SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM S-6 For Registration Under the Securities Act of 1933 of Securities of Unit Investment Trusts Registered on Form N-8B-2 A. Exact Name of Trust: FT 653 B. Name of Depositor: NIKE SECURITIES L.P. C. Complete Address of Depositor's 1001 Warrenville Road Principal Executive Offices: Lisle, Illinois 60532 D. Name and Complete Address of Agents for Service: NIKE SECURITIES L.P. Attention: James A. Bowen Suite 300 1001 Warrenville Road Lisle, Illinois 60532 CHAPMAN & CUTLER Attention: Eric F. Fess 111 West Monroe Street Chicago, Illinois 60603 E. Title of Securities Being Registered: An indefinite number of Units pursuant to Rule 24f-2 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. F. Approximate Date of Proposed Sale to the Public: ____ Check if it is proposed that this filing will become effective on _____ at ____ p.m. pursuant to Rule 487. The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine. SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JUNE 4, 2002 CSFB Strategic Advantage Portfolio, 2002-2 Series FT 653 FT 653 is a series of a unit investment trust, the FT Series. FT 653 consists of a single portfolio known as CSFB Strategic Advantage Portfolio, 2002-2 Series (the "Trust"). The Trust invests in a diversified portfolio of common stocks ("Securities") of 20 companies recommended by Credit Suisse First Boston's equity research department. The Trust seeks to provide the potential for capital appreciation. THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED. CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON The date of this prospectus is July __, 2002 Page 1 Table of Contents Summary of Essential Information 3 Fee Table 4 Report of Independent Auditors 5 Statement of Net Assets 6 Schedule of Investments 7 The FT Series 8 Portfolio 8 Risk Factors 9 Portfolio Securities Descriptions 10 Public Offering 10 Distribution of Units 11 The Sponsor's Profits 12 The Secondary Market 12 How We Purchase Units 12 Expenses and Charges 13 Tax Status 13 Retirement Plans 14 Rights of Unit Holders 15 Income and Capital Distributions 15 Redeeming Your Units 16 Investing in a New Trust 17 Removing Securities from the Trust 17 Amending or Terminating the Indenture 18 Information on Credit Suisse First Boston, the Sponsor, Trustee and Evaluator 19 Other Information 20 Page 2 Summary of Essential Information CSFB Strategic Advantage Portfolio, 2002-2 Series FT 653 At the Opening of Business on the Initial Date of Deposit-July __, 2002 Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P. Trustee: JPMorgan Chase Bank Evaluator: First Trust Advisors L.P. Initial Number of Units (1) Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit (1) 1/ Public Offering Price: Aggregate Offering Price Evaluation of Securities per Unit (2) $ 980 Maximum Sales Charge of 2.00% of the Public Offering Price per Unit (2.041% of the net amount invested) $ 20 Public Offering Price per Unit (3) $1,000 Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price per Unit (4) $ 980 Redemption Price per Unit (based on aggregate underlying value of Securities) (4) $ 980 Reinvestment CUSIP Number Security Code Ticker Symbol First Settlement Date July __, 2002 Rollover Notification Date July 1, 2003 Special Redemption and Liquidation Period July 15, 2003 to August 12, 2003 Mandatory Termination Date (5) August 12, 2003 Income Distribution Record Date Fifteenth day of each June and December, commencing December 15, 2002. Income Distribution Date (6) Last day of each June and December, commencing December 31, 2002. __________________ <FN> (1) As of the close of business on the Initial Date of Deposit, we may adjust the number of Units of the Trust so that the Public Offering Price per Unit will equal approximately $1,000. If we make such an adjustment, the fractional undivided interest per Unit will vary from the amounts indicated above. (2) Each listed Security is valued at its last closing sale price. If a Security is not listed, or if no closing sale price exists, it is valued at its closing ask price. Evaluations for purposes of determining the purchase, sale or redemption price of Units are made as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day on which it is open (the "Evaluation Time"). (3) The Public Offering Price shown above reflects the value of the Securities on the business day prior to the Initial Date of Deposit. No investor will purchase Units at this price. The price you pay for your Units will be based on their valuation at the Evaluation Time on the date you purchase your Units. On the Initial Date of Deposit, the Public Offering Price per Unit will not include any accumulated dividends on the Securities. After this date, a pro rata share of any accumulated dividends on the Securities will be included. (4) During the initial offering period, the Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price per Unit and Redemption Price per Unit will include the estimated organization costs per Unit set forth under "Fee Table." After the initial offering period, the Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price per Unit and Redemption Price per Unit will not include such estimated organization costs. See "Redeeming Your Units." (5) See "Amending or Terminating the Indenture." (6) At the Rollover Notification Date for Rollover Unit holders or upon termination of the Trust for Remaining Unit holders, amounts in the Income Account (which consist of dividends on the Securities) will be included in amounts distributed to you. The Trustee will distribute money from the Capital Account monthly on the last day of each month to Unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of such month if the amount available for distribution equals at least $1.00 per Unit. In any case, the Trustee will distribute any funds in the Capital Account as part of the final liquidation distribution. </FN> Page 3 Fee Table This Fee Table describes the fees and expenses that you may, directly or indirectly, pay if you buy and hold Units of the Trust. See "Public Offering" and "Expenses and Charges." Although the Trust has a term of approximately 13 months and is a unit investment trust rather than a mutual fund, this information allows you to compare fees. Amount per Unit _____ Unit Holder Sales Fees (as a percentage of public offering price) Maximum Sales Charge 2.00%(a) $20.00 ======= ======= Organization Costs (as a percentage of public offering price) Estimated organization costs %(b) $ ======= ======= Estimated Annual Trust Operating Expenses(c) (as a percentage of average net assets) Portfolio supervision, bookkeeping, administrative and evaluation fees % $ Trustee's fee and other operating expenses %(d) $ _______ _______ Total % $ ======= ======= Example This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Trust with the cost of investing in other investment products. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Trust for the periods shown and sell all your Units at the end of those periods. The example also assumes a 5% return on your investment each year and that the Trust's operating expenses stay the same. Although your actual costs may vary, based on these assumptions your costs would be: 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years ______ _______ _______ ________ $ $ $ $ The example assumes that the principal amount and distributions are rolled annually into a New Trust, and you are subject to the maximum sales charge. ________________ <FN> (a) The amount of the maximum sales charge is equal to 2.00% of the Public Offering Price (equivalent to 2.041% of the net amount invested). (b) Estimated organization costs will be deducted from the assets of the Trust at the end of the initial offering period. (c)Each of the fees listed herein is assessed on a fixed dollar amount per Unit basis which, as a percentage of average net assets, will vary over time. (d)Other operating expenses do not include brokerage costs and other portfolio transaction fees. In certain circumstances the Trust may incur additional expenses not set forth above. See "Expenses and Charges." </FN> Page 4 Report of Independent Auditors The Sponsor, Nike Securities L.P., and Unit Holders FT 653 We have audited the accompanying statement of net assets, including the schedule of investments, of FT 653, comprising the CSFB Strategic Advantage Portfolio, 2002-2 Series (the "Trust"), as of the opening of business on July __, 2002 (Initial Date of Deposit). This statement of net assets is the responsibility of the Trust's Sponsor. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this statement of net assets based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the statement of net assets is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the statement of net assets. Our procedures included confirmation of the irrevocable letter of credit held by JPMorgan Chase Bank, the Trustee, and deposited in the Trust for the purchase of Securities, as shown in the statement of net assets as of the opening of business on July __, 2002, by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Trust's Sponsor, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the statement of net assets. We believe that our audit of the statement of net assets provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the statement of net assets referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of FT 653, comprising the CSFB Strategic Advantage Portfolio, 2002-2 Series, at the opening of business on July __, 2002 (Initial Date of Deposit) in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Chicago, Illinois July __, 2002 Page 5 Statement of Net Assets CSFB Strategic Advantage Portfolio, 2002-2 Series FT 653 At the Opening of Business on the Initial Date of Deposit-July __, 2002 NET ASSETS Investment in Securities represented by purchase contracts (1) (2) $ Less liability for reimbursement to Sponsor for organization costs (3) ( ) ________ Net assets $ ======== Units outstanding ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS Cost to investors (4) $ Less maximum sales charge (4) ( ) Less estimated reimbursement to Sponsor for organization costs (3) ( ) ________ Net assets $ ======== ______________ <FN> NOTES TO STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS (1) Aggregate cost of the Securities listed under "Schedule of Investments" is based on their aggregate underlying value. (2) An irrevocable letter of credit issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, of which $200,000 will be allocated to the Trust, has been deposited with the Trustee as collateral, covering the monies necessary for the purchase of the Securities according to their purchase contracts. (3) A portion of the Public Offering Price consists of an amount sufficient to reimburse the Sponsor for all or a portion of the costs of establishing the Trust. These costs have been estimated at $ per Unit. A payment will be made at the end of the initial offering period to an account maintained by the Trustee from which the obligation of the investors to the Sponsor will be satisfied. To the extent that actual organization costs of the Trust are greater than the estimated amount, only the estimated organization costs added to the Public Offering Price will be reimbursed to the Sponsor and deducted from the assets of the Trust. (4) The aggregate cost to investors in the Trust includes a maximum sales charge computed at the rate of 2.00% of the Public Offering Price (equivalent to 2.041% of the net amount invested), assuming no reduction of the sales charge as set forth under "Public Offering." </FN> Page 6 Schedule of Investments CSFB Strategic Advantage Portfolio, 2002-2 Series FT 653 At the Opening of Business on the Initial Date of Deposit-July __, 2002 Number Percentage Market Cost of of Ticker Symbol and of Aggregate Value per Securities to Shares Name of Issuer of Securities (1) Offering Price Share the Trust (2) _____ ____________________________________ __________ ______ _______ % $ $ % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % ________ ________ Total Investments 100% $ ======= ======== _____________ <FN> (1) All Securities are represented by regular way contracts to purchase such Securities which are backed by an irrevocable letter of credit deposited with the Trustee. The Sponsor entered into purchase contracts for the Securities on July __, 2002. The Trust has a mandatory termination date of August 12, 2003. (2) The cost of the Securities to the Trust represents the aggregate underlying value with respect to the Securities acquired (generally determined by the closing sale prices of the listed Securities and the ask prices of over-the-counter traded Securities at the Evaluation Time on the business day prior to the Initial Date of Deposit). The valuation of the Securities has been determined by the Evaluator, an affiliate of the Sponsor. The cost of the Securities to the Sponsor and the Sponsor's profit or loss (which is the difference between the cost of the Securities to the Sponsor and the cost of the Securities to the Trust) are $ and $ , respectively. </FN> Page 7 The FT Series The FT Series Defined. We, Nike Securities L.P. (the "Sponsor"), have created hundreds of similar yet separate series of a unit investment trust which we have named the FT Series. The series to which the prospectus relates, FT 653, consists of a single portfolio known as CSFB Strategic Advantage Portfolio, 2002-2 Series. The Trust was created under the laws of the State of New York by a Trust Agreement (the "Indenture") dated the Initial Date of Deposit. This agreement, entered into among Nike Securities L.P., as Sponsor, JPMorgan Chase Bank as Trustee and First Trust Advisors L.P. as Portfolio Supervisor and Evaluator, governs the operation of the Trust. YOU MAY GET MORE SPECIFIC DETAILS CONCERNING THE NATURE, STRUCTURE AND RISKS OF THIS PRODUCT IN AN "INFORMATION SUPPLEMENT" BY CALLING THE TRUSTEE AT 1-800-682-7520. How We Created the Trust. On the Initial Date of Deposit, we deposited a portfolio of common stocks with the Trustee and in turn, the Trustee delivered documents to us representing our ownership of the Trust in the form of units ("Units"). After the Initial Date of Deposit, we may deposit additional Securities in the Trust, or cash (including a letter of credit) with instructions to buy more Securities, to create new Units for sale. If we create additional Units, we will attempt, to the extent practicable, to maintain the percentage relationship established among the Securities on the Initial Date of Deposit (as set forth in "Schedule of Investments"), and not the percentage relationship existing on the day we are creating new Units, since the two may differ. This difference may be due to the sale, redemption or liquidation of any of the Securities. Since the prices of the Securities will fluctuate daily, the ratio of Securities in the Trust, on a market value basis, will also change daily. The portion of Securities represented by each Unit will not change as a result of the deposit of additional Securities or cash in the Trust. If we deposit cash, you and new investors may experience a dilution of your investment. This is because prices of Securities will fluctuate between the time of the cash deposit and the purchase of the Securities, and because the Trust pays the associated brokerage fees. To reduce this dilution, the Trust will try to buy the Securities as close to the Evaluation Time and as close to the evaluation price as possible. However, the time it takes the Trust to buy the Securities and their variance in price from the evaluation price will generally be greater in situations in which a large number of Units needs to be created in a short period of time. In addition, because the Trust pays the brokerage fees associated with the creation of new Units and with the sale of Securities to meet redemption and exchange requests, frequent redemption and exchange activity will likely result in higher brokerage expenses. An affiliate of the Trustee may receive these brokerage fees or the Trustee may retain and pay us (or our affiliate) to act as agent for the Trust to buy Securities. If we or an affiliate of ours act as agent to the Trust we will be subject to the restrictions under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. We cannot guarantee that the Trust will keep its present size and composition for any length of time. Securities may periodically be sold under certain circumstances, and the proceeds from these sales will be used to meet Trust obligations or distributed to Unit holders, but will not be reinvested. However, Securities will not be sold to take advantage of market fluctuations or changes in anticipated rates of appreciation or depreciation, or if they no longer meet the criteria by which they were selected. You will not be able to dispose of or vote any of the Securities in the Trust. As the holder of the Securities, the Trustee will vote all of the Securities and will do so based on our instructions. Neither we nor the Trustee will be liable for a failure in any of the Securities. However, if a contract for the purchase of any of the Securities initially deposited in the Trust fails, unless we can purchase substitute Securities ("Replacement Securities") we will refund to you that portion of the purchase price and sales charge resulting from the failed contract on the next Income Distribution Date. Any Replacement Security the Trust acquires will be identical to those from the failed contract. Portfolio Objectives. The objective of the Trust is to provide the potential for capital appreciation through an investment in a diversified portfolio of common stocks of 20 companies recommended by Credit Suisse First Boston's equity research department. Page 8 You should be aware that the predictions stated herein may not be realized. Of course, as with any similar investment, there can be no guarantee that the objective of the Trust will be achieved. To achieve the goal of tax efficiency with respect to gains, Units should be held for more than one year. Investors will recognize gain or loss when they sell Units or upon the Trust's termination in approximately 13 months. See "Risk Factors" for a discussion of the risks of investing in the Trust. Risk Factors Price Volatility. The Trust invests in common stocks. The value of the Trust's Units will fluctuate with changes in the value of these common stocks. Common stock prices fluctuate for several reasons including changes in investors' perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market, or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. Because the Trust is not managed, the Trustee will not sell stocks in response to or in anticipation of market fluctuations, as is common in managed investments. As with any investment, we cannot guarantee that the performance of the Trust will be positive over any period of time, especially the relatively short 13-month life of the Trust, or that you won't lose money. Units of the Trust are not deposits of any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Dividends. There is no guarantee that the issuers of the Securities will declare dividends in the future or that if declared they will either remain at current levels or increase over time. Legislation/Litigation. From time to time, various legislative Page 9 initiatives are proposed in the United States and abroad which may have a negative impact on certain of the companies represented in the Trust. In addition, litigation regarding any of the issuers of the Securities, or of the industries represented by these issuers may negatively impact the share prices of these Securities. We cannot predict what impact any pending or threatened litigation will have on the share prices of the Securities Securities Selection. While