Franklin Resources (BEN) Raises Dividend Again, Expands Share Buyback Program

Dividend and Share Buyback - Franklin Resources, Inc. declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.33 per share, reflecting a 3.1% increase from the prior quarter and the same period last year, with a consistent dividend increase since 1981 [2] - The board approved an expanded share repurchase program, allowing the company to buy back an additional 20.8 million shares, bringing the total authorization to 40.0 million shares, with 19.2 million shares still available under the prior program [3] Technology Strategy and Blockchain Integration - Franklin Resources connected its blockchain infrastructure to the Canton Network, aimed at expanding the adoption of its tokenized fund offerings [4] - The Canton Network, which includes major financial firms, allows for private transaction details, enhancing interest from large institutions, and enables the trading of its Benji token, representing digital shares of its money market fund [5] - This integration is seen as a step toward greater collateral mobility, allowing assets to move and be reused as collateral across institutions almost instantly through blockchain [5] Company Overview - Franklin Resources operates as a global investment manager, offering a wide range of products including mutual funds, ETFs, and alternative strategies [6]