ETFis Series Trust I

 

INFRACAP REIT PREFERRED ETF

VIRTUS INFRACAP U.S. PREFERRED STOCK ETF

VIRTUS LIFESCI BIOTECH CLINICAL TRIALS ETF

VIRTUS LIFESCI BIOTECH PRODUCTS ETF

VIRTUS NEWFLEET MULTI-SECTOR BOND ETF

VIRTUS PRIVATE CREDIT STRATEGY ETF

VIRTUS REAL ASSET INCOME ETF

Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF

INFRACAP MLP ETF

ANNUAL REPORT
October 31, 2022

Table of Contents

Page (s)

Shareholder Letter

1

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance

2

Portfolio Composition

26

Shareholder Expense Examples

29

InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF

Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF

Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF

Virtus Private Credit Strategy ETF

Virtus Real Asset Income ETF

Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF

Schedules of Investments

30

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

55

Statements of Operations

57

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

59

Statement of Cash Flows

63

Financial Highlights

64

Notes to Financial Statements

72

InfraCap MLP ETF

Schedule of Investments

83

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

85

Statement of Operations

86

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

87

Statement of Cash Flows

88

Financial Highlights

89

Notes to Financial Statements

90

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

98

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

100

Trustees and Officers of the Trust

101

Supplemental Information

104

1

Shareholder Letter (unaudited)

December 2022

To my fellow shareholders of Virtus ETFs:

On behalf of Virtus ETF Advisers LLC (the “Adviser”), I am pleased to present the shareholder report for the ETFis Series Trust I (the “Trust”) for the annual fiscal period ended October 31, 2022.

The Adviser is part of Virtus Investment Partners, a distinctive partnership of boutique investment managers singularly committed to the long-term success of individual and institutional investors.

The report provides financial statements and portfolio information for the following funds within the Trust:

InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF (PFFR)

Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA)

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC)

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP)

Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT)

Virtus Private Credit Strategy ETF (VPC)

Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI)

Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF (VWID)

InfraCap MLP ETF (AMZA)

On behalf of the Adviser and our fund Sub-Advisers, thank you for your investment. If you have questions, please contact your financial adviser, or call 1-888-383-0553. For more information about the funds and the other ETFs we offer, we invite you to visit our website, www.virtusetfs.com.

Sincerely,

William Smalley
President

ETFis Series Trust I

This material must be accompanied or preceded by the prospectus.

2

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited)

October 31, 2022

InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF (PFFR)

Management’s Discussion of Operations

Overview

The InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results, before fees and expenses, of an index composed of preferred shares listed on U.S. Exchanges and issued by Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”), as represented by the Indxx REIT Preferred Stock Index (the “Index”). Although the Fund generally intends to replicate the component securities of the Index, the Fund may utilize a representative sampling strategy when a replication strategy might be detrimental to shareholders. The Fund may invest in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has a profile similar to the Index. If the Fund uses a representative sampling strategy, the Fund may or may not own all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Market Update

In the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Fund’s total return based on market price was -27.51%. The Fund’s total return based on net asset value was -27.70%. The Fund’s benchmark index, the Indxx REIT Preferred Stock Index, returned -27.17% during the same period.

Two of the strongest contributors to the Fund during the period were preferred securities of Annaly Capital Management (“Annaly”) and UMH Properties Inc. (“UMH”). Annaly Capital Management, Inc. is one of the largest mortgage real estate investment trusts in the United States. Annaly has a diversified investment strategy, which includes agency mortgage-backed securities, mortgage servicing rights and residential real estate. UMH is a real estate investment trust that, as of their recent annual report, owns and operates a portfolio of 132 manufactured home communities with approximately 25,000 developed home sites. UMH has a 53-year history of providing quality, affordable housing for the US workforce. As home prices continue to rise and available home inventory continues to shrink, the supply of affordable housing becomes an ever-increasing concern. During the period, Annaly, Series F and UMH D were up 2.00% and 0.70%, respectively.

Two of the detractors from Fund performance during the period were preferred securities of Diversified Healthcare Trust, DHCNI and Vornado Realty Trust, VNO N. These preferred securities of both issuers unperformed preferred securities with higher stated yields. DHCI and VNO N were down -46.70% and -39.20%, respectively.

Preferred shares are fixed income securities, and prices are influenced by changes in long-term interest rates. During the fiscal year, the yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury bond was 1.63% as of November 1, 2021 and increased 259 basis points to 4.22%, as of October 31, 2022. We believe this sharp increase over the fiscal year is a result of the strong U.S. economy and labor market and continue to believe that the economic impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic are limited.

Dividend Payment

In the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Fund made monthly dividend payments in the amount of $0.12 per share. While the Fund plans to continue paying monthly dividends, dividends are not guaranteed. The Fund seeks to maintain relatively stable monthly distributions although the amount of income earned by the Fund varies from period to period. To achieve this objective, the Fund may distribute less than the full amount of income earned during a specific period, preserving income for distribution in future periods. Consequently, the amount of income distributed in any one period may be more or less than the actual amount of income earned in that period.

Outlook

We believe REIT preferred securities continue to offer an attractive way to access current market dislocations. Despite the BA.5 variant, economies are continuing to return to normal operations and supportive federal monetary policy and stimulus is winding down. We believe investors can benefit from market rotations by investing in REIT preferreds. As interest rates rise from historically low levels, investors may have difficulty finding higher yielding opportunities. Thus, we believe preferred securities could provide investors with access to attractive yields at discounted prices.

3

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF (continued)

The preceding information is the opinion of the investment adviser and sub-adviser. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment adviser and sub-adviser make no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

Credit Rating

Issue

Issuer

A

0.00%

9.45%

A-

9.33%

0.00%

BBB+

0.00%

5.54%

BBB

5.47%

10.01%

BBB-

7.81%

9.91%

BB+

10.57%

4.44%

BB

1.36%

0.00%

BB-

4.75%

3.66%

B+

0.00%

0.00%

B

0.00%

5.44%

B-

0.00%

0.00%

NR

60.71%

51.55%

Credit quality ratings on underlying securities of the Fund are received from S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch and converted to the equivalent S&P major rating category. This breakdown is provided by Infrastructure Capital Advisors, LLC and takes the median rating of the three agencies when all three agencies rate a security, the lower of the two ratings if only two agencies rate a security, and one rating if that is all that is provided. Unrated securities do not necessarily indicate low quality. A credit rating below investment-grade is represented by a rating of BB and below. Ratings and portfolio credit quality may change over time. This discussion includes information based on data and calculations sourced from Bloomberg and index constituents. While we believe that the data is reliable, we have not sought, nor have we received, permission from any third-party to include their information.

Performance as of 10/31/2022

Average Annual Total Return

Fund
Net Asset
Value

Fund
Market
Price

Indxx REIT
Preferred
Stock Index
1

1 Year

(27.70)%

(27.51)%

(27.17)%

5 Year

 (2.61)%

 (2.63)%

 (1.58)%

Since Inception2

 (1.19)%

 (1.19)%

 (0.22)%

  

1 The Indxx REIT Preferred Stock Index is a market cap weighted index designed to provide diversified exposure to high yielding liquid preferred securities issued by Real Estate Investment Trusts listed in the U.S. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

2February 7, 2017.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.virtusetfs.com or call toll free (800) 243-4361. Market price returns are based on the mid-point of the highest bid and lowest offer for Fund shares as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange Arca (“NYSE”), ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day during which the NYSE is open for trading, and do not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

4

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF (continued)

Preferred Stocks: Preferred stocks may decline in price, fail to pay dividends, or be illiquid.

Real Estate Investments: The Fund may be negatively affected by factors specific to the real estate market, including interest rates, leverage, property, and management.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Interest Rate Risk: The value of preferred securities will generally vary inversely with the direction of prevailing interest rates such that, generally, when interest rates rise, the value of preferred securities can be expected to decline.

Non-Diversified: The Fund is non-diversified and may be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting its holdings to the extent that each security represents a larger portion of the Fund’s assets.

Passive Strategy/Index Risk: A passive investment strategy seeking to track the performance of the Underlying Index may result in the fund holding securities regardless of market conditions or their current or projected performance. This could cause the Fund’s returns to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

Correlation to Index: The performance of the Fund and its index may vary somewhat due to factors such as Fund flows, transaction costs, and timing differences associated with additions to and deletions from its index.