CSFB has carefully evaluated and approved the Securities in the Trust for this purpose, they may choose for any reason not to recommend any or all of the Securities for another purpose or at a later date. This may affect the value of your Units. You should note that CSFB, acting in its independent capacity as an investment advisor to individuals, mutual funds, employee benefit plans, and other institutions and persons, may from time to time distribute information concerning the Securities included in the Trust to various individuals and entities in which they recommend or affect the purchase or sale of one or more of the Securities. This may have an effect on the prices of the Securities which is adverse to the interests of Unit holders and may have an impact on the price paid by the Trust for Securities as well as the price received upon redemption or termination. You should also be aware that Securities will generally not be removed from the Trust and additional Units of the Trust may be created even if CSFB no longer believes certain or all of the Securities have the potential to achieve the Trust's objective over the life of the Trust or issues a sell recommendation regarding any of the Securities. In addition, CSFB in its general securities business acts as agent or principal in connection with buying and selling stocks, including the Securities, and may have bought the Securities for the Trust, thereby benefiting. CSFB also acts as market maker, underwrites certain issues, and provides investment banking services to companies, which may include the issuers of certain of the Securities. Portfolio Securities Descriptions , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in , headquartered in We have obtained the foregoing descriptions from sources we deem reliable. We have not independently verified the provided information either in terms of accuracy or completeness. Public Offering The Public Offering Price. You may buy Units at the Public Offering Price, the price per Unit of which is comprised of the following: - - The aggregate underlying value of the Securities; - - The amount of any cash in the Income and Capital Accounts; - - Dividends receivable on Securities; and - - The maximum sales charge. The price you pay for your Units will differ from the amount stated under "Summary of Essential Information" due to various factors, including fluctuations in the prices of the Securities and changes in the value of the Income and/or Capital Accounts. Although you are not required to pay for your Units until three business days following your order (the "date of settlement"), you may pay before then. You will become the owner of Units ("Record Owner") on the date of settlement if payment has been received. If you pay for your Units before the date of settlement, we may use your payment during this time and it may be considered a benefit to us, subject to the limitations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Organization Costs. Securities purchased with the portion of the Public Offering Price intended to be used to reimburse the Sponsor for the Trust's organization costs (including costs of preparing the registration statement, the Indenture and other closing documents, registering Units with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and states, the initial audit of the Trust portfolio, legal fees and the Page 10 initial fees and expenses of the Trustee) will be purchased in the same proportionate relationship as all the Securities contained in the Trust. Securities will be sold to reimburse the Sponsor for the Trust's organization costs at the end of the initial offering period (a significantly shorter time period than the life of the Trust). During the initial offering period, there may be a decrease in the value of the Securities. To the extent the proceeds from the sale of these Securities are insufficient to repay the Sponsor for Trust organization costs, the Trustee will sell additional Securities to allow the Trust to fully reimburse the Sponsor. In that event, the net asset value per Unit of the Trust will be reduced by the amount of additional Securities sold. Although the dollar amount of the reimbursement due to the Sponsor will remain fixed and will never exceed the per Unit amount set forth for the Trust in "Notes to Statement of Net Assets," this will result in a greater effective cost per Unit to Unit holders for the reimbursement to the Sponsor. To the extent actual organization costs are less than the estimated amount, only the actual organization costs will be deducted from the assets of the Trust. When Securities are sold to reimburse the Sponsor for organization costs, the Trustee will sell Securities, to the extent practicable, which will maintain the same proportionate relationship among the Securities contained in the Trust as existed prior to such sale. Minimum Purchase. The minimum amount you can purchase of the Trust is $50,000 worth of Units ($25,000 for employees of Credit Suisse First Boston and its affiliates). Sales Charge. The maximum sales charge, which you will pay at the time of purchase, is equal to 2.00% of the Public Offering Price (equivalent to 2.041% of the net amount invested). Discounts for Certain Persons. For employees of Credit Suisse First Boston and its affiliates, the maximum sales charge is reduced to 1.50% of the Public Offering Price. Employees, officers and directors (and immediate family members) of the Sponsor, our related companies and vendors providing services to us may purchase Units at the Public Offering Price less the applicable dealer concession. Immediate family members include spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, mothers-in-law, fathers- in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law and sisters-in- law, and trustees, custodians or fiduciaries for the benefit of such persons. The Value of the Securities. The Evaluator will determine the aggregate underlying value of the Securities in the Trust as of the Evaluation Time on each business day and will adjust the Public Offering Price of the Units according to this valuation. This Public Offering Price will be effective for all orders received before the Evaluation Time on each such day. If we or the Trustee receive orders for purchases, sales or redemptions after that time, or on a day which is not a business day, they will be held until the next determination of price. The term "business day" as used in this prospectus will exclude Saturdays, Sundays and certain national holidays on which the NYSE is closed. The aggregate underlying value of the Securities in the Trust will be determined as follows: if the Securities are listed on a securities exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market, their value is generally based on the closing sale prices on that exchange or system (unless it is determined that these prices are not appropriate as a basis for valuation). However, if there is no closing sale price on that exchange or system, they are valued based on the closing ask prices. If the Securities are not so listed, or, if so listed and the principal market for them is other than on that exchange or system, their value will generally be based on the current ask prices on the over-the-counter market (unless it is determined that these prices are not appropriate as a basis for valuation). If current ask prices are unavailable, the valuation is generally determined: a) On the basis of current ask prices for comparable securities; b) By appraising the value of the Securities on the ask side of the market; or c) By any combination of the above. After the initial offering period is over, the aggregate underlying value of the Securities will be determined as set forth above, except that bid prices are used instead of ask prices when necessary. Distribution of Units We intend to qualify Units of the Trust for sale in a number of states. All Units will be sold at the then current Public Offering Price. Dealer Concessions. Dealers and other selling agents can purchase Units at prices which reflect a concession or agency commission of 1.50% of the Public Offering Price per Unit (1.00% on purchases by employees of Credit Page 11 Suisse First Boston and its affiliates). Dealers and other selling agents who, during any consecutive 12-month period, sell at least $250 million or $500 million worth of primary market units of unit investment trusts sponsored by us will receive a concession of $2,500 or $5,000, respectively, in the month following the achievement of this level. We reserve the right to change the amount of concessions or agency commissions from time to time. Certain commercial banks may be making Units of the Trust available to their customers on an agency basis. A portion of the sales charge paid by these customers is kept by or given to the banks in the amounts shown above. Award Programs. From time to time we may sponsor programs which provide awards to a dealer's registered representatives who have sold a minimum number of Units during a specified time period. We may also pay fees to qualifying dealers for services or activities which are meant to result in sales of Units of the Trust. In addition, we will pay to dealers who sponsor sales contests or recognition programs that conform to our criteria, or participate in our sales programs, amounts equal to no more than the total applicable sales charge on Units sold by such persons during such programs. We make these payments out of our own assets and not out of Trust assets. These programs will not change the price you pay for your Units. Advertising and Investment Comparisons. Advertising materials regarding the Trust may discuss several topics, including: developing a long-term financial plan; working with your financial professional; the nature and risks of various investment strategies and unit investment trusts that could help you reach your financial goals; the importance of