UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM N-CSR CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES Investment Company Act file number 811-22652 ----------- First Trust Variable Insurance Trust ---------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton, IL 60187 ---------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) W. Scott Jardine, Esq. First Trust Portfolios L.P. 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton, IL 60187 ---------------------------------------------------------- (Name and address of agent for service) registrant's telephone number, including area code: 630-765-8000 -------------- Date of fiscal year end: December 31 ------------- Date of reporting period: June 30, 2019 ------------------- Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles. A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. ss. 3507. ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS. The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith. FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT JUNE 30, 2019 Shareholder Letter.......................................................... 1 Portfolio Management........................................................ 2 Performance Summary and Portfolio Components First Trust/Dow Jones Dividend & Income Allocation Portfolio........... 5 First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio.......................... 7 First Trust Dorsey Wright Tactical Core Portfolio...................... 9 Understanding Your Fund Expenses............................................ 11 Portfolio of Investments First Trust/Dow Jones Dividend & Income Allocation Portfolio........... 12 First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio.......................... 40 First Trust Dorsey Wright Tactical Core Portfolio...................... 50 Statements of Assets and Liabilities........................................ 51 Statements of Operations.................................................... 52 Statements of Changes in Net Assets......................................... 53 Financial Highlights........................................................ 56 Notes to Financial Statements............................................... 59 Additional Information...................................................... 72 CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the goals, beliefs, plans or current expectations of First Trust Advisors L.P. ("First Trust" or the "Advisor"), Energy Income Partners, LLC ("EIP" or a "Sub-Advisor"), Stonebridge Advisors LLC ("Stonebridge" or a "Sub-Advisor") and their representatives, taking into account the information currently available to them. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to current or historical fact. For example, forward-looking statements include the use of words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "expect," "believe," "plan," "may," "should," "would" or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of any series of the First Trust Variable Insurance Trust (the "Trust") to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. When evaluating the information included in this report, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the judgment of the Advisor and/or Sub-Advisors and their representatives only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events and circumstances that arise after the date hereof. PERFORMANCE AND RISK DISCLOSURE There is no assurance that any series (individually called a "Fund" and collectively the "Funds") of the Trust will achieve its investment objectives. Each Fund is subject to market risk, which is the possibility that the market values of securities owned by the Fund will decline and that the value of the Fund shares may therefore be less than what you paid for them. Accordingly, you can lose money by investing in a Fund. See "Risk Considerations" in the Additional Information section of this report for a discussion of certain other risks of investing in the Funds. Performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be lower or higher than the figures shown. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please visit www.ftportfolios.com or speak with your financial advisor. Investment returns and net asset value will fluctuate and Fund shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Advisor may also periodically provide additional information on Fund performance on each Fund's webpage at www.ftportfolios.com. HOW TO READ THIS REPORT This report contains information that may help you evaluate your investment in each Fund. It includes details about each Fund and presents data and analysis that provide insight into each Fund's performance. The statistical information that follows may help you understand each Fund's performance compared to that of relevant market benchmarks. It is important to keep in mind that the opinions expressed by personnel of First Trust and/or the Sub-Advisors are just that: informed opinions. They should not be considered to be promises or advice. The opinions, like the statistics, cover the period through the date on the cover of this report. The material risks of investing in each Fund are spelled out in the prospectus, the statement of additional information, this report and other Fund regulatory filings. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHAREHOLDER LETTER -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST SEMI-ANNUAL LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO JUNE 30, 2019 Dear Shareholders: One thing we can all agree on and expect: headline news coming out of Washington, DC continues to influence the financial markets. As January 2019 unfolded, the longest partial government shutdown in U.S. history was wrapping up while we were beginning to learn about President Trump's approach to international trade policy. By June's end, trade talks with China were reengaging and the threat of 5% tariffs on Mexican imports was averted. Investors breathed a collective sigh of relief and, once again, the free market began to rally. At the Markets' close on June 28, 2019, U.S. equities, as indicated by the S&P 500(R) Index, returned 7.05% for the month of June, and 18.54% for the calendar year-to-date. Bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, returned 1.26% and 6.11%, respectively, for the same periods. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury Note yield fell from over 3% in late 2018 to just above 2% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 and the Federal Reserve has clearly indicated that another rate cut is on the way. Despite the ongoing bluster of the news cycle, the economy is doing well and productivity growth, due to deregulation and lower taxes on corporate profits, has improved over the last two years. o The Consumer Confidence Index of 121.5 for June remains strong. o The U.S. inflation rate hovers near 2%, on average, as it has for the last decade. o June's unemployment rate of 3.7% barely moved from May's 3.6%, the lowest level since December of 1969. Before you reach for the antacids due to the latest political equivocation, keep a balanced perspective in view. Remember, no one can predict the inevitable and expected market fluctuations. Speak periodically with your investment professional who can provide insight when it comes to investing and discovering opportunities when they arise. Thank you for giving First Trust the opportunity to be a part of your financial plan. We value our relationship with you. Sincerely, /s/ James A. Bowen James A. Bowen Chairman of the Board of Trustees Chief Executive Officer of First Trust Advisors L.P. Page 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT JUNE 30, 2019 ADVISOR First Trust Advisors L.P. ("First Trust") is a registered investment advisor based in Wheaton, IL and is the investment advisor to First Trust/Dow Jones Dividend & Income Allocation Portfolio (the "Fund"). In this capacity, First Trust is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities in the Fund's portfolio and certain other services necessary for the management of the Fund. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT TEAM Daniel J. Lindquist, Chairman of the Investment Committee and Managing Director, First Trust David G. McGarel, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, First Trust Jon C. Erickson, Senior Vice President, First Trust Roger F. Testin, Senior Vice President, First Trust Todd Larson, Senior Vice President, First Trust Chris A. Peterson, Senior Vice President, First Trust Eric Maisel, Senior Vice President, First Trust Page 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT JUNE 30, 2019 ADVISOR First Trust is a registered investment advisor based in Wheaton, IL and is the investment advisor to First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio (the "Fund"). First Trust manages the Fund's fixed income investments, as well as a portion of the Fund's equity investments. SUB-ADVISORS Stonebridge Advisors LLC ("Stonebridge" or a "Sub-Advisor") is a sub-advisor to the Fund and is a registered investment advisor based in Wilton, CT. Stonebridge specializes in the management of preferred securities and North American equity income securities. Energy Income Partners, LLC ("EIP" or a "Sub-Advisor"), is a sub-advisor to the Fund and is a registered investment advisor based in Westport, CT. EIP was founded in 2003 to provide professional asset management services in the area of energy-related master limited partnerships ("MLPs") and other high-payout securities such as pipeline companies, power utilities, YieldCos, and energy infrastructure real estate investment trusts ("REITs"). PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT TEAMS FIRST TRUST Daniel J. Lindquist, Chairman of the Investment Committee and Managing Director, First Trust David G. McGarel, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, First Trust Jon C. Erickson, Senior Vice President, First Trust Roger F. Testin, Senior Vice President, First Trust William Housey, Senior Vice President, First Trust Chris A. Peterson, Senior Vice President, First Trust Todd Larson, Senior Vice President, First Trust James Snyder, Senior Vice President, First Trust Jeremiah Charles, Senior Vice President, First Trust STONEBRIDGE Scott Fleming, Portfolio Manager, President and Chief Investment Officer of Stonebridge Robert Wolf, Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Vice President of Stonebridge EIP James J. Murchie, Portfolio Manager, Founder, Principal and CEO of EIP Eva Pao, Co-Portfolio Manager, Principal of EIP John Tysseland, Co-Portfolio Manager, Principal of EIP Page 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST DORSEY WRIGHT TACTICAL CORE PORTFOLIO SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT JUNE 30, 2019 ADVISOR First Trust is a registered investment advisor based in Wheaton, IL and is the investment advisor to First Trust Dorsey Wright Tactical Core Portfolio (the "Fund"). In this capacity, First Trust is responsible for the selection and ongoing monitoring of the securities in the Fund's portfolio and certain other services necessary for the management of the Fund. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT TEAM Daniel J. Lindquist, Chairman of the Investment Committee and Managing Director, First Trust David G. McGarel, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, First Trust Jon C. Erickson, Senior Vice President, First Trust Roger F. Testin, Senior Vice President, First Trust Todd Larson, Senior Vice President, First Trust Chris A. Peterson, Senior Vice President, First Trust Page 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PERFORMANCE SUMMARY AND PORTFOLIO COMPONENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ RETURN COMPARISON PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 1 YEAR 5 YEAR SINCE INCEPTION INCEPTION SIX MONTH ANNUAL AVERAGE ANNUAL AVERAGE ANNUAL DATE TOTAL RETURN TOTAL RETURN TOTAL RETURN TOTAL RETURN ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO - CLASS I 5/1/12 14.08% 9.34% 7.67% 8.40% Blended Benchmark (a) 14.40% 10.30% 7.29% 8.74% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate Investment-Grade Index (b) 9.85% 10.72% 4.08% 4.30% Russell 3000(R) Index (c) 18.71% 8.98% 10.19% 12.98% Secondary Blended Benchmark (d) 14.85% 10.74% 7.48% 8.90% Dow Jones Equal Weight U.S. Issued Corporate Bond Index(SM) (e) 10.85% 11.86% 4.32% 4.48% Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index(SM) (f) 18.70% 8.88% 10.12% 12.90% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 YEAR 5 YEAR SINCE INCEPTION INCEPTION SIX MONTH ANNUAL AVERAGE ANNUAL AVERAGE TOTAL DATE TOTAL RETURN TOTAL RETURN TOTAL RETURN TOTAL RETURN ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO - CLASS II 5/1/14 14.18% 9.59% 7.95% 8.18% Blended Benchmark (a) 14.40% 10.30% 7.29% 7.64% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate Investment-Grade Index (b) 9.85% 10.72% 4.08% 4.17% Russell 3000(R) Index (c) 18.71% 8.98% 10.19% 10.83% Secondary Blended Benchmark (d) 14.85% 10.74% 7.48% 7.82% Dow Jones Equal Weight U.S. Issued Corporate Bond Index(SM) (e) 10.85% 11.86% 4.32% 4.38% Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index(SM) (f) 18.70% 8.88% 10.12% 10.77% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (a) The Blended Benchmark returns are a 50/50 split between the Russell 3000(R) Index and the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate Investment-Grade Index returns. (b) Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate Investment-Grade Index measures the performance of investment grade U.S. corporate bonds. The index includes all publicly issued, dollar-denominated corporate bonds with a minimum of $250 million par outstanding that are investment grade-rated (Baa3/BBB- or higher). The index excludes bonds having less than one year to final maturity as well as floating rate bonds, non-registered private placements, structured notes, hybrids, and convertible securities. (Bloomberg). (The index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes). (c) The Russell 3000(R) Index is composed of 3,000 large U.S. companies, as determined by market capitalization. This index represents approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. (Bloomberg). (The index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes). (d) The Secondary Blended Benchmark return is a 50/50 split between the Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index(SM) and the Dow Jones Equal Weight U.S. Issued Corporate Bond Index(SM) returns. (e) The Dow Jones Equal Weight U.S. Issued Corporate Bond Index(SM) measures the return of readily tradable, high-grade U.S. corporate bonds. The index includes an equally weighted basket of 96 recently issued investment-grade corporate bonds with laddered maturities. (The index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes). (f) The Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index(SM) measures all U.S. equity securities that have readily available prices. (The index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes). The returns for the Fund do not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with variable products, such as mortality and expense risk charges, separate account charges, and sales charges or the effect of taxes. These expenses would reduce the overall returns shown. PERFORMANCE OF A $10,000 INITIAL INVESTMENT May 1, 2012 - June 30, 2019 Bloomberg Dow Jones First Trust/Dow Barclays U.S. Equal Weight Dow Jones Jones Dividend & Corporate Russell Secondary U.S. Issued U.S. Total Income Allocation Blended Investment-Grade 3000(R) Blended Corporate Bond Stock Market Portfolio - Class I Benchmark Index Index Benchmark Index(SM) Index(SM) 5/1/2012 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 6/30/2012 10,020 9,925 10,135 9,701 9,933 10,152 9,702 12/31/2012 10,438 10,495 10,636 10,331 10,519 10,677 10,322 6/30/2013 10,904 11,026 10,273 11,784 11,047 10,290 11,786 12/31/2013 11,770 12,055 10,472 13,798 12,088 10,523 13,777 6/30/2014 12,318 12,823 11,067 14,756 12,844 11,083 14,733 12/31/2014 12,951 13,269 11,254 15,531 13,336 11,336 15,493 6/30/2015 12,989 13,350 11,150 15,832 13,409 11,215 15,790 12/31/2015 12,962 13,286 11,177 15,606 13,402 11,315 15,559 6/30/2016 13,806 14,046 12,035 16,171 14,214 12,239 16,110 12/31/2017 14,484 14,554 11,859 17,592 14,672 11,975 17,521 6/30/2017 15,285 15,478 12,310 19,163 15,592 12,395 19,093 12/31/2017 16,436 16,531 12,621 21,309 16,643 12,691 21,228 6/30/2018 16,306 16,529 12,208 21,995 16,638 12,239 21,916 12/31/2018 15,628 15,936 12,304 20,191 16,042 12,350 20,101 6/30/2019 17,828 18,231 13,516 23,969 18,424 13,690 23,860 Page 5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PERFORMANCE SUMMARY AND PORTFOLIO COMPONENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) ------------------------------------------------------ % OF TOTAL TOP EQUITY HOLDINGS INVESTMENTS ------------------------------------------------------ Erie Indemnity Co., Class A 0.5% HEICO Corp. 0.5 Tetra Tech, Inc. 0.5 Walt Disney (The) Co. 0.5 Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. 0.4 UniFirst Corp. 0.4 Allegion PLC 0.4 Northrop Grumman Corp. 0.4 Gentex Corp. 0.4 TE Connectivity, Ltd. 0.4 ------------------------------------------------------ Total 4.4% ====== ------------------------------------------------------ % OF TOTAL TOP FIXED-INCOME HOLDINGS BY ISSUER INVESTMENTS ------------------------------------------------------ U.S. Government 2.6% Bank of America Corp. 1.8 Citigroup, Inc. 1.6 JPMorgan Chase & Co. 1.5 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc. 1.3 Morgan Stanley 1.1 Wells Fargo & Co. 0.8 UnitedHealth Group, Inc. 0.8 Duke Energy Corp. 0.8 AT&T, Inc. 0.7 ------------------------------------------------------ Total 13.0% ====== ------------------------------------------------------ % OF TOTAL FIXED-INCOME CREDIT QUALITY(1) INVESTMENTS ------------------------------------------------------ AAA 7.4% AA+ 1.5 AA 6.5 AA- 8.7 A+ 15.3 A 17.4 A- 16.4 BBB+ 9.2 BBB 12.7 BBB- 4.8 A-2 (short-term) 0.1 ------------------------------------------------------ Total 100.0% ====== ------------------------------------------------------ % OF TOTAL SECTOR ALLOCATION INVESTMENTS ------------------------------------------------------ Common Stocks: Financials 15.4% Industrials 13.7 Information Technology 7.9 Consumer Discretionary 5.9 Health Care 4.1 Consumer Staples 3.5 Materials 2.6 Communication Services 1.2 Real Estate 1.1 Utilities 0.7 Energy 0.4 ------------------------------------------------------ Total Common Stocks 56.5 ------------------------------------------------------ Corporate Bonds & Notes: Financials 11.0 Utilities 5.5 Health Care 4.2 Energy 3.4 Industrials 3.2 Information Technology 3.1 Consumer Staples 2.9 Communication Services 2.7 Consumer Discretionary 1.0 Materials 0.8 ------------------------------------------------------ Total Corporate Bonds & Notes 37.8 ------------------------------------------------------ Foreign Corporate Bonds & Notes: Financials 1.3 Energy 0.5 Communication Services 0.4 Health Care 0.3 Materials 0.3 Industrials 0.2 Utilities 0.0* ------------------------------------------------------ Total Foreign Corporate Bonds & Notes 3.0 ------------------------------------------------------ U.S. Government Bonds & Notes 2.7 ------------------------------------------------------ Commercial Paper: Utilities 0.0* ------------------------------------------------------ Total Commercial Paper 0.0* ------------------------------------------------------ Total 100.0% ====== * Amount is less than 0.1%. (1) The credit quality and ratings information presented reflects the ratings assigned by one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs), including Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., Moody's Investors Service, Inc., Fitch Ratings or a comparably rated NRSRO. For situations in which a security is rated by more than one NRSRO and ratings are not equivalent, the highest rating is used. Sub-investment grade ratings are those rated BB+/Ba1 or lower. Investment grade ratings are those rated BBB-/Baa3 or higher. The credit ratings shown relate to the creditworthiness of the issuers of the underlying securities in the Fund, and not to the Fund or its shares. Credit ratings are subject to change. Page 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PERFORMANCE SUMMARY AND PORTFOLIO COMPONENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ RETURN COMPARISON PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 1 YEAR 5 YEAR SINCE INCEPTION INCEPTION SIX MONTH ANNUAL AVERAGE ANNUAL AVERAGE ANNUAL DATE TOTAL RETURN TOTAL RETURN TOTAL RETURN TOTAL RETURN ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO - CLASS I 5/1/14 11.08% 7.19% 3.82% 4.33% FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO - CLASS II 5/1/14 11.20% 7.46% 4.08% 4.58% Broad Blended Benchmark (a) 11.23% 8.81% 6.00% 6.30% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (b) 6.11% 7.87% 2.95% 3.04% Russell 3000(R) Index (c) 18.71% 8.98% 10.19% 10.83% Multi Asset Class Blended Benchmark (d) 12.19% 7.31% 3.93% 4.47% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (a) The Broad Blended Benchmark return is split between the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (60%) and the Russell 3000(R) Index (40%). (b) The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index represents the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market, with index components for government and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities, and asset-backed securities. Bonds included in the index are U.S. dollar denominated; have a fixed rate coupon; carry an investment-grade rating; have at least one year to final maturity; and meet certain criteria for minimum amount of outstanding par value. (The index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes). (c) The Russell 3000(R) Index is composed of 3,000 large U.S. companies, as determined by market capitalization. This index represents approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. (Bloomberg). (The index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes). (d) The Multi Asset Class Blended Benchmark is weighted to include nine indexes: Russell 3000(R) Index (15%), ICE BofAML Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index (8%), Alerian MLP Index (15%), S&P U.S. REIT Index (15%), ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index (8%), S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index (15%), Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate Investment-Grade Index (8%), ICE BofAML U.S. MBS Index (8%), and ICE BofAML U.S. Inflation-Linked Treasury Index (8%). The returns for the Fund do not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with variable products, such as mortality and expense risk charges, separate account charges, and sales charges or the effect of taxes. These expenses would reduce the overall returns shown. PERFORMANCE OF A $10,000 INITIAL INVESTMENT May 1, 2014 - June 30, 2019 First Trust Multi Broad Bloomberg Barclays Income Allocation Blended U.S. Aggregate Russell 3000(R) Multi Asset Class Portfolio - Class I Benchmark Bond Index Index Blended Benchmark 5/1/2014 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 6/30/2014 10,320 10,245 10,096 10,470 10,334 12/31/2014 10,457 10,582 10,295 11,020 10,428 6/30/2015 10,383 10,667 10,284 11,234 10,278 12/31/2015 10,119 10,662 10,354 11,073 9,933 6/30/2016 10,900 11,168 10,904 11,474 10,744 12/31/2016 11,057 11,384 10,628 12,483 10,958 6/30/2017 11,437 11,942 10,869 13,598 11,299 12/31/2017 11,725 12,556 11,004 15,121 11,585 6/30/2018 11,611 12,601 10,826 15,608 11,681 12/31/2018 11,205 12,328 11,006 14,328 11,173 6/30/2019 12,447 13,712 11,678 17,009 12,535 Page 7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PERFORMANCE SUMMARY AND PORTFOLIO COMPONENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) ------------------------------------------------------ % OF TOTAL TOP 10 HOLDINGS INVESTMENTS ------------------------------------------------------ First Trust Senior Loan Fund 13.8% First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF 9.0 First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF 6.8 iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF 5.9 iShares MBS ETF 5.1 First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF 2.3 Enterprise Products Partners, L.P. 1.7 Invesco Bulletshares 2020 Corporate Bond ETF 1.4 Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. 1.1 TC Energy Corp. 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------ Total 48.1% ====== ------------------------------------------------------ % OF TOTAL SECTOR ALLOCATION INVESTMENTS ------------------------------------------------------ Exchange-Traded Funds 44.7% ------------------------------------------------------ Common Stocks: Information Technology 4.0 Energy 4.0 Health Care 3.2 Utilities 3.2 Financials 2.1 Consumer Staples 1.9 Industrials 1.9 Consumer Discretionary 1.8 Materials 0.7 Communication Services 0.4 ------------------------------------------------------ Total Common Stocks 23.2 ------------------------------------------------------ U.S. Government Bonds & Notes 10.2 ------------------------------------------------------ Real Estate Investment Trusts: Financials 8.8 Total Real Estate Investment Trusts 8.8 Master Limited Partnerships: Energy 6.9 Utilities 0.6 Materials 0.3 ------------------------------------------------------ Total Master Limited Partnerships 7.8 ------------------------------------------------------ U.S. Government Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities 5.2 ------------------------------------------------------ Mortgage-Backed Securities 0.1 ------------------------------------------------------ Asset-Backed Securities 0.0* ------------------------------------------------------ Total 100.0% ====== * Amount is less than 0.1%. Page 8 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PERFORMANCE SUMMARY AND PORTFOLIO COMPONENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST DORSEY WRIGHT TACTICAL CORE PORTFOLIO SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ RETURN COMPARISON PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 1 YEAR SINCE INCEPTION INCEPTION SIX MONTH ANNUAL AVERAGE ANNUAL DATE TOTAL RETURN TOTAL RETURN TOTAL RETURN ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FIRST TRUST DORSEY WRIGHT TACTICAL CORE PORTFOLIO - CLASS I 10/30/15 16.55% 2.56% 6.58% FIRST TRUST DORSEY WRIGHT TACTICAL CORE PORTFOLIO - CLASS II 10/30/15 16.68% 2.73% 6.83% Broad Blended Benchmark (a) 13.64% 9.87% 8.72% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (b) 6.11% 7.87% 3.17% S&P 500(R) Index (c) 18.54% 10.42% 12.22% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (a) The Broad Blended Benchmark return is split between the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (40%) and the S&P 500(R) Index (60%). (b) The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index represents the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market, with index components for government and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities, and asset-backed securities. Bonds included in the index are U.S. dollar denominated; have a fixed rate coupon; carry an investment-grade rating; have at least one year to final maturity; and meet certain criteria for minimum amount of outstanding par value. (The index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes). (c) The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged index of 500 stocks used to measure large-cap U.S. stock market performance. (The index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes). The returns for the Fund do not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with variable products, such as mortality and expense risk charges, separate account charges, and sales charges or the effect of taxes. These expenses would reduce the overall returns shown. PERFORMANCE OF A $10,000 INITIAL INVESTMENT October 30, 2015 - June 30, 2019 First Trust Dorsey Wright Broad Bloomberg Barclays Tactical Core Portfolio - Blended U.S. Aggregate S&P 500(R) Class I Benchmark Bond Index Index 10/30/15 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 12/31/15 9,940 9,900 9,941 9,872 6/30/16 9,807 10,347 10,469 10,251 12/31/16 10,035 10,722 10,204 11,053 6/30/17 10,773 11,417 10,436 12,085 12/31/17 11,791 12,246 10,565 13,465 6/30/18 12,317 12,368 10,394 13,822 12/31/18 10,838 11,957 10,567 12,875 6/30/19 12,632 13,588 11,213 15,262 Page 9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PERFORMANCE SUMMARY AND PORTFOLIO COMPONENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST DORSEY WRIGHT TACTICAL CORE PORTFOLIO SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) ------------------------------------------------------ % OF TOTAL TOP 10 HOLDINGS INVESTMENTS ------------------------------------------------------ First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX(R) Fund 10.4% First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX(R) Fund 10.2 First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX(R) Fund 9.8 First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index Fund 9.3 First Trust Technology AlphaDEX(R) Fund 9.3 First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund 9.2 First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX(R) Fund 8.5 First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund 8.3 iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF 6.1 SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF 3.5 ------------------------------------------------------ Total 84.6% ====== Page 10 FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND EXPENSES JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) As a shareholder of First Trust/Dow Jones Dividend & Income Allocation Portfolio, First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio or First Trust Dorsey Wright Tactical Core Portfolio (each a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds"), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, if any; and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in U.S. dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the six-month period ended June 30, 2019. ACTUAL EXPENSES The first three columns of the table below provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in these columns, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the third column under the heading entitled "Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during the period. HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES The next three columns of the table below provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund's actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not each Fund's actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing cost of investing in the Funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or contingent deferred sales charges. Therefore, the hypothetical section of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher. HYPOTHETICAL ACTUAL EXPENSES (5% RETURN BEFORE EXPENSES) ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------- EXPENSES EXPENSES BEGINNING ENDING PAID DURING BEGINNING ENDING PAID DURING ANNUAL- ACCOUNT ACCOUNT PERIOD ACCOUNT ACCOUNT PERIOD IZED VALUE VALUE 1/1/2019- VALUE VALUE 1/1/2019- EXPENSE 1/1/2019 6/30/2019 6/30/2019 (a) 1/1/2019 6/30/2019 6/30/2019 (a) RATIO (b) --------- --------- ------------- --------- --------- ------------- ---------- First Trust/Dow Jones Dividend & Income Allocation Portfolio Class I ....................... $1,000.00 $1,140.80 $ 6.37 $1,000.00 $1,018.84 $ 6.01 1.20% Class II ...................... $1,000.00 $1,141.80 $ 5.04 $1,000.00 $1,020.08 $ 4.76 0.95% First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio (c) Class I ....................... $1,000.00 $1,110.80 $ 4.34 $1,000.00 $1,020.68 $ 4.16 0.83% Class II ...................... $1,000.00 $1,112.00 $ 3.04 $1,000.00 $1,021.92 $ 2.91 0.58% First Trust Dorsey Wright Tactical Core Portfolio (c) Class I ....................... $1,000.00 $1,165.50 $ 4.08 $1,000.00 $1,021.03 $ 3.81 0.76% Class II ...................... $1,000.00 $1,166.80 $ 2.74 $1,000.00 $1,022.27 $ 2.56 0.51% (a) Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio as indicated in the table multiplied by the average account value over the period (January 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019), multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the six-month period). (b) The expense ratios reflect an expense cap. First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio expense ratios reflect an additional waiver. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements. (c) Annualized expense ratio and expenses paid during the six-month period do not include fees and expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. Page 11 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- COMMON STOCKS - 56.2% AEROSPACE & DEFENSE - 2.5% 18,964 General Dynamics Corp........................................................ $ 3,448,034 33,839 HEICO Corp................................................................... 4,527,997 46,420 Hexcel Corp.................................................................. 3,754,450 15,495 Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc........................................... 3,482,346 11,908 Northrop Grumman Corp........................................................ 3,847,594 17,632 Raytheon Co.................................................................. 3,065,852 ------------- 22,126,273 ------------- AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS - 0.7% 42,298 Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.................................. 3,208,726 49,597 Forward Air Corp............................................................. 2,933,663 ------------- 6,142,389 ------------- AUTO COMPONENTS - 0.8% 155,241 Gentex Corp.................................................................. 3,820,481 23,656 Lear Corp.................................................................... 3,294,571 ------------- 7,115,052 ------------- BANKS - 4.1% 40,705 Bank of Hawaii Corp.......................................................... 3,374,852 59,265 Banner Corp.................................................................. 3,209,200 94,674 Cathay General Bancorp....................................................... 3,399,743 55,294 Commerce Bancshares, Inc..................................................... 3,298,840 33,072 Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.................................................... 3,097,523 229,641 First Horizon National Corp.................................................. 3,428,540 80,622 First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., Class A................................... 3,193,437 87,121 First Merchants Corp......................................................... 3,301,886 26,172 PNC Financial Services Group (The), Inc...................................... 3,592,892 66,619 US Bancorp................................................................... 3,490,836 70,697 Zions Bancorp N.A............................................................ 3,250,648 ------------- 36,638,397 ------------- BEVERAGES - 0.8% 18,309 Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A.......................................... 3,605,774 26,196 PepsiCo, Inc................................................................. 3,435,082 ------------- 7,040,856 ------------- BUILDING PRODUCTS - 0.7% 35,393 Allegion PLC................................................................. 3,912,696 60,211 AO Smith Corp................................................................ 2,839,551 ------------- 6,752,247 ------------- CAPITAL MARKETS - 3.4% 7,513 BlackRock, Inc............................................................... 3,525,851 75,079 Charles Schwab (The) Corp.................................................... 3,017,425 96,873 Franklin Resources, Inc...................................................... 3,371,181 70,019 Houlihan Lokey, Inc.......................................................... 3,117,946 42,164 Intercontinental Exchange, Inc............................................... 3,623,574 35,510 Northern Trust Corp.......................................................... 3,195,900 39,925 Raymond James Financial, Inc................................................. 3,375,659 61,443 SEI Investments Co........................................................... 3,446,952 32,065 T Rowe Price Group, Inc...................................................... 3,517,851 ------------- 30,192,339 ------------- Page 12 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) CHEMICALS - 1.9% 16,812 Air Products & Chemicals, Inc................................................ $ 3,805,732 32,557 Celanese Corp................................................................ 3,509,645 42,309 Eastman Chemical Co.......................................................... 3,292,909 38,183 LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Class A...................................... 3,288,702 28,443 PPG Industries, Inc.......................................................... 3,319,583 ------------- 17,216,571 ------------- COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES - 2.0% 15,885 Cintas Corp.................................................................. 3,769,352 77,136 Rollins, Inc................................................................. 2,766,868 53,874 Tetra Tech, Inc.............................................................. 4,231,803 20,914 UniFirst Corp................................................................ 3,943,753 30,895 Waste Management, Inc........................................................ 3,564,356 ------------- 18,276,132 ------------- COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT - 0.7% 59,463 Cisco Systems, Inc........................................................... 3,254,410 121,284 Juniper Networks, Inc........................................................ 3,229,793 ------------- 6,484,203 ------------- CONTAINERS & PACKAGING - 0.3% 32,304 Packaging Corp. of America................................................... 3,079,217 ------------- DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES - 0.8% 4,700 Graham Holdings Co., Class B................................................. 3,243,141 79,959 Service Corp. International.................................................. 3,740,482 ------------- 6,983,623 ------------- ELECTRIC UTILITIES - 0.7% 16,607 NextEra Energy, Inc.......................................................... 3,402,110 74,452 OGE Energy Corp.............................................................. 3,168,677 ------------- 6,570,787 ------------- ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - 0.8% 38,694 AMETEK, Inc.................................................................. 3,514,963 39,850 Eaton Corp PLC............................................................... 3,318,708 ------------- 6,833,671 ------------- ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS - 1.6% 33,994 Amphenol Corp., Class A...................................................... 3,261,384 33,313 CDW Corp..................................................................... 3,697,743 50,982 Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Class A............................................ 3,293,437 39,757 TE Connectivity, Ltd......................................................... 3,807,926 ------------- 14,060,490 ------------- ENTERTAINMENT - 0.4% 28,914 Walt Disney (The) Co......................................................... 4,037,551 ------------- EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - 1.1% 20,472 PS Business Parks, Inc....................................................... 3,450,146 14,742 Public Storage............................................................... 