Market Volatility: Securities in the Fund may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and general economic conditions. Price changes may be short or long term.

Exchange Traded Funds: The value of an ETF may be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track. The costs of owning the ETF may exceed the cost of investing directly in the underlying securities.

Market Price/NAV: Shares of ETFs often trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase investors’ risk of loss. At the time of sale, an investor’s shares may have a market price that is above or below the Fund’s NAV.

No Guarantee: There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus. The Fund may not be suitable for all investors.

Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value

The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 over the life of the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

5

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA)

Management’s Discussion of Operations

Overview

Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide current income and, secondarily, capital appreciation. Callable preferred securities exhibiting a low or negative yield to call are generally excluded from the portfolio. The Fund may utilize options strategies and leverage to enhance income and total return.

Market Update

In the twelve months ending October 31, 2022, the Fund’s total return based on market price was -19.13%. The Fund’s total return based on net asset value was -19.28%. The Fund’s benchmark index, the S&P U.S. Preferred Stock Index, returned -19.61% during the same period.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Federal Reserve aggressively increased interest rates, geopolitical and inflationary pressures remained elevated and the Ukraine-Russia war persisted. Fixed and equity income investments were subject to volatility and the US stock market traded lower over the period. The negative market and economic effects that resulted from the Covid-19 global pandemic largely subsided during the period. Global economies reopened and social distancing measures were reduced. Rates on 10-year and 30-year U.S. Treasury bonds increased, which put pressure on lower yielding income investments. Cyclical segments of the economy outperformed during the period and benefited from rotational allocations away from the Covid-19 or stay-at-home technology related securities.

Two of the Fund’s strongest contributors during the period were preferred securities of South Jersey Industries (“SJI”) and AES Corporation (“AES”). SJI is a publicly held energy services holding company for a natural gas utility and other, non-regulated companies. Over the period, SJI and the Infrastructure Investments Fund (“IIF”), a private investment vehicle focused on investing in critical infrastructure assets, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which IIF will purchase SJI for $36.00 per share in cash, reflecting an enterprise value of approximately $8.1 billion. As of February 23, 2022, the price represents a 53% premium to SJI’s closing price and a 46% premium to SJI’s 30-day volume-weighted average price. We maintained a strong conviction in our selection of SJI through each market cycle and benefited from this announcement. AES is a Fortune 500 global utility company. It owns and operates power plants, which it uses to generate and sell electricity to end users and intermediaries like utilities and industrial facilities. During the period, SJI’s Series V and AES’s Series C were up 40.45% and 12.65%, respectively.

Two of the Fund’s weaker contributors during the period were preferred securities of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (”Hudson”) and First Republic Bank (“First Republic”). Hudson is a real estate investment trust that owns office buildings, sound stages, and undeveloped rights for additional commercial properties. Hudson acquires, operates, and builds premier office and studio properties in global epicenters for tech and media innovation. First Republic is an American full-service bank and wealth management company, with a focus in serving low-risk, high net worth clientele. Hudson’s HPP C, and First Republic’s FRC M were down, 46.52% and 35.01%, respectively.

The Fund’s portfolio composition emphasizes issuers that own long-lived assets that generate free cash flow. Preferred stocks issued by REITs, Pipelines and Industrials comprised approximately 53.8%, 15.6%, and 13.8% of the Fund’s total assets, respectively, at fiscal year-end. This compares to weightings of approximately 10.8%, 2.2%, and 2.3% in the benchmark index. Such overweighting positively contributed to Fund performance during the period. In addition, at fiscal year-end preferred stocks issued by financial companies only comprised about 6.5% of the Fund’s total assets, while the Fund’s benchmark index was weighted approximately 50.2%. This significant underweighting of financials positively contributed to the Fund’s outperformance during the period.

Approximately 51% of the Fund’s total assets were fixed-to-floating rate preferred stocks at fiscal year-end. This compares to about 25% for the benchmark index. These securities have a fixed rate coupon at issue but become a floating rate security after a specified period of time, typically five or ten years after issuance. This structure provides investors with some protection from a rising interest rate environment while offering a higher current yield than that available on securities with coupon rates that float currently. During the period, this overweighting positively contributed to fund performance.

6

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF (continued)

Dividend Payments

In the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Fund made dividend payments in the amount of $0.160 per share in November and December of 2021, while paying monthly dividend payments in 2022 of $0.1625 per share for the remainder the fiscal year.

The Fund’s dividend policy is reviewed on an annual basis with the expectation that the announced dividend rate can be sustained for a period of 12 – 24 months. The Fund’s targeted dividend is expected to be covered by its investment company taxable income (which includes ordinary income and long and short-term capital gains less expenses). For the purpose of calculating income available for distribution, some cash payments from REITs or MLPs treated as Return of Capital for tax or GAAP purposes may be included. Expenses include an 80 basis point advisory fee, leverage costs, and other miscellaneous fees.

The Fund seeks to maintain relatively stable monthly distributions although the amount of income earned by the Fund varies from period-to-period. To achieve this objective, the Fund may distribute less than the full amount of income earned during a specific period to preserve income for distribution in future periods. Consequently, the amount of income distributed in any one period may be more or less than the actual amount of income earned in that period.

The Fund’s current 30-day SEC yield was 11.09% as of fiscal year end. The Fund’s distribution rate as of fiscal year end was 9.99%.

Use of Leverage

As described in the Fund’s prospectus, the Fund may use leverage to help achieve its current income objective. The leverage ratio is expected to be maintained in a range of 10-35% of the Fund’s total assets over the long term. As of October 31, 2022, The Fund’s leverage was approximately 29% of the Fund’s net asset value. The Fund’s use of leverage negatively impacted Fund performance during the period.

The Fund’s cost of borrowing increased during the fiscal year. The Fund entered into Lending Agreements (each, an “Agreement”) with commercial banks (the “Banks”) that allow the Fund to borrow cash from the Banks. Borrowings under the Agreements are collateralized by investments in the Fund. If the Fund defaults with respect to any of its obligations under the Agreement, the Banks may foreclose on assets of the Fund and/or the Fund may be required to repay immediately, in part or in full, the loan balance outstanding under the Agreement, necessitating the sale of securities at potentially inopportune times. Interest is charged at the OBFR (Overnight Bank Funding Rate) plus an additional percentage rate on the amount borrowed. Each Agreement has an on-demand commitment term. As of October 31, 2022, the current cost is daily OBFR plus 1.10%, which resets daily.

Use of Options

As described in the prospectus, the Fund may utilize options strategies to boost the amount of income available to distribute to shareholders. The primary activity is covered call writing, which is focused on a small number of common stocks and ETFs owned by the Fund. However, due to limited use of options during the fiscal year, the option activity did not materially impact the Fund’s performance.

Outlook

We believe that there continue to be opportunities for active managers to select preferred stocks that are inefficiently priced. We place special emphasis on maximizing the Fund’s yield-to-call and believe that avoiding issues that are callable and trading at prices above the call price will assist in achieving that result. We believe many preferred stock investors, especially passive funds, inadvertently ignore the risk of owning issues with a negative yield-to-call.

We believe the market’s uncertainty surrounding the duration and magnitude of rising inflation will be a continued leading theme for the forthcoming fiscal year. We have seen the divergence of performance based on credit ratings as lower-rated, higher-yielding credits have outperformed on correlation to equity markets and higher-rated, lower-yielding credits underperformed on correlation to treasury yields. We expect this trend to continue as inflation remains high (yet falling), fiscal and monetary policies remain tight, and interest rates rise. We believe that high-yield preferred stocks will continue to trade higher under these market conditions, and we look to opportunistically add new issues to maintain an above-average yield-to-call versus the Fund’s benchmark. We remain optimistic on the outlook of the US stock market and believe for the next fiscal year, non-investment grade preferred securities in sectors including, REITs, Utilities, Pipelines and Industrials will outperform the financial sector and investment grade preferred securities.

7

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF (continued)

The preceding information is the opinion of the investment adviser and sub-adviser. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment adviser and sub-adviser make no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized. This discussion includes information based on data and calculations sourced from Bloomberg and index constituents. While we believe that the data is reliable, we have not sought, nor have we received, permission from any third-party to include their information.