discipline; how the Trust operates; how securities are selected; various unit investment trust features such as convenience and costs; and options available for certain types of unit investment trusts. These materials may include descriptions of the principal businesses of the companies represented in the Trust, research analysis of why they were selected and information relating to the qualifications of the persons or entities providing the research analysis. In addition, they may include research opinions on the economy and industry sectors included and a list of investment products generally appropriate for pursuing those recommendations. From time to time we may compare the estimated returns of the Trust (which may show performance net of the expenses and charges the Trust would have incurred) and returns over specified periods of other similar trusts we sponsor in our advertising and sales materials, with (1) returns on other taxable investments such as the common stocks comprising various market indices, corporate or U.S. Government bonds, bank CDs and money market accounts or funds, (2) performance data from Morningstar Publications, Inc. or (3) information from publications such as Money, The New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, BusinessWeek, Forbes or Fortune. The investment characteristics of the Trust differ from other comparative investments. You should not assume that these performance comparisons will be representative of the Trust's future performance. The Sponsor's Profits We will receive a gross sales commission equal to the maximum sales charge per Unit less any reduction as stated in "Public Offering." Also, any difference between our cost to purchase the Securities and the price at which we sell them to the Trust is considered a profit or loss (see Note 2 of "Schedule of Investments"). During the initial offering period, dealers and others may also realize profits or sustain losses as a result of fluctuations in the Public Offering Price they receive when they sell the Units. In maintaining a market for the Units, any difference between the price at which we purchase Units and the price at which we sell or redeem them will be a profit or loss to us. The Secondary Market Although not obligated, we intend to maintain a market for the Units after the initial offering period and continuously offer to purchase Units at prices based on the Redemption Price per Unit. We will pay all expenses to maintain a secondary market, except the Evaluator fees and Trustee costs to transfer and record the ownership of Units. We may discontinue purchases of Units at any time. IF YOU WISH TO DISPOSE OF YOUR UNITS, YOU SHOULD ASK US FOR THE CURRENT MARKET PRICES BEFORE MAKING A TENDER FOR REDEMPTION TO THE TRUSTEE. How We Purchase Units The Trustee will notify us of any tender of Units for redemption. If our bid at that time is equal to or greater than the Redemption Price per Page 12 Unit, we may purchase the Units. You will receive your proceeds from the sale no later than if they were redeemed by the Trustee. We may tender Units that we hold to the Trustee for redemption as any other Units. If we elect not to purchase Units, the Trustee may sell tendered Units in the over-the-counter market, if any. However, the amount you will receive is the same as you would have received on redemption of the Units. Expenses and Charges The estimated annual expenses of the Trust are listed under "Fee Table." If actual expenses of the Trust exceed the estimate, the Trust will bear the excess. The Trustee will pay operating expenses of the Trust from the Income Account if funds are available, and then from the Capital Account. The Income and Capital Accounts are noninterest-bearing to Unit holders, so the Trustee may earn interest on these funds, thus benefiting from their use. First Trust Advisors L.P., an affiliate of ours, will be compensated for providing bookkeeping and other administrative services to the Trust and as sponsor, we will receive brokerage fees when the Trust uses us (or an affiliate of ours) as agent in buying or selling Securities. In addition, First Trust Advisors L.P. acts as both Portfolio Supervisor and Evaluator to the Trust and will receive the fees set forth under "Fee Table" for providing portfolio supervisory and evaluation services to the Trust. In providing portfolio supervisory services, the Portfolio Supervisor may purchase research services from a number of sources, which may include underwriters or dealers of the Trust. The fees payable to First Trust Advisors L.P. and the Trustee are based on the largest aggregate number of Units of the Trust outstanding at any time during the calendar year, except during the initial offering period, in which case these fees are calculated based on the largest number of Units outstanding during the period for which compensation is paid. These fees may be adjusted for inflation without Unit holders' approval, but in no case will the annual fee paid to us or our affiliates for providing services to all unit investment trusts be more than the actual cost of providing such services in such year. In addition to the Trust's operating expenses, and the fees described above, the Trust may also incur the following charges: - - All legal expenses of the Trustee according to its responsibilities under the Indenture; - - The expenses and costs incurred by the Trustee to protect the Trust and your rights and interests; - - Fees for any extraordinary services the Trustee performed under the Indenture; - - Payment for any loss, liability or expense the Trustee incurred without negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on its part, in connection with its acceptance or administration of the Trust; - - Payment for any loss, liability or expenses we incurred without negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct in acting as Depositor of the Trust; - - Foreign custodial and transaction fees, if any; and/or - - All taxes and other government charges imposed upon the Securities or any part of the Trust. The above expenses and the Trustee's annual fee are secured by a lien on the Trust. Since the Securities are all common stocks and dividend income is unpredictable, we cannot guarantee that dividends will be sufficient to meet any or all expenses of the Trust. If there is not enough cash in the Income or Capital Accounts, the Trustee has the power to sell Securities to make cash available to pay these charges which may result in capital gains or losses to you. See "Tax Status." Tax Status This section summarizes some of the main U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning Units of the Trust. This section is current as of the date of this prospectus. Tax laws and interpretations change frequently, and these summaries do not describe all of the tax consequences to all taxpayers. For example, these summaries generally do not describe your situation if you are a non-U.S. person, a broker- dealer, or other investor with special circumstances. In addition, this section does not describe your state or foreign taxes. As with any investment, you should consult your own tax professional about your particular consequences. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service issued new withholding and reporting regulations effective January 1, 2001. Foreign investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of these regulations. Trust Status. The Trust will not be taxed as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. As a Unit owner, you will be treated as the owner of a pro rata portion of the Securities and other assets held by the Trust, and as such you will be considered to have received a pro rata share of income (e.g., dividends and capital gains, if any) from each Security when such income would be considered to be received by you if you directly owned the Trust's assets. This is true even though your Page 13 distributions will be automatically reinvested into additional Units. In addition, the income from the Trust which you must take into account for federal income tax purposes is not reduced for amounts used to pay Trust expenses. Your Tax Basis and Income or Loss upon Disposition. If the Trust disposes of Securities, you will generally recognize gain or loss. If you dispose of your Units or redeem your Units for cash, you will also generally recognize gain or loss. To determine the amount of this gain or loss, you must subtract your tax basis in the related Securities from your share of the total proceeds received in the transaction. You can generally determine your initial tax basis in each Security or other Trust asset by apportioning the cost of your Units, generally including sales charges, among each Security or other Trust asset ratably according to their value on the date you purchase your Units. In certain circumstances, however, you may have to adjust your tax basis after you purchase your Units (for example, in the case of certain dividends that exceed a corporation's accumulated earnings and profits). If you are an individual, the maximum marginal federal tax rate for net capital gain is generally 20% (10% for certain taxpayers in the 10% and 15% tax brackets). The 20% rate is reduced to 18% and the 10% rate is reduced to 8% for long-term gains from most property acquired after December 31, 2000 with a holding period of more than five years. Because the Trust has a maturity of approximately 13 months, the reduction in the capital gains rate for property held for more than five years could only possibly apply to your interest in the securities if you are eligible for and elect to receive an In-Kind Distribution at redemption or termination. Net capital gain equals net long-term capital gain minus net short-term capital loss for the taxable year. Capital gain or loss is long-term if the holding period for the asset is more than one year and is short-term if the holding period for the asset