3,511,102 109,308 Weingarten Realty Investors.................................................. 2,997,226 ------------- 9,958,474 ------------- FOOD PRODUCTS - 1.7% 71,724 Hormel Foods Corp............................................................ 2,907,691 33,904 Ingredion, Inc............................................................... 2,796,741 See Notes to Financial Statements Page 13 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) FOOD PRODUCTS (CONTINUED) 20,211 J&J Snack Foods Corp......................................................... $ 3,252,960 20,490 Lancaster Colony Corp........................................................ 3,044,814 64,311 Mondelez International, Inc., Class A........................................ 3,466,363 ------------- 15,468,569 ------------- HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES - 1.1% 3,654 Atrion Corp.................................................................. 3,115,912 39,484 Baxter International, Inc.................................................... 3,233,740 16,252 Stryker Corp................................................................. 3,341,086 ------------- 9,690,738 ------------- HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES - 1.5% 10,030 Chemed Corp.................................................................. 3,619,225 12,069 Humana, Inc.................................................................. 3,201,906 35,702 Quest Diagnostics, Inc....................................................... 3,634,820 12,983 UnitedHealth Group, Inc...................................................... 3,167,982 ------------- 13,623,933 ------------- HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE - 1.7% 65,625 Cheesecake Factory (The), Inc................................................ 2,869,125 19,865 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc........................................ 3,391,551 26,430 Darden Restaurants, Inc...................................................... 3,217,324 73,582 International Speedway Corp., Class A........................................ 3,303,096 51,622 Texas Roadhouse, Inc......................................................... 2,770,553 ------------- 15,551,649 ------------- HOUSEHOLD DURABLES - 0.4% 77,583 DR Horton, Inc............................................................... 3,346,155 ------------- HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS - 0.3% 18,947 WD-40 Co..................................................................... 3,013,331 ------------- INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES - 1.1% 15,452 3M Co........................................................................ 2,678,450 20,200 Honeywell International, Inc................................................. 3,526,718 9,387 Roper Technologies, Inc...................................................... 3,438,082 ------------- 9,643,250 ------------- INSURANCE - 7.1% 64,209 Aflac, Inc................................................................... 3,519,295 34,087 Allstate (The) Corp.......................................................... 3,466,307 33,369 American Financial Group, Inc................................................ 3,419,321 72,258 Assured Guaranty, Ltd........................................................ 3,040,617 108,789 Brown & Brown, Inc........................................................... 3,644,431 80,039 Employers Holdings, Inc...................................................... 3,383,249 17,983 Erie Indemnity Co., Class A.................................................. 4,572,717 87,835 Fidelity National Financial, Inc............................................. 3,539,750 62,338 First American Financial Corp................................................ 3,347,551 64,569 Hartford Financial Services Group (The), Inc................................. 3,597,785 34,189 Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc................................................... 3,410,353 63,964 Principal Financial Group, Inc............................................... 3,704,795 44,533 Progressive (The) Corp....................................................... 3,559,523 22,612 Reinsurance Group of America, Inc............................................ 3,528,150 50,733 Selective Insurance Group, Inc............................................... 3,799,394 39,175 Torchmark Corp............................................................... 3,504,596 23,407 Travelers (The) Cos., Inc.................................................... 3,499,815 56,840 WR Berkley Corp.............................................................. 3,747,461 ------------- 64,285,110 ------------- Page 14 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) IT SERVICES - 3.1% 18,238 Accenture PLC, Class A....................................................... $ 3,369,835 20,097 Automatic Data Processing, Inc............................................... 3,322,637 30,961 Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.......................................... 3,953,101 23,138 Jack Henry & Associates, Inc................................................. 3,098,641 13,635 Mastercard, Inc., Class A.................................................... 3,606,867 45,229 MAXIMUS, Inc................................................................. 3,280,912 40,029 Paychex, Inc................................................................. 3,293,986 20,555 Visa, Inc., Class A.......................................................... 3,567,320 ------------- 27,493,299 ------------- LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES - 0.3% 39,940 Agilent Technologies, Inc.................................................... 2,982,320 ------------- MACHINERY - 3.4% 32,122 Alamo Group, Inc............................................................. 3,209,952 20,335 Cummins, Inc................................................................. 3,484,199 64,830 Graco, Inc................................................................... 3,253,169 22,367 Illinois Tool Works, Inc..................................................... 3,373,167 29,739 Ingersoll-Rand PLC........................................................... 3,767,039 38,278 Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc............................................... 3,151,045 47,114 PACCAR, Inc.................................................................. 3,376,189 20,512 Snap-on, Inc................................................................. 3,397,608 46,636 Toro (The) Co................................................................ 3,119,948 ------------- 30,132,316 ------------- MEDIA - 0.8% 152,803 Interpublic Group of (The) Cos., Inc......................................... 3,451,819 43,984 Omnicom Group, Inc........................................................... 3,604,489 ------------- 7,056,308 ------------- METALS & MINING - 0.4% 35,568 Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co................................................. 3,365,444 ------------- MORTGAGE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - 0.7% 441,593 MFA Financial, Inc........................................................... 3,170,638 237,278 Two Harbors Investment Corp.................................................. 3,006,312 ------------- 6,176,950 ------------- OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS - 0.3% 33,733 Phillips 66.................................................................. 3,155,385 ------------- PERSONAL PRODUCTS - 0.3% 42,315 Inter Parfums, Inc........................................................... 2,813,524 ------------- PHARMACEUTICALS - 1.1% 22,965 Johnson & Johnson............................................................ 3,198,565 75,592 Pfizer, Inc.................................................................. 3,274,646 31,890 Zoetis, Inc.................................................................. 3,619,196 ------------- 10,092,407 ------------- PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - 0.4% 55,620 Exponent, Inc................................................................ 3,255,995 ------------- ROAD & RAIL - 1.4% 29,348 Landstar System, Inc......................................................... 3,169,290 17,178 Norfolk Southern Corp........................................................ 3,424,091 19,201 Union Pacific Corp........................................................... 3,247,081 See Notes to Financial Statements Page 15 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) ROAD & RAIL (CONTINUED) 94,008 Werner Enterprises, Inc...................................................... $ 2,921,769 ------------- 12,762,231 ------------- SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT - 2.2% 10,677 Broadcom, Inc................................................................ 3,073,481 59,783 Intel Corp................................................................... 2,861,812 17,934 Lam Research Corp............................................................ 3,368,723 60,380 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc............................................... 3,611,932 23,695 Monolithic Power Systems, Inc................................................ 3,217,307 30,267 Texas Instruments, Inc....................................................... 3,473,441 ------------- 19,606,696 ------------- SOFTWARE - 0.4% 12,280 Intuit, Inc.................................................................. 3,209,132 ------------- SPECIALTY RETAIL - 1.5% 45,178 Best Buy Co., Inc............................................................ 3,150,262 16,731 Home Depot (The), Inc........................................................ 3,479,546 34,483 Ross Stores, Inc............................................................. 3,417,955 60,335 TJX (The) Cos., Inc.......................................................... 3,190,515 ------------- 13,238,278 ------------- TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS - 0.7% 31,852 Carter's, Inc................................................................ 3,106,844 30,816 Columbia Sportswear Co....................................................... 3,086,531 ------------- 6,193,375 ------------- TOBACCO - 0.3% 55,900 Altria Group, Inc............................................................ 2,646,865 ------------- TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS - 0.7% 38,815 MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A..................................... 2,882,402 22,418 Watsco, Inc.................................................................. 3,666,015 ------------- 6,548,417 ------------- TOTAL COMMON STOCKS.......................................................... 504,859,949 (Cost $442,251,320) ------------- PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES - 37.6% AEROSPACE & DEFENSE - 0.8% $ 500,000 Boeing (The) Co..................................... 3.45% 11/01/28 526,334 250,000 Boeing (The) Co..................................... 3.50% 03/01/39 250,285 308,000 Boeing (The) Co..................................... 3.38% 06/15/46 295,360 250,000 Boeing (The) Co..................................... 3.65% 03/01/47 252,269 500,000 Boeing (The) Co..................................... 3.63% 03/01/48 501,965 500,000 General Dynamics Corp............................... 3.38% 05/15/23 522,918 500,000 General Dynamics Corp............................... 3.50% 05/15/25 533,170 500,000 General Dynamics Corp............................... 3.75% 05/15/28 547,724 250,000 Lockheed Martin Corp................................ 3.55% 01/15/26 265,912 248,000 Lockheed Martin Corp................................ 4.09% 09/15/52 276,342 250,000 Northrop Grumman Corp............................... 2.08% 10/15/20 249,690 Page 16 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) AEROSPACE & DEFENSE (CONTINUED) $ 500,000 Northrop Grumman Corp............................... 2.55% 10/15/22 $ 501,232 250,000 Northrop Grumman Corp............................... 2.93% 01/15/25 254,801 500,000 Northrop Grumman Corp............................... 3.25% 01/15/28 513,722 500,000 Northrop Grumman Corp............................... 4.03% 10/15/47 534,199 750,000 United Technologies Corp............................ 3.35% 08/16/21 766,818 250,000 United Technologies Corp............................ 3.65% 08/16/23 262,000 250,000 United Technologies Corp............................ 3.95% 08/16/25 269,808 ------------- 7,324,549 ------------- AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS - 1.0% 850,000 FedEx Corp.......................................... 3.30% 03/15/27 872,213 500,000 FedEx Corp.......................................... 4.20% 10/17/28 546,205 648,000 FedEx Corp.......................................... 4.55% 04/01/46 663,824 550,000 FedEx Corp.......................................... 4.40% 01/15/47 548,698 500,000 FedEx Corp.......................................... 4.05% 02/15/48 481,535 500,000 FedEx Corp.......................................... 4.95% 10/17/48 546,844 1,000,000 United Parcel Service, Inc.......................... 2.05% 04/01/21 998,677 500,000 United Parcel Service, Inc.......................... 2.35% 05/16/22 503,204 545,000 United Parcel Service, Inc.......................... 2.45% 10/01/22 551,026 500,000 United Parcel Service, Inc.......................... 2.50% 04/01/23 505,729 250,000 United Parcel Service, Inc.......................... 2.80% 11/15/24 255,724 500,000 United Parcel Service, Inc.......................... 2.40% 11/15/26 494,401 250,000 United Parcel Service, Inc.......................... 3.05% 11/15/27 258,636 500,000 United Parcel Service, Inc.......................... 3.40% 03/15/29 529,044 500,000 United Parcel Service, Inc.......................... 3.40% 11/15/46 478,521 500,000 United Parcel Service, Inc.......................... 4.25% 03/15/49 549,316 ------------- 8,783,597 ------------- AIRLINES - 0.1% 420,000 Southwest Airlines Co............................... 2.65% 11/05/20 421,843 250,000 Southwest Airlines Co............................... 3.00% 11/15/26 250,054 ------------- 671,897 ------------- AUTO COMPONENTS - 0.1% 250,000 Lear Corp........................................... 4.25% 05/15/29 252,765 250,000 Lear Corp........................................... 5.25% 05/15/49 247,691 ------------- 500,456 ------------- AUTOMOBILES - 0.1% 250,000 General Motors Co................................... 5.00% 10/01/28 262,786 250,000 General Motors Co................................... 5.95% 04/01/49 262,333 ------------- 525,119 ------------- BANKS - 5.9% 600,000 Bank of America Corp................................ 2.63% 04/19/21 603,940 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 2.37% 07/21/21 499,543 250,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 2.33% 10/01/21 249,745 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 2.74% 01/23/22 502,362 250,000 Bank of America Corp................................ 2.50% 10/21/22 250,728 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 2.88% 04/24/23 505,488 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 2.82% 07/21/23 505,270 1,207,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 3.00% 12/20/23 1,229,828 250,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 3.55% 03/05/24 259,312 See Notes to Financial Statements Page 17 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) BANKS (CONTINUED) $ 450,000 Bank of America Corp................................ 4.00% 04/01/24 $ 479,849 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 3.86% 07/23/24 525,462 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 3.46% 03/15/25 519,333 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 3.09% 10/01/25 512,708 250,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 3.37% 01/23/26 258,162 400,000 Bank of America Corp................................ 4.45% 03/03/26 431,807 950,000 Bank of America Corp................................ 3.50% 04/19/26 995,665 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 3.56% 04/23/27 522,368 150,000 Bank of America Corp................................ 3.25% 10/21/27 153,813 250,000 Bank of America Corp................................ 4.18% 11/25/27 265,056 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 3.82% 01/20/28 529,691 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 3.71% 04/24/28 525,779 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 3.59% 07/21/28 521,744 1,091,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 3.42% 12/20/28 1,123,581 250,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 3.97% 03/05/29 267,419 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 4.27% 07/23/29 546,532 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 3.97% 02/07/30 536,381 250,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 4.24% 04/24/38 272,626 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 4.08% 04/23/40 534,153 225,000 Bank of America Corp................................ 5.88% 02/07/42 299,424 250,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 4.44% 01/20/48 284,337 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 3.95% 01/23/49 528,096 500,000 Bank of America Corp. (a)........................... 4.33% 03/15/50 558,247 250,000 Citibank N.A........................................ 3.40% 07/23/21 255,401 500,000 Citibank N.A. (a)................................... 3.17% 02/19/22 506,379 500,000 Citibank N.A. (a)................................... 2.84% 05/20/22 503,944 500,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 2.45% 01/10/20 500,142 250,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 2.40% 02/18/20 250,038 600,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 2.70% 03/30/21 603,286 350,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 2.35% 08/02/21 349,892 250,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 2.90% 12/08/21 252,687 775,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 4.50% 01/14/22 814,974 500,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 2.75% 04/25/22 504,769 500,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 2.70% 10/27/22 504,424 500,000 Citigroup, Inc. (a)................................. 2.88% 07/24/23 506,722 250,000 Citigroup, Inc. (a)................................. 4.04% 06/01/24 264,416 500,000 Citigroup, Inc. (a)................................. 3.35% 04/24/25 516,856 450,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 4.60% 03/09/26 487,276 300,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 3.40% 05/01/26 310,780 250,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 3.20% 10/21/26 255,185 300,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 4.30% 11/20/26 318,868 350,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 4.45% 09/29/27 377,418 500,000 Citigroup, Inc. (a)................................. 3.89% 01/10/28 529,398 1,000,000 Citigroup, Inc. (a)................................. 3.67% 07/24/28 1,044,449 500,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 4.13% 07/25/28 530,024 500,000 Citigroup, Inc. (a)................................. 3.52% 10/27/28 516,109 250,000 Citigroup, Inc. (a)................................. 4.08% 04/23/29 268,774 500,000 Citigroup, Inc. (a)................................. 3.98% 03/20/30 534,472 500,000 Citigroup, Inc. (a)................................. 3.88% 01/24/39 519,886 200,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 5.88% 01/30/42 264,470 100,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 6.68% 09/13/43 138,925 Page 18 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) BANKS (CONTINUED) $ 750,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 4.75% 05/18/46 $ 849,576 500,000 Citigroup, Inc. (a)................................. 4.28% 04/24/48 560,506 500,000 Citigroup, Inc...................................... 4.65% 07/23/48 582,590 250,000 Citizens Bank N.A................................... 3.25% 02/14/22 254,944 250,000 Comerica, Inc....................................... 4.00% 02/01/29 268,801 600,000 HSBC Bank USA N.A................................... 4.88% 08/24/20 616,713 250,000 Huntington National Bank (The)...................... 3.55% 10/06/23 261,891 150,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co................................. 2.55% 03/01/21 150,571 550,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co................................. 4.63% 05/10/21 572,732 450,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co................................. 2.40% 06/07/21 451,360 325,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co................................. 3.20% 01/25/23 333,729 500,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 3.21% 04/01/23 510,555 250,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 2.78% 04/25/23 252,575 500,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co................................. 2.70% 05/18/23 505,473 400,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co................................. 3.88% 02/01/24 425,063 250,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 3.56% 04/23/24 259,336 250,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 3.80% 07/23/24 262,337 850,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co................................. 3.30% 04/01/26 879,137 300,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co................................. 4.13% 12/15/26 321,147 250,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co................................. 3.63% 12/01/27 257,852 500,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 3.78% 02/01/28 530,475 500,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 3.54% 05/01/28 520,877 500,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 3.51% 01/23/29 520,240 250,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 4.01% 04/23/29 269,893 500,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 4.20% 07/23/29 547,117 500,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 3.70% 05/06/30 527,624 400,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co................................. 6.40% 05/15/38 552,597 250,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 3.88% 07/24/38 262,467 100,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co................................. 4.85% 02/01/44 119,241 150,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co................................. 4.95% 06/01/45 178,361 500,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 4.26% 02/22/48 551,827 500,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 4.03% 07/24/48 536,960 750,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 3.96% 11/15/48 796,984 500,000 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a)............................ 3.90% 01/23/49 524,973 500,000 JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. (a)........................ 2.60% 02/01/21 500,611 250,000 JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. (a)........................ 3.09% 04/26/21 251,443 333,000 JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., 3 Mo. LIBOR + 0.29% (b)... 2.87% 02/01/21 333,202 250,000 JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., 3 Mo. LIBOR + 0.34% (b)... 2.93% 04/26/21 250,345 500,000 Regions Bank........................................ 2.75% 04/01/21 502,140 500,000 Regions Financial Corp.............................. 3.80% 08/14/23 523,472 200,000 Wells Fargo & Co.................................... 2.15% 01/30/20 199,829 100,000 Wells Fargo & Co.................................... 2.55% 12/07/20 100,313 900,000 Wells Fargo & Co.................................... 3.00% 01/22/21 908,494 550,000 Wells Fargo & Co.................................... 2.50% 03/04/21 551,384 300,000 Wells Fargo & Co.................................... 2.10% 07/26/21 298,476 500,000 Wells Fargo & Co.................................... 2.63% 07/22/22 503,800 425,000 Wells Fargo & Co.................................... 3.30% 09/09/24 440,075 550,000 Wells Fargo & Co.................................... 3.00% 04/22/26 556,496 100,000 Wells Fargo & Co.................................... 4.10% 06/03/26 106,139 250,000 Wells Fargo & Co.................................... 3.00% 10/23/26 252,816 200,000 Wells Fargo & Co.................................... 4.30% 07/22/27 216,253 See Notes to Financial Statements Page 19 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) BANKS (CONTINUED) $ 500,000 Wells Fargo & Co. (a)............................... 3.58% 05/22/28 $ 522,449 100,000 Wells Fargo & Co.................................... 4.90% 11/17/45 116,303 275,000 Wells Fargo & Co.................................... 4.40% 06/14/46 297,354 750,000 Wells Fargo & Co.................................... 4.75% 12/07/46 856,145 250,000 Wells Fargo Bank N.A. (a)........................... 3.33% 07/23/21 252,434 1,000,000 Wells Fargo Bank N.A................................ 3.63% 10/22/21 1,028,591 200,000 Wells Fargo Bank N.A................................ 5.95% 08/26/36 255,613 ------------- 53,069,114 ------------- BEVERAGES - 0.9% 875,000 Anheuser-Busch Cos., LLC/Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc................................... 4.70% 02/01/36 961,337 1,100,000 Anheuser-Busch Cos., LLC/Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc................................... 4.90% 02/01/46 1,226,648 337,000 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Finance, Inc................... 2.65% 02/01/21 338,862 562,000 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Finance, Inc................... 3.30% 02/01/23 580,459 200,000 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Worldwide, Inc................. 2.50% 07/15/22 201,693 250,000 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Worldwide, Inc................. 3.50% 01/12/24 261,298 250,000 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Worldwide, Inc................. 4.15% 01/23/25 270,986 250,000 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Worldwide, Inc................. 4.75% 01/23/29 284,029 250,000 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Worldwide, Inc................. 4.90% 01/23/31 288,749 250,000 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Worldwide, Inc................. 4.38% 04/15/38 264,322 250,000 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Worldwide, Inc................. 4.60% 04/15/48 268,020 250,000 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Worldwide, Inc................. 5.55% 01/23/49 306,812 250,000 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Worldwide, Inc................. 4.75% 04/15/58 264,818 250,000 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Worldwide, Inc................. 5.80% 01/23/59 313,800 150,000 Coca-Cola (The) Co.................................. 1.88% 10/27/20 149,708 975,000 Coca-Cola (The) Co.................................. 3.20% 11/01/23 1,020,769 250,000 Constellation Brands, Inc........................... 3.20% 02/15/23 255,768 250,000 Constellation Brands, Inc........................... 4.10% 02/15/48 247,349 500,000 Constellation Brands, Inc........................... 5.25% 11/15/48 580,016 ------------- 8,085,443 ------------- BIOTECHNOLOGY - 0.5% 350,000 AbbVie, Inc......................................... 2.50% 05/14/20 350,025 250,000 AbbVie, Inc......................................... 3.38% 11/14/21 254,332 375,000 AbbVie, Inc......................................... 2.90% 11/06/22 377,763 250,000 AbbVie, Inc......................................... 3.75% 11/14/23 260,458 250,000 AbbVie, Inc......................................... 3.60% 05/14/25 258,504 250,000 AbbVie, Inc......................................... 4.25% 11/14/28 267,481 275,000 AbbVie, Inc......................................... 4.40% 11/06/42 271,574 300,000 AbbVie, Inc......................................... 4.70% 05/14/45 305,905 250,000 AbbVie, Inc......................................... 4.88% 11/14/48 263,540 450,000 Amgen, Inc.......................................... 2.70% 05/01/22 454,669 500,000 Amgen, Inc.......................................... 2.65% 05/11/22 503,992 200,000 Amgen, Inc.......................................... 3.63% 05/22/24 210,214 100,000 Amgen, Inc.......................................... 2.60% 08/19/26 98,542 500,000 Amgen, Inc.......................................... 3.20% 11/02/27 511,163 350,000 Amgen, Inc.......................................... 4.40% 05/01/45 372,391 ------------- 4,760,553 ------------- Page 20 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) BUILDING PRODUCTS - 0.0% $ 250,000 Owens Corning....................................... 4.30% 07/15/47 $ 211,371 ------------- CAPITAL MARKETS - 2.4% 500,000 Goldman Sachs Bank USA.............................. 3.20% 06/05/20 504,345 500,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc...................... 2.60% 04/23/20 501,031 700,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc...................... 2.63% 04/25/21 702,605 500,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc...................... 2.35% 11/15/21 499,696 500,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc...................... 3.00% 04/26/22 504,906 500,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc. (a)................. 2.88% 10/31/22 504,272 700,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc...................... 3.63% 01/22/23 726,714 250,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc. (a)................. 2.91% 06/05/23 252,823 500,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc. (a)................. 2.91% 07/24/23 505,108 500,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc...................... 3.63% 02/20/24 522,019 600,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc...................... 4.00% 03/03/24 637,082 150,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc...................... 3.50% 01/23/25 155,289 500,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc. (a)................. 3.27% 09/29/25 512,066 600,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc...................... 4.25% 10/21/25 636,755 550,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc...................... 3.75% 02/25/26 574,556 500,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc...................... 3.50% 11/16/26 512,744 750,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc...................... 3.85% 01/26/27 784,510 250,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc. (a)................. 3.69% 06/05/28 258,404 500,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc. (a)................. 3.81% 04/23/29 523,012 500,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc. (a)................. 4.22% 05/01/29 536,691 500,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc. (a)................. 4.02% 10/31/38 517,388 500,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc. (a)................. 4.41% 04/23/39 541,854 400,000 Goldman Sachs Group (The), Inc...................... 6.25% 02/01/41 537,112 400,000 Morgan Stanley...................................... 2.65% 01/27/20 400,514 1,000,000 Morgan Stanley...................................... 2.50% 04/21/21 1,002,207 550,000 Morgan Stanley...................................... 5.50% 07/28/21 584,539 500,000 Morgan Stanley...................................... 2.63% 11/17/21 503,216 500,000 Morgan Stanley...................................... 2.75% 05/19/22 505,441 500,000 Morgan Stanley...................................... 3.13% 01/23/23 511,635 300,000 Morgan Stanley...................................... 3.75% 02/25/23 313,599 500,000 Morgan Stanley (a).................................. 3.74% 04/24/24 521,549 450,000 Morgan Stanley...................................... 3.88% 04/29/24 477,261 800,000 Morgan Stanley...................................... 3.88% 01/27/26 851,101 250,000 Morgan Stanley...................................... 4.35% 09/08/26 268,297 250,000 Morgan Stanley...................................... 3.63% 01/20/27 262,618 500,000 Morgan Stanley (a).................................. 3.59% 07/22/28 521,044 500,000 Morgan Stanley (a).................................. 3.77% 01/24/29 524,993 500,000 Morgan Stanley (a).................................. 4.43% 01/23/30 553,565 500,000 Morgan Stanley (a).................................. 3.97% 07/22/38 524,645 500,000 Morgan Stanley (a).................................. 4.46% 04/22/39 551,729 350,000 Morgan Stanley...................................... 6.38% 07/24/42 489,273 100,000 Morgan Stanley...................................... 4.30% 01/27/45 109,997 250,000 Morgan Stanley...................................... 4.38% 01/22/47 278,691 ------------- 21,706,896 ------------- CHEMICALS - 0.5% 500,000 Celanese US Holdings LLC............................ 3.50% 05/08/24 513,624 200,000 Dow Chemical (The) Co............................... 3.00% 11/15/22 202,884 See Notes to Financial Statements Page 21 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) CHEMICALS (CONTINUED) $ 250,000 Dow Chemical (The) Co. (c).......................... 3.15% 05/15/24 $ 255,148 250,000 Dow Chemical (The) Co. (c).......................... 4.80% 05/15/49 270,009 500,000 DuPont de Nemours, Inc.............................. 4.21% 11/15/23 535,574 500,000 DuPont de Nemours, Inc.............................. 4.49% 11/15/25 553,703 500,000 DuPont de Nemours, Inc.............................. 4.73% 11/15/28 566,656 500,000 DuPont de Nemours, Inc.............................. 5.32% 11/15/38 588,075 500,000 DuPont de Nemours, Inc.............................. 5.42% 11/15/48 608,377 250,000 Huntsman International LLC.......................... 4.50% 05/01/29 258,227 ------------- 4,352,277 ------------- COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT - 0.2% 800,000 Cisco Systems, Inc.................................. 2.20% 09/20/23 803,474 500,000 Cisco Systems, Inc.................................. 3.63% 03/04/24 533,862 100,000 Cisco Systems, Inc.................................. 2.95% 02/28/26 103,180 200,000 Cisco Systems, Inc.................................. 2.50% 09/20/26 201,427 225,000 Cisco Systems, Inc.................................. 5.90% 02/15/39 307,887 250,000 Motorola Solutions, Inc............................. 4.60% 05/23/29 261,712 ------------- 2,211,542 ------------- CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS - 0.0% 250,000 Vulcan Materials Co................................. 4.50% 06/15/47 241,261 ------------- CONSUMER FINANCE - 1.6% 250,000 American Express Co................................. 2.20% 10/30/20 249,755 250,000 American Express Co................................. 3.00% 02/22/21 252,816 250,000 American Express Co................................. 2.50% 08/01/22 251,681 250,000 American Express Co................................. 3.70% 08/03/23 262,604 250,000 American Express Co................................. 3.40% 02/22/24 260,994 500,000 American Express Co................................. 3.00% 10/30/24 512,900 450,000 American Express Co................................. 3.63% 12/05/24 472,826 250,000 American Express Co................................. 4.20% 11/06/25 273,257 250,000 American Express Credit Corp........................ 2.20% 03/03/20 249,791 150,000 American Express Credit Corp........................ 2.60% 09/14/20 150,592 575,000 American Express Credit Corp........................ 2.25% 05/05/21 575,353 250,000 American Express Credit Corp........................ 2.70% 03/03/22 252,765 500,000 Capital One Financial Corp.......................... 3.30% 10/30/24 513,234 250,000 Capital One Financial Corp.......................... 4.25% 04/30/25 268,118 500,000 Capital One Financial Corp.......................... 3.80% 01/31/28 517,219 500,000 Capital One N.A..................................... 2.65% 08/08/22 502,839 250,000 Caterpillar Financial Services Corp................. 1.85% 09/04/20 249,173 1,039,000 Caterpillar Financial Services Corp................. 1.70% 08/09/21 1,028,413 1,000,000 Caterpillar Financial Services Corp................. 2.55% 11/29/22 1,012,600 500,000 Caterpillar Financial Services Corp................. 2.85% 05/17/24 510,177 500,000 Discover Bank....................................... 3.35% 02/06/23 512,039 250,000 Discover Bank....................................... 4.65% 09/13/28 273,646 500,000 Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC.......................... 2.98% 08/03/22 494,894 250,000 Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC.......................... 5.58% 03/18/24 268,525 500,000 Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC.......................... 3.82% 11/02/27 478,494 500,000 Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC.......................... 5.11% 05/03/29 511,091 250,000 General Motors Financial Co., Inc................... 2.65% 04/13/20 249,969 250,000 General Motors Financial Co., Inc................... 2.45% 11/06/20 249,230 250,000 General Motors Financial Co., Inc................... 3.20% 07/06/21 252,277 Page 22 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) CONSUMER FINANCE (CONTINUED) $ 500,000 General Motors Financial Co., Inc................... 4.20% 11/06/21 $ 515,015 250,000 General Motors Financial Co., Inc................... 3.55% 07/08/22 254,571 250,000 General Motors Financial Co., Inc................... 5.10% 01/17/24 267,516 250,000 General Motors Financial Co., Inc................... 3.50% 11/07/24 249,690 200,000 General Motors Financial Co., Inc................... 5.25% 03/01/26 214,704 100,000 General Motors Financial Co., Inc................... 4.00% 10/06/26 100,919 250,000 General Motors Financial Co., Inc................... 4.35% 01/17/27 254,879 250,000 General Motors Financial Co., Inc................... 3.85% 01/05/28 244,721 500,000 Synchrony Financial................................. 4.38% 03/19/24 523,921 500,000 Synchrony Financial................................. 5.15% 03/19/29 539,252 ------------- 14,822,460 ------------- CONTAINERS & PACKAGING - 0.2% 350,000 International Paper Co.............................. 4.40% 08/15/47 341,902 250,000 WRKCo, Inc.......................................... 3.00% 09/15/24 252,585 250,000 WRKCo, Inc.......................................... 3.38% 09/15/27 250,628 500,000 WRKCo, Inc.......................................... 3.90% 06/01/28 514,481 250,000 WRKCo, Inc.......................................... 4.90% 03/15/29 273,535 250,000 WRKCo, Inc.......................................... 4.20% 06/01/32 258,494 ------------- 1,891,625 ------------- DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES - 0.3% 250,000 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corp..................... 4.20% 08/15/48 280,064 500,000 Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corp..................... 4.25% 01/15/49 563,630 125,000 Berkshire Hathaway, Inc............................. 2.75% 03/15/23 127,105 425,000 Berkshire Hathaway, Inc............................. 3.13% 03/15/26 440,328 250,000 Dell International LLC/EMC Corp. (c)................ 4.42% 06/15/21 257,691 250,000 Dell International LLC/EMC Corp. (c)................ 4.00% 07/15/24 256,718 500,000 Dell International LLC/EMC Corp. (c)................ 4.90% 10/01/26 522,098 250,000 Dell International LLC/EMC Corp. (c)................ 5.30% 10/01/29 263,675 250,000 Dell International LLC/EMC Corp. (c)................ 