Performance as of 10/31/2022

Average Annual Total Return

Fund
Net Asset
Value

Fund
Market
Price

S&P U.S.
Preferred
Stock Index
1

1 Year

(19.28)%

(19.13)%

(19.61)%

Since Inception2

 2.47%

 2.43%

 1.17%

  

1 The S&P U.S. Preferred Stock Index measures performance of the U.S. preferred stock market. Preferred stocks pay dividends at a specified rate and receive preference over common stocks in terms of dividend payments and liquidation of assets. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividend reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

2May 15, 2018.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.virtusetfs.com or call toll free (800) 243-4361. Market price returns are based on the mid-point of the highest bid and lowest offer for Fund shares as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange Arca (“NYSE”), ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day during which the NYSE is open for trading, and do not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

Preferred Stocks: Preferred stocks may decline in price, fail to pay dividends, or be illiquid.

Derivatives: Investments in derivatives such as futures, options, forwards, and swaps may increase volatility or cause a loss greater than the principal investment.

Leverage: When a fund leverages its portfolio, the value of its shares may be more volatile and all other risks may be compounded.

Non-Diversified: The Fund is non-diversified and may be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting its holdings to the extent that each security represents a larger portion of the Fund’s assets.

Sector Focus: To the extent the Fund has significant exposure to one or more sectors, this may make the Fund particularly susceptible to adverse economic, political or regulatory occurrences and changes affecting companies in those sectors.

Exchange Traded Funds: The value of an ETF may be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track. The costs of owning the ETF may exceed the cost of investing directly in the underlying securities.

Market Price/NAV: Shares of ETFs often trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase investors’ risk of loss. At the time of sale, an investor’s shares may have a market price that is above or below the Fund’s NAV.

No Guarantee: There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus. The Fund may not be suitable for all investors.

8

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF (continued)

Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value

The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 over the life of the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

9

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC)

The Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (the Fund) seeks to track the investment results, before fees and expenses, of the LifeSci Biotechnology Clinical Trials Index (the Index), which is composed of U.S.-listed biotechnology stocks with a lead drug in the clinical trial stage of development.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Fund’s total return based on market price was -41.70%. The Fund’s total return based on net asset value was -41.66%. The LifeSci Biotechnology Clinical Trials returned -41.76% during the same period.

The top contributors to the Fund’s performance for the fiscal year included Akero Therapeutics, which operates as a biotechnology company. Akero discovers and develops medicines and therapies that seek to treat metabolic diseases by restoring metabolic balance. Another leading contributor was Turning Point Therapeutics, which operated as a clinical-stage structure-based drug design company for the discovery and development of precision medicines for cancer and other diseases. Turning Point was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb for a premium of approximately 122% per share, and was deleted from the fund on August 18, 2022. Positive contributors also included Inhibrx, which offers biologic therapeutics for people with life-threatening conditions. The company focuses on developing a diverse pipeline of therapeutic candidates.

The top detractors from Fund performance for the fiscal year were Athira Pharma, Chimerix and I-Mab. Athira operates as a biotechnology company and develops small molecules to restore neuronal health and stop the neurodegeneration brought on by diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Chimerix, operates as a biopharmaceutical company and develops oral antiviral therapeutics to transform patient care in multiple settings including transplant, oncology, acute care, and global health. Chimerix was sold during the fiscal year because the company no longer fits the Fund’s underlying index’s market capitalization and trading volume criteria. I-Mab operates as a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company and focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel biologics to treat diseases with significant unmet medical needs, particularly cancers and autoimmune disorders.

The preceding information is the opinion of the investment adviser. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment adviser makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

Performance as of 10/31/2022

Average Annual Total Return

Fund
Net Asset
Value

Fund
Market
Price

LifeSci
Biotechnology
Clinical Trials
Index
1

S&P 500®
Index
2

1 Year

(41.66)%

(41.70)%

(41.76)%

(14.61)%

5 Years

 (1.16)%

 (1.18)%

(0.69)%

10.44%

Since Inception3

 0.64%

  0.63%

 1.17%

11.01%

  

1 The LifeSci Biotechnology Clinical Trials Index is designed to track the performance of U.S.-listed biotechnology stocks with a lead drug in the clinical trial stage of development, typically a Phase 1, Phase 2 or Phase 3 trial, but prior to receiving marketing approval. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

2 The S&P 500® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

3December 16, 2014.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.virtusetfs.com or call toll free (800) 243-4361. Market price returns are based on the mid-point of the highest bid and lowest offer for Fund shares as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange Arca (“NYSE”), ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day during which the NYSE is open for trading, and do not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

10

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (continued)

Biotechnology Industry Risk: The Fund’s assets will be concentrated in investments in the securities of issuers engaged primarily in the biotechnology industry. Companies within the biotechnology industry spend heavily on research and development, which may not necessarily lead to commercially successful products in the near or long term. In order to fund operations, these companies may require financing from the capital markets, which may not always be available on satisfactory terms or at all. The biotechnology industry is also subject to significant governmental regulation, and the need for governmental approvals, including, without limitation, FDA approval. The securities of biotechnology companies, especially those of smaller or newer companies, tend to be more volatile than those of companies with larger capitalizations or markets generally.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Correlation to Index: The performance of the Fund and its index may vary somewhat due to factors such as Fund flows, transaction costs, and timing differences associated with additions to and deletions from its index.

Exchange Traded Funds: The value of an ETF may be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track. The costs of owning the ETF may exceed the cost of investing directly in the underlying securities.

Market Price/NAV: Shares of ETFs often trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase investors’ risk of loss. At the time of sale, an investor’s shares may have a market price that is above or below the Fund’s NAV.

No Guarantee: There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus. The Fund may not be suitable for all investors.

Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value

The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 over the life of the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

11

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (BBP)

The Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (the Fund) seeks to track the investment results, before fees and expenses, of the LifeSci Biotechnology Products Index (the Index), which is composed of U.S.-listed biotechnology stocks with at least one drug therapy approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for marketing.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Fund’s total return based on market price was -9.79%; the Fund’s total return based on net asset value was -9.88%. The LifeSci Biotechnology Products Index returned -9.46% for the same period.

Mergers & acquisitions (M&A) were a significant driver of the performance of mid- to large-cap biotechnology stocks during the fiscal year. The top performers for the Fund were Mvoyant Sciences and Global Blood Therapeutics. Both companies were targets of acquisitions during the reporting period. Myovant is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that engages in the development and commercialization of therapies for the treatment of women’s health and endocrine diseases. Sumitomo Pharma announced the acquisition of Myovant on October 23, 2022, a transaction that is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023. In another deal in the rare hematology space, Pfizer acquired Global Blood Therapeutics on October 6, 2022, which was a positive contributor to the Fund and a combination with good potential to address significant needs in an underserved therapy.

ChemoCentryx was another top contributor to returns after it agreed to be acquired by Amgen. The biopharmaceutical company focused on orally administered therapeutics to treat autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, and cancer. Immunocore Holdings and Axsome Therapeutics were also leading contributors to Fund performance during the fiscal year.

Detractors from Fund performance for the 12-month period included Bluebird Bio and 2Seventy bio. 2seventy, a spinoff from Bluebird, operates as cell and gene therapy company. It is focused on the research, development, and commercialization of transformative treatments for cancer. ADC Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, also detracted from performance. These stocks were sold during the reporting period.

Radius Health detracted from Fund performance. A consortium led by Gurnet Point Capital acquired the company in August of 2022. Other detractors included Nektar Therapeutics, a research-based biopharmaceutical company that engages in discovering and developing medicines in areas of unmet medical need, and Zai Lab Ltd.

The preceding information is the opinion of the investment adviser. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment adviser makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

Performance as of 10/31/2022

Average Annual Total Return

Fund
Net Asset
Value

Fund
Market
Price

LifeSci
Biotechnology
Products
Index
1

S&P 500®
Index
2

1 Year

(9.88)%

(9.79)%

(9.46)%

(14.61)%

5 Years

3.53%

3.52%

4.31%

10.44%

Since Inception3

8.46%

8.45%

9.31%

11.01%

  

1 The LifeSci Biotechnology Products Index is designed to track the performance of U.S.-listed biotechnology stocks with at least one drug therapy approved by the FDA for marketing. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

2 The S&P 500® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

3December 16, 2014.

