Group 1 - Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) reported preliminary assets under management (AUM) of $1.53 trillion as of March 31, 2025, reflecting a 2.4% decrease from the previous month due to negative market impacts and long-term net outflows of $4 billion [1] - The breakdown of BEN's AUM shows equity assets at $597.6 billion, down 4.4% from the prior month, fixed income AUM at $445.4 billion, declining 1.7%, and alternative AUM slightly increasing to $250.9 billion [2] - Multi-asset AUM was reported at $177.2 billion, a nearly 1% decrease, while cash management balance fell 6% to $62.5 billion [2] Group 2 - March was a challenging month for BEN due to negative market conditions and long-term net outflows; however, the increase in alternative AUM and efforts for inorganic growth provided some support to its financials [3] - Over the past six months, BEN shares have decreased by 5.3%, compared to a 10.8% decline in the industry [3]

WILMINGTON, Del., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brand Engagement Network Inc. (BEN) (NASDAQ: BNAI), an innovator in AI-driven customer engagement solutions, today announced that CEO Paul Chang, will present live at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on April 3, 2025 DATE: April 3, 2025 TIME: 1:00 PM LINK: REGISTER HERE Available for 1x1 meetings: April 3rd, 4th, and 7th This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to as ...

Dividend Kings are companies that have not only been around for a long time, but also paid a dividend for a long time, at least 50 years to be exact. Currently, 54I have a masters degree in Analytics from Northwestern University and a bachelors degree in Accounting. I have worked in the investment arena for over 10 years starting as an analyst and working my way up to a management role. Dividend investing is a personal hobby and I look forward to sharing my thoughts with the Seeking Alpha community.Analyst’ ...

WILMINGTON, Del., March 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brand Engagement Network Inc. (BEN) (NASDAQ: BNAI), an innovator in AI-driven customer engagement solutions, has announced its support for California Assembly Member Carl DeMaio’s proposed AI data privacy legislation. This bill, which aims to secure the privacy of California residents, would require businesses to obtain explicit consent before sharing or storing user data outside the United States. As AI adoption accelerates across industries, the need fo ...

Core Viewpoint - Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) reported preliminary assets under management (AUM) of $1.58 trillion as of February 28, 2025, reflecting a marginal decrease from the prior month due to long-term net outflows of $10 billion, including previously disclosed outflows at Western Asset Management [1] AUM Breakdown by Asset Class - Equity assets amounted to $623.4 billion, down 2% from the previous month [2] - Fixed income AUM was $455.6 billion, showing a marginal decline from the prior month [2] - Alternative AUM decreased marginally to $249.3 billion [2] - Multi-asset AUM rose to $179.9 billion, an increase of 1.8% from January 2025 [2] - Cash management balance increased to $68.8 billion, up 11.1% from the previous month [2] Company Performance and Market Context - February was challenging for Franklin due to fewer days and long-term net outflows; however, increased cash management and multi-asset AUM, along with efforts for inorganic growth, supported its financials [3] - Over the past six months, BEN shares gained 3.1%, compared to the industry's 9% rise [3] Performance of Other Asset Managers - AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (AB) and Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. (VCTR) are set to release their February AUM results soon, both carrying a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [5] - The consensus estimate for VCTR's 2025 earnings has been revised downward by 1.3% over the past week, with shares rising 15.4% in the past six months [5] - The consensus estimate for AB's 2025 earnings has been revised marginally upward, with the stock witnessing a 14.6% rise in the past six months [6]

Franklin Resources, Inc. First Quarter 2025 Results January 31, 2025 | Investor Presentation Jenny Johnson President Chief Executive Officer Matthew Nicholls Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer Chief Operating Officer Adam Spector Executive Vice President Head of Global Distribution Forward-looking statements and non-GAAP financial information This commentary contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors. This com ...

