Franklin Resources, Inc. Announces First Quarter Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Franklin Resources reported a net income of $345.3 million ($0.67 per diluted share) for Q4 2020, up from $78.9 million ($0.15) in Q3 2020, but slightly down from $350.5 million ($0.70) in Q4 2019. Operating income surged to $409.1 million, a 295% increase from the prior quarter. Assets Under Management (AUM) reached a record $1.5 trillion, driven by strong market performance despite long-term net outflows of $4.5 billion. The company also launched the Franklin Templeton Investment Institute to enhance research. Adjusted earnings per share were $0.73, up 30% sequentially.

Positive

• Net income rose to $345.3 million from $78.9 million in the previous quarter.
• AUM reached $1.5 trillion, reflecting a strong market performance.
• Adjusted earnings per share increased to $0.73, a 30% rise from Q3 2020.
• Operating income increased significantly to $409.1 million, a 295% rise from the previous quarter.

Negative

• Long-term net outflows of $4.5 billion during the quarter.
• Net income decreased slightly compared to the previous year by 1%.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) [NYSE: BEN] today announced net income¹ of $345.3 million or $0.67 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, as compared to $78.9 million or $0.15 per diluted share for the previous quarter, and $350.5 million or $0.70 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. Operating income² was $409.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, as compared to $103.6 million for the previous quarter and $372.9 million in the prior year.

As supplemental information, the Company is providing certain adjusted performance measures which are based on methodologies other than generally accepted accounting principles.³ Adjusted net income³ was $373.4 million and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.73 for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, as compared to $291.0 million and $0.56 for the previous quarter, and $338.3 million and $0.67 for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. Adjusted operating income³ was $549.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, as compared to $428.9 million for the previous quarter and $405.5 million in the prior year.

“This month marks a full year since we announced our acquisition of Legg Mason and its specialist investment managers,” said Jenny Johnson, President and CEO of Franklin Resources, Inc. “I couldn’t be prouder of the progress we’ve made in bringing our teams together to form one company – with a singular focus on delivering exceptional client outcomes. The first full quarter of the combined company saw some encouraging trends, including a record high in AUM of approximately $1.5 trillion, driven primarily by strong market performance. In addition, the Company delivered strong operating and financial results.

“Investment performance broadly improved this quarter. Western Asset continues to perform exceptionally well, while Brandywine performance rebounded strongly. In terms of mutual funds, several of our value-oriented equity strategies generated noteworthy results and we continue to see strong performance in U.S. equities and U.S. fixed income. On the distribution front, momentum continued to build with positive net flows into Benefit Street Partners, Clarion Partners, ClearBridge, Fiduciary Trust, Franklin Equity Group, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, Martin Currie, Royce and Western Asset. Cross-selling initiatives have started to yield positive results as we effectively respond to client needs with expanded investment capabilities.

“In addition to executing the Legg Mason acquisition, we continue to expand our offerings beyond traditional investment products and look for new, market-leading ways to serve our clients. Our proprietary Goals Optimization Engine (GOE), which launched last year, engages firms that are looking to digitally deliver a dynamic and personalized investment solution to investors. GOE is seeing early success in both the wealth and retirement segments. In the U.S., we recently announced the launch of a quick-deploy robo solution, as well as a partnership for a managed account solution within 401(k) plans – both of which are powered by GOE.

“Yesterday we officially launched our new Franklin Templeton Investment Institute, an innovative hub for research and knowledge sharing that we believe will unlock the Company’s competitive advantage as a source of global market insights. Stephen Dover, who will be taking on a new role as Chief Market Strategist, will be head of the newly-formed Investment Institute. At the same time, Terrence Murphy has expanded his leadership role to become Head of Equities for Franklin Templeton, while retaining his existing role as CEO at ClearBridge Investments.