12

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF (continued)

Performance data quoted represents past performance and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.virtusetfs.com or call toll free (800) 243-4361. Market price returns are based on the mid-point of the highest bid and lowest offer for Fund shares as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange Arca (“NYSE”), ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day during which the NYSE is open for trading, and do not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

Biotechnology Industry Risk: The Fund’s assets will be concentrated in investments in the securities of issuers engaged primarily in the biotechnology industry. Companies within the biotechnology industry spend heavily on research and development, which may not necessarily lead to commercially successful products in the near or long term. In order to fund operations, these companies may require financing from the capital markets, which may not always be available on satisfactory terms or at all. The biotechnology industry is also subject to significant governmental regulation, and the need for governmental approvals, including, without limitation, FDA approval. The securities of biotechnology companies, especially those of smaller or newer companies, tend to be more volatile than those of companies with larger capitalizations or markets generally.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

Correlation to Index: The performance of the Fund and its index may vary somewhat due to factors such as Fund flows, transaction costs, and timing differences associated with additions to and deletions from its index.

Exchange Traded Funds: The value of an ETF may be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track. The costs of owning the ETF may exceed the cost of investing directly in the underlying securities.

Market Price/NAV: Shares of ETFs often trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase investors’ risk of loss. At the time of sale, an investor’s shares may have a market price that is above or below the Fund’s NAV.

No Guarantee: There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus. The Fund may not be suitable for all investors.

Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value

The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 over the life of the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

13

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT)

The Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide a high level of current income and, secondarily, capital appreciation.

How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal year ended October 31, 2022?

Central banks embarked on the first meaningful tightening of monetary policy in several years in response to elevated inflation during the fiscal year. Their messaging was consistent: they are focused on fighting high inflation. The monetary backdrop clouded the outlook for global and regional economies, and led to the market anticipating a higher probability of recession. This resulted in negative total returns for most assets. The pandemic remained a global issue, with China’s zero-COVID policy continuing to delay the normalization of supply chains, though there were signs that the rigid policy may be eased. Meanwhile, the war between Russia and Ukraine presented an ongoing economic shock to food and energy prices. These unresolved issues made economic forecasting and modeling a challenge and contributed to a volatile investing environment during the fiscal year.

The Federal Reserve (the Fed) and other major central banks shifted their rhetoric sharply hawkish, indicating that keeping inflation under control is their primary goal, in response to elevated inflation measures. The Fed raised its main policy interest rate 3.00% during the fiscal year, including three jumbo moves of 0.75% each, and indicated its intent to restore price stability. The Fed began to shrink its $8.9 trillion balance sheet, and increased its pace in September of 2022. The European Central Bank (ECB) also joined the inflation fight, raising its policy rate to 2.00% over three meetings, marking the first increases from zero interest rates since 2016. The Bank of Japan appeared to be relatively less concerned about inflation given local economic conditions, but weakness in the yen was challenging that stance.

During the 12-month period, volatility in the fixed income markets increased due to both the more hawkish Fed policy and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. U.S. Treasuries generally outperformed spread sectors (non-governmental fixed income investments) on an excess return basis. Excess return refers to the difference in return – positive or negative – between an individual security and a comparable risk-free asset, in this case a U.S. Treasury with the same duration (interest rate sensitivity). With the spike in U.S. Treasury yields, less interest rate-sensitive sectors such as high yield bank loans, and other shorter-duration asset classes, including asset-backed securities, generally outperformed on a total return basis.

During the 12-month period, the U.S. Treasury yield curve shifted higher, with the largest increase on the front end, resulting in an inverted yield curve. This occurs when the yields on longer-term investments drop below the yields on shorter-term investments with the same risk profile.

What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal year?

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Fund’s total return based on market price was -11.91%. The Fund’s total return based on net asset value was -11.72%. For the same period, the Fund’s benchmark, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, returned -15.68%.

The Fund’s allocations to high yield bank loans and asset-backed securities, an underweight to corporate high quality securities, and an allocation to non-agency mortgage-backed securities over agency mortgage-backed securities, all had a positive impact on relative performance for the 12-month period. Overall issue selection was positive for the period.

The Fund’s underweight to U.S. Treasury securities had a negative relative impact during the period. The Fund’s allocations to emerging markets high yield and yankee high quality securities also detracted from Fund performance during the period.

The preceding information is the opinion of the investment adviser and sub-adviser. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment adviser makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

14

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (continued)

Performance as of 10/31/2022

Average Annual Total Return

Fund
Net Asset
Value

Fund
Market
Price

Bloomberg
U.S. Aggregate
Bond Index
1

1 Year

(11.72)%

(11.91)%

(15.68)%

5 Years

0.66%

 0.72%

 (0.54)%

Since Inception2

2.24%

 2.24%

 0.44%

  

1The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

2August 10, 2015.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.virtusetfs.com or call toll free (800) 243-4361. Market price returns are based on the mid-point of the highest bid and lowest offer for Fund shares as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange Arca (“NYSE”), ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day during which the NYSE is open for trading, and do not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

Credit & Interest: Debt securities are subject to various risks, the most prominent of which are credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments. Values of debt securities may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities.

High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities: There is a greater level of credit risk and price volatility involved with high yield securities than investment grade securities.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

ABS/MBS: Changes in interest rates can cause both extension and prepayment risks for asset- and mortgage-backed securities. These securities are also subject to risks associated with the repayment of underlying collateral.

Bank Loans: Loans may be unsecured or not fully collateralized, may be subject to restrictions on resale and/or trade infrequently on the secondary market. Loans can carry significant credit and call risk, can be difficult to value and have longer settlement times than other investments, which can make loans relatively illiquid at times.

Market Price/NAV: Shares of ETFs often trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase investors’ risk of loss. At the time of sale, an investor’s shares may have a market price that is above or below the Fund’s NAV.

No Guarantee: There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus. The Fund may not be suitable for all investors.

15

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (continued)

Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value

The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 over the life of the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

16

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus Private Credit Strategy ETF (VPC)

The Virtus Private Credit Strategy ETF (the Fund) seeks to track the investment results, before fees and expenses, of the Indxx Private Credit Index (the Index), which provides passive exposure to U.S.-listed instruments that emphasize private credit, including business development companies (BDCs) and closed-end funds (CEFs).

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Fund’s total return based on market price was -13.02%; the Fund’s total return based on net asset value was -12.75%. The Indxx Private Credit Index returned -12.91% during the same period.

The top contributor to Fund performance for the 12-month period was Fidus Investment Corporation. Fidus provides customized mezzanine debt and equity financing solutions to lower middle-market companies in the U.S. The company operates as a BDC and invests in a wide range of industries. Another top performer was Runway Growth Finance, a specialty finance company. Runway focuses on providing senior secured loans to high growth-potential companies in technology, life sciences, health care information and services, business services, select consumer services and products, and other high-growth industries.

Stellus Capital Investment Corp. also made a positive contribution to Fund performance. Stellus, which operates as a BDC, invests in companies located in the U.S. with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $5 to $50 million. The company provides financing in the form of equity, senior secured first lien, unitranche, split lien, and second lien debt financings for buyout transactions.

Top detractors from Fund performance included two CEFs, Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund and Oxford Lane Capital Corporation (Oxford Lane). Oxford Lane invests primarily in the debt and equity tranches of collateralized loan obligation (CLO) vehicles. The investment objective of Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund is high current income and total return. The Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund invests at least 70% of its assets in senior secured and second lien loans, and up to 30% opportunistically over the credit cycle in other types of securities.

Another leading detractor from Fund performance was SLR Investment Corporation (SLR), a BDC that makes investments in the form of senior secured loans, mezzanine loans, and equity securities. SLR invests primarily in senior secured loans of private middle market companies to generate current income, which it distributes to shareholders on a quarterly basis.

The preceding information is the opinion of the investment adviser. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment adviser makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

Performance as of 10/31/2022

Average Annual Total Return

Fund
Net Asset
Value

Fund
Market
Price

Indxx
Private
Credit Index
1

1 Year

(12.75)%

(13.02)%

(12.91)%

Since Inception2

 4.00%

 3.95%

 4.77%

  

1 The Indxx Private Credit Index is an index of listed business development companies (“BDCs”) and closed end funds (“CEFs”) with a private credit focus. The Index is designed to serve as a broad-based benchmark for long-only investments in private credit. The Index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

2February 7, 2019.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.virtusetfs.com or call toll free (800) 243-4361. Market price returns are based on the mid-point of the highest bid and lowest offer for Fund shares as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange Arca (“NYSE”), ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day during which the NYSE is open for trading, and do not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

Private Credit Funds: Private credit funds that invest in closed-end funds and business development companies bear the risk of these underlying assets, including liquidity, industry, currency, valuation and credit risks.

