to 2/29/24
Fund Performance
NAV
8.48%
19.50%
4.37%
10.54%
Market Price
8.38%
19.58%
4.35%
10.49%
Index Performance
S&P 500® Index
13.93%
30.45%
6.42%
15.72%
(See Notes to Fund Performance Overview on page 29.) 
 
Performance figures assume reinvestment of
all distributions and do not reflect the
deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption
or sale of Fund shares. An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial
market or sector. Unlike the Fund, the index
does not actually hold a portfolio of securities
and therefore does not incur the expenses
incurred by the Fund. These expenses
negatively impact the performance of the
Fund. The Fund’s past performance does not
predict future performance.
Frequency Distribution of Discounts and Premiums
Information showing the number of days the market price of the Fund’s shares was greater (at a premium) and less (at a discount) than the Fund’s net asset value for the most recently completed year, and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that year (or life of the Fund, if shorter) is available at https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/etf/home.aspx.
Page 28
Notes to Fund Performance Overview (Unaudited)
Total returns for the periods since inception are calculated from the inception date of each Fund. “Average Annual Total Returns” represent the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. “Cumulative Total Returns” represent the total change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.
Each Fund’s per share net asset value (“NAV”) is the value of one share of the Fund and is computed by dividing the value of all assets of the Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of outstanding shares. The price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is determined by using the midpoint of the national best bid and offer price (“NBBO”) as of the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated. Under Securities and Exchange Commission rules, the NBBO consists of the highest displayed buy and lowest sell prices among the various exchanges trading the Fund at the time the Fund’s NAV is calculated. Since shares of each Fund did not trade in the secondary market until after its inception, for the period from inception to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of the Fund, the NAV of each Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns. NAV and market returns assume that all distributions have been reinvested in each Fund at NAV and Market Price, respectively.
An index is a statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike each Fund, the indices do not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore do not incur the expenses incurred by each Fund. These expenses negatively impact the performance of each Fund. Also, market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be lower. The total returns presented reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the indices. The returns presented do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. The investment return and principal value of shares of each Fund will vary with changes in market conditions. Shares of each Fund may be worth more or less than their original cost when they are redeemed or sold in the market. Each Fund’s past performance is no guarantee of future performance.
Page 29
Portfolio Management
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Semi-Annual Report
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
Advisor
First Trust Advisors L.P. (“First Trust” or the “Advisor”) is the investment advisor to FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer - January (“FJAN”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January (“DJAN”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February (“FFEB”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (“DFEB”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer - March (“FMAR”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March (“DMAR”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April (“FAPR”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer - April (“DAPR”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer - May (“FMAY”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May (“DMAY”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June (“FJUN”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June (“DJUN”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer - July (“FJUL”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July (“DJUL”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August (“FAUG”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer - August (“DAUG”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer - September (“FSEP”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September (“DSEP”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October (“FOCT”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October (“DOCT”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer - November (“FNOV”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November (“DNOV”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December (“FDEC”), FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer - December (“DDEC”), FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF (“BUFT”), and FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (“BUFG”) (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). First Trust is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of each Fund’s investment portfolio, managing each Fund’s business affairs and providing certain administrative services necessary for the management of each Fund.
Sub-Advisor
Vest Financial LLC (“Vest” or the “Sub-Advisor”) serves as the sub-advisor to the Funds. In this capacity, Vest is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities in each Fund’s investment portfolio. Vest, with principal offices at 8350 Broad St., Suite 240, McLean, VA 22102, was founded in 2012. Vest had approximately $24.4 billion under management or committed to management as of February 29, 2024.
Portfolio Management Team
The following persons serve as portfolio managers of the Funds:
Karan Sood, Managing Director of Vest
Howard Rubin, Managing Director of Vest
Page 30
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Understanding Your Fund Expenses
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
As a shareholder of FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January, FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January, FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February, FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February, FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March, FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March, FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April, FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April, FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May, FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May, FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June, FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June, FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July, FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July, FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August, FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August, FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September, FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September, FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October, FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October, FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - November, FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November, FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December, FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December, FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF or FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, if any, and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds.
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the six-month period ended February 29, 2024.
Actual Expenses
The first line in the following table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Six-Month Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this six-month period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line in the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not each Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as brokerage commissions. Therefore, the second line in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
 
 
Beginning
Account Value
September 1, 2023
Ending
Account Value
February 29, 2024
Annualized
Expense Ratio
Based on the
Six-Month
Period
Expenses Paid
During the
Six-Month
Period (a)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January (FJAN)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,097.40
0.85%
$4.43
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January (DJAN)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,071.10
0.85%
$4.38
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February (FFEB)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,102.40
0.85%
$4.44
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,071.60
0.85%
$4.38
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
Page 31
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Understanding Your Fund Expenses (Continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
Beginning
Account Value
September 1, 2023
Ending
Account Value
February 29, 2024
Annualized
Expense Ratio
Based on the
Six-Month
Period
Expenses Paid
During the
Six-Month
Period (a)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,067.40
0.85%
$4.37
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March (DMAR)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,048.90
0.85%
$4.33
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April (FAPR)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,086.90
0.85%
$4.41
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April (DAPR)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,064.30
0.85%
$4.36
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,087.30
0.85%
$4.41
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May (DMAY)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,066.20
0.85%
$4.37
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June (FJUN)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,097.60
0.85%
$4.43
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June (DJUN)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,086.30
0.85%
$4.41
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July (FJUL)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,099.40
0.85%
$4.44
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July (DJUL)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,090.10
0.85%
$4.42
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August (FAUG)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,093.50
0.85%
$4.42
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August (DAUG)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,075.20
0.85%
$4.39
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,086.80
0.85%
$4.41
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September (DSEP)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,080.40
0.85%
$4.40
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October (FOCT)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,047.80
0.85%
$4.33
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
Page 32
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Understanding Your Fund Expenses (Continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
Beginning
Account Value
September 1, 2023
Ending
Account Value
February 29, 2024
Annualized
Expense Ratio
Based on the
Six-Month
Period
Expenses Paid
During the
Six-Month
Period (a)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October (DOCT)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,050.70
0.85%
$4.33
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - November (FNOV)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,078.80
0.85%
$4.39
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November (DNOV)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,081.80
0.85%
$4.40
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December (FDEC)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,112.90
0.85%
$4.47
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December (DDEC)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,082.40
0.85%
$4.40
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,020.64
0.85%
$4.27
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF (BUFT) (b)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,057.20
0.20%
$1.02
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,023.87
0.20%
$1.01
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (BUFG) (b)
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,084.80
0.20%
$1.04
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,023.87
0.20%
$1.01
 
(a)
Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio as indicated in the table multiplied by the average account value over the period
(September 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024), multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the six-month period).
(b)
Annualized expense ratio and expenses paid during the six-month period do not include fees and expenses of the underlying funds in which the
Fund invests.
Page 33
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January (FJAN)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 1.1%
7,512,116
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$7,512,116
(Cost $7,512,116)
Total Investments — 1.1%
7,512,116
(Cost $7,512,116)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 102.9%
Call Options Purchased — 100.0%
14,468
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$735,090,144
$4.82
01/17/25
719,652,788
(Cost $686,271,943)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 2.9%
14,468
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
735,090,144
482.43
01/17/25
20,544,560
(Cost $32,041,314)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
740,197,348
(Cost $718,313,257)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (3.9)%
Call Options Written — (2.5)%
(14,468)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(735,090,144
)
558.17
01/17/25
(17,810,108
)
(Premiums received $8,253,399)
 
 
Put Options Written — (1.4)%
(14,468)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(735,090,144
)
434.19
01/17/25
(10,214,408
)
(Premiums received $16,703,961)
 
 
Total Written Options
(28,024,516
)
(Premiums received $24,957,360)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(432,329
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$719,252,619
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
1.1%
Purchased Options
102.9
Written Options
(3.9)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 34
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January (FJAN)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$7,512,116
$7,512,116
$—
$—
Purchased Options
740,197,348
—
740,197,348
—
Total
$747,709,464
$7,512,116
$740,197,348
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(28,024,516
)
$—
$(28,024,516
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 35
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January (DJAN)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 1.0%
3,293,913
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$3,293,913
(Cost $3,293,913)
Total Investments — 1.0%
3,293,913
(Cost $3,293,913)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 102.7%
Call Options Purchased — 100.7%
6,394
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$324,866,352
$4.81
01/17/25
318,510,716
(Cost $303,167,223)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 2.0%
6,394
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
324,866,352
458.31
01/17/25
6,349,242
(Cost $9,532,175)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
324,859,958
(Cost $312,699,398)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (3.6)%
Call Options Written — (3.2)%
(6,394)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(324,866,352
)
549.68
01/17/25
(10,153,672
)
(Premiums received $4,261,379)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.4)%
(6,394)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(324,866,352
)
337.70
01/17/25
(1,368,316
)
(Premiums received $2,101,945)
 
 
Total Written Options
(11,521,988
)
(Premiums received $6,363,324)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(212,802
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$316,419,081
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
1.0%
Purchased Options
102.7
Written Options
(3.6)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 36
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January (DJAN)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$3,293,913
$3,293,913
$—
$—
Purchased Options
324,859,958
—
324,859,958
—
Total
$328,153,871
$3,293,913
$324,859,958
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(11,521,988
)
$—
$(11,521,988
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 37
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February (FFEB)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 1.1%
8,529,898
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$8,529,898
(Cost $8,529,898)
Total Investments — 1.1%
8,529,898
(Cost $8,529,898)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 102.2%
Call Options Purchased — 98.5%
15,003
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$762,272,424
$5.00
02/21/25
748,422,631
(Cost $734,849,329)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 3.7%
15,003
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
762,272,424
499.51
02/21/25
28,046,476
(Cost $32,445,956)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
776,469,107
(Cost $767,295,285)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (3.3)%
Call Options Written — (1.4)%
(15,003)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(762,272,424
)
583.53
02/21/25
(10,870,597
)
(Premiums received $8,626,806)
 
 
Put Options Written — (1.9)%
(15,003)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(762,272,424
)
449.56
02/21/25
(14,380,110
)
(Premiums received $16,679,229)
 
 
Total Written Options
(25,250,707
)
(Premiums received $25,306,035)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.0)%
(376,911
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$759,371,387
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
1.1%
Purchased Options
102.2
Written Options
(3.3)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.0)(1)
Total
100.0%
 
(1)
Amount is less than 0.1%.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 38
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February (FFEB)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$8,529,898
$8,529,898
$—
$—
Purchased Options
776,469,107
—
776,469,107
—
Total
$784,999,005
$8,529,898
$776,469,107
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(25,250,707
)
$—
$(25,250,707
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 39
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 1.1%
3,397,693
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$3,397,693
(Cost $3,397,693)
Total Investments — 1.1%
3,397,693
(Cost $3,397,693)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 101.3%
Call Options Purchased — 98.6%
6,159
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$312,926,472
$4.99
02/21/25
306,373,296
(Cost $301,847,563)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 2.7%
6,159
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
312,926,472
474.53
02/21/25
8,400,876
(Cost $9,536,757)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
314,774,172
(Cost $311,384,320)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (2.4)%
Call Options Written — (1.9)%
(6,159)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(312,926,472
)
574.69
02/21/25
(5,838,732
)
(Premiums received $4,707,520)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.5)%
(6,159)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(312,926,472
)
349.66
02/21/25
(1,687,566
)
(Premiums received $1,932,120)
 
 
Total Written Options
(7,526,298
)
(Premiums received $6,639,640)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.0)%
(108,049
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$310,537,518
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
1.1%
Purchased Options
101.3
Written Options
(2.4)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.0)(1)
Total
100.0%
 
(1)
Amount is less than 0.1%.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 40
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$3,397,693
$3,397,693
$—
$—
Purchased Options
314,774,172
—
314,774,172
—
Total
$318,171,865
$3,397,693
$314,774,172
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(7,526,298
)
$—
$(7,526,298
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 41
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.3%
1,299,138
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$1,299,138
(Cost $1,299,138)
Total Investments — 0.3%
1,299,138
(Cost $1,299,138)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 109.1%
Call Options Purchased — 109.1%
9,495
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$482,421,960
$3.90
03/15/24
477,435,467
(Cost $391,498,271)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.0%
9,495
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
482,421,960
389.99
03/15/24
52,326
(Cost $14,536,629)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
477,487,793
(Cost $406,034,900)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (9.3)%
Call Options Written — (9.3)%
(9,495)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(482,421,960
)
465.45
03/15/24
(40,620,204
)
(Premiums received $10,552,686)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.0)%
(9,495)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(482,421,960
)
350.99
03/15/24
(31,491
)
(Premiums received $6,570,594)
 
 
Total Written Options
(40,651,695
)
(Premiums received $17,123,280)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(292,169
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$437,843,067
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.3%
Purchased Options
109.1
Written Options
(9.3)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 42
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$1,299,138
$1,299,138
$—
$—
Purchased Options
477,487,793
—
477,487,793
—
Total
$478,786,931
$1,299,138
$477,487,793
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(40,651,695
)
$—
$(40,651,695
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 43
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March (DMAR)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.3%
506,168
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$506,168
(Cost $506,168)
Total Investments — 0.3%
506,168
(Cost $506,168)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 113.8%
Call Options Purchased — 113.8%
3,708
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$188,396,064
$3.89
03/15/24
186,452,430
(Cost $145,746,835)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.0%
3,708
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
188,396,064
370.49
03/15/24
15,774
(Cost $8,154,971)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
186,468,204
(Cost $153,901,806)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (14.0)%
Call Options Written — (14.0)%
(3,708)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(188,396,064
)
445.99
03/15/24
(23,032,601
)
(Premiums received $4,133,308)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.0)%
(3,708)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(188,396,064
)
272.99
03/15/24
(4,728
)
(Premiums received $1,715,111)
 
 
Total Written Options
(23,037,329
)
(Premiums received $5,848,419)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(127,824
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$163,809,219
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.3%
Purchased Options
113.8
Written Options
(14.0)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 44
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March (DMAR)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$506,168
$506,168
$—
$—
Purchased Options
186,468,204
—
186,468,204
—
Total
$186,974,372
$506,168
$186,468,204
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(23,037,329
)
$—
$(23,037,329
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 45
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April (FAPR)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.6%
2,724,441
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$2,724,441
(Cost $2,724,441)
Total Investments — 0.6%
2,724,441
(Cost $2,724,441)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 104.9%
Call Options Purchased — 104.8%
9,685
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$492,075,480
$4.12
04/19/24
486,642,195
(Cost $414,344,575)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.1%
9,685
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
492,075,480
412.20
04/19/24
319,605
(Cost $23,968,980)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
486,961,800
(Cost $438,313,555)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (5.2)%
Call Options Written — (5.2)%
(9,685)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(492,075,480
)
488.37
04/19/24
(23,863,840
)
(Premiums received $5,474,929)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.0)%
(9,685)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(492,075,480
)
370.98
04/19/24
(174,330
)
(Premiums received $8,196,258)
 
 
Total Written Options
(24,038,170
)
(Premiums received $13,671,187)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.3)%
(1,209,293
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$464,438,778
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.6%
Purchased Options
104.9
Written Options
(5.2)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.3)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 46
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April (FAPR)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$2,724,441
$2,724,441
$—
$—
Purchased Options
486,961,800
—
486,961,800
—
Total
$489,686,241
$2,724,441
$486,961,800
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(24,038,170
)
$—
$(24,038,170
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 47
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April (DAPR)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.4%
844,724
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$844,724
(Cost $844,724)
Total Investments — 0.4%
844,724
(Cost $844,724)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 108.8%
Call Options Purchased — 108.7%
4,580
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$232,700,640
$4.11
04/19/24
230,399,200
(Cost $188,836,740)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.1%
4,580
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
232,700,640
391.59
04/19/24
102,336
(Cost $9,104,782)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
230,501,536
(Cost $197,941,522)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (9.1)%
Call Options Written — (9.1)%
(4,580)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(232,700,640
)
470.11
04/19/24
(19,204,813
)
(Premiums received $5,508,593)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.0)%
(4,580)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(232,700,640
)
288.54
04/19/24
(18,047
)
(Premiums received $1,610,523)
 
 
Total Written Options
(19,222,860
)
(Premiums received $7,119,116)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(134,442
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$211,988,958
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.4%
Purchased Options
108.8
Written Options
(9.1)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 48
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April (DAPR)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$844,724
$844,724
$—
$—
Purchased Options
230,501,536
—
230,501,536
—
Total
$231,346,260
$844,724
$230,501,536
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(19,222,860
)
$—
$(19,222,860
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 49
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.5%
2,482,382
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$2,482,382
(Cost $2,482,382)
Total Investments — 0.5%
2,482,382
(Cost $2,482,382)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 105.0%
Call Options Purchased — 104.8%
11,178
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$567,931,824
$4.19
05/17/24
562,604,935
(Cost $483,352,719)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.2%
11,178
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
567,931,824
418.62
05/17/24
764,769
(Cost $28,911,619)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
563,369,704
(Cost $512,264,338)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (5.4)%
Call Options Written — (5.3)%
(11,178)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(567,931,824
)
492.51
05/17/24
(28,417,219
)
(Premiums received $6,238,985)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.1)%
(11,178)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(567,931,824
)
376.76
05/17/24
(368,782
)
(Premiums received $9,044,452)
 
 
Total Written Options
(28,786,001
)
(Premiums received $15,283,437)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(375,010
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$536,691,075
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.5%
Purchased Options
105.0
Written Options
(5.4)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 50
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$2,482,382
$2,482,382
$—
$—
Purchased Options
563,369,704
—
563,369,704
—
Total
$565,852,086
$2,482,382
$563,369,704
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(28,786,001
)
$—
$(28,786,001
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 51
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May (DMAY)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.5%
837,921
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$837,921
(Cost $837,921)
Total Investments — 0.5%
837,921
(Cost $837,921)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 108.2%
Call Options Purchased — 108.1%
3,917
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$199,014,936
$4.18
05/17/24
197,152,155
(Cost $165,432,710)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.1%
3,917
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
199,014,936
397.69
05/17/24
186,945
(Cost $7,948,558)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
197,339,100
(Cost $173,381,268)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (8.6)%
Call Options Written — (8.6)%
(3,917)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(199,014,936
)
475.85
05/17/24
(15,619,527
)
(Premiums received $4,411,060)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.0)%
(3,917)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(199,014,936
)
293.03
05/17/24
(26,727
)
(Premiums received $1,180,837)
 
