What is the  FLMB ETF ?
6 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

What is the FLMB ETF ?

Investing in financial instruments can be complex, but exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have emerged as a popular option for investors seeking diversification and exposure to specific asset classes. In this article, we will delve into the FLMB ETF, its overview, underlying assets, benefits, and considerations before investing.

FLMB ETF: Overview

The FLMB ETF, also known as the "Federal Income Tax-Exempt Municipal Bond ETF," is an exchange-traded fund that focuses on investing in municipal securities whose interest is free from federal income taxes. It aims to provide investors with tax-free income while maintaining a diversified portfolio of municipal bonds.
The Fund's primary goal is to invest at least 80% of its net assets in municipal securities that are exempt from federal income taxes, including the federal alternative minimum tax. However, it's worth noting that up to 20% of the Fund's net assets may be invested in securities that pay interest subject to the federal alternative minimum tax or other federal or state income taxes.

FLMB ETF: Underlying and Exposure

The FLMB ETF's underlying assets mainly comprise municipal green bonds. These "green bonds" are a subset of municipal bonds that promote environmental sustainability. The proceeds from green bonds are typically used for eco-friendly projects, such as renewable energy, pollution prevention, sustainable water management, and more.
While there is no universal framework for issuing green bonds, the investment manager conducts due diligence on each bond to determine its authenticity. Bonds are categorized into three groups: eligible for investment based on an internal evaluation, eligible for investment based on both internal and external evaluations, and not eligible for investment due to insufficient environmental sustainability promotion.
The Fund may also invest in securities of any maturity or duration and securities issued by U.S. Territories. It generally focuses on municipal securities rated in the top four categories by U.S. nationally recognized rating services, but it may hold up to 20% of its net assets in lower-rated municipal securities or unrated securities.
In addition to municipal bonds, the FLMB ETF may invest in insured municipal securities, municipal lease obligations, variable and floating rate securities, zero coupon securities, and deferred interest securities.

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FLMB ETF: Benefits of Investing

Investing in the FLMB ETF offers several benefits for investors:
Tax-Free Income: The Fund's primary advantage is that it provides income that is exempt from federal income taxes, making it an attractive option for investors seeking tax-efficient returns.
Diversification: By investing in a variety of municipal bonds, the FLMB ETF offers diversification benefits, reducing the risk associated with individual bond investments.
Sustainable Focus: The inclusion of municipal green bonds allows investors to support environmentally friendly projects and initiatives while potentially earning competitive returns.</li>
Liquidity: As an ETF, the FLMB allows investors to buy and sell shares throughout the trading day, providing liquidity and flexibility.

FLMB ETF: Considerations Before Investing

While the FLMB ETF has its merits, potential investors should consider certain factors:
Risk and Return: Like all investments, the FLMB ETF carries inherent risks, and investors should assess the potential return against the level of risk they are comfortable with.
Interest Rate Sensitivity: The Fund's performance can be affected by changes in interest rates, which can impact the value of its underlying bonds.
Market Conditions: Economic conditions and the state of the municipal bond market can influence the Fund's performance and overall return.
Expense Ratio: Investors should review the Fund's expense ratio to understand the costs associated with investing in the FLMB ETF.

Conclusion

The FLMB ETF presents an opportunity for investors seeking tax-free income and exposure to environmentally sustainable municipal bonds. However, as with any investment, it is essential to conduct thorough research, evaluate risk factors, and align the investment with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. We are not providing any investment advisory services. Investors should conduct their due diligence and seek advice from a professional financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Sources:

FLMB ETF issuer
FLMB ETF official page

FLMB quote and analysis

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FAQ

  • What is the FLMB ETF?

    The FLMB ETF, also known as the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF, is an exchange-traded fund that aims to provide exposure to large and mid-capitalization U.S. companies with high free cash flow yields.

  • How does the FLMB ETF work?

    The FLMB ETF employs a passive management (indexing) approach and seeks to track the performance of the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index. The Index selects companies based on their free cash flow yields, commonly referred to as "cash cows."

  • What is Free Cash Flow (FCF) and how is it calculated?

    Free Cash Flow (FCF) is a measure of a company's cash flow from operations minus capital expenditures. It represents the cash available to the company after covering its expenses and investments. FCF is calculated as FCF = Cash Flow from Operations - Capital Expenditures.

  • How is the FLMB ETF's index constructed?

    The initial universe of companies for the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index is derived from the component companies of the Russell 1000® Index. Companies are screened based on their average projected free cash flows and earnings over the next two fiscal years, and those with negative average projected free cash flows or earnings are excluded.

  • What is the weighting methodology of the FLMB ETF's index?

    At each rebalance, the companies included in the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index are weighted based on their trailing twelve month free cash flow, with weightings capped at 2% of the index's total weight for any individual company.