“Our company and the value we deliver to our clients has evolved tremendously over the past 12 months. We’ve created a stronger firm that combines global strength and boutique specialization. All of this would not be possible without our incredible employees around the globe. I thank them for their efforts, dedication and client focus, especially given the ongoing unusual operating environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

		Quarter Ended								% Change			Quarter Ended				% Change
		31-Dec-20				30-Sep-20				Qtr. vs. Qtr.			31-Dec-19				Year vs. Year
Financial Results2
(in millions, except per share data)
Operating revenues		$	1,995.1			$	1,705.0			17	%		$	1,389.2			44	%
Operating income		409.1				103.6				295	%		372.9				10	%
Operating margin			20.5	%		6.1		%					26.8		%
Net income1		$	345.3			$	78.9			338	%		$	350.5			(1	%)
Diluted earnings per share		0.67				0.15				347	%		0.70				(4	%)
As adjusted (non-GAAP):3
Adjusted operating income		$	549.9			$	428.9			28	%		$	405.5			36	%
Adjusted operating margin		37.2		%		34.7		%					42.6		%
Adjusted net income		$	373.4			$	291.0			28	%		$	338.3			10	%
Adjusted diluted earnings per share		0.73				0.56				30	%		0.67				9	%
Assets Under Management
(in billions)
Ending		$	1,498.0			$	1,418.9			6	%		$	698.3			115	%
Average4		1,443.8				1,227.8				18	%		693.8				108	%
Long-term net flows		(4.5		)		(12.6		)					(12.3		)

Total assets under management (“AUM”) were $1,498.0 billion at December 31, 2020, up $79.1 billion or 6% during the quarter due to $93.8 billion of net market change, distributions and other, partially offset by $10.2 billion of cash management net outflows and $4.5 billion of long-term net outflows.

Cash and cash equivalents and investments were $5.3 billion at December 31, 2020, as compared to $4.3 billion at September 30, 2020. Including the Company’s direct investments in consolidated investment products, cash and cash equivalents and investments were $6.3 billion at December 31, 2020, as compared to $5.1 billion at September 30, 2020. Total stockholders’ equity was $11.4 billion at December 31, 2020, as compared to $11.0 billion at September 30, 2020. The Company had 505.5 million shares of common stock outstanding at December 31, 2020, as compared to 495.1 million shares outstanding at September 30, 2020. The Company repurchased 2.1 million shares of its common stock for a total cost of $45.6 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2020.

Conference Call Information

A commentary on the results by President and CEO Jenny Johnson, Executive Chairman Greg Johnson, Executive Vice President and CFO Matthew Nicholls, and Executive Vice President – Global Advisory Services, Head of Global Distribution Adam Spector will be available today at approximately 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Access to the commentary will be available via investors.franklinresources.com.

Ms. Johnson, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Nicholls and Mr. Spector will also lead a live teleconference today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to answer questions of a material nature. Access to the teleconference will be available via investors.franklinresources.com or by dialing (833) 350-1245 in the U.S. and Canada or (236) 712-2205 internationally. A replay of the teleconference can also be accessed by calling (800) 585-8367 in the U.S. and Canada or (416) 621-4642 internationally using access code 6839779, after 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 2, 2021 through February 9, 2021.

Analysts and investors are encouraged to review the Company’s recent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and to contact Investor Relations at (650) 312-4091 before the live teleconference for any clarifications or questions related to the earnings release or commentary.