8.35% 07/15/46 316,028 ------------- 3,027,337 ------------- DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES - 1.2% 300,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 2.45% 06/30/20 299,934 250,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 3.20% 03/01/22 255,416 250,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 3.80% 03/01/24 263,167 150,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 3.90% 03/11/24 158,373 350,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 3.40% 05/15/25 360,095 650,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 4.13% 02/17/26 691,976 545,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 4.10% 02/15/28 577,137 500,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 4.35% 03/01/29 539,001 462,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 4.30% 02/15/30 494,923 250,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 5.25% 03/01/37 280,983 500,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 4.85% 03/01/39 537,602 425,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 4.80% 06/15/44 449,292 250,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 4.35% 06/15/45 250,344 250,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 4.75% 05/15/46 264,428 550,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 5.65% 02/15/47 646,235 250,000 AT&T, Inc........................................... 5.70% 03/01/57 294,745 100,000 Verizon Communications, Inc......................... 2.63% 08/15/26 99,437 250,000 Verizon Communications, Inc......................... 4.13% 03/16/27 272,131 See Notes to Financial Statements Page 23 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES (CONTINUED) $ 250,000 Verizon Communications, Inc......................... 3.88% 02/08/29 $ 268,388 1,119,000 Verizon Communications, Inc. (c).................... 4.02% 12/03/29 1,212,606 231,000 Verizon Communications, Inc......................... 4.27% 01/15/36 250,588 298,000 Verizon Communications, Inc......................... 4.13% 08/15/46 311,566 750,000 Verizon Communications, Inc......................... 4.86% 08/21/46 874,471 250,000 Verizon Communications, Inc......................... 4.52% 09/15/48 280,532 249,000 Verizon Communications, Inc......................... 5.01% 08/21/54 298,482 272,000 Verizon Communications, Inc......................... 4.67% 03/15/55 308,895 ------------- 10,540,747 ------------- ELECTRIC UTILITIES - 3.9% 500,000 AEP Texas, Inc...................................... 2.40% 10/01/22 501,864 500,000 AEP Texas, Inc...................................... 3.80% 10/01/47 507,067 500,000 AEP Texas, Inc...................................... 4.15% 05/01/49 541,880 750,000 AEP Transmission Co., LLC........................... 3.10% 12/01/26 762,717 250,000 AEP Transmission Co., LLC........................... 4.00% 12/01/46 261,971 500,000 AEP Transmission Co., LLC........................... 3.75% 12/01/47 514,380 500,000 AEP Transmission Co., LLC........................... 4.25% 09/15/48 549,464 250,000 Alabama Power Co.................................... 2.45% 03/30/22 251,185 250,000 Alabama Power Co.................................... 3.70% 12/01/47 253,422 250,000 American Electric Power Co., Inc.................... 2.95% 12/15/22 254,000 500,000 American Electric Power Co., Inc.................... 3.20% 11/13/27 510,653 300,000 Appalachian Power Co................................ 4.40% 05/15/44 326,786 250,000 Appalachian Power Co................................ 4.50% 03/01/49 281,178 500,000 Atlantic City Electric Co........................... 4.00% 10/15/28 549,287 250,000 Baltimore Gas & Electric Co......................... 2.40% 08/15/26 245,059 250,000 Baltimore Gas & Electric Co......................... 3.50% 08/15/46 247,371 250,000 Baltimore Gas & Electric Co......................... 3.75% 08/15/47 255,741 240,000 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC............. 2.25% 08/01/22 239,623 250,000 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC............. 2.40% 09/01/26 245,350 500,000 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC............. 3.00% 02/01/27 510,205 295,000 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC............. 4.50% 04/01/44 339,588 250,000 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC............. 3.95% 03/01/48 267,352 500,000 CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC............. 4.25% 02/01/49 567,492 500,000 Cleveland Electric Illuminating (The) Co. (c)....... 3.50% 04/01/28 508,083 500,000 Cleveland Electric Illuminating (The) Co. (c)....... 4.55% 11/15/30 551,006 300,000 Commonwealth Edison Co.............................. 3.40% 09/01/21 306,648 200,000 Commonwealth Edison Co.............................. 2.55% 06/15/26 199,097 250,000 Commonwealth Edison Co.............................. 2.95% 08/15/27 253,732 250,000 Commonwealth Edison Co.............................. 3.70% 08/15/28 268,934 300,000 Commonwealth Edison Co.............................. 3.70% 03/01/45 305,569 400,000 Commonwealth Edison Co.............................. 3.65% 06/15/46 407,068 500,000 Commonwealth Edison Co.............................. 3.75% 08/15/47 518,997 250,000 Commonwealth Edison Co.............................. 4.00% 03/01/48 271,675 500,000 Commonwealth Edison Co.............................. 4.00% 03/01/49 537,970 100,000 Duke Energy Carolinas LLC........................... 2.50% 03/15/23 100,966 500,000 Duke Energy Carolinas LLC........................... 3.05% 03/15/23 514,182 250,000 Duke Energy Corp.................................... 1.80% 09/01/21 247,338 300,000 Duke Energy Corp.................................... 3.55% 09/15/21 306,781 500,000 Duke Energy Corp.................................... 2.40% 08/15/22 500,024 Page 24 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) ELECTRIC UTILITIES (CONTINUED) $ 250,000 Duke Energy Corp.................................... 3.15% 08/15/27 $ 253,818 500,000 Duke Energy Corp.................................... 3.40% 06/15/29 511,778 950,000 Duke Energy Corp.................................... 3.75% 09/01/46 927,769 500,000 Duke Energy Corp.................................... 3.95% 08/15/47 506,355 500,000 Duke Energy Corp.................................... 4.20% 06/15/49 526,982 87,500 Duke Energy Florida LLC............................. 2.10% 12/15/19 87,359 500,000 Duke Energy Florida LLC............................. 3.20% 01/15/27 516,196 250,000 Duke Energy Florida LLC............................. 3.80% 07/15/28 269,572 250,000 Duke Energy Florida LLC............................. 3.40% 10/01/46 244,493 250,000 Duke Energy Florida LLC............................. 4.20% 07/15/48 277,401 500,000 Duke Energy Progress LLC............................ 3.45% 03/15/29 527,607 250,000 Duke Energy Progress LLC............................ 3.70% 10/15/46 254,365 250,000 Duke Energy Progress LLC............................ 3.60% 09/15/47 249,924 575,000 Exelon Corp......................................... 5.15% 12/01/20 592,719 200,000 Exelon Corp......................................... 2.45% 04/15/21 200,011 500,000 Exelon Corp......................................... 3.50% 06/01/22 512,427 250,000 Exelon Corp......................................... 4.45% 04/15/46 266,444 210,000 Florida Power & Light Co............................ 4.05% 06/01/42 229,899 250,000 Florida Power & Light Co............................ 3.95% 03/01/48 274,014 500,000 Florida Power & Light Co............................ 3.99% 03/01/49 549,197 250,000 Indiana Michigan Power Co........................... 3.85% 05/15/28 268,533 100,000 Indiana Michigan Power Co........................... 4.55% 03/15/46 112,601 500,000 Indiana Michigan Power Co........................... 3.75% 07/01/47 506,693 250,000 Indiana Michigan Power Co........................... 4.25% 08/15/48 275,527 500,000 Jersey Central Power & Light Co. (c)................ 4.30% 01/15/26 537,324 410,000 Metropolitan Edison Co. (c)......................... 3.50% 03/15/23 423,128 500,000 Metropolitan Edison Co. (c)......................... 4.30% 01/15/29 545,549 500,000 Oncor Electric Delivery Co., LLC (c)................ 2.75% 06/01/24 509,702 250,000 PECO Energy Co...................................... 3.70% 09/15/47 256,941 500,000 PECO Energy Co...................................... 3.90% 03/01/48 527,475 100,000 Public Service Electric & Gas Co.................... 1.90% 03/15/21 99,708 500,000 Public Service Electric & Gas Co.................... 3.25% 09/01/23 519,154 550,000 Public Service Electric & Gas Co.................... 2.25% 09/15/26 534,350 250,000 Public Service Electric & Gas Co.................... 3.00% 05/15/27 254,712 500,000 Public Service Electric & Gas Co.................... 3.65% 09/01/28 536,457 250,000 Public Service Electric & Gas Co.................... 3.20% 05/15/29 258,921 275,000 Public Service Electric & Gas Co.................... 3.95% 05/01/42 296,842 100,000 Public Service Electric & Gas Co.................... 3.80% 03/01/46 105,569 500,000 Public Service Electric & Gas Co.................... 3.60% 12/01/47 512,287 250,000 Public Service Electric & Gas Co.................... 4.05% 05/01/48 273,713 250,000 Public Service Electric & Gas Co.................... 3.85% 05/01/49 268,446 250,000 Southern (The) Co................................... 3.25% 07/01/26 254,104 500,000 Southwestern Electric Power Co...................... 2.75% 10/01/26 487,556 100,000 Southwestern Electric Power Co...................... 6.20% 03/15/40 128,491 500,000 Tampa Electric Co................................... 4.45% 06/15/49 558,423 500,000 Virginia Electric & Power Co........................ 2.75% 03/15/23 507,429 200,000 Virginia Electric & Power Co........................ 3.45% 02/15/24 208,498 450,000 Virginia Electric & Power Co........................ 2.95% 11/15/26 457,907 250,000 Virginia Electric & Power Co........................ 3.50% 03/15/27 263,661 475,000 Virginia Electric & Power Co........................ 4.45% 02/15/44 537,284 See Notes to Financial Statements Page 25 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) ELECTRIC UTILITIES (CONTINUED) $ 250,000 Virginia Electric & Power Co........................ 4.00% 11/15/46 $ 264,409 250,000 Virginia Electric & Power Co........................ 3.80% 09/15/47 257,091 500,000 Virginia Electric & Power Co........................ 4.60% 12/01/48 576,678 ------------- 34,685,198 ------------- ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - 0.1% 250,000 Rockwell Automation, Inc............................ 3.50% 03/01/29 265,895 250,000 Rockwell Automation, Inc............................ 4.20% 03/01/49 279,427 ------------- 545,322 ------------- ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES - 0.0% 250,000 Halliburton Co...................................... 5.00% 11/15/45 273,168 ------------- ENTERTAINMENT - 0.2% 150,000 TWDC Enterprises 18 Corp............................ 3.00% 02/13/26 156,252 350,000 TWDC Enterprises 18 Corp............................ 1.85% 07/30/26 339,501 500,000 TWDC Enterprises 18 Corp............................ 2.95% 06/15/27 522,307 475,000 TWDC Enterprises 18 Corp............................ 4.13% 06/01/44 541,271 ------------- 1,559,331 ------------- FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING - 0.7% 250,000 Walmart, Inc........................................ 3.13% 06/23/21 255,540 1,000,000 Walmart, Inc........................................ 2.35% 12/15/22 1,011,903 250,000 Walmart, Inc........................................ 3.40% 06/26/23 262,930 325,000 Walmart, Inc........................................ 3.30% 04/22/24 341,887 500,000 Walmart, Inc........................................ 2.85% 07/08/24 516,933 500,000 Walmart, Inc........................................ 2.65% 12/15/24 511,171 250,000 Walmart, Inc........................................ 3.55% 06/26/25 267,335 500,000 Walmart, Inc........................................ 3.05% 07/08/26 524,218 250,000 Walmart, Inc........................................ 3.70% 06/26/28 273,041 500,000 Walmart, Inc........................................ 3.25% 07/08/29 527,613 250,000 Walmart, Inc........................................ 3.95% 06/28/38 278,885 1,000,000 Walmart, Inc........................................ 3.63% 12/15/47 1,070,766 250,000 Walmart, Inc........................................ 4.05% 06/29/48 286,851 ------------- 6,129,073 ------------- FOOD PRODUCTS - 0.7% 500,000 Conagra Brands, Inc................................. 3.80% 10/22/21 514,100 500,000 Conagra Brands, Inc................................. 4.30% 05/01/24 530,770 500,000 Conagra Brands, Inc................................. 4.60% 11/01/25 544,728 500,000 Conagra Brands, Inc................................. 4.85% 11/01/28 555,016 500,000 Conagra Brands, Inc................................. 5.30% 11/01/38 543,356 500,000 Conagra Brands, Inc................................. 5.40% 11/01/48 549,576 500,000 Mars, Inc. (c)...................................... 2.70% 04/01/25 510,531 500,000 Mars, Inc. (c)...................................... 3.20% 04/01/30 519,996 500,000 Mars, Inc. (c)...................................... 3.95% 04/01/49 538,783 250,000 Nestle Holdings, Inc. (c)........................... 3.10% 09/24/21 255,280 250,000 Nestle Holdings, Inc. (c)........................... 3.35% 09/24/23 260,786 250,000 Nestle Holdings, Inc. (c)........................... 3.50% 09/24/25 265,665 250,000 Nestle Holdings, Inc. (c)........................... 3.90% 09/24/38 272,768 250,000 Nestle Holdings, Inc. (c)........................... 4.00% 09/24/48 277,618 250,000 Tyson Foods, Inc.................................... 4.55% 06/02/47 261,892 ------------- 6,400,865 ------------- Page 26 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) GAS UTILITIES - 0.2% $ 500,000 CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp................... 3.55% 04/01/23 $ 515,508 500,000 CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp................... 4.00% 04/01/28 533,017 500,000 Piedmont Natural Gas Co., Inc....................... 3.50% 06/01/29 523,840 500,000 Southern Co. Gas Capital Corp....................... 4.40% 05/30/47 529,663 ------------- 2,102,028 ------------- HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES - 0.8% 250,000 Abbott Laboratories................................. 2.90% 11/30/21 254,237 350,000 Abbott Laboratories................................. 3.40% 11/30/23 365,153 282,000 Abbott Laboratories................................. 3.75% 11/30/26 305,148 1,100,000 Abbott Laboratories................................. 4.90% 11/30/46 1,361,204 550,000 Becton Dickinson and Co............................. 3.36% 06/06/24 566,848 522,000 Becton Dickinson and Co............................. 3.70% 06/06/27 545,534 800,000 Becton Dickinson and Co............................. 4.67% 06/06/47 897,572 250,000 Boston Scientific Corp.............................. 3.45% 03/01/24 261,111 250,000 Boston Scientific Corp.............................. 3.75% 03/01/26 266,115 250,000 Boston Scientific Corp.............................. 4.00% 03/01/29 270,669 250,000 Boston Scientific Corp.............................. 4.55% 03/01/39 276,675 250,000 Boston Scientific Corp.............................. 4.70% 03/01/49 287,325 750,000 Medtronic, Inc...................................... 3.15% 03/15/22 771,340 600,000 Medtronic, Inc...................................... 3.50% 03/15/25 636,809 201,000 Medtronic, Inc...................................... 4.63% 03/15/45 243,817 ------------- 7,309,557 ------------- HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES - 1.9% 250,000 Anthem, Inc......................................... 4.55% 03/01/48 272,776 500,000 Cigna Corp. (c)..................................... 3.20% 09/17/20 504,725 500,000 Cigna Corp. (c)..................................... 3.40% 09/17/21 509,916 500,000 Cigna Corp. (c)..................................... 3.75% 07/15/23 520,920 500,000 Cigna Corp. (c)..................................... 4.13% 11/15/25 532,894 500,000 Cigna Corp. (c)..................................... 4.80% 08/15/38 539,852 750,000 CVS Health Corp..................................... 3.13% 03/09/20 753,025 750,000 CVS Health Corp..................................... 3.35% 03/09/21 760,667 600,000 CVS Health Corp..................................... 2.13% 06/01/21 596,218 500,000 CVS Health Corp..................................... 3.70% 03/09/23 517,421 700,000 CVS Health Corp..................................... 4.00% 12/05/23 733,111 500,000 CVS Health Corp..................................... 4.10% 03/25/25 527,699 178,000 CVS Health Corp..................................... 3.88% 07/20/25 186,013 150,000 CVS Health Corp..................................... 2.88% 06/01/26 147,210 500,000 CVS Health Corp..................................... 4.30% 03/25/28 527,689 350,000 CVS Health Corp..................................... 4.78% 03/25/38 365,692 1,000,000 CVS Health Corp..................................... 5.05% 03/25/48 1,066,760 250,000 HCA, Inc............................................ 4.13% 06/15/29 257,508 250,000 HCA, Inc............................................ 5.13% 06/15/39 260,736 250,000 HCA, Inc............................................ 5.25% 06/15/49 260,917 500,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 1.95% 10/15/20 498,065 275,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 4.70% 02/15/21 284,070 100,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 2.13% 03/15/21 99,847 550,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 2.88% 12/15/21 558,336 500,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 2.38% 10/15/22 501,670 250,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 3.50% 02/15/24 262,252 See Notes to Financial Statements Page 27 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES (CONTINUED) $ 100,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 3.75% 07/15/25 $ 106,892 250,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 3.70% 12/15/25 266,464 250,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 3.10% 03/15/26 257,694 500,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 3.45% 01/15/27 526,551 500,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 3.38% 04/15/27 522,563 500,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 2.95% 10/15/27 508,945 250,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 3.88% 12/15/28 272,952 150,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 6.88% 02/15/38 217,146 573,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 4.75% 07/15/45 679,592 500,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 4.20% 01/15/47 547,285 500,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 4.25% 04/15/47 550,644 250,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 3.75% 10/15/47 256,644 250,000 UnitedHealth Group, Inc............................. 4.45% 12/15/48 288,301 ------------- 17,047,662 ------------- HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE - 0.1% 250,000 McDonald's Corp..................................... 3.35% 04/01/23 259,654 250,000 McDonald's Corp..................................... 3.80% 04/01/28 268,662 100,000 McDonald's Corp..................................... 4.88% 12/09/45 114,966 250,000 McDonald's Corp..................................... 4.45% 09/01/48 274,554 ------------- 917,836 ------------- HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS - 0.2% 250,000 Procter & Gamble (The) Co........................... 1.70% 11/03/21 248,368 500,000 Procter & Gamble (The) Co........................... 2.15% 08/11/22 502,982 250,000 Procter & Gamble (The) Co........................... 2.45% 11/03/26 250,813 500,000 Procter & Gamble (The) Co........................... 2.85% 08/11/27 518,640 250,000 Procter & Gamble (The) Co........................... 3.50% 10/25/47 266,845 ------------- 1,787,648 ------------- INDEPENDENT POWER AND RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCERS - 0.2% 500,000 NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc................ 2.80% 01/15/23 503,848 500,000 NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc................ 3.15% 04/01/24 514,406 500,000 NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc................ 3.55% 05/01/27 522,434 500,000 NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc................ 3.50% 04/01/29 520,524 ------------- 2,061,212 ------------- INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES - 0.3% 250,000 3M Co............................................... 2.75% 03/01/22 254,211 250,000 3M Co............................................... 3.25% 02/14/24 261,341 500,000 Baker Hughes a GE Co., LLC/Baker Hughes Co-Obligor, Inc.............................................. 2.77% 12/15/22 505,730 500,000 Baker Hughes a GE Co., LLC/Baker Hughes Co-Obligor, Inc.............................................. 3.34% 12/15/27 503,849 500,000 Baker Hughes a GE Co., LLC/Baker Hughes Co-Obligor, Inc.............................................. 4.08% 12/15/47 484,830 425,000 General Electric Co................................. 4.50% 03/11/44 413,010 ------------- 2,422,971 ------------- INSURANCE - 0.6% 300,000 AIG Global Funding (c).............................. 2.15% 07/02/20 299,233 400,000 American International Group, Inc................... 3.38% 08/15/20 404,458 200,000 American International Group, Inc................... 4.13% 02/15/24 212,072 100,000 American International Group, Inc................... 3.90% 04/01/26 104,744 250,000 American International Group, Inc................... 4.25% 03/15/29 268,777 300,000 American International Group, Inc................... 6.25% 05/01/36 375,102 Page 28 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) INSURANCE (CONTINUED) $ 500,000 Aon Corp............................................ 3.75% 05/02/29 $ 521,585 250,000 CNA Financial Corp.................................. 3.90% 05/01/29 263,130 750,000 Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.......................... 4.38% 03/15/29 828,153 250,000 Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.......................... 4.90% 03/15/49 296,550 300,000 MetLife, Inc........................................ 4.88% 11/13/43 357,113 275,000 Prudential Financial, Inc........................... 4.60% 05/15/44 316,959 500,000 Travelers (The) Cos., Inc........................... 4.00% 05/30/47 553,807 250,000 Travelers (The) Cos., Inc........................... 4.05% 03/07/48 277,798 500,000 Travelers (The) Cos., Inc........................... 4.10% 03/04/49 565,349 ------------- 5,644,830 ------------- IT SERVICES - 1.1% 500,000 Fiserv, Inc......................................... 2.75% 07/01/24 505,033 500,000 Fiserv, Inc......................................... 3.20% 07/01/26 511,129 500,000 Fiserv, Inc......................................... 3.50% 07/01/29 515,001 500,000 Fiserv, Inc......................................... 4.40% 07/01/49 528,249 500,000 International Business Machines Corp................ 2.85% 05/13/22 508,718 500,000 International Business Machines Corp................ 3.00% 05/15/24 513,846 500,000 International Business Machines Corp................ 3.30% 05/15/26 518,736 500,000 International Business Machines Corp................ 3.50% 05/15/29 523,770 500,000 International Business Machines Corp................ 4.15% 05/15/39 535,132 500,000 International Business Machines Corp................ 4.25% 05/15/49 539,567 600,000 Visa, Inc........................................... 2.20% 12/14/20 601,127 500,000 Visa, Inc........................................... 2.15% 09/15/22 502,287 950,000 Visa, Inc........................................... 2.80% 12/14/22 973,405 550,000 Visa, Inc........................................... 3.15% 12/14/25 577,448 250,000 Visa, Inc........................................... 2.75% 09/15/27 255,196 303,000 Visa, Inc........................................... 4.15% 12/14/35 348,714 450,000 Visa, Inc........................................... 4.30% 12/14/45 533,784 500,000 Visa, Inc........................................... 3.65% 09/15/47 538,340 ------------- 9,529,482 ------------- MACHINERY - 0.1% 250,000 Parker-Hannifin Corp................................ 2.70% 06/14/24 253,306 250,000 Parker-Hannifin Corp................................ 3.25% 06/14/29 259,837 250,000 Parker-Hannifin Corp................................ 4.00% 06/14/49 265,688 250,000 Wabtec Corp......................................... 4.40% 03/15/24 264,856 250,000 Wabtec Corp......................................... 4.95% 09/15/28 268,279 ------------- 1,311,966 ------------- MEDIA - 1.3% 610,000 Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital................. 4.91% 07/23/25 662,763 250,000 Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital................. 5.05% 03/30/29 276,392 750,000 Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital................. 6.48% 10/23/45 884,985 250,000 Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital................. 5.38% 05/01/47 264,221 500,000 Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital................. 5.75% 04/01/48 553,859 600,000 Comcast Corp........................................ 3.30% 10/01/20 608,352 See Notes to Financial Statements Page 29 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) MEDIA (CONTINUED) $ 600,000 Comcast Corp........................................ 3.45% 10/01/21 $ 617,558 575,000 Comcast Corp........................................ 3.70% 04/15/24 610,684 550,000 Comcast Corp........................................ 3.95% 10/15/25 593,854 250,000 Comcast Corp........................................ 3.55% 05/01/28 263,454 350,000 Comcast Corp........................................ 4.15% 10/15/28 386,075 100,000 Comcast Corp........................................ 4.60% 08/15/45 113,827 250,000 Comcast Corp........................................ 3.40% 07/15/46 240,134 500,000 Comcast Corp........................................ 4.00% 08/15/47 527,935 250,000 Comcast Corp........................................ 4.00% 03/01/48 264,862 400,000 Comcast Corp........................................ 4.70% 10/15/48 469,153 250,000 Comcast Corp........................................ 4.95% 10/15/58 305,597 250,000 Discovery Communications LLC........................ 2.95% 03/20/23 252,452 250,000 Discovery Communications LLC........................ 3.95% 03/20/28 257,594 500,000 Discovery Communications LLC........................ 4.13% 05/15/29 521,207 250,000 Discovery Communications LLC........................ 5.00% 09/20/37 261,559 275,000 Discovery Communications LLC........................ 5.20% 09/20/47 291,115 500,000 Discovery Communications LLC........................ 5.30% 05/15/49 538,874 500,000 Fox Corp. (c)....................................... 3.67% 01/25/22 516,898 500,000 Fox Corp. (c)....................................... 4.03% 01/25/24 532,174 250,000 Fox Corp. (c)....................................... 4.71% 01/25/29 279,911 250,000 Fox Corp. (c)....................................... 5.48% 01/25/39 295,510 250,000 Fox Corp. (c)....................................... 5.58% 01/25/49 306,298 ------------- 11,697,297 ------------- METALS & MINING - 0.1% 500,000 Glencore Funding LLC (c)............................ 3.00% 10/27/22 504,070 250,000 Glencore Funding LLC (c)............................ 4.13% 03/12/24 259,734 ------------- 763,804 ------------- MULTILINE RETAIL - 0.1% 500,000 Target Corp......................................... 3.38% 04/15/29 530,881 ------------- MULTI-UTILITIES - 1.1% 650,000 CenterPoint Energy, Inc............................. 3.60% 11/01/21 667,966 600,000 CenterPoint Energy, Inc............................. 3.85% 02/01/24 629,048 500,000 CenterPoint Energy, Inc............................. 4.25% 11/01/28 540,623 200,000 Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc............ 3.80% 05/15/28 216,311 335,000 Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc............ 4.45% 03/15/44 369,533 185,000 Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc............ 3.85% 06/15/46 190,769 500,000 Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc............ 3.88% 06/15/47 515,909 500,000 Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc............ 4.13% 05/15/49 539,841 250,000 Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc............ 4.30% 12/01/56 269,449 250,000 Consolidated Edison, Inc............................ 2.00% 03/15/20 249,219 100,000 Consolidated Edison, Inc............................ 2.00% 05/15/21 99,542 1,000,000 Dominion Energy, Inc................................ 2.58% 07/01/20 998,768 250,000 Dominion Energy, Inc................................ 2.75% 01/15/22 251,950 495,000 Dominion Energy, Inc................................ 4.70% 12/01/44 552,061 390,000 NiSource, Inc....................................... 2.65% 11/17/22 392,710 750,000 NiSource, Inc....................................... 3.65% 06/15/23 777,476 250,000 NiSource, Inc....................................... 3.49% 05/15/27 258,820 500,000 NiSource, Inc....................................... 4.38% 05/15/47 535,552 250,000 NiSource, Inc....................................... 3.95% 03/30/48 249,683 Page 30 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) MULTI-UTILITIES (CONTINUED) $ 250,000 Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc................ 2.00% 11/15/21 $ 247,757 500,000 Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc................ 2.65% 11/15/22 501,486 500,000 Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc................ 2.88% 06/15/24 507,015 250,000 WEC Energy Group, Inc............................... 3.10% 03/08/22 254,213 ------------- 9,815,701 ------------- OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS - 3.4% 250,000 Andeavor Logistics L.P./Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp............................................. 4.25% 12/01/27 264,534 500,000 Boardwalk Pipelines L.P............................. 4.80% 05/03/29 522,308 1,000,000 BP Capital Markets America, Inc..................... 3.80% 09/21/25 1,068,012 500,000 BP Capital Markets America, Inc..................... 3.41% 02/11/26 524,433 100,000 BP Capital Markets America, Inc..................... 3.12% 05/04/26 101,989 500,000 BP Capital Markets America, Inc..................... 3.94% 09/21/28 545,065 750,000 BP Capital Markets America, Inc..................... 4.23% 11/06/28 830,938 750,000 Chevron Corp........................................ 2.10% 05/16/21 750,899 550,000 Chevron Corp........................................ 2.57% 05/16/23 558,909 500,000 Chevron Corp........................................ 2.90% 03/03/24 516,840 150,000 Chevron Corp........................................ 3.33% 11/17/25 158,525 1,360,000 Chevron Corp........................................ 2.95% 05/16/26 1,404,789 250,000 Cimarex Energy Co................................... 4.38% 03/15/29 266,028 225,000 ConocoPhillips...................................... 6.50% 02/01/39 316,375 400,000 Energy Transfer Operating L.P....................... 3.60% 02/01/23 409,098 150,000 Energy Transfer Operating L.P....................... 4.20% 09/15/23 157,364 500,000 Energy Transfer Operating L.P....................... 4.50% 04/15/24 532,411 250,000 Energy Transfer Operating L.P....................... 4.20% 04/15/27 260,028 250,000 Energy Transfer Operating L.P....................... 4.95% 06/15/28 273,563 250,000 Energy Transfer Operating L.P....................... 5.25% 04/15/29 279,570 250,000 Energy Transfer Operating L.P....................... 5.80% 06/15/38 278,602 250,000 Energy Transfer Operating L.P....................... 5.30% 04/15/47 261,186 250,000 Energy Transfer Operating L.P....................... 6.00% 06/15/48 285,770 250,000 Energy Transfer Operating L.P....................... 6.25% 04/15/49 296,623 500,000 Enterprise Products Operating LLC................... 3.50% 02/01/22 513,475 500,000 Enterprise Products Operating LLC................... 4.15% 10/16/28 544,691 500,000 Enterprise Products Operating LLC................... 3.13% 07/31/29 502,133 500,000 Enterprise Products Operating LLC................... 4.80% 02/01/49 555,664 500,000 Enterprise Products Operating LLC................... 4.20% 01/31/50 513,464 500,000 Exxon Mobil Corp.................................... 2.22% 03/01/21 501,544 150,000 Exxon Mobil Corp.................................... 2.71% 03/06/25 153,330 200,000 Exxon Mobil Corp.................................... 3.04% 03/01/26 207,449 220,000 Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P................... 3.50% 03/01/21 223,488 175,000 Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P................... 6.95% 01/15/38 224,672 500,000 Kinder Morgan, Inc.................................. 3.15% 01/15/23 508,966 715,000 Kinder Morgan, Inc.................................. 4.30% 06/01/25 764,399 500,000 Kinder Morgan, Inc.................................. 4.30% 03/01/28 536,363 650,000 Kinder Morgan, Inc.................................. 5.05% 02/15/46 709,366 500,000 Kinder Morgan, Inc.................................. 5.20% 03/01/48 565,653 250,000 Marathon Oil Corp................................... 4.40% 07/15/27 265,474 450,000 Marathon Petroleum Corp............................. 3.80% 04/01/28 457,778 250,000 Midwest Connector Capital Co., LLC (c).............. 3.63% 04/01/22 256,249 250,000 Midwest Connector Capital Co., LLC (c).............. 3.90% 04/01/24 260,333 250,000 Midwest Connector Capital Co., LLC (c).............. 4.63% 04/01/29 268,165 See Notes to Financial Statements Page 31 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS (CONTINUED) $ 250,000 MPLX L.P............................................ 3.38% 03/15/23 $ 255,921 500,000 MPLX L.P............................................ 4.00% 03/15/28 518,287 500,000 MPLX L.P............................................ 4.80% 02/15/29 551,162 500,000 MPLX L.P............................................ 5.20% 03/01/47 538,231 500,000 MPLX L.P............................................ 5.50% 02/15/49 568,715 400,000 ONEOK Partners L.P.................................. 3.38% 10/01/22 406,578 250,000 ONEOK, Inc.......................................... 4.55% 07/15/28 271,600 250,000 ONEOK, Inc.......................................... 4.35% 03/15/29 267,419 250,000 ONEOK, Inc.......................................... 5.20% 07/15/48 275,886 250,000 Phillips 66......................................... 4.88% 11/15/44 280,646 300,000 Plains All American Pipeline L.P./PAA Finance Corp.. 4.65% 10/15/25 320,204 500,000 Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC........................ 5.00% 03/15/27 548,662 250,000 Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC........................ 4.20% 03/15/28 263,399 350,000 Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P............ 3.90% 07/15/26 357,699 500,000 Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P............ 4.00% 10/01/27 515,585 500,000 Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P............ 5.40% 10/01/47 531,873 500,000 TC PipeLines L.P.................................... 3.90% 05/25/27 509,386 250,000 Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co., LLC............. 4.00% 03/15/28 261,155 500,000 Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co., LLC............. 4.60% 03/15/48 531,373 500,000 Valero Energy Corp.................................. 4.35% 06/01/28 533,755 500,000 Valero Energy Corp.................................. 4.00% 04/01/29 523,936 300,000 Williams (The) Cos., Inc............................ 3.60% 03/15/22 307,958 250,000 Williams (The) Cos., Inc............................ 3.90% 01/15/25 262,361 250,000 Williams (The) Cos., Inc............................ 3.75% 06/15/27 258,340 625,000 Williams (The) Cos., Inc............................ 4.90% 01/15/45 655,928 270,000 Williams (The) Cos., Inc............................ 5.10% 09/15/45 292,073 500,000 Williams (The) Cos., Inc............................ 4.85% 03/01/48 535,610 ------------- 30,540,257 ------------- PHARMACEUTICALS - 0.9% 145,000 Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (c)........................ 2.55% 05/14/21 146,096 500,000 Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (c)........................ 2.60% 05/16/22 506,541 500,000 Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (c)........................ 2.90% 07/26/24 512,065 500,000 Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (c)........................ 3.20% 06/15/26 519,933 500,000 Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (c)........................ 3.40% 07/26/29 523,930 500,000 Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (c)........................ 