17

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus Private Credit Strategy ETF (continued)

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Credit & Interest: Debt securities are subject to various risks, the most prominent of which are credit and interest rate risk. The issuer of a debt security may fail to make interest and/or principal payments. Values of debt securities may rise or fall in response to changes in interest rates, and this risk may be enhanced with longer-term maturities.

High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities: There is a greater level of credit risk and price volatility involved with high yield securities than investment grade securities.

Non-Diversified: The Fund is non-diversified and may be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting its holdings to the extent that each security represents a larger portion of the Fund’s assets.

Passive Strategy/Index Risk: A passive investment strategy seeking to track the performance of the Underlying Index may result in the fund holding securities regardless of market conditions or their current or projected performance. This could cause the Fund’s returns to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

Fund of Funds: Because the Fund can invest in other funds, it indirectly bears its proportionate share of the operating expenses and management fees of the underlying fund(s).

Correlation to Index: The performance of the Fund and its index may vary somewhat due to factors such as Fund flows, transaction costs, and timing differences associated with additions to and deletions from its index.

Closed-End Funds: Closed-end funds may trade at a discount from their net asset values, which may affect whether the fund will realize gains or losses. They may also employ leverage, which may increase volatility.

Exchange Traded Funds: The value of an ETF may be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track. The costs of owning the ETF may exceed the cost of investing directly in the underlying securities.

Market Price/NAV: Shares of ETFs often trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase investors’ risk of loss. At the time of sale, an investor’s shares may have a market price that is above or below the Fund’s NAV.

No Guarantee: There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus. The Fund may not be suitable for all investors.

Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value

The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 over the life of the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

18

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI)

The Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (the Fund) aims to provide passive exposure to high income-producing real asset securities. The Fund seeks to track the investment results, before fees and expenses, of the Indxx Real Asset Income Index (the Index), which is composed of U.S.-listed “Real Asset” companies. The index provider of the Index considers Real Asset companies to be those that are classified under certain real estate-related industries, such as:

real estate development and real estate investment trusts (REITs);

natural resources, including oil, coal, precious metals, steel, agricultural commodities, and forest products; and

infrastructure, including electric utilities, telecommunications, transportation, and master limited partnerships (MLPs).

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Fund’s total return based on market price was -10.24%; the Fund’s total return based on net asset value was -10.25%. The Index returned -10.04% during the same period.

The top contributors to Fund performance for the 12-month period included diversified energy companies, producers of iron and steel, and pipeline companies. Coterra Energy, Inc. (Coterra), a diversified energy company, was a positive contributor. Coterra is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the development, exploration, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. Another top performer was Petroleo Brasileiro. Petroleo explores for and produces oil and natural gas. The company refines, markets, and supplies oil products.

Steel Dynamics, a diversified carbon-steel producer and metals recycler, also made a positive contribution to the Fund’s returns. The company’s operating segments include steel operations, metals recycling and ferrous resources operations, and steel fabrication operations.

The largest detractors from Fund performance for the 12-month period were stocks involved in chemicals, real estate, and horticulture. They included Industrial Logistics Properties Trust, a real estate investment trust that owns and leases industrial and logistics properties. Scotts Miracle-Gro, another detractor from Fund performance, engages in the manufacturing, marketing, and sale of products for lawn and garden care, as well as indoor and hydroponic gardening. Another top detractor was Tronox Holdings, which engages in the mining and inorganic chemical business.

The preceding information is the opinion of the investment adviser. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment adviser makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

Performance as of 10/31/2022

Average Annual Total Return

Fund
Net Asset
Value

Fund
Market
Price

Indxx Real
Asset Income
Index
1

1 Year

(10.25)%

(10.24)%

(10.04)%

Since Inception2

 2.02%

 1.99%

 2.69%

  

1 The Indxx Real Asset Income Index tracks the performance of US-listed securities in the Real Asset space (Real Estate, Natural Resources and Infrastructure) emphasizing dividend growth. The Index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

2February 7, 2019.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.virtusetfs.com or call toll free (800) 243-4361. Market price returns are based on the mid-point of the highest bid and lowest offer for Fund shares as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange Arca (“NYSE”), ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day during which the NYSE is open for trading, and do not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

19

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (continued)

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Equity REITs: The Fund may be negatively affected by factors specific to the real estate market, including interest rates, leverage, property, and management.

Natural Resources: A fund that focuses its investments in natural resources companies will be more sensitive to conditions affecting their business or operations.

Infrastructure: A fund that focuses its investments in infrastructure-related companies will be more sensitive to conditions affecting their business or operations.

Non-Diversified: The Fund is non-diversified and may be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting its holdings to the extent that each security represents a larger portion of the Fund’s assets.

MLPs: Investments in Master Limited Partnerships may be adversely impacted by tax law changes, regulation, or factors affecting underlying assets.

Passive Strategy/Index Risk: A passive investment strategy seeking to track the performance of the Underlying Index may result in the fund holding securities regardless of market conditions or their current or projected performance. This could cause the Fund’s returns to be lower than if the Fund employed an active strategy.

Correlation to Index: The performance of the Fund and its index may vary somewhat due to factors such as Fund flows, transaction costs, and timing differences associated with additions to and deletions from its index.

Exchange Traded Funds: The value of an ETF may be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track. The costs of owning the ETF may exceed the cost of investing directly in the underlying securities.

Market Price/NAV: Shares of ETFs often trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase investors’ risk of loss. At the time of sale, an investor’s shares may have a market price that is above or below the Fund’s NAV.

No Guarantee: There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus. The Fund may not be suitable for all investors.

Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value

The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 over the life of the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

20

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF (VWID)

The Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF (the “Fund”) is an actively managed ETF designed to generate a higher dividend yield than is generally provided by equity markets in developed ex-U.S. countries, as measured by the MSCI World ex USA Index, over a full market cycle within a framework that attempts to manage portfolio risk.

During the period, the high yielding non-US equities, as measured by the MSCI World ex USA High Dividend Yield Index, posted negative absolute returns but outperformed core equities (as measured by MSCI World ex USA Index, respectively). Certain higher yielding and deeper value stocks, which generally make up a larger portion of the equity income universe, outperformed core indexes during the period. Meanwhile, higher growth stocks including technology companies, which are often underrepresented in the equity income universe as these companies tend to not pay dividends, lagged core equity indexes. This backdrop resulted in the strong relative outperformance of dividend paying stocks relative to core equities during the period.

During the period presented, the Fund’s total return based on market price was -14.30%. The Fund’s total return based on net asset value was -14.03%. The Fund’s benchmark index, the MSCI World ex USA High Dividend Yield Index (Net), returned -11.59% during the same period.

Security selection detracted from relative results during the period. The three largest detractors over this period was the portfolio’s out-of-benchmark position in Evraz PLC (materials), not holding Nutrien Ltd (materials) and an overweight position in Persimmon PLC (consumer discretionary). The underweight position in Enel (utilities), out-of-benchmark position in TotalEnergies (energy), and not holding Tesco (consumer staples), were the largest relative contributors during the period. The shares in Evraz were sold during the reporting period.

Sector allocation, which is a fallout of our portfolio construction process as we look to provide above market yield over time through a broadly diversified portfolio, detracted from results during the period. The Fund’s underweight exposure to the materials sector and overweight exposures to the information technology and the consumer discretionary sectors detracted from relative results during the period. This was partially offset by stronger relative results from overweight exposures to the energy and the industrials sectors, and an underweight exposure to the utilities sector.

From a regional perspective, exposures in the North America, Asia Pacific ex Japan, and United Kingdom detracted from relative results. This was partially offset by exposures in Japan, which contributed to relative performance.

The preceding information is the opinion of the investment adviser and sub-adviser. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment adviser makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized.

Performance as of 10/31/2022

Average Annual Total Return

Fund
Net Asset
Value

Fund
Market
Price

MSCI World
Ex USA High
Dividend
Yield Index
(net)­
1

1 Year

(14.03)%

(14.30)%

(11.59)%

5 Year

 2.57%

 2.54%

 0.36%

Since Inception2

 2.61%

 2.68%

 0.28%

  

1The MSCI World Ex USA High Dividend Yield Index (net) is based on the MSCI World Index, its parent index, and includes large and mid cap stocks across 48 Developed Markets (DM) and Emerging Market (EM) countries. The index is designed to reflect the performance of equities in the parent index (excluding REITs) with higher dividend income and quality characteristics than average dividend yields that are both sustainable and persistent. The index also applies quality screens and reviews 12-month past performance to omit stocks with potentially deteriorating fundamentals that could force them to cut or reduce dividends. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested; it is unmanaged; its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges; and it is not available for direct investment.

