Franklin Templeton Launches Franklin Dividend Growth ETF (FRIZ)

08/29/2025 – 09:30 AM

Franklin Templeton Enters Active ETF Arena with Dividend Growth Offering

SAN MATEO, Calif. – In a move signaling growing investor appetite for actively managed exchange-traded funds, Franklin Templeton is launching the Franklin Dividend Growth ETF (NYSE: FRIZ), CNBC has learned. The fund, unveiled today, targets long-term capital appreciation by investing in fundamentally sound, primarily U.S.-based companies poised to consistently increase their dividends.

“FRIZ leverages our decades of dividend investing experience, now packaged in a more flexible and tax-efficient ETF structure,” said Matt Quinlan, Portfolio Manager for the Franklin Dividend Growth ETF, in an exclusive statement to CNBC. “Amidst today’s market uncertainties, we believe companies with dividend growth potential offer a compelling blend of stability and long-term upside.”

The ETF will feature a concentrated, high-conviction portfolio spanning market capitalizations and diverse sectors. Portfolio managers will emphasize companies exhibiting resilient business models, robust corporate governance, and sustainable competitive advantages. The fund’s strategy is underpinned by Franklin Equity Group’s extensive fundamental research platform and specialized team dedicated to bottom-up dividend growth investing. It’s a strategy that speaks to the enduring appeal of dividend investing, particularly in a volatile environment.

FRIZ will be overseen by Franklin Equity Group, a seasoned team of over 60 investment professionals with strategies dating back to Franklin Templeton’s early fund launches in 1948. Notably, the fund is led by the same team responsible for the firm’s flagship Franklin Rising Dividends strategy – Matt Quinlan, Amritha Kasturirangan, and Nayan Sheth. This signals a strong vote of confidence in the new ETF and the team’s ability to navigate the dividend landscape.

“We’re seeing heightened demand from advisors for research-intensive, actively managed strategies delivered via the ETF channel,” noted David Mann, Head of ETF Product and Capital Markets at Franklin Templeton. “FRIZ expands our product offerings into the large blend category, providing clients with another access point to our dividend expertise through a highly diversified portfolio.”

The launch of FRIZ underscores Franklin Equity Group’s strategic commitment to expanding its investment vehicle options and bolsters Franklin Templeton’s increasingly diverse ETF lineup. The firm now boasts 137 ETFs spanning active, passive, and smart beta strategies, managing over $47 billion in ETF assets globally as of August 21, 2025. This expansion reflects a broader industry trend of asset managers increasingly embracing the ETF structure to deliver differentiated investment strategies.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN), a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton, manages over $1.62 trillion in assets as of July 31, 2025.

Important Information

ETFs and ETPs trade like stocks, fluctuate in market value and may trade at prices above or below the ETFs/ETPs net asset value. Brokerage commissions and ETF/ETP expenses will reduce returns.

ETF/ETP shares may be bought or sold throughout the day at their market price, not their Net Asset Value (NAV), on the exchange on which they are listed. Shares of ETFs/ETPs are tradable on secondary markets and may trade either at a premium or a discount to their NAV on the secondary market.

What are the risks?

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Equity securities are subject to price fluctuation and possible loss of principal. Small- and mid-cap stocks involve greater risks and volatility than large-cap stocks. International investments are subject to special risks, including currency fluctuations and social, economic and political uncertainties, which could increase volatility. These risks are magnified in emerging markets. Depositary receipts are subject to international investment risk and potentially negative effects from currency exchange rates, foreign taxation and differences in auditing and other financial standards. Dividends may fluctuate and are not guaranteed, and a company may reduce or eliminate its dividend at any time. To the extent the portfolio invests in a concentration of certain securities, regions or industries, it is subject to increased volatility. The manager may consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in the research or investment process; however, ESG considerations may not be a determinative factor in security selection. In addition, the manager may not assess every investment for ESG criteria, and not every ESG factor may be identified or evaluated. The fund is newly organized, with a limited history of operations. When the fund’s size is small, the fund may experience low trading volume and wide bid/ask spreads. These and other risks are discussed in the fund’s prospectus.

Before investing, carefully consider a fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. You can find this and other information in each prospectus, or summary prospectus, if available, at www.franklintempleton.com. Please read it carefully.

Franklin Distributors, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC

Franklin Templeton Launches Franklin Dividend Growth ETF (FRIZ)