is one year or less. You must exclude the date you purchase your Units to determine the holding period of your Units. The tax rates for capital gains realized from assets held for one year or less are generally the same as for ordinary income. The Internal Revenue Code may, however, treat certain capital gains as ordinary income in special situations. Rollovers. If you elect to have your proceeds from the Trust rolled over into the next series of the Trust, it is considered a sale for federal income tax purposes, and any gain on the sale will be treated as a capital gain, and any loss will be treated as a capital loss. However, any loss you incur in connection with the exchange of your Units of the Trust for units of the next series will generally be disallowed with respect to this deemed sale and subsequent deemed repurchase, to the extent the two trusts have identical Securities under the wash sale provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. In-Kind Distributions. Under certain circumstances, as described in this prospectus, you may request a distribution of Securities (an "In-Kind Distribution") when you redeem your Units or at the Trust's termination. By electing to receive an In-Kind Distribution, you will receive whole shares of stock plus, possibly, cash. You will not recognize gain or loss if you only receive Securities in exchange for your pro rata portion of the Securities held by the Trust. However, if you also receive cash in exchange for a fractional share of a Security held by the Trust, you will generally recognize gain or loss based on the difference between the amount of cash you receive and your tax basis in such fractional share of the Security. Limitations on the Deductibility of Trust Expenses. Generally, for federal income tax purposes, you must take into account your full pro rata share of the Trust's income, even if some of that income is used to pay Trust expenses. You may deduct your pro rata share of each expense paid by the Trust to the same extent as if you directly paid the expense. You may, however, be required to treat some or all of the expenses of the Trust as miscellaneous itemized deductions. Individuals may only deduct certain miscellaneous itemized deductions to the extent they exceed 2% of adjusted gross income. State and Local Taxes. Under the existing income tax laws of the State and City of New York, the Trust will not be taxed as a corporation, and the income of the Trust will be treated as the income of the Unit holders in the same manner as for federal income tax purposes. Retirement Plans You may purchase Units of the Trust for: - - Individual Retirement Accounts; - - Keogh Plans; - - Pension funds; and - - Other tax-deferred retirement plans. Generally, the federal income tax on capital gains and income received in each of the above plans is deferred until you receive distributions. Page 14 These distributions are generally treated as ordinary income but may, in some cases, be eligible for special averaging or tax-deferred rollover treatment. Before participating in a plan like this, you should review the tax laws regarding these plans and consult your attorney or tax advisor. Brokerage firms and other financial institutions offer these plans with varying fees and charges. Rights of Unit Holders Unit Ownership. The Trustee will treat as Record Owner of Units persons registered as such on its books. It is your responsibility to notify the Trustee when you become Record Owner, but normally your broker/dealer provides this notice. You may elect to hold your Units in either certificated or uncertificated form. Certificated Units. When you purchase your Units you can request that they be evidenced by certificates, which will be delivered shortly after your order. Certificates will be issued in fully registered form, transferable only on the books of the Trustee in denominations of one Unit or any multiple thereof. You can transfer or redeem your certificated Units by endorsing and surrendering the certificate to the Trustee, along with a written instrument of transfer. You must sign your name exactly as it appears on the face of the certificate with signature guaranteed by an eligible institution. In certain cases the Trustee may require additional documentation before they will transfer or redeem your Units. You may be required to pay a nominal fee to the Trustee for each certificate reissued or transferred, and to pay any government charge that may be imposed for each transfer or exchange. If a certificate gets lost, stolen or destroyed, you may be required to furnish indemnity to the Trustee to receive replacement certificates. You must surrender mutilated certificates to the Trustee for replacement. Uncertificated Units. You may also choose to hold your Units in uncertificated form. If you choose this option, the Trustee will establish an account for you and credit your account with the number of Units you purchase. Within two business days of the issuance or transfer of Units held in uncertificated form, the Trustee will send you: - - A written initial transaction statement containing a description of your Trust; - - A list of the number of Units issued or transferred; - - Your name, address and Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN"); - - A notation of any liens or restrictions of the issuer and any adverse claims; and - - The date the transfer was registered. Uncertificated Units may be transferred the same way as certificated Units, except that no certificate needs to be presented to the Trustee. Also, no certificate will be issued when the transfer takes place unless you request it. You may at any time request that the Trustee issue certificates for your Units. Unit Holder Reports. In connection with each distribution, the Trustee will provide you with a statement detailing the per Unit amount of income (if any) distributed. After the end of each calendar year, the Trustee will provide you with the following information: - - A summary of transactions in your Trust for the year; - - A list of any Securities sold during the year and the Securities held at the end of that year by your Trust; - - The Redemption Price per Unit, computed on the 31st day of December of such year (or the last business day before); and - - Amounts of income and capital distributed during the year. You may request from the Trustee copies of the evaluations of the Securities as prepared by the Evaluator to enable you to comply with federal and state tax reporting requirements. Income and Capital Distributions You will begin receiving distributions on your Units only after you become a Record Owner. The Trustee will credit dividends received on the Trust's Securities to the Income Account. All other receipts, such as return of capital, are credited to the Capital Account. The Trustee will distribute any net income in the Income Account on or near the Income Distribution Dates to Unit holders of record on the preceding Income Distribution Record Date. See "Summary of Essential Information." Each distribution of income and/or capital will be reinvested into additional Units of the Trust. You will not have to pay any sales charge on any Units acquired pursuant to this dividend reinvestment. Please note that reinvested distributions are still considered distributions for income tax purposes. No income distribution will be paid if accrued expenses of the Trust exceed amounts in the Income Account on the Income Distribution Dates. Distribution amounts will vary with changes in the Trust's fees and expenses, in dividends Page 15 received and with the sale of Securities. The Trustee will distribute amounts in the Capital Account, net of amounts designated to meet redemptions or pay expenses on the last day of each month to Unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of each month provided the amount equals at least $1.00 per Unit. If the Trustee does not have your TIN, it is required to withhold a certain percentage of your distribution and deliver such amount to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). You may recover this amount by giving your TIN to the Trustee, or when you file a tax return. However, you should check your statements to make sure the Trustee has your TIN to avoid this "back-up withholding." Within a reasonable time after the Trust is terminated, unless you are a Rollover Unit holder, you will receive the pro rata share of the money from the sale of the Securities. However, you may elect to receive an In- Kind Distribution as described under "Amending or Terminating the Indenture." All Unit holders will receive a pro rata share of any other assets remaining in the Trust, after deducting any unpaid expenses. The Trustee may establish reserves (the "Reserve Account") within the Trust to cover anticipated state and local taxes or any governmental charges to be paid out of the Trust. Redeeming Your Units You may redeem all or a portion of your Units at any time by sending the certificates representing the Units you want to redeem to the Trustee at its unit investment trust office. If your Units are uncertificated, you need only deliver a request for redemption to the Trustee. In either case, the certificates or the redemption request must be properly endorsed with proper instruments of transfer and signature guarantees as explained in "Rights of Unit Holders-Unit Ownership" (or by providing satisfactory indemnity if the certificates were lost, stolen, or destroyed). No redemption fee will be charged, but you are responsible for any governmental charges that apply. Three business days after the day you tender your Units (the "Date of Tender") you will receive cash in an amount for each Unit equal to the Redemption Price per Unit calculated at the Evaluation Time on the Date of Tender. The Date of Tender is considered to be the date on which the Trustee receives your certificates or redemption request (if such day is a day the NYSE is