Latest news with #BEN
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Ben Graham Memorial Golf Tournament set for June 6-8
May 30—The Ben Graham Memorial Golf Tournament will be held June 6-8 at Cabinet Peak Golf Course. The "BEN" honors Ben's life and commitment to golf especially KIDS! Proceeds from the tournament go to support youth golf in Libby! Advertisement SCHEDULE Friday Practice Round make your own tee time. Derby 5:30 for participants, $1,000.00 added. The entry fee for members is $80 and non-members is $100. Saturday Make your own foursome between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. or call the clubhouse at 406-293-7332 for a group. Sunday 9 a.m. is the shotgun start. Times may be adjusted due to weather. Other Information Entry fee includes 36 holes of golf, a fleece jacket valued at $95 and a gift card. Saturday and Sunday, a $50,000 hole-in-prize will be held. There will be duce pots, skins, long drive, long putt prizes and $100 KPs. Golfers must have an established handicap. Donations are welcome and special thanks to our donors, the Knowles family, Robin Swimley, John Graham and family! Entry forms are at the clubhouse or go to
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Franklin Shares Up 6.2% in the Past 3 Months: How to Play the Stock?
Franklin Resources, Inc. BEN has gained 6.2% in the past three months, outperforming the industry's 8.1% decline and the S&P 500 Index's 2.7% dip. In contrast, peers like Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores AVAL lost 1.4%, while Invesco Ltd IVZ plunged 17.3% in the same time frame. Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchDoes the BEN stock have more upside left despite showing recent strength in share price? Let us try to find out. Strategic Acquisition: Franklin has expanded its investment capabilities through targeted acquisitions, reinforcing its presence in alternative asset classes. The company completed the Putnam Investments acquisition in January 2024, enhancing its defined contribution AUM to over $100 billion. Additionally, Franklin acquired Lexington Partners in 2022, deepening its exposure to private equity and alternative investments. These acquisitions have strengthened Franklin's ability to diversify revenue streams, reducing reliance on traditional investment management fees. Steady AUM Growth: Franklin has demonstrated consistent AUM growth, recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% over the past five fiscal years (ending fiscal 2024). While AUM declined in fiscal 2022, the company has since recovered, with growth continuing in the first six months of fiscal 2025. Franklin's efforts to diversify into alternative asset classes are seeing increasing client demand and are expected to propel AUM expansion in the upcoming period. Additionally, its regionally focused distribution model has strengthened its non-U.S. business, contributing to favorable net flows. Also, strategic acquisitions keep supporting AUM's growth. Strong Liquidity: Franklin has a solid balance sheet, with $5 billion in liquidity as of March 31, 2025. This includes cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and investments, ensuring financial flexibility in managing operations. Importantly, the company has no short-term debt, reducing the risk of immediate financial strain. Its earnings strength, combined with a stable liquidity position, reflects a lower likelihood of defaulting on interest or debt repayments, even if market conditions deteriorate. Capital Distribution: Franklin's capital distribution activities have been impressive over the years. In December 2023, the company announced a repurchase authorization of 27.2 million shares of its common stock. As of March 31, 2025, 29.2 million shares remained available for repurchase under its existing authorization. Moreover, it announced a 3.2% hike in its common stock dividend in December 2024. BEN has a current yield of 5.95%, higher than its peers IVZ's 5.74% and AVAL's 3.65%. These capital distribution activities, combined with a decent liquidity profile, will likely stoke investors' confidence in stock. Volatility in Investment Management Fees: Franklin's investment management fees, its largest revenue source (79.3% as of March 31, 2025), have exhibited fluctuations over the years. These fees depend on the level and mix of AUM and the types of services provided. While the company recorded declines in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2023, investment management fees increased in fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2022. The uptrend continued in fiscal 2024 and the first six months of fiscal 2025. However, changes in AUM that remain exposed to market fluctuations, foreign exchange translations, regulatory shifts, and business slowdowns could negatively impact Franklin's financials in the future. Rising Cost Base: Franklin's escalating cost base remains a concern. The expenses have grown at a CAGR of 7.2% over the last three fiscal years (ending fiscal 2024). The uptrend continued in the first six months of fiscal 2025, driven by investments in technological advancements and new talent acquisitions. These higher expenses are likely to pressure Franklin's bottom-line growth in the upcoming period. Franklin is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 10.14X, significantly below the industry's P/E of 16.42X. Price-to-Earnings F12M Image Source: Zacks Investment Research BEN is trading at a premium compared to its peers, Invesco and Grupo Aval Acciones Y Valores, P/E multiple of 6.68X and 8.22X, respectively. The company's efforts to diversify its business into asset classes that are seeing growing client demand, like alternative asset classes, are expected to propel AUM growth. Also, a solid balance sheet enables sustainable capital distributions. However, volatility in investment management fees due to market fluctuations is concerning as it is a major component of Franklin's total revenues. This might impact the company's revenues in the near term. Sales Estimates Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Also, the