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Franklin Resources(BEN) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-01 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's assets under management (AUM) ended the quarter at $1,610 billion, an increase from the prior quarter due to positive market impacts and strengthening flows, partially offset by long-term outflows at Western Asset Management [18][19] - Adjusted operating income was $378 million, flat from the prior quarter, driven by lower compensation expenses, offset by the impact of Western outflows and lower average AUM [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Long-term net outflows totaled $9.3 billion, representing a marked improvement from the prior quarter's outflows of $26.2 billion. Excluding Western Asset Management, long-term net inflows were $7.8 billion this quarter [19][20] - Multi-asset and alternatives generated another quarter of positive net flows, resulting in a combined $4.3 billion for the quarter, with multi-asset flows being positive for 16 consecutive quarters [20] - Fixed income net outflows improved to $13 billion this quarter, while excluding Western, fixed income net inflows were $3.5 billion, driven by Franklin Templeton fixed income and Brandywine Global [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The S&P 500 posted a recovery, rising 25% from its April lows and ending the quarter up nearly 11%, with large-cap growth stocks leading the recovery [9][10] - International markets outperformed the US, with the MSCI EAFE up 19% through June, aided by a weaker US dollar [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to manage local businesses combined with global scale, focusing on local investing and client needs, with approximately 30% of AUM in countries outside the US [8] - The company is committed to growing its global alternatives platform, with a recent agreement to acquire a majority interest in Apira Asset Management, expanding direct lending capabilities across Europe's lower middle market [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautiously constructive on the outlook for the US equity market, citing solid fundamentals but caution due to geopolitical and policy uncertainties [11][12] - The company continues to expect at most one more rate cut by the Fed this year, with additional monetary easing possible should growth begin to deteriorate [14] Other Important Information - The company has seen cash management net inflows for four out of the last five quarters, with $2.7 billion in each of the last two quarters, increasing cash management AUM to $72 billion [23] - The ETF platform achieved its fifteenth consecutive quarter of positive net flows, attracting $4.3 billion and reaching a new high of $44.1 billion in AUM, reflecting a 19% growth from the prior quarter [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Integration and Growth of Private Credit - Management emphasized the importance of integrating acquisitions like Apira into the broader private credit platform, aiming for a unified private credit group rather than standalone entities [37][40] Question: Tokenization's Economic Value Proposition - Management believes tokenization will fundamentally change the financial system, enhancing capabilities and reducing costs through blockchain technology [44][48] Question: Regulatory Conversations and Capital Deployment - Management reiterated the strength of their fixed income franchise and noted ongoing cooperation with regulators regarding Western Asset Management, while focusing on organic growth and share repurchases [51][56] Question: Outlook for Private Markets Growth - Management expects alternative fundraising to be in the range of $13 to $20 billion, with a focus on expanding the wealth channel and increasing distributor relationships [62][66]
Trump Media, Crypto.com, and Yorkville America Digital Finalize Agreement for ETF Launch
Newsfilterยท 2025-04-22 12:00
Core Viewpoint - Trump Media and Technology Group Corp. (TMTG) has signed a binding agreement with Crypto.com and Yorkville America Digital to launch a series of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) under the Truth.Fi brand, marking a significant step in diversifying into financial services and digital assets [1][4]. Group 1: Partnership and Product Launch - The agreement follows a non-binding agreement signed in March, with Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP advising on the development and launch of the products [2]. - The ETFs will include digital assets and securities with a focus on American-made products across various industries, subject to regulatory approval, and are expected to launch later this year [3]. Group 2: Strategic Goals and Financial Commitment - TMTG aims to invest up to $250 million in the ETFs and Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) using its own cash reserves, as part of its financial services and FinTech strategy [4]. - The partnership is expected to provide global distribution for the Trump Media ETFs, leveraging Crypto.com's platform [4]. Group 3: Company Background - TMTG operates Truth Social, a social media platform aimed at promoting free speech, and Truth+, a streaming platform focused on family-friendly content, alongside the new Truth.Fi financial services brand [5]. - Crypto.com, founded in 2016, has over 140 million customers and is recognized for its regulatory compliance and security in the cryptocurrency space [6]. - Yorkville America Digital specializes in branded investment products centered around digital assets and American businesses, catering to specific client needs [7].