GFLW: Sustained AUM Growth and Attractive Returns Signal Strong Momentum for Long-Term Investors

The VictoryShares Free Cash Flow Growth ETF (GFLW) has emerged as a standout performer in the crowded large-cap growth ETF space, combining robust asset under management (AUM) growth with compelling returns that outpace both broad-market benchmarks and sector-specific peers. As of September 2025, GFLW's AUM has surged to $627.57 million, reflecting a 16.70% increase over the past month alone and a 5-day net inflow of $34.17 million GFLW ETF Stock Price & Overview, [https://stockanalysis.com/etf/gflw/]^[1]. This momentum underscores investor confidence in its unique strategy, which blends free cash flow (FCF) generation with momentum factors to target high-quality growth companies.

AUM Growth and Performance: A Recipe for Resilience

GFLW's ability to attract capital is matched by its strong returns. Year-to-date as of September 2025, the ETF has delivered a 19.05% net asset value (NAV) return, significantly outperforming the ETF Database Category Average of 6.27% and the FactSet segment average of 12.66% VictoryShares Free Cash Flow Growth ETF, [https://etfdb.com/etf/GFLW/]^[2]. Over the past 12 months, its price has risen 12.01%, while its AUM has expanded from $1.1 billion to $1.5 billion in a single quarter Why the GFLW ETF Deserves a Buy Rating Upgrade, [https://marketsgonewild.com/stock-news/2025/06/08/why-the-gflw-etf-deserves-a-buy-rating-upgrade-uncovering-its-2025-growth-factors-and-asset-mix/]^[3]. This dual success in growth and performance positions GFLW as a rare combination of scalability and profitability.

The fund's outperformance is rooted in its focus on 100 large-cap U.S. companies with strong FCF trends, earnings, and return on invested capital (ROI). By weighting holdings using a modified absolute momentum approach, GFLW captures both quality and growth dynamics. For instance, its top 10 holdings account for 30.05% of assets—far less concentrated than the 54.29% average for peer ETFs—reducing downside risk while maintaining exposure to market leaders like Alphabet (GOOGL) and NVIDIA (NVDA) GFLW ETF Guide | Stock Quote, Holdings, Fact Sheet and More, [https://etfdb.com/etf/GFLW/]^[4].

Competitive Positioning: Quality-Driven Differentiation

In a market where growth strategies have faced headwinds, GFLW's emphasis on FCF and momentum sets it apart. During the Q1 2025 market downturn, the Russell 1000 Growth Index fell 10%, while value-oriented benchmarks like the Russell 1000 Value Index posted positive returns Quarterly Market Flash Report - Q1 2025, [https://www.ishares.com/us/insights/flow-and-tell-q1-2025]^[5]. GFLW's portfolio, however, is constructed to mitigate such volatility by prioritizing companies with durable cash flow generation. Analysts note that this quality-driven approach has allowed GFLW to outperform broader growth ETFs like IWF and momentum-focused peers like the Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF (SPMO) in both up and down markets GFLW: Competitive Returns, AUM Growth Continues, Buy Rating Maintained, [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4826177-gflw-etf-competitive-returns-aum-growth-continues-buy-rating-maintained]^[6].

Expense efficiency further strengthens its competitive edge. With a net expense ratio of 0.39%, GFLW is cost-competitive with industry benchmarks such as the iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF, 0.45%) and the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ, 0.20%) Two Ways to Bolster Large-Cap Exposures in 2025, [https://etfdb.com/free-cash-flow-channel/two-ways-bolster-large-cap-exposures-2025/]^[7]. This pricing strategy, combined with its rules-based methodology, makes it an attractive option for investors seeking exposure to high-quality growth without excessive fees.

Scalability and Long-Term Viability

GFLW's scalability is evident in its rapid AUM growth and structural advantages. Its passive management model and index-based construction reduce operational complexity, enabling efficient scaling as assets increase. Moreover, the fund's low concentration risk—achieved by limiting top holdings to 30.05% of assets—ensures it remains resilient to sector-specific shocks VictoryShares Free Cash Flow Growth ETF (GFLW) Price, [https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NASDAQ/GFLW/]^[8].

While specific Q1 2025 performance data relative to its benchmark is unavailable, the fund's historical resilience during market stress events suggests it is well-positioned for long-term viability. For example, during the Q1 2025 selloff triggered by trade policy uncertainty, GFLW's focus on FCF-positive companies likely cushioned its downside compared to pure growth ETFs Quarterly Market Review Q1 2025 — Guillaume, [https://gf-wealth.com/blog/quarterly-market-review-q1-2025]^[9]. This aligns with broader trends: momentum and quality strategies have gained traction in 2025 as investors seek stability amid macroeconomic volatility Momentum ETFs Climb Higher in 2025 - VettaFi - Commentaries, [https://www.advisorperspectives.com/commentaries/2025/07/28/momentum-etfs-climb-higher-2025]^[10].

Conclusion: A Compelling Case for Long-Term Investors

For investors seeking a balance of growth and quality in a shifting market, GFLW offers a compelling value proposition. Its sustained AUM growth, outperformance of peers, and cost-effective structure position it as a scalable, resilient option in an increasingly fragmented ETF landscape. While macroeconomic risks persist, the fund's focus on FCF and momentum provides a durable framework for navigating both bull and bear markets. As the 2025 investing environment evolves, GFLW's strategy appears well-aligned with the priorities of long-term capital preservation and growth.