4.13% 06/15/39 540,196 500,000 Merck & Co., Inc.................................... 2.90% 03/07/24 516,927 300,000 Merck & Co., Inc.................................... 2.75% 02/10/25 309,189 500,000 Merck & Co., Inc.................................... 3.40% 03/07/29 532,645 500,000 Merck & Co., Inc.................................... 3.90% 03/07/39 546,127 500,000 Merck & Co., Inc.................................... 4.00% 03/07/49 556,638 250,000 Pfizer, Inc......................................... 3.00% 09/15/21 255,087 250,000 Pfizer, Inc......................................... 2.80% 03/11/22 254,510 500,000 Pfizer, Inc......................................... 3.20% 09/15/23 520,090 250,000 Pfizer, Inc......................................... 2.95% 03/15/24 257,911 250,000 Pfizer, Inc......................................... 3.45% 03/15/29 264,866 250,000 Pfizer, Inc......................................... 4.10% 09/15/38 276,205 250,000 Pfizer, Inc......................................... 3.90% 03/15/39 270,692 500,000 Pfizer, Inc......................................... 4.20% 09/15/48 564,149 250,000 Pfizer, Inc......................................... 4.00% 03/15/49 272,960 ------------- 8,146,757 ------------- Page 32 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) ROAD & RAIL - 0.7% $ 500,000 CSX Corp............................................ 4.25% 03/15/29 $ 557,353 250,000 CSX Corp............................................ 3.80% 11/01/46 253,501 200,000 CSX Corp............................................ 4.50% 08/01/54 219,007 250,000 CSX Corp............................................ 4.25% 11/01/66 258,151 250,000 Norfolk Southern Corp............................... 3.65% 08/01/25 263,825 250,000 Norfolk Southern Corp............................... 2.90% 06/15/26 253,958 500,000 Norfolk Southern Corp............................... 3.80% 08/01/28 539,429 750,000 Norfolk Southern Corp............................... 4.15% 02/28/48 807,100 500,000 Norfolk Southern Corp............................... 4.10% 05/15/49 533,913 250,000 Ryder System, Inc................................... 3.50% 06/01/21 255,125 250,000 Ryder System, Inc................................... 2.25% 09/01/21 249,288 500,000 Ryder System, Inc................................... 2.80% 03/01/22 504,773 500,000 Ryder System, Inc................................... 3.65% 03/18/24 523,115 300,000 Union Pacific Corp.................................. 3.75% 03/15/24 317,063 250,000 Union Pacific Corp.................................. 3.00% 04/15/27 255,369 183,000 Union Pacific Corp.................................. 4.15% 01/15/45 193,601 225,000 Union Pacific Corp.................................. 4.05% 03/01/46 236,757 250,000 Union Pacific Corp.................................. 4.10% 09/15/67 250,391 ------------- 6,471,719 ------------- SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT - 0.3% 100,000 Intel Corp.......................................... 1.70% 05/19/21 99,271 250,000 Intel Corp.......................................... 2.35% 05/11/22 252,082 100,000 Intel Corp.......................................... 3.10% 07/29/22 103,146 375,000 Intel Corp.......................................... 2.70% 12/15/22 381,808 500,000 Intel Corp.......................................... 2.88% 05/11/24 514,993 100,000 Intel Corp.......................................... 2.60% 05/19/26 100,755 300,000 Intel Corp.......................................... 4.10% 05/19/46 328,660 500,000 Intel Corp.......................................... 4.10% 05/11/47 549,277 163,000 Intel Corp.......................................... 3.73% 12/08/47 170,721 ------------- 2,500,713 ------------- SOFTWARE - 0.7% 800,000 Microsoft Corp...................................... 2.40% 02/06/22 808,695 150,000 Microsoft Corp...................................... 3.63% 12/15/23 159,708 250,000 Microsoft Corp...................................... 2.88% 02/06/24 259,208 200,000 Microsoft Corp...................................... 3.13% 11/03/25 210,713 100,000 Microsoft Corp...................................... 2.40% 08/08/26 100,591 500,000 Microsoft Corp...................................... 3.30% 02/06/27 531,741 100,000 Microsoft Corp...................................... 3.45% 08/08/36 105,977 250,000 Microsoft Corp...................................... 4.10% 02/06/37 285,654 275,000 Microsoft Corp...................................... 4.45% 11/03/45 330,251 350,000 Microsoft Corp...................................... 3.70% 08/08/46 378,848 950,000 Microsoft Corp...................................... 4.25% 02/06/47 1,121,001 200,000 Oracle Corp......................................... 1.90% 09/15/21 199,056 100,000 Oracle Corp......................................... 2.50% 05/15/22 101,108 500,000 Oracle Corp......................................... 2.40% 09/15/23 501,035 250,000 Oracle Corp......................................... 3.40% 07/08/24 262,180 350,000 Oracle Corp......................................... 2.65% 07/15/26 351,894 400,000 Oracle Corp......................................... 5.38% 07/15/40 507,663 350,000 Oracle Corp......................................... 4.00% 07/15/46 375,837 ------------- 6,591,160 ------------- See Notes to Financial Statements Page 33 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) SPECIALTY RETAIL - 0.8% $ 500,000 Home Depot (The), Inc............................... 2.00% 04/01/21 $ 499,964 770,000 Home Depot (The), Inc............................... 4.40% 04/01/21 797,035 500,000 Home Depot (The), Inc............................... 3.25% 03/01/22 516,203 550,000 Home Depot (The), Inc............................... 3.00% 04/01/26 569,834 1,000,000 Home Depot (The), Inc............................... 2.80% 09/14/27 1,015,215 500,000 Home Depot (The), Inc............................... 3.90% 12/06/28 550,708 500,000 Home Depot (The), Inc............................... 4.25% 04/01/46 564,978 500,000 Home Depot (The), Inc............................... 3.90% 06/15/47 541,985 500,000 Home Depot (The), Inc............................... 4.50% 12/06/48 591,070 250,000 Home Depot (The), Inc............................... 3.50% 09/15/56 247,196 500,000 Lowe's Cos., Inc.................................... 3.65% 04/05/29 522,527 500,000 Lowe's Cos., Inc.................................... 4.55% 04/05/49 537,637 ------------- 6,954,352 ------------- TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS - 0.8% 450,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 2.85% 05/06/21 456,734 250,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 1.55% 08/04/21 247,664 250,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 2.10% 09/12/22 250,726 250,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 2.40% 01/13/23 252,331 375,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 2.40% 05/03/23 378,983 250,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 3.00% 02/09/24 258,393 500,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 2.85% 05/11/24 515,407 500,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 2.75% 01/13/25 511,515 100,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 2.45% 08/04/26 99,747 250,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 3.35% 02/09/27 262,731 500,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 3.20% 05/11/27 521,775 250,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 2.90% 09/12/27 256,163 500,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 3.00% 11/13/27 515,033 100,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 4.45% 05/06/44 115,255 100,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 4.65% 02/23/46 118,770 600,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 4.25% 02/09/47 675,462 250,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 3.75% 09/12/47 262,388 250,000 Apple, Inc.......................................... 3.75% 11/13/47 263,069 500,000 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. (c).................. 2.10% 10/04/19 499,331 100,000 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co....................... 3.60% 10/15/20 101,335 500,000 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co....................... 3.50% 10/05/21 512,099 ------------- 7,074,911 ------------- TOBACCO - 0.3% 250,000 Altria Group, Inc................................... 3.49% 02/14/22 257,198 250,000 Altria Group, Inc................................... 3.80% 02/14/24 260,784 250,000 Altria Group, Inc................................... 4.40% 02/14/26 267,723 250,000 Altria Group, Inc................................... 4.80% 02/14/29 269,172 250,000 Altria Group, Inc................................... 5.80% 02/14/39 281,397 250,000 Altria Group, Inc................................... 5.95% 02/14/49 285,749 250,000 Altria Group, Inc................................... 6.20% 02/14/59 285,339 250,000 BAT Capital Corp.................................... 3.22% 08/15/24 251,819 250,000 BAT Capital Corp.................................... 3.56% 08/15/27 248,920 250,000 BAT Capital Corp.................................... 4.39% 08/15/37 237,322 500,000 Philip Morris International, Inc.................... 2.88% 05/01/24 507,810 ------------- 3,153,233 ------------- Page 34 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS - 0.1% $ 250,000 Air Lease Corp...................................... 2.75% 01/15/23 $ 250,103 250,000 Air Lease Corp...................................... 3.25% 03/01/25 251,725 ------------- 501,828 ------------- WATER UTILITIES - 0.1% 250,000 American Water Capital Corp......................... 3.45% 06/01/29 260,153 250,000 American Water Capital Corp......................... 4.15% 06/01/49 270,788 ------------- 530,941 ------------- TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES.............................................. 337,727,947 (Cost $322,075,373) ------------- FOREIGN CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES - 3.0% BANKS - 0.9% 400,000 Banco Santander S.A................................. 2.71% 06/27/24 400,760 400,000 Banco Santander S.A................................. 3.31% 06/27/29 403,323 500,000 Bank of Montreal.................................... 2.90% 03/26/22 507,847 500,000 Bank of Montreal.................................... 3.30% 02/05/24 518,971 500,000 Barclays PLC (a).................................... 4.61% 02/15/23 517,601 500,000 Barclays PLC (a).................................... 3.93% 05/07/25 509,237 250,000 Cooperatieve Rabobank U.A. (c)...................... 3.88% 09/26/23 263,898 475,000 HSBC Holdings PLC................................... 2.65% 01/05/22 477,029 200,000 HSBC Holdings PLC (a)............................... 3.26% 03/13/23 203,822 500,000 HSBC Holdings PLC (a)............................... 3.95% 05/18/24 523,388 200,000 HSBC Holdings PLC (a)............................... 3.80% 03/11/25 208,503 625,000 HSBC Holdings PLC................................... 3.90% 05/25/26 653,398 350,000 HSBC Holdings PLC................................... 4.38% 11/23/26 369,944 200,000 HSBC Holdings PLC (a)............................... 4.04% 03/13/28 210,258 500,000 HSBC Holdings PLC (a)............................... 4.58% 06/19/29 547,256 250,000 HSBC Holdings PLC (a)............................... 3.97% 05/22/30 261,353 1,000,000 Royal Bank of Canada................................ 2.80% 04/29/22 1,016,144 500,000 Royal Bank of Canada................................ 3.70% 10/05/23 526,541 250,000 Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC (a)................ 3.50% 05/15/23 252,919 ------------- 8,372,192 ------------- CAPITAL MARKETS - 0.1% 500,000 Credit Suisse Group AG (c).......................... 3.57% 01/09/23 510,736 500,000 Credit Suisse Group AG (a) (c)...................... 3.87% 01/12/29 515,881 ------------- 1,026,617 ------------- COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES - 0.1% 500,000 Waste Connections, Inc.............................. 3.50% 05/01/29 520,960 ------------- DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES - 0.2% 444,000 GE Capital International Funding Co. Unlimited Co... 4.42% 11/15/35 440,188 500,000 Shell International Finance, B.V.................... 3.50% 11/13/23 525,389 500,000 Shell International Finance, B.V.................... 3.88% 11/13/28 547,596 250,000 Shell International Finance, B.V.................... 4.00% 05/10/46 275,568 250,000 Shell International Finance, B.V.................... 3.75% 09/12/46 265,095 ------------- 2,053,836 ------------- See Notes to Financial Statements Page 35 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- FOREIGN CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES - 0.1% $ 250,000 Telefonica Emisiones S.A............................ 5.52% 03/01/49 $ 290,015 250,000 TELUS Corp.......................................... 4.60% 11/16/48 275,636 250,000 TELUS Corp.......................................... 4.30% 06/15/49 266,542 ------------- 832,193 ------------- ELECTRIC UTILITIES - 0.0% 250,000 Enel Finance International N.V. (c)................. 4.25% 09/14/23 262,714 ------------- HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES - 0.0% 250,000 Medtronic Global Holdings SCA....................... 3.35% 04/01/27 265,892 ------------- INTERACTIVE MEDIA & SERVICES - 0.1% 250,000 Tencent Holdings, Ltd. (c).......................... 3.28% 04/11/24 255,540 250,000 Tencent Holdings, Ltd. (c).......................... 3.58% 04/11/26 256,506 ------------- 512,046 ------------- MACHINERY - 0.1% 500,000 Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Finance S.A............... 3.50% 03/21/26 516,807 500,000 Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Finance S.A............... 4.50% 03/21/49 539,795 ------------- 1,056,602 ------------- METALS & MINING - 0.2% 250,000 Anglo American Capital PLC (c)...................... 3.63% 09/11/24 255,548 250,000 Anglo American Capital PLC (c)...................... 4.00% 09/11/27 251,191 250,000 Anglo American Capital PLC (c)...................... 4.50% 03/15/28 259,484 330,000 BHP Billiton Finance USA, Ltd....................... 5.00% 09/30/43 413,958 ------------- 1,180,181 ------------- OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS - 0.5% 500,000 Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd..................... 2.95% 01/15/23 505,289 500,000 Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd..................... 3.85% 06/01/27 519,553 250,000 Enbridge, Inc....................................... 2.90% 07/15/22 253,780 500,000 Eni S.p.A. (c)...................................... 4.00% 09/12/23 521,338 500,000 Eni S.p.A. (c)...................................... 4.75% 09/12/28 547,548 250,000 Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (c)........................... 3.50% 04/16/29 253,446 500,000 Total Capital S.A................................... 3.88% 10/11/28 550,124 500,000 TransCanada PipeLines, Ltd.......................... 4.25% 05/15/28 540,987 500,000 TransCanada PipeLines, Ltd.......................... 5.10% 03/15/49 580,202 ------------- 4,272,267 ------------- PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS - 0.1% 500,000 Celulosa Arauco y Constitucion S.A. (c)............. 4.25% 04/30/29 527,250 500,000 Celulosa Arauco y Constitucion S.A. (c)............. 5.50% 04/30/49 528,125 ------------- 1,055,375 ------------- PHARMACEUTICALS - 0.3% 500,000 GlaxoSmithKline Capital PLC......................... 2.88% 06/01/22 508,905 500,000 GlaxoSmithKline Capital PLC......................... 3.00% 06/01/24 515,774 500,000 Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (c)................. 3.80% 11/26/20 509,238 500,000 Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (c)................. 4.00% 11/26/21 517,539 250,000 Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (c)................. 4.40% 11/26/23 268,040 250,000 Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (c)................. 5.00% 11/26/28 283,556 ------------- 2,603,052 ------------- Page 36 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- FOREIGN CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES (CONTINUED) TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS - 0.0% $ 250,000 AerCap Ireland Capital DAC/AerCap Global Aviation Trust............................................ 3.50% 01/15/25 $ 251,639 ------------- WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES - 0.3% 250,000 America Movil S.A.B. de C.V......................... 3.63% 04/22/29 259,450 250,000 America Movil S.A.B. de C.V......................... 4.38% 04/22/49 272,538 250,000 Vodafone Group PLC.................................. 3.75% 01/16/24 261,564 250,000 Vodafone Group PLC.................................. 4.13% 05/30/25 266,024 250,000 Vodafone Group PLC.................................. 4.38% 05/30/28 270,478 500,000 Vodafone Group PLC.................................. 4.88% 06/19/49 527,492 500,000 Vodafone Group PLC.................................. 5.13% 06/19/59 534,977 ------------- 2,392,523 ------------- TOTAL FOREIGN CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES...................................... 26,658,089 (Cost $25,348,078) ------------- U.S. GOVERNMENT BONDS AND NOTES - 2.6% 1,508,000 U.S. Treasury Bond.................................. 3.00% 02/15/49 1,656,503 500,000 U.S. Treasury Note (d).............................. 1.38% 09/30/19 498,974 475,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.63% 08/31/20 478,951 800,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.88% 10/31/20 810,515 1,925,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.50% 01/31/21 1,945,340 540,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.50% 02/28/21 546,128 305,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.25% 03/31/21 307,406 970,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.13% 05/31/21 976,688 1,190,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.88% 11/15/21 1,221,540 895,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.50% 02/15/22 912,708 1,115,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.38% 03/15/22 1,134,970 1,675,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.25% 04/15/22 1,698,784 1,030,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.13% 05/15/22 1,041,688 1,450,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 1.75% 06/15/22 1,452,181 1,300,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.13% 03/31/24 1,321,887 2,080,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.25% 04/30/24 2,127,409 1,425,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.00% 05/31/24 1,441,894 3,935,000 U.S. Treasury Note.................................. 2.38% 05/15/29 4,066,884 ------------- TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT BONDS AND NOTES........................................ 23,640,450 (Cost $23,342,155) ------------- ANNUALIZED PRINCIPAL YIELD ON DATE STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- COMMERCIAL PAPER - 0.0% MULTI-UTILITIES - 0.0% 352,000 CenterPoint Energy, Inc............................. 2.52% 07/01/19 351,927 (Cost $352,000) ------------- TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.4%.................................................... 893,238,362 (Cost $813,368,926) (e) NET OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - 0.6%...................................... 5,823,814 ------------- NET ASSETS - 100.0%.......................................................... $ 899,062,176 ============= See Notes to Financial Statements Page 37 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) FUTURES CONTRACTS (see Note 2E - Futures Contracts in the Notes to Financial Statements): UNREALIZED APPRECIATION NUMBER OF EXPIRATION NOTIONAL (DEPRECIATION)/ FUTURES CONTRACTS POSITION CONTRACTS DATE VALUE VALUE --------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- --------------- U.S. Treasury 5-Year Notes Short 6 Sep 2019 $ (708,937) $ (2,625) U.S. Treasury 10-Year Notes Short 5 Sep 2019 (639,844) (3,359) U.S. Treasury Ultra 10-Year Notes Short 130 Sep 2019 (17,956,250) (115,781) U.S. Treasury CME Ultra Long Term Bonds Short 6 Sep 2019 (1,065,375) (4,641) ------------- --------------- Total Futures Contracts $ (20,370,406) $ (126,406) ============= =============== ----------------------------- (a) Fixed-to-floating or fixed-to-variable rate security. The interest rate shown reflects the fixed rate in effect at June 30, 2019. At a predetermined date, the fixed rate will change to a floating rate or a variable rate. (b) Floating or variable rate security. (c) This security, sold within the terms of a private placement memorandum, is exempt from registration upon resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. Pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees, this security has been determined to be liquid by First Trust Advisors L.P. (the "Advisor"). Although market instability can result in periods of increased overall market illiquidity, liquidity for each security is determined based on security specific factors and assumptions, which require subjective judgment. At June 30, 2019, securities noted as such amounted to $25,752,744 or 2.9% of net assets. (d) All or a portion of this security is segregated as collateral for open futures contracts. (e) Aggregate cost for financial reporting purposes approximates the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes. As of June 30, 2019, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which there was an excess of value over tax cost was $91,051,106 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which there was an excess of tax cost over value was $11,308,076. The net unrealized appreciation was $79,743,030. The amounts presented are inclusive of derivative contracts. LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate Page 38 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) ----------------------------- VALUATION INPUTS A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of June 30, 2019 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements): ASSETS TABLE LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 TOTAL LEVEL 1 SIGNIFICANT SIGNIFICANT VALUE AT QUOTED OBSERVABLE UNOBSERVABLE 6/30/2019 PRICES INPUTS INPUTS ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Common Stocks*.................................... $504,859,949 $504,859,949 $ -- $ -- Corporate Bonds and Notes*........................ 337,727,947 -- 337,727,947 -- Foreign Corporate Bonds and Notes*................ 26,658,089 -- 26,658,089 -- U.S. Government Bonds and Notes................... 23,640,450 -- 23,640,450 -- Commercial Paper*................................. 351,927 -- 351,927 -- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total Investments................................. $893,238,362 $504,859,949 $388,378,413 $ -- ============ ============ ============ ============ LIABILITIES TABLE LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 TOTAL LEVEL 1 SIGNIFICANT SIGNIFICANT VALUE AT QUOTED OBSERVABLE UNOBSERVABLE 6/30/2019 PRICES INPUTS INPUTS ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Futures Contracts**............................... $ (126,406) $ (126,406) $ -- $ -- ============ ============ ============ ============ * See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. ** Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts as reported in the Futures Contracts table. The current day's variation margin is presented on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. See Notes to Financial Statements Page 39 FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS -- 43.7% CAPITAL MARKETS -- 43.7% 32,480 First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF (a)............ $ 630,762 1,000 First Trust Low Duration Opportunities ETF (a)............................... 51,680 98,090 First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF (a).......................... 1,901,965 82,000 First Trust Senior Loan Fund (a)............................................. 3,863,840 52,050 First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF (a)...................................... 2,504,125 18,522 Invesco Bulletshares 2020 Corporate Bond ETF................................. 393,778 130 iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF.......................................... 14,302 455 iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF........................................... 60,428 13,164 iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF.......................... 1,637,207 13,150 iShares MBS ETF.............................................................. 1,414,940 1 Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF...................................... 53 ------------- TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS.................................................. 12,473,080 (Cost $12,294,027) ------------- COMMON STOCKS -- 22.7% AEROSPACE & DEFENSE -- 0.3% 406 Raytheon Co.................................................................. 70,595 ------------- AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS -- 0.3% 843 United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B......................................... 87,057 ------------- BANKS -- 1.5% 1,246 JPMorgan Chase & Co.......................................................... 139,303 559 M&T Bank Corp................................................................ 95,069 1,676 U.S. Bancorp................................................................. 87,822 2,028 Webster Financial Corp....................................................... 96,878 ------------- 419,072 ------------- BEVERAGES -- 0.7% 637 Diageo PLC, ADR.............................................................. 109,768 764 PepsiCo, Inc................................................................. 100,183 ------------- 209,951 ------------- BIOTECHNOLOGY -- 0.2% 805 AbbVie, Inc.................................................................. 58,540 ------------- CAPITAL MARKETS -- 0.3% 160 BlackRock, Inc............................................................... 75,088 ------------- CHEMICALS -- 0.7% 454 Ecolab, Inc.................................................................. 89,638 340 International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc...................................... 49,331 757 LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Class A...................................... 65,200 ------------- 204,169 ------------- COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT -- 0.4% 2,185 Cisco Systems, Inc........................................................... 119,585 ------------- CONSUMER FINANCE -- 0.3% 1,070 Capital One Financial Corp................................................... 97,092 ------------- DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES -- 0.4% 2,105 Verizon Communications, Inc.................................................. 120,259 ------------- Page 40 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) ELECTRIC UTILITIES -- 2.4% 827 Alliant Energy Corp.......................................................... $ 40,589 447 American Electric Power Co., Inc............................................. 39,340 485 Emera, Inc. (CAD)............................................................ 19,818 528 Eversource Energy............................................................ 40,001 2,367 Exelon Corp.................................................................. 113,474 1,473 Fortis, Inc. (CAD)........................................................... 58,164 599 NextEra Energy, Inc.......................................................... 122,711 3,317 OGE Energy Corp.............................................................. 141,171 1,859 PPL Corp..................................................................... 57,648 1,040 Xcel Energy, Inc............................................................. 61,870 ------------- 694,786 ------------- ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT -- 0.3% 1,103 Eaton Corp. PLC.............................................................. 91,858 ------------- ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS -- 0.7% 844 CDW Corp..................................................................... 93,684 1,203 TE Connectivity Ltd.......................................................... 115,223 ------------- 208,907 ------------- FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING -- 0.8% 1,496 Sysco Corp................................................................... 105,797 1,067 Walmart, Inc................................................................. 117,893 ------------- 223,690 ------------- GAS UTILITIES -- 0.1% 192 Atmos Energy Corp............................................................ 20,267 188 New Jersey Resources Corp.................................................... 9,357 ------------- 29,624 ------------- HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES -- 1.3% 1,444 Abbott Laboratories.......................................................... 121,440 2,101 Koninklijke Philips N.V...................................................... 91,562 961 STERIS PLC................................................................... 143,074 ------------- 356,076 ------------- HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES -- 0.6% 1,470 CVS Health Corp.............................................................. 80,100 329 UnitedHealth Group, Inc...................................................... 80,279 ------------- 160,379 ------------- HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE -- 0.6% 1,708 Carnival Corp................................................................ 79,507 504 McDonald's Corp.............................................................. 104,661 ------------- 184,168 ------------- INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES -- 0.3% 516 Honeywell International, Inc................................................. 90,088 ------------- INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL -- 0.3% 742 Expedia Group, Inc........................................................... 98,708 ------------- IT SERVICES -- 1.2% 715 Accenture PLC, Class A....................................................... 132,111 995 Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.................................. 122,067 See Notes to Financial Statements Page 41 FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) IT SERVICES (CONTINUED) 9,411 Infosys Ltd., ADR............................................................ $ 100,698 ------------- 354,876 ------------- MACHINERY -- 0.3% 454 Parker-Hannifin Corp......................................................... 77,185 ------------- MULTI-UTILITIES -- 0.6% 1,974 Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc......................................... 116,111 149 Sempra Energy................................................................ 20,479 237 WEC Energy Group, Inc........................................................ 19,759 ------------- 156,349 ------------- OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS -- 3.9% 610 Chevron Corp................................................................. 75,908 1,196 ConocoPhillips............................................................... 72,956 2,581 Enbridge, Inc................................................................ 93,122 2,658 Equitrans Midstream Corp..................................................... 52,389 9,639 Kinder Morgan, Inc........................................................... 201,262 1,162 ONEOK, Inc................................................................... 79,957 5,414 TC Energy Corp............................................................... 268,101 1,360 TOTAL S.A., ADR.............................................................. 75,874 7,034 Williams (The) Cos., Inc..................................................... 197,233 ------------- 1,116,802 ------------- PERSONAL PRODUCTS -- 0.4% 1,680 Unilever PLC, ADR............................................................ 104,110 ------------- PHARMACEUTICALS -- 1.1% 2,107 Bristol-Myers Squibb Co...................................................... 95,552 915 Eli Lilly & Co............................................................... 101,373 1,443 Merck & Co., Inc............................................................. 120,996 ------------- 317,921 ------------- ROAD & RAIL -- 0.4% 647 Union Pacific Corp........................................................... 109,414 ------------- SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT -- 0.3% 313 Broadcom, Inc................................................................ 90,100 ------------- SOFTWARE -- 0.8% 1,011 Microsoft Corp............................................................... 135,434 2,524 Open Text Corp............................................................... 103,989 ------------- 239,423 ------------- SPECIALTY RETAIL -- 0.4% 528 Home Depot (The), Inc........................................................ 109,808 ------------- TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS -- 0.4% 558 Apple, Inc................................................................... 110,439 ------------- TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS -- 0.4% 1,218 NIKE, Inc., Class B.......................................................... 102,251 ------------- TOTAL COMMON STOCKS.......................................................... 6,488,370 (Cost $5,602,694) ------------- Page 42 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- U.S. GOVERNMENT BONDS AND NOTES -- 10.0% $ 52,362 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond (b)............ 2.50% 01/15/29 $ 63,030 26,422 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond (b)............ 3.88% 04/15/29 35,317 8,781 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond (b)............ 3.38% 04/15/32 12,041 35,464 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond (b)............ 2.13% 02/15/40 45,430 54,603 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond (b)............ 2.13% 02/15/41 70,419 55,180 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond (b)............ 0.75% 02/15/42 55,461 50,676 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond (b)............ 0.63% 02/15/43 49,196 51,307 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond (b)............ 1.38% 02/15/44 58,297 52,406 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond (b)............ 0.75% 02/15/45 51,913 46,368 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond (b)............ 1.00% 02/15/46 48,648 41,280 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond (b)............ 0.88% 02/15/47 42,115 41,445 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond (b)............ 1.00% 02/15/48 43,652 19,292 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond (b)............ 1.00% 02/15/49 20,429 12,002 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.13% 04/15/20 11,879 72,637 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 1.25% 07/15/20 73,134 85,498 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 1.13% 01/15/21 86,196 97,024 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.13% 04/15/21 96,159 88,424 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.63% 07/15/21 89,009 95,841 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.13% 01/15/22 95,282 95,606 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.13% 04/15/22 94,892 96,662 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.13% 07/15/22 96,415 92,982 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.13% 01/15/23 92,498 99,777 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.63% 04/15/23 100,992 93,322 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.38% 07/15/23 94,123 93,078 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.63% 01/15/24 94,743 33,431 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.50% 04/15/24 33,863 91,679 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.13% 07/15/24 91,572 129,449 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.25% 01/15/25 129,665 44,053 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 2.38% 01/15/25 49,252 88,348 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.38% 07/15/25 89,369 116,132 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.63% 01/15/26 118,988 37,976 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 2.00% 01/15/26 42,278 76,746 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.13% 07/15/26 76,268 101,541 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.38% 01/15/27 102,380 28,507 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 2.38% 01/15/27 32,942 79,382 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.38% 07/15/27 80,163 122,228 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.50% 01/15/28 124,289 58,541 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 1.75% 01/15/28 65,669 84,483 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.75% 07/15/28 88,077 103,212 U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Note (b)............ 0.88% 01/15/29 108,704 ------------- TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT BONDS AND NOTES........................................ 2,854,749 (Cost $2,795,989) ------------- SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS -- 8.6% DIVERSIFIED REITS -- 1.1% 1,974 Liberty Property Trust....................................................... 98,779 638 PS Business Parks, Inc....................................................... 107,522 2,935 STORE Capital Corp........................................................... 97,413 ------------- 303,714 ------------- See Notes to Financial Statements Page 43 FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (CONTINUED) HEALTH CARE REITS -- 1.0% 1,282 National Health Investors, Inc............................................... $ 100,034 2,656 Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.............................................. 97,608 5,316 Physicians Realty Trust...................................................... 92,711 ------------- 290,353 ------------- HOTEL & RESORT REITS -- 0.3% 3,965 Hospitality Properties Trust................................................. 99,125 ------------- INDUSTRIAL REITS -- 1.1% 3,138 Duke Realty Corp............................................................. 99,192 1,329 Prologis, Inc................................................................ 106,453 3,297 STAG Industrial, Inc......................................................... 99,701 ------------- 305,346 ------------- OFFICE REITS -- 0.6% 2,202 Highwoods Properties, Inc.................................................... 90,943 1,105 SL Green Realty Corp......................................................... 88,809 ------------- 179,752 ------------- RESIDENTIAL REITS -- 1.1% 1,956 Apartment Investment & Management Co., Class A............................... 98,035 963 Camden Property Trust........................................................ 100,528 895 Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc....................................... 105,395 ------------- 303,958 ------------- RETAIL REITS -- 1.3% 1,853 National Retail Properties, Inc.............................................. 98,228 1,381 Realty Income Corp........................................................... 95,248 7,901 Retail Properties of America, Inc., Class A.................................. 92,916 591 Simon Property Group, Inc.................................................... 94,418 ------------- 380,810 ------------- SPECIALIZED REITS -- 2.1% 493 American Tower Corp.......................................................... 100,794 3,076 CubeSmart.................................................................... 102,861 1,823 CyrusOne, Inc................................................................ 105,224 850 Digital Realty Trust, Inc.................................................... 100,121 1,243 EPR Properties............................................................... 92,715 953 Extra Space Storage, Inc..................................................... 101,113 ------------- 602,828 ------------- TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS.......................................... 2,465,886 (Cost $2,229,309) ------------- UNITS DESCRIPTION VALUE ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS -- 7.6% CHEMICALS -- 0.3% 3,362 Westlake Chemical Partners, L.P.............................................. 82,672 ------------- INDEPENDENT POWER AND RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCERS -- 0.6% 3,393 NextEra Energy Partners, L.P................................................. 163,712 ------------- OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS -- 6.7% 2,035 Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.............................................. 34,554 2,587 BP Midstream Partners, L.P................................................... 40,047 Page 44 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) UNITS DESCRIPTION VALUE ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (CONTINUED) OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS (CONTINUED) 14,328 Energy Transfer, L.P......................................................... $ 201,738 16,291 Enterprise Products Partners, L.P............................................ 470,321 4,854 Holly Energy Partners, L.P................................................... 133,485 4,665 Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P............................................. 298,560 1,764 MPLX, L.P.................................................................... 56,783 3,499 Phillips 66 Partners, L.P.................................................... 172,676 7,674 Plains All American Pipeline, L.P............................................ 186,862 3,661 Shell Midstream Partners, L.P................................................ 75,856 1,560 Tallgrass Energy, L.P........................................................ 32,932 5,960 TC PipeLines, L.P............................................................ 224,215 ------------- 1,928,029 ------------- TOTAL MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS............................................ 2,174,413 (Cost $2,003,982) ------------- PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES -- 5.1% COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS -- 3.0% Fannie Mae REMICS $ 31 Series 1989-82, Class G.......................... 8.40% 11/25/19 31 569 Series 1990-109, Class J......................... 7.00% 09/25/20 575 352 Series 1992-24, Class Z.......................... 6.50% 04/25/22 363 7 Series 1992-44, Class ZQ......................... 8.00% 07/25/22 7 1,213 Series 1993-1, Class KA.......................... 7.90% 01/25/23 1,295 900 Series 1993-62, Class E.......................... 7.00% 04/25/23 958 301 Series 1993-119, Class H......................... 6.50% 07/25/23 318 2,136 Series 1993-178, Class PK........................ 6.50% 09/25/23 2,277 1,927 Series 1995-24, Class G.......................... 6.50% 04/25/23 2,021 1,507 Series 1999-56, Class Z.......................... 7.00% 12/18/29 1,677 29,366 Series 2002-9, Class MS, IO, 1 Mo. LIBOR x -1 + 8.10% (c)..................................... 5.70% 03/25/32 6,090 1,302 Series 2002-67, Class PE......................... 5.50% 11/25/32 1,458 4,170 Series 2002-90, Class A1......................... 6.50% 06/25/42 4,780 2,865 Series 2003-14, Class AQ......................... 3.50% 03/25/33 2,940 4,506 Series 2003-41, Class OA......................... 4.00% 05/25/33 4,648 36,611 Series 2004-10, Class ZB......................... 6.00% 02/25/34 41,145 472 Series 2004-92, Class S, IO, 1 Mo. LIBOR x -1 + 6.70% (c)..................................... 