FRANKLIN RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME2
Unaudited
(in millions, except per share data)		Three Months Ended December 31,								% Change
		2020				2019
Operating Revenues
Investment management fees		$	1,540.4			$	979.7			57	%
Sales and distribution fees		396.9				351.5				13	%
Shareholder servicing fees		49.4				50.0				(1	%)
Other		8.4				8.0				5	%
Total operating revenues		1,995.1				1,389.2				44	%
Operating Expenses
Compensation and benefits		725.5				389.4				86	%
Sales, distribution and marketing		506.5				443.9				14	%
Information systems and technology		116.5				62.5				86	%
Occupancy		55.7				34.5				61	%
Amortization of intangible assets		58.2				4.8				NM
General, administrative and other		123.6				81.2				52	%
Total operating expenses		1,586.0				1,016.3				56	%
Operating Income		409.1				372.9				10	%
Other Income (Expenses)
Investment and other income, net		77.2				67.9				14	%
Interest expense		(29.7		)		(6.1		)		387	%
Investment and other income of consolidated investment products, net		91.1				15.2				499	%
Expenses of consolidated investment products		(10.4		)		(4.3		)		142	%
Other income, net		128.2				72.7				76	%
Income before taxes		537.3				445.6				21	%
Taxes on income		142.5				97.5				46	%
Net income		394.8				348.1				13	%
Less: net income (loss) attributable to
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		18.7				9.0				108	%
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests		30.8				(11.4		)		NM
Net Income Attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.		$	345.3			$	350.5			(1	%)
Earnings per Share
Basic		$	0.67			$	0.70			(4	%)
Diluted		0.67				0.70				(4	%)
Dividends Declared per Share		$	0.28			$	0.27			4	%
Average Shares Outstanding
Basic		491.1				494.7				(1	%)
Diluted		491.7				495.3				(1	%)
Operating Margin		20.5		%		26.8		%

FRANKLIN RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME2
Unaudited
(in millions, except per share data)		Three Months Ended								% Change			Three Months Ended
		31-Dec-20				30-Sep-20							30-Jun-20				31-Mar-20				31-Dec-19
Operating Revenues
Investment management fees		$	1,540.4			$	1,284.6			20	%		$	809.2			$	908.2			$	979.7
Sales and distribution fees		396.9				366.7				8	%		302.1				341.7				351.5
Shareholder servicing fees		49.4				45.7				8	%		44.6				54.8				50.0
Other		8.4				8.0				5	%		5.2				6.5				8.0
Total operating revenues		1,995.1				1,705.0				17	%			1,161.1				1,311.2			1,389.2
Operating Expenses
Compensation and benefits		725.5				732.3				(1	%)		386.5				365.7				389.4
Sales, distribution and marketing		506.5				466.7				9	%		368.6				423.9				443.9
Information systems and technology		116.5				102.0				14	%		62.1				61.8				62.5
Occupancy		55.7				47.5				17	%		31.5				34.4				34.5
Amortization of intangible assets		58.2				40.1				45	%		4.7				4.4				4.8
General, administrative and other		123.6				212.8				(42	%)		75.2				81.1				81.2
Total operating expenses		1,586.0				1,601.4				(1	%)		928.6				971.3					1,016.3
Operating Income		409.1				103.6				295	%		232.5				339.9				372.9
Other Income (Expenses)
Investment and other income (losses), net		77.2				25.1				208	%		49.6				(181.0		)		67.9
Interest expense		(29.7		)		(18.4		)		61	%		(5.2		)		(3.7		)		(6.1		)
Investment and other income (losses) of consolidated investment products, net		91.1				95.6				(5	%)		0.3				(40.9		)		15.2
Expenses of consolidated investment products		(10.4		)		(6.3		)		65	%		(7.4		)		(11.4		)		(4.3		)
Other income (expenses), net		128.2				96.0				34	%		37.3				(237.0		)		72.7
Income before taxes		537.3				199.6				169	%		269.8				102.9				445.6
Taxes on income5		142.5				73.1				95	%		16.1				44.1				97.5
Net income		394.8				126.5				212	%		253.7				58.8				348.1
Less: net income (loss) attributable to
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		18.7				36.8				(49	%)		31.3				(28.5		)		9.0
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests		30.8				10.8				185	%		(68.0		)		8.2				(11.4		)
Net Income Attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.		$	345.3			$	78.9			338	%		$	290.4			$	79.1			$	350.5
Earnings per Share
Basic		$	0.67			$	0.15			347	%		$	0.58			$	0.16			$	0.70
Diluted		0.67				0.15				347	%		0.58				0.16				0.70
Dividends Declared per Share		$	0.28			$	0.27			4	%		$	0.27			$	0.27			$	0.27
Average Shares Outstanding
Basic		491.1				491.1				0	%		490.4				491.5				494.7
Diluted		491.7				491.7				0	%		490.7				491.8				495.3
Operating Margin		20.5		%		6.1		%					20.0		%		25.9		%		26.8		%