 
Total Written Options
(15,646,254
)
(Premiums received $5,591,897)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(113,957
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$182,416,810
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.5%
Purchased Options
108.2
Written Options
(8.6)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 52
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May (DMAY)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$837,921
$837,921
$—
$—
Purchased Options
197,339,100
—
197,339,100
—
Total
$198,177,021
$837,921
$197,339,100
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(15,646,254
)
$—
$(15,646,254
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 53
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June (FJUN)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 2.8%
18,645,570
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$18,645,570
(Cost $18,645,570)
Total Investments — 2.8%
18,645,570
(Cost $18,645,570)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 101.9%
Call Options Purchased — 101.5%
13,335
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$677,524,680
$4.39
06/21/24
668,734,859
(Cost $592,055,092)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.4%
13,335
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
677,524,680
439.46
06/21/24
2,469,883
(Cost $25,228,477)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
671,204,742
(Cost $617,283,569)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (2.4)%
Call Options Written — (2.2)%
(13,335)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(677,524,680
)
519.66
06/21/24
(14,448,405
)
(Premiums received $7,140,921)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.2)%
(13,335)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(677,524,680
)
395.51
06/21/24
(1,192,663
)
(Premiums received $10,995,574)
 
 
Total Written Options
(15,641,068
)
(Premiums received $18,136,495)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (2.3)%
(15,439,490
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$658,769,754
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
2.8%
Purchased Options
101.9
Written Options
(2.4)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(2.3)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 54
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June (FJUN)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$18,645,570
$18,645,570
$—
$—
Purchased Options
671,204,742
—
671,204,742
—
Total
$689,850,312
$18,645,570
$671,204,742
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(15,641,068
)
$—
$(15,641,068
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 55
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June (DJUN)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.6%
957,683
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$957,683
(Cost $957,683)
Total Investments — 0.6%
957,683
(Cost $957,683)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 103.7%
Call Options Purchased — 103.4%
3,525
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$179,098,200
$4.38
06/21/24
176,778,147
(Cost $153,156,222)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.3%
3,525
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
179,098,200
417.49
06/21/24
439,701
(Cost $7,048,803)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
177,217,848
(Cost $160,205,025)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (4.2)%
Call Options Written — (4.1)%
(3,525)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(179,098,200
)
504.06
06/21/24
(7,054,571
)
(Premiums received $2,351,481)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.1)%
(3,525)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(179,098,200
)
307.62
06/21/24
(84,206
)
(Premiums received $2,076,705)
 
 
Total Written Options
(7,138,777
)
(Premiums received $4,428,186)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(110,689
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$170,926,065
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.6%
Purchased Options
103.7
Written Options
(4.2)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 56
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June (DJUN)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$957,683
$957,683
$—
$—
Purchased Options
177,217,848
—
177,217,848
—
Total
$178,175,531
$957,683
$177,217,848
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(7,138,777
)
$—
$(7,138,777
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 57
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July (FJUL)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.6%
3,691,149
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$3,691,149
(Cost $3,691,149)
Total Investments — 0.6%
3,691,149
(Cost $3,691,149)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 101.5%
Call Options Purchased — 100.8%
11,698
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$594,351,984
$4.52
07/19/24
585,016,980
(Cost $521,718,815)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.7%
11,698
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
594,351,984
452.18
07/19/24
3,755,058
(Cost $25,253,816)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
588,772,038
(Cost $546,972,631)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (2.0)%
Call Options Written — (1.7)%
(11,698)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(594,351,984
)
531.13
07/19/24
(10,013,488
)
(Premiums received $3,873,313)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.3)%
(11,698)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(594,351,984
)
406.96
07/19/24
(1,661,116
)
(Premiums received $11,018,392)
 
 
Total Written Options
(11,674,604
)
(Premiums received $14,891,705)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(411,894
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$580,376,689
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.6%
Purchased Options
101.5
Written Options
(2.0)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 58
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July (FJUL)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$3,691,149
$3,691,149
$—
$—
Purchased Options
588,772,038
—
588,772,038
—
Total
$592,463,187
$3,691,149
$588,772,038
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(11,674,604
)
$—
$(11,674,604
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 59
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July (DJUL)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.7%
2,632,352
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$2,632,352
(Cost $2,632,352)
Total Investments — 0.7%
2,632,352
(Cost $2,632,352)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 102.2%
Call Options Purchased — 101.8%
8,426
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$428,108,208
$4.51
07/19/24
421,899,335
(Cost $369,656,173)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.4%
8,426
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
428,108,208
429.57
07/19/24
1,831,438
(Cost $15,673,302)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
423,730,773
(Cost $385,329,475)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (2.8)%
Call Options Written — (2.7)%
(8,426)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(428,108,208
)
519.06
07/19/24
(11,344,370
)
(Premiums received $3,234,254)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.1)%
(8,426)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(428,108,208
)
316.53
07/19/24
(273,016
)
(Premiums received $2,705,825)
 
 
Total Written Options
(11,617,386
)
(Premiums received $5,940,079)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(277,986
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$414,467,753
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.7%
Purchased Options
102.2
Written Options
(2.8)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 60
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July (DJUL)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$2,632,352
$2,632,352
$—
$—
Purchased Options
423,730,773
—
423,730,773
—
Total
$426,363,125
$2,632,352
$423,730,773
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(11,617,386
)
$—
$(11,617,386
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 61
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August (FAUG)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.7%
3,997,965
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$3,997,965
(Cost $3,997,965)
Total Investments — 0.7%
3,997,965
(Cost $3,997,965)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 103.3%
Call Options Purchased — 102.6%
12,139
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$616,758,312
$4.37
08/16/24
607,945,398
(Cost $520,485,582)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.7%
12,139
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
616,758,312
436.50
08/16/24
3,860,202
(Cost $25,765,586)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
611,805,600
(Cost $546,251,168)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (3.9)%
Call Options Written — (3.6)%
(12,139)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(616,758,312
)
518.13
08/16/24
(21,218,972
)
(Premiums received $5,281,528)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.3)%
(12,139)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(616,758,312
)
392.85
08/16/24
(1,954,379
)
(Premiums received $12,685,859)
 
 
Total Written Options
(23,173,351
)
(Premiums received $17,967,387)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(382,549
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$592,247,665
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.7%
Purchased Options
103.3
Written Options
(3.9)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 62
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August (FAUG)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$3,997,965
$3,997,965
$—
$—
Purchased Options
611,805,600
—
611,805,600
—
Total
$615,803,565
$3,997,965
$611,805,600
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(23,173,351
)
$—
$(23,173,351
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 63
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August (DAUG)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.7%
2,245,872
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$2,245,872
(Cost $2,245,872)
Total Investments — 0.7%
2,245,872
(Cost $2,245,872)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 105.0%
Call Options Purchased — 104.5%
7,070
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$359,212,560
$4.36
08/16/24
353,934,923
(Cost $304,260,377)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.5%
7,070
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
359,212,560
414.68
08/16/24
1,593,198
(Cost $10,612,028)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
355,528,121
(Cost $314,872,405)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (5.6)%
Call Options Written — (5.5)%
(7,070)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(359,212,560
)
503.02
08/16/24
(18,806,127
)
(Premiums received $5,202,939)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.1)%
(7,070)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(359,212,560
)
305.55
08/16/24
(245,025
)
(Premiums received $2,366,203)
 
 
Total Written Options
(19,051,152
)
(Premiums received $7,569,142)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(209,522
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$338,513,319
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.7%
Purchased Options
105.0
Written Options
(5.6)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 64
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August (DAUG)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$2,245,872
$2,245,872
$—
$—
Purchased Options
355,528,121
—
355,528,121
—
Total
$357,773,993
$2,245,872
$355,528,121
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(19,051,152
)
$—
$(19,051,152
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 65
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.8%
3,586,424
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$3,586,424
(Cost $3,586,424)
Total Investments — 0.8%
3,586,424
(Cost $3,586,424)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 103.3%
Call Options Purchased — 102.4%
9,775
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$496,648,200
$4.43
09/20/24
488,046,200
(Cost $429,744,944)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.9%
9,775
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
496,648,200
443.37
09/20/24
4,467,175
(Cost $20,259,704)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
492,513,375
(Cost $450,004,648)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (4.0)%
Call Options Written — (3.5)%
(9,775)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(496,648,200
)
524.06
09/20/24
(16,666,375
)
(Premiums received $7,637,096)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.5)%
(9,775)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(496,648,200
)
399.03
09/20/24
(2,238,475
)
(Premiums received $9,521,526)
 
 
Total Written Options
(18,904,850
)
(Premiums received $17,158,622)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(318,240
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$476,876,709
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.8%
Purchased Options
103.3
Written Options
(4.0)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 66
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$3,586,424
$3,586,424
$—
$—
Purchased Options
492,513,375
—
492,513,375
—
Total
$496,099,799
$3,586,424
$492,513,375
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(18,904,850
)
$—
$(18,904,850
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 67
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September (DSEP)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.8%
1,376,634
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$1,376,634
(Cost $1,376,634)
Total Investments — 0.8%
1,376,634
(Cost $1,376,634)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 104.6%
Call Options Purchased — 103.9%
3,841
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$195,153,528
$4.42
09/20/24
192,174,537
(Cost $165,803,192)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.7%
3,841
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
195,153,528
421.20
09/20/24
1,218,564
(Cost $7,051,067)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
193,393,101
(Cost $172,854,259)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (5.3)%
Call Options Written — (5.1)%
(3,841)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(195,153,528
)
511.21
09/20/24
(9,427,631
)
(Premiums received $2,035,319)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.2)%
(3,841)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(195,153,528
)
310.36
09/20/24
(293,535
)
(Premiums received $1,299,875)
 
 
Total Written Options
(9,721,166
)
(Premiums received $3,335,194)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(112,522
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$184,936,047
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.8%
Purchased Options
104.6
Written Options
(5.3)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 68
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September (DSEP)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$1,376,634
$1,376,634
$—
$—
Purchased Options
193,393,101
—
193,393,101
—
Total
$194,769,735
$1,376,634
$193,393,101
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(9,721,166
)
$—
$(9,721,166
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 69
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October (FOCT)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.8%
4,045,307
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$4,045,307
(Cost $4,045,307)
Total Investments — 0.8%
4,045,307
(Cost $4,045,307)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 107.1%
Call Options Purchased — 106.3%
10,853
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$551,419,224
$4.21
10/18/24
542,595,735
(Cost $458,773,013)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.8%
10,853
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
551,419,224
421.19
10/18/24
4,048,169
(Cost $25,236,610)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
546,643,904
(Cost $484,009,623)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (7.8)%
Call Options Written — (7.4)%
(10,853)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(551,419,224
)
500.58
10/18/24
(37,605,645
)
(Premiums received $6,774,938)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.4)%
(10,853)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(551,419,224
)
379.07
10/18/24
(2,376,807
)
(Premiums received $13,554,102)
 
 
Total Written Options
(39,982,452
)
(Premiums received $20,329,040)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(361,532
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$510,345,227
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.8%
Purchased Options
107.1
Written Options
(7.8)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 70
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October (FOCT)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$4,045,307
$4,045,307
$—
$—
Purchased Options
546,643,904
—
546,643,904
—
Total
$550,689,211
$4,045,307
$546,643,904
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(39,982,452
)
$—
$(39,982,452
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 71
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October (DOCT)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.8%
1,449,183
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$1,449,183
(Cost $1,449,183)
Total Investments — 0.8%
1,449,183
(Cost $1,449,183)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 109.3%
Call Options Purchased — 108.7%
4,034
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$204,959,472
$4.20
10/18/24
201,774,220
(Cost $166,840,657)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 0.6%
4,034
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
204,959,472
400.13
10/18/24
1,111,563
(Cost $7,364,418)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
202,885,783
(Cost $174,205,075)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (10.0)%
Call Options Written — (9.9)%
(4,034)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(204,959,472
)
485.97
10/18/24
(18,318,562
)
(Premiums received $3,361,029)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.1)%
(4,034)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(204,959,472
)
294.83
10/18/24
(291,877
)
(Premiums received $1,355,983)
 
 
Total Written Options
(18,610,439
)
(Premiums received $4,717,012)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(119,095
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$185,605,432
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.8%
Purchased Options
109.3
Written Options
(10.0)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 72
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October (DOCT)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$1,449,183
$1,449,183
$—
$—
Purchased Options
202,885,783
—
202,885,783
—
Total
$204,334,966
$1,449,183
$202,885,783
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(18,610,439
)
$—
$(18,610,439
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 73
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - November (FNOV)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.9%
5,002,361
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$5,002,361
(Cost $5,002,361)
Total Investments — 0.9%
5,002,361
(Cost $5,002,361)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 104.2%
Call Options Purchased — 102.7%
11,872
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$603,192,576
$4.51
11/15/24
592,875,808
(Cost $525,488,346)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 1.5%
11,872
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
603,192,576
450.79
11/15/24
8,619,072
(Cost $30,275,185)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
601,494,880
(Cost $555,763,531)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (5.0)%
Call Options Written — (4.2)%
(11,872)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(603,192,576
)
529.45
11/15/24
(24,468,192
)
(Premiums received $5,575,638)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.8)%
(11,872)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(603,192,576
)
405.71
11/15/24
(4,428,256
)
(Premiums received $16,977,288)
 
 
Total Written Options
(28,896,448
)
(Premiums received $22,552,926)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(341,848
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$577,258,945
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.9%
Purchased Options
104.2
Written Options
(5.0)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 74
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - November (FNOV)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$5,002,361
$5,002,361
$—
$—
Purchased Options
601,494,880
—
601,494,880
—
Total
$606,497,241
$5,002,361
$601,494,880
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(28,896,448
)
$—
$(28,896,448
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 75
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November (DNOV)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.9%
2,360,195
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$2,360,195
(Cost $2,360,195)
Total Investments — 0.9%
2,360,195
(Cost $2,360,195)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 104.8%
Call Options Purchased — 103.8%
5,681
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$288,640,248
$4.50
11/15/24
284,101,041
(Cost $250,530,230)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 1.0%
5,681
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
288,640,248
428.25
11/15/24
2,780,195
(Cost $10,840,930)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
286,881,236
(Cost $261,371,160)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (5.6)%
Call Options Written — (5.4)%
(5,681)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(288,640,248
)
518.68
11/15/24
(14,674,768
)
(Premiums received $5,184,361)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.2)%
(5,681)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(288,640,248
)
315.55
11/15/24
(645,531
)
(Premiums received $1,994,188)
 
 
Total Written Options
(15,320,299
)
(Premiums received $7,178,549)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(170,649
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$273,750,483
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
0.9%
Purchased Options
104.8
Written Options
(5.6)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 76
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November (DNOV)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$2,360,195
$2,360,195
$—
$—
Purchased Options
286,881,236
—
286,881,236
—
Total
$289,241,431
$2,360,195
$286,881,236
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(15,320,299
)
$—
$(15,320,299
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 77
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December (FDEC)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 1.0%
6,936,933
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$6,936,933
(Cost $6,936,933)
Total Investments — 1.0%
6,936,933
(Cost $6,936,933)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 103.1%
Call Options Purchased — 101.0%
14,712
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$747,487,296
$4.69
12/20/24
734,936,214
(Cost $678,359,561)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 2.1%
14,712
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
747,487,296
469.33
12/20/24
15,551,247
(Cost $31,195,390)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
750,487,461
(Cost $709,554,951)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (4.0)%
Call Options Written — (2.9)%
(14,712)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(747,487,296
)
547.47
12/20/24
(21,384,328
)
(Premiums received $7,352,378)
 
 
Put Options Written — (1.1)%
(14,712)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(747,487,296
)
422.40
12/20/24
(8,004,262
)
(Premiums received $16,132,190)
 
 
Total Written Options
(29,388,590
)
(Premiums received $23,484,568)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(460,878
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$727,574,926
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
1.0%
Purchased Options
103.1
Written Options
(4.0)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 78
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December (FDEC)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$6,936,933
$6,936,933
$—
$—
Purchased Options
750,487,461
—
750,487,461
—
Total
$757,424,394
$6,936,933
$750,487,461
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(29,388,590
)
$—
$(29,388,590
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 79
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December (DDEC)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 1.0%
3,230,592
Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund, Institutional Shares - 5.21% (a)
$3,230,592
(Cost $3,230,592)
Total Investments — 1.0%
3,230,592
(Cost $3,230,592)
 
Number of
Contracts
Description
Notional
Amount
Exercise
Price
Expiration
Date
Value
PURCHASED OPTIONS — 103.4%
Call Options Purchased — 101.9%
6,950
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
$353,115,600
$4.68
12/20/24
347,193,090
(Cost $319,952,836)
 
 
Put Options Purchased — 1.5%
6,950
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
353,115,600
445.86
12/20/24
5,267,595
(Cost $11,005,123)
 
 
Total Purchased Options
352,460,685
(Cost $330,957,959)
WRITTEN OPTIONS — (4.3)%
Call Options Written — (3.9)%
(6,950)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(353,115,600
)
536.68
12/20/24
(13,391,394
)
(Premiums received $5,046,709)
 
 
Put Options Written — (0.4)%
(6,950)
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust
(353,115,600
)
328.53
12/20/24
(1,188,302
)
(Premiums received $2,119,718)
 
 
Total Written Options
(14,579,696
)
(Premiums received $7,166,427)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.1)%
(212,991
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$340,898,590
 
(a)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Money Market Funds
1.0%
Purchased Options
103.4
Written Options
(4.3)
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.1)
Total
100.0%
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 80
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December (DDEC)
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
ASSETS TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Money Market Funds
$3,230,592
$3,230,592
$—
$—
Purchased Options
352,460,685
—
352,460,685
—
Total
$355,691,277
$3,230,592
$352,460,685
$—
 
LIABILITIES TABLE
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Written Options
$(14,579,696
)
$—
$(14,579,696
)
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 81
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF (BUFT)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 99.8%
Capital Markets (a) — 99.8%
792,878
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - April (b)
$26,264,084
602,243
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - May (b)
22,289,014
453,107
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - August (b)
16,579,185
433,092
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF
- October (b)
17,387,301
459,694
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - October (b)
17,154,539
Total Exchange-Traded Funds
99,674,123
(Cost $96,791,334)
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.2%
172,434
Morgan Stanley Institutional
Liquidity Funds - Treasury
Portfolio - Institutional Class -
5.17% (c)
172,434
(Cost $172,434)
Total Investments — 100.0%
99,846,557
(Cost $96,963,768)
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities — (0.0)%
(15,663
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$99,830,894
 
(a)
Represents investments in affiliated funds.
(b)
Non-income producing security.
(c)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Exchange-Traded Funds
99.8%
Money Market Funds
0.2
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.0)(1)
Total
100.0%
 
(1)
Amount is less than 0.1%.
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Exchange-Traded
Funds*
$ 99,674,123
$ 99,674,123
$ —
$ —
Money Market Funds
 172,434
 172,434
 —
 —
Total Investments
$99,846,557
$99,846,557
$—
$—
 
*
See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 82
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (BUFG)
Portfolio of Investments
February 29, 2024  (Unaudited)
 
Shares
Description
Value
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 99.9%
Capital Markets (a) — 99.9%
963,858
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF
- January (b)
$39,874,805
901,811
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - January (b)
32,023,309
1,233,285
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF
- February (b)
54,782,520
1,146,170
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - February (b)
44,093,160
801,208
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF
- December (b)
32,561,093
Total Exchange-Traded Funds
203,334,887
(Cost $200,260,142)
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 0.1%
245,076
Morgan Stanley Institutional
Liquidity Funds - Treasury
Portfolio - Institutional Class -
5.17% (c)
245,076
(Cost $245,076)
Total Investments — 100.0%
203,579,963
(Cost $200,505,218)
Net Other Assets and
Liabilities — (0.0)%
(31,973
)
Net Assets — 100.0%
$203,547,990
 
(a)
Represents investments in affiliated funds.
(b)
Non-income producing security.
(c)
Rate shown reflects yield as of February 29, 2024.
 