open for trading). However, if your certificates or redemption request are received after 4:00 p.m. Eastern time (or after any earlier closing time on a day on which the NYSE is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time), the Date of Tender is the next day the NYSE is open for trading. Any amounts paid on redemption representing income will be withdrawn from the Income Account if funds are available for that purpose, or from the Capital Account. All other amounts paid on redemption will be taken from the Capital Account. The IRS will require the Trustee to withhold a portion of your redemption proceeds if it does not have your TIN as generally discussed under "Income and Capital Distributions." If you tender at least 50 Units, or such other amount as required by your broker/dealer, for redemption, rather than receiving cash, you may elect to receive an In-Kind Distribution in an amount equal to the Redemption Price per Unit by making this request in writing to the Trustee at the time of tender. However, no In-Kind Distribution requests submitted during the nine business days prior to the Trust's Mandatory Termination Date will be honored. Where possible, the Trustee will make an In-Kind Distribution by distributing each of the Securities in book- entry form to your bank or broker/dealer account at the Depository Trust Company. The Trustee will subtract any customary transfer and registration charges from your In-Kind Distribution. As a tendering Unit holder, you will receive your pro rata number of whole shares of the Securities that make up the portfolio, and cash from the Capital Account equal to the fractional shares to which you are entitled. The Trustee may sell Securities to make funds available for redemption. If Securities are sold, the size and diversification of the Trust will be reduced. These sales may result in lower prices than if the Securities were sold at a different time. Your right to redeem Units (and therefore, your right to receive payment) may be delayed: - - If the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); - - If the SEC determines that trading on the NYSE is restricted or that an emergency exists making sale or evaluation of the Securities not reasonably practical; or - - For any other period permitted by SEC order. The Trustee is not liable to any person for any loss or damage which may result from such a suspension or postponement. The Redemption Price. The Redemption Price per Unit is determined by the Trustee by: adding Page 16 1. cash in the Income and Capital Accounts of the Trust not designated to purchase Securities; 2. the aggregate underlying value of the Securities held in the Trust; and 3. dividends receivable on the Securities trading ex-dividend as of the date of computation; and deducting 1. any applicable taxes or governmental charges that need to be paid out of the Trust; 2. any amounts owed to the Trustee for its advances; 3. estimated accrued expenses of the Trust, if any; 4. cash held for distribution to Unit holders of record of the Trust as of the business day before the evaluation being made; 5. liquidation costs for foreign Securities, if any; and 6. other liabilities incurred by the Trust; and dividing 1. the result by the number of outstanding Units of the Trust. Until the end of the initial offering period, the Redemption Price per Unit will include estimated organization costs as set forth under "Fee Table." Investing in a New Trust The Trust's portfolio has been selected on the basis of capital appreciation potential for a limited time period. When the Trust is about to terminate, you may have the option to roll your proceeds into the next series of the Trust (the "New Trust") if one is available. We intend to create the New Trust in conjunction with the termination of the Trust and plan to apply the same strategy we used to select the portfolio for the Trust to the New Trust. If you wish to have the proceeds from your Units rolled into the New Trust you must notify the Trustee in writing of your election by the Rollover Notification Date stated in the "Summary of Essential Information." As a Rollover Unit holder, your Units will be redeemed and the underlying Securities sold by the Trustee, in its capacity as Distribution Agent, during the Special Redemption and Liquidation Period. The Distribution Agent may engage us or other brokers as its agent to sell the Securities. Once all of the Securities are sold, your proceeds, less any brokerage fees, governmental charges or other expenses involved in the sales, will be used to buy units of the New Trust or trust with a similar investment strategy that you have selected, provided such trusts are registered and being offered. Accordingly, proceeds may be uninvested for up to several days. We intend to create New Trust units as quickly as possible, depending on the availability of the Securities contained in the New Trust's portfolio. Rollover Unit holders will be given first priority to purchase New Trust units. We cannot, however, assure the exact timing of the creation of New Trust units or the total number of New Trust units we will create. Any proceeds not invested on behalf of Rollover Unit holders in New Trust units will be distributed within a reasonable time after such occurrence. Although we believe that enough New Trust units can be created, monies in the New Trust may not be fully invested on the next business day. Please note that there are certain tax consequences associated with becoming a Rollover Unit holder. See "Tax Status." If you elect not to participate as a Rollover Unit holder ("Remaining Unit holders"), you will not incur capital gains or losses due to the Special Redemption and Liquidation, nor will you be charged any additional sales charge. We may modify, amend or terminate this rollover option upon 60 days notice. Removing Securities from the Trust The portfolio of the Trust is not managed. However, we may, but are not required to, direct the Trustee to dispose of a Security in certain limited circumstances, including situations in which: - - The issuer of the Security defaults in the payment of a declared dividend; - - Any action or proceeding prevents the payment of dividends; - - There is any legal question or impediment affecting the Security; - - The issuer of the Security has breached a covenant which would affect the payment of dividends, the issuer's credit standing, or otherwise damage the sound investment character of the Security; - - The issuer has defaulted on the payment of any other of its outstanding obligations; - - There has been a public tender offer made for a Security or a merger or acquisition is announced affecting a Security, and that in our opinion the sale or tender of the Security is in the best interest of Unit holders; or - - The price of the Security has declined to such an extent, or such other credit factors exist, that in our opinion keeping the Security would be harmful to the Trust. Except in the limited instance in which the Trust acquires Replacement Securities, as described in "The FT Series," the Trust may not acquire any securities or other property other than the Securities. The Trustee, Page 17 on behalf of the Trust, will reject any offer for new or exchanged securities or property in exchange for a Security, such as those acquired in a merger or other transaction. If such exchanged securities or property are nevertheless acquired by the Trust, at our instruction they will either be sold or held in the Trust. In making the determination as to whether to sell or hold the exchanged securities or property we may get advice from the Portfolio Supervisor. Any proceeds received from the sale of Securities, exchanged securities or property will be credited to the Capital Account of the Trust for distribution to Unit holders or to meet redemption requests. The Trustee may retain and pay us or an affiliate of ours to act as agent for the Trust to facilitate selling Securities, exchanged securities or property from the Trust. If we or our affiliate act in this capacity, we will be held subject to the restrictions under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Trustee may sell Securities designated by us, or, absent our direction, at its own discretion, in order to meet redemption requests or pay expenses. In designating Securities to be sold, we will try to maintain the proportionate relationship among the Securities. If this is not possible, the composition and diversification of the Trust may be changed. To get the best price for the Trust we may specify minimum amounts (generally 100 shares) in which blocks of Securities are to be sold. We may consider sales of Units of unit investment trusts which we sponsor when we make recommendations to the Trustee as to which broker/dealers they select to execute the Trust's portfolio transactions, or when acting as agent for the Trust in acquiring or selling Securities on behalf of the Trust. Amending or Terminating the Indenture Amendments. The Indenture may be amended by us and the Trustee without your consent: - - To cure ambiguities; - - To correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision; - - To make any amendment required by any governmental agency; or - - To make other changes determined not to be materially adverse to your best interests (as determined by us and the Trustee). Termination. As provided by the Indenture, the Trust will terminate on the Mandatory Termination Date as stated in the "Summary of Essential Information." The Trust may be terminated prior to the Mandatory Termination Date: - - Upon the consent of 100% of the Unit holders; - - If the value of the Securities owned by the Trust as shown by any evaluation is less than the lower of $2,000,000 or 20% of the total value of Securities deposited in the Trust during the initial offering period ("Discretionary Liquidation Amount"); or - - In the event that Units of the Trust not yet sold