company's earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been revised downward over the past week, reflecting a cautious stance from analysts. (See the Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news.) Estimate Revision Trend Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Thus, despite favorable valuations, the BEN stock warrants caution at the moment. Those who own the stock can continue holding it for now, as it is likely to generate a healthy return over the long run. BEN currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. BEN currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. BEN currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. BEN currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks Resources, Inc. (BEN) has gained 8.4% in the past three months, outperforming the industry's 6.1% decline and the S&P 500 Index's 1.2% dip. In contrast, peers like Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores (AVAL) lost 7.0%, while Invesco Ltd (IVZ) plunged 16.5% in the same timeframe. Price Performance Does the BEN stock have more upside left despite showing recent strength in share price? Let us try to find out. Factors Likely to Drive BEN Stock Higher Strategic Acquisition: Franklin has expanded its investment capabilities through targeted acquisitions, reinforcing its presence in alternative asset classes. The company completed the Putnam Investments acquisition in January 2024, enhancing its defined contribution AUM to over $100 billion. Additionally, Franklin acquired Lexington Partners in 2022, deepening its exposure to private equity and alternative investments. These acquisitions have strengthened Franklin's ability to diversify revenue streams, reducing reliance on traditional investment management fees. Steady AUM Growth: Franklin has demonstrated consistent AUM growth, recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% over the past five fiscal years (ending fiscal 2024). While AUM declined in fiscal 2022, the company has since recovered, with growth continuing in the first six months of fiscal 2025. Franklin's efforts to diversify into alternative asset classes are seeing increasing client demand and are expected to propel AUM expansion in the upcoming period. Additionally, its regionally focused distribution model has strengthened its non-U.S. business, contributing to favorable net flows. Strong Liquidity: Franklin has a solid balance sheet, with $5 billion in liquidity as of March 31, 2025. This includes cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and investments, ensuring financial flexibility in managing operations. Importantly, the company has no short-term debt, reducing the risk of immediate financial strain. Its earnings strength, combined with a stable liquidity position, reflects a lower likelihood of defaulting on interest or debt repayments, even if market conditions deteriorate. Also, strategic acquisitions keep supporting AUM's growth. Capital Distribution: Franklin has consistently prioritized shareholder returns, maintaining a quarterly dividend of 32 cents per share. In December 2024, the company raised its dividend by 3.2%, reinforcing its commitment to rewarding investors. Additionally, the company has been actively repurchasing shares, with 0.5 million shares repurchased in the second quarter of 2025. As of March 31, 2025, 29.2 million shares remained available for repurchase under its existing authorization. The company enjoys a decent balance sheet position. As of March 31, 2025, the company had no short-term debt. Its liquidity (comprising cash and cash equivalents, receivables and investments) as of the same date was $5 billion. BEN has a current yield of 5.95%, higher than its peers IVZ's 5.74% and AVAL's 3.65%. These capital distribution activities, combined with a decent liquidity profile, will likely stoke investors' confidence in stock. Near-Term Hurdles for BEN Volatility in Investment Management Fees: Franklin's investment management fees, its largest revenue source (79.3% as of March 31, 2025), have exhibited fluctuations over the years. These fees depend on the level and mix of AUM and the types of services provided. While the company recorded declines in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2023, investment management fees increased in fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2022. The uptrend continued in fiscal 2024 and the first six months of fiscal 2025. However, changes in AUM that remain exposed to market fluctuations, foreign exchange translations, regulatory shifts, and business slowdowns could negatively impact Franklin's financials in the future. Rising Cost Base: Franklin's escalating cost base remains a concern. The expenses have grown at a CAGR of 7.2% over the last three fiscal years (ending fiscal 2024). The uptrend continued in the first six months of fiscal 2025, driven by investments in technological advancements and new talent acquisitions. These higher expenses are likely to pressure Franklin's bottom-line growth in the upcoming period. Earnings per share estimate for the current quarter has declined from 0.47 to 0.46 over the past seven days, reflecting analyst concerns over earnings pressure. Similarly, the next quarter's estimate has fluctuated, reinforcing uncertainty in Franklin's near-term profitability. BEN Stock Trades at a Discount Franklin is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 10.14X, significantly below the industry's P/E of 16.42X. BEN is trading at a premium compared to its peers, Invesco and Grupo Aval Acciones Y Valores, P/E multiple of 6.68X and 8.22X, respectively. How Should You Play BEN Stock? The company's efforts to diversify its business into asset classes that are seeing growing client demand, like alternative asset classes, are expected to propel AUM growth. Also, a solid balance sheet enables sustainable capital distributions. (See the Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news.) However, volatility in investment management fees due to market fluctuations is concerning as it is a major component of Franklin's total revenues. This might impact the company's revenues in the near term. Sales Estimates Also, the company's earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been revised downward over the past week, reflecting a cautious stance from analysts. Estimate Revision Trend Thus, despite favorable valuations, the BEN stock warrants caution at the moment. Those who own the stock can continue holding it for now, as it is likely to generate a healthy return over the long run. BEN currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Invesco Ltd. (IVZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores S.A. (AVAL) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) Maintains Quarterly Dividend at $0.32 per Share