AUM AND FLOWS

(in billions)		Three Months Ended December 31,								% Change
		2020				2019
Beginning AUM		$	1,418.9			$	692.6			105	%
Long-term inflows		96.1				43.0				123	%
Long-term outflows		(100.6		)		(55.3		)		82	%
Long-term net flows		(4.5		)		(12.3		)		(63	%)
Cash management net flows		(10.2		)		1.0				NM
Total net flows		(14.7		)		(11.3		)		30	%
Net market change, distributions and other6		93.8				17.0				452	%
Ending AUM		$	1,498.0			$	698.3			115	%
Average AUM		$	1,443.8			$	693.8			108	%

AUM BY ASSET CLASS

(in billions)		31-Dec-20				30-Sep-20				% Change			30-Jun-20				31-Mar-20				31-Dec-19
Fixed Income		$	669.9			$	656.9			2	%		$	211.3			$	214.9			$	243.0
Equity		495.7				438.1				13	%		235.8				200.9				273.2
Multi-Asset		141.1				129.4				9	%		118.5				107.4				125.6
Alternative		127.1				122.1				4	%		46.8				46.4				46.1
Cash Management		64.2				72.4				(11	%)		10.4				10.7				10.4
Total AUM		$	1,498.0			$	1,418.9			6	%		$	622.8			$	580.3			$	698.3
Average AUM for the Three-Month Period		$	1,443.8			$	1,227.8			18	%		$	605.0			$	655.8			$	693.8

AUM AND FLOWS - UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONAL⁷

		As of and for the Three Months Ended
(in billions)		31-Dec-20				% of Total			30-Sep-20				% of Total			31-Dec-19				% of Total
Long-Term Inflows
United States		$	69.9			73	%		$	47.4			72	%		$	30.3			70	%
International		26.2				27	%		18.0				28	%		12.7				30	%
Total long-term inflows		$	96.1			100	%		$	65.4			100	%		$	43.0			100	%
Long-Term Outflows
United States		$	(65.6	)		65	%		$	(50.9	)		65	%		$	(35.3	)		64	%
International		(35.0		)		35	%		(27.1		)		35	%		(20.0		)		36	%
Total long-term outflows		$	(100.6	)		100	%		$	(78.0	)		100	%		$	(55.3	)		100	%
AUM
United States		$	1,088.5			73	%		$	1,024.0			72	%		$	481.0			69	%
International		409.5				27	%		394.9				28	%		217.3				31	%
Total AUM		$	1,498.0			100	%		$	1,418.9			100	%		$	698.3			100	%

AUM AND FLOWS BY ASSET CLASS

(in billions)
for the three months ended December 31, 2020		Fixed Income				Equity				Multi-Asset				Alternative				Cash Management				Total
AUM at October 1, 2020		$	656.9			$	438.1			$	129.4			$	122.1			$	72.4			$	1,418.9
Long-term inflows		42.0				41.5				9.3				3.3				—				96.1
Long-term outflows		(47.9		)		(40.2		)		(9.6		)		(2.9		)		—				(100.6		)
Long-term net flows		(5.9		)		1.3				(0.3		)		0.4				—				(4.5		)
Cash management net flows		—				—				—				—				(10.2		)		(10.2		)
Total net flows		(5.9		)		1.3				(0.3		)		0.4				(10.2		)		(14.7		)
Net market change, distributions and other6		18.9				56.3				12.0				4.6				2.0				93.8
AUM at December 31, 2020		$	669.9			$	495.7			$	141.1			$	127.1			$	64.2			$	1,498.0