aggregating more than 60% of the Units of the Trust are tendered for redemption by underwriters, including the Sponsor. Prior to termination, the Trustee will send written notice to registered account holders which will specify how certificates, if any, should be tendered to the Trustee. If the Trust is terminated due to this last reason, we will refund your entire sales charge; however, we will not refund any sales charge if the Trust is terminated before the Mandatory Termination Date for any other stated reason. For various reasons, including Unit holders' participation as Rollover Unit holders, the Trust may be reduced below the Discretionary Liquidation Amount and could therefore be terminated before the Mandatory Termination Date. Unless terminated earlier, the Trustee will begin to sell Securities in connection with the termination of the Trust during the period beginning nine business days prior to, and no later than, the Mandatory Termination Date. We will determine the manner and timing of the sale of Securities. Because the Trustee must sell the Securities within a relatively short period of time, the sale of Securities as part of the termination process may result in a lower sales price than might otherwise be realized if such sale were not required at this time. If you own at least 50 Units of the Trust, or such other amount as required by your broker/dealer, the Trustee will send the registered account holders a form at least 30 days prior to the Mandatory Termination Date which will enable you to receive an In-Kind Distribution (reduced by customary transfer and registration charges) rather than the typical cash distribution. See "Tax Status" for additional information. You must notify the Trustee at least ten business days prior to the Mandatory Termination Date if you elect this In-Kind Distribution option. If you do not elect to participate in either the Rollover Option or the In-Kind Distribution option, you will receive a cash distribution from the sale of the remaining Securities, along with your interest in the Income and Capital Accounts, within a reasonable time after your Trust is terminated. Regardless of the distribution involved, the Trustee will deduct from the Trust any Page 18 accrued costs, expenses, advances or indemnities provided for by the Indenture, including estimated compensation of the Trustee and costs of liquidation and any amounts required as a reserve to pay any taxes or other governmental charges. Information on Credit Suisse First Boston, the Sponsor, Trustee and Evaluator Credit Suisse First Boston. Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) is a leading global investment bank serving institutional, corporate, government and individual clients. CSFB's businesses include securities underwriting, sales and trading, investment banking, private equity, financial advisory services, investment research, venture capital, correspondent brokerage services and retail online brokerage services. CSFB operates in over 97 locations across more than 37 countries on six continents and has some 28,000 staff worldwide. The company is a business unit of the Zurich-based Credit Suisse Group, a leading global financial services company. The Sponsor. We, Nike Securities L.P., specialize in the underwriting, trading and wholesale distribution of unit investment trusts under the "First Trust" brand name and other securities. An Illinois limited partnership formed in 1991, we act as Sponsor for successive series of: - - The First Trust Combined Series - - FT Series (formerly known as The First Trust Special Situations Trust) - - The First Trust Insured Corporate Trust - - The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds - - The First Trust GNMA First Trust introduced the first insured unit investment trust in 1974. To date we have deposited more than $40 billion in First Trust unit investment trusts. Our employees include a team of professionals with many years of experience in the unit investment trust industry. We are a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Our principal offices are at 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532; telephone number (630) 241-4141. As of December 31, 2001, the total partners' capital of Nike Securities L.P. was $17,560,01 (audited). This information refers only to us and not to the Trust or to any series of the Trust or to any other dealer. We are including this information only to inform you of our financial responsibility and our ability to carry out our contractual obligations. We will provide more detailed financial information on request. Code of Ethics. The Sponsor and the Trust have adopted a code of ethics requiring the Sponsor's employees who have access to information on Trust transactions to report personal securities transactions. The purpose of the code is to avoid potential conflicts of interest and to prevent fraud, deception or misconduct with respect to the Trust. The Trustee. The Trustee is JPMorgan Chase Bank, with its principal executive office located at 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017 and its unit investment trust office at 4 Chase MetroTech Center, 3rd Floor, New York, New York, 11245. If you have questions regarding the Trust, you may call the Customer Service Help Line at 1-800-682-7520. The Trustee is supervised by the Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Trustee has not participated in selecting the Securities; it only provides administrative services. Limitations of Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee. Neither we nor the Trustee will be liable for taking any action or for not taking any action in good faith according to the Indenture. We will also not be accountable for errors in judgment. We will only be liable for our own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence (ordinary negligence in the Trustee's case) or reckless disregard of our obligations and duties. The Trustee is not liable for any loss or depreciation when the Securities are sold. If we fail to act under the Indenture, the Trustee may do so, and the Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes in good faith under the Indenture. The Trustee will not be liable for any taxes or other governmental charges or interest on the Securities which the Trustee may be required to pay under any present or future law of the United States or of any other taxing authority with jurisdiction. Also, the Indenture states other provisions regarding the liability of the Trustee. If we do not perform any of our duties under the Indenture or are not able to act or become bankrupt, or if our affairs are taken over by public authorities, then the Trustee may: - - Appoint a successor sponsor, paying them a reasonable rate not more than that stated by the SEC; - - Terminate the Indenture and liquidate the Trust; or Page 19 - - Continue to act as Trustee without terminating the Indenture. The Evaluator. The Evaluator is First Trust Advisors L.P., an Illinois limited partnership formed in 1991 and an affiliate of the Sponsor. The Evaluator's address is 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532. The Trustee, Sponsor and Unit holders may rely on the accuracy of any evaluation prepared by the Evaluator. The Evaluator will make determinations in good faith based upon the best available information, but will not be liable to the Trustee, Sponsor or Unit holders for errors in judgment. Other Information Legal Opinions. Our counsel is Chapman and Cutler, 111 W. Monroe St., Chicago, Illinois, 60603. They have passed upon the legality of the Units offered hereby and certain matters relating to federal tax law. Carter, Ledyard & Milburn acts as the Trustee's counsel, as well as special New York tax counsel for the Trust. Experts. The Trust's statement of net assets, including the schedule of investments, as of the opening of business on the Initial Date of Deposit included in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report appearing herein and elsewhere in the registration statement, and is included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. Supplemental Information. If you write or call the Trustee, you will receive free of charge supplemental information about this Series, which has been filed with the SEC and to which we have referred throughout. This information states more specific details concerning the nature, structure and risks of this product. Page 20 This page is intentionally left blank. Page 21 This page is intentionally left blank. Page 22 This page is intentionally left blank. Page 23 First Trust(R) CSFB Strategic Advantage Portfolio, 2002-2 Series FT 653 Credit Suisse First Boston Eleven Madison Avenue New York, NY 10010 1-212-325-2000 Trustee: JPMorgan Chase Bank 4 Chase MetroTech Center, 3rd floor New York, New York 11245 1-800-682-7520 24-Hour Pricing Line: 1-800-446-0132 ________________________ When Units of the Trust are no longer available, this prospectus may be used as a preliminary prospectus for a future series, in which case you should note the following: THE INFORMATION IN THE PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL, OR ACCEPT OFFERS TO BUY, SECURITIES OF A FUTURE SERIES UNTIL THAT SERIES HAS BECOME EFFECTIVE WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. NO SECURITIES CAN BE SOLD IN ANY STATE WHERE A SALE WOULD BE ILLEGAL. ________________________ This prospectus contains information relating to CSFB Strategic Advantage Portfolio, 2002-2 Series, but does not contain all of the information about this investment company as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. under the: - - Securities Act of 1933 (file no. 333-_____) and - - Investment Company Act of 1940 (file no. 811-05903) Information about the Trust, including its Code of Ethics, can be reviewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington D.C. Information regarding the operation of the