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Franklin Resources (BEN)
NYSE:BEN

Franklin Resources (BEN) AI Stock Analysis

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BEFranklin Resources
(NYSE:BEN)
68Neutral
Franklin Resources shows strengths in cost management and strategic initiatives, particularly in alternatives and emerging markets. However, challenges with profitability and valuation metrics, as well as substantial outflows from Western Asset Management, weigh on the score. The attractive dividend yield offers a buffer, but the high P/E ratio suggests limited upside. The company’s recovery from previous financial setbacks is a positive, but ongoing operational challenges must be addressed to improve stock performance.
Positive Factors
Alternative Products
Alternative products bring multiple benefits, such as improved flows, higher management fee rates, performance fees, and better stock valuation.
Management Strategy
A significant expense save plan of $200-$250M was announced, which is expected to provide a boost to margins.
Negative Factors
Regulatory Challenges
BEN's January long-term net outflows of $13B were hurt by $17B of net outflows at Western Asset, which has faced heightened outflows since news of a regulatory investigation.

Franklin Resources (BEN) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Franklin Resources Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionFranklin Resources, Inc., commonly known as Franklin Templeton, is a global investment management organization headquartered in San Mateo, California. The company operates in the financial services sector, offering a wide range of investment solutions, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), institutional accounts, and high-net-worth client accounts. Franklin Templeton provides investment management and related services to retail, institutional, and sovereign wealth clients across the globe, leveraging its expertise in equity, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset strategies.
How the Company Makes MoneyFranklin Resources generates revenue primarily through investment management fees, which are based on a percentage of assets under management (AUM). These fees vary depending on the type of investment product and the level of service provided. The company also earns performance fees, which are contingent on achieving specified investment return benchmarks. Additionally, Franklin Templeton receives distribution fees related to the sale of its investment products. Partnerships with financial advisors, brokerage firms, and institutional clients play a significant role in expanding its distribution network and client base, contributing to its earnings. The company's global presence and diversified investment offerings help mitigate risks associated with market volatility and economic fluctuations, providing a stable source of income.

Franklin Resources Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Franklin Resources demonstrates financial stability with strong cost management and effective cash conversion, but faces challenges in profitability and growth. The balance sheet is robust with low leverage, but profitability metrics show room for improvement.
Income Statement
72
Positive
Franklin Resources shows a mixed income statement performance. The TTM gross profit margin stands at 67.0%, indicating efficient cost management. However, the net profit margin is relatively low at 4.3%, suggesting downward pressure on profitability. Revenue growth rate from the previous year is 9.7%, showing moderate growth, but the declining EBIT and EBITDA margins reflect operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The company's balance sheet is strong with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, indicating conservative leverage. The equity ratio is 38.5%, highlighting a solid equity foundation. Return on equity is lower at 3.0%, reflecting weaker returns on shareholder investments. Overall, the balance sheet stability is a positive aspect, offset by suboptimal ROE.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
Free cash flow growth is negative at -16.7%, reflecting challenges in cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio of 2.80 indicates strong cash conversion, while the free cash flow to net income ratio is 2.19, showing effective free cash flow management. Despite strong cash conversion, declining free cash flow growth remains a concern.
Breakdown
TTMSep 2024Sep 2023Sep 2022Sep 2021Sep 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
8.70B8.48B7.85B8.28B8.43B5.57B
Gross Profit
5.82B3.98B4.36B3.34B3.35B1.99B
EBIT
932.20M407.60M1.10B1.77B1.88B1.05B
EBITDA
1.46B796.80M1.95B2.36B2.84B1.43B
Net Income Common Stockholders
377.10M464.80M882.80M1.29B1.83B798.90M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
2.81B3.31B4.40B4.78B4.65B3.96B
Total Assets
32.39B32.46B30.12B28.06B24.17B20.22B
Total Debt
946.20M965.10M11.75B9.36B7.59B4.97B
Net Debt
-1.86B-2.34B7.35B4.58B2.94B1.01B
Total Liabilities
17.05B17.90B16.55B14.24B11.42B8.71B
Stockholders Equity
12.46B12.51B11.92B11.47B11.22B10.11B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
825.00M794.20M989.90M1.87B1.17B917.70M
Operating Cash Flow
1.05B971.30M1.14B1.96B1.25B1.02B
Investing Cash Flow
-2.90B-2.42B-3.58B-3.33B-2.62B-3.24B
Financing Cash Flow
1.63B1.42B2.03B1.58B2.03B194.20M

Franklin Resources Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price20.32
Price Trends
50DMA
20.18
Positive
100DMA
20.60
Negative
200DMA
20.84
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.09
Positive
RSI
51.05
Neutral
STOCH
68.55
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For BEN, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 20.32 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 20.27, above the 50-day MA of 20.18, and below the 200-day MA of 20.84, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.09 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 51.05 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 68.55 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for BEN.

