As you may recall from last month, we asked for nominations for the Rick Hill Award — our way of recognizing someone on our team who truly embodies service, integrity, and leadership. This award is named after our co-founder, Rick Hill, whose influence continues to shape our culture.

We’re excited to share that Nick Ashby is this year’s winner! Nick’s dedication to our clients and team, willingness to step up whenever needed, and steady, thoughtful approach to challenges make him a standout. He makes our firm better every day, and we’re lucky to have him.

We also want to give a big shoutout to Nell Schiffer and Katie Ackerman, who earned honorable mentions this year. Nell’s leadership and commitment to client service are second to none, and Katie’s attention to detail and operational excellence keep us all moving forward. They both make a huge impact, and we’re grateful for them.

Please join us in congratulating Nick, Nell, and Katie! Their contributions remind us why we take the long view.

Today marks a significant milestone for our clients and our firm—the official launch of The Longview Advantage ETF (EBI), live as of this morning. We’re thrilled to announce that we met our ambitious goal, attracting over $500 million in new assets from our own clients and a carefully selected group of independent advisory firms and family offices.

Remarkably, 96% of our own clients have enthusiastically joined us in this exciting new chapter, reinforcing their commitment to an evidence-based approach and long-term thinking. For context, launching an ETF with this level of initial commitment places us among the most successful ETF debuts in the industry, a clear validation of our strategy and shared vision.

However, even as we celebrate this milestone (and yes, that’s a rendering of our ETF proudly displayed in Times Square! The real thing happens tomorrow), we remain steadfast in our primary focus: bringing clarity and confidence to our clients’ financial lives. Whether it’s guiding you through a complex retirement decision, strategically timing a Roth conversion, starting a new 529 plan for your family, or launching an innovative ETF, our commitment remains unwavering.

Your trust allows us to bring the most important ideas to life. Smart investors don’t predict the market—they focus on what matters and what they can control. Thank you for partnering with us as we continue taking the long view together.

We’re thrilled to share some exciting recognition for Hill Investment Group and our upcoming Longview Advantage ETF (ticker: EBI). Bloomberg recently published an article highlighting this innovative fund launch, describing it as part of a growing trend that is reshaping how investors approach tax efficiency. We’re honored to be included in this discussion and to be bringing a cutting-edge solution to our clients and the market.

Here are some highlights from the article and why this matters to you:

A $500 Million ETF: The Next Big Tax-Efficient Launch
The Longview Advantage ETF, set to launch on February 25, 2025, will debut with an estimated $500 million in assets expected in the first month (likely making it one of the more successful launches in 2025). This fund is unique because it’s designed to help investors defer taxes while rebalancing their portfolios. Through a strategy known as a 351 conversion, investors can exchange their existing securities for shares in the ETF without triggering a capital gains tax bill.

This approach has been compared to tools like 1031 exchanges for real estate but with the added liquidity and flexibility of an ETF. It’s a powerful way to gain diversification without losing to taxes in the process.

Built on Evidence-Based Investing
At Hill Investment Group, of course, you know we believe in strategies grounded in academic research. Under the leadership of Matt Zenz, formerly of Dimensional Fund Advisors, the Longview Advantage ETF will use a systematic approach to select stocks based on lower valuations and higher profitability – two factors expected to drive long-term performance.

Our commitment to evidence-based investing ensures that the fund is not only tax-efficient but also built to deliver meaningful results over time.

Why This Matters
Some investors feel stuck holding appreciated securities, unable to rebalance without incurring significant taxes, this ETF is a solution for them. By converting assets into shares of the Longview Advantage ETF, investors can:

• Diversify their portfolios,
• Defer capital gains taxes until they sell ETF shares,
• Align with a strategy designed for long-term success (which is what we care most about).

As Matt Hall shared with Bloomberg:
“To be able to get diversification and defer the taxes — for us, it’s the best financial planning idea we’re bringing to certain clients in 2025.”

What’s Next?
We’re counting down to February 25, when the Longview Advantage ETF will officially launch. This milestone represents our commitment to bringing thoughtful, innovative solutions to investors. We’re also engaging with financial advisors and family offices nationwide to expand access to this unique offering.

You can read the full Bloomberg article for additional details about the launch and its broader impact on the industry.

Thank you for being part of the Hill Investment Group journey. Everything we do is about putting the odds of long-term success on your side. The Longview Advantage ETF (EBI) is another example of our commitment to this objective.