 
Fund Allocation
% of
Net Assets
Exchange-Traded Funds
99.9%
Money Market Funds
0.1
Net Other Assets and Liabilities
(0.0)(1)
Total
100.0%
 
(1)
Amount is less than 0.1%.
Valuation Inputs
A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements):
 
 
Total
Value at
2/29/2024
Level 1
Quoted
Prices
Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Exchange-Traded
Funds*
$ 203,334,887
$ 203,334,887
$ —
$ —
Money Market
Funds
 245,076
 245,076
 —
 —
Total Investments
$203,579,963
$203,579,963
$—
$—
 
*
See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 83
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
 
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
January
(FJAN)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer
ETF - January
(DJAN)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
February
(FFEB)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer
ETF - February
(DFEB)
ASSETS:
Investments, at value - Unaffiliated
$7,512,116
$3,293,913
$8,529,898
$3,397,693
Investments, at value - Affiliated
—
—
—
—
Total investments, at value
7,512,116
3,293,913
8,529,898
3,397,693
Options contracts purchased, at value
740,197,348
324,859,958
776,469,107
314,774,172
Cash
—
—
—
—
Due from broker
743
1,350
162
7,447
Receivables:
Capital shares sold
2,067,036
202
—
1,923,030
Investment securities sold
81,244
1,828,944
—
46,337
Dividends
30,767
14,204
14,688
5,560
Total Assets
749,889,254
329,998,571
785,013,855
320,154,239
 
LIABILITIES:
Options contracts written, at value
28,024,516
11,521,988
25,250,707
7,526,298
Due to broker
—
—
—
—
Payables:
Investment securities purchased
2,148,871
64,966
—
1,942,202
Investment advisory fees
463,248
214,901
391,761
148,221
Capital shares redeemed
—
1,777,635
—
—
Total Liabilities
30,636,635
13,579,490
25,642,468
9,616,721
NET ASSETS
$719,252,619
$316,419,081
$759,371,387
$310,537,518
 
NET ASSETS consist of:
Paid-in capital
$673,890,891
$305,246,302
$704,241,994
$323,192,470
Par value
174,000
89,000
170,750
80,750
Accumulated distributable earnings (loss)
45,187,728
11,083,779
54,958,643
(12,735,702
)
NET ASSETS
$719,252,619
$316,419,081
$759,371,387
$310,537,518
NET ASSET VALUE, per share
$41.34
$35.55
$44.47
$38.46
Number of shares outstanding (unlimited number of
shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)
17,400,002
8,900,002
17,075,002
8,075,002
Investments, at cost - Unaffiliated
$7,512,116
$3,293,913
$8,529,898
$3,397,693
Investments, at cost - Affiliated
$—
$—
$—
$—
Total investments, at cost
$7,512,116
$3,293,913
$8,529,898
$3,397,693
Premiums paid on options contracts purchased
$718,313,257
$312,699,398
$767,295,285
$311,384,320
Premiums received on options contracts written
$24,957,360
$6,363,324
$25,306,035
$6,639,640
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 84
 
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Buffer
ETF - March
(FMAR)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF -
March
(DMAR)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Buffer
ETF - April
(FAPR)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF -
April
(DAPR)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Buffer
ETF - May
(FMAY)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - May
(DMAY)
$1,299,138
$506,168
$2,724,441
$844,724
$2,482,382
$837,921
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,299,138
506,168
2,724,441
844,724
2,482,382
837,921
477,487,793
186,468,204
486,961,800
230,501,536
563,369,704
197,339,100
—
—
—
—
—
—
358
1,797
—
132
1,345
791
—
—
903,707
—
—
—
—
—
47,109
—
—
—
5,714
2,688
7,805
3,475
13,747
3,458
478,793,003
186,978,857
490,644,862
231,349,867
565,867,178
198,181,270
40,651,695
23,037,329
24,038,170
19,222,860
28,786,001
15,646,254
—
—
170
—
—
—
—
—
955,369
—
—
—
298,241
132,309
309,456
138,049
390,102
118,206
—
—
902,919
—
—
—
40,949,936
23,169,638
26,206,084
19,360,909
29,176,103
15,764,460
$437,843,067
$163,809,219
$464,438,778
$211,988,958
$536,691,075
$182,416,810
$407,232,097
$165,610,921
$437,703,200
$220,973,323
$508,788,593
$180,555,013
113,750
47,750
128,500
64,000
125,250
49,250
30,497,220
(1,849,452
)
26,607,078
(9,048,365
)
27,777,232
1,812,547
$437,843,067
$163,809,219
$464,438,778
$211,988,958
$536,691,075
$182,416,810
$38.49
$34.31
$36.14
$33.12
$42.85
$37.04
11,375,002
4,775,002
12,850,002
6,400,002
12,525,002
4,925,002
$1,299,138
$506,168
$2,724,441
$844,724
$2,482,382
$837,921
$—
$—
$—
$—
$—
$—
$1,299,138
$506,168
$2,724,441
$844,724
$2,482,382
$837,921
$406,034,900
$153,901,806
$438,313,555
$197,941,522
$512,264,338
$173,381,268
$17,123,280
$5,848,419
$13,671,187
$7,119,116
$15,283,437
$5,591,897
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 85
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
 
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
June
(FJUN)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer
ETF - June
(DJUN)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
July
(FJUL)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer
ETF - July
(DJUL)
ASSETS:
Investments, at value - Unaffiliated
$18,645,570
$957,683
$3,691,149
$2,632,352
Investments, at value - Affiliated
—
—
—
—
Total investments, at value
18,645,570
957,683
3,691,149
2,632,352
Options contracts purchased, at value
671,204,742
177,217,848
588,772,038
423,730,773
Cash
—
984,936
—
—
Due from broker
930
1,384
374
114
Receivables:
Capital shares sold
1,704
117
1,089,001
—
Investment securities sold
2,315,367
—
21,899
—
Dividends
17,543
4,032
19,775
14,160
Total Assets
692,185,856
179,166,000
593,594,236
426,377,399
 
LIABILITIES:
Options contracts written, at value
15,641,068
7,138,777
11,674,604
11,617,386
Due to broker
—
—
—
—
Payables:
Investment securities purchased
53,955
—
1,107,339
—
Investment advisory fees
430,100
116,104
435,604
292,260
Capital shares redeemed
17,290,979
985,054
—
—
Total Liabilities
33,416,102
8,239,935
13,217,547
11,909,646
NET ASSETS
$658,769,754
$170,926,065
$580,376,689
$414,467,753
 
NET ASSETS consist of:
Paid-in capital
$620,824,500
$163,176,976
$552,932,034
$382,573,351
Par value
142,500
43,250
133,250
108,750
Accumulated distributable earnings (loss)
37,802,754
7,705,839
27,311,405
31,785,652
NET ASSETS
$658,769,754
$170,926,065
$580,376,689
$414,467,753
NET ASSET VALUE, per share
$46.23
$39.52
$43.56
$38.11
Number of shares outstanding (unlimited number of
shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)
14,250,002
4,325,002
13,325,002
10,875,002
Investments, at cost - Unaffiliated
$18,645,570
$957,683
$3,691,149
$2,632,352
Investments, at cost - Affiliated
$—
$—
$—
$—
Total investments, at cost
$18,645,570
$957,683
$3,691,149
$2,632,352
Premiums paid on options contracts purchased
$617,283,569
$160,205,025
$546,972,631
$385,329,475
Premiums received on options contracts written
$18,136,495
$4,428,186
$14,891,705
$5,940,079
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 86
 
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Buffer
ETF - August
(FAUG)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF -
August
(DAUG)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Buffer
ETF - September
(FSEP)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF -
September
(DSEP)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Buffer
ETF - October
(FOCT)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF -
October
(DOCT)
$3,997,965
$2,245,872
$3,586,424
$1,376,634
$4,045,307
$1,449,183
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,997,965
2,245,872
3,586,424
1,376,634
4,045,307
1,449,183
611,805,600
355,528,121
492,513,375
193,393,101
546,643,904
202,885,783
—
—
1,044,361
—
—
—
7,967
—
1,474
4,393
—
270
1,055,814
—
1,045,896
—
1,002,877
—
41,941
—
42,491
—
2,115,330
—
17,299
9,349
15,173
7,478
16,852
6,389
616,926,586
357,783,342
498,249,194
194,781,606
553,824,270
204,341,625
23,173,351
19,051,152
18,904,850
9,721,166
39,982,452
18,610,439
—
186
—
—
645
—
1,108,857
—
1,108,527
—
154,837
—
396,713
218,685
314,747
124,393
333,181
125,754
—
—
1,044,361
—
3,007,928
—
24,678,921
19,270,023
21,372,485
9,845,559
43,479,043
18,736,193
$592,247,665
$338,513,319
$476,876,709
$184,936,047
$510,345,227
$185,605,432
$612,215,088
$365,563,103
$413,263,520
$147,717,013
$460,651,308
$166,583,820
140,250
92,500
114,000
49,000
127,250
49,750
(20,107,673
)
(27,142,284
)
63,499,189
37,170,034
49,566,669
18,971,862
$592,247,665
$338,513,319
$476,876,709
$184,936,047
$510,345,227
$185,605,432
$42.23
$36.60
$41.83
$37.74
$40.11
$37.31
14,025,002
9,250,002
11,400,002
4,900,002
12,725,002
4,975,002
$3,997,965
$2,245,872
$3,586,424
$1,376,634
$4,045,307
$1,449,183
$—
$—
$—
$—
$—
$—
$3,997,965
$2,245,872
$3,586,424
$1,376,634
$4,045,307
$1,449,183
$546,251,168
$314,872,405
$450,004,648
$172,854,259
$484,009,623
$174,205,075
$17,967,387
$7,569,142
$17,158,622
$3,335,194
$20,329,040
$4,717,012
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 87
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
 
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
November
(FNOV)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer
ETF -
November
(DNOV)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
December
(FDEC)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer
ETF - December
(DDEC)
ASSETS:
Investments, at value - Unaffiliated
$5,002,361
$2,360,195
$6,936,933
$3,230,592
Investments, at value - Affiliated
—
—
—
—
Total investments, at value
5,002,361
2,360,195
6,936,933
3,230,592
Options contracts purchased, at value
601,494,880
286,881,236
750,487,461
352,460,685
Cash
—
—
—
—
Due from broker
204
3,131
3,384
1,105
Receivables:
Capital shares sold
1,101,754
—
—
—
Investment securities sold
53,491
—
—
—
Dividends
23,383
10,116
31,028
13,802
Total Assets
607,676,073
289,254,678
757,458,806
355,706,184
 
LIABILITIES:
Options contracts written, at value
28,896,448
15,320,299
29,388,590
14,579,696
Due to broker
—
—
—
—
Payables:
Investment securities purchased
1,114,687
—
—
—
Investment advisory fees
405,993
183,896
495,290
227,898
Capital shares redeemed
—
—
—
—
Total Liabilities
30,417,128
15,504,195
29,883,880
14,807,594
NET ASSETS
$577,258,945
$273,750,483
$727,574,926
$340,898,590
 
NET ASSETS consist of:
Paid-in capital
$537,991,350
$265,275,930
$667,175,665
$311,640,639
Par value
131,000
68,500
178,750
92,000
Accumulated distributable earnings (loss)
39,136,595
8,406,053
60,220,511
29,165,951
NET ASSETS
$577,258,945
$273,750,483
$727,574,926
$340,898,590
NET ASSET VALUE, per share
$44.07
$39.96
$40.70
$37.05
Number of shares outstanding (unlimited number of
shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share)
13,100,002
6,850,002
17,875,002
9,200,002
Investments, at cost - Unaffiliated
$5,002,361
$2,360,195
$6,936,933
$3,230,592
Investments, at cost - Affiliated
$—
$—
$—
$—
Total investments, at cost
$5,002,361
$2,360,195
$6,936,933
$3,230,592
Premiums paid on options contracts purchased
$555,763,531
$261,371,160
$709,554,951
$330,957,959
Premiums received on options contracts written
$22,552,926
$7,178,549
$23,484,568
$7,166,427
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 88
 
FT Vest
Buffered
Allocation
Defensive ETF
(BUFT)
FT Vest
Buffered
Allocation
Growth ETF
(BUFG)
$172,434
$245,076
99,674,123
203,334,887
99,846,557
203,579,963
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
360
162
99,846,917
203,580,125
—
—
—
—
—
—
16,023
32,135
—
—
16,023
32,135
$99,830,894
$203,547,990
$96,251,536
$198,939,517
47,000
92,000
3,532,358
4,516,473
$99,830,894
$203,547,990
$21.24
$22.12
4,700,002
9,200,002
$172,434
$245,076
$96,791,334
$200,260,142
$96,963,768
$200,505,218
$—
$—
$—
$—
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 89
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Statements of Operations
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
 
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
January
(FJAN)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer
ETF - January
(DJAN)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
February
(FFEB)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer
ETF - February
(DFEB)
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends - Unaffiliated
$72,950
$34,853
$68,500
$27,500
Total investment income
72,950
34,853
68,500
27,500
 
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fees
1,839,502
858,822
2,164,125
875,022
Total expenses
1,839,502
858,822
2,164,125
875,022
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)
(1,766,552
)
(823,969
)
(2,095,625
)
(847,522
)
 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
(LOSS):
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investments - Affiliated
—
—
—
—
In-kind redemptions - Affiliated
—
—
—
—
Purchased options contracts
(9,021,254
)
6,446,216
(17,454,130
)
29,571,025
Written options contracts
(6,443,074
)
(6,148,952
)
(11,088,262
)
(8,019,464
)
In-kind redemptions - Purchased options
contracts
59,270,412
20,448,503
99,769,113
5,960,317
In-kind redemptions - Written options contracts
12,309,111
348,343
8,789,145
70,153
Net realized gain (loss)
56,115,195
21,094,110
80,015,866
27,582,031
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on:
Investments - Affiliated
—
—
—
—
Purchased options contracts
(33,702
)
(2,702,425
)
(10,540,976
)
(10,995,410
)
Written options contracts
(9,804,488
)
(3,744,314
)
(9,093,350
)
(1,015,566
)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
(9,838,190
)
(6,446,739
)
(19,634,326
)
(12,010,976
)
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
(LOSS)
46,277,005
14,647,371
60,381,540
15,571,055
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET
ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS
$44,510,453
$13,823,402
$58,285,915
$14,723,533
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 90
 
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Buffer
ETF - March
(FMAR)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF -
March
(DMAR)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Buffer
ETF - April
(FAPR)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF -
April
(DAPR)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Buffer
ETF - May
(FMAY)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - May
(DMAY)
$49,098
$27,907
$69,178
$36,348
$100,955
$32,563
49,098
27,907
69,178
36,348
100,955
32,563
1,573,697
829,610
1,847,433
901,356
2,356,183
770,518
1,573,697
829,610
1,847,433
901,356
2,356,183
770,518
(1,524,599
)
(801,703
)
(1,778,255
)
(865,008
)
(2,255,228
)
(737,955
)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(57,503
)
469,291
166,467
268,380
998,317
150,903
62,160
(149,740
)
(41,543
)
(59,112
)
(385,525
)
(11,313
)
5,320,244
11,249,958
18,338,752
3,443,817
31,379,377
4,359,196
101,909
(3,275,225
)
4,738,084
651,306
4,948,368
143,904
5,426,810
8,294,284
23,201,760
4,304,391
36,940,537
4,642,690
—
—
—
—
—
—
46,664,358
13,124,689
32,120,787
18,443,342
37,089,228
16,260,665
(24,876,807
)
(11,521,652
)
(17,284,079
)
(10,453,069
)
(20,300,510
)
(8,842,886
)
21,787,551
1,603,037
14,836,708
7,990,273
16,788,718
7,417,779
27,214,361
9,897,321
38,038,468
12,294,664
53,729,255
12,060,469
$25,689,762
$9,095,618
$36,260,213
$11,429,656
$51,474,027
$11,322,514
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 91
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Statements of Operations (Continued)
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
 
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
June
(FJUN)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer
ETF - June
(DJUN)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
July
(FJUL)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer
ETF - July
(DJUL)
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends - Unaffiliated
$126,122
$37,507
$134,510
$100,163
Total investment income
126,122
37,507
134,510
100,163
 