Core Viewpoint - Franklin Resources Inc. reported first-quarter fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings of 59 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 53 cents, but down from 65 cents in the prior year [1][2] Financial Performance - Total operating revenues increased by 13% year over year to $2.25 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.1 billion, driven by higher investment management fees, sales and distribution fees, and shareholder servicing fees [3][4] - Investment management fees rose by 9% year over year to $1.79 billion, while sales and distribution fees increased by 27% to $376 million, and shareholder servicing fees jumped by 95% to $64 million [4] - Total operating expenses rose by 14% year over year to $2.03 billion, exceeding the estimate of $1.96 billion, resulting in an operating margin of 9.7%, down from 10.4% in the previous year [5] Assets Under Management (AUM) - As of December 31, 2024, total AUM was $1.58 trillion, a decline of 6% sequentially, with long-term net outflows of $50 billion during the quarter [6] - The average AUM decreased by 2% sequentially to $1.63 trillion [6] Capital Position and Distribution - As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents, and investments totaled $5.2 billion, while total stockholders' equity was $13.2 billion [7] - In the reported quarter, the company repurchased 0.3 million shares for $5.8 million [8] Strategic Outlook - The company's efforts to diversify its business through acquisitions and a strong distribution platform are expected to support revenue growth, although rising expenses from technological upgrades may hinder bottom-line growth [9]

Financial Performance - Operating revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2024, were $2,251.6 million, a 13% increase from $1,991.1 million in the same period of 2023[68]. - Net income attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc. for the same period was $163.6 million, a 35% decrease from $251.3 million in 2023[68]. - Adjusted operating income for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was $412.8 million, a slight decrease of 1% from $417.0 million in 2023[68]. - The operating margin for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was 9.7%, down from 10.4% in the same period of 2023[68]. - Adjusted operating margin decreased to 24.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, down from 27.3% in the prior year[124]. - Net income attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc. for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was $163.6 million, a decrease of 34.9% from $251.3 million in the same period of 2023[125]. - Adjusted net income for the same period was $320.5 million, slightly down from $328.5 million year-over-year[125]. Assets Under Management (AUM) - Total assets under management (AUM) as of December 31, 2024, were $1,575.7 billion, an 8% increase from $1,455.5 billion on December 31, 2023[64]. - The average AUM for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was $1,634.5 billion, a 17% increase from $1,394.2 billion in 2023[70]. - The equity asset class AUM increased by 33% to $620.0 billion from $467.5 billion in 2023[69]. - Total AUM at December 31, 2023, reached $1,455.5 billion, an 8% increase from $1,374.2 billion at October 1, 2023[75]. Inflows and Outflows - Long-term inflows for the three months ended December 31, 2024, were $97.8 billion, a 42% increase from $68.9 billion in 2023[72]. - Long-term net outflows totaled $50.0 billion, a significant increase of 900% compared to $5.0 billion in the previous year[72]. - Long-term inflows increased 42% to $97.8 billion compared to the prior year, driven by higher inflows in equity and multi-asset open-end funds[74]. - Long-term outflows increased 100% to $147.8 billion, primarily due to higher outflows from fixed income vehicles and equity open-end funds[74]. Revenue and Fees - Investment management fees rose 9% to $1,799.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, due to a 17% increase in average AUM[81][82]. - Sales and distribution fees increased 27% to $375.5 million, driven by revenue from Putnam products post-acquisition[81][86]. - Total operating revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2024, were $2,251.6 million, a 13% increase from $1,991.1 million in the prior year[81]. - Performance fees decreased to $141.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, down from $166.4 million in the prior year[84]. Expenses - Total operating expenses increased 14% to $2,032.6 million, influenced by the integration of the Putnam acquisition[90]. - General, administrative, and other operating expenses increased by $53.2 million, largely due to the acquisition of Putnam and higher legal and professional fees[104]. - Amortization of intangible assets increased by $26.8 million, attributed to a reduction in the remaining useful life of definite-lived intangible assets related to WAM[103]. - Occupancy expenses increased by $8.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to expenses incurred by Putnam following the acquisition[101]. Cash Flow and Liquid Assets - Operating cash flows for the three months ended December 31, 2024, were $(145.2) million, an improvement from $(251.9) million in the prior year[126]. - Total liquid assets decreased to $5,151.5 million as of December 31, 2024, from $5,664.4 million at September 30, 2024[128]. - Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2024, were $2,765.4 million, down from $3,261.1 million[128]. Shareholder Actions - The company declared regular dividends of $0.32 per share during the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $0.31 per share in the same period of 2023[138]. - During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the company repurchased 0.3 million shares at a cost of $5.8 million, compared to 2.4 million shares at a cost of $58.8 million in the prior year[139]. Workforce and Acquisitions - The global workforce increased to approximately 10,100 employees from 9,100 at December 31, 2023, mainly due to the acquisition of Putnam[97]. - The company expects to make a deferred cash payment of $100.0 million related to the acquisition of Lexington during the third quarter of fiscal year 2025[140]. - The company maintains an $800.0 million 5-year revolving credit facility, which remains undrawn as of the filing date[134]. - As of December 31, 2024, the company had $500.0 million of short-term commercial paper available for issuance under an uncommitted private placement program[135].