(in billions)
for the three months ended September 30, 2020		Fixed Income				Equity				Multi-Asset				Alternative				Cash Management				Total
AUM at July 1, 2020		$	211.3			$	235.8			$	118.5			$	46.8			$	10.4			$	622.8
Long-term inflows		34.4				19.8				7.6				3.6				—				65.4
Long-term outflows		(36.8		)		(29.4		)		(9.2		)		(2.6		)		—				(78.0		)
Long-term net flows		(2.4		)		(9.6		)		(1.6		)		1.0				—				(12.6		)
Cash management net flows		—				—				—				—				(11.1		)		(11.1		)
Total net flows		(2.4		)		(9.6		)		(1.6		)		1.0				(11.1		)		(23.7		)
Acquisition		449.6				189.2				9.1				73.9				75.6				797.4
Net market change, distributions and other6		(1.6		)		22.7				3.4				0.4				(2.5		)		22.4
AUM at September 30, 2020		$	656.9			$	438.1			$	129.4			$	122.1			$	72.4			$	1,418.9

(in billions)
for the three months ended December 31, 2019		Fixed Income				Equity				Multi-Asset				Alternative				Cash Management				Total
AUM at October 1, 2019		$	250.6			$	263.9			$	123.6			$	45.0			$	9.5			$	692.6
Long-term inflows		16.7				17.4				6.9				2.0				—				43.0
Long-term outflows		(25.4		)		(20.9		)		(7.7		)		(1.3		)		—				(55.3		)
Long-term net flows		(8.7		)		(3.5		)		(0.8		)		0.7				—				(12.3		)
Cash management net flows		—				—				—				—				1.0				1.0
Total net flows		(8.7		)		(3.5		)		(0.8		)		0.7				1.0				(11.3		)
Net market change, distributions and other6		1.1				12.8				2.8				0.4				(0.1		)		17.0
AUM at December 31, 2019		$	243.0			$	273.2			$	125.6			$	46.1			$	10.4			$	698.3

Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures

As supplemental information, we are providing performance measures for “adjusted operating income,” “adjusted operating margin,” “adjusted net income” and “adjusted diluted earnings per share,” each of which is based on methodologies other than generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP measures”). Management believes these non-GAAP measures are useful indicators of our financial performance and may be helpful to investors in evaluating our relative performance against industry peers as these measures exclude the impact of consolidated investment products (“CIPs”) and mitigate the margin variability related to sales and distribution revenues and expenses across multiple distribution channels globally. These measures also exclude performance-based investment management fees which are fully passed through as compensation and benefits expense per the terms of a previous acquisition by Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”) and have no impact on net income. These non-GAAP measures also exclude acquisition-related expenses, certain items which management considers to be nonrecurring, unrealized investment gains and losses included in investment and other income (losses), net, and the related income tax effect of these adjustments, as applicable. These non-GAAP measures also exclude the impact on compensation and benefits expense which is offset by gains and losses in investment and other income (losses), net on investments made to fund deferred compensation plans and on seed investments under certain historical revenue sharing arrangements.

“Adjusted operating income,” “adjusted operating margin,” “adjusted net income” and “adjusted diluted earnings per share” are defined below, followed by reconciliations of operating income, operating margin, net income attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc. and diluted earnings per share on a U.S. GAAP basis to these non-GAAP measures. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as substitutes for, any financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Additional reconciling items may be added in the future to these non-GAAP measures if deemed appropriate.

Adjusted Operating Income

We define adjusted operating income as operating income adjusted to exclude the following:

• Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation of investment products.
• Acquisition-related retention compensation.
• Impact on compensation and benefits expense from gains and losses on investments related to Legg Mason deferred compensation plans and seed investments, which is offset in investment and other income (expense), net.
• Other acquisition-related expenses including professional fees and fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration liabilities.
• Amortization and impairment of intangible assets and goodwill.
• Special termination benefits related to workforce optimization initiatives related to the acquisition of Legg Mason on July 31, 2020.

Adjusted Operating Margin

We calculate adjusted operating margin as adjusted operating income divided by adjusted operating revenues. We define adjusted operating revenues as operating revenues adjusted to exclude the following:

• Acquisition-related performance-based investment management fees which are passed through as compensation and benefits expense.
• Sales and distribution fees and a portion of investment management fees allocated to cover sales, distribution and marketing expenses paid to the financial advisers and other intermediaries who sell our funds on our behalf.
• Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation of investment products.

