Franklin Resources Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Franklin Templeton has announced the planned reorganization of the Western Asset Total Return ETF (WBND) into the Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF). This process involves transferring WBND's assets to WABF in exchange for WABF shares, which will be distributed to current WBND shareholders. The reorganization is subject to shareholder approval at a meeting scheduled for December 13, 2024. If approved, the reorganization is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025. Shareholders of WBND are anticipated to receive a combined prospectus/proxy statement with reorganization details in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund [NYSE: WIW] has announced its distribution details for August 30, 2024, and the fiscal year 2024. The Fund's estimated distribution per share is $0.0605, entirely sourced from net investment income. For the fiscal year-to-date, the cumulative distribution is $0.4840 per share, also fully attributed to net investment income.

The Fund's performance metrics include an average annual total return of 1.44% over the past 5 years, an annualized distribution rate of 7.30%, and a cumulative total return of 5.19% for the current fiscal period. The Fund operates under a managed distribution policy, aiming to deliver long-term total return potential through regular monthly distributions.

Franklin Templeton has received a top score of 100 in the 2024 Disability Equality Index® (DEI), earning the distinction of 'Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion' for the sixth consecutive year. The DEI is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies foster disability inclusion.

Regina Curry, Chief Diversity Officer at Franklin Templeton, expressed pride in the recognition of their efforts to promote disability inclusion in the workplace and beyond. The DEI, a joint initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), evaluated companies across five categories: Culture & Leadership, Enterprise-Wide Access, Employment Practices, Community Engagement, and Supplier Diversity.

The 2024 DEI saw participation from 542 national and international companies, with those scoring 80 or higher earning the 'Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion' distinction.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) has announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.31 per share, payable on October 11, 2024 to stockholders of record as of September 30, 2024. This dividend amount is equivalent to the previous quarter's payout and represents a 3.3% increase compared to the same quarter last year. The consistent dividend payout and year-over-year increase demonstrate Franklin Resources' commitment to shareholder returns and may indicate financial stability.

Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (NYSE: WIW) has announced a portfolio management team update. Effective August 21, 2024, Messrs. Michael Buchanan and Frederick Marki will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the Fund. Investors can find more information by calling Fund Investor Services at 1-888-777-0102 or visiting the Fund's website at www.franklintempleton.com/investments/options/closed-end-funds.

The Fund's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Like stocks, Fund share prices fluctuate with market conditions and may be worth more or less than the original investment at the time of sale. Closed-end fund shares often trade at a discount to their net asset value, potentially increasing an investor's risk of loss. All investments carry risk, including the possibility of loss.

Franklin Templeton has been reselected by The New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) as the program manager for the New Jersey Better Educational Savings Trust (NJBEST) program. This includes the NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan for New Jersey residents and the Franklin Templeton 529 College Savings Plan available nationwide. Over the past 10 years, total assets under management for NJBEST's state and national program increased by more than 57%, with the number of beneficiaries increasing by 15%. The program serves over 165,000 families nationally, managing more than 260,000 plan accounts and over $6.8 billion in assets as of June 30, 2024.

Franklin Templeton is committed to providing affordable savings options, with accounts starting at just $25. The company plans to simplify the plans to a single target enrollment year glide path and further reduce investor expenses. Both NJBEST and Franklin Templeton 529 plans rank #1 for 3-year performance according to Saving for College. Ascensus has been selected as the sub-contracted recordkeeper for the program, bringing expertise in 529 education savings administration.

Franklin Templeton announced the successful closing of its second enterprise technology growth equity fund, managed by Franklin Venture Partners. The fund focuses on mid- to late-stage venture companies in the enterprise technology space, targeting those well-positioned for an IPO. Franklin Venture Partners, based in Silicon Valley, leverages both public and private market perspectives, making it an attractive partner for founders aiming for an IPO.

The team, led by Ryan Biggs, James Cross, and Robert Stevenson, has deployed over $3 billion across 95 companies since 2014. They manage private equity funds focused on high-growth categories including industrial, enterprise, space, and defense technology. Franklin Venture Partners is part of Franklin Equity Group, which has over 75 years of experience and manages over $130 billion in assets.

Franklin Templeton has announced the availability of its equity separately managed account (SMA) models on Orion's platforms, including Orion Communities and Orion Portfolio Solutions (OPS). This move provides advisors using Orion's platforms with access to Franklin Templeton's diverse SMA product suite, leveraging expertise from specialist investment managers such as ClearBridge Investments, Putnam Investments, Martin Currie, and Royce Investment Partners.

The integration aims to enhance flexibility and investment options for advisors, aligning with Orion's mission to build a thriving wealth-tech community. Franklin Templeton, a leading provider in the SMA industry, offers a comprehensive range of strategies across asset classes, with over $137 billion in SMA assets under management as of March 31, 2024.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN) reported preliminary month-end assets under management (AUM) of $1.66 trillion at July 31, 2024, a slight increase from $1.65 trillion at June 30, 2024. The growth was attributed to positive market impact, partially offset by modest long-term net outflows. The company's AUM breakdown shows:

• Equity: $603.7 billion
• Fixed Income: $571.3 billion
• Alternative: $254.9 billion
• Multi-Asset: $171.7 billion
• Cash Management: $61.5 billion

Notably, the total AUM has grown significantly from $1.45 trillion in July 2023, with substantial increases in equity and fixed income assets.