2October 10, 2017.

21

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF (continued)

Performance data quoted represents past performance and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. For the most current month-end performance data please visit www.virtusetfs.com or call toll free (800) 243-4361. Market price returns are based on the mid-point of the highest bid and lowest offer for Fund shares as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (“Cboe”), ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day during which the Cboe is open for trading, and do not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

Dividend Paying Securities: Issuers that have paid regular dividends or distributions may not continue to do so in the future and can fall out of favor with the market, which may cause the portfolio to underperform. Securities with higher dividend yields can be sensitive to interest rate movements: when interest rates rise, the prices of these securities may fall.

Exchange Traded Funds: The value of an ETF may be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track. The costs of owning the ETF may exceed the cost of investing directly in the underlying securities.

Market Price/NAV: Shares of ETFs often trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase investors’ risk of loss. At the time of sale, an investor’s shares may have a market price that is above or below the Fund’s NAV.

Equity Securities: The market price of equity securities may be adversely affected by financial market, industry, or issuer-specific events. Focus on a particular style or on small or medium-sized companies may enhance that risk.

Foreign & Emerging Markets: Investing internationally, especially in emerging markets, involves additional risks such as currency, political, accounting, economic, and market risk.

Geographic Concentration: Events negatively affecting the fiscal stability of a state, country, or region will cause the value of the Fund’s shares to decrease. Because the Fund concentrates its assets in a state, country, or region, the Fund is more vulnerable to those areas’ financial, economic, or other political developments.

Equity REITs: The Fund may be negatively affected by factors specific to the real estate market, including interest rates, leverage, property, and management.

Derivatives: Investments in derivatives such as futures, options, forwards, and swaps may increase volatility or cause a loss greater than the principal investment.

No Guarantee: There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus. The Fund may not be suitable for all investors.

Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value

The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 over the life of the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

22

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

InfraCap MLP ETF (AMZA)

Management’s Discussion of Operations

Overview

InfraCap MLP ETF (the “Fund”) is an actively-managed portfolio of midstream energy master limited partnerships (“MLPs”) and related general partners. The Fund may utilize options strategies and leverage to enhance income and total return.

The Fund focuses on the midstream MLP sector. These companies are typically involved in the production, gathering, transportation, storage, and processing of oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and refined products.

Market Update

In the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Fund’s total return based on market price was 33.63%. The Fund’s total return based on net asset value was 33.13%.The Fund’s benchmark index, the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, returned 30.31% during same period, while the S&P 500 Index returned -14.61%.

Fiscal year 2022 was relatively supportive for midstream companies. Energy prices remained elevated over the period, and WTI Crude Oil prices were $86.53 as of October 31, 2022.

The return to normal business activity and OPEC+ agreements constraining supply drove oil prices higher and supported MLP stock prices as there is a long-term need for North American oil and gas. Midstream companies benefited from the defensive nature of their business model with fee based contracts and added protections like minimum volume commitments. Many midstream companies have diversified customer bases or significant exposure to investment grade counterparties. During the earnings periods, many management teams remained conservative, continuing to protect their balance sheets with cost saving initiatives and deferring capital spending. Many midstream companies announced actions to strengthen their financial flexibility, including streamlined maintenance capital costs and operating expenses. Cash flows remained stable during the fiscal year, with some MLPs pursuing shareholder friendly actions such as buy-backs, increased distributions or special distributions.

During the period, businesses reopened and the US lifted strict social distancing measures that had been implemented in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19. Two of the Fund’s stronger performing issuers during the period were Western Midstream Partners LP (“Western Midstream”) and Energy Transfer LP (“Energy Transfer”). Western Midstream is a Delaware master limited partnership formed to acquire, own, develop, and operate midstream assets. With midstream assets located in the Rocky Mountains, North-central Pennsylvania, Texas, and New Mexico, it is engaged in the business of gathering, compressing, treating, processing, and transporting natural gas; gathering, stabilizing, and transporting condensate, natural-gas liquids, and crude oil; and gathering and disposing of produced water for its customers. In its capacity as a natural gas processor, Western Midstream also buys and sells natural gas, natural-gas liquids, and condensate on behalf of itself and as an agent for its customers under certain contracts. Western Midstream reported better than expected earnings over the period and increased its dividend. Energy Transfer is an American company engaged in natural gas and propane pipeline transport. It is organized under Delaware state laws and headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Energy Transfer has one of the largest diversified portfolios of energy assets in North America that includes leading positions in major producing basins, and offer customers wellhead to water accessibility via a wide range of services to both domestic and international markets. Energy Transfer raised its dividend and revised upward 2023 guidance, with the potential to increase dividends to pre-pandemic levels. During the period, Western Midstream and Energy Transfer were up 44.94% and 44.30%, respectively.

Two of the weaker performing positions during the period were Holly Energy Partners LP (“Holly”) and Genesis Energy LP (“Genesis”). Holly is a Delaware limited partnership formed in early 2004 by HollyFrontier and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Holly provides petroleum product and crude oil transportation, storage and throughput services to the petroleum industry, including subsidiaries of HF Sinclair Corporation. Genesis is a publicly traded, master limited partnership head quartered in Houston, Texas. Genesis operate midstream assets in four business segments offshore pipeline transportation, sodium minerals and sulfur services, onshore facilities and transportation, and marine transportation. Holly was up 10.52%, while Genesis was up 11.32% during the period.

During the period, despite an increase in commodity prices, U.S. producers maintained capital discipline and kept their production outlook largely unchanged.

23

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

InfraCap MLP ETF (continued)

Distribution Payments

In the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Fund declared monthly distribution payments in the amount of $0.22 per share. While the Fund plans to continue declaring monthly distributions, distributions are not guaranteed. The Fund seeks to maintain relatively stable monthly distributions although the amount of income earned by the Fund varies from period-to-period. To achieve this objective, the Fund may distribute less than the full amount of income earned during a specific period, preserving income for distribution in future periods. Consequently, the amount of income distributed in any one period may be more or less than the actual amount of income earned in that period.

Use of Leverage

The Fund’s policy is to maintain its leverage ratio in a range of 10-35% over the long term. The Fund effectively employed leverage over the fiscal year and made efforts to reduce its leverage during periods of increased volatility. The application of leverage positively contributed to Fund performance during the period. Leverage fluctuated within the targeted range during the fiscal year, consistent with the Fund’s investment objective to seek total return. Leverage represented approximately 28.67% of net assets at year-end, which was near the upper end of the long-term target range. The Fund’s cost of borrowing increased during the fiscal year. The Fund entered into Lending Agreements (each, an “Agreement”) with certain commercial banks (the “Banks”) that allow the Fund to borrow cash from the Banks. Borrowings under the Agreements are collateralized by investments in the Funds. If a Fund defaults with respect to any of its obligations under the Agreements, the Banks may foreclose on assets of the Fund and/or the Fund may be required to repay immediately, in part or in full, the loan balance outstanding under the Agreement, necessitating the sale of securities at potentially inopportune times. Interest is charged at the OBFR (Overnight Bank Funding Rate) plus an additional percentage rate on the amount borrowed. Each Agreement has an on-demand commitment term. As of October 31, 2022, the current cost is daily OBFR plus 1.10%, which resets daily. The yield on the Fund’s benchmark index, the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index, was 7.28% on November 11, 2022.

Use of Options

The Fund seeks to generate additional income for distribution to investors by writing call and put options. The primary activity is writing “covered” call options on positions held by the Fund. However, due to high volatility within the asset class at times during the period, market conditions for covered call options were unfavorable to Fund performance for parts of the fiscal year and as a result, the Fund’s sub-adviser reduced the frequency of this activity.

During the fiscal year, the Fund’s emphasis was on writing short-duration covered call options, and the average maturity of the option portfolio was less than 18 days. The Fund’s sub-adviser used these option strategies to seek to maximize the capture of premium decay and manage short term risks.

