Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Access earnings results, analyst expectations, report, slides, earnings call, and transcript.
Overview
The earnings call reflects positive sentiment with strong equity flows, strategic M&A focus, and promising growth in alternative assets. The company’s emphasis on AI and blockchain for cost efficiency, alongside stable EFR and improving margins, indicates a solid financial strategy. Despite some lack of clarity in management responses, the optimistic guidance and strategic initiatives suggest a positive stock price movement over the next two weeks.
Key Financial Performance
Record Long-Term Inflows $118.6 billion, up 40% from the prior quarter and 22% from the prior year quarter. This increase was driven by strong client activity across Franklin Templeton's diversified global platform.
Assets Under Management (AUM) $1.68 trillion, increased from the prior quarter due to long-term net inflows and the acquisition of Apera, partially offset by the impact of net market change, distributions, and other factors.
Equity Net Inflows $19.8 billion for the quarter, including reinvested distributions of $24.6 billion. Positive net flows were seen across various equity strategies such as Large Cap Value and Core, all cap growth and value, sector, international equity, equity income, and infrastructure strategies.
Fixed Income Net Outflows $2.4 billion. However, excluding Western Asset, fixed income net inflows were $2.6 billion, driven by Franklin Templeton Fixed Income and positive momentum in multi-sector, municipal, highly customized, stable value government, and emerging market strategies.
Alternative Assets Under Management (AUM) $274 billion, with $10.8 billion raised during the quarter, including $9.5 billion in private market assets. Fundraising was diversified across alternative specialist investment managers and reflected client demand in secondary private equity, alternative credit, real estate, and venture capital.
ETF Platform AUM $58 billion, with $7.5 billion in net flows, marking its 17th consecutive positive quarter. Active ETF net flows were $5.5 billion, approximately 70% of total net flows.
Retail SMAs AUM $171 billion, with $2.4 billion in net inflows driven by Putnam, Franklin Fixed Income, and Canvas. Canvas generated $1.4 billion in net flows and reached $18 billion in AUM.
Digital Asset AUM $1.8 billion, inclusive of approximately $900 million in tokenized funds and $800 million in crypto ETFs.
Adjusted Operating Income $437.3 million, reflecting lower performance fees and the annual deferred compensation acceleration for retirement-eligible employees, partially offset by the impact of higher average AUM and realization of cost savings initiatives.
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Operating Highlights
Digital Assets: Franklin Templeton remains at the forefront of digital assets, managing $1.8 billion in digital asset AUM, including $900 million in tokenized funds and $800 million in crypto ETFs. The state of Wyoming debuted the nation's first state-issued stable token with Franklin Templeton managed reserves.
AI-driven Distribution Platform: Launched Intelligence Hub, a modular AI-driven distribution platform powered by Microsoft Azure, aimed at modernizing core activities, improving sales effectiveness, and enhancing client experience.
International Expansion: Franklin Templeton operates in over 30 countries and continues to expand internationally with positive net flows, particularly in EMEA.
Record AUM: Achieved record assets under management (AUM) of $1.68 trillion, driven by long-term net inflows and strategic acquisitions.
Alternative Assets Growth: Alternative AUM reached $274 billion, with $10.8 billion raised during the quarter, including $9.5 billion in private market assets. Key contributors include Lexington Partners and Benefit Street Partners.
ETF Growth: ETF platform reached $58 billion in AUM with $7.5 billion in net flows, marking its 17th consecutive positive quarter.
Retail SMAs and Canvas: Retail SMAs reached $171 billion in AUM with $2.4 billion in net inflows. Canvas, a custom indexing technology, generated $1.4 billion in net flows and reached $18 billion in AUM.
Private Credit Expansion: Acquired Apera Asset Management to enhance direct lending capabilities in Europe, growing the lower middle market.
Alternative Credit Alignment: Aligned U.S. and European alternative credit businesses under the updated Benefit Street Partners brand, achieving $95 billion in private credit AUM.
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Risk or Challenges
Market Turbulence and Economic Uncertainty: The company is operating in a period of significant market turbulence globally, driven by heightened geopolitical trade policy and economic uncertainty. This creates challenges in managing risk and generating durable returns for clients.