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fees
2,522,975
772,029
2,417,372
1,733,956
Total expenses
2,522,975
772,029
2,417,372
1,733,956
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)
(2,396,853
)
(734,522
)
(2,282,862
)
(1,633,793
)
 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
(LOSS):
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investments - Affiliated
—
—
—
—
In-kind redemptions - Affiliated
—
—
—
—
Purchased options contracts
380,195
234,561
429,891
969,454
Written options contracts
37,089
75,823
56,800
92,713
In-kind redemptions - Purchased options
contracts
14,162,258
4,282,008
11,178,211
10,774,142
In-kind redemptions - Written options contracts
5,327,500
1,363,773
2,167,472
771,413
Net realized gain (loss)
19,907,042
5,956,165
13,832,374
12,607,722
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on:
Investments - Affiliated
—
—
—
—
Purchased options contracts
48,698,635
17,152,901
44,725,358
40,352,601
Written options contracts
(4,663,115
)
(5,506,083
)
674,024
(7,087,046
)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
44,035,520
11,646,818
45,399,382
33,265,555
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
(LOSS)
63,942,562
17,602,983
59,231,756
45,873,277
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET
ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS
$61,545,709
$16,868,461
$56,948,894
$44,239,484
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 92
 
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Buffer
ETF - August
(FAUG)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF -
August
(DAUG)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Buffer
ETF - September
(FSEP)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF -
September
(DSEP)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Buffer
ETF - October
(FOCT)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF -
October
(DOCT)
$141,415
$87,055
$101,196
$45,614
$90,048
$37,689
141,415
87,055
101,196
45,614
90,048
37,689
2,459,509
1,449,471
1,774,587
781,563
1,730,845
737,981
2,459,509
1,449,471
1,774,587
781,563
1,730,845
737,981
(2,318,094
)
(1,362,416
)
(1,673,391
)
(735,949
)
(1,640,797
)
(700,292
)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
192,882
523,647
(17,949,195
)
(9,481,664
)
(26,358,576
)
(10,681,714
)
781
14,477
77,339
20,339
1,191,991
1,053,009
6,024,908
3,031,529
38,527,648
23,143,816
38,468,857
16,749,948
907,848
(118,619
)
11,296,904
4,213,466
14,187,730
4,809,476
7,126,419
3,451,034
31,952,696
17,895,957
27,490,002
11,930,719
—
—
—
—
—
—
53,528,568
29,751,640
20,998,706
9,974,556
37,799,043
15,211,099
(5,031,722
)
(8,143,421
)
(11,911,172
)
(9,381,980
)
(33,362,862
)
(16,013,123
)
48,496,846
21,608,219
9,087,534
592,576
4,436,181
(802,024
)
55,623,265
25,059,253
41,040,230
18,488,533
31,926,183
11,128,695
$53,305,171
$23,696,837
$39,366,839
$17,752,584
$30,285,386
$10,428,403
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 93
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Statements of Operations (Continued)
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
 
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
November
(FNOV)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer
ETF -
November
(DNOV)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
December
(FDEC)
FT Vest
U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer
ETF - December
(DDEC)
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends - Unaffiliated
$105,264
$51,293
$95,482
$56,556
Total investment income
105,264
51,293
95,482
56,556
 
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fees
2,146,010
1,093,341
1,961,436
1,247,053
Total expenses
2,146,010
1,093,341
1,961,436
1,247,053
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)
(2,040,746
)
(1,042,048
)
(1,865,954
)
(1,190,497
)
 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
(LOSS):
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investments - Affiliated
—
—
—
—
In-kind redemptions - Affiliated
—
—
—
—
Purchased options contracts
(20,704,758
)
7,108,472
(7,190,737
)
3,406,958
Written options contracts
506,120
4,240,764
25,672
(6,212,068
)
In-kind redemptions - Purchased options
contracts
48,501,946
17,650,517
56,387,182
35,786,542
In-kind redemptions - Written options contracts
17,642,267
4,722,954
10,811,020
4,432,720
Net realized gain (loss)
45,945,575
33,722,707
60,033,137
37,414,152
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on:
Investments - Affiliated
—
—
—
—
Purchased options contracts
23,822,611
5,544,177
16,215,487
(5,716,248
)
Written options contracts
(23,288,712
)
(13,968,387
)
(13,414,165
)
(7,687,715
)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
533,899
(8,424,210
)
2,801,322
(13,403,963
)
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
(LOSS)
46,479,474
25,298,497
62,834,459
24,010,189
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET
ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS
$44,438,728
$24,256,449
$60,968,505
$22,819,692
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 94
 
FT Vest
Buffered
Allocation
Defensive ETF
(BUFT)
FT Vest
Buffered
Allocation
Growth ETF
(BUFG)
$1,114
$1,555
1,114
1,555
103,159
176,154
103,159
176,154
(102,045
)
(174,599
)
1,349,888
(2,433,708
)
6,171,664
18,519,685
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
7,521,552
16,085,977
(1,207,192
)
(900,752
)
—
—
—
—
(1,207,192
)
(900,752
)
6,314,360
15,185,225
$6,212,315
$15,010,626
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 95
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 
 
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF -
January (FJAN)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer
ETF - January (DJAN)
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss)
$(1,766,552
)
$(1,992,302
)
$(823,969
)
$(1,472,394
)
Net realized gain (loss)
56,115,195
272,339
21,094,110
(2,932,419
)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
(9,838,190
)
39,662,230
(6,446,739
)
19,857,278
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
operations
44,510,453
37,942,267
13,823,402
15,452,465
 
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS:
Proceeds from shares sold
735,578,861
406,801,786
269,230,944
258,344,193
Cost of shares redeemed
(397,956,006
)
(296,858,003
)
(151,663,655
)
(221,699,055
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
shareholder transactions
337,622,855
109,943,783
117,567,289
36,645,138
Total increase (decrease) in net assets
382,133,308
147,886,050
131,390,691
52,097,603
 
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period
337,119,311
189,233,261
185,028,390
132,930,787
End of period
$719,252,619
$337,119,311
$316,419,081
$185,028,390
 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Shares outstanding, beginning of period
8,950,002
5,850,002
5,575,002
4,325,002
Shares sold
18,400,000
11,950,000
7,775,000
8,425,000
Shares redeemed
(9,950,000
)
(8,850,000
)
(4,450,000
)
(7,175,000
)
Shares outstanding, end of period
17,400,002
8,950,002
8,900,002
5,575,002
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 96
 
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF -
February (FFEB)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF -
February (DFEB)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF -
March (FMAR)
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
$(2,095,625
)
$(2,659,240
)
$(847,522
)
$(2,231,079
)
$(1,524,599
)
$(1,870,741
)
80,015,866
4,021,661
27,582,031
(11,489,878
)
5,426,810
1,945,093
(19,634,326
)
44,100,136
(12,010,976
)
26,799,203
21,787,551
37,525,066
58,285,915
45,462,557
14,723,533
13,078,246
25,689,762
37,599,418
940,259,123
243,479,786
137,629,161
130,634,777
129,878,314
404,646,429
(625,407,804
)
(205,787,010
)
(48,157,946
)
(240,475,793
)
(38,626,248
)
(318,408,317
)
314,851,319
37,692,776
89,471,215
(109,841,016
)
91,252,066
86,238,112
373,137,234
83,155,333
104,194,748
(96,762,770
)
116,941,828
123,837,530
386,234,153
303,078,820
206,342,770
303,105,540
320,901,239
197,063,709
$759,371,387
$386,234,153
$310,537,518
$206,342,770
$437,843,067
$320,901,239
9,575,002
8,550,002
5,750,002
8,925,002
8,900,002
6,300,002
21,875,000
6,550,000
3,625,000
3,925,000
3,500,000
12,450,000
(14,375,000
)
(5,525,000
)
(1,300,000
)
(7,100,000
)
(1,025,000
)
(9,850,000
)
17,075,002
9,575,002
8,075,002
5,750,002
11,375,002
8,900,002
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 97
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Continued)
 
 
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer
ETF - March (DMAR)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF -
April (FAPR)
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss)
$(801,703
)
$(1,849,081
)
$(1,778,255
)
$(2,509,611
)
Net realized gain (loss)
8,294,284
(6,721,689
)
23,201,760
7,477,814
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
1,603,037
24,278,131
14,836,708
35,605,596
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
operations
9,095,618
15,707,361
36,260,213
40,573,799
 
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS:
Proceeds from shares sold
27,415,851
225,304,811
189,342,818
472,382,047
Cost of shares redeemed
(73,861,044
)
(232,646,017
)
(166,857,385
)
(388,773,781
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
shareholder transactions
(46,445,193
)
(7,341,206
)
22,485,433
83,608,266
Total increase (decrease) in net assets
(37,349,575
)
8,366,155
58,745,646
124,182,065
 
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period
201,158,794
192,792,639
405,693,132
281,511,067
End of period
$163,809,219
$201,158,794
$464,438,778
$405,693,132
 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Shares outstanding, beginning of period
6,150,002
6,350,002
12,200,002
9,575,002
Shares sold
825,000
7,425,000
5,525,000
15,175,000
Shares redeemed
(2,200,000
)
(7,625,000
)
(4,875,000
)
(12,550,000
)
Shares outstanding, end of period
4,775,002
6,150,002
12,850,002
12,200,002
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 98
 
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF -
April (DAPR)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May
(FMAY)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF -
May (DMAY)
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
$(865,008
)
$(2,388,611
)
$(2,255,228
)
$(3,153,230
)
$(737,955
)
$(1,447,811
)
4,304,391
(4,330,617
)
36,940,537
26,950,416
4,642,690
10,138,028
7,990,273
19,578,401
16,788,718
18,571,692
7,417,779
7,587,488
11,429,656
12,859,173
51,474,027
42,368,878
11,322,514
16,277,705
41,369,360
396,673,654
237,833,590
625,530,976
57,657,565
170,656,279
(75,731,049
)
(440,445,298
)
(276,757,265
)
(507,606,893
)
(59,372,693
)
(240,142,974
)
(34,361,689
)
(43,771,644
)
(38,923,675
)
117,924,083
(1,715,128
)
(69,486,695
)
(22,932,033
)
(30,912,471
)
12,550,352
160,292,961
9,607,386
(53,208,990
)
234,920,991
265,833,462
524,140,723
363,847,762
172,809,424
226,018,414
$211,988,958
$234,920,991
$536,691,075
$524,140,723
$182,416,810
$172,809,424
7,550,002
8,900,002
13,300,002
10,200,002
4,975,002
7,150,002
1,300,000
13,400,000
5,925,000
16,850,000
1,650,000
5,250,000
(2,450,000
)
(14,750,000
)
(6,700,000
)
(13,750,000
)
(1,700,000
)
(7,425,000
)
6,400,002
7,550,002
12,525,002
13,300,002
4,925,002
4,975,002
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 99
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Continued)
 
 
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF -
June (FJUN)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer
ETF - June (DJUN)
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss)
$(2,396,853
)
$(2,674,644
)
$(734,522
)
$(1,307,997
)
Net realized gain (loss)
19,907,042
51,651,309
5,956,165
19,896,691
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
44,035,520
(444,750
)
11,646,818
(2,592,810
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
operations
61,545,709
48,531,915
16,868,461
15,995,884
 
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS:
Proceeds from shares sold
254,367,267
538,441,639
36,687,133
111,081,853
Cost of shares redeemed
(191,035,866
)
(351,578,773
)
(58,142,003
)
(131,629,473
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
shareholder transactions
63,331,401
186,862,866
(21,454,870
)
(20,547,620
)
Total increase (decrease) in net assets
124,877,110
235,394,781
(4,586,409
)
(4,551,736
)
 
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period
533,892,644
298,497,863
175,512,474
180,064,210
End of period
$658,769,754
$533,892,644
$170,926,065
$175,512,474
 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Shares outstanding, beginning of period
12,675,002
8,200,002
4,825,002
5,550,002
Shares sold
5,900,000
13,375,000
1,050,000
3,150,000
Shares redeemed
(4,325,000
)
(8,900,000
)
(1,550,000
)
(3,875,000
)
Shares outstanding, end of period
14,250,002
12,675,002
4,325,002
4,825,002
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 100
 
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July
(FJUL)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF -
July (DJUL)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF -
August (FAUG)
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
$(2,282,862
)
$(2,088,888
)
$(1,633,793
)
$(1,294,026
)
$(2,318,094
)
$(3,003,919
)
13,832,374
38,604,244
12,607,722
16,365,178
7,126,419
5,806,643
45,399,382
(3,036,837
)
33,265,555
(1,028,162
)
48,496,846
23,865,275
56,948,894
33,478,519
44,239,484
14,042,990
53,305,171
26,667,999
230,212,763
538,570,165
221,919,496
329,544,964
103,913,399
864,196,916
(209,996,881
)
(289,430,146
)
(138,328,750
)
(214,085,902
)
(126,902,651
)
(651,916,272
)
20,215,882
249,140,019
83,590,746
115,459,062
(22,989,252
)
212,280,644
77,164,776
282,618,538
127,830,230
129,502,052
30,315,919
238,948,643
503,211,913
220,593,375
286,637,523
157,135,471
561,931,746
322,983,103
$580,376,689
$503,211,913
$414,467,753
$286,637,523
$592,247,665
$561,931,746
12,700,002
6,350,002
8,200,002
5,050,002
14,550,002
9,150,002
5,725,000
13,800,000
6,500,000
9,550,000
2,675,000
22,750,000
(5,100,000
)
(7,450,000
)
(3,825,000
)
(6,400,000
)
(3,200,000
)
(17,350,000
)
13,325,002
12,700,002
10,875,002
8,200,002
14,025,002
14,550,002
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 101
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Continued)
 
 
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer
ETF - August (DAUG)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF -
September (FSEP)
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss)
$(1,362,416
)
$(3,258,712
)
$(1,673,391
)
$(2,165,154
)
Net realized gain (loss)
3,451,034
31,897,478
31,952,696
4,556,289
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
21,608,219
11,810,301
9,087,534
40,185,060
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
operations
23,696,837
40,449,067
39,366,839
42,576,195
 
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS:
Proceeds from shares sold
35,231,488
804,513,065
431,036,181
395,959,039
Cost of shares redeemed
(98,266,192
)
(624,260,248
)
(317,833,038
)
(239,350,219
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
shareholder transactions
(63,034,704
)
180,252,817
113,203,143
156,608,820
Total increase (decrease) in net assets
(39,337,867
)
220,701,884
152,569,982
199,185,015
 
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period
377,851,186
157,149,302
324,306,727
125,121,712
End of period
$338,513,319
$377,851,186
$476,876,709
$324,306,727
 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Shares outstanding, beginning of period
11,100,002
4,975,002
8,425,002
3,750,002
Shares sold
1,000,000
24,750,000
11,250,000
11,600,000
Shares redeemed
(2,850,000
)
(18,625,000
)
(8,275,000
)
(6,925,000
)
Shares outstanding, end of period
9,250,002
11,100,002
11,400,002
8,425,002
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 102
 
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF -
September (DSEP)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF -
October (FOCT)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF -
October (DOCT)
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
$(735,949
)
$(1,586,586
)
$(1,640,797
)
$(2,147,532
)
$(700,292
)
$(1,423,515
)
17,895,957
10,193,950
27,490,002
(3,414,285
)
11,930,719
1,554,335
592,576
21,152,396
4,436,181
48,545,456
(802,024
)
24,938,133
17,752,584
29,759,760
30,285,386
42,983,639
10,428,403
25,068,953
225,175,783
301,664,319
512,165,794
296,029,591
166,607,022
204,061,583
(196,827,581
)
(291,488,077
)
(310,566,439
)
(206,921,003
)
(151,219,021
)
(193,274,484
)
28,348,202
10,176,242
201,599,355
89,108,588
15,388,001
10,787,099
46,100,786
39,936,002
231,884,741
132,092,227
25,816,404
35,856,052
138,835,261
98,899,259
278,460,486
146,368,259
159,789,028
123,932,976
$184,936,047
$138,835,261
$510,345,227
$278,460,486
$185,605,432
$159,789,028
3,975,002
3,250,002
7,275,002
4,450,002
4,500,002
4,050,002
6,525,000
9,950,000
13,800,000
8,950,000
4,775,000
6,475,000
(5,600,000
)
(9,225,000
)
(8,350,000
)
(6,125,000
)
(4,300,000
)
(6,025,000
)
4,900,002
3,975,002
12,725,002
7,275,002
4,975,002
4,500,002
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 103
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Continued)
 
 
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF -
November (FNOV)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer
ETF - November (DNOV)
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss)
$(2,040,746
)
$(2,952,732
)
$(1,042,048
)
$(2,488,779
)
Net realized gain (loss)
45,945,575
(3,527,750
)
33,722,707
(6,644,479
)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
533,899
60,994,440
(8,424,210
)
42,222,317
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
operations
44,438,728
54,513,958
24,256,449
33,089,059
 
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS:
Proceeds from shares sold
546,956,845
319,979,614
193,888,500
337,167,210
Cost of shares redeemed
(407,315,647
)
(242,372,424
)
(185,438,875
)
(529,405,035
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
shareholder transactions
139,641,198
77,607,190
8,449,625
(192,237,825
)
Total increase (decrease) in net assets
184,079,926
132,121,148
32,706,074
(159,148,766
)
 
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period
393,179,019
261,057,871
241,044,409
400,193,175
End of period
$577,258,945
$393,179,019
$273,750,483
$241,044,409
 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Shares outstanding, beginning of period
9,625,002
7,350,002
6,525,002
12,200,002
Shares sold
13,425,000
8,775,000
5,275,000
10,200,000
Shares redeemed
(9,950,000
)
(6,500,000
)
(4,950,000
)
(15,875,000
)
Shares outstanding, end of period
13,100,002
9,625,002
6,850,002
6,525,002
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 104
 
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF -
December (FDEC)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF -
December (DDEC)
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive
ETF (BUFT)
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
$(1,865,954
)
$(1,933,139
)
$(1,190,497
)
$(2,394,409
)
$(102,045
)
$(246,661
)
60,033,137
(9,145,882
)
37,414,152
2,394,268
7,521,552
3,446,596
2,801,322
49,599,041
(13,403,963
)
35,948,038
(1,207,192
)
4,773,322
60,968,505
38,520,020
22,819,692
35,947,897
6,212,315
7,973,257
763,738,868
391,728,791
336,071,388
397,801,826
136,140,269
63,344,481
(394,263,938
)
(323,259,505
)
(296,975,542
)
(406,358,710
)
(137,952,134
)
(130,727,007
)
369,474,930
68,469,286
39,095,846
(8,556,884
)
(1,811,865
)
(67,382,526
)
430,443,435
106,989,306
61,915,538
27,391,013
4,400,450
(59,409,269
)
297,131,491
190,142,185
278,983,052
251,592,039
95,430,444
154,839,713
$727,574,926
$297,131,491
$340,898,590
$278,983,052
$99,830,894
$95,430,444
8,125,002
6,000,002
8,150,002
8,275,002
4,750,002
8,300,002
19,950,000
11,975,000
9,475,000
12,950,000
6,600,000
3,250,000
(10,200,000
)
(9,850,000
)
(8,425,000
)
(13,075,000
)
(6,650,000
)
(6,800,000
)
17,875,002
8,125,002
9,200,002
8,150,002
4,700,002
4,750,002
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 105
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Continued)
 
