Franklin Resources (BEN) disclosed this morning that on December 13, it was informed by the Department of Justice that it is prepared to resolve the investigation through a disposition that does not require the filing of any criminal charges against Western Asset in connection with the conduct charged in the case of United States v. Leech. The DOJ also informed the Franklin that as it continues the ongoing resolution discussions, which, as the DOJ noted require additional time to complete due to circumstan ...

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Key Takeaways BEN expands its platform via acquisitions and partnerships, boosting alternatives and multi-asset offerings.TROW strengthens its footprint through alliances and diversified AUM supported by market appreciation.Both firms have boosted dividends in recent years, offering steady shareholder returns.Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) and T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (TROW) are long-established global asset managers with broad investment platforms across equities, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternativ ...

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Andres Rodriguez Joins Fiduciary Trust International's Coral Gables Office as Wealth Director. ...

Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) is included among the 15 Dividend Stocks Paying 4%+ Yield in 2025. Franklin Resources (BEN) Posts $1.67 Trillion in Preliminary AUM, Reflecting Steady Trends Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash On December 3, Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) reported preliminary assets under management (AUM) of $1.67 trillion as of November 30, 2025, compared with $1.68 trillion at the end of October. This month’s AUM shows mostly flat long-term flows, including $1 billion in long-term ...

Core Insights - The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA) has formed a strategic partnership with Franklin Templeton to enhance education and industry standards in alternative investments [1][2] - This collaboration aims to address the evolving landscape of investments, particularly the increasing importance of alternative investments in portfolio construction [2][4] Company Overview - Franklin Templeton has been active in the Middle East for over 20 years, establishing operations in the UAE in 2000 and being one of the first international asset managers in the Dubai International Financial Centre in 2004 [5] - The firm manages over $5 billion in Shariah-compliant assets as of October 2025, reflecting its commitment to Islamic finance and the regional market [5] Partnership Objectives - The partnership will focus on several initiatives, including the CAIA Charter program, sponsorship of CAIA Chapter events, and the development of a new Islamic Finance microcredential set to launch in 2026 [7] - A collaborative research report will be produced to analyze the Gulf's transition from a capital exporter to a global private capital hub [7] Industry Context - The partnership is positioned to respond to the growing client interest in private capital and alternative investments, emphasizing the need for ongoing education and professionalization in the industry [3][4] - The collaboration reflects a broader trend of blurring lines between public and private markets, driven by factors such as artificial intelligence and geopolitical instability [2]

For those shareholders with taxable accounts and for Federal, state and local income tax purposes: (a) any liquidation proceeds paid to such shareholder should generally be treated as received by such shareholder in exchange for the shareholder's shares and the shareholder will therefore generally recognize a taxable gain or loss; and (b) in connection with the liquidation, the Fund may declare taxable distributions of its income and/or capital gain. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers regarding ...

Key Takeaways Franklin posted a preliminary November AUM of $1.67T, down slightly from the prior month.Flat long-term flows and $1B in Western Asset outflows weighed on the monthly AUM balance.Equity and fixed income dipped, while alternative and multi-asset categories saw modest gains.Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) reported its preliminary assets under management (AUM) of $1.67 trillion as of Nov. 30, 2025, which decreased slightly from the prior month.The company’s AUM balance reflected flat long-term flo ...

Core Viewpoint - Australian major banks are entering the November earnings season with strong momentum and high expectations, driven by robust credit growth, prudent deposit pricing strategies, and strong performance from government bonds and market sectors expected in the second half of 2025. However, analysts warn that this may indicate the peak of the current cycle, with revenue growth likely to slow in FY2026 and net interest margin pressure potentially increasing as interest rate cuts gradually take effect [2][11]. Group 1: Revenue Momentum - Loan growth remains robust among Australian major banks, particularly in the corporate and institutional lending sectors, with Westpac and NAB expected to lead in revenue performance due to better loan structures and stricter deposit pricing strategies [4]. - Consumer credit growth has exceeded expectations, with a rebound in housing loan demand offsetting weaker refinancing activity [4]. - Macquarie is anticipated to report solid half-year results due to increased market activity and strong client trading volumes, while regional banks like Bendigo & Adelaide Bank are also expected to achieve steady growth [4]. Group 2: Net Interest Margin - The net interest margin (NIM) for Australian banks is expected to remain stable or slightly increase in FY2025, supported by deposit repricing, strong performance in New Zealand operations, and a shift towards higher-yielding corporate loans [5]. - However, this resilience in NIM is not expected to last long-term, with analysts predicting downward pressure in FY2026 due to interest rate cuts, narrowing deposit spreads, and diminishing returns from loan portfolios [5][6]. Group 3: Cost and Efficiency Focus - Cost control has become a primary competitive focus as FY2026 approaches, with upcoming earnings reports reflecting restructuring costs, wage inflation, and technology investments [7]. - Market attention will shift to the credibility of cost-cutting plans announced by major banks, with ANZ's new management seen as the most aggressive in planning significant job cuts [7]. Group 4: Credit Quality - Despite macroeconomic uncertainties, asset quality remains strong, with low loan loss rates and stable delinquency rates, supported by additional provisions accumulated post-pandemic [8]. - A slight increase in provisioning expenses is expected in FY2026, but they will still be at historically low levels, with some banks likely to release provisions in FY2025 [8]. Group 5: Capital Management - Balance sheets remain robust, but the market does not expect significant capital returns in the upcoming earnings reports, with Westpac's remaining share buyback plan being a focal point [9]. - The common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio is expected to remain above regulatory minimums, with NAB and CBA in relatively strong positions [9]. Group 6: Valuation Pressure - Current forward P/E ratios for Australian bank stocks range from 19 to 22 times, significantly above historical averages, reflecting strong earnings performance and market recognition of the sector's defensive attributes [10]. - However, high valuations imply that any earnings miss could lead to significant downward pressure on stock prices, with many institutional investors favoring banks like ANZ and Westpac for their cost-cutting potential [10]. Group 7: Key Dates and Focus Points - Key earnings dates and focus points for major banks include: - Westpac (WBC) on November 3: sustainability of NIM, UNITE project execution, capital outlook [12] - National Bank (NAB) on November 6: corporate loan margins, SME competition, expense guidance [12] - Macquarie (MQG) on November 7: market revenue trends, asset management profitability structure [12] - ANZ Bank (ANZ) on November 10: impact of restructuring, institutional banking performance [12] - Commonwealth Bank (CBA) on November 11: deposit margin trends, returns from loan portfolios, collective litigation provisions [12] - Bendigo & Adelaide Bank on November 11: housing loan competition, productivity improvement measures, margin management [12]

Company Overview - Franklin Resources, Inc. is a global investment management company headquartered in San Mateo, CA, primarily generating revenues from investment management services for retail mutual funds, institutional, and high-net-worth investors worldwide [11]. Investment Ratings - Franklin Resources (BEN) holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and has a VGM Score of B, indicating a solid position in the market [12]. - The company has a Value Style Score of A, supported by attractive valuation metrics, including a forward P/E ratio of 8.98, which is appealing to value investors [12]. Earnings Estimates - In the last 60 days, four analysts have revised their earnings estimates higher for fiscal 2026, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.07 to $2.51 per share [12]. - Franklin Resources has demonstrated an average earnings surprise of +7.7%, indicating a positive trend in earnings performance [12]. Investment Consideration - With a strong Zacks Rank and high Value and VGM Style Scores, Franklin Resources is recommended for investors looking for potential opportunities in the market [13].