Franklin Resources Risk Analysis

Franklin Resources disclosed 31 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Franklin Resources reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Franklin Resources Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
AMAMP
80
Outperform
$50.44B15.2268.31%1.18%11.38%39.25%
BLBLK
75
Outperform
$150.31B23.0514.67%2.13%12.15%15.17%
IVIVZ
71
Outperform
$7.05B13.385.31%5.21%3.97%
71
Outperform
$20.62B10.7816.32%2.85%29.42%92.95%
70
Outperform
$22.02B10.8020.60%5.01%9.80%17.87%
BEBEN
68
Neutral
$10.54B30.762.76%6.23%9.48%-65.57%
64
Neutral
$14.34B10.619.28%4.07%18.04%-9.54%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
BEN
Franklin Resources
20.32
-6.53
-24.32%
AMP
Ameriprise Financial
499.34
92.93
22.87%
BLK
BlackRock
946.92
140.41
17.41%
IVZ
Invesco
15.63
0.58
3.85%
TROW
T Rowe Price
100.66
-11.97
-10.63%
NTRS
Northern
104.32
24.34
30.43%

Franklin Resources Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Jan 31, 2025 | % Change Since: 0.84% | Next Earnings Date: May 5, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a balanced picture with significant achievements in global expansion, alternative fundraising, ETF and SMA growth, and the success of the Putnam acquisition. However, these positives were offset by challenges with Western Asset Management, including substantial outflows and a decrease in adjusted operating income. Overall, the sentiment is mixed, reflecting both progress and ongoing difficulties.
Highlights
Positive Net Inflows
Excluding Western Asset Management, Franklin Resources reported long-term net inflows of approximately $18 billion, with positive flows in every asset class. Equity, Multi-Asset, and Alternatives generated a combined $17 billion in positive net flows.
Global Expansion and Partnerships
Franklin Templeton was appointed as trustee and manager of the National Investment Fund of Uzbekistan, expanding its reach in emerging markets and showcasing its global capabilities.
Alternatives Fundraising Success
Franklin Templeton's alternatives fundraising reached $6 billion in the quarter, with private market assets totaling $4.3 billion. The launch of the Franklin-Lexington Private Markets Fund achieved a fundraising cap of $900 million.
ETF and SMA Growth
The ETF business saw its 13th consecutive quarter of positive net flows, attracting $2.7 billion during Q1. Retail SMA AUM was $146 billion, with net inflows of $2.5 billion excluding Western.
Putnam Acquisition Success
The Putnam acquisition has been described as a 'home run,' with significant net new flows and strong performance, contributing $175 million to $180 million in operating income.
Strong Investment Performance
Two-thirds of mutual fund AUM outperformed their respective peers over the 3-year period, and more than half of AUM in strategy composites are beating their respective benchmarks for the 3 and 5-year periods.
Lowlights
Western Asset Management Outflows
Western Asset Management experienced significantly higher long-term net outflows of $68 billion in the quarter, with an additional $17 billion in outflows expected for January.
Decrease in Adjusted Operating Income
Adjusted operating income decreased by 9% from the prior quarter to $412.8 million, indicating financial challenges despite strategic initiatives.
Decline in Fixed Income Net Flows
Fixed income net outflows were $66.7 billion, primarily due to challenges at Western Asset Management, impacting overall performance.
U.S. Equity Strategy Performance Decline
There was a modest decline in U.S. equity strategy performance over the 1-year period, affecting overall mutual fund investment performance.
Company Guidance
During the Franklin Resources earnings call for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024, the company provided a detailed guidance on its financial and strategic outlook. The firm reported $1.58 trillion in assets under management (AUM), with a decrease from the previous quarter attributed to market downturns and net outflows, particularly from Western Asset Management. Excluding Western, the company saw $18 billion in long-term net inflows, with significant positive net flows in equity, multi-asset, and alternatives sectors, totaling $17 billion. The fixed income segment faced net outflows of $66.7 billion, though excluding Western, the segment achieved positive net inflows. Franklin Resources' investment performance remained strong, with two-thirds of mutual fund assets under management outperforming peers over a three-year period. The company highlighted its strategic focus on alternatives and wealth management, noting that its Evergreen funds reached nearly $1 billion each in AUM. Additionally, Franklin Resources is implementing cost-saving initiatives projected to lower expenses by $200 to $250 million by fiscal 2026, while maintaining a medium-term margin target of 30%.

Franklin Resources Corporate Events

Financial Disclosures
Franklin Resources Reports Strong Quarterly Financial Recovery
Positive
Jan 31, 2025

Franklin Resources announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, reporting a net income of $163.6 million, a significant recovery from the previous quarter’s net loss of $84.7 million. The company highlighted a 34% improvement in long-term inflows from the prior year, achieving positive net flows in various investment categories, and an increase in won-but-unfunded mandates, showcasing its ability to adapt to market volatility and meet client needs.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.