Franklin Shares Up 6.2% in the Past 3 Months: How to Play the Stock?

Core Viewpoint - Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) has shown resilience in its stock performance, gaining 6.2% over the past three months, contrasting with the industry's decline of 8.1% and the S&P 500 Index's dip of 2.7% [1] Group 1: Factors Driving Growth - Strategic acquisitions have expanded Franklin's investment capabilities, notably the acquisition of Putnam Investments in January 2024, which increased its defined contribution AUM to over $100 billion [5] - The acquisition of Lexington Partners in 2022 has enhanced Franklin's exposure to private equity and alternative investments, diversifying revenue streams and reducing reliance on traditional investment management fees [6] - Franklin has recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1$5 billion in liquidity, including cash and cash equivalents, ensuring financial flexibility and no short-term debt, which reduces immediate financial strain [9] - The company announced a repurchase authorization of 27.2 million shares in December 2023, with 29.2 million shares remaining available for repurchase as of March 31, 2025, and a 3.2% increase in its common stock dividend [10][11] Group 3: Near-Term Challenges - Investment management fees, constituting 79.3% of total revenue, have shown volatility, with fluctuations influenced by AUM levels and market conditions [12] - Franklin's cost base has increased at a CAGR of 7.2% over the last three fiscal years, driven by investments in technology and talent, which may pressure bottom-line growth [14] Group 4: Valuation and Estimates - Franklin is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 10.14X, below the industry average of 16.42X, but at a premium compared to peers Invesco and Grupo Aval [15][18] - Sales estimates for the current year (2025) are projected at $8.29 billion, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 2.27% [21] - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been revised downward, indicating a cautious outlook from analysts [22]