We believe consolidation within the MLP sector enhanced the liquidity in the single-stock options market as larger MLPs typically have more liquid markets for issued options.

Outlook

Midstream MLP companies generally have stable businesses, however, large fluctuations in commodity prices (as witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic) can have material impacts on their free cash flows. Nonetheless, fee-based contracts utilized in the midstream MLP sector have helped companies protect their cash flow generation. We will continue to monitor rising commodity prices, OPEC+ induced supply shocks, and macroeconomic factors related to infrastructure spending and Federal Reserve policy. Further, we expect US producers to remain disciplined and OPEC+ to slowly increase its output.

We continue to believe that there will be significant asset sales and acquisitions of entire companies over the next year as private equity firms and strategic acquirers take advantage of consolidations in midstream assets. We believe we are positioned to take advantage of M&A activity that we consider likely to occur in the recent future. In addition, we believe proposed increases in corporate taxes will decrease the advantages of MLP C-Corp conversions.

The Fund also maintains positions in large capitalization integrated pipelines and storage companies with stronger contractual protection and visible market demand. We believe these companies are less vulnerable during heightened periods of price volatility and are well positioned to take advantage of opportunities that exist in the current market environment.

24

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

InfraCap MLP ETF (continued)

Despite the macroeconomic concerns, we expect upward price pressure on commodities and $85-105 oil prices in 2023 due to OPEC supply cuts founded on a belief that disciplined U.S. producers will not disrupt the cartel by increasing production. Additionally, OPEC recently announced an additional two million barrels per day of cuts, which should result in one million barrels off the market due to OPEC currently producing below its quota. Atop crude supply issues, demand for U.S. LNG exports has increased substantially in Europe as Russian gas exports have been halted with tensions escalating after an explosion on the Nord Stream pipeline. A key focus in 2022 has been the current energy crisis impacting much of Europe. We also believe companies with pipeline and storage facilities with connectivity to export facilities for NGLs, refined products, and crude will benefit as global demand normalizes post-pandemic. We believe companies with integrated footprints spanning from producing regions to exporting facilities are advantageously positioned with a natural hedge against these upstream and downstream fluctuations.

Based on our evaluation, many management teams of midstream companies continue to maintain disciplined and conservative efforts to protect their balance sheet with cost saving initiatives and cancellations of growth and capital spending. Over the fiscal period, we have seen midstream companies pursue shareholder friendly corporate actions, including share buybacks and dividend increases. We believe these shareholder friendly activities will continue in 2023 as energy prices remain elevated.

The preceding information is the opinion of the investment adviser and sub-adviser. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment adviser and sub-adviser make no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that market forecasts will be realized. This discussion includes information based on data and calculations sourced from Bloomberg and index constituents. While we believe that the data is reliable, we have not sought, nor have we received, permission from any third-party to include their information.

Performance as of 10/31/2022

Average Annual Total Return

Fund
Net Asset
Value

Fund
Market
Price

Alerian MLP
Infrastructure
Index
1

S&P 500®
Index
2

1 Year

33.13%

33.63%

30.31%

(14.61)%

5 Years

  (3.04)%

  (3.02)%

 4.92%

10.44%

Since Inception3

 (8.66)%

 (8.66)%

 (2.27)%

10.96%

  

1 The Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index is a composite of energy infrastructure Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs), whose constituents earn the majority of their cash flow from the transportation, storage, and processing of energy commodities. The index is calculated using a float-adjusted, capitalization-weighted methodology on a total-return basis. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

2 The S&P 500® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged, its returns do not reflect any fees, expenses, or sales charges, and is not available for direct investment.

3October 1, 2014.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment returnand principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or lessthan the original cost. Current performance data may be higher or lower than actual data quoted. Returns do not reflect the deductionof taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. For the most current month-endperformance data please visit www.virtusetfs.com or call toll free (800) 243-4361. Market price returns are based on the mid-pointof the highest bid and lowest offer for Fund shares as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange Arca (“NYSE”), ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day during which the NYSE is open for trading, and do not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

MLPs: Investments in Master Limited Partnerships may be adversely impacted by tax law changes, regulation, or factors affecting underlying assets.

Industry/Sector Concentration: A fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector will be more sensitive to conditions that affect that industry or sector than a non-concentrated fund.

25

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

InfraCap MLP ETF (continued)

Interest Rate Risk: As yield-based investments, MLPs carry interest rate risk and may underperform in rising interest rate environments. Additionally, when investors have heightened fears about the economy, the risk spread between MLPs and competing investment options can widen, which may have an adverse effect on the stock price of MLPs. Rising interest rates may increase the potential cost of MLPs financing projects or cost of operations, and may affect the demand for MLP investments, either of which may result in lower performance by or distributions from the Fund’s MLP investments.

Leverage: When a fund leverages its portfolio, the value of its shares may be more volatile and all other risks may be compounded.

Derivatives: Investments in derivatives such as futures, options, forwards, and swaps may increase volatility or cause a loss greater than the principal investment.

Non-Diversified: The Fund is non-diversified and may be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting its holdings to the extent that each security represents a larger portion of the Fund’s assets.

Short Sales: The Fund may engage in short sales, and may experience a loss if the price of a borrowed security increases before the date on which the Fund replaces the security.

Exchange Traded Funds: The value of an ETF may be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track. The costs of owning the ETF may exceed the cost of investing directly in the underlying securities.

Market Price/NAV: Shares of ETFs often trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase investors’ risk of loss. At the time of sale, an investor’s shares may have a market price that is above or below the Fund’s NAV.

No Guarantee: There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its objective.

Prospectus: For additional information on risks, please see the Fund’s prospectus. The Fund may not be suitable for all investors.

Value of a $10,000 Investment Since Inception at Net Asset Value

The chart above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 over the life of the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

26

Portfolio Composition (unaudited)

October 31, 2022

Asset Allocation as of 10/31/2022 (based on net assets)

InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF

Real Estate

67.9

%

Financials

31.6

%

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities

0.5

%

Total

100.0

%

 

Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF

Real Estate

34.9

%*

Financials

34.4

%*

Energy

22.9

%

Utilities

12.7

%

Industrials

16.8

%

Consumer Discretionary

4.1

%

Communication Services

3.5

%

Health Care

0.1

%

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets

(29.4

)%

Total

100.0

%

 

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF

Health Care

98.0

%

Materials

0.9

%

Money Market Fund

8.0

%

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets

(6.9

)%

Total

100.0

%

 

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF

Health Care

99.0

%

Money Market Fund

1.5

%

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets

(0.5

)%

Total

100.0

%

  

*Amounts represent investments in particular sectors. No industry within these sectors represented more than 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the time of investment.

27

Portfolio Composition (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Asset Allocation as of 10/31/2022 (based on net assets)

Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF

Corporate Bonds

27.6

%

U.S. Government Securities

14.3

%

Foreign Bonds

11.1

%

Term Loans

8.3

%

Asset Backed Securities

6.4

%

Mortgage Backed Securities

6.1

%

Municipal Bonds

0.2

%

Money Market Fund

11.3

%

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities

14.7

%

Total

100.0

%

 

Virtus Private Credit Strategy ETF

Financials

59.0

%

Closed-End Funds

38.9

%

Money Market Fund

19.4

%

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets

(17.3

)%

Total

100.0

%

 

Virtus Real Asset Income ETF

Real Estate

31.6

%

Materials

28.2

%

Utilities

13.8

%

Energy

13.3

%

Communication Services

8.2

%

Consumer Staples

1.1

%

Financials

1.2

%

Money Market Fund

7.6

%

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets

(5.0

)%

Total

100.0

%

  

*Amount rounds to less than 0.05%.

28

Portfolio Composition (unaudited) (continued)

October 31, 2022

Asset Allocation as of 10/31/2022 (based on net assets)

Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF

Financials

24.0

%

Health Care

12.8

%

Materials

12.3

%

Consumer Staples

11.7

%

Industrials

9.6

%

Utilities

8.0

%

Communication Services

6.2

%

Consumer Discretionary

6.1

%

Real Estate

3.1

%

Information Technology

2.9

%

Energy

2.5

%

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities

0.8

%

Total

100.0

%

 

InfraCap MLP ETF

Energy

129.2

%

Written Options

(0.2

)%

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets

(29.0

)%

Total

100.0

%

29

Shareholder Expense Examples (unaudited)

October 31, 2022

We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of costs on your investment. All funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of the InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF, Virtus InfraCap U .S. Preferred Stock ETF, Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF, Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF, Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF, Virtus Private Credit Strategy ETF, Virtus Real Asset Income ETF, Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF and InfraCap MLP ETF (each, a “Fund”) you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, which include brokerage commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling shares of a Fund; and (2) ongoing costs, which include advisory fees and other fund expenses, if any. The following example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars and cents) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held throughout the entire period (May 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022).