Financial Performance - Franklin Resources, Inc. reported net income of $163.6 million or $0.29 per diluted share for Q1 2025, compared to a net loss of $84.7 million in the previous quarter and net income of $251.3 million in Q1 2024[3]. - Adjusted net income was $320.5 million for the quarter, a slight increase from $315.2 million in the previous quarter, but down from $328.5 million in the prior year[7]. - Operating income was $219.0 million, compared to an operating loss of $150.7 million in the previous quarter and an operating income of $206.5 million in the prior year[7]. - The company reported a net income attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc. of $163.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, recovering from a loss of $84.7 million in the previous quarter[26]. - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was $0.59, consistent with the previous quarter[26]. Revenue and Assets Under Management - Operating revenues for the quarter were $2,251.6 million, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous quarter and a 13% increase year-over-year[7]. - Total assets under management (AUM) were $1,575.7 billion at December 31, 2024, down $102.9 billion during the quarter due to $52.9 billion in net market changes and $50 billion in long-term net outflows[7]. - Average AUM for the quarter was $1,634.5 billion, a 17% increase from $1,394.2 billion year-over-year[14]. - The AUM as of December 31, 2024, was approximately $1.6 trillion, indicating a strong market presence and investment capability[29]. - Total AUM by asset class showed a decline in equity and fixed income, with equity at $620.0 billion (down 2%) and fixed income at $469.5 billion (down 16%) compared to the previous quarter[15]. Inflows and Outflows - Long-term inflows improved by 34% year-over-year, generating positive net flows of $17 billion across equity, multi-asset, and alternatives, despite long-term net outflows of $50 billion[3]. - Long-term inflows for the quarter were $97.8 billion, a 42% increase from $68.9 billion year-over-year[14]. - Long-term outflows doubled to $147.8 billion from $73.9 billion in the same period last year, resulting in long-term net flows of $(50.0) billion, a 900% decline[14]. - Long-term net flows for the three months ended September 30, 2024, were negative at $31.3 billion, driven by outflows in Fixed Income and Alternative assets[18]. Strategic Investments and Shareholder Value - The company remains committed to strategically investing in its business while managing expenses to enhance shareholder value[6]. - The company repurchased 0.3 million shares of common stock for a total cost of $5.8 million during the quarter[8]. - Fundraising in alternatives reached $6 billion, with $4.3 billion in private market assets, and the launch of a new evergreen secondaries private equity fund achieved $900 million in assets under management[4]. Market Presence and Operations - The company operates in over 150 countries, leveraging its extensive investment management expertise and technology solutions[29]. - Total reinvested distributions amount to $20.1 billion[11]. - Direct investments in CIPs total $1.1 billion, with additional third-party investments of approximately $356 million[11]. - Cash and investments related to deferred compensation plans amount to approximately $437 million[11].

Core Insights - Franklin Resources, Inc. is positioned for growth through acquisitions, solid AUM growth, and an organic growth strategy, despite facing challenges from rising expenses and concentrated revenues from investment management fees [8]. Group 1: AUM Growth and Financial Performance - Franklin has experienced solid growth in AUM, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.7% over the last five fiscal years, despite a decline in fiscal 2022 [2]. - The company declared a 3.2% increase in its common stock dividend in December 2024, raising it to 32 cents per share [3]. - Investment management fees, which account for 79.9% of revenues as of September 30, 2024, have shown volatility, influenced by AUM levels and service types [4]. Group 2: Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships - Franklin has pursued growth through acquisitions and partnerships, including a collaboration with Japan's SBI Holdings to focus on ETFs and emerging asset classes [9]. - The acquisition of Putnam Investments in January 2024 is expected to enhance Franklin's growth in the retirement space, increasing defined contribution AUM to over $100 billion [16]. - The company announced a share repurchase authorization of 27.2 million shares in December 2023, reflecting its commitment to capital distribution [18]. Group 3: Financial Stability and Expense Management - As of September 30, 2024, Franklin's debt stood at $2.6 billion, with a liquidity position of $6.7 billion, indicating a stable financial position [11]. - Although expenses declined in 2022, they have shown a CAGR of 12.5% over the last four years, with ongoing investments in technology and talent likely to keep expenses high [13]. - The company’s AUM is subject to market fluctuations and regulatory changes, which could impact financial performance [19].