Commission's Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the Commission at 1-202-942-8090. Information about the Trust is available on the EDGAR Database on the Commission's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. To obtain copies at prescribed rates - Write: Public Reference Section of the Commission 450 Fifth Street, N.W.; Washington, D.C. 20549-0102 e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov July __, 2002 PLEASE RETAIN THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE Page 24 First Trust(R) The FT Series Information Supplement This Information Supplement provides additional information concerning the structure, operations and risks of the unit investment trust contained in FT 653 not found in the prospectus for the Trust. This Information Supplement is not a prospectus and does not include all of the information you should consider before investing in the Trust. This Information Supplement should be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the Trust in which you are considering investing. This Information Supplement is dated July __, 2002. Capitalized terms have been defined in the prospectus. Table of Contents Risk Factors Securities 1 Dividends 1 Risk Factors Securities. An investment in Units should be made with an understanding of the risks which an investment in common stocks entails, including the risk that the financial condition of the issuers of the Securities or the general condition of the relevant stock market may worsen, and the value of the Securities and therefore the value of the Units may decline. Common stocks are especially susceptible to general stock market movements and to volatile increases and decreases of value, as market confidence in and perceptions of the issuers change. These perceptions are based on unpredictable factors, including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic expansion or contraction, and global or regional political, economic or banking crises. Both U.S. and foreign markets have experienced substantial volatility and significant declines recently as a result of certain or all of these factors. Dividends. Shareholders of common stocks have rights to receive payments from the issuers of those common stocks that are generally subordinate to those of creditors of, or holders of debt obligations or preferred stocks of, such issuers. Shareholders of common stocks of the type held by the Trust have a right to receive dividends only when and if, and in the amounts, declared by the issuer's board of directors and have a right to participate in amounts available for distribution by the issuer only after all other claims on the issuer have been paid or provided for. Common stocks do not represent an obligation of the issuer and, therefore, do not offer any assurance of income or provide the same degree of protection of capital as do debt securities. The issuance of additional debt securities or preferred stock will create prior claims for payment of principal, interest and dividends which could adversely affect the ability and inclination of the issuer to declare or pay dividends on its common stock or the rights of holders of common stock with respect to assets of the issuer upon liquidation or bankruptcy. Cumulative preferred stock dividends must be paid before common stock dividends, and any cumulative preferred stock dividend omitted is added to future dividends payable to the holders of cumulative preferred stock. Preferred stockholders are also generally entitled to rights on liquidation which are senior to those of common stockholders. Page 1 MEMORANDUM Re: FT 653 The only difference of consequence (except as described below) between FT 627, which is the current fund, and FT 653, the filing of which this memorandum accompanies, is the change in the series number. The list of securities comprising the Fund, the evaluation, record and distribution dates and other changes pertaining specifically to the new series, such as size and number of Units in the Fund and the statement of condition of the new Fund, will be filed by amendment. 1940 ACT FORMS N-8A AND N-8B-2 These forms were not filed, as the Form N-8A and Form N-8B-2 filed in respect of Templeton Growth and Treasury Trust, Series 1 and subsequent series (File No. 811-05903) related also to the subsequent series of the Fund. 1933 ACT PROSPECTUS The only significant changes in the Prospectus from the Series 627 Prospectus relate to the series number and size and the date and various items of information which will be derived from and apply specifically to the securities deposited in the Fund. CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT ITEM A Bonding Arrangements of Depositor: Nike Securities L.P. is covered by a Broker's Fidelity Bond, in the total amount of $2,000,000, the insurer being National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh. ITEM B This Registration Statement on Form S-6 comprises the following papers and documents: The facing sheet The Prospectus The signatures Exhibits S-1 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant, FT 653 has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Village of Lisle and State of Illinois on June 4, 2002. FT 653 (Registrant) By: NIKE SECURITIES L.P. (Depositor) By: Robert M. Porcellino Senior Vice President S-2 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following person in the capacity and on the date indicated: NAME TITLE* DATE David J. Allen Director ) of Nike Securities ) Corporation, the ) June 4, 2002 General Partner of ) Nike Securities L.P.) Judith M. Van Kampen Director ) of Nike Securities ) Robert M. Porcellino Corporation, the ) Attorney-in-Fact** General Partner of ) Nike Securities L.P.) Karla M. Van Kampen-Pierre Director ) of Nike Securities ) Corporation, the ) General Partner of ) Nike Securities L.P.) David G. Wisen Director ) of Nike Securities ) Corporation, the ) General Partner of ) Nike Securities L.P.) * The title of the person named herein represents his capacity in and relationship to Nike Securities L.P., Depositor. ** An executed copy of the related power of attorney was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 of FT 597 (File No. 333-76518) and the same is hereby incorporated herein by this reference. S-3 CONSENTS OF COUNSEL The consents of counsel to the use of their names in the Prospectus included in this Registration Statement will be contained in their respective opinions to be filed as Exhibits 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 of the Registration Statement. CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP The consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP to the use of its name and to the reference to such firm in the Prospectus included in this Registration Statement will be filed by amendment. CONSENT OF FIRST TRUST ADVISORS L.P. The consent of First Trust Advisors L.P. to the use of its name in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement is filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement. S-4 EXHIBIT INDEX 1.1 Form of Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust for The First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series 22 and certain subsequent Series, effective November 20, 1991 among Nike Securities L.P., as Depositor, United States Trust Company of New York as Trustee, Securities Evaluation Service, Inc., as Evaluator, and Nike Financial Advisory Services L.P. as Portfolio Supervisor (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No. 33-43693] filed on behalf of The First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series 22). 1.1.1* Form of Trust Agreement for FT 653 among Nike Securities L.P., as Depositor, JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee and First Trust Advisors L.P., as Evaluator and Portfolio Supervisor. 1.2 Copy of Certificate of Limited Partnership of Nike Securities L.P. (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No. 33-42683] filed on behalf of The First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series 18). 1.3 Copy of Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Nike Securities L.P. (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No. 33-42683] filed on behalf of The First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series 18). 1.4 Copy of Articles of Incorporation of Nike Securities Corporation, the general partner of Nike Securities L.P., Depositor (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No. 33-42683] filed on behalf of The First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series 18). 1.5 Copy of By-Laws of Nike Securities Corporation, the general partner of Nike Securities L.P., Depositor (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No. 33-42683] filed on behalf of The First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series 18). 2.1 Copy of Certificate of Ownership (included in Exhibit 1.1 filed herewith on page 2 and incorporated herein by reference). 2.2 Copy of Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to form S-6 [File No. 333-31176] filed on behalf of FT 415). 3.1* Opinion of counsel as to legality of Securities being registered. S-5 3.2* Opinion of counsel as to Federal income tax status of Securities being registered. 3.3* Opinion of counsel as to New York income tax status of Securities being registered. 3.4* Opinion of counsel as to advancement of funds by Trustee. 4.1* Consent of First Trust Advisors L.P. 6.1 List of Directors and Officers of Depositor and other related information (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No. 33-42683] filed on behalf of The First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series 18). 7.1 Power of Attorney executed by the Directors listed on page S-3 of this Registration Statement (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No. 333-76518] filed on behalf of FT 597). ___________________________________ * To be filed by amendment. S-6