Client Expectations and Portfolio Complexity: Clients are increasingly seeking integrated solutions and long-term strategic relationships rather than individual products. This shift requires the company to adapt its offerings and capabilities to meet these evolving demands.
Capital Flows in Private Equity: Capital flows in private equity remain well below historic averages, as clients seek more liquidity. This challenging environment could impact the company's ability to grow its private equity business.
Investment Performance Variability: Investment performance has declined in certain periods, particularly in 1-year and 5-year periods for strategy composites and select U.S. equity strategies. This could affect client retention and organic growth.
Regulatory and Compliance Risks: The company operates in over 30 countries and is subject to various regulatory requirements. Compliance with these regulations poses ongoing challenges and risks.
Expense Management and Cost Pressures: While the company is focused on cost savings initiatives, managing expenses while investing in growth and innovation remains a challenge.
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Guidance & Outlook
Market Trends and Client Needs: The company anticipates a persistently volatile market environment driven by geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Clients are increasingly seeking integrated solutions across public and private markets, personalization at scale, and long-term strategic relationships.
Growth in Private Markets: Franklin Templeton expects continued growth in private market solutions, with increasing client adoption and demand for alternative assets. The company has expanded its private credit platform and anticipates further traction in private market fundraising and investments.
ETF and SMA Growth: The ETF platform is projected to grow at a faster rate than the industry, with a focus on active ETFs. Retail SMAs are also expected to see increased demand, driven by advancements in technology and client interest in personalization and tax efficiency.
Digital Assets and AI: The company is advancing its digital asset initiatives, including blockchain-enabled investment solutions and tokenized funds. It has also launched an AI-driven distribution platform, Intelligence Hub, to modernize core activities and enhance client experience.
International Expansion: Franklin Templeton plans to continue expanding its international business, leveraging its global presence and achieving positive net flows in regions like EMEA.
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Shareholder Return Plan
The selected topic was not discussed during the call.
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Key Q&A
Q:How much flexibility does the company have to reduce expenses if markets are under pressure, and what is the timeline for achieving $200 million in cost savings?
A:The company expects expenses to be in line with 2025 levels at flat markets, excluding performance fee compensation. They anticipate margin expansion in the third and fourth quarters, with margins reaching the high 20s. The $200 million in cost savings will be realized progressively, with a significant portion expected in the latter half of the year.
Q:What is the status of contingent consideration liabilities related to recent M&A activity?
A:The contingent consideration liabilities are minimal, around $20 million, and are probability-weighted. This does not include compensation related to transactions, which is accounted for in the compensation line and included in guidance.
Q:What are the company's M&A priorities and strategic focus areas?
A:The company focuses on M&A for strategic purposes, such as filling product gaps, enhancing distribution, and growing the high-net-worth segment. Recent examples include the Apera acquisition for European direct lending and partnerships in infrastructure. They emphasize high returns on M&A and compare it to other capital management options like share buybacks.
Q:What are the expectations for EFR (Effective Fee Rate) in the coming quarters?
A:EFR is expected to remain stable in the next quarter, with potential upside in the following two quarters due to fundraising in alternative assets.
Q:What is the long-term outlook for operating margins, and how does it compare to peers?
A:The company aims to achieve operating margins in excess of 30% by fiscal 2027, with potential to reach 30%-35% if strategic goals are met. Current margins are in the mid-20s, with expectations to reach high 20s by the end of the year. Margin improvement is supported by scaling businesses and cost-saving initiatives.
Q:How is the company addressing client demands for integrated solutions across institutional and wealth channels?
A:The company is focusing on providing integrated solutions that combine traditional and private assets. They are leveraging their scale and breadth of capabilities to meet client demands for financial planning, tax efficiency, and education. They also emphasize the importance of being included in model portfolios and offering products in multiple vehicles like ETFs and SMAs.
Q:What are the company's plans and expectations for expense growth and cost savings beyond this year?
A:The company is exploring AI, operational integration, and blockchain to manage expenses and improve efficiency. They aim to absorb growth-related expenses through disciplined cost management and scaling businesses. AI and technology are expected to contribute to cost savings and growth opportunities in the long term.
Q:How does the company view the impact of AI on the asset management industry and its own operations?