4.30% 08/25/34 3 7 Series 2005-46, Class LW......................... 5.00% 06/25/20 7 16,502 Series 2005-68, Class BC......................... 5.25% 06/25/35 16,586 14,368 Series 2005-79, Class NF, 1 Mo. LIBOR + 0.41% (d)............................. 2.81% 09/25/35 14,380 34,989 Series 2007-10, Class Z.......................... 6.00% 02/25/37 38,831 55,967 Series 2009-86, Class IP, IO..................... 5.50% 10/25/39 10,805 40,000 Series 2010-45, Class EB......................... 5.00% 05/25/40 48,169 83,566 Series 2011-99, Class CZ......................... 4.50% 10/25/41 95,476 2,259 Series 2012-35, Class PL......................... 2.00% 11/25/41 2,237 847 Series 2013-14, Class QE......................... 1.75% 03/25/43 823 85,772 Series 2013-31, Class NT......................... 3.00% 04/25/43 87,316 Fannie Mae REMIC Trust 12,380 Series 2007-W8, Class 1A5 (e).................... 6.36% 09/25/37 13,864 See Notes to Financial Statements Page 45 FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (CONTINUED) COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED) Fannie Mae Trust $ 4,458 Series 2004-W8, Class 3A......................... 7.50% 06/25/44 $ 5,190 FHLMC - GNMA 233 Series 1993-5, Class HA.......................... 7.50% 02/25/23 246 620 Series 1994-27, Class D.......................... 7.00% 03/25/24 667 Freddie Mac REMICS 78 Series 1989-84, Class F.......................... 9.20% 10/15/20 78 243 Series 1991-1074, Class I........................ 6.75% 05/15/21 243 374 Series 1991-1078, Class GZ....................... 6.50% 05/15/21 376 367 Series 1992-1250, Class J........................ 7.00% 05/15/22 383 10,485 Series 1992-1401, Class Q, 1 Mo. LIBOR + 0.60% (d)............................. 2.99% 10/15/22 10,542 18,151 Series 1993-1487, Class P, IO, 1 Mo. LIBOR x -1 + 9.50% (c)........................ 7.11% 03/15/23 1,740 3,461 Series 1994-1673, Class FB, 10 Yr. U.S. Treasury Yield Curve - 0.50% (d).............. 1.87% 02/15/24 3,460 195 Series 1996-1807, Class G........................ 9.00% 10/15/20 200 56 Series 1996-1847, Class LL....................... 7.50% 04/15/26 62 11,908 Series 1998-2033, Class IA, IO................... 7.00% 02/15/28 1,433 2,884 Series 1999-2130, Class KB....................... 6.38% 03/15/29 3,213 42,552 Series 1999-2174, Class PN....................... 6.00% 07/15/29 46,737 9,539 Series 2001-2277, Class B........................ 7.50% 01/15/31 11,341 111 Series 2003-2559, Class PB....................... 5.50% 08/15/30 111 46,000 Series 2003-2676, Class LL....................... 5.50% 09/15/33 52,110 23,340 Series 2004-2768, Class PW....................... 4.25% 03/15/34 25,358 5,000 Series 2004-2778, Class MM....................... 5.25% 04/15/34 5,667 138 Series 2005-2922, Class QE....................... 5.00% 05/15/34 138 7 Series 2005-2958, Class QJ....................... 4.00% 04/15/20 7 28,001 Series 2006-3114, Class GI, IO, 1 Mo. LIBOR x -1 + 6.60% (c)........................ 4.21% 02/15/36 4,654 37,133 Series 2006-3199, Class DS, IO, 1 Mo. LIBOR x -1 + 7.15% (c)........................ 4.76% 08/15/36 7,053 32,512 Series 2006-3237, Class CB....................... 5.50% 07/15/36 33,803 11,000 Series 2010-3626, Class ME....................... 5.00% 01/15/40 12,734 9,391 Series 2010-3758, Class M........................ 4.50% 10/15/38 9,553 7,021 Series 2010-3775, Class KZ....................... 4.00% 08/15/25 7,348 4,662 Series 2012-3994, Class AE....................... 1.63% 02/15/22 4,636 21,150 Series 2013-4178, Class ZN....................... 3.50% 03/15/43 23,317 694 Series 2013-4253, Class TD....................... 2.00% 07/15/40 694 Freddie Mac Strips 12,454 Series 1994-169, Class IO, IO.................... 8.50% 03/01/23 1,216 Government National Mortgage Association 30,830 Series 2002-92, Class PB......................... 5.50% 12/20/32 33,049 7,579 Series 2006-16, Class OP, PO..................... (f) 03/20/36 6,808 55,000 Series 2007-35, Class NE......................... 6.00% 06/16/37 64,513 5,555 Series 2009-29, Class TA......................... 4.50% 03/16/39 5,758 293 Series 2009-81, Class PA......................... 5.50% 02/16/38 296 2,406 Series 2009-102, Class MA........................ 4.00% 06/16/39 2,428 1,097 Series 2010-121, Class PQ........................ 3.00% 02/20/39 1,099 45,365 Series 2010-164, Class LE........................ 3.00% 10/20/38 45,398 23,111 Series 2011-136, Class GB........................ 2.50% 05/20/40 23,173 Page 46 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (CONTINUED) COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED) Government National Mortgage Association (Continued) $ 24,020 Series 2013-20, Class KI, IO..................... 5.00% 01/20/43 $ 4,085 ------------- 859,997 ------------- PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES -- 2.1% Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 15,174 Pool A47829...................................... 4.00% 08/01/35 15,780 6,725 Pool C01252...................................... 6.50% 11/01/31 7,688 49,327 Pool G01731...................................... 6.50% 12/01/29 55,865 29,888 Pool G06358...................................... 4.00% 04/01/41 31,556 2,699 Pool O20138...................................... 5.00% 11/01/30 2,904 18,807 Pool U90316...................................... 4.00% 10/01/42 19,855 Federal National Mortgage Association 17,027 Pool 890383...................................... 4.00% 01/01/42 17,965 22,234 Pool AA9393...................................... 4.50% 07/01/39 23,880 18,946 Pool AD0659...................................... 6.00% 02/01/23 19,574 10,151 Pool AE0050...................................... 5.50% 12/01/22 10,463 25,392 Pool AL0791...................................... 4.00% 02/01/41 26,790 44,501 Pool AU4289...................................... 4.00% 09/01/43 46,951 6,808 Pool MA0561...................................... 4.00% 11/01/40 7,183 31,053 Pool MA1028...................................... 4.00% 04/01/42 32,765 Government National Mortgage Association 9,706 Pool 3428........................................ 5.00% 08/20/33 10,474 20,921 Pool 3500........................................ 5.50% 01/20/34 22,897 7,481 Pool 3711........................................ 5.50% 05/20/35 8,192 25,019 Pool 667422...................................... 5.00% 10/15/39 27,533 10,314 Pool 706201...................................... 5.50% 04/20/39 11,062 12,680 Pool 736558...................................... 5.00% 02/15/40 13,760 23,924 Pool 759248...................................... 4.00% 02/15/41 25,392 88,298 Pool 769055...................................... 3.75% 07/15/41 91,694 49,651 Pool 770005...................................... 4.00% 11/15/33 53,025 15,905 Pool MA3525...................................... 5.50% 03/20/46 17,318 ------------- 600,566 ------------- TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES...................... 1,460,563 (Cost $1,436,886) ------------- MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES -- 0.1% COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS -- 0.1% Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. 299 Series 2004-6, Class 2A1......................... 4.75% 09/25/19 1 MASTR Alternative Loan Trust 692 Series 2004-10, Class 2A1........................ 5.50% 10/25/19 691 122 Series 2005-1, Class 5A1......................... 5.50% 01/25/20 125 MASTR Asset Securitization Trust 4,666 Series 2004-1, Class 5A4......................... 5.50% 02/25/34 4,945 RAAC Trust 139 Series 2005-SP1, Class 2A1....................... 5.25% 09/25/34 140 Structured Asset Mortgage Investments Trust 7,113 Series 1999-1, Class 2A (g)...................... 6.67% 06/25/29 7,035 See Notes to Financial Statements Page 47 FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PRINCIPAL STATED STATED VALUE DESCRIPTION COUPON MATURITY VALUE ----------- ---------------------------------------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (CONTINUED) COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED) Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed-Securities Trust $ 677 Series 2006-17, Class A4......................... 5.50% 11/25/21 $ 677 ------------- TOTAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES............................................. 13,614 (Cost $13,730) ------------- ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES -- 0.1% California Republic Auto Receivables Trust 12,174 Series 2016-1, Class A4.......................... 2.24% 10/15/21 12,167 ------------- TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES................................................ 12,167 (Cost $12,096) ------------- TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 97.9%................................................... 27,942,842 (Cost $26,388,713) (h) NET OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES -- 2.1%..................................... 610,956 ------------- NET ASSETS -- 100.0%......................................................... $ 28,553,798 ============= ----------------------------- (a) Investment in an affiliated fund. (b) Security whose principal value is adjusted in accordance with changes to the country's Consumer Price Index. Interest is calculated on the basis of the current adjusted principal value. (c) Inverse floating rate security (d) Floating or variable rate security. (e) Weighted Average Coupon security. Coupon is based on the blended interest rate of the underlying holdings, which may have different coupons. The coupon may change in any period. (f) Zero coupon security. (g) Collateral Strip Rate security. Coupon is based on the weighted net interest rate of the investment's underlying collateral. The interest rate resets periodically. (h) Aggregate cost for financial reporting purposes approximates the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes. As of June 30, 2019, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which there was an excess of value over tax cost was $1,847,305 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which there was an excess of tax cost over value was $293,176. The net unrealized appreciation was $1,554,129. ADR American Depositary Receipt CAD Canadian Dollar - Security is denominated in Canadian Dollars and is translated into U.S. Dollars based upon the current exchange rate. IO Interest-Only Security - Principal amount shown represents par value on which interest payments are based. LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate PO Principal-Only Security Page 48 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) ----------------------------- VALUATION INPUTS A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of June 30, 2019 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements): LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 TOTAL LEVEL 1 SIGNIFICANT SIGNIFICANT VALUE AT QUOTED OBSERVABLE UNOBSERVABLE 6/30/2019 PRICES INPUTS INPUTS ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Exchange-Traded Funds*............................ $ 12,473,080 $ 12,473,080 $ -- $ -- Common Stocks*.................................... 6,488,370 6,488,370 -- -- U.S. Government Bonds and Notes................... 2,854,749 -- 2,854,749 -- Real Estate Investment Trusts*.................... 2,465,886 2,465,886 -- -- Master Limited Partnerships*...................... 2,174,413 2,174,413 -- -- U.S. Government Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities..................................... 1,460,563 -- 1,460,563 -- Mortgage-Backed Securities........................ 13,614 -- 13,614 -- Asset-Backed Securities........................... 12,167 -- 12,167 -- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total Investments................................. $ 27,942,842 $ 23,601,749 $ 4,341,093 $ -- ============ ============ ============ ============ * See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. See Notes to Financial Statements Page 49 FIRST TRUST DORSEY WRIGHT TACTICAL CORE PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) SHARES DESCRIPTION VALUE ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 97.6% CAPITAL MARKETS - 97.6% 8,613 First Trust BICK Index Fund (a).............................................. $ 231,087 15,795 First Trust Brazil AlphaDEX(R) Fund (a)...................................... 249,561 15,387 First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX(R) Fund (a)..................... 830,744 31,303 First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund (a) (b)............................ 4,501,997 23,472 First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX(R) Fund (a)............................ 591,494 5,696 First Trust Germany AlphaDEX(R) Fund (a)..................................... 238,150 72,764 First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX(R) Fund (a)............................ 5,118,947 110,982 First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX(R) Fund (a).............................. 5,019,716 53,486 First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index Fund (a)...................... 4,572,518 28,885 First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund (a) (b)....................... 4,068,163 103,297 First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX(R) Fund (a)............................ 4,803,311 5,003 First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX(R) Fund (a)................................. 256,504 68,626 First Trust Technology AlphaDEX(R) Fund (a).................................. 4,566,374 145,929 First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX(R) Fund (a)................................... 4,189,622 26,809 iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF......................................... 2,985,182 36,045 SPDR Blackstone/GSO Senior Loan ETF.......................................... 1,666,000 15,665 SPDR Bloomberg Barclays High Yield Bond ETF.................................. 1,706,545 34,433 SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond ETF............................ 1,726,471 49,678 SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF.......................... 1,735,253 ------------- TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 97.6%.................................................... 49,057,639 (Cost $45,313,576) (c) NET OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - 2.4%...................................... 1,218,403 ------------- NET ASSETS - 100.0%.......................................................... $ 50,276,042 ============= ----------------------------- (a) Investment in an affiliated fund. (b) Non-income producing security. (c) Aggregate cost for financial reporting purposes approximates the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes. As of June 30, 2019, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which there was an excess of value over tax cost was $4,155,385 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which there was an excess of tax cost over value was $411,322. The net unrealized appreciation was $3,744,063. ----------------------------- VALUATION INPUTS A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of June 30, 2019 is as follows (see Note 2A - Portfolio Valuation in the Notes to Financial Statements): LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 TOTAL LEVEL 1 SIGNIFICANT SIGNIFICANT VALUE AT QUOTED OBSERVABLE UNOBSERVABLE 6/30/2019 PRICES INPUTS INPUTS ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Exchange-Traded Funds*............................ $ 49,057,639 $ 49,057,639 $ -- $ -- ============ ============ ============ ============ * See Portfolio of Investments for industry breakout. Page 50 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND FIRST TRUST FIRST TRUST & INCOME MULTI INCOME DORSEY WRIGHT ALLOCATION ALLOCATION TACTICAL CORE PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO --------------- --------------- --------------- ASSETS: Investments, at value - Unaffiliated.................................... $ 893,238,362 $ 18,990,470 $ 9,819,451 Investments, at value - Affiliated...................................... -- 8,952,372 39,238,188 Cash and cash equivalents............................................... 3,787,963 733,973 1,330,090 Receivables: Interest............................................................. 3,289,650 13,641 -- Dividends............................................................ 778,779 17,256 -- Investment securities sold........................................... 423,559 6 -- Fund shares sold..................................................... 82,349 18,738 1,279 Reclaim.............................................................. -- 2,690 -- From investment advisor.............................................. -- 251 6,031 Prepaid expenses........................................................ 3,781 64 140 --------------- --------------- --------------- Total Assets......................................................... 901,604,443 28,729,461 50,395,179 --------------- --------------- --------------- LIABILITIES: Payables: Investment securities purchased...................................... 1,388,095 91,692 -- Investment advisory fees............................................. 424,687 -- -- 12b-1 service fees (Class I)......................................... 180,725 5,792 10,078 Administrative service fees.......................................... 144,613 9,366 8,080 Accounting and administration fees................................... 80,029 7,036 84 Fund shares redeemed................................................. 76,838 8,956 59,928 Licensing fees....................................................... 70,504 -- 12,149 Custodian fees....................................................... 66,262 5,728 793 Shareholder reporting fees........................................... 47,384 5,861 6,025 Legal fees........................................................... 23,229 805 1,486 Audit and tax fees................................................... 18,057 31,646 14,360 Transfer agent fees.................................................. 13,398 4,737 4,710 Commitment fees...................................................... 4,073 1,648 -- Variation margin..................................................... 3,094 -- -- Financial reporting fees............................................. 771 -- 918 Trustees' fees and expenses.......................................... 306 5 185 Other liabilities....................................................... 202 2,391 341 --------------- --------------- --------------- Total Liabilities.................................................... 2,542,267 175,663 119,137 --------------- --------------- --------------- NET ASSETS.............................................................. $ 899,062,176 $ 28,553,798 $ 50,276,042 =============== =============== =============== NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: Paid-in capital......................................................... $ 809,841,331 $ 26,947,593 $ 46,501,587 Accumulated distributable earnings (loss)............................... 89,220,845 1,606,205 3,774,455 --------------- --------------- --------------- NET ASSETS.............................................................. $ 899,062,176 $ 28,553,798 $ 50,276,042 =============== =============== =============== Investments, at cost - Unaffiliated..................................... $ 813,368,926 $ 17,460,975 $ 9,514,609 =============== =============== =============== Investments, at cost - Affiliated....................................... $ -- $ 8,927,738 $ 35,798,967 =============== =============== =============== CLASS I SHARES: NET ASSETS.............................................................. $ 898,839,060 $ 28,400,770 $ 50,170,797 =============== =============== =============== NET ASSET VALUE, per share.............................................. $ 13.97 $ 11.16 $ 11.97 =============== =============== =============== Number of Shares outstanding............................................ 64,360,044 2,544,768 4,192,826 =============== =============== =============== CLASS II SHARES: NET ASSETS.............................................................. $ 223,116 $ 153,028 $ 105,245 =============== =============== =============== NET ASSET VALUE, per share.............................................. $ 14.00 $ 11.16 $ 11.97 =============== =============== =============== Number of Shares outstanding............................................ 15,940 13,713 8,795 =============== =============== =============== See Notes to Financial Statements Page 51 FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND FIRST TRUST FIRST TRUST & INCOME MULTI INCOME DORSEY WRIGHT ALLOCATION ALLOCATION TACTICAL CORE PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO --------------- --------------- --------------- INVESTMENT INCOME: Interest................................................................ $ 6,495,316 $ 58,859 $ 8,538 Dividends - Unaffiliated................................................ 6,207,022 202,060 145,463 Dividends - Affiliated.................................................. -- 219,781 82,851 Foreign withholding tax on dividend income.............................. -- (2,802) -- --------------- --------------- --------------- Total investment income.............................................. 12,702,338 477,898 236,852 --------------- --------------- --------------- EXPENSES: Investment advisory fees................................................ 2,507,774 80,234 82,014 12b-1 distribution and service fees (Class I)........................... 1,044,798 33,243 58,457 Administrative service fees............................................. 835,947 26,636 46,805 Accounting and administration fees...................................... 248,593 12,250 26,033 Licensing fees.......................................................... 140,075 -- 23,433 Custodian fees.......................................................... 94,401 9,778 4,228 Shareholder reporting fees.............................................. 59,876 10,601 11,709 Transfer agent fees..................................................... 47,664 26,934 27,036 Legal fees.............................................................. 24,889 560 1,120 Commitment fees......................................................... 24,724 9,960 -- Audit and tax fees...................................................... 14,484 25,439 11,229 Trustees' fees and expenses............................................. 8,986 8,098 8,295 Financial reporting fees................................................ 4,625 -- 4,587 Other................................................................... 6,715 137 432 --------------- --------------- --------------- Total expenses....................................................... 5,063,551 243,870 305,378 Fees waived and expenses reimbursed by the investment advisor........ (48,382) (133,068) (127,618) --------------- --------------- --------------- Net expenses............................................................ 5,015,169 110,802 177,760 --------------- --------------- --------------- NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)............................................ 7,687,169 367,096 59,092 --------------- --------------- --------------- NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS): Net realized gain (loss) on: Investments - Unaffiliated........................................... 10,201,054 131,687 (30,390) Investments - Affiliated............................................. -- (17,508) 72,902 Futures.............................................................. (1,404,549) -- -- Foreign currency transactions........................................ -- 4 -- --------------- --------------- --------------- Net realized gain (loss)................................................ 8,796,505 114,183 42,512 --------------- --------------- --------------- Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: Investments - Unaffiliated........................................... 91,978,554 1,809,885 477,401 Investments - Affiliated............................................. -- 464,882 6,027,854 Futures.............................................................. 290,149 -- -- Foreign currency translation......................................... -- 1 -- --------------- --------------- --------------- Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation).................... 92,268,703 2,274,768 6,505,255 --------------- --------------- --------------- NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)................................. 101,065,208 2,388,951 6,547,767 --------------- --------------- --------------- NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS...................................................... $ 108,752,377 $ 2,756,047 $ 6,606,859 =============== =============== =============== Page 52 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO -------------------------------- SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR 6/30/2019 ENDED (UNAUDITED) 12/31/2018 -------------- -------------- OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)......................................................... $ 7,687,169 $ 11,802,416 Net realized gain (loss)............................................................. 8,796,505 33,480,402 Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)................................. 92,268,703 (86,358,578) -------------- -------------- Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations...................... 108,752,377 (41,075,760) -------------- -------------- DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Class I.............................................................................. (40,016,445) (13,489,067) Class II............................................................................. (10,172) (1,119) -------------- -------------- Total distributions to shareholders.................................................. (40,026,617) (13,490,186) -------------- -------------- CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS: Proceeds from shares sold............................................................ 50,280,408 142,387,501 Proceeds from shares reinvested...................................................... 40,026,039 13,489,949 Cost of shares redeemed.............................................................. (27,630,607) (71,173,469) -------------- -------------- Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital transactions............ 62,675,840 84,703,981 -------------- -------------- Total increase (decrease) in net assets.............................................. 131,401,600 30,138,035 NET ASSETS: Beginning of period.................................................................. 767,660,576 737,522,541 -------------- -------------- End of period........................................................................ $ 899,062,176 $ 767,660,576 ============== ============== See Notes to Financial Statements Page 53 FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED) FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO -------------------------------- SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR 6/30/2019 ENDED (UNAUDITED) 12/31/2018 -------------- -------------- OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)......................................................... $ 367,096 $ 495,965 Net realized gain (loss)............................................................. 114,183 36,443 Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)................................. 2,274,768 (1,646,906) -------------- -------------- Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations...................... 2,756,047 (1,114,498) -------------- -------------- DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Class I.............................................................................. (344,509) (516,531) Class II............................................................................. (2,056) (2,977) -------------- -------------- Total distributions to shareholders.................................................. (346,565) (519,508) -------------- -------------- CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS: Proceeds from shares sold............................................................ 2,784,692 10,062,438 Proceeds from shares reinvested...................................................... 345,055 516,827 Cost of shares redeemed.............................................................. (1,578,635) (4,594,392) -------------- -------------- Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital transactions............ 1,551,112 5,984,873 -------------- -------------- Total increase (decrease) in net assets.............................................. 3,960,594 4,350,867 NET ASSETS: Beginning of period.................................................................. 24,593,204 20,242,337 -------------- -------------- End of period........................................................................ $ 28,553,798 $ 24,593,204 ============== ============== Page 54 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED) FIRST TRUST DORSEY WRIGHT TACTICAL CORE PORTFOLIO -------------------------------- SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR 6/30/2019 ENDED (UNAUDITED) 12/31/2018 -------------- -------------- OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)......................................................... $ 59,092 $ 149,095 Net realized gain (loss)............................................................. 42,512 730,920 Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)................................. 6,505,255 (5,148,691) -------------- -------------- Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations...................... 6,606,859 (4,268,676) -------------- -------------- DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Class I.............................................................................. (821,756) (155,085) Class II............................................................................. (1,830) (618) -------------- -------------- Total distributions to shareholders.................................................. (823,586) (155,703) -------------- -------------- CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS: Proceeds from shares sold............................................................ 8,812,686 24,115,334 Proceeds from shares reinvested...................................................... 823,586 155,703 Cost of shares redeemed.............................................................. (3,504,990) (4,021,112) -------------- -------------- Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital transactions............ 6,131,282 20,249,925 -------------- -------------- Total increase (decrease) in net assets.............................................. 11,914,555 15,825,546 NET ASSETS: Beginning of period.................................................................. 38,361,487 22,535,941 -------------- -------------- End of period........................................................................ $ 50,276,042 $ 38,361,487 ============== ============== See Notes to Financial Statements Page 55 FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD CLASS I SHARES SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 6/30/2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------- (UNAUDITED) 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net asset value, beginning of period..... $ 12.82 $ 13.73 $ 12.85 $ 11.94 $ 12.41 $ 11.37 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)............. 0.12 0.21 0.18 0.14 0.16 0.15 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss).. 1.68 (0.88) 1.54 1.25 (a) (0.15) 0.99 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total from investment operations......... 1.80 (0.67) 1.72 1.39 0.01 1.14 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: Net investment income.................... (0.11) (0.21) (0.18) (0.13) (0.27) (0.10) Net realized gain........................ (0.54) (0.03) (0.66) (0.35) (0.21) -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total distributions...................... (0.65) (0.24) (0.84) (0.48) (0.48) (0.10) --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net asset value, end of period........... $ 13.97 $ 12.82 $ 13.73 $ 12.85 $ 11.94 $ 12.41 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= TOTAL RETURN (b) (c)..................... 14.08% (4.92)% 13.47% 11.74% (a) 0.09% 10.04% RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (in 000's)..... $ 898,839 $ 767,616 $ 737,320 $ 543,951 $ 243,244 $ 195,128 Ratio of total expenses to average net assets................................ 1.21% (d) 1.22% 1.23% 1.29% 1.34% 1.43% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets................................ 1.20% (d) 1.20% 1.20% 1.20% 1.20% 1.20% Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets.................... 1.84% (d) 1.56% 1.35% 1.29% 1.35% 1.40% Portfolio turnover rate.................. 42% 76% 71% 96% 81% 65% CLASS II SHARES SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, PERIOD 6/30/2019 ----------------------------------------------------- ENDED (UNAUDITED) 2018 2017 2016 2015 12/31/2014 (e) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net asset value, beginning of period..... $ 12.85 $ 13.75 $ 12.87 $ 11.95 $ 12.43 $ 11.63 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)............. 0.15 (f) 0.25 (f) 0.14 0.19 0.17 0.14 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss).. 1.67 (0.88) 1.61 1.24 (a) (0.14) 0.77 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total from investment operations......... 1.82 (0.63) 1.75 1.43 0.03 0.91 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: Net investment income.................... (0.13) (0.24) (0.21) (0.16) (0.30) (0.11) Net realized gain........................ (0.54) (0.03) (0.66) (0.35) (0.21) -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total distributions...................... (0.67) (0.27) (0.87) (0.51) (0.51) (0.11) --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net asset value, end of period........... $ 14.00 $ 12.85 $ 13.75 $ 12.87 $ 11.95 $ 12.43 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= TOTAL RETURN (b) (c)..................... 14.18% (4.60)% 13.75% 12.07% (a) 0.25% 7.82% RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (in 000's)..... $ 223 $ 44 $ 202 $ 17 $ 16 $ 11 Ratio of total expenses to average net assets................................ 0.97% (d) 0.97% 1.00% 1.04% 1.09% 1.21% (d) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets................................ 0.95% (d) 0.95% 0.95% 0.95% 0.95% 0.95% (d) Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets.................... 2.20% (d) 1.79% 1.88% 1.53% 1.64% 1.69% (d) Portfolio turnover rate.................. 42% 76% 71% 96% 81% 65% ----------------------------- (a) First Trust/Dow Jones Dividend & Income Allocation Portfolio received a reimbursement from the Advisor in the amount of $1,000 in connection with a trade error, which represents less than $0.01 per share. Since the Advisor reimbursed the Fund, there was no effect on the total return. (b) Total return is based on the combination of reinvested dividends, capital gain and return of capital distributions, if any. Total return is not annualized for periods of less than one year. The returns for the Fund do not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with variable products, such as mortality and expense risk charges, separate account charges, and sales charges or the effect of taxes. These expenses would reduce the overall returns above. (c) Total returns would have been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by the investment advisor. (d) Annualized. (e) The Fund's Class II shares were seeded on April 30, 2014, and commenced operations on May 1, 2014. (f) Based on average shares outstanding. Page 56 See Notes to Financial Statements FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED) FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD CLASS I SHARES SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, PERIOD 6/30/2019 ----------------------------------------------------- ENDED (UNAUDITED) 2018 2017 2016 2015 12/31/2014 (a) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net asset value, beginning of period..... $ 10.17 $ 10.89 $ 10.54 $ 9.86 $ 10.39 $ 10.00 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)............. 0.14 0.23 0.24 0.20 0.19 0.07 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss).. 0.99 (0.71) 0.39 0.71 (0.53) (b) 0.39 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total from investment operations......... 1.13 (0.48) 0.63 0.91 (0.34) 0.46 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: Net investment income.................... (0.13) (0.24) (0.25) (0.23) (0.19) (0.07) Net realized gain........................ (0.01) -- (0.03) -- -- -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total from distributions................. (0.14) (0.24) (0.28) (0.23) (0.19) (0.07) --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net asset value, end of period........... $ 11.16 $ 10.17 $ 10.89 $ 10.54 $ 9.86 $ 10.39 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= TOTAL RETURN (c) (d)..................... 11.08% (4.44)% 6.04% 9.27% (3.24)% (b) 4.57% RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (in 000's)..... $ 28,401 $ 24,451 $ 20,083 $ 17,965 $ 12,257 $ 6,894 Ratio of total expenses to average net assets (e)............................ 1.83% (f) 2.09% 2.17% 2.22% 2.60% 6.00% (f) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (e)............................ 0.83% (f) 0.83% 0.83% 0.83% 0.90% 1.20% (f) Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets.................... 2.74% (f) 2.29% 2.24% 2.10% 2.17% 2.35% (f) Portfolio turnover rate.................. 18% 40% 46% 46% 93% 15% CLASS II SHARES SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, PERIOD 6/30/2019 ----------------------------------------------------- ENDED (UNAUDITED) 2018 2017 2016 2015 12/31/2014 (a) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net asset value, beginning of period..... $ 10.17 $ 10.88 $ 10.54 $ 9.86 $ 10.39 $ 10.00 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)............. 0.16 0.26 0.27 0.20 0.24 0.04 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss).. 0.98 (0.70) 0.38 0.74 (0.55) (b) 0.43 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total from investment operations......... 1.14 (0.44) 0.65 0.94 (0.31) 0.47 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: Net investment income.................... (0.14) (0.27) (0.28) (0.26) (0.22) (0.08) Net realized gain........................ (0.01) -- (0.03) -- -- -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total from distributions................. (0.15) (0.27) (0.31) (0.26) (0.22) (0.08) --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net asset value, end of period........... $ 11.16 $ 10.17 $ 10.88 $ 10.54 $ 9.86 $ 10.39 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= TOTAL RETURN (c) (d)..................... 11.20% (4.11)% 6.22% 9.53% (3.01)%(b) 4.74% RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (in 000's)..... $ 153 $ 142 $ 159 $ 156 $ 100 $ 105 Ratio of total expenses to average net assets (e)............................. 1.58% (f) 1.83% 1.92% 1.99% 2.31% 14.44% (f) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (e)............................. 