Adjusted Net Income

We define adjusted net income as net income attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc. adjusted to exclude the following:

• Activities of CIPs, including investment and other income (losses), net, and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of revenues eliminated upon consolidation of investment products.
• Acquisition-related retention compensation.
• Other acquisition-related expenses including professional fees and fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration liabilities and the market-based component of retention awards.
• Amortization and impairment of intangible assets.
• Impairment of goodwill and write off of noncontrolling interests related to the wind down of a recently acquired business.
• Special termination benefits related to workforce optimization initiatives related to the acquisition of Legg Mason on July 31, 2020.
• Net gains or losses on investments related to Legg Mason deferred compensation plans which are not offset by compensation and benefits expense.
• Unrealized investment gains and losses included in investment and other income (losses), net, other than those that are offset by compensation and benefits expense.
• Interest expense for amortization of Legg Mason debt premium from acquisition-date fair value adjustment.
• Net income tax expense of the above adjustments based on the respective blended rates applicable to the adjustments.

Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

We define adjusted diluted earnings per share as diluted earnings per share adjusted to exclude the per-share impacts of the adjustments applied to net income in calculating adjusted net income.

In calculating adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share, we adjust for activities of CIPs because the impact of consolidated products are not considered reflective of the underlying results of our operations. We adjust for acquisition-related retention compensation, other acquisition-related expenses, amortization and impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, the write off of noncontrolling interests, and interest expense for amortization of the Legg Mason debt premium to facilitate comparability of our operating results with the results of other asset management firms. We adjust for special termination benefits related to workforce optimization initiatives related to the acquisition of Legg Mason because these items are deemed nonrecurring. In calculating adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share, we adjust for unrealized investment gains and losses included in investment and other income (losses), net and net gains or losses on investments related to Legg Mason deferred compensation plans which are not offset by compensation and benefits expense because these items primarily relate to seed and strategic investments which have been and are generally expected to be held long term.

The calculations of adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share are as follows:

(in millions)		Three Months Ended
		31-Dec-20				30-Sep-20				31-Dec-19
Operating income		$	409.1			$	103.6			$	372.9
Add (subtract):
Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation of investment products*		5.7				5.7				6.7
Acquisition-related retention		43.5				131.8				21.3
Compensation and benefits expense from gains on deferred compensation and seed investments, net		14.1				1.2				—
Other acquisition-related expenses (gain)		11.9				47.8				(0.2		)
Amortization of intangible assets		58.2				40.1				4.8
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets		—				52.6				—
Special termination benefits		7.4				46.1				—
Adjusted operating income		$	549.9			$	428.9			$	405.5
Total operating revenues		$	1,995.1			$	1,705.0			$	1,389.2
Add (subtract):
Acquisition-related pass through performance fees		(16.0		)		(9.4		)		—
Sales and distribution fees		(396.9		)		(366.7		)		(351.5		)
Allocation of investment management fees for sales, distribution and marketing expenses		(109.6		)		(100.0		)		(92.4		)
Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation of investment products*		5.7				5.7				6.7
Adjusted operating revenues		$	1,478.3			$	1,234.6			$	952.0
Operating margin		20.5		%		6.1		%		26.8		%
Adjusted operating margin		37.2		%		34.7		%		42.6		%

(in millions, except per share data)		Three Months Ended
		31-Dec-20				30-Sep-20				31-Dec-19
Net income attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.		$	345.3			$	78.9			$	350.5
Add (subtract):
Net loss of consolidated investment products*		21.2				1.5				4.6
Acquisition-related retention		43.5				131.8				21.3
Other acquisition-related expenses (gain)		10.1				50.7				(0.2		)
Amortization of intangible assets		58.2				40.1				4.8
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets		—				52.6				—
Special termination benefits		7.4				46.1				—
Net gains on deferred compensation plan investments not offset by compensation and benefits expense		(1.2		)		(0.1		)		—
Unrealized investment gains included in investment and other income, net		(95.9		)		(26.9		)		(36.4		)
Interest expense for amortization of debt premium		(6.0		)		(4.7		)		—
Write off of noncontrolling interests		—				(16.7		)		—
Net income tax expense of adjustments		(9.2		)		(62.3		)		(6.3		)
Adjusted net income		$	373.4			$	291.0			$	338.3
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.67			$	0.15			$	0.70
Adjusted diluted earnings per share		0.73				0.56				0.67