A:AI is seen as a driver of efficiency and consolidation in the industry. The company is leveraging AI for operational improvements, such as reducing time for call list preparation and meeting prep, and enhancing distribution effectiveness. They are also using AI for investment research and client engagement, positioning themselves as leaders in this space.
Q:What are the strategic objectives for blockchain and tokenization, and how do they contribute to efficiency?
A:Blockchain is expected to significantly reduce costs by eliminating reconciliation processes and enabling lower transaction costs. The company is focusing on tokenized funds like the Benji Money Market Fund, which offers daily yield payments and lower entry barriers. They aim to integrate with stablecoins and expand adoption through partnerships with crypto platforms.
Q:What drove the strong equity flows in the quarter, and what are the expectations for the rest of the year?
A:Strong equity flows were driven by reinvested dividends, Putnam's strong performance, and institutional flows into emerging markets. The ETF franchise also contributed significantly, with active ETFs showing strong results. The company expects positive net flows, including from Western, and continued momentum in equity flows.
Q:What is the status of Western Asset Management (WAMCO) and its client relationships?
A:Western Asset Management has stabilized, with strong investment performance and gross sales of $6.6 billion in the last quarter. The resolution of DOJ investigations and integration of corporate functions have improved client confidence.
Q:What are the growth opportunities in alternative assets, particularly for Lexington?
A:The company raised $9.5 billion in private markets this quarter, with over half in private credit. Lexington's Flagship Fund XI is actively fundraising, with a target similar to its last fund. The company sees strong opportunities in secondaries and diverse private market vehicles.
Q:What is the variable expense structure, and how does it respond to market changes?
A:Approximately 35%-40% of expenses are variable, providing flexibility to adjust costs in response to market changes. The company has demonstrated disciplined expense management, even with market fluctuations.
Q:Review of Unclear Management Responses
A:Management avoided directly addressing the specific scale of third-party performance-related expenses and their impact on margins. Additionally, while they discussed AI and blockchain's potential, they did not provide concrete timelines or quantifiable metrics for their adoption and cost-saving impacts.
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Earnings Word Cloud
The most frequently occurring keywords in this quarter's earning call
Commission Risk
Conference name
Factors MDA
Form today
Instructions conference
Resources Conference
Resources risk
Risk Factors
conference Instructions
filing Chief
host Head
result Statements
statement filing
BEN Transcript
Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Positive1-30
The earnings call reflects positive sentiment with strong equity flows, strategic M&A focus, and promising growth in alternative assets. The company’s emphasis on AI and blockchain for cost efficiency, alongside stable EFR and improving margins, indicates a solid financial strategy. Despite some lack of clarity in management responses, the optimistic guidance and strategic initiatives suggest a positive stock price movement over the next two weeks.
Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Unknown11-7
The earnings call reflects a negative sentiment due to declining financial metrics such as operating income, margins, and EPS. Although there are optimistic elements like infrastructure investment and AI/tokenization efforts, the Q&A reveals unclear responses and challenges in fundraising. The company's expenses have increased, and while there is a cost-saving plan, it may not offset the negative financial performance. Overall, the negative aspects outweigh the positives, suggesting a likely stock price decline in the near term.
Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Positive8-1
The earnings call summary indicates positive growth in various segments such as alternative asset fundraising, ETF platform net flows, and retail SMAs AUM. Despite flat adjusted operating income, the company shows resilience in integrating acquisitions and leveraging blockchain technology, which is positively viewed by analysts. The Q&A section reveals management's strategic focus on private markets and blockchain, although some uncertainty remains regarding the financial settlement with WAM. Overall, the company's strong market strategy, product development, and shareholder return plans contribute to a positive outlook for the stock price.
Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Unknown5-3
The earnings call indicates several negative factors: decreased operating income, significant net outflows, economic and fiscal uncertainty, and market volatility. Despite meeting EPS expectations and some positive net inflows, the lack of clear guidance and the absence of a share repurchase program further contribute to a negative outlook. The Q&A session revealed management's reluctance to provide detailed growth insights, adding to uncertainty. These factors suggest a likely negative stock price movement in the short term.
BEN Slides
BEN Report
Frequently Asked Questions
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