0.58% (f) 0.58% 0.58% 0.58% 0.67% 0.95% (f) Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets.................. 2.98% (f) 2.49% 2.49% 2.34% 2.32% 0.54% (f) Portfolio turnover rate.................. 18% 40% 46% 46% 93% 15% ----------------------------- (a) The Fund's Class I and Class II shares were seeded on April 30, 2014, and commenced operations on May 1, 2014. (b) First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio received a reimbursement from the Advisor in the amount of $5,471 in connection with a trade error, which represents less than $0.01 per share. Since the Advisor reimbursed the Fund, there was no effect on the total return. (c) Total return is based on the combination of reinvested dividends, capital gain and return of capital distributions, if any. Total return is not annualized for periods of less than one year. The returns for the Fund do not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with variable products, such as mortality and expense risk charges, separate account charges, and sales charges or the effect of taxes. These expenses would reduce the overall returns above. (d) Total returns would have been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by the investment advisor. (e) The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of fees and expenses incurred by the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. This ratio does not include these indirect fees and expenses. (f) Annualized. See Notes to Financial Statements Page 57 FIRST TRUST DORSEY WRIGHT TACTICAL CORE PORTFOLIO FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED) FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD CLASS I SHARES SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, PERIOD 6/30/2019 --------------------------------------- ENDED (UNAUDITED) 2018 2017 2016 12/31/2015 (a) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net asset value, beginning of period..... $ 10.45 $ 11.41 $ 9.85 $ 9.94 $ 10.00 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)............. 0.01 0.04 0.06 0.09 0.01 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss).. 1.71 (0.95) 1.66 0.01 (0.07) --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total from investment operations......... 1.72 (0.91) 1.72 0.10 (0.06) --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: Net investment income.................... (0.02) (0.03) (0.06) (0.09) -- Net realized gain........................ (0.18) (0.02) (0.10) (0.10) -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total from distributions................. (0.20) (0.05) (0.16) (0.19) -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net asset value, end of period........... $ 11.97 $ 10.45 $ 11.41 $ 9.85 $ 9.94 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= TOTAL RETURN (b) (c)..................... 16.55% (8.00)% 17.50% 0.95% (0.60)% RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (in 000's)..... $ 50,171 $ 38,277 $ 22,477 $ 10,360 $ 5,440 Ratio of total expenses to average net assets (d)............................ 1.25% (e) 1.40% 1.85% 2.13% 11.71% (e) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (d)............................ 0.76% (e) 0.74% 0.75% 0.83% 0.79% (e) Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets................. 0.25% (e) 0.48% 0.76% 0.98% 1.54% (e) Portfolio turnover rate.................. 16% 70% 31% 265% --% CLASS II SHARES SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, PERIOD 6/30/2019 --------------------------------------- ENDED (UNAUDITED) 2018 2017 2016 12/31/2015 (a) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net asset value, beginning of period..... $ 10.44 $ 11.40 $ 9.83 $ 9.95 $ 10.00 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)............. 0.03 0.07 0.10 0.11 0.01 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss).. 1.71 (0.95) 1.66 (0.02) (0.06) --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total from investment operations......... 1.74 (0.88) 1.76 0.09 (0.05) --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM: Net investment income.................... (0.03) (0.06) (0.09) (0.11) -- Net realized gain........................ (0.18) (0.02) (0.10) (0.10) -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total distributions...................... (0.21) (0.08) (0.19) (0.21) -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net asset value, end of period........... $ 11.97 $ 10.44 $ 11.40 $ 9.83 $ 9.95 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= TOTAL RETURN (b) (c)..................... 16.68% (7.77)% 17.94% 0.88% (0.50)% RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (in 000's)..... $ 105 $ 84 $ 59 $ 50 $ 50 Ratio of total expenses to average net assets (d)............................ 26.94% (e) 32.62% 46.41% 57.64% 37.40% (e) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (d)............................ 0.51% (e) 0.49% 0.50% 0.57% 0.51% (e) Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets................. 0.50% (e) 0.73% 0.93% 1.13% 0.86% (e) Portfolio turnover rate.................. 16% 70% 31% 265% --% ----------------------------- (a) The Fund's Class I and Class II shares were seeded on October 29, 2015, and commenced operations on October 30, 2015. (b) Total return is based on the combination of reinvested dividends, capital gain and return of capital distributions, if any. Total return is not annualized for periods of less than one year. The returns for the Fund do not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with variable products, such as mortality and expense risk charges, separate account charges, and sales charges or the effect of taxes. These expenses would reduce the overall returns above. (c) Total returns would have been lower if certain fees had not been waived and expenses reimbursed by the investment advisor. (d) The Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of fees and expenses incurred by the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. This ratio does not include these indirect fees and expenses. (e) Annualized. Page 58 See Notes to Financial Statements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) 1. ORGANIZATION First Trust Variable Insurance Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on December 14, 2011 and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Trust currently offers shares of three series (each a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds"), First Trust/Dow Jones Dividend & Income Allocation Portfolio ("First Trust Dow Jones"), which commenced investment operations on May 1, 2012, First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio ("First Trust Multi Income"), which commenced investment operations on May 1, 2014, and First Trust Dorsey Wright Tactical Core Portfolio ("First Trust Dorsey Wright"), which commenced investment operations on October 30, 2015. Each Fund's shares are sold only to variable insurance accounts (each an "Account") to fund the benefits of the variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts (each a "Contract" and collectively, the "Contracts") issued by life insurance companies writing variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts with which the Trust has a contract (each a "Participating Insurance Company"). First Trust Dow Jones' investment objective is to seek to provide total return by allocating among dividend-paying stocks and investment-grade bonds. First Trust Dow Jones seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal market conditions, approximately 40-60% of its net assets in equity securities and approximately 40-60% of its net assets in fixed-income securities at the time of purchase. Under normal market conditions, at the time of purchase at least 80% of the Fund's net assets (including investment borrowings) will be invested in securities of issuers included in a Dow Jones index. The equity portion of the portfolio will be derived from a quantitative process that seeks to provide total return through investing generally in dividend-paying stocks included in the Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index(SM_. First Trust Advisors L.P. ("First Trust" or the "Advisor") reserves the right to over-weight, under-weight or exclude certain securities from the portfolio that would otherwise be selected pursuant to the quantitative process in certain instances. First Trust Dow Jones' fixed-income component seeks to provide income and preserve capital through investing in a diversified investment-grade debt portfolio. Investment-grade debt securities are those long-term debt securities rated "BBB-" or higher by Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC or Fitch, Inc. or "Baa3" or higher by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., and those short-term debt securities rated "A-3" or higher by Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC, "F3" or higher by Fitch, Inc. or "Prime 3" or higher by Moody's Investor Service, Inc., at the time of purchase. Under normal market conditions, at the time of purchase approximately 80% of the net assets of the Fund allocated to corporate debt will be invested in investment-grade debt securities included in the Dow Jones Equal Weight U.S. Issued Corporate Bond Index(SM) (the "Bond Index") and other investment-grade debt securities of issuers whose securities are included in the Bond Index; and investment-grade debt securities of issuers included in the Dow Jones Composite Average. The Fund may also invest in U.S. government and agency securities, including mortgage-backed securities. The Fund may, at certain times, also hold exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") that invest in investment-grade corporate debt securities and U.S. government bonds in lieu of investing directly in such securities. First Trust Multi Income's primary investment objective is to maximize current income, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. First Trust Multi Income seeks to achieve its objectives through diversified exposure to nine income generating asset classes: dividend-paying stocks, preferred stocks, energy infrastructure companies and master limited partnerships ("MLPs"), real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), high yield or "junk" bonds, floating-rate loans, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities and Treasury Inflation Protected Securities ("TIPS"). The Fund is actively managed by First Trust and implementing the strategy involves multiple portfolio managers. The Advisor tactically adjusts allocation weights in a manner deemed to offer attractive levels of total return relative to the level of expected risk. The Advisor intends to adjust asset allocation weights quarterly but may do so more or less frequently depending upon market conditions. The maximum weight of any asset class, at the time of adjustment, is 20%. The minimum weight of any asset class, at the time of adjustment, is 5%. First Trust Multi Income may, at certain times, invest in ETFs that generally provide exposure to the nine asset classes in lieu of investing directly in such asset classes. Certain of the ETFs may be advised by First Trust. As a result, First Trust will also earn advisory fees on the underlying ETFs. In general, the U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities in which First Trust Multi Income invests may be issued by U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, of any credit quality, including high yield securities. The high yield securities in which the Fund invests are rated below investment-grade at the time of purchase or unrated and deemed by the Advisor to be of comparable quality, commonly referred to as "junk" bonds. The Fund also invests in the equity securities of domestic and foreign issuers listed on a U.S. or foreign securities exchange and non-U.S. securities that are listed on a U.S. securities exchange in the form of American Depository Receipts ("ADRs") and Global Depository Receipts ("GDRs") (collectively, "Depository Receipts"). The Fund may invest in equity securities issued by small, mid or large capitalization companies. First Trust Dorsey Wright's investment objective is to seek to provide total return. First Trust Dorsey Wright seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in ETFs and cash and cash equivalents that comprise the Dorsey Wright Tactical Tilt Moderate Core Index. It is expected that a majority of the ETFs in which the Fund invests will be advised by First Trust. Page 59 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) Each Fund offers two classes of shares: Class I and Class II. Each class represents an interest in the same portfolio of investments but with a different combination of service (12b-1) fees, eligibility requirements and other features. 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Funds are each considered an investment company and follow accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946, "Financial Services-Investment Companies." The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of the financial statements. The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. A. PORTFOLIO VALUATION The net asset value ("NAV") for each class of shares in each Fund is determined daily as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. If the NYSE closes early on a valuation day, the NAV is determined as of that time. Domestic debt securities and foreign securities are priced using data reflecting the earlier closing of the principal markets for those securities. The NAV for each class is calculated by dividing the value of each Fund's total assets attributable to such class (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities attributable to such class (including accrued expenses, dividends declared but unpaid, and any borrowings of each Fund) by the total number of shares of the class outstanding. Differences in the NAV of each class of each Fund's shares are generally expected to be due to the daily expense accruals of the specified service (12b-1) fees, if any, and transfer agency costs applicable to such class of shares and the resulting differential in the dividends that may be paid on each class of shares. Each Fund's investments are valued daily at market value or, in the absence of market value with respect to any portfolio securities, at fair value. Market value prices represent last sale or official closing prices from a national or foreign exchange (i.e., a regulated market) and are primarily obtained from third-party pricing services. Fair value prices represent any prices not considered market value prices and are either obtained from a third-party pricing service or are determined by the Advisor's Pricing Committee, in accordance with valuation procedures adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees (the "Board"), and in accordance with provisions of the 1940 Act. Investments valued by the Advisor's Pricing Committee, if any, are footnoted as such in the footnotes to the Portfolio of Investments. Each Fund's investments are valued as follows: Common stocks, preferred stocks, MLPs, ETFs, REITs and other equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange (excluding The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq") and the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market ("AIM")) are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are principally traded or, for Nasdaq and AIM securities, the official closing price. Securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price or official closing price, as applicable, at the close of the securities exchange representing the principal market for such securities. Securities traded in an over-the-counter market are fair valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their closing bid price. Corporate bonds, corporate notes, U.S. government securities and other debt securities are fair valued on the basis of valuations provided by dealers who make markets in such securities or by a third-party pricing service approved by the Trust's Board, which may use the following valuation inputs when available: 1) benchmark yields; 2) reported trades; 3) broker/dealer quotes; 4) issuer spreads; 5) benchmark securities; 6) bids and offers; and 7) reference data including market research publications. Exchange-traded futures contracts are valued at the closing price in the market where such contracts are principally traded. If no closing price is available, exchange-traded futures contracts are fair valued at the mean of their most recent bid and asked price, if available, and otherwise at their closing bid price. Page 60 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) Commercial paper, fixed income and other debt securities having a remaining maturity of sixty days or less when purchased are fair valued at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts (amortized cost), provided the Advisor's Pricing Committee has determined that the use of amortized cost is an appropriate reflection of fair value given market and issuer-specific conditions existing at the time of the determination. Factors that may be considered in determining the appropriateness of the use of amortized cost include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) the credit conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto; 2) the liquidity conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto; 3) the interest rate conditions in the relevant market and changes thereto (such as significant changes in interest rates); 4) issuer-specific conditions (such as significant credit deterioration); and 5) any other market-based data the Advisor's Pricing Committee considers relevant. In this regard, the Advisor's Pricing Committee may use last-obtained market-based data to assist it when valuing portfolio securities using amortized cost. Certain securities may not be able to be priced by pre-established pricing methods. Such securities may be valued by the Trust's Board or its delegate, the Advisor's Pricing Committee, at fair value. These securities generally include, but are not limited to, restricted securities (securities which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) for which a third-party pricing service is unable to provide a market price; securities whose trading has been formally suspended; a security whose market or fair value price is not available from a pre-established pricing source; a security with respect to which an event has occurred that is likely to materially affect the value of the security after the market has closed but before the calculation of a Fund's NAV or make it difficult or impossible to obtain a reliable market quotation; and a security whose price, as provided by the third-party pricing service, does not reflect the security's fair value. As a general principle, the current fair value of a security would appear to be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its current sale. When fair value prices are used, generally they will differ from market quotations or official closing prices on the applicable exchanges. A variety of factors may be considered in determining the fair value of such securities. Fair valuation of a debt security will be based on the consideration of all available information, including, but not limited to, the following: 1) the fundamental business data relating to the issuer; 2) an evaluation of the forces which influence the market in which these securities are purchased and sold; 3) the type, size and cost of the security; 4) the financial statements of the issuer; 5) the credit quality and cash flow of the issuer, based on the Advisor's or external analysis; 6) the information as to any transactions in or offers for the security; 7) the price and extent of public trading in similar securities (or equity securities) of the issuer/borrower, or comparable companies; 8) the coupon payments; 9) the quality, value and salability of collateral, if any, securing the security; 10) the business prospects of the issuer, including any ability to obtain money or resources from a parent or affiliate and an assessment of the issuer's management (for corporate debt only); 11) the prospects for the issuer's industry, and multiples (of earnings and/or cash flows) being paid for similar businesses in that industry (for corporate debt only); and 12) other relevant factors. Fair valuation of an equity security will be based on the consideration of all available information, including, but not limited to, the following: 1) the type of security; 2) the size of the holding; 3) the initial cost of the security; 4) transactions in comparable securities; 5) price quotes from dealers and/or third-party pricing services; 6) relationships among various securities; 7) information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, or the appropriate stock exchange; 8) an analysis of the issuer's financial statements; and 9) the existence of merger proposals or tender offers that might affect the value of the security. Page 61 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) If the securities in question are foreign securities, the following additional information may be considered: 1) the value of similar foreign securities traded on other foreign markets; 2) ADR trading of similar securities; 3) closed-end fund or exchange-traded fund trading of similar securities; 4) foreign currency exchange activity; 5) the trading prices of financial products that are tied to baskets of foreign securities; 6) factors relating to the event that precipitated the pricing problem; 7) whether the event is likely to recur; and 8) whether the effects of the event are isolated or whether they affect entire markets, countries or regions. The Funds are subject to fair value accounting standards that define fair value, establish the framework for measuring fair value and provide a three-level hierarchy for fair valuation based upon the inputs to the valuation as of the measurement date. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: o Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical investments. An active market is a market in which transactions for the investment occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. o Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are observable inputs, either directly or indirectly, and include the following: o Quoted prices for similar investments in active markets. o Quoted prices for identical or similar investments in markets that are non-active. A non-active market is a market where there are few transactions for the investment, the prices are not current, or price quotations vary substantially either over time or among market makers, or in which little information is released publicly. o Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the investment (for example, interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, and default rates). o Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. o Level 3 - Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs may reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the investment. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those investments. A summary of the inputs used to value each Fund's investments as of June 30, 2019, is included with each Fund's Portfolio of Investments. B. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded daily on the accrual basis. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recorded using the effective interest method. Distributions received from a Fund's investments in MLPs generally are comprised of return of capital and investment income. A Fund records estimated return of capital and investment income based on historical information available from each MLP. These estimates may subsequently be revised based on information received from the MLPs after their tax reporting periods are concluded. Distributions received from a Fund's investments in REITs may be comprised of return of capital, capital gains, and investment income. The actual character of the amounts received during the year are not known until after the REITs' fiscal year end. A Fund records the character of distributions received from the REITs during the year based on estimates available. The characterization of distributions received by a Fund may be subsequently revised based on information received from the REITs after their tax reporting periods conclude. C. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Normally, the Funds invest substantially all of their assets to meet their investment objectives. The Funds may invest the remainder of their assets in securities with maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or they may hold cash. The investment in such instruments is not a principal investment strategy of First Trust Dow Jones or First Trust Multi Income. The percentage of each Fund's net assets invested in such holdings varies and depends on several factors, including market conditions. For temporary defensive purposes and during periods of high cash inflows or outflows, the Funds may depart from their principal investment strategies and invest part or all of their assets in these securities, or they may hold cash. Page 62 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) D. FOREIGN CURRENCY The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investments and items of income and expense are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Unrealized gains and losses on assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, which result from changes in foreign currency exchange rates have been included in "Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency translation" on the Statements of Operations. Unrealized gains and losses on investments in securities which result from changes in foreign exchange rates are included with fluctuations arising from changes in market price and are included in "Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments" on the Statements of Operations. Net realized foreign currency gains and losses include the effect of changes in exchange rates between trade date and settlement date on investment security transactions, foreign currency transactions and interest and dividends received and are included in "Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions" on the Statements of Operations. The portion of foreign currency gains and losses related to fluctuations in exchange rates between the initial purchase settlement date and subsequent sale trade date is included in "Net realized gain (loss) on investments" on the Statements of Operations. E. FUTURES CONTRACTS First Trust Dow Jones purchases or sells (i.e., is long or short) futures contracts to hedge against changes in interest rates (interest rate risk). Futures contracts are agreements between the Fund and a counterparty to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specified price and at a specified date. Depending on the terms of the contract, futures contracts are settled either through physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. Open futures contracts can also be closed out prior to settlement by entering into an offsetting transaction in a matching futures contract. If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain margin deposits on the futures contract. When the contract is closed or expires, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed or expired. This gain or loss is included in "Net realized gain (loss) on futures" on the Statements of Operations. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund must deposit funds, called margin, with its custodian in the name of the clearing broker equal to a specified percentage of the current value of the contract. Open futures contracts are marked-to-market daily with the change in value recognized as a component of "Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures" on the Statements of Operations. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are included in "Variation margin" payable or receivable on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. If market conditions change unexpectedly, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contract and may realize a loss. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of the futures contracts, interest rates and the underlying instruments. F. PRINCIPAL-ONLY SECURITIES A principal-only security ("PO Security") is the principal-only portion of a mortgage-backed security that does not receive any interest, is priced at a deep discount to its redemption value and ultimately receives the redemption value. Generally speaking, when interest rates are falling and prepayment rates are increasing, the value of a PO Security will rise. Conversely, when interest rates are rising and prepayment rates are decreasing, generally the value of a PO Security will fall. These securities, if any, are identified on the Portfolio of Investments. G. INTEREST-ONLY SECURITIES An interest-only security ("IO Security") is the interest-only portion of a mortgage-backed security that receives some or all of the interest portion of the underlying mortgage-backed security and little or no principal. A reference principal value called a notional value is used to calculate the amount of interest due to the IO Security. IO Securities are sold at a deep discount to their notional principal amount. Generally speaking, when interest rates are falling and prepayment rates are increasing, the value of an IO Security will fall. Conversely, when interest rates are rising and prepayment rates are decreasing, generally the value of an IO Security will rise. These securities, if any, are identified on the Portfolio of Investments. H. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS Distributions from net investment income of each Fund, if any, are declared and paid semi-annually. Each Fund distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders at least annually. All dividends payable by each Fund will be reinvested in the Fund. Page 63 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) Distributions from income and capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Certain capital accounts in the financial statements are periodically adjusted for permanent differences in order to reflect their tax character. These permanent differences are primarily due to the varying treatment of income and gain/loss on portfolio securities held by the Funds and have no impact on net assets or NAV per share. Temporary differences, which arise from recognizing certain items of income, expense and gain/loss in different periods for financial statement and tax purposes, will reverse at some time in the future. The tax character of distributions paid by each Fund during the year ended December 31, 2018, was as follows: Distributions paid Distributions paid Distributions paid from Ordinary from Capital from Return Income Gains of Capital ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ First Trust Dow Jones $ 12,292,691 $ 1,197,495 $ -- First Trust Multi Income 519,508 -- -- First Trust Dorsey Wright 120,457 35,246 -- As of December 31, 2018, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis for each Fund were as follows: Undistributed Accumulated Capital Net Unrealized Ordinary and Other Appreciation Income Gain (Loss) (Depreciation) ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ First Trust Dow Jones $ 9,665,609 $ 23,223,342 $ (12,393,866) First Trust Multi Income 22,357 (21,051) (804,583) First Trust Dorsey Wright 15,619 737,450 (2,761,887) I. INCOME TAXES Each Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which includes distributing substantially all of its net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders. Accordingly, no provision has been made for federal and state income taxes. However, due to the timing and amount of distributions, each Fund may be subject to an excise tax of 4% of the amount by which approximately 98% of each Fund's taxable income exceeds the distributions from such taxable income for the calendar year. The Funds are subject to accounting standards that establish a minimum threshold for recognizing, and a system for measuring, the benefits of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Taxable years ended 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 remain open to federal and state audit for First Trust Dow Jones, First Trust Multi Income and First Trust Dorsey Wright. As of June 30, 2019, management has evaluated the application of these standards to the Funds and has determined that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds' financial statements for uncertain tax positions. The Funds intend to utilize provisions of the federal income tax laws, which allow them to carry a realized capital loss forward indefinitely following the year of the loss and offset such loss against any future realized capital gains. The Funds are subject to certain limitations under U.S. tax rules on the use of capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses. These limitations apply when there has been a 50% change in ownership. During the taxable year ended December 31, 2018, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards in the following amounts: Capital Loss Available --------------- First Trust Dow Jones $ -- First Trust Multi Income 21,051 First Trust Dorsey Wright -- J. EXPENSES Each Fund will pay all expenses directly related to its operations. Each Participating Insurance Company performs certain administrative services for the Funds, their Accounts and the Contracts. Each Fund pays an administrative services fee of 0.20% of average daily net assets to cover expenses incurred by Participating Insurance Companies in connection with these services. Page 64 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) First Trust has entered into various licensing agreements, which allow First Trust to use certain trademarks and trade names of the applicable licensors (see Licensing Information in the Additional Information section of this report). The Trust, on behalf of First Trust Dow Jones and First Trust Dorsey Wright, is a sub-licensee to these license agreements and is required to pay licensing fees, which are shown on the Statements of Operations. K. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS On March 30, 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-08 "Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities," which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium by shortening such period to the earliest call date. The new guidance requires an entity to amortize the premium on a callable debt security within its scope to the earliest call date, unless the guidance for considering estimated prepayments is applied. If the call option is not exercised at the earliest call date, the yield is reset to the effective yield using the payment terms of the security. If the security has more than one call date and the premium was amortized to a call price greater than the next call price, any excess of the amortized cost basis over the amount repayable at the next call date will be amortized to that date. If there are no other call dates, any excess of the amortized cost basis over the par amount will be amortized to maturity. Discounts on purchased callable debt securities will continue to be amortized to the security's maturity date. ASU 2017-08 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Earlier adoption is permitted for all entities, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the ASU in an interim period, any adjustments must be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. Management is still assessing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2017-08 on the financial statements but does not expect it to have a material impact. On August 28, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, "Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement," which amends the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of ASC 820. The amendments of ASU 2018-13 include new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements of ASC 820. In addition, the amendments clarify that materiality is an appropriate consideration of entities when evaluating disclosure requirements. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures upon issuance of this ASU. The Funds have early adopted ASU 2018-13 for these financial statements, which did not result in a material impact. 3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE, AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER FEE ARRANGEMENTS First Trust, the investment advisor to the Funds, is a limited partnership with one limited partner, Grace Partners of DuPage L.P., and one general partner, The Charger Corporation. The Charger Corporation is an Illinois corporation controlled by James A. Bowen, Chief Executive Officer of First Trust. First Trust provides each Fund with discretionary investment services and certain administrative services necessary for the management of the Funds. For its investment advisory and management services, First Trust is entitled to a monthly fee calculated at an annual rate of 0.60% of the average daily net assets for both First Trust Dow Jones and First Trust Multi Income, and 0.35% of the average daily net assets for First Trust Dorsey Wright. First Trust also provides fund reporting services to First Trust Dow Jones and First Trust Dorsey Wright for a flat annual fee in the amount of $9,250 per Fund. In addition First Trust Multi Income and First Trust Dorsey Wright incur their respective pro rata share of fees and expenses attributable to each Fund's investments in other investment companies ("acquired fund fees and expenses"). The total of net expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses represents each Fund's total net annual operating expenses. First Trust Multi Income and First Trust have retained Energy Income Partners, LLC ("EIP") and Stonebridge Advisors LLC ("Stonebridge") (collectively, the "Sub-Advisors"), affiliates of First Trust, to serve as investment sub-advisors. In this capacity, the Sub-Advisors provide recommendations to the Advisor regarding the selection and ongoing monitoring of certain securities in First Trust Multi Income's investment portfolio. EIP acts as sub-advisor for, and manages on a discretionary basis the investment and reinvestment of, only the assets of First Trust Multi Income allocated to EIP by the Advisor and furnishes an investment program in respect of and makes investment decisions only with respect to the portion of First Trust Multi Income's investment portfolio allocated to it by the Advisor. EIP, an affiliate of the Advisor, has been retained by First Trust Multi Income and the Advisor to provide recommendations regarding the selection and ongoing monitoring of the MLP, MLP affiliate and energy infrastructure securities in First Trust Multi Income's investment portfolio and to exercise discretion only with respect to assets of First Trust Multi Income allocated to EIP. Stonebridge serves as a nondiscretionary sub-advisor. Stonebridge has been retained by First Trust Multi Income and the Advisor to provide recommendations regarding the selection and ongoing monitoring of the preferred and hybrid securities in First Trust Multi Income's investment portfolio. For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to the investment sub-advisory agreement, First Trust will pay EIP a sub-advisory fee equal to 40% monthly in arrears of any remaining monthly investment management fee paid to the Advisor for the average daily net assets allocated to EIP after First Trust's waiver of any of its investment management fee to comply with the Page 65 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) then-current expense cap, as defined below. For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to the investment sub-advisory agreement, First Trust will pay Stonebridge a portfolio management fee equal to an annual rate of 0.20% of the Fund's average daily net assets allocated to Stonebridge. First Trust Capital Partners, LLC ("FTCP"), an affiliate of First Trust, owns, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, a 15% ownership interest in each of EIP and EIP Partners, LLC, an affiliate of EIP. FTCP also owns, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, a 51% ownership interest in Stonebridge. First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay First Trust Dow Jones' and First Trust Multi Income's expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the annual operating expenses of Class I shares and Class II shares (excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 1.20% and 0.95% (each an "Expense Cap"), respectively, of each Fund's average daily net assets per year at least until May 1, 2020. First Trust has agreed to waive fees and/or pay First Trust Dorsey Wright's expenses to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of Class I shares and Class II shares (excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 1.30% and 1.05% (each an "Expense Cap"), respectively, of the Fund's average daily net assets per year at least until May 1, 2020. For First Trust Dorsey Wright, because acquired fund fees and expenses are estimated, First Trust will periodically adjust the amount of the fee waiver and expense reimbursement in order to attempt to meet the Expense Caps. However, total net annual fund expenses may be higher or lower than the Expense Caps. Expenses borne and fees waived by First Trust are subject to reimbursement by each Fund for up to three years from the date the fee or expense was incurred by the Fund, but no reimbursement payment will be made by the Fund at any time if it would result in the Fund's expenses exceeding (i) the Expense Cap in place for the most recent fiscal year for which such expense limitation was in place, (ii) the Expense Cap in place at the time the fees were waived, or (iii) the current Expense Cap. These amounts, if any, are included in "Expenses previously waived or reimbursed" on the Statements of Operations. The advisory fee waivers and expense reimbursements for the six months ended June 30, 2019, and the expenses borne and fees waived by First Trust subject to recovery from the applicable Fund at June 30, 2019, are included in the table below. FEES WAIVED OR EXPENSES BORNE BY FIRST TRUST SUBJECT TO RECOVERY ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SIX MONTHS YEAR YEAR SIX MONTHS ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED FEES EXPENSES DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30, WAIVED REIMBURSED 2016 2017 2018 2019 TOTAL ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- First Trust Dow Jones $ 48,382 $ -- $ 200,535 $ 203,355 $ 186,633 $ 48,382 $ 638,905 First Trust Multi Income 80,234 3,356 71,236 189,257 192,140 83,590 536,223 First Trust Dorsey Wright 82,014 45,604 83,566 199,184 230,266 127,618 640,634 During the six months ended June 30, 2019, First Trust did not recover any fees that were previously waived or reimbursed. First Trust agreed to waive and/or reimburse the acquired fund fees and expenses of the shares of investment companies held by First Trust Multi Income up to 0.37% of the Fund's average daily net assets through May 1, 2020. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, First Trust reimbursed First Trust Multi Income $49,478 of fees that are not subject to recovery. BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. ("BNYM IS") serves as First Trust Dow Jones', First Trust Multi Income's and First Trust Dorsey Wright's transfer agent in accordance with certain fee arrangements. As transfer agent, BNYM IS is responsible for maintaining shareholder records for the Funds. BNYM IS is a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, a financial holding company. The Bank of New York Mellon ("BNYM") serves as First Trust Dow Jones' and First Trust Multi Income's administrator, fund accountant and custodian in accordance with certain fee arrangements. As administrator and fund accountant, BNYM is responsible for providing certain administrative and accounting services to the Funds, including maintaining the Funds' books of account, records of the Funds' securities transactions, and certain other books and records. As custodian, BNYM is responsible for custody of each Fund's assets. BNYM is a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, a financial holding company. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. ("BBH") serves as First Trust Dorsey Wright's administrator, fund accountant and custodian. As custodian, BBH is responsible for custody of the Fund's assets. As administrator and fund accountant, BBH is responsible for providing certain administrative and accounting services to the Fund, including maintaining the Fund's books of account, records of the Fund's securities transactions, and certain other books and records. Page 66 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) Each Trustee who is not an officer or employee of First Trust, any sub-advisor or any of their affiliates ("Independent Trustees") is paid a fixed annual retainer that is allocated equally among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex. Each Independent Trustee is also paid an annual per fund fee that varies based on whether the fund is a closed-end or other actively managed fund, or is an index fund. Additionally, the Lead Independent Trustee and the Chairmen of the Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Valuation Committee are paid annual fees to serve in such capacities, with such compensation allocated pro rata among each fund in the First Trust Fund Complex based on net assets. Independent Trustees are reimbursed for travel and out-of-pocket expenses in connection with all meetings. The Lead Independent Trustee and Committee Chairmen rotate every three years. The officers and "Interested" Trustee receive no compensation from the Trust for acting in such capacities. 4. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS Capital transactions for First Trust Dow Jones were as follows: SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 DECEMBER 31, 2018 SHARES VALUE SHARES VALUE ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Sales: Class I 3,612,830 $ 50,095,643 10,329,682 $142,354,467 Class II 12,981 184,765 2,415 33,034 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total Sales 3,625,811 $ 50,280,408 10,332,097 $142,387,501 ============ ============ ============ ============ Dividend Reinvestment: Class I 2,885,108 $ 40,016,445 1,031,910 $ 13,489,067 Class II 690 9,594 68 882 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total Dividend Reinvestment 2,885,798 $ 40,026,039 1,031,978 $ 13,489,949 ============ ============ ============ ============ Redemptions: Class I (1,994,005) $(27,613,910) (5,216,581) $(70,989,205) Class II (1,163) (16,697) (13,771) (184,264) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total Redemptions (1,995,168) $(27,630,607) (5,230,352) $(71,173,469) ============ ============ ============ ============ Capital transactions for First Trust Multi Income were as follows: SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 DECEMBER 31, 2018 SHARES VALUE SHARES VALUE ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Sales: Class I 253,912 $ 2,784,278 935,128 $ 10,021,784 Class II 41 414 3,916 40,654 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total Sales 253,953 $ 2,784,692 939,044 $ 10,062,438 ============ ============ ============ ============ Dividend Reinvestment: Class I 30,760 $ 344,509 50,041 $ 516,531 Class II 49 546 30 296 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total Dividend Reinvestment 30,809 $ 345,055 50,071 $ 516,827 ============ ============ ============ ============ Redemptions: Class I (144,120) $ (1,574,220) (425,750) $ (4,546,268) Class II (402) (4,415) (4,510) (48,124) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total Redemptions (144,522) $ (1,578,635) (430,260) $ (4,594,392) ============ ============ ============ ============ Page 67 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) Capital transactions for First Trust Dorsey Wright were as follows: SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 DECEMBER 31, 2018 SHARES VALUE SHARES VALUE ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Sales: Class I 757,309 $ 8,805,961 2,028,796 $ 24,081,320 Class II 608 6,725 2,825 34,014 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total Sales 757,917 $ 8,812,686 2,031,621 $ 24,115,334 ============ ============ ============ ============ Dividend Reinvestment: Class I 68,594 $ 821,756 14,641 $ 155,085 Class II 153 1,830 57 618 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total Dividend Reinvestment 68,747 $ 823,586 14,698 $ 155,703 ============ ============ ============ ============ Redemptions: Class I (297,736) $ (3,504,764) (348,389) $ (4,020,869) Class II (20) (226) (20) (243) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total Redemptions (297,756) $ (3,504,990) (348,409) $ (4,021,112) ============ ============ ============ ============ 5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES Cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding U.S. Government securities and short-term investments, for the six months ended June 30, 2019, were as follows: Purchases Sales --------------- --------------- First Trust Dow Jones $ 329,826,848 $ 306,698,750 First Trust Multi Income 5,236,153 4,226,798 First Trust Dorsey Wright 12,196,228 7,425,579 Cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of U.S. Government investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the six months ended June 30, 2019, were as follows: Purchases Sales --------------- --------------- First Trust Dow Jones $ 52,597,544 $ 44,750,399 First Trust Multi Income 1,092,672 405,956 First Trust Dorsey Wright -- -- 6. DERIVATIVE TRANSACTIONS The following table presents the type of derivatives held by First Trust Dow Jones at June 30, 2019, the primary underlying risk exposure and the location of these instruments as presented on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. First Trust Multi Income and First Trust Dorsey Wright did not hold any derivative instruments as of June 30, 2019. ASSET DERIVATIVES LIABILITY DERIVATIVES ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- DERIVATIVE STATEMENTS OF ASSETS STATEMENTS OF ASSETS INSTRUMENT RISK EXPOSURE AND LIABILITIES LOCATION VALUE AND LIABILITIES LOCATION VALUE ---------- ------------------ --------------------------- ---------- --------------------------- ---------- Futures Interest rate risk Unrealized appreciation Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts* $ -- on futures contracts* $ 126,406 * Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts as reported in the Portfolio of Investments. The current day's variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Page 68 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) The following table presents the amount of net realized gain (loss) and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2019, on derivative instruments held by First Trust Dow Jones, as well as the primary underlying risk exposure associated with each instrument. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS LOCATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTEREST RATE RISK EXPOSURE Net realized gain (loss) on futures $(1,404,549) Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures 290,149 During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the notional value of futures contracts opened and closed were $42,896,399 and $36,943,813, respectively. First Trust Dow Jones does not have the right to offset financial assets and liabilities related to futures contracts on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. 7. AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS First Trust Multi Income and First Trust Dorsey Wright invest in securities of affiliated funds. Dividend income and realized gains and losses from affiliated funds are presented on the Statements of Operations. Each Fund's investment performance and risks are directly related to the investment performance and risks of the affiliated funds. Amounts relating to these investments in First Trust Multi Income at June 30, 2019, and for the six month period then ended are: CHANGE IN UNREALIZED REALIZED SHARES AT VALUE AT APPRECIATION GAIN VALUE AT DIVIDEND SECURITY NAME 6/30/2019 12/31/2018 PURCHASES SALES (DEPRECIATION) (LOSS) 6/30/2019 INCOME ---------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ --------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities and Income ETF 32,480 $ 430,829 $ 163,058 $ -- $ 36,875 $ -- $ 630,762 $ 15,823 First Trust Low Duration Opportunities ETF 1,000 102,100 10,252 (61,577) 469 436 51,680 1,081 First Trust Preferred Securities and Income Fund 98,090 1,279,835 490,001 (15) 132,144 -- 1,901,965 51,543 First Trust Senior Loan Fund 82,000 3,620,661 343,156 (218,803) 136,770 (17,944) 3,863,840 85,492 First Trust Tactical High Yield ETF 52,050 1,456,279 889,222 -- 158,624 -- 2,504,125 65,842 ----------- ----------- ------------ --------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ $ 6,889,704 $ 1,895,689 $ (280,395) $ 464,882 $ (17,508) $ 8,952,372 $ 219,781 =========== =========== ============ =============== =========== =========== ============ Page 69 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) Amounts relating to these investments in First Trust Dorsey Wright at June 30, 2019, and for the six month period then ended are: CHANGE IN UNREALIZED REALIZED SHARES AT VALUE AT APPRECIATION GAIN VALUE AT DIVIDEND SECURITY NAME 6/30/2019 12/31/2018 PURCHASES SALES (DEPRECIATION) (LOSS) 6/30/2019 INCOME ---------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ --------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ First Trust BICK Index Fund 8,613 $ 211,855 $ 29,222 $ (27,156) $ 17,432 $ (266) $ 231,087 $ 991 First Trust Brazil AlphaDEX(R) Fund 15,795 188,392 30,675 (5,534) 36,020 8 249,561 3,311 First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX(R) Fund 15,387 662,064 115,487 (14,118) 65,169 2,142 830,744 9,617 First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund 31,303 3,274,413 657,765 (237,416) 706,193 101,042 4,501,997 -- First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX(R) Fund 23,472 521,391 79,990 (59,081) 37,352 11,842 591,494 8,107 First Trust Germany AlphaDEX(R) Fund 5,696 178,425 43,210 (3,872) 19,786 601 238,150 4,557 First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX(R) Fund -- 3,280,760 721,616 (4,242,754) 463,689 (223,311) -- -- First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX(R) Fund 72,764 3,686,880 656,793 (133,083) 874,359 33,998 5,118,947 15,007 First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX(R) Fund 110,982 3,490,476 874,140 (303,788) 969,731 (10,843) 5,019,716 -- First Trust NASDAQ-100- Technology Sector Index Fund 53,486 3,430,728 521,968 (282,799) 800,422 102,199 4,572,518 13,954 First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund 28,885 3,104,379 837,889 (308,109) 464,610 (30,606) 4,068,163 -- First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX(R) Fund 103,297 3,417,640 931,691 (157,944) 577,068 34,856 4,803,311 -- First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX(R) Fund 5,003 191,844 36,479 (6,867) 34,005 1,043 256,504 4,973 First Trust Technology AlphaDEX(R) Fund 68,626 3,351,271 576,244 (294,554) 883,216 50,197 4,566,374 10,660 First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX(R) Fund 145,929 -- 4,110,820 -- 78,802 -- 4,189,622 11,674 ----------- ----------- ------------ --------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ $28,990,518 $10,223,989 $ (6,077,075) $ 6,027,854 $ 72,902 $39,238,188 $ 82,851 =========== =========== ============ =============== =========== =========== ============ 8. 12B-1 SERVICE PLAN The Trust has adopted a plan (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which provides that Class I shares of each of the Funds will be subject to an annual service fee. First Trust Portfolios L.P. ("FTP"), an affiliate of First Trust, serves as the selling agent and distributor of shares of the Funds. FTP uses the service fee to compensate each Participating Insurance Company for providing account services to Contract owners. These services include establishing and maintaining Contract owners' accounts, supplying information to Contract owners, delivering Fund materials to Contract owners, answering inquiries, and providing other personal services to Contract owners. Each Fund may spend up to 0.25% per year of the average daily net assets of its Class I shares as a service fee under the Plan. In addition, the Plan permits First Trust to use a portion of its advisory fee to compensate FTP for expenses incurred in connection with the sale of a Fund's Class I shares including, without limitation, compensation of its sales force, expenses of printing and distributing the Prospectus to persons other than Contract owners, expenses of preparing, printing and distributing advertising and sales literature and reports to Contract owners used in connection with the sale of a Fund's Class I Shares, certain other expenses associated with the servicing of Class I shares of a Fund, and any service-related expenses that may be authorized from time to time by the Board. Page 70 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) During the six months ended June 30, 2019, all service fees received by FTP were paid to the Participating Insurance Companies, with no portion of such fees retained by FTP. The Plan may be renewed from year to year if approved by a vote of the Trust's Board and a vote of the Independent Trustees, who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan. 9. BORROWINGS The Trust, on behalf of First Trust Dow Jones and First Trust Multi Income, along with First Trust Series Fund and First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund IV, has a $200 million Credit Agreement (the "BNYM Line of Credit") with BNYM to be a liquidity backstop during periods of high redemption volume. A commitment fee of 0.15% of the daily amount of the excess of the commitment amount over the outstanding principal balance of the loans will be charged by BNYM, which First Trust will allocate amongst the funds that have access to the BNYM Line of Credit. These fees are reflected in the Statements of Operations in the "Commitment fees" line item. To the extent that either fund accesses the BNYM Line of Credit, there would also be an interest fee charged. Neither First Trust Dow Jones or First Trust Multi Income drew on the BNYM Line of Credit during the six months ended June 30, 2019. 10. INDEMNIFICATION The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Trust has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote. 11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements that have not already been disclosed. Page 71 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies and information on how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 988-5891; (2) on the Trust's website at www.ftportfolios.com; and (3) on the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") website at www.sec.gov. PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS Each Fund files portfolio holdings information for each month in a fiscal quarter within 60 days after the end of the relevant fiscal quarter on Form N-PORT. Portfolio holdings information for the third month of each fiscal quarter will be publicly available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Each Fund's complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the second and fourth quarters of each fiscal year is included in the semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders, respectively, and is filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR. The semi-annual and annual report for each Fund is available to investors within 60 days after the period to which it relates. Each Fund's Forms N-PORT and Forms N-CSR are available on the SEC's website listed above. LICENSING INFORMATION The DOW JONES EQUAL WEIGHT U.S. ISSUED CORPORATE BOND INDEX(SM), the DOW JONES U.S. TOTAL STOCK MARKET INDEX(SM) and the DOW JONES COMPOSITE AVERAGE are products of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates ("SPDJI") and have been licensed for use by First Trust Advisors L.P. Standard & Poor's(R) and S&P(R) are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC ("S&P"); Dow Jones(R) is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC ("Dow Jones"); and these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by First Trust Advisors L.P. The First Trust/Dow Jones Dividend & Income Allocation Portfolio is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, their respective affiliates, and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product(s) nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the DOW JONES EQUAL WEIGHT U.S. ISSUED CORPORATE BOND INDEX(SM), the DOW JONES U.S. TOTAL STOCK MARKET INDEX(SM) or the DOW JONES COMPOSITE AVERAGE. The First Trust Dorsey Wright Tactical Core Portfolio (the "Portfolio") is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Dorsey Wright & Associates, LLC ("Licensor"). Licensor makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Portfolio or any member of the public regarding the advisability of trading in the Portfolio. Licensor's only relationship to First Trust Advisors L.P. ("First Trust") is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names of Licensor and of the Dorsey Wright Tactical Tilt Moderate Core Index which is determined, composed and calculated by Licensor without regard to First Trust or the Portfolio, Licensor has no obligation to take the needs of First Trust or the owners of the Portfolio into consideration in determining, composing or calculating Dorsey Wright Tactical Tilt Moderate Core Index. Licensor is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the Portfolio to be listed or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Portfolio are to be converted into cash. Licensor has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Portfolio. LICENSOR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE DORSEY WRIGHT TACTICAL TILT MODERATE CORE OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND LICENSOR SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. LICENSOR MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY FIRST TRUST, OWNERS OF THE FIRST TRUST DORSEY WRIGHT TACTICAL CORE PORTFOLIO, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE DORSEY WRIGHT TACTICAL TILT MODERATE CORE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. LICENSOR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE DORSEY WRIGHT TACTICAL TILT MODERATE CORE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN, WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL LICENSOR HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOST PROFITS OR INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THERE ARE NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN LICENSOR AND FIRST TRUST. RISK CONSIDERATIONS Risks are inherent in all investing. The following summarizes some of the risks that should be considered for the Funds. For additional information about the risks associated with investing in the Funds, please see the Funds' prospectuses and statements of additional information, as well as other regulatory filings. BANK LOAN RISKS. Investments in bank loans are subject to the same risks as investments in other types of debt securities, including credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk that may be heightened because of the limited public information available regarding bank loans and because loan borrowers may be leveraged and tend to be more adversely affected by changes in Page 72 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) market or economic conditions. If the Fund holds a bank loan through another financial institution or relies on a financial institution to administer the loan, its receipt of principal and interest on the loan may be subject to the credit risk of that financial institution. It is possible that any collateral securing a loan may be insufficient or unavailable to the Fund, and that the Fund's rights to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy or insolvency laws. Additionally, there is no central clearinghouse for loan trades and the loan market has not established enforceable settlement standards or remedies for failure to settle. As such, the secondary market for bank loans may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods (in some cases longer than 7 days) which may cause the Fund to be unable to realize the full value of its investment. In addition, bank loans are generally not registered with the Securities Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be considered "securities," and the Fund may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws. CALL RISK. Some debt securities may be redeemed, or "called," at the option of the issuer before their stated maturity date. In general, an issuer will call its debt securities if they can be refinanced by issuing new debt securities which bear a lower interest rate. The Fund is subject to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates an issuer will call its high yielding debt securities. The Fund would then be forced to invest the proceeds at lower interest rates, likely resulting in a decline in the Fund's income. CONCENTRATION RISK. To the extent that the Fund invests a large percentage of its assets in a single asset class or the securities of issuers within the same country, state, region, industry or sector, an adverse economic, business or political development may affect the value of the Fund's investments more than if the Fund were more broadly diversified. A concentration makes the Fund more susceptible to any single occurrence and may subject the Fund to greater market risk than a fund that is not so concentrated. CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES RISK. The Fund may invest in ETFs that hold convertible securities. A convertible security has characteristics of both equity and debt securities and, as a result, is exposed to risks that are typically associated with both types of securities. The value of convertible securities may rise and fall with the market value of the underlying stock or, like a debt security, vary with changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer. A convertible security tends to perform more like a stock when the underlying stock price is high relative to the conversion price and more like a debt security when the underlying stock price is low relative to the conversion price. COUNTERPARTY RISK. Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty's financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty's inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund. The Fund may be unable to recover its investment from the counterparty or may obtain a limited recovery, and/or recovery may be delayed. COVENANT-LITE LOAN RISK. Covenant-lite loans contain fewer maintenance covenants, or no maintenance covenants at all, than traditional loans and may not include terms that allow the lender to monitor the financial performance of the borrower and declare a default if certain criteria are breached. This may hinder the Fund's ability to reprice credit risk associated with the borrower and reduce the Fund's ability to restructure a problematic loan and mitigate potential loss. As a result, the Fund's exposure to losses on such investments is increased, especially during a downturn in the credit cycle. CREDIT RISK. An issuer or other obligated party of a debt security may be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and/or principal payments when due. In addition, the value of a debt security may decline because of concerns about the issuer's ability or unwillingness to make such payments. CURRENCY RISK. Changes in currency exchange rates affect the value of investments denominated in a foreign currency, and therefore the value of such investments in the Fund's portfolio. The Fund's net asset value could decline if a currency to which the Fund has exposure depreciates against the U.S. dollar or if there are delays or limits on repatriation of such currency. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning. CYBER SECURITY RISK. The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to the Fund's digital information systems through "hacking" or malicious software coding but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks through efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users. In addition, cyber security breaches of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests or the Fund's third-party service providers, such as its administrator, transfer agent, custodian, or sub-advisor, as applicable, or issuers in which the Fund invests, can also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. Although the Fund has established risk management systems designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers. Page 73 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) DEBT SECURITIES RISK. Investments in debt securities subject the holder to the credit risk of the issuer. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or other obligor of a security will not be able or willing to make payments of interest and principal when due. Generally, the value of debt securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. If the principal on a debt security is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Debt securities generally do not trade on a securities exchange making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS RISK. Depositary receipts may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights, and investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert the equity shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause the equity shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipts. DIVIDENDS RISK. The Fund's investment in dividend-paying securities could cause the Fund to underperform similar funds that invest without consideration of an issuer's track record of paying dividends. Companies that issue dividend-paying securities are not required to continue to pay dividends on such securities. Therefore, there is the possibility that such companies could reduce or eliminate the payment of dividends in the future. EMERGING MARKETS RISK. Investments in securities issued by companies operating in emerging market countries involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions not associated with investments in securities and instruments issued by U.S. companies or by companies operating in other developed market countries. Investments in emerging markets securities are generally considered speculative in nature and are subject to the following heightened risks: smaller market capitalization of securities markets which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; possible repatriation of investment income and capital; rapid inflation; and currency convertibility issues. Emerging market countries also often have less uniformity in accounting and reporting requirements, unsettled securities laws, unreliable securities valuation and greater risk associated with custody of securities. Furthermore, investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or creation of government monopolies. ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANIES RISK. Energy infrastructure companies are subject to risks specific to the energy and energy-related industries. This includes but is not limited to: fluctuations in commodity prices impacting the volume of energy commodities transported, processed, stored or distributed; reductions in volumes of natural gas or other energy commodities being available for transporting, processing, storing or distributing; slowdowns in new construction and acquisitions limiting growth potential; reduced demand for oil, natural gas and petroleum products, particularly for a sustained period of time; depletion of natural gas reserves or other commodities; rising interest rates resulting in higher costs of capital, increased operating costs; counterparties to contracts defaulting or going bankrupt; and an inability to execute acquisitions or expansion projects in a cost-effect manner; extreme weather events and environmental hazards; and threats of attack by terrorists on energy assets. Energy infrastructure companies may also face counterparty risk, such that long-term contracts may be declared void if the counterparty to those contracts enters bankruptcy proceedings. In addition, energy infrastructure companies are subject to significant federal, state and local government regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including how facilities are constructed, maintained and operated, environmental and safety controls, and the prices they may charge for products and services. Various governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them and violators are subject to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the financial performance of energy infrastructure companies. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, also may impact the energy infrastructure companies. Certain energy infrastructure companies in the utilities industry are subject to the imposition of rate caps, increased competition due to deregulation, the difficulty in obtaining an adequate return on invested capital or in financing large construction projects, the limitations on operations and increased costs and delays attributable to environmental considerations, and the capital market's ability to absorb utility debt. In addition, taxes, government regulation, international politics, price and supply fluctuations, volatile interest rates and energy conservation may cause difficulties for these companies. Such issuers have been experiencing certain of these problems in varying degrees. EQUITY SECURITIES RISK. The value of the Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the value of the equity securities in which it invests. Equity securities prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in investors' perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant equity market, such as market volatility, or when political or economic events affecting an issuer occur. Common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. Equity securities may decline significantly in price over short or extended periods of time, and such declines may occur in the equity market as a whole, or they may occur in only a particular country, company, industry or sector of the market. Page 74 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) ETF RISK. Under certain market conditions, the Fund may invest in ETFs. The Fund's investment in shares of ETFs subjects it to the risks of owning the securities underlying the ETF, as well as the same structural risks faced by an investor purchasing shares of the Fund, including authorized participant concentration risk, market maker risk, premium/discount risk and trading issues risk. As a shareholder in another ETF, the Fund bears its proportionate share of the ETF's expenses, subjecting Fund shareholders to duplicative expenses. EXTENSION RISK. Extension risk is the risk that, when interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the issuer (or other obligated party) more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these debt securities to fall. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of debt securities, making their market value more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The value of longer-term debt securities generally changes more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term debt securities. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, securities may exhibit additional volatility and may lose value. FINANCIAL COMPANIES RISK. Financial companies, such as retail and commercial banks, insurance companies and financial services companies, are especially subject to the adverse effects of economic recession, currency exchange rates, extensive government regulation, decreases in the availability of capital, volatile interest rates, portfolio concentrations in geographic markets, industries or products (such as commercial and residential real estate loans), competition from new entrants and blurred distinctions in their fields of business. FLOATING RATE DEBT INSTRUMENTS RISK. Investments in floating rate debt instruments are subject to the same risks as investments in other types of debt securities, including credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk. Floating rate debt instruments include debt securities issued by corporate and governmental entities, as well bank loans, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. Floating rate debt instruments are structured so that the security's coupon rate fluctuates based upon the level of a reference rate. Most commonly, the coupon rate of a floating rate debt instrument is set at the level of a widely followed interest rate, plus a fixed spread. As a result, the coupon on floating rate debt instrument will generally decline in a falling interest rate environment, causing the Fund to experience a reduction in the income it receives from the instrument. A floating rate debt instrument's coupon rate resets periodically according to its terms. Consequently, in a rising interest rate environment, floating rate debt instruments with coupon rates that reset infrequently may lag behind the changes in market interest rates. Floating rate debt instruments may also contain terms that impose a maximum coupon rate the issuer will pay, regardless of the level of the reference rate. To the extent the Fund invests in floating rate loans, such instruments may be subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may trade infrequently, and their value may be impaired when the Fund needs to liquidate such securities. It is possible that the collateral securing a floating rate loan may be insufficient or unavailable to the Fund, and that the Fund's rights to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy or insolvency laws. Additionally, floating rate loans may not be considered "securities" under federal securities laws, and purchasers, such as the Fund, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws. HIGH YIELD SECURITIES RISK. High yield securities, or "junk" bonds, are subject to greater market fluctuations, are less liquid and provide a greater risk of loss than investment grade securities, and therefore, are considered to be highly speculative. In general, high yield securities may have a greater risk of default than other types of securities and could cause income and principal losses for the Fund. INCOME RISK. The Fund's income may decline when interest rates fall or if there are defaults in its portfolio. This decline can occur because the Fund may subsequently invest in lower-yielding securities as debt securities in its portfolio mature, are near maturity or are called, or the Fund otherwise needs to purchase additional debt securities. INDEX PROVIDER RISK. There is no assurance that the Index Provider will compile the Index accurately, or that the Index will be determined, maintained, constructed, reconstituted, rebalanced, composed, calculated or disseminated accurately. To correct any such error, the Index Provider may carry out an unscheduled rebalance or other modification of the Index constituents or weightings, which may increase the Fund's costs. The Index Provider does not provide any representation or warranty in relation to the quality, accuracy or completeness of data in the Index, and it does not guarantee that the Index will be calculated in accordance with its stated methodology. Losses or costs associated with any Index Provider errors generally will be borne by the Fund and its shareholders. INDUSTRIALS COMPANIES RISK. Industrials companies convert unfinished goods into finished durables used to manufacture other goods or provide services. Examples of industrials companies include companies involved in the production of electrical equipment and components, industrial products, manufactured housing and telecommunications equipment, as well as defense and aerospace companies. General risks of industrials companies include the general state of the economy, exchange rates, commodity prices, intense competition, consolidation, domestic and international politics, government regulation, import controls, excess capacity, consumer demand and spending trends. In addition, industrials companies may also be significantly affected by overall capital spending levels, economic cycles, rapid technological changes, delays in modernization, labor relations, environmental liabilities, governmental and product liability and e-commerce initiatives. INFLATION RISK. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund's assets and distributions may decline. Page 75 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) INFLATION-INDEXED SECURITIES RISK. Inflation-indexed debt securities, such as TIPS, are subject to the same risks as other types of debt securities, including credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk. The principal amount of an inflation-indexed security typically increases with inflation and decreases with deflation, as measured by a specified index. Although the holders of TIPS receive no less than the par value of the security at maturity, if the Fund purchases TIPS in the secondary market whose principal values have previously been adjusted upward and there is a period of subsequent declining inflation rates, the Fund may receive at maturity less than it invested and incur a loss. INTEREST RATE RISK. Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of the debt securities in the Fund's portfolio will decline because of rising market interest rates. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term debt securities and higher for longer-term debt securities. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the current period of historically low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. Duration is a reasonably accurate measure of a debt security's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates and a common measure of interest rate risk. Duration measures a debt security's expected life on a present value basis, taking into account the debt security's yield, interest payments and final maturity. In general, duration represents the expected percentage change in the value of a security for an immediate 1% change in interest rates. For example, the price of a debt security with a three-year duration would be expected to drop by approximately 3% in response to a 1% increase in interest rates. Therefore, prices of debt securities with shorter durations tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than debt securities with longer durations. As the value of a debt security changes over time, so will its duration. LIBOR RISK. In 2012, regulators in the United States and the United Kingdom alleged that certain banks, including some banks serving on the panel for U.S. dollar LIBOR, engaged in manipulative acts in connection with their submissions to the British Bankers Association. Manipulation of the LIBOR rate-setting process would raise the risk to the Fund of being adversely impacted if the Fund received a payment based upon LIBOR and such manipulation of LIBOR resulted in lower resets than would have occurred had there been no manipulation. In 2017, the head of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. There remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate. As such, the potential effect of a transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or the financial instruments in which the Fund invests cannot yet be determined. LIQUIDITY RISK. The Fund may hold certain investments that may be subject to restrictions on resale, trade over-the-counter or in limited volume, or lack an active trading market. Accordingly, the Fund may not be able to sell or close out of such investments at favorable times or prices (or at all), or at the prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. MANAGEMENT RISK. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund's investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective. MARKET RISK. Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments. MLP RISK. Investments in securities of MLPs involve certain risks different from or in addition to the risks of investing in common stocks. MLP common units can be affected by macro-economic factors and other factors unique to the partnership or company and the industry or industries in which the MLP operates. Certain MLP securities may trade in relatively low volumes due to their smaller capitalizations or other factors, which may cause them to have a high degree of price volatility and illiquidity. The structures of MLPs create certain risks, including, for example, risks related to the limited ability of investors to control an MLP and to vote on matters affecting the MLP, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between an MLP and the MLP's general partner, the risk that an MLP will generate insufficient cash flow to meet its current operating requirements, the risk that an MLP will issue additional securities or engage in other transactions that will have the effect of diluting the interests of existing investors, and risks related to the general partner's right to require unit-holders to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. On March 15, 2018, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") changed its long-standing tax allowance policy which no longer permits MLPs to include in their cost of service an income tax allowance. This has had a negative impact on the performance of some MLPs affected by this decision. This policy change and any similar policy changes in the future could adversely impact an MLP's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and ability to pay cash distributions or dividends. MLP TAX RISK. The Fund's ability to meet its investment objective relies in part upon the level of taxable income it receives from the MLPs in which it invests, a factor over which the Fund has no control. The benefit the Fund derives from its investment in MLPs is largely dependent on their being treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Partnerships do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner is allocated a share of the partnership's income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses. A change in current tax law or a change in the underlying business mix of a given MLP could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in the MLP being required to pay Page 76 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) U.S. federal income tax (as well as state and local income taxes) on its taxable income at the applicable corporate tax rate. This would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash available for distribution by an MLP and could result in a significant reduction in the value of the Fund's investment. The classification of an MLP as a corporation for U. S. federal income tax purposes would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP and causing any such distributions received by the Fund to be taxed as dividend income to the extent of the MLP's current or accumulated earnings and profits. To the extent a distribution received by the Fund from an MLP is treated as a return of capital, the Fund's adjusted tax basis in the interests of the MLP may be reduced, which will result in an increase in the amount of income or gain (or decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized by the Fund for tax purposes upon the sale of any such interests or upon subsequent distributions in respect of such interests. Furthermore, any return of capital distribution received from an MLP may require the Fund to restate the character of its distributions and amend any shareholder tax reporting previously issued. MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES RISK. Mortgage-related securities are subject to the same risks as investments in other types of debt securities, including credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk. However, these investments make the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, political or regulatory events that affect the value of real estate. Mortgage-related securities are also significantly affected by the rate of prepayments and modifications of the mortgage loans underlying those securities, as well as by other factors such as borrower defaults, delinquencies, realized or liquidation losses and other shortfalls. Mortgage-related securities are particularly sensitive to prepayment risk, given that the term to maturity for mortgage loans is generally substantially longer than the expected lives of those securities. As the timing and amount of prepayments cannot be accurately predicted, the timing of changes in the rate of prepayments of the mortgage loans may significantly affect the Fund's actual yield to maturity on any mortgage-related securities. Along with prepayment risk, mortgage-related securities are significantly affected by interest rate risk. NON-CORRELATION RISK. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Index for a number of reasons. The Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Index, and may incur costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the Fund's portfolio holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the Index. In addition, the Fund's portfolio holdings may not exactly replicate the securities included in the Index or the ratios between the securities included in the Index. NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK. The Fund is classified as "non-diversified" under the 1940 Act. As a result, the Fund is only limited as to the percentage of its assets which may be invested in the securities of any one issuer by the diversification requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence affecting one or more of these issuers, experience increased volatility and be highly invested in certain issuers. NON-U.S. SECURITIES RISK. Non-U.S. securities are subject to higher volatility than securities of domestic issuers due to possible adverse political, social or economic developments, restrictions on foreign investment or exchange of securities, lack of liquidity, currency exchange rates, excessive taxation, government seizure of assets, different legal or accounting standards, and less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges in foreign countries. PASSIVE INVESTMENT RISK. The Fund is not actively managed. The Fund invests in securities included in or representative of the Index regardless of investment merit. The Fund generally will not attempt to take defensive positions in declining markets. In the event that the Index is no longer calculated, the Index license is terminated or the identity or character of the Index is materially changed, the Fund will seek to engage a replacement index. PREFERRED SECURITIES RISK. Preferred securities combine some of the characteristics of both common stocks and bonds. Preferred securities are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income, subjecting them to greater credit risk than those debt securities. Generally, holders of preferred securities have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may obtain limited rights. In certain circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may defer payment on the securities and, in some cases, redeem the securities prior to a specified date. Preferred securities may also be substantially less liquid than other securities, including common stock. PREPAYMENT RISK. Prepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a debt security will repay principal prior to the scheduled maturity date. Debt securities allowing prepayment may offer less potential for gains during a period of declining interest rates, as the Fund may be required to reinvest the proceeds of any prepayment at lower interest rates. These factors may cause the value of an investment in the Fund to change. REIT RISK. REITs typically own and operate income-producing real estate, such as residential or commercial buildings, or real-estate related assets, including mortgages. As a result, investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in real estate, which may include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the value of underlying properties; defaults by borrowers or tenants; market saturation; changes in general and local operating expenses; and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting companies in the real estate sector. REITs are also subject to the risk that the real estate market may experience an economic downturn generally, which may have a material effect on the real estate in which the REITs invest and their underlying Page 77 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) portfolio securities. REITs may have also a relatively small market capitalization which may result in their shares experiencing less market liquidity and greater price volatility than larger companies. Increases in interest rates typically lower the present value of a REIT's future earnings stream, and may make financing property purchases and improvements more costly. Because the market price of REIT stocks may change based upon investors' collective perceptions of future earnings, the value of the Fund will generally decline when investors anticipate or experience rising interest rates. SMALL FUND RISK. The Fund currently has fewer assets than larger funds, and like other smaller funds, large inflows and outflows may impact the Fund's market exposure for limited periods of time. This impact may be positive or negative, depending on the direction of market movement during the period affected. If the Fund fails to attract a large amount of assets, shareholders of the Fund may incur higher expenses as the Fund's fixed costs would be allocated over a smaller number of shareholders. SMALLER COMPANIES RISK. Small and/or mid capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse general market or economic developments, and their securities may be less liquid and may experience greater price volatility than larger, more established companies as a result of several factors, including limited trading volumes, fewer products or financial resources, management inexperience and less publicly available information. Accordingly, such companies are generally subject to greater market risk than larger, more established companies. TBA TRANSACTIONS RISK. The Fund may purchase securities in TBA Transactions. In such a transaction, the purchase price of the securities is typically fixed at the time of the commitment, but delivery and payment can take place a month or more after the date of the commitment. At the time of delivery of the securities, the value may be more or less than the purchase or sale price. Purchasing securities in a TBA Transaction may give rise to investment leverage and may increase the Fund's volatility. Default by, or bankruptcy of, a counterparty to a TBA Transaction would expose the Fund to possible losses because of an adverse market action, expenses or delays in connection with the purchase or sale of the pools specified in such transaction. U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES RISK. U.S. government securities are subject to interest rate risk but generally do not involve the credit risks associated with investments in other types of debt securities. As a result, the yields available from U.S. government securities are generally lower than the yields available from other debt securities. U.S. government securities are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and the payment of principal when held to maturity. While securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. federal government agencies (such as Ginnie Mae) are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, securities issued by government sponsored entities (such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) are solely the obligation of the issuer and generally do not carry any guarantee from the U.S. government. VALUATION RISK. Unlike publicly traded securities that trade on national securities exchanges, there is no central place or exchange for trading most debt securities. Debt securities generally trade on an "over-the-counter" market. Due to the lack of centralized information and trading, the valuation of debt securities may carry more uncertainty and risk than that of publicly traded securities. Accordingly, determinations of the fair value of debt securities may be based on infrequent and dated information. Also, because the available information is less reliable and more subjective, elements of judgment may play a greater role in valuation of debt securities than for other types of securities. BOARD CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING APPROVAL OF CONTINUATION OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS The Board of Trustees (the "Board") of First Trust Variable Insurance Trust (the "Trust"), including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the continuation of the Investment Management Agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") with First Trust Advisors L.P. (the "Advisor") on behalf of each of First Trust/Dow Jones Dividend & Income Allocation Portfolio, First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio and First Trust Dorsey Wright Tactical Core Portfolio (each a "Fund" and together the "Funds"); the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (the "Stonebridge Sub-Advisory Agreement") among the Trust, on behalf of First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio, the Advisor and Stonebridge Advisors LLC ("Stonebridge"); and the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (the "Energy Income Partners Sub-Advisory Agreement") among the Trust, on behalf of First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio, the Advisor and Energy Income Partners, LLC ("Energy Income Partners"). The Stonebridge Sub-Advisory Agreement and the Energy Income Partners Sub-Advisory Agreement are collectively referred to as the "Sub-Advisory Agreements." Stonebridge and Energy Income Partners are individually referred to as a "Sub-Advisor" and are collectively referred to as the "Sub-Advisors." The Sub-Advisory Agreements together with the Advisory Agreement are referred to as the "Agreements." The Board approved the continuation of the Agreements for a one-year period ending June 30, 2020 at a meeting held on June 2, 2019. The Board determined that the continuation of the Advisory Agreement is in the best interests of each Fund and the continuation of the Sub-Advisory Agreements is in the best interests of First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided and such other matters as the Board considered to be relevant in the exercise of its reasonable business judgment. To reach this determination, the Board considered its duties under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as well as under the general principles of state law, in reviewing and approving advisory contracts; the requirements of the 1940 Act in such matters; the fiduciary duty of investment advisors with respect to advisory agreements and compensation; the Page 78 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) standards used by courts in determining whether investment company boards have fulfilled their duties; and the factors to be considered by the Board in voting on such agreements. At meetings held on April 18, 2019 and June 2, 2019, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, reviewed materials provided by the Advisor and each of the Sub-Advisors responding to requests for information from counsel to the Independent Trustees, submitted on behalf of the Independent Trustees, that, among other things, outlined: the services provided by the Advisor to the Funds and by the Sub-Advisors to First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio (including the relevant personnel responsible for these services and their experience); the advisory fee rate payable by each Fund and the sub-advisory fee rates for First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio as compared to fees charged to a peer group of funds (the "Expense Group") and a broad peer universe of funds (the "Expense Universe"), each assembled by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. ("Broadridge"), an independent source, and as compared to fees charged to other clients of the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor; the expense ratio of each Fund as compared to expense ratios of the funds in each Fund's Expense Group and Expense Universe; performance information for each Fund, including comparisons of each Fund's performance to that of one or more relevant benchmark indexes and to that of a performance group of funds and a broad performance universe of funds (the "Performance Universe"), each assembled by Broadridge; the nature of expenses incurred in providing services to the Funds and the potential for economies of scale, if any; financial data on the Advisor and each Sub-Advisor; any fall out benefits to the Advisor and its affiliate, First Trust Portfolios L.P. ("FTP"), and the Sub-Advisors; and information on the Advisor's and each Sub-Advisor's compliance program. The Board reviewed initial materials with the Advisor at the meeting held on April 18, 2019, prior to which the Independent Trustees and their counsel met separately to discuss the information provided by the Advisor and each of the Sub-Advisors. Following the April meeting, independent legal counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees requested certain clarifications and supplements to the materials provided, and the information provided in response to those requests was considered at an executive session of the Independent Trustees and independent legal counsel held prior to the June 2, 2019 meeting, as well as at the meeting held that day. The Board applied its business judgment to determine whether the arrangements between the Trust and the Advisor continue to be reasonable business arrangements from the Funds' perspective. Similarly, the Board applied its business judgment to determine whether the arrangements among the Trust, the Advisor and each of the Sub-Advisors continue to be reasonable business arrangements from the perspective of First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio. The Board determined that, given the totality of the information provided with respect to the Agreements, the Board had received sufficient information to renew the Agreements. The Board considered that shareholders chose to invest or remain invested in the Funds knowing that the Advisor manages the Funds and knowing that the Sub-Advisors serve as such for First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio and knowing the advisory fee. In reviewing the Agreements, the Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Advisor and each Sub-Advisor under the Agreements. With respect to the Advisory Agreement, the Board considered that the Advisor is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Trust and the Funds and reviewed all of the services provided by the Advisor to the Funds, including oversight of the Sub-Advisors for First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio, as well as the background and experience of the persons responsible for such services. The Board noted that the Advisor oversees the Sub-Advisors' management of First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio's investments, including portfolio risk monitoring and performance review. In reviewing the services provided, the Board noted the compliance program that had been developed by the Advisor and considered that it includes a robust program for monitoring the Advisor's, the Sub-Advisors' and the Funds' compliance with the 1940 Act, as well as each Fund's compliance with its investment objective, policies and restrictions. The Board also considered a report from the Advisor with respect to its risk management functions related to the operation of the Funds. Finally, as part of the Board's consideration of the Advisor's services, the Advisor, in its written materials and at the April 18, 2019 meeting, described to the Board the scope of its ongoing investment in additional infrastructure and personnel to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to the Funds and the other funds in the First Trust Fund Complex. With respect to the Sub-Advisory Agreements for First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio, the Board reviewed the materials provided by the Sub-Advisors and considered the services that each Sub-Advisor provides to the Fund, noting that Energy Income Partners is responsible for the day-to-day management of a portion of the Fund's investments and that Stonebridge serves in a non-discretionary capacity for a portion of the Fund's investments. In addition to the written materials provided by the Sub-Advisors, at the June 2, 2019 meeting, the Board also received a presentation from representatives of each Sub-Advisor discussing the services that the Sub-Advisor provides to the Fund. In considering each Sub-Advisor's management of the First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio, the Board noted the background and experience of each Sub-Advisor's portfolio management team. In light of the information presented and the considerations made, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Funds by the Advisor and to First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio by the Sub-Advisors under the Agreements have been and are expected to remain satisfactory and that the Advisor and, for First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio, the Sub-Advisors, have managed the Funds consistent with each Fund's respective investment objectives, policies and restrictions. The Board considered the advisory fee rate payable by each Fund under the Advisory Agreement and, for First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio, considered the sub-advisory fee rates payable under the Sub-Advisory Agreements for the services provided, noting that the sub-advisory fees are paid by the Advisor from its advisory fee. The Board considered that the Advisor agreed to extend the current expense caps for Class I and Class II shares of each Fund at least until May 1, 2021. The Board noted that expenses borne or advisory fees waived by the Advisor are subject to reimbursement by the applicable Fund for up to three years from the date the expense was incurred or advisory fee was waived, but no reimbursement payment would be made by the Fund if it would result in the Fund exceeding an expense ratio equal to the expense cap. The Board also noted that the Advisor had extended through May 1, 2020 its agreement to reduce the advisory fee payable by First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio in the amount of 0.37% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The Page 79 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) Board received and reviewed information for each Fund showing the advisory fee rates and expense ratios of the peer funds in the Expense Group, as well as advisory and unitary fee rates charged by the Advisor and the Sub-Advisors to other fund and non-fund clients, as applicable. With respect to each Fund's Expense Group, the Board, at the April 18, 2019 meeting, discussed with Broadridge its methodology for assembling peer groups. Based on the information provided, the Board noted that the advisory fee payable by First Trust/Dow Jones Dividend & Income Allocation Portfolio was above the median advisory fee of the peer funds in the Fund's Expense Group, that the advisory fee payable by First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio was above the median advisory fee of the peer funds in the Fund's Expense Group and that the advisory fee payable by First Trust Dorsey Wright Tactical Core Portfolio was below the median advisory fee of the peer funds in the Fund's Expense Group. The Board also noted that with respect to the total (net) expense ratio of each Fund's Class I shares, the net expense ratio of First Trust/Dow Jones Dividend & Income Allocation Portfolio was above the median net expense ratio of the peer funds in the Fund's Expense Group, the net expense ratio of First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio was below the median net expense ratio of the peer funds in the Fund's Expense Group and the net expense ratio of First Trust Dorsey Wright Tactical Core Portfolio was equal to the median net expense ratio of the peer funds in the Fund's Expense Group. With respect to fees charged to other clients, the Board considered differences between the Funds and other clients that limited their comparability. In considering the advisory fee rates overall, the Board also considered the Advisor's statement that it seeks to meet investor needs through innovative and value-added investment solutions and the Advisor's description of its long-term commitment to each Fund. The Board considered performance information for the Funds. The Board noted the process it has established for monitoring the Funds' performance and portfolio risk on an ongoing basis, which includes quarterly performance reporting from the Advisor for the Funds and the Sub-Advisors for First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio. The Board determined that this process continues to be effective for reviewing the Funds' performance. The Board received and reviewed information comparing each Fund's performance for periods ended December 31, 2018 to the performance of the funds in the Fund's Performance Universe and to that of a blended benchmark index. Based on the information provided, the Board noted that First Trust/Dow Jones Dividend & Income Allocation Portfolio (Class I shares) outperformed the Performance Universe median for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2018. The Board also noted that First Trust/Dow Jones Dividend & Income Allocation Portfolio outperformed the blended benchmark index for the three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2018 but underperformed the blended benchmark index for the one-year period ended December 31, 2018. The Board noted that First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio (Class I shares) outperformed the Performance Universe median for the one-year period ended December 31, 2018 but underperformed the Performance Universe median for the three-year period ended December 31, 2018. The Board also noted that First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio underperformed the blended benchmark index for the one- and three-year periods ended December 31, 2018. The Board noted that First Trust Dorsey Wright Tactical Core Portfolio (Class I shares) underperformed the Performance Universe median for the one- and three-year periods ended December 31, 2018. The Board also noted that First Trust Dorsey Wright Tactical Core Portfolio underperformed the blended benchmark index for the one- and three-year periods ended December 31, 2018. On the basis of all the information provided on the fees, expenses and performance of the Funds and the ongoing oversight by the Board, the Board concluded that the advisory fee for each Fund and the sub-advisory fees for First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio continue to be reasonable and appropriate in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Advisor to each Fund under the Advisory Agreement and provided to First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio by the Sub-Advisors under the Sub-Advisory Agreements. The Board considered information and discussed with the Advisor whether there were any economies of scale in connection with providing advisory services to each Fund and noted the Advisor's statement that it believes its expenses will likely increase over the next twelve months as the Advisor continues to hire personnel and build infrastructure, including technology, to improve the services to the Funds. The Board considered the revenues and allocated costs (including the allocation methodology) of the Advisor in serving as investment advisor to each Fund for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and the estimated profitability level for each Fund calculated by the Advisor based on such data, as well as complex-wide and product-line profitability data, for the same period. The Board noted the inherent limitations in the profitability analysis and concluded that, based on the information provided, the Advisor's profitability level for each Fund was not unreasonable. The Board considered that the Advisor had identified as a fall out benefit to the Advisor and FTP their exposure to investors and brokers who, absent their exposure to the Funds, may have had no dealings with the Advisor or FTP. The Board also considered the majority ownership interest of an affiliate of the Advisor in Stonebridge and the investment by an affiliate of the Advisor in Energy Income Partners and potential fall-out benefits to the Advisor from such interests. The Board noted that FTP is compensated for services provided to the Funds through Rule 12b 1 distribution and service fees payable by Class I shares, and that the Advisor receives compensation from the Funds for providing fund reporting services pursuant to a separate Fund Reporting Services Agreement. The Board also noted that the Advisor does not utilize soft dollars in connection with its management of the Funds' portfolios. The Board concluded that the character and amount of potential fall-out benefits to the Advisor were not unreasonable. With respect to the Stonebridge Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered Stonebridge's expenses in providing sub-advisory services to the Fund and noted Stonebridge's hiring of additional personnel in the past year and commitment to add additional resources if assets increase. The Board did not review the profitability of Stonebridge with respect to the Fund. The Board noted that the Advisor pays Stonebridge from its advisory fee and its understanding that the First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio's sub-advisory fee rate was Page 80 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST TRUST VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST JUNE 30, 2019 (UNAUDITED) the product of an arm's length negotiation. The Board concluded that the profitability analysis for the Advisor was more relevant. The Board considered fall-out benefits that may be realized by Stonebridge from its relationship with First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio, including potential fall-out benefits to Stonebridge from the ownership interest of an affiliate of the Advisor in Stonebridge. The Board noted that Stonebridge does not provide trade execution services on behalf of First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio. The Board concluded that the character and amount of potential fall-out benefits to Stonebridge were not unreasonable. With respect to the Energy Income Partners Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered that Energy Income Partners' investment services expenses are primarily fixed in nature, and that Energy Income Partners has made recent investments in personnel and infrastructure and anticipates that its expenses will continue to rise due to additions to personnel and system upgrades. The Board did not review the profitability of Energy Income Partners with respect to the Fund. The Board noted that the Advisor pays Energy Income Partners from its advisory fee and its understanding that the First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio's sub-advisory fee rate was the product of an arm's length negotiation. The Board concluded that the profitability analysis for the Advisor was more relevant. The Board considered fall-out benefits that may be realized by Energy Income Partners from its relationship with First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio, including the potential fall-out benefits to Energy Income Partners from the ownership interest of an affiliate of the Advisor in Energy Income Partners. The Board noted that Energy Income Partners does not provide trade execution services on behalf of First Trust Multi Income Allocation Portfolio. The Board concluded that the character and amount of potential fall-out benefits to Energy Income Partners were not unreasonable. Based on all of the information considered and the conclusions reached, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously determined that the terms of the Agreements continue to be fair and reasonable and that the continuation of the Agreements is in the best interests of the applicable Funds. No single factor was determinative in the Board's analysis. Page 81 This Page Left Blank Intentionally. This Page Left Blank Intentionally. This Page Left Blank Intentionally. FIRST TRUST INVESTMENT ADVISOR First Trust Advisors L.P. 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton, IL 60187 INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORS FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO Energy Income Partners, LLC Stonebridge Advisors, LLC 10 Wright Street 10 Westport Road, Suite C101 Westport, CT 06880 Wilton, CT 06897 ADMINISTRATOR, FUND ACCOUNTANT, & CUSTODIAN FIRST TRUST/DOW JONES DIVIDEND & INCOME FIRST TRUST DORSEY WRIGHT ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO TACTICAL CORE PORTFOLIO FIRST TRUST MULTI INCOME ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. The Bank of New York Mellon 50 Post Office Square 240 Greenwich Street Boston, MA 02110 New York, NY 10286 TRANSFER AGENT BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. 301 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, DE 19809 INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Deloitte & Touche LLP 111 S. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler LLP 111 W. Monroe Street Chicago, IL 60603 [BLANK BACK COVER] ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS. Not applicable. ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. Not applicable. ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. Not applicable. ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. Not applicable. ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS. (a) Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form. (b) Not applicable. ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Not applicable. ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Not applicable. ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. Not applicable. ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant's board of directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item. ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. (a) The registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)). (b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Not applicable. ITEM 13. EXHIBITS. (a)(1) Not applicable. (a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto. (a)(3) Not applicable. (b) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. (registrant) First Trust Variable Insurance Trust ------------------------------------------------- By (Signature and Title)* /s/ James M. Dykas ---------------------------------------- James M. Dykas, President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) Date: August 26, 2019 ----------------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By (Signature and Title)* /s/ James M. Dykas ---------------------------------------- James M. Dykas, President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) Date: August 26, 2019 ----------------- By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Donald P. Swade ---------------------------------------- Donald P. Swade, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer (principal financial officer) Date: August 26, 2019 ----------------- * Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.