MAYZ uses options in an effort to moderate losses on the S&P 500 over a one-year period starting each May. The fund foregoes some upside return as well as any dividend component because options are written on the price (not total) return version of the index. While aiming to prevent realization of the first 8-12% of the S&P 500 losses, the fund also allows for uncapped upside participation (less cost options), making it unique from other buffer ETFs with a stated cap on potential gains. Beyond the buffer zone, the fund will experience all subsequent losses on a one-to-one basis. Investors who buy at any other time than the annual reset may have a very different protection and buffer zone. The issuer publishes effective interim levels daily on its website. Even if shares are held for the entire outcome period, results may differ. The targeted buffers do not include the expense ratio. The fund is actively managed, resets annually, and utilizes both FLEX and listed options.