Should iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE) Be on Your Investing Radar?

Core Viewpoint - The iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE) is a passively managed ETF that provides broad exposure to the Large Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with significant assets under management and low operating costs [1][4]. Group 1: ETF Overview - VLUE was launched on April 16, 2013, and is sponsored by Blackrock, accumulating over $6.79 billion in assets [1]. - The ETF targets large cap companies, defined as those with market capitalizations above $10 billion, which are generally considered stable investments [2]. Group 2: Value Stocks Characteristics - Value stocks typically exhibit lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, but also have lower sales and earnings growth rates compared to growth stocks [3]. - Historically, value stocks have outperformed growth stocks in most markets, although they may underperform during strong bull markets [3]. Group 3: Cost and Performance - VLUE has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.15% and a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.62%, making it one of the least expensive ETFs in its category [4]. - The ETF aims to match the performance of the MSCI USA Enhanced Value Index, achieving a return of approximately 10.10% year-to-date and 9.55% over the past year as of July 23, 2025 [7]. Group 4: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Information Technology sector, comprising about 33% of the portfolio, followed by Financials and Consumer Discretionary [5]. - Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO) is the largest holding at approximately 6.88% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 33.86% of total assets under management [6]. Group 5: Risk and Diversification - VLUE has a beta of 0.95 and a standard deviation of 16.92% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [8]. - The ETF holds around 154 different stocks, effectively diversifying company-specific risk [8]. Group 6: Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), which have larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [11]. Group 7: Conclusion - Passively managed ETFs like VLUE are increasingly popular due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investors [12].