 
FT Vest Buffered Allocation
Growth ETF (BUFG)
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
(Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023 
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss)
$(174,599
)
$(299,352
)
Net realized gain (loss)
16,085,977
11,554,925
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation)
(900,752
)
5,644,353
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting
from operations
15,010,626
16,899,926
 
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS:
Proceeds from shares sold
376,428,986
288,555,492
Cost of shares redeemed
(352,039,433
)
(304,725,396
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting
from shareholder transactions
24,389,553
(16,169,904
)
Total increase (decrease) in net assets
39,400,179
730,022
 
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period
164,147,811
163,417,789
End of period
$203,547,990
$164,147,811
 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Shares outstanding, beginning of period
8,050,002
9,000,002
Shares sold
17,650,000
14,900,000
Shares redeemed
(16,500,000
)
(15,850,000
)
Shares outstanding, end of period
9,200,002
8,050,002
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 106
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January (FJAN)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2021  (a)
 
2023
2022
Net asset value, beginning of period
$37.67
$32.35
$33.37
$30.06
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.16
)  (b)
(0.29
)  (b)
(0.19
)
(0.14
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
3.83
5.61
(0.83
)
3.45
Total from investment operations
3.67
5.32
(1.02
)
3.31
Net asset value, end of period
$41.34
$37.67
$32.35
$33.37
Total return (c)
9.74
%
16.45
%
(3.06
)%
11.01
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$719,253
$337,119
$189,233
$126,811
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.82
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is January 15, 2021, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 107
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January (DJAN)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2021  (a)
 
2023
2022
Net asset value, beginning of period
$33.19
$30.74
$31.94
$30.06
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.14
)  (b)
(0.26
)  (b)
(0.04
)
(0.22
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.50
2.71
(1.16
)
2.10
Total from investment operations
2.36
2.45
(1.20
)
1.88
Net asset value, end of period
$35.55
$33.19
$30.74
$31.94
Total return (c)
7.11
%
7.97
%
(3.76
)%
6.25
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$316,419
$185,028
$132,931
$49,511
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.82
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is January 15, 2021, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 108
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February (FFEB)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2020  (a)
 
2023
2022
2021
Net asset value, beginning of period
$40.34
$35.45
$37.46
$31.48
$30.68
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.17
)  (b)
(0.31
)  (b)
(0.22
)
(0.30
)
(0.08
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
4.30
5.20
(1.79
)
6.28
0.88
Total from investment operations
4.13
4.89
(2.01
)
5.98
0.80
Net asset value, end of period
$44.47
$40.34
$35.45
$37.46
$31.48
Total return (c)
10.24
%
13.79
%
(5.37
)%
19.00
%
2.61
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$759,371
$386,234
$303,079
$258,453
$210,925
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.82
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is February 21, 2020, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation
units were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 109
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2020  (a)
 
2023
2022
2021
Net asset value, beginning of period
$35.89
$33.96
$34.68
$31.24
$30.68
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.15
)  (b)
(0.28
)  (b)
(0.25
)
(0.52
)
(0.11
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.72
2.21
(0.47
)
3.96
0.67
Total from investment operations
2.57
1.93
(0.72
)
3.44
0.56
Net asset value, end of period
$38.46
$35.89
$33.96
$34.68
$31.24
Total return (c)
7.16
%
5.68
%
(2.08
)%
11.01
%
1.83
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$310,538
$206,343
$303,106
$282,634
$534,276
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.82
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is February 21, 2020, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation
units were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 110
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2021  (a)
 
2023
2022
Net asset value, beginning of period
$36.06
$31.28
$32.40
$29.60
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.15
)  (b)
(0.27
)  (b)
(0.13
)
(0.10
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.58
5.05
(0.99
)
2.90
Total from investment operations
2.43
4.78
(1.12
)
2.80
Net asset value, end of period
$38.49
$36.06
$31.28
$32.40
Total return (c)
6.74
%
15.28
%
(3.46
)%
9.46
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$437,843
$320,901
$197,064
$82,609
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.82
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is March 19, 2021, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 111
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March (DMAR)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2021  (a)
 
2023
2022
Net asset value, beginning of period
$32.71
$30.36
$31.45
$29.60
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.14
)  (b)
(0.25
)  (b)
(0.09
)
(0.10
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.74
2.60
(1.00
)
1.95
Total from investment operations
1.60
2.35
(1.09
)
1.85
Net asset value, end of period
$34.31
$32.71
$30.36
$31.45
Total return (c)
4.89
%
7.74
%
(3.47
)%
6.25
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$163,809
$201,159
$192,793
$66,053
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.82
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is March 19, 2021, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 112
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April (FAPR)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2021  (a)
 
2023
2022
Net asset value, beginning of period
$33.25
$29.40
$31.71
$30.04
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.14
)  (b)
(0.25
)  (b)
(0.12
)
(0.08
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
3.03
4.10
(2.19
)
1.75
Total from investment operations
2.89
3.85
(2.31
)
1.67
Net asset value, end of period
$36.14
$33.25
$29.40
$31.71
Total return (c)
8.69
%
13.10
%
(7.28
)%
5.56
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$464,439
$405,693
$281,511
$134,751
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.82
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is April 16, 2021, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 113
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April (DAPR)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2021  (a)
 
2023
2022
Net asset value, beginning of period
$31.12
$29.87
$31.08
$30.04
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.13
)  (b)
(0.24
)  (b)
(0.07
)
(0.10
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.13
1.49
(1.14
)
1.14
Total from investment operations
2.00
1.25
(1.21
)
1.04
Net asset value, end of period
$33.12
$31.12
$29.87
$31.08
Total return (c)
6.43
%
4.18
%
(3.89
)%
3.46
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$211,989
$234,921
$265,833
$93,226
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.82
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is April 16, 2021, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 114
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2020  (a)
 
2023
2022
2021
Net asset value, beginning of period
$39.41
$35.67
$37.29
$33.47
$30.34
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.16
)  (b)
(0.30
)  (b)
(0.05
)
(0.16
)
(0.07
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
3.60
4.04
(1.57
)
3.98
3.20
Total from investment operations
3.44
3.74
(1.62
)
3.82
3.13
Net asset value, end of period
$42.85
$39.41
$35.67
$37.29
$33.47
Total return (c)
8.73
%
10.49
%
(4.34
)%
11.41
%
10.32
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$536,691
$524,141
$363,848
$111,876
$38,487
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.81
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is May 15, 2020, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 115
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May (DMAY)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2020  (a)
 
2023
2022
2021
Net asset value, beginning of period
$34.74
$31.61
$34.25
$32.16
$30.35
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.14
)  (b)
(0.27
)  (b)
(0.05
)
(0.08
)
(0.07
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.44
3.40
(2.59
)
2.17
1.88
Total from investment operations
2.30
3.13
(2.64
)
2.09
1.81
Net asset value, end of period
$37.04
$34.74
$31.61
$34.25
$32.16
Total return (c)
6.62
%
9.90
%
(7.71
)%
6.50
%
5.96
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$182,417
$172,809
$226,018
$63,371
$11,255
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.81
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is May 15, 2020, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 116
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June (FJUN)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2020  (a)
 
2023
2022
2021
Net asset value, beginning of period
$42.12
$36.40
$37.07
$32.56
$30.25
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.17
)  (b)
(0.31
)  (b)
(0.08
)
(0.15
)
(0.05
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
4.28
6.03
(0.59
)  (c)
4.66
2.36
Total from investment operations
4.11
5.72
(0.67
)
4.51
2.31
Net asset value, end of period
$46.23
$42.12
$36.40
$37.07
$32.56
Total return (d)
9.76
%
15.71
%
(1.81
)%
13.85
%
7.64
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$658,770
$533,893
$298,498
$113,075
$48,845
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (e)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (e)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.81
)%  (e)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (e)
Portfolio turnover rate (f)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is June 19, 2020, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
The per share amount does not correlate with the aggregate realized and unrealized gain (loss) due to the timing of the Fund share sales and
repurchases in relation to market value fluctuation of the underlying investments.
(d)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(e)
Annualized.
(f)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 117
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June (DJUN)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2020  (a)
 
2023
2022
2021
Net asset value, beginning of period
$36.38
$32.44
$34.04
$31.62
$30.25
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.15
)  (b)
(0.28
)  (b)
(0.07
)
(0.13
)
(0.04
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
3.29
4.22
(1.53
)
2.55
1.41
Total from investment operations
3.14
3.94
(1.60
)
2.42
1.37
Net asset value, end of period
$39.52
$36.38
$32.44
$34.04
$31.62
Total return (c)
8.63
%
12.15
%
(4.70
)%
7.65
%
4.53
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$170,926
$175,512
$180,064
$45,951
$20,551
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.81
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is June 19, 2020, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 118
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July (FJUL)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2020  (a)
 
2023
2022
2021
Net asset value, beginning of period
$39.62
$34.74
$35.63
$31.61
$30.24
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.16
)  (b)
(0.30
)  (b)
(0.17
)
(0.09
)
(0.02
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
4.10
5.18
(0.72
)
4.11
1.39
Total from investment operations
3.94
4.88
(0.89
)
4.02
1.37
Net asset value, end of period
$43.56
$39.62
$34.74
$35.63
$31.61
Total return (c)
9.94
%
14.05
%
(2.50
)%
12.72
%
4.53
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$580,377
$503,212
$220,593
$124,722
$33,194
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.80
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is July 17, 2020, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 119
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July (DJUL)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2020  (a)
 
2023
2022
2021
Net asset value, beginning of period
$34.96
$31.12
$33.17
$30.96
$30.24
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.14
)  (b)
(0.26
)  (b)
(0.08
)
(0.09
)
(0.02
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
3.29
4.10
(1.97
)
2.30
0.74
Total from investment operations
3.15
3.84
(2.05
)
2.21
0.72
Net asset value, end of period
$38.11
$34.96
$31.12
$33.17
$30.96
Total return (c)
9.01
%
12.34
%
(6.18
)%
7.14
%
2.38
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$414,468
$286,638
$157,135
$54,735
$12,384
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.80
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is July 17, 2020, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 120
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August (FAUG)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2020  (a)
 
2023
2022
2021
Net asset value, beginning of period
$38.62
$35.30
$37.50
$32.95
$30.10
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.16
)  (b)
(0.30
)  (b)
(0.12
)
(0.13
)
(0.08
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
3.77
3.62
(2.08
)
4.68
2.93
Total from investment operations
3.61
3.32
(2.20
)
4.55
2.85
Net asset value, end of period
$42.23
$38.62
$35.30
$37.50
$32.95
Total return (c)
9.35
%
9.41
%
(5.87
)%
13.81
%
9.47
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$592,248
$561,932
$322,983
$155,642
$36,246
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.80
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is November 6, 2019, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation
units were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 121
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August (DAUG)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2020  (a)
 
2023
2022
2021
Net asset value, beginning of period
$34.04
$31.59
$34.76
$32.15
$30.10
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.14
)  (b)
(0.26
)  (b)
(0.14
)
(0.49
)
(0.19
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.70
2.71
(3.03
)
3.10
2.24
Total from investment operations
2.56
2.45
(3.17
)
2.61
2.05
Net asset value, end of period
$36.60
$34.04
$31.59
$34.76
$32.15
Total return (c)
7.52
%
7.76
%
(9.12
)%
8.12
%
6.81
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$338,513
$377,851
$157,149
$90,370
$133,431
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.80
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is November 6, 2019, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation
units were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 122
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2021  (a)
 
2023
2022
Net asset value, beginning of period
$38.49
$33.37
$34.45
$29.76
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.16
)  (b)
(0.29
)  (b)
(0.17
)
(0.16
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
3.50
5.41
(0.91
)
4.85
Total from investment operations
3.34
5.12
(1.08
)
4.69
Net asset value, end of period
$41.83
$38.49
$33.37
$34.45
Total return (c)
8.68
%
15.34
%
(3.13
)%
15.76
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$476,877
$324,307
$125,122
$41,344
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.80
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is September 18, 2020, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation
units were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 123
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September (DSEP)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2021  (a)
 
2023
2022
Net asset value, beginning of period
$34.93
$30.43
$32.30
$29.76
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.14
)  (b)
(0.26
)  (b)
(0.27
)  (b)
(0.25
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.95
4.76
(1.60
)
2.79
Total from investment operations
2.81
4.50
(1.87
)
2.54
Net asset value, end of period
$37.74
$34.93
$30.43
$32.30
Total return (c)
8.04
%
14.79
%
(5.79
)%
8.53
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$184,936
$138,835
$98,899
$25,841
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.80
)%  (d)
(0.81
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is September 18, 2020, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation
units were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 124
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October (FOCT)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2021  (a)
 
2023
2022
Net asset value, beginning of period
$38.28
$32.89
$34.40
$29.87
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.15
)  (b)
(0.28
)  (b)
(0.17
)
(0.21
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.98
5.67
(1.34
)
4.74
Total from investment operations
1.83
5.39
(1.51
)
4.53
Net asset value, end of period
$40.11
$38.28
$32.89
$34.40
Total return (c)
4.78
%
16.39
%
(4.39
)%
15.17
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$510,345
$278,460
$146,368
$70,529
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.81
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is October 16, 2020, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 125
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October (DOCT)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2021  (a)
 
2023
2022
Net asset value, beginning of period
$35.51
$30.60
$32.41
$29.87
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.14
)  (b)
(0.27
)  (b)
(0.08
)
(0.21
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.94
5.18
(1.73
)
2.75
Total from investment operations
1.80
4.91
(1.81
)
2.54
Net asset value, end of period
$37.31
$35.51
$30.60
$32.41
Total return (c)
5.07
%
16.05
%
(5.58
)%
8.50
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$185,605
$159,789
$123,933
$40,511
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.81
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is October 16, 2020, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 126
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - November (FNOV)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2020  (a)
 
2023
2022
2021
Net asset value, beginning of period
$40.85
$35.52
$38.30
$32.89
$30.56
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.17
)  (b)
(0.31
)  (b)
(0.05
)
(0.40
)
(0.10
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
3.39
5.64
(2.73
)
5.81
2.43
Total from investment operations
3.22
5.33
(2.78
)
5.41
2.33
Net asset value, end of period
$44.07
$40.85
$35.52
$38.30
$32.89
Total return (c)
7.88
%
15.01
%
(7.26
)%
16.45
%
7.62
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$577,259
$393,179
$261,058
$143,616
$138,133
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.81
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is November 15, 2019, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation
units were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 127
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November (DNOV)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2020  (a)
 
2023
2022
2021
Net asset value, beginning of period
$36.94
$32.80
$34.99
$32.09
$30.55
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.15
)  (b)
(0.28
)  (b)
(0.28
)  (b)
(0.43
)
(0.10
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
3.17
4.42
(1.91
)
3.33
1.64
Total from investment operations
3.02
4.14
(2.19
)
2.90
1.54
Net asset value, end of period
$39.96
$36.94
$32.80
$34.99
$32.09
Total return (c)
8.18
%
12.62
%
(6.26
)%
9.04
%
5.04
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$273,750
$241,044
$400,193
$90,968
$146,012
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.81
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is November 15, 2019, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation
units were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 128
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December (FDEC)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2021  (a)
 
2023
2022
Net asset value, beginning of period
$36.57
$31.69
$33.78
$30.27
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.15
)  (b)
(0.27
)  (b)
(0.28
)  (b)
(0.17
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
4.28
5.15
(1.81
)
3.68
Total from investment operations
4.13
4.88
(2.09
)
3.51
Net asset value, end of period
$40.70
$36.57
$31.69
$33.78
Total return (c)
11.29
%
15.40
%
(6.19
)%
11.60
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$727,575
$297,131
$190,142
$70,943
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.81
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is December 18, 2020, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation
units were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 129
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December (DDEC)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year Ended August 31,
Period
Ended 
8/31/2021  (a)
 
2023
2022
Net asset value, beginning of period
$34.23
$30.40
$32.19
$30.27
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.14
)  (b)
(0.26
)  (b)
(0.26
)  (b)
(0.18
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.96
4.09
(1.53
)
2.10
Total from investment operations
2.82
3.83
(1.79
)
1.92
Net asset value, end of period
$37.05
$34.23
$30.40
$32.19
Total return (c)
8.24
%
12.60
%
(5.56
)%
6.34
%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$340,899
$278,983
$251,592
$59,546
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
0.85
%  (d)
0.85
%
0.85
%
0.85
%  (d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.81
)%  (d)
(0.82
)%
(0.84
)%
(0.85
)%  (d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)
0
%
0
%
0
%
0
%
 
(a)
Inception date is December 18, 2020, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation
units were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
Annualized.
(e)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions, derivatives and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 130
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF (BUFT)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023
Period
Ended 
8/31/2022  (a)
 
Net asset value, beginning of period
$20.09
$18.66
$20.01
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.02
)  (b)
(0.04
)  (b)
(0.02
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.17
1.47
(1.33
)
Total from investment operations
1.15
1.43
(1.35
)
Net asset value, end of period
$21.24
$20.09
$18.66
Total return (c)
5.72
%
7.66
%
(6.75
)%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$99,831
$95,430
$154,840
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets (d)
0.20
%  (e)
0.20
%
0.20
%  (e)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.20
)%  (e)
(0.20
)%
(0.20
)%  (e)
Portfolio turnover rate (f)
251
%
372
%
445
%
 
(a)
Inception date is October 26, 2021, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The returns presented do not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of fees and expenses incurred by the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. This ratio
does not include these indirect fees and expenses.
(e)
Annualized.
(f)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 131
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
Financial Highlights (Continued)
For a share outstanding throughout each period
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF (BUFG)
 
 
Six Months
Ended
2/29/2024 
 (Unaudited)
Year
Ended
8/31/2023
Period
Ended 
8/31/2022  (a)
 
Net asset value, beginning of period
$20.39
$18.16
$20.01
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)
(0.02
)  (b)
(0.04
)  (b)
(0.02
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.75
2.27
(1.83
)
Total from investment operations
1.73
2.23
(1.85
)
Net asset value, end of period
$22.12
$20.39
$18.16
Total return (c)
8.48
%
12.28
%
(9.25
)%
 
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
$203,548
$164,148
$163,418
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets (d)
0.20
%  (e)
0.20
%
0.20
%  (e)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets
(0.20
)%  (e)
(0.20
)%
(0.20
)%  (e)
Portfolio turnover rate (f)
252
%
475
%
411
%
 
(a)
Inception date is October 26, 2021, which is consistent with the commencement of investment operations and is the date the initial creation units
were established.
(b)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(c)
Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption at net asset value on the last day of the period. The return presented does not
reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares. Total return is
calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year.
(d)
The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of fees and expenses incurred by the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. This ratio
does not include these indirect fees and expenses.
(e)
Annualized.
(f)
Portfolio turnover is calculated for the time period presented and is not annualized for periods of less than a year and does not include securities
received or delivered from processing creations or redemptions and in-kind transactions.
See Notes to Financial Statements
Page 132
Notes to Financial Statements
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
1. Organization
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on February 22, 2016, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).
The Trust currently consists of eighty-four funds that are offering shares. This report covers the twenty-six funds (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”), each a non-diversified series of the Trust, listed below. The shares of each Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.
 
