Franklin Resources’ (BEN) Dividend History and its Appeal for Passive Income Seekers

Core Viewpoint - Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) is recognized as one of the best stocks for passive income, boasting a strong dividend history and a significant asset management portfolio [1][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - Franklin Resources, Inc. manages a diverse range of investments, including equities, fixed income, alternatives, multi-asset strategies, and cash management, with assets under management (AUM) reaching $1.61 trillion in Q3 FY25 [2][3]. - The company's strength is attributed to its scale, broad product lineup, and global distribution network, which includes mutual funds, ETFs, separately managed accounts, and alternative strategies [3]. Group 2: Financial Performance - The company has demonstrated consistent performance with 49 consecutive years of dividend growth, currently paying a quarterly dividend of $0.32 per share and offering a dividend yield of 5.28% as of September 22 [4]. Group 3: Strategic Advantages - Key drivers of Franklin Resources' success include maintaining large AUM, aligning products with market shifts, and effectively integrating acquisitions such as Putnam and Apera Asset Management [3]. - The company's global reach, strong regulatory oversight, and tight cost control are essential for sustaining its competitive edge [3].