Capital Strength Buy-Write, Series 78

The Capital Strength Buy-Write Portfolio invests in a fixed portfolio of common stocks of well-capitalized companies with strong market positions, and simultaneously, the portfolio sells a Long-Term Equity AnticiPation Securities (LEAPS^®) call option against each position. The writing (selling) of a call option generates income in the form of a premium paid by the option buyer. The portfolio invests this income in U.S. Treasury notes and the interest received from the notes is paid to unit holders periodically.

One important advantage that well-capitalized companies enjoy over others is that they have the potential to provide their stockholders with a greater degree of stability and performance over time.

Through our selection process, we seek to find companies with the following qualities:

• Well-capitalized with strong balance sheets;


• Skilled management;


• High liquidity;


• Ability to generate earnings growth; and


• Record of financial strength and profit growth.

You should be aware that a product which includes writing call options may not be suitable for all investors. It may not be appropriate for investors seeking above-average capital appreciation. Before investing, you should make sure you understand the risks of this type of product, and whether it suits your current financial objectives.

Why Cash Matters

Companies with sizeable cash positions tend to be mature companies that dominate their industries. A company with a significant amount of cash on its balance sheet is attractive for many reasons. Cash enables companies to bypass the credit markets and provides the means to:

• Make strategic cash-financed mergers and acquisitions;


• Begin to pay dividends or increase dividend payments;


• Repurchase undervalued shares;


• Reinvest cash to grow their business;


• Improve their debt rating, thus reducing their cost of capital; and


• Fund research and development projects, even in a down market.

Illustrative Market Scenarios

Stock Prices Increase Above the LEAPS’ Exercise Price | The LEAPS are exercised and the underlying stock shares are sold at the strike price. Profits are limited to the premium income received from writing the LEAPS, dividends received from the common stocks before the date the option to purchase is exercised, interest received from the U.S. Treasury Obligations, plus the difference between each common stock’s initial price and their strike price. The trust will forgo any dividends paid on the common stocks after the date the option to purchase is exercised and any gain in the underlying stock price after the stock is sold. It is important to note that writing covered calls limits the appreciation potential of the underlying common stocks.

Stock Prices Remain Stable | The LEAPS expire worthless and the portfolio still owns the common stock shares. Profits are limited to the premium income received from writing the LEAPS, plus dividends from the common stocks, as well as interest received from the U.S. Treasury Obligations.

Stock Prices Decrease | The LEAPS expire worthless and the portfolio still owns the common stock shares. However, the premium income received from writing the LEAPS lowers the breakeven point on the common stocks by effectively reducing the common stocks’ original cost. Losses from the decrease in value of the common stocks are limited by the premium income received from the LEAPS, dividends received from the common stocks and interest received from the U.S. Treasury Obligations.

Portfolio Objectives

This unit investment trust seeks income, with limited capital appreciation as a secondary objective. There is, however, no assurance that the objectives will be achieved.

You should consider the portfolio's investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before investing. Contact your financial professional or call First Trust Portfolios, L.P. at 1.800.621.1675 to request a prospectus, which contains this and other information about the portfolio. Read it carefully before you invest.

Risk Considerations
An investment in this unmanaged unit investment trust should be made with the understanding of the risks involved with common stocks, LEAPS, and U.S. Treasury notes.

Common stocks are subject to an economic recession and the possible deterioration of either the financial condition of the issuers of the equity securities or the general condition of the stock market.

The value of U.S. Treasury notes will be adversely affected by decreases in bond prices and increases in interest rates.

The value of the LEAPS is deducted from the value of the portfolio assets when determining the value of a unit. As the value of the LEAPS increases, it has a more negative impact on the value of the units. The value of the LEAPS will also be affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the underlying stocks, an increase in interest rates, a change in the actual and perceived volatility of the stock market and the stocks and the remaining time to expiration. Additionally, the value of the LEAPS does not increase or decrease at the same rate as the underlying stock. However, as the LEAPS approach their expiration date, their value increasingly moves with the price of the stock.

You should be aware that the portfolio is concentrated in stocks in the information technology sector which involves additional risks, including limited diversification. The companies engaged in the information technology sector are subject to fierce competition, high research and development costs, and their products and services may be subject to rapid obsolescence. Technology company stocks, especially those which are Internet-related, may experience extreme price and volume fluctuations that are often unrelated to their operating performance.

Securities of non-U.S. issuers are subject to additional risks, including currency fluctuations, political risks, withholding, the lack of adequate financial information, and exchange control restrictions impacting non-U.S. issuers.

As the use of Internet technology has become more prevalent in the course of business, the trust has become more susceptible to potential operational risks through breaches in cybersecurity.

Ongoing armed conflicts between Russia and Ukraine in Europe and among Israel, Hamas and other militant groups in the Middle East, have caused and could continue to cause significant market disruptions and volatility within the markets in Russia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States. The hostilities and sanctions resulting from those hostilities could have a significant impact on certain investments as well as performance.

The ongoing effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic, or the potential impacts of any future public health crisis, may cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets. While vaccines have been developed, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against future variants of the disease.

The value of the securities held by the trust may be subject to steep declines or increased volatility due to changes in performance or perception of the issuers.

This UIT is a buy and hold strategy and investors should consider their ability to hold the trust until maturity. There may be tax consequences unless units are purchased in an IRA or other qualified plan.