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January – (ticker “FJAN”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January – (ticker “DJAN”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February – (ticker “FFEB”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February – (ticker “DFEB”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March – (ticker “FMAR”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March – (ticker “DMAR”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April – (ticker “FAPR”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April – (ticker “DAPR”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May – (ticker “FMAY”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May – (ticker “DMAY”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June – (ticker “FJUN”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June – (ticker “DJUN”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July – (ticker “FJUL”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July – (ticker “DJUL”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August – (ticker “FAUG”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August – (ticker “DAUG”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September – (ticker “FSEP”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September – (ticker “DSEP”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October – (ticker “FOCT”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October – (ticker “DOCT”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - November – (ticker “FNOV”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November – (ticker “DNOV”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December – (ticker “FDEC”)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December – (ticker “DDEC”)
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF – (ticker “BUFT”)
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF – (ticker “BUFG”)
Each Fund represents a separate series of shares of beneficial interest in the Trust. Unlike conventional mutual funds, each Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value (“NAV”), only in large blocks of shares known as “Creation Units.”
Each Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”).
The investment objective of FJAN is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (the “Underlying ETF”), up to a predetermined upside cap of 15.70% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from January 22, 2024 through January 17, 2025. Prior to January 22, 2024, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 19.04% and an Outcome Period of January 23, 2023 through January 19, 2024.
The investment objective of DJAN is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 13.94% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30% over the period from January 22, 2024 through January 17, 2025. Prior to January 22, 2024, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 14.70% and an Outcome Period of January 23, 2023 through January 19, 2024.
The investment objective of FFEB is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 16.82% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first
Page 133
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from February 20, 2024 through February 21, 2025. Prior to February 20, 2024, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 19.25% and an Outcome Period of February 21, 2023 through February 16, 2024.
The investment objective of DFEB is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 15.05% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30% over the period from February 20, 2024 through February 21, 2025. Prior to February 20, 2024, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 14.97% and an Outcome Period of February 21, 2023 through February 16, 2024.
The investment objective of FMAR is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 19.35% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from March 20, 2023 through March 15, 2024. Prior to March 20, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 14.78% and an Outcome Period of March 21, 2022 through March 17, 2023.
The investment objective of DMAR is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 14.36% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30% over the period from March 20, 2023 through March 15, 2024. Prior to March 20, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 10.02% and an Outcome Period of March 21, 2022 through March 17, 2023.
The investment objective of FAPR is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 18.48% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from April 24, 2023 through April 19, 2024. Prior to April 24, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 16.35% and an Outcome Period of April 18, 2022 through April 21, 2023.
The investment objective of DAPR is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 14.05% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30% over the period from April 24, 2023 through April 19, 2024. Prior to April 24, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 10.96% and an Outcome Period of April 18, 2022 through April 21, 2023.
The investment objective of FMAY is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 17.65% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from May 22, 2023 through May 17, 2024. Prior to May 22, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 20.45% and an Outcome Period of May 23, 2022 through May 19, 2023.
The investment objective of DMAY is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 13.67% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30% over the period from May 22, 2023 through May 17, 2024. Prior to May 22, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 13.93% and an Outcome Period of May 23, 2022 through May 19, 2023.
The investment objective of FJUN is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 18.25% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from June 20, 2023 through June 21, 2024. Prior to June 20, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 22.20% and an Outcome Period of June 21, 2022 through June 16, 2023.
The investment objective of DJUN is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 14.70% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30% over the period from June 20, 2023 through June 21, 2024. Prior to June 20, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 15.59% and an Outcome Period of June 21, 2022 through June 16, 2023.
The investment objective of FJUL is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 17.46% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from July 24, 2023 through July 19, 2024. Prior to July 24, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 21.30% and an Outcome Period of July 18, 2022 through July 21, 2023.
Page 134
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
The investment objective of DJUL is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 14.79% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30% over the period from July 24, 2023 through July 19, 2024. Prior to July 24, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 15.02% and an Outcome Period of July 18, 2022 through July 21, 2023.
The investment objective of FAUG is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 18.70% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from August 21, 2023 through August 16, 2024. Prior to August 21, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 20.46% and an Outcome Period of August 22, 2022 through August 18, 2023.
The investment objective of DAUG is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 15.24% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30% over the period from August 21, 2023 through August 16, 2024. Prior to August 21, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 14.47% and an Outcome Period of August 22, 2022 through August 18, 2023.
The investment objective of FSEP is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 18.20% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from September 18, 2023 through September 20, 2024. Prior to September 18, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 23.41% and an Outcome Period of September 19, 2022 through September 15, 2023.
The investment objective of DSEP is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 15.30% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30% over the period from September 18, 2023 through September 20, 2024. Prior to September 18, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 16.98% and an Outcome Period of September 19, 2022 through September 15, 2023.
The investment objective of FOCT is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 18.85% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from October 23, 2023 through October 18, 2024. Prior to October 23, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 27.12% and an Outcome Period of October 24, 2022 through October 20, 2023.
The investment objective of DOCT is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 15.38% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30% over the period from October 23, 2023 through October 18, 2024. Prior to October 23, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 19.20% and an Outcome Period of October 24, 2022 through October 20, 2023.
The investment objective of FNOV is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 17.45% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from November 20, 2023 through November 15, 2024. Prior to November 20, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 23.77% and an Outcome Period of November 21, 2022 through November 17, 2023.
The investment objective of DNOV is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 15.06% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30% over the period from November 20, 2023 through November 15, 2024. Prior to November 20, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 17.19% and an Outcome Period of November 21, 2022 through November 17, 2023.
The investment objective of FDEC is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 16.65% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against the first 10% of Underlying ETF losses, over the period from December 18, 2023 through December 20, 2024. Prior to December 18, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 23.10% and an Outcome Period of December 19, 2022 through December 15, 2023.
Page 135
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
The investment objective of DDEC is to seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) that match the price return of the Underlying ETF, up to a predetermined upside cap of 14.35% while providing a buffer (before fees and expenses) against Underlying ETF losses between -5% and -30% over the period from December 18, 2023 through December 20, 2024. Prior to December 18, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective included an upside cap of 16.68% and an Outcome Period of December 19, 2022 through December 15, 2023.
Under normal market conditions, each Fund, except BUFT and BUFG, will invest substantially all of its assets in FLexible EXchange® Options (“FLEX Options”) that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF.
The investment objective of BUFT is to seek to provide investors with capital preservation. BUFT seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a portfolio of ETFs that seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) based on the price return of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (“SPY”), up to a predetermined cap, while providing a defined buffer against losses of SPY over a defined one-year period (“SPY Underlying ETFs”). Under normal market conditions, BUFT will invest substantially all of its assets in SPY Underlying ETFs. Unlike the SPY Underlying ETFs, BUFT itself does not pursue a target outcome strategy. The buffer is only provided by the SPY Underlying ETFs and BUFT itself does not provide any stated buffer against losses. In order to understand BUFT’s strategy and risks, it is important to understand the strategies and risks of the SPY Underlying ETFs.
The investment objective of BUFG is to seek to provide investors with capital appreciation. BUFG seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a portfolio of ETFs that seek to provide investors with returns (before fees and expenses) based on the price return of the SPY, up to a predetermined cap, while providing a defined buffer against losses of SPY over a defined one-year period. Under normal market conditions, BUFG will invest substantially all of its assets in SPY Underlying ETFs. Unlike the SPY Underlying ETFs, BUFG itself does not pursue a target outcome strategy. The buffer is only provided by the SPY Underlying ETFs and BUFG itself does not provide any stated buffer against losses. In order to understand BUFG’s strategy and risks, it is important to understand the strategies and risks of the SPY Underlying ETFs.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The Funds are each considered an investment company and follow accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, “Financial Services-Investment Companies.” The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of the financial statements. The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
A. Portfolio Valuation
Each Fund’s NAV is determined daily as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. If the NYSE closes early on a valuation day, the NAV is determined as of that time. Each Fund’s NAV is calculated by dividing the value of all assets of each Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding.
Each Fund’s investments are valued daily at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value. Market value prices represent readily available market quotations such as last sale or official closing prices from a national or foreign exchange (i.e., a regulated market) and are primarily obtained from third-party pricing services. Fair value prices represent any prices not considered market value prices and are either obtained from a third-party pricing service or are determined by the Pricing Committee of the Funds’ investment advisor, First Trust Advisors L.P. (“First Trust” or the “Advisor”), in accordance with valuation procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, and in accordance with provisions of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder. Investments valued by the Advisor’s Pricing Committee, if any, are footnoted as such in the footnotes to the Portfolio of Investments. Each Fund’s investments are valued as follows:
Exchange-traded options contracts (other than FLEX Option contracts) are valued at the closing price in the market where such contracts are principally traded. If no closing price is available, exchange-traded options contracts are valued at the mean of their most recent bid and ask price, if both are available. Over-the-counter options contracts are valued as follows, depending on the market in which the instrument trades: (1) the mean of their most recent bid and ask price, if available; or (2) a price based on the equivalent exchange-traded option. FLEX Option contracts are normally valued using a model-based price provided by a
Page 136
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
third-party pricing vendor. On days when a trade in a FLEX Option contract occurs, the trade price will be used to value such FLEX Option contracts in lieu of the model price.
ETFs listed on any national or foreign exchange (excluding Nasdaq, Inc. (“Nasdaq”) and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”)) are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded or, for Nasdaq and AIM securities, the official closing price. Securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, at the close of the securities exchange representing the primary exchange for such securities.
Shares of open-end funds are valued based on NAV per share.
Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities may be valued by the Advisor’s Pricing Committee at fair value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) for which a third-party pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; a security whose market or fair value price is not available from a pre-established pricing source; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of a Fund’s NAV or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the third-party pricing service, does not reflect the security’s fair value. As a general principle, the current fair value of a security would appear to be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its current sale. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchanges. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities, including, but not limited to, the following:
 1)
the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded or, for Nasdaq and AIM securities, the official closing price;
 2)
the type of security;
 3)
the size of the holding;
 4)
the initial cost of the security;
 5)
transactions in comparable securities;
 6)
price quotes from dealers and/or third-party pricing services;
 7)
relationships among various securities;
 8)
information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, or the appropriate stock exchange;
 9)
an analysis of the issuer’s financial statements;
10)
the existence of merger proposals or tender offers that might affect the value of the security; and
11)
other relevant factors.
The Funds are subject to fair value accounting standards that define fair value, establish the framework for measuring fair value and provide a three-level hierarchy for fair valuation based upon the inputs to the valuation as of the measurement date. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
•  Level 1 – Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical investments. An active market is a market in which transactions for the investment occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
•  Level 2 – Level 2 inputs are observable inputs, either directly or indirectly, and include the following:
o  Quoted prices for similar investments in active markets.
o  Quoted prices for identical or similar investments in markets that are non-active. A non-active market is a market where there are few transactions for the investment, the prices are not current, or price quotations vary substantially either over time or among market makers, or in which little information is released publicly.
o  Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the investment (for example, interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, and default rates).
o  Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
•  Level 3 – Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs may reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the investment.
Page 137
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those investments. A summary of the inputs used to value each Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024, is included with each Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.
B. Securities Transactions and Investment Income
Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Negative dividend amount, if any, represents charges by broker on excess cash held in the account.
C. FLEX Options
FLEX Options are customized equity or index option contracts that trade on an exchange, but provide investors with the ability to customize key contract terms like exercise prices, styles and expiration dates. FLEX Options are guaranteed for settlement by the Options Clearing Corporation.
Each Fund, with the exception of BUFT and BUFG, purchases and sells call and put FLEX Options based on the performance of the Underlying ETF. The FLEX Options that each Fund holds that reference the Underlying ETF will give each Fund the right to receive or deliver shares of the Underlying ETF on the option expiration date at a strike price, depending on whether the option is a put or call option and whether each Fund purchases or sells the option. The FLEX Options held by each Fund are European style options, which are exercisable at the strike price only on the FLEX Option expiration date. All options held by each Fund at February 29, 2024 are FLEX Options.
D. Affiliated Transactions
BUFT and BUFG invest in securities of affiliated funds. Each Fund’s investment performance and risks are directly related to the investment performance and risks of the affiliated funds. The affiliated funds’ financial statements may be found at SEC.gov. Dividend income, if any, realized gains and losses, and change in appreciation (depreciation) from affiliated funds are presented on the Statements of Operations.
Amounts relating to investments in affiliated funds in BUFT at February 29, 2024, and for the six months then ended are as follows:
 
Security Name
Shares at
2/29/2024
Value at
8/31/2023
Purchases
Sales
Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Realized
Gain
(Loss)
Value at
2/29/2024
Dividend
Income
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - January
—
$18,127,786
$27,064,037
$(44,863,430
)
$(137,378
)
$(191,015
)
$—
$—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - February
—
—
17,387,315
(17,605,561
)
—
218,246
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer
ETF - March
—
—
33,368,569
(33,523,174
)
—
154,605
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - March
—
22,342,345
41,502,549
(65,009,093
)
(1,175,199
)
2,339,398
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - April
792,878
17,375,605
32,853,460
(24,248,442
)
(208,698
)
492,159
26,264,084
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - May
602,243
—
47,589,533
(25,733,414
)
730,859
(297,964
)
22,289,014
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - June
—
—
33,558,025
(34,637,612
)
—
1,079,587
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - July
—
—
36,542,336
(37,625,950
)
—
1,083,614
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - August
453,107
—
16,556,530
—
22,655
—
16,579,185
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - September
—
—
33,904,017
(34,919,840
)
—
1,015,823
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer
ETF - October
433,092
—
17,349,666
—
37,635
—
17,387,301
—
Page 138
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
Security Name
Shares at
2/29/2024
Value at
8/31/2023
Purchases
Sales
Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Realized
Gain
(Loss)
Value at
2/29/2024
Dividend
Income
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - October
459,694
$18,495,286
$47,481,416
$(50,687,779
)
$1,233,748
$631,868
$17,154,539
$—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep
Buffer ETF - December
—
19,083,672
3,962,570
(22,330,659
)
(1,710,814
)
995,231
—
—
 
$95,424,694
$389,120,023
$(391,184,954
)
$(1,207,192
)
$7,521,552
$99,674,123
$—
Amounts relating to investments in affiliated funds in BUFG at February 29, 2024, and for the six months then ended are as follows:
 
Security Name
Shares at
2/29/2024
Value at
8/31/2023
Purchases
Sales
Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Realized
Gain
(Loss)
Value at
2/29/2024
Dividend
Income
FT Vest U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF - January
963,858
$—
$74,868,006
$(36,370,969
)
$938,937
$438,831
$39,874,805
$—
FT Vest U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer ETF -
January
901,811
—
57,811,655
(26,611,926
)
570,507
253,073
32,023,309
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
February
1,233,285
—
54,745,521
—
36,999
—
54,782,520
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer ETF -
February
1,146,170
—
44,093,160
—
—
—
44,093,160
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF - May
—
27,665,209
170,934
(27,611,584
)
(345,719
)
121,160
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF - June
—
35,562,736
47,735,230
(84,982,717
)
(701,947
)
2,386,698
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF - July
—
35,601,683
94,976,706
(132,054,669
)
(823,117
)
2,299,397
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF - August
—
35,066,758
31,050,741
(66,983,396
)
(1,592,137
)
2,458,034
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
September
—
30,243,934
36,401,033
(67,353,498
)
(512,577
)
1,221,108
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF - October
—
—
64,634,769
(66,986,223
)
—
2,351,454
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
November
—
—
127,029,074
(127,847,888
)
—
818,814
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer ETF -
November
—
—
43,902,486
(46,088,030
)
—
2,185,544
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity
Buffer ETF -
December
801,208
—
90,589,029
(60,435,170
)
1,528,302
878,932
32,561,093
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity
Deep Buffer ETF -
December
—
—
49,772,446
(50,445,378
)
—
672,932
—
—
 
$164,140,320
$817,780,790
$(793,771,448
)
$(900,752
)
$16,085,977
$203,334,887
$—
Page 139
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
E. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders
Dividends from net investment income of each Fund, if any, are declared and paid annually, with the exception of BUFT and BUFG which are declared and paid quarterly, or as the Board of Trustees may determine from time to time. Distributions of net realized capital gains earned by each Fund, if any, are distributed at least annually. Each Fund may also designate a portion of the amount paid to redeeming shareholders as a distribution for tax purposes.
Distributions from net investment income and realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Certain capital accounts in the financial statements are periodically adjusted for permanent differences in order to reflect their tax character. These permanent differences are primarily due to the varying treatment of income and gain/loss on significantly modified portfolio securities held by the Funds and have no impact on net assets or NAV per share. Temporary differences, which arise from recognizing certain items of income, expense and gain/loss in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes, will reverse at some time in the future. During their applicable taxable periods, none of the Funds paid a distribution in 2023 or 2022.
As of the applicable taxable year end, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis for each Fund were as follows:
 
