Stonebridge Preferred Income, Series 48

The Stonebridge Preferred Income Portfolio is a unit investment trust that is diversified across preferred securities issued by companies that we believe have current attractive yields.

Portfolio Selection Process

First Trust Portfolios L.P. (“First Trust”) selected a portfolio of preferred stocks and trust preferred securities by collaborating with Stonebridge Advisors LLC (“Stonebridge”). Stonebridge used relative value, fundamental credit and market technical analyses to prepare a recommended portfolio of securities designed to meet the objective of the trust. Attributes such as credit quality, yield, capital structure positioning, as well as market technicals such as trading volumes, liquidity and pricing inefficiencies were considered in this process. Stonebridge submitted its portfolio suggestions to First Trust who then chose the final portfolio.

What Are Preferred Securities?

• Preferred securities are best defined as fixed-income credit products with equity-like features.


• Preferred securities combine many of the characteristics of fixed-income securities — scheduled dividend/interest payments, defined par amounts and credit ratings with certain characteristics of equities — perpetual or long-dated terms, lower priority in the capital structure and quarterly dividend/interest payments.


• Preferred securities typically have a yield advantage over common stocks as well as comparably rated fixed-income investments.


• Preferred securities are "senior securities" which have preference over common stocks, but not debt, of an issuer.

Why Invest In Preferred Securities?

High Income Stream Potential | Current yields on preferred securities are attractive relative to many other income-producing securities.

Historically Low Correlations | Preferred and hybrid securities have historically exhibited low correlations to other income-producing asset classes. The numerous characteristics and varying structures of preferreds allow for this asset class to be a potential beneficial allocation to a diversified investment portfolio. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss.

Call Protection

The securities in the portfolio provide call protection, which helps provide consistent distributions through the life of the trust. If a preferred security does not have call protection, it can be “called” or paid off prior to its stated maturity. Call protection is beneficial to investors when interest rates are low or falling because if the securities are called, there is the risk that the proceeds will be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return. The securities chosen for the portfolio have call protection, which may provide for consistent distributions over the life of the trust.

Portfolio Objective

This unit investment trust seeks a high rate of current income; however, there is no assurance the objective will be met.

About Stonebridge Advisors LLC

• Stonebridge, an affiliate of First Trust, has an experienced investment team with an average of 15 years of broad investment experience in fixed income and equities in the areas of portfolio management, trading, and research. Stonebridge's primary focus is in preferred and hybrid securities.


• Collectively, the Stonebridge investment team members have started two investment management firms and managed multi-billion dollar portfolios. With the team's advanced portfolio management, analytical and modeling capabilities, Stonebridge has created a selection of preferred securities strategies to meet the needs of a wide range of clients.

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 an understanding of the risks involved with owning preferred stocks and trust preferred securities, such as an economic recession, volatile interest rates and the possible deterioration of either the financial condition of the issuers of the trust preferred securities or the general condition of the stock market.

You should be aware that the portfolio is concentrated in preferred stocks and trust preferred securities issued by companies in the financials sector which involves additional risks, including limited diversification. The financials sector is subject to the adverse effects of volatile interest rates, economic recession, decreases in the availability of capital, increased competition from new entrants in the field, and the potential for increased regulation. Preferred stocks and trust preferred securities are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt instru ments in a company’s capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments.

Certain of the securities held in the trust are “high-yield” securities which are rated below investment grade. Investing in high-yield securities should be viewed as speculative and you should review your ability to assume the risks associated with investments that use such securities. High-yield securities are subject to numerous risks including higher interest rates, economic recession, deterioration of the high yield market, possible downgrades and defaults of interest and/or principal. High-yield security prices tend to fluctuate more than higher rated securities and are affected by short-term credit developments to a greater degree.

Certain of the securities in the portfolio are issued by Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). Companies involved in the real estate industry are subject to changes in the real estate market, vacancy rates and competition, volatile interest rates and economic recession.

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.