Actual expenses

The first line under each Fund in the table below 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 for your Fund under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The second line under each Fund in the 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 each Fund 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 paid on purchases and sales of Fund shares. Therefore, the second line under each Fund in the table is useful in comparing ongoing Fund 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
05/01/22

Ending
Account Value
10/31/22

Annualized
Expense Ratios
(2)

Expenses Paid
During the
Period
(3)

InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF

Actual

$1,000.00

$840.24

0.45%

$2.09

Hypothetical(1)

$1,000.00

$1,022.94

0.45%

$2.29

Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF

Actual

$1,000.00

$842.53

0.80%

$3.72

Hypothetical(1)

$1,000.00

$1,021.17

0.80%

$4.08

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,171.50

0.79%

$4.32

Hypothetical(1)

$1,000.00

$1,021.22

0.79%

$4.02

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,207.06

0.79%

$4.39

Hypothetical(1)

$1,000.00

$1,021.22

0.79%

$4.02

Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF

Actual

$1,000.00

$942.00

0.49%

$2.40

Hypothetical(1)

$1,000.00

$1,022.74

0.49%

$2.50

Virtus Private Credit Strategy ETF

Actual

$1,000.00

$902.67

0.75%

$3.60

Hypothetical(1)

$1,000.00

$1,021.42

0.75%

$3.82

Virtus Real Asset Income ETF

Actual

$1,000.00

$863.43

0.55%

$2.58

Hypothetical(1)

$1,000.00

$1,022.43

0.55%

$2.80

Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF

Actual

$1,000.00

$858.09

0.49%

$2.29

Hypothetical(1)

$1,000.00

$1,022.74

0.49%

$2.50

InfraCap MLP ETF

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,169.20

0.95%

$5.19

Hypothetical(1)

$1,000.00

$1,020.42

0.95%

$4.84

  

1Assuming 5% return before expenses.

2Annualized expense ratios reflect expenses net of waived fees or reimbursed expenses, if applicable.

3Expenses are calculated using each Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value for the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the six-month period).

Schedule of Investments — InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF

October 31, 2022

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

30

Security Description

Shares

Value

 

PREFERRED STOCKS — 99.5%

 

Financials — 31.6%

ACRES Commercial Realty Corp., Series C, 8.63%

10,438

$219,302

AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc., Series B, 8.00%

8,923

138,663

AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc., Series C, 8.00%

14,966

235,718

AGNC Investment Corp., Series C, 9.19%

28,271

667,196

AGNC Investment Corp., Series D, 6.88%

20,426

375,634

AGNC Investment Corp., Series E, 6.50%

34,962

685,255

AGNC Investment Corp., Series F, 6.13%

50,114

932,120

Annaly Capital Management, Inc., Series F, 8.67%

62,602

1,508,082

Annaly Capital Management, Inc., Series G, 6.50%

36,952

755,299

Annaly Capital Management, Inc., Series I, 6.75%

38,474

801,029

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc., Series D, 6.38%

19,998

349,565

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc., Series E, 6.25%

8,816

148,109

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc., Series F, 6.25%

10,721

200,483

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc., Series C, 7.00%

14,889

275,447

Chimera Investment Corp., Series A, 8.00%

12,607

230,708

Chimera Investment Corp., Series B, 8.00%

28,258

525,599

Chimera Investment Corp., Series C, 7.75%

22,606

384,302

Chimera Investment Corp., Series D, 8.00%

17,398

311,424

Dynex Capital, Inc., Series C, 6.90%

7,057

145,939

Ellington Financial, Inc., 6.75%

5,709

114,979

Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc., Series E, 7.50%

22,463

382,320

Granite Point Mortgage Trust, Inc., Series A, 7.00%

8,818

175,214

Inpoint Commercial Real Estate Income, Inc., Series A, 6.75%

7,825

144,997

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc., Series B, 7.75%

9,867

189,446

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc., Series C, 7.50%

26,032

471,700

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc., Series A, 6.50%

28,497

505,822

MFA Financial, Inc., Series B, 7.50%

17,389

307,785

MFA Financial, Inc., Series C, 6.50%

23,910

425,120

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., Series D, 8.00%

13,303

242,248

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., Series E, 7.88%

16,060

291,810

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., Series F, 6.88%

12,431

212,819

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust, Series A, 8.13%

9,999

215,478

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust, Series B, 8.00%

16,961

364,662

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust, Series C, 6.75%

21,745

369,882

Ready Capital Corp., 5.75%

8,618

188,303

Ready Capital Corp., Series E, 6.50%

9,999

181,182

Rithm Capital Corp., Series A, 7.50%

13,498

247,958

Rithm Capital Corp., Series B, 7.13%

24,562

428,361

Rithm Capital Corp., Series C, 6.38%

34,996

564,136

Rithm Capital Corp., Series D, 7.00%

40,430

709,547

TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc., Series C, 6.25%

18,211

303,213

Two Harbors Investment Corp., Series A, 8.13%

12,504

228,823

Two Harbors Investment Corp., Series B, 7.63%

24,997

446,446

Two Harbors Investment Corp., Series C, 7.25%

25,649

467,325

Total Financials

17,069,450

Security Description

Shares

Value

 

PREFERRED STOCKS (continued)

 

Real Estate — 67.9%

Agree Realty Corp., Series A, 4.25%

33,839

$538,040

American Homes 4 Rent, Series G, 5.88%

22,246

488,967

American Homes 4 Rent, Series H, 6.25%

22,246

499,645

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc., Series A, 6.75%

23,871

492,697

City Office REIT, Inc., Series A, 6.63%

17,171

333,978

CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc., Series A, 7.38%

25,056

329,486

DiamondRock Hospitality Co., 8.25%

11,492

281,324

Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Series J, 5.25%

38,673

769,206

Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Series K, 5.85%

40,606

889,271

Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Series L, 5.20%

66,737

1,289,359

DigitalBridge Group, Inc., Series H, 7.13%

43,234

817,555

DigitalBridge Group, Inc., Series I, 7.15%

66,710

1,268,157

DigitalBridge Group, Inc., Series J, 7.13%

60,934

1,133,372

Diversified Healthcare Trust, 5.63%

67,705

826,340

Diversified Healthcare Trust, 6.25%

48,360

617,074

EPR Properties, Series G, 5.75%

29,016

488,920

Federal Realty Investment Trust, Series C, 5.00%

29,016

576,548

Global Net Lease, Inc., Series A, 7.25%

32,869

701,424

Global Net Lease, Inc., Series B, 6.88%

20,953

421,784

Healthcare Trust, Inc., Series A, 7.38%

19,030

405,720

Hersha Hospitality Trust, Series D, 6.50%

57,558

1,083,242

Hersha Hospitality Trust, Series E, 6.50%

19,351

354,317

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc., Series C, 4.75%

31,544

400,924

Kimco Realty Corp., Series L, 5.13%

43,524

835,226

Kimco Realty Corp., Series M, 5.25%

51,165

1,004,881

National Storage Affiliates Trust, Series A, 6.00%

42,234

913,944

Necessity Retail REIT, Inc., Series A, 7.50%

39,514

785,538

Necessity Retail REIT, Inc., Series C, 7.38%

22,209

445,513

Office Properties Income Trust, 6.38%

31,662

550,602

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, Series E, 6.38%

15,757

289,929

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, Series F, 6.30%

29,004

536,574

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, Series G, 6.38%

44,473

811,188

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, Series H, 5.70%

48,341

799,560

PS Business Parks, Inc., Series X, 5.25%

44,473

607,946

PS Business Parks, Inc., Series Y, 5.20%

38,673

528,660

PS Business Parks, Inc., Series Z, 4.88%

62,843

791,822

Public Storage, Series F, 5.15%

21,379

449,600

Public Storage, Series G, 5.05%

22,906

473,696

Public Storage, Series H, 5.60%

21,750

496,552

Public Storage, Series I, 4.88%

24,147

474,971

Public Storage, Series J, 4.70%

19,747