On May 21, Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.32 per share, which was in line with its previous dividend. Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) is a California-based firm that is known for its global investment management services. The company operates in over 150 countries through its subsidiaries. Despite not increasing its latest dividend, Franklin Resources boasts one of the longest dividend growth records in the market, spanning 49 years. The company has consistently raised its dividend every year since 1981, putting it just one year away from earning the title of a Dividend King. With a team of more than 1,500 investment professionals and a presence in key financial hubs worldwide, the firm brings over 75 years of investment expertise to the table. As of April 30, 2025, Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) managed $1.53 trillion in assets. The stock's dividend yield stood at 5.92%, as recorded on May 21. BEN is set to go ex-dividend on June 27 and has climbed over 7% since the beginning of the year. While we acknowledge the potential of BEN as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued dividend stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued dividend stock that is more promising than BEN but that trades at 10 times its earnings and grows its earnings at double digit rates annually, check out our report about the . READ MORE: and Disclosure. None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) Maintains Quarterly Dividend at $0.32 per Share
On May 21, Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.32 per share, which was in line with its previous dividend. Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) is a California-based firm that is known for its global investment management services. The company operates in over 150 countries through its subsidiaries. Despite not increasing its latest dividend, Franklin Resources boasts one of the longest dividend growth records in the market, spanning 49 years. The company has consistently raised its dividend every year since 1981, putting it just one year away from earning the title of a Dividend King. With a team of more than 1,500 investment professionals and a presence in key financial hubs worldwide, the firm brings over 75 years of investment expertise to the table. As of April 30, 2025, Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) managed $1.53 trillion in assets. The stock's dividend yield stood at 5.92%, as recorded on May 21. BEN is set to go ex-dividend on June 27 and has climbed over 7% since the beginning of the year. While we acknowledge the potential of BEN as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued dividend stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued dividend stock that is more promising than BEN but that trades at 10 times its earnings and grows its earnings at double digit rates annually, check out our report about the . READ MORE: and Disclosure. None.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Franklin Templeton Plans to Convert 10 Putnam Municipal Bond Mutual Funds into ETFs
Franklin Templeton has revealed plans to convert 10 of its Putnam municipal bond mutual funds into exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a move that significantly broadens its municipal bond ETF offerings. This development follows Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) acquisition of Putnam Investments in January 2024. The transition is slated to take place between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) is a global investment management firm that serves clients in more than 150 countries through its network of subsidiaries. Patrick O'Connor, who leads Global ETFs at Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN), indicated that the decision to convert the funds into ETFs was aimed at addressing investor demand for high-quality municipal bond strategies in a more cost-effective, flexible, and transparent format. He noted that the firm's ETF offerings are designed to provide a broad range of options for all types of investors. According to him, the planned additions demonstrate the company's ongoing commitment to this goal and represent a significant step forward as active fixed-income strategies continue to evolve within the ETF landscape. Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) introduced its first ETF in 2014, aiming to offer investors access to its investment expertise through a low-cost and transparent structure. Since then, the firm has steadily grown its ETF offerings worldwide, now covering active, passive, and smart beta strategies. As of May 15, 2025, its U.S. ETF platform features more than 70 funds, managing roughly $32 billion in assets. The planned changes to its product lineup are expected to further solidify the company's standing as a leading provider of diverse ETF options across all strategy types. The firm also emphasized the ongoing importance of municipal bonds in investor portfolios, noting their appeal due to federally tax-exempt income, historically low default rates, and their role as effective diversifiers within fixed-income allocations. BEN is up by over 10% in 2025 so far. While we acknowledge the potential of BEN to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than BEN and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ MORE: and Disclosure. None.