 
Taxable
Year-End
Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
Accumulated
Capital and
Other
Gain (Loss)
Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January
31-Jan-23
$(137,306
)
$(29,982,842
)
$3,635,636
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January
31-Jan-23
(111,263
)
(19,422,414
)
2,022,145
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February
28-Feb-23
(359,202
)
(38,466,409
)
(4,874,419
)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February
28-Feb-23
(385,824
)
(44,870,121
)
(3,539,050
)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March
31-Mar-23
(420,703
)
(21,718,387
)
7,287,362
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March
31-Mar-23
(531,328
)
(25,784,617
)
3,881,233
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April
30-Apr-23
(728,333
)
(35,503,195
)
3,283,226
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April
30-Apr-23
(845,872
)
(36,358,995
)
2,284,725
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May
31-May-23
(1,243,191
)
(45,808,011
)
(485,840
)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May
31-May-23
(517,523
)
(16,485,725
)
(519,741
)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June
30-Jun-23
(1,184,523
)
(34,693,385
)
4,319,551
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June
30-Jun-23
(597,215
)
(10,997,219
)
956,237
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July
31-Jul-23
(1,179,058
)
(27,762,019
)
3,048,348
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July
31-Jul-23
(653,040
)
(10,936,953
)
1,730,127
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August
31-Aug-23
(2,196,559
)
(83,067,907
)
11,851,622
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August
31-Aug-23
(2,544,081
)
(55,860,527
)
7,565,487
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September
30-Sep-22
(855,077
)
(17,454,328
)
(8,870,272
)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September
30-Sep-22
(550,054
)
(9,825,475
)
(4,979,997
)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October
31-Oct-22
(1,170,635
)
(25,935,068
)
4,939,509
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October
31-Oct-22
(866,505
)
(15,859,109
)
2,287,446
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - November
30-Nov-22
(2,295,294
)
(50,685,759
)
6,018,153
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November
30-Nov-22
(2,456,082
)
(43,706,762
)
4,082,331
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December
31-Dec-22
—
(35,037,567
)
(1,156,060
)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December
31-Dec-22
—
(28,144,288
)
64,468
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF
31-Aug-23
(144,145
)
(6,580,754
)
4,044,942
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF
31-Aug-23
(194,496
)
(14,114,916
)
3,815,259
F. Income Taxes
Each Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which includes distributing substantially all of its net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders. Accordingly, no provision has been made for federal and state income taxes. However, due to the timing and amount of distributions, each Fund may be subject to an excise tax of 4% of the amount by which approximately 98% of each Fund’s taxable income exceeds the distributions from such taxable income for the calendar year.
Page 140
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
The Funds are subject to accounting standards that establish a minimum threshold for recognizing, and a system for measuring, the benefits of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For FFEB, DFEB, FMAY, DMAY, FJUN, DJUN, FJUL, DJUL, FAUG, DAUG, FNOV, and DNOV, the taxable years ended 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 remain open to federal and state audit. For FJAN, DJAN, FMAR, DMAR, FAPR, DAPR, FSEP, DSEP, FOCT, DOCT, FDEC, and DDEC, the taxable years ended 2021, 2022, and 2023 remain open to federal and state audit. For BUFT and BUFG, the taxable years ended 2022 and 2023 remain open to federal and state audit. As of February 29, 2024, management has evaluated the application of these standards to the Funds and has determined that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements for uncertain tax positions.
Each Fund intends to utilize provisions of the federal income tax laws, which allow it to carry a realized capital loss forward indefinitely following the year of the loss and offset such loss against any future realized capital gains. Each Fund is subject to certain limitations under U.S. tax rules on the use of capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses. These limitations apply when there has been a 50% change in ownership. At each Fund’s applicable taxable year end, for federal income tax purposes, each applicable Fund had a capital loss carryforward available that is shown in the following table, to the extent provided by regulations, to offset future capital gains. To the extent that these loss carryforwards are used to offset future capital gains, it is probable that the capital gains so offset will not be distributed to each applicable Fund’s shareholders.
 
 
Taxable
Year End
Non-Expiring
Capital Loss
Carryforwards
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January
31-Jan-23
$29,982,842
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January
31-Jan-23
19,422,414
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February
28-Feb-23
38,466,409
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February
28-Feb-23
44,870,121
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March
31-Mar-23
21,718,387
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March
31-Mar-23
25,784,617
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April
30-Apr-23
35,503,195
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April
30-Apr-23
36,358,995
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May
31-May-23
45,808,011
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May
31-May-23
16,485,725
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June
30-Jun-23
34,693,385
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June
30-Jun-23
10,997,219
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July
31-Jul-23
27,762,019
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July
31-Jul-23
10,936,953
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August
31-Aug-23
83,067,907
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August
31-Aug-23
55,860,527
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September
30-Sep-22
17,454,328
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September
30-Sep-22
9,825,475
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October
31-Oct-22
25,935,068
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October
31-Oct-22
15,859,109
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - November
30-Nov-22
50,685,759
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November
30-Nov-22
43,706,762
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December
31-Dec-22
35,037,567
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December
31-Dec-22
28,144,288
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF
31-Aug-23
6,580,754
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF
31-Aug-23
14,114,916
During the applicable taxable year end, the Fund listed below utilized non-expiring capital loss carryforwards in the following amount:
 
 
Capital
Loss
Utilized
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June
$5,879,702
Page 141
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
Certain losses realized during the current taxable year may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following taxable year for federal income tax purposes. At each Fund’s applicable taxable year end, the following Funds incurred and elected to defer net late year ordinary or capital losses as follows:
 
 
Taxable
Year End
Qualified Late Year Losses
 
Ordinary Losses
Capital Losses
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January
31-Jan-23
$137,306
$—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January
31-Jan-23
111,263
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February
28-Feb-23
359,202
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February
28-Feb-23
385,824
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March
31-Mar-23
420,703
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March
31-Mar-23
531,328
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April
30-Apr-23
728,333
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April
30-Apr-23
845,872
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May
31-May-23
1,243,191
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May
31-May-23
517,523
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June
30-Jun-23
1,184,523
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June
30-Jun-23
597,215
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July
31-Jul-23
1,179,058
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July
31-Jul-23
653,040
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August
31-Aug-23
2,196,559
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August
31-Aug-23
2,544,081
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September
30-Sep-22
855,077
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September
30-Sep-22
550,054
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October
31-Oct-22
1,170,635
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October
31-Oct-22
866,505
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - November
30-Nov-22
2,295,294
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November
30-Nov-22
2,456,082
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December
31-Dec-22
—
—
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December
31-Dec-22
—
—
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF
31-Aug-23
144,145
—
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF
31-Aug-23
194,496
—
 
As of February 29, 2024, the aggregate cost, gross unrealized appreciation, gross unrealized depreciation, and net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments (including short positions and derivatives, if any) for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
 
 
Tax Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
Gross
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January
$700,868,013
$39,870,398
$(21,053,463
)
$18,816,935
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January
309,629,987
16,077,122
(9,075,226
)
7,001,896
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February
750,519,148
15,872,421
(6,643,271
)
9,229,150
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February
308,142,373
4,770,287
(2,267,093
)
2,503,194
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March
390,210,758
92,476,299
(44,551,821
)
47,924,478
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March
148,559,555
42,415,978
(27,038,490
)
15,377,488
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April
427,366,809
80,319,548
(42,038,286
)
38,281,262
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April
191,667,130
43,154,936
(22,698,666
)
20,456,270
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May
499,463,283
87,927,886
(50,325,084
)
37,602,802
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May
168,627,292
32,873,555
(18,970,080
)
13,903,475
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June
617,792,644
86,482,678
(30,066,078
)
56,416,600
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June
156,734,522
25,614,424
(11,312,192
)
14,302,232
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July
535,772,075
72,655,441
(27,638,933
)
45,016,508
Page 142
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
Tax Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
Gross
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July
$382,021,748
$54,675,971
$(21,951,980
)
$32,723,991
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August
532,281,746
98,191,296
(37,842,828
)
60,348,468
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August
309,549,135
51,795,724
(22,622,018
)
29,173,706
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September
436,432,450
65,584,307
(24,821,808
)
40,762,499
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September
170,895,699
27,377,685
(13,224,815
)
14,152,870
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October
467,725,890
95,000,017
(52,019,148
)
42,980,869
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October
170,937,246
35,997,669
(21,210,388
)
14,787,281
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - November
538,212,966
79,936,494
(40,548,667
)
39,387,827
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November
256,552,806
34,919,468
(17,551,142
)
17,368,326
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December
693,007,316
64,704,581
(29,676,093
)
35,028,488
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December
327,022,124
28,171,670
(14,082,213
)
14,089,457
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF
96,963,768
2,882,789
—
2,882,789
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF
200,505,218
3,074,745
—
3,074,745
G. Expenses
Expenses, other than the investment advisory fee and other excluded expenses, are paid by the Advisor (see Note 3).
3. Investment Advisory Fee, Affiliated Transactions and Other Fee Arrangements
First Trust, the investment advisor to the Funds, is a limited partnership with one limited partner, Grace Partners of DuPage L.P., and one general partner, The Charger Corporation. The Charger Corporation is an Illinois corporation controlled by James A. Bowen, Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of the securities in each Fund’s portfolio, managing the Funds’ business affairs and providing certain administrative services necessary for the management of the Funds.
First Trust is paid an annual unitary management fee based on a percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets. In addition, BUFT and BUFG incur pro rata share of fees and expenses attributable to investments in other investment companies (“acquired fund fees and expenses”). The total of the unitary management fee and acquired fund fees and expenses represents each Fund’s total annual operating expenses. The annual unitary management fee payable by each Fund, with the exception of BUFT and BUFG, to First Trust for these services will be reduced at certain levels of each Fund’s net assets (“breakpoints”) and calculated pursuant to the following schedule:
 
Breakpoints
 
Fund net assets up to and including $2.5 billion
0.85000
%
Fund net assets greater than $2.5 billion up to and including $5 billion
0.82875
%
Fund net assets greater than $5 billion up to and including $7.5 billion
0.80750
%
Fund net assets greater than $7.5 billion up to and including $10 billion
0.78625
%
Fund net assets greater than $10 billion
0.76500
%
For BUFT and BUFG, the annual unitary management fee payable by each Fund will be calculated pursuant to the following schedule:
 
Breakpoints
 
Fund net assets up to and including $2.5 billion
0.200
%
Fund net assets greater than $2.5 billion up to and including $5 billion
0.195
%
Fund net assets greater than $5 billion up to and including $7.5 billion
0.190
%
Fund net assets greater than $7.5 billion up to and including $10 billion
0.185
%
Fund net assets greater than $10 billion up to and including $15 billion
0.180
%
Fund net assets greater than $15 billion
0.170
%
First Trust is responsible for each Fund’s expenses, including the cost of transfer agency, sub-advisory, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services, but excluding fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees payable pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses.
Page 143
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
Vest Financial LLC (“Vest”), an affiliate of First Trust, serves as the Funds’ sub-advisor and manages each Fund’s portfolio subject to First Trust’s supervision. Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Advisor, and the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement among the Trust, on behalf of the Funds (other than BUFT and BUFG), the Advisor and Vest, First Trust will supervise Vest and its management of the investment of each Fund’s assets and will pay Vest for its services as the Funds’ sub-advisor a sub-advisory fee equal to 50% of any remaining monthly unitary management fee paid to the Advisor after the average Fund’s expenses accrued during the most recent twelve months (or shorter period during the first eleven months of the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement) are subtracted from the unitary management fee for that month. Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Advisor, and the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement among the Trust, on behalf of BUFT and BUFG, the Advisor and Vest, First Trust will supervise Vest and its management of the investment of each Fund’s assets and will pay Vest for its services as the Funds’ sub-advisor a sub-advisory fee equal to 50% of the monthly unitary management fee paid to the Advisor, less Vest’s 50% share of each of BUFT and BUFG’s expenses for that month. During any period in which the Advisor’s management fee is reduced in accordance with the breakpoints described above, the investment sub-advisory fee (which is based on the Advisor’s management fee) paid to Vest will be reduced to reflect the reduction in the Advisor’s management fee.
The Trust has multiple service agreements with The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNYM”). Under the service agreements, BNYM performs custodial, fund accounting, certain administrative services, and transfer agency services for each Fund. As custodian, BNYM is responsible for custody of each Fund’s assets. As fund accountant and administrator, BNYM is responsible for maintaining the books and records of each Fund’s securities and cash. As transfer agent, BNYM is responsible for maintaining shareholder records for each Fund. BNYM is a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, a financial holding company.
Each Trustee who is not an officer or employee of First Trust, any sub-advisor or any of their affiliates (“Independent Trustees”) is paid a fixed annual retainer that is allocated equally among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex. Each Independent Trustee is also paid an annual per fund fee that varies based on whether the fund is a closed-end or other actively managed fund, a target outcome fund or an index fund.
Additionally, the Lead Independent Trustee and the Chairs of the Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Valuation Committee are paid annual fees to serve in such capacities, with such compensation allocated pro rata among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex based on net assets. Independent Trustees are reimbursed for travel and out-of-pocket expenses in connection with all meetings. The Lead Independent Trustee and Committee Chairs rotate every three years. The officers and “Interested” Trustee receive no compensation from the Trust for acting in such capacities.
4. Purchases and Sales of Securities
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Funds, except BUFT and BUFG, had no purchases or sales of investments, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions. Each Fund, except BUFT and BUFG, holds options for a target outcome period of approximately one year based on the expiration date of the options, which occurs on the third Friday of the month corresponding to the month in each Fund name. For securities transactions purposes, the options are considered short-term investments.
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments for BUFT and BUFG, excluding short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:
 
 
Purchases
Sales
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF
$253,026,184
$253,223,071
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF
441,345,624
441,567,034
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the cost of in-kind purchases and proceeds from in-kind sales for each Fund were as follows:
 
 
Purchases
Sales
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January
$—
$380,667,510
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - January
—
142,101,041
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - February
—
625,618,718
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February
—
44,233,800
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March
—
21,223,482
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March
—
59,150,742
Page 144
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
Purchases
Sales
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April
$—
$154,297,788
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April
—
64,767,713
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - May
—
240,830,090
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May
—
54,986,287
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - June
—
155,400,009
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - June
—
49,415,140
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - July
—
175,054,660
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July
—
93,284,932
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August
—
105,714,705
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August
—
61,715,097
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - September
—
308,906,715
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September
864,486
192,656,329
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - October
—
289,716,076
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October
—
140,769,406
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - November
—
399,947,713
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - November
—
181,329,439
FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - December
—
381,957,513
FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December
—
274,463,425
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF
136,093,839
137,961,883
FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF
376,435,166
352,204,414
5. Derivative Transactions
The following table presents the types of derivatives held by each Fund at February 29, 2024, the primary underlying risk exposure and the location of these instruments as presented on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
 
 
 
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Derivative
Instrument
Risk
Exposure
Statements of Assets and
Liabilities Location
Value
Statements of Assets and
Liabilities Location
Value
FJAN
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
$740,197,348
Options contracts written,
at value
$28,024,516
DJAN
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
324,859,958
Options contracts written,
at value
11,521,988
FFEB
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
776,469,107
Options contracts written,
at value
25,250,707
DFEB
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
314,774,172
Options contracts written,
at value
7,526,298
FMAR
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
477,487,793
Options contracts written,
at value
40,651,695
DMAR
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
186,468,204
Options contracts written,
at value
23,037,329
FAPR
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
486,961,800
Options contracts written,
at value
24,038,170
Page 145
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
 
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Derivative
Instrument
Risk
Exposure
Statements of Assets and
Liabilities Location
Value
Statements of Assets and
Liabilities Location
Value
DAPR
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
$230,501,536
Options contracts written,
at value
$19,222,860
FMAY
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
563,369,704
Options contracts written,
at value
28,786,001
DMAY
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
197,339,100
Options contracts written,
at value
15,646,254
FJUN
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
671,204,742
Options contracts written,
at value
15,641,068
DJUN
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
177,217,848
Options contracts written,
at value
7,138,777
FJUL
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
588,772,038
Options contracts written,
at value
11,674,604
DJUL
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
423,730,773
Options contracts written,
at value
11,617,386
FAUG
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
611,805,600
Options contracts written,
at value
23,173,351
DAUG
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
355,528,121
Options contracts written,
at value
19,051,152
FSEP
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
492,513,375
Options contracts written,
at value
18,904,850
DSEP
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
193,393,101
Options contracts written,
at value
9,721,166
FOCT
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
546,643,904
Options contracts written,
at value
39,982,452
DOCT
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
202,885,783
Options contracts written,
at value
18,610,439
FNOV
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
601,494,880
Options contracts written,
at value
28,896,448
DNOV
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
286,881,236
Options contracts written,
at value
15,320,299
Page 146
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
 
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Derivative
Instrument
Risk
Exposure
Statements of Assets and
Liabilities Location
Value
Statements of Assets and
Liabilities Location
Value
FDEC
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
$750,487,461
Options contracts written,
at value
$29,388,590
DDEC
 
 
 
Options contracts
Equity Risk
Options contracts
purchased, at value
352,460,685
Options contracts written,
at value
14,579,696
The following table presents the amount of net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) recognized for the six months ended February 29, 2024, on each Fund’s derivative instruments, as well as the primary underlying risk exposure associated with the instruments.
 
 
Statements of Operations
Location
FJAN 
DJAN 
FFEB 
DFEB 
FMAR 
DMAR 
Equity Risk Exposure
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Purchased options
contracts
$50,249,158
$26,894,719
$82,314,983
$35,531,342
$5,262,741
$11,719,249
Written options contracts
5,866,037
(5,800,609
)
(2,299,117
)
(7,949,311
)
164,069
(3,424,965
)
Net change in unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation) on:
Purchased options
contracts
(33,702
)
(2,702,425
)
(10,540,976
)
(10,995,410
)
46,664,358
13,124,689
Written options contracts
(9,804,488
)
(3,744,314
)
(9,093,350
)
(1,015,566
)
(24,876,807
)
(11,521,652
)
 
 
Statements of Operations
Location
FAPR 
DAPR 
FMAY 
DMAY 
FJUN 
DJUN 
Equity Risk Exposure
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Purchased options
contracts
$18,505,219
$3,712,197
$32,377,694
$4,510,099
$14,542,453
$4,516,569
Written options contracts
4,696,541
592,194
4,562,843
132,591
5,364,589
1,439,596
Net change in unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation) on:
Purchased options
contracts
32,120,787
18,443,342
37,089,228
16,260,665
48,698,635
17,152,901
Written options contracts
(17,284,079
)
(10,453,069
)
(20,300,510
)
(8,842,886
)
(4,663,115
)
(5,506,083
)
 
 
Statements of Operations
Location
FJUL 
DJUL 
FAUG 
DAUG 
FSEP 
DSEP 
Equity Risk Exposure
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Purchased options
contracts
$11,608,102
$11,743,596
$6,217,790
$3,555,176
$20,578,453
$13,662,152
Written options contracts
2,224,272
864,126
908,629
(104,142
)
11,374,243
4,233,805
Net change in unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation) on:
Purchased options
contracts
44,725,358
40,352,601
53,528,568
29,751,640
20,998,706
9,974,556
Page 147
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
 
Statements of Operations
Location
FJUL 
DJUL 
FAUG 
DAUG 
FSEP 
DSEP 
Written options contracts
$674,024
$(7,087,046
)
$(5,031,722
)
$(8,143,421
)
$(11,911,172
)
$(9,381,980
)
 
 
Statements of Operations
Location
FOCT 
DOCT 
FNOV 
DNOV 
FDEC 
DDEC 
Equity Risk Exposure
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Purchased options
contracts
$12,110,281
$6,068,234
$27,797,188
$24,758,989
$49,196,445
$39,193,500
Written options contracts
15,379,721
5,862,485
18,148,387
8,963,718
10,836,692
(1,779,348
)
Net change in unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation) on:
Purchased options
contracts
37,799,043
15,211,099
23,822,611
5,544,177
16,215,487
(5,716,248
)
Written options contracts
(33,362,862
)
(16,013,123
)
(23,288,712
)
(13,968,387
)
(13,414,165
)
(7,687,715
)
The Funds do not have the right to offset financial assets and financial liabilities related to options contracts on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
The following table presents the premiums for purchased options contracts opened, premiums for purchased options contracts closed, exercised and expired, premiums for written options contracts opened, and premiums for written options contracts closed, exercised and expired, for the six months ended February 29, 2024, on each Fund’s options contracts.
 
 
Premiums for
purchased
options contracts
opened
Premiums for
purchased
options contracts
closed, exercised
and expired
Premiums for
written options
contracts opened
Premiums for
written options
contracts closed,
exercised and
expired
FJAN
$1,187,851,948
$789,958,758
$29,921,511
$18,763,711
DJAN
433,470,551
297,360,197
10,340,069
9,999,194
FFEB
1,494,357,271
1,097,790,358
37,273,018
27,709,131
DFEB
337,594,316
222,924,216
7,344,385
6,873,978
FMAR
132,952,530
33,908,235
5,421,521
2,654,812
DMAR
28,969,154
69,102,309
1,666,557
3,824,251
FAPR
190,018,638
148,943,430
3,734,486
8,179,905
DAPR
43,212,112
73,937,923
1,775,570
2,673,897
FMAY
238,687,059
248,740,663
5,410,400
13,507,299
DMAY
59,467,790
56,792,361
1,862,465
2,085,800
FJUN
252,682,268
172,674,825
5,556,275
8,226,117
DJUN
36,714,463
54,130,074
377,936
2,355,736
FJUL
233,326,542
202,302,512
4,702,730
7,306,252
DJUL
218,179,380
123,482,490
2,424,482
2,843,908
FAUG
102,806,820
120,029,888
2,884,261
4,362,526
DAUG
35,465,474
95,302,781
1,463,067
2,287,581
FSEP
767,264,959
619,141,700
20,006,943
13,027,805
DSEP
366,605,302
322,814,772
4,859,257
5,660,925
FOCT
810,789,652
579,980,020
25,494,446
19,362,122
DOCT
297,339,205
273,415,296
5,992,819
7,897,105
FNOV
993,728,724
808,505,804
26,187,263
21,540,681
DNOV
468,770,970
430,642,828
8,960,876
10,774,987
FDEC
1,150,956,462
716,064,427
26,009,622
13,668,857
DDEC
584,823,155
515,546,282
14,250,091
18,527,195
Page 148
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
6. Creations, Redemptions and Transaction Fees
Each Fund generally issues and redeems its shares in primary market transactions through a creation and redemption mechanism and does not sell or redeem individual shares. Instead, financial entities known as “Authorized Participants” have contractual arrangements with a Fund or one of the Fund’s service providers to purchase and redeem Fund shares directly with the Fund in Creation Units. Prior to the start of trading on every business day, a Fund publishes through the National Securities Clearing Corporation the “basket” of securities, cash or other assets that it will accept in exchange for a Creation Unit of the Fund’s shares. An Authorized Participant that wishes to effectuate a creation of a Fund’s shares deposits with the Fund the “basket” of securities, cash or other assets identified by the Fund that day, and then receives the Creation Unit of the Fund’s shares in return for those assets. After purchasing a Creation Unit, the Authorized Participant may continue to hold the Fund’s shares or sell them in the secondary market. The redemption process is the reverse of the purchase process: the Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit of a Fund’s shares for a basket of securities, cash or other assets. The combination of the creation and redemption process with secondary market trading in a Fund’s shares and underlying securities provides arbitrage opportunities that are designed to help keep the market price of a Fund’s shares at or close to the NAV per share of the Fund.
Each Fund imposes fees in connection with the purchase of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various fact-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of a Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, plus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the creation basket.
Each Fund also imposes fees in connection with the redemption of Creation Units. These fees may vary based upon various fact-based circumstances, including, but not limited to, the composition of the securities included in the Creation Unit or the countries in which the transactions are settled. The price received for each Creation Unit will equal the daily NAV per share of a Fund times the number of shares in a Creation Unit, minus the fees described above and, if applicable, any operational processing and brokerage costs, transfer fees, stamp taxes and part or all of the spread between the expected bid and offer side of the market related to the securities comprising the redemption basket. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary in addition to an Authorized Participant to effect a redemption of a Creation Unit may also be assessed an amount to cover the cost of such services. The redemption fee charged by a Fund will comply with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act which limits redemption fees to no more than 2% of the value of the shares redeemed.
7. Distribution Plan
The Board of Trustees adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Rule 12b-1 plan, the Funds are authorized to pay an amount up to 0.25% of their average daily net assets each year to reimburse First Trust Portfolios L.P. (“FTP”), the distributor of the Funds, for amounts expended to finance activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Creation Units or the provision of investor services. FTP may also use this amount to compensate securities dealers or other persons that are Authorized Participants for providing distribution assistance, including broker-dealer and shareholder support and educational and promotional services.
No 12b-1 fees are currently paid by the Funds, and pursuant to a contractual arrangement, no 12b-1 fees will be paid any time before December 31, 2024.
8. Indemnification
The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Trust has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
9. Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were the following subsequent events:
As of March 13, 2024, the FT Vest Buffered Allocation Growth ETF and FT Vest Buffered Allocation Defensive ETF amended their investment strategies to (1) include the FT Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF series as possible underlying ETF investments; and (2) to change the timing for portfolio evaluations from monthly to quarterly.
Page 149
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
As of March 18, 2024, the investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - March changed to include an upside cap of 17.13% and an Outcome Period of March 18, 2024 through March 21, 2025.
As of March 18, 2024, the investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March changed to include an upside cap of 15.41% and an Outcome Period of March 18, 2024 through March 21, 2025.
As of April 22, 2024, the investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - April changed to include an upside cap of 17.73% and an Outcome Period of April 22, 2024 through April 17, 2025.
As of April 22, 2024, the investment objective of the FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - April changed to include an upside cap of 15.51% and an Outcome Period of April 22, 2024 through April 17, 2025.
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Additional Information
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies and information on how each Fund voted proxies relating to its portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 988-5891; (2) on each Fund’s website at www.ftportfolios.com; and (3) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at www.sec.gov.
Portfolio Holdings
Each Fund files portfolio holdings information for each month in a fiscal quarter within 60 days after the end of the relevant fiscal quarter on Form N-PORT. Portfolio holdings information for the third month of each fiscal quarter will be publicly available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Each Fund’s complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the second and fourth quarters of each fiscal year is included in the semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders, respectively, and is filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR. The semi-annual and annual report for each Fund is available to investors within 60 days after the period to which it relates. Each Fund’s Forms N-PORT and Forms N-CSR are available on the SEC’s website listed above.
Risk Considerations
Risks are inherent in all investing. Certain general risks that may be applicable to a Fund are identified below, but not all of the material risks relevant to each Fund are included in this report and not all of the risks below apply to each Fund. The material risks of investing in each Fund are spelled out in its prospectus, statement of additional information and other regulatory filings. Before investing, you should consider each Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses, and read each Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information carefully. You can download each Fund’s prospectus at www.ftportfolios.com or contact First Trust Portfolios L.P. at (800) 621-1675 to request a prospectus, which contains this and other information about each Fund.
Concentration Risk. To the extent that a fund is able to invest a significant percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development may affect the value of the fund’s investments more than if the fund were more broadly diversified. A fund that tracks an index will be concentrated to the extent the fund’s corresponding index is concentrated. A concentration makes a fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the fund to greater market risk than a fund that is more broadly diversified.
Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer of a security will be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and/or principal payments when due and the related risk that the value of a security may decline because of concerns about the issuer’s ability to make such payments.
Cyber Security Risk. The funds are susceptible to potential operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause a fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause a fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. In addition, cyber security breaches of a fund’s third-party service providers, such as its administrator, transfer agent, custodian, or sub-advisor, as applicable, or issuers in which the fund invests, can also subject a fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches.
Defined Outcome Funds Risk. To the extent a fund’s investment strategy is designed to deliver returns tied to the price performance of an underlying ETF, an investor may not realize the returns the fund seeks to achieve if that investor does not hold shares for the entire target outcome period. In the event an investor purchases shares after the first day of the target outcome period or sells shares prior to the end of the target outcome period, the buffer that the fund seeks to provide against a decline in the value of the underlying ETF may not be available, the enhanced returns that the fund seeks to provide (if any) may not be available and the investor may not participate in a gain in the value of the underlying ETF up to the cap for the investor’s investment period. Additionally, the fund will not participate in gains of the underlying ETF above the cap and a shareholder may lose their entire investment. If the fund seeks enhanced returns, there are certain time periods when the value of the fund may fall faster than the value of the underlying ETF, and it is very unlikely that, on any given day during which the underlying ETF share price increases in value, the fund’s share price will increase at the same rate as the enhanced returns sought by the fund, which is designed for an entire target outcome period. Trading flexible exchange options involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities, such as less liquidity and correlation and valuation risks. A fund may experience substantial downside from specific flexible exchange option positions and certain positions may expire worthless.
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Additional Information (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
Derivatives Risk. To the extent a fund uses derivative instruments such as futures contracts, options contracts and swaps, the fund may experience losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying asset, index or rate, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivative. These risks are heightened when a fund’s portfolio managers use derivatives to enhance the fund’s return or as a substitute for a position or security, rather than solely to hedge (or offset) the risk of a position or security held by the fund.
Equity Securities Risk. To the extent a fund invests in equity securities, the value of the fund’s shares will fluctuate with changes in the value of the equity securities. Equity securities prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market, such as market volatility, or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. Equity securities may decline significantly in price over short or extended periods of time, and such declines may occur in the equity market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular country, company, industry or sector of the market.
ETF Risk. The shares of an ETF trade like common stock and represent an interest in a portfolio of securities. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in it being more volatile and ETFs have management fees that increase their costs. Shares of an ETF trade on an exchange at market prices rather than net asset value, which may cause the shares to trade at a price greater than net asset value (premium) or less than net asset value (discount). In times of market stress, decisions by market makers to reduce or step away from their role of providing a market for an ETF’s shares, or decisions by an ETF’s authorized participants that they are unable or unwilling to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders of an ETF’s shares, could result in shares of the ETF trading at a discount to net asset value and in greater than normal intraday bid-ask spreads.
Fixed Income Securities Risk. To the extent a fund invests in fixed income securities, the fund will be subject to credit risk, income risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and prepayment risk. Income risk is the risk that income from a fund’s fixed income investments could decline during periods of falling interest rates. Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a fund’s fixed income securities will decline because of rising interest rates. Liquidity risk is the risk that a security cannot be purchased or sold at the time desired, or cannot be purchased or sold without adversely affecting the price. Prepayment risk is the risk that the securities will be redeemed or prepaid by the issuer, resulting in lower interest payments received by the fund. In addition to these risks, high yield securities, or “junk” bonds, are subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss than securities with higher ratings, and the market for high yield securities is generally smaller and less liquid than that for investment grade securities.
Index or Model Constituent Risk. Certain funds may be a constituent of one or more indices or ETF models. As a result, such a fund may be included in one or more index-tracking exchange-traded funds or mutual funds. Being a component security of such a vehicle could greatly affect the trading activity involving a fund, the size of the fund and the market volatility of the fund. Inclusion in an index could increase demand for the fund and removal from an index could result in outsized selling activity in a relatively short period of time. As a result, a fund’s net asset value could be negatively impacted and the fund’s market price may be significantly below its net asset value during certain periods. In addition, index rebalances may potentially result in increased trading activity in a fund’s shares.
Index Provider Risk. To the extent a fund seeks to track an index, it is subject to Index Provider Risk. There is no assurance that the Index Provider will compile the Index accurately, or that the Index will be determined, maintained, constructed, reconstituted, rebalanced, composed, calculated or disseminated accurately. To correct any such error, the Index Provider may carry out an unscheduled rebalance or other modification of the Index constituents or weightings, which may increase the fund’s costs. The Index Provider does not provide any representation or warranty in relation to the quality, accuracy or completeness of data in the Index, and it does not guarantee that the Index will be calculated in accordance with its stated methodology. Losses or costs associated with any Index Provider errors generally will be borne by the fund and its shareholders.
Investment Companies Risk. To the extent a fund invests in the securities of other investment vehicles, the fund will incur additional fees and expenses that would not be present in a direct investment in those investment vehicles. Furthermore, the fund’s investment performance and risks are directly related to the investment performance and risks of the investment vehicles in which the fund invests.
LIBOR Risk. To the extent a fund invests in floating or variable rate obligations that use the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as a reference interest rate, it is subject to LIBOR Risk. The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, has ceased making LIBOR available as a reference rate over a phase-out period that began December 31, 2021.
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Additional Information (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
There is no assurance that any alternative reference rate, including the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) will be similar to or produce the same value or economic equivalence as LIBOR or that instruments using an alternative rate will have the same volume or liquidity. The unavailability or replacement of LIBOR may affect the value, liquidity or return on certain fund investments and may result in costs incurred in connection with closing out positions and entering into new trades. Any potential effects of the transition away from LIBOR on the fund or on certain instruments in which the fund invests can be difficult to ascertain, and they may vary depending on a variety of factors, and they could result in losses to the fund.
Management Risk. To the extent that a fund is actively managed, it is subject to management risk. In managing an actively-managed fund’s investment portfolio, the fund’s portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not have the desired result. There can be no guarantee that a fund will meet its investment objective.
Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of a fund in general, may fall in value. Securities held by a fund, as well as shares of a fund itself, are subject to market fluctuations caused by factors such as general economic conditions, political events, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of a fund could decline in value or underperform other investments as a result of the risk of loss associated with these market fluctuations. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on a fund and its investments. Such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. 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 fund investments as well as fund performance. The COVID-19 global pandemic and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets. While the U.S. has resumed “reasonably” normal business activity, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of a fund’s portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of a fund’s shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, a fund’s shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value and the bid/ask spread on a fund’s shares may widen.
Non-U.S. Securities Risk. To the extent a fund invests in non-U.S. securities, it is subject to additional risks not associated with securities of domestic issuers. Non-U.S. securities are subject to higher volatility than securities of domestic issuers due to: possible adverse political, social or economic developments; restrictions on foreign investment or exchange of securities; capital controls; lack of liquidity; currency exchange rates; excessive taxation; government seizure of assets; the imposition of sanctions by foreign governments; different legal or accounting standards; and less government supervision and regulation of exchanges in foreign countries. Investments in non-U.S. securities may involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction and custody costs, as well as additional taxes imposed by non-U.S. governments. These risks may be heightened for securities of companies located, or with significant operations, in emerging market countries.
Operational Risk. Each fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of a fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. Each fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect a fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the funds and the funds’ investment advisor seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.
Passive Investment Risk. To the extent a fund seeks to track an index, the fund will invest in the securities included in, or representative of, the index regardless of their investment merit. A fund generally will not attempt to take defensive positions in declining markets.
Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities combine some of the characteristics of both common stocks and bonds. Preferred securities are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in a company’s capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income, subjecting them to greater credit risk than those debt securities. Generally, holders of preferred securities have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may obtain limited rights. In certain circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may defer
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Additional Information (Continued)
First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
payment on the securities and, in some cases, redeem the securities prior to a specified date. Preferred securities may also be substantially less liquid than other securities, including common stock.
Valuation Risk. The valuation of certain securities may carry more risk than that of common stock. Uncertainties in the conditions of the financial markets, unreliable reference data, lack of transparency and inconsistency of valuation models and processes may lead to inaccurate asset pricing. A fund may hold investments in sizes smaller than institutionally sized round lot positions (sometimes referred to as odd lots). However, third-party pricing services generally provide evaluations on the basis of institutionally-sized round lots. If a fund sells certain of its investments in an odd lot transaction, the sale price may be less than the value at which such securities have been held by the fund. Odd lots often trade at lower prices than institutional round lots. There is no assurance that the fund will be able to sell a portfolio security at the price established by the pricing service, which could result in a loss to the fund.
Disclaimer
The Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust, PDR, or Standard & Poor’s® (together with their affiliates hereinafter referred to as the “Corporations”). The Corporations have not passed on the legality or suitability of, or the accuracy or adequacy of, descriptions and disclosures relating to the Funds or the FLEX Options. The Corporations make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the advisability of investing in the Funds or the FLEX Options or results to be obtained by the Funds or the FLEX Options, shareholders or any other person or entity from use of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust. The Corporations have no liability in connection with the management, administration, marketing or trading of the Funds or the FLEX Options.
NOT FDIC INSURED  NOT BANK GUARANTEED  MAY LOSE VALUE
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First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund VIII
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
First Trust Advisors L.P.
120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400
Wheaton, IL 60187
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISOR
Vest Financial LLC
8350 Broad Street, Suite 240
McLean, VA 22102
ADMINISTRATOR, CUSTODIAN,
FUND ACCOUNTANT &
TRANSFER AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon
240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Deloitte & Touche LLP
111 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
LEGAL COUNSEL
Chapman and Cutler LLP
320 South Canal Street
Chicago, IL 60606