^{__________________}

^* The impact of consolidated investment products is summarized as follows:

(in millions)		Three Months Ended
		31-Dec-20				30-Sep-20				31-Dec-19
Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation		$	(5.7	)		$	(5.7	)		$	(6.7	)
Other income (expenses), net		20.3				55.3				(0.2		)
Less: income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		35.8				51.1				(2.3		)
Net loss		$	(21.2	)		$	(1.5	)		$	(4.6	)

Notes

1. Net income represents net income attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.
2. Effective with the quarter ended September 30, 2020, the Company changed the presentation of its consolidated statements of income to include dividend and interest income and other expenses from consolidated investment products in non-operating income. Amounts for the comparative prior fiscal periods were reclassified to conform to the current presentation, including the reclassification of investment income and interest expense of consolidated investment products. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income or financial position.
3. “Adjusted operating income,” “adjusted operating margin,” “adjusted net income” and “adjusted diluted earnings per share” are based on methodologies other than generally accepted accounting principles. See “Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for definitions and reconciliations of these measures.
4. Average AUM represents simple monthly average AUM.
5. Taxes on income for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 includes a $38.6 million tax benefit from capital losses subsequent to the change in corporate tax structure of a foreign holding company to a U.S. branch.
6. Net market change, distributions and other includes appreciation (depreciation), distributions to investors that represent return on investments and return of capital, and foreign exchange revaluation.
7. International includes North America-based advisors serving non-resident clients.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN) is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 165 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the Company brings extensive capabilities in equity, fixed income, multi-asset solutions and alternatives. With offices in more than 30 countries and approximately 1,300 investment professionals, the California-based company has over 70 years of investment experience and approximately $1.5 trillion in AUM as of December 31, 2020. The Company posts information that may be significant for investors in the Investor Relations and News Center sections of its website, and encourages investors to consult those sections regularly. For more information, please visit investors.franklinresources.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements herein may include forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Such statements are provided under the “safe harbor” protection of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts and generally can be identified by words or phrases written in the future tense and/or are preceded by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “depends,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” or “would,” or other similar words or variations thereof, or the negative thereof, but these terms are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.

Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors, some of which are listed below, that may cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from any future results or outcomes expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. While forward-looking statements are our best prediction at the time that they are made, you should not rely on them and are cautioned against doing so. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other possible future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them.

These and other risks, uncertainties and other important factors are described in more detail in our recent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, in Risk Factors and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 and our subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

• Our business and operations are subject to adverse effects from the outbreak and spread of contagious diseases such as COVID-19, and we expect such adverse effects to continue.
• Volatility and disruption of our business and the capital and credit markets, and adverse changes in the global economy, may significantly affect our results of operations and may put pressure on our financial results.
• The amount and mix of our AUM are subject to significant fluctuations.
• We are subject to significant risk of asset volatility from changes in the global financial, equity, debt and commodity markets.
• Our funds may be subject to liquidity risks or an unanticipated large number of redemptions and fund closures.
• A shift in our asset mix toward lower fee products may negatively impact our revenues.
• We may not effectively manage risks associated with the replacement of benchmark indices.
• Poor investment performance of our products could reduce the level of our AUM or affect our sales, and negatively impact our revenues and income.
• Harm to our reputation may negatively impact our revenues and income.
• Our completed acquisition of Legg Mason, Inc. remains subject to integration risks.
• Our business operations are complex and a failure to perform operational tasks properly or comply with applicable regulatory requirements could have an adverse effect on our revenues and income.
• Failure to establish adequate controls and risk management policies, or the circumvention of controls and policies, could have an adverse effect on our global operations, reputation and financial position.
• We face risks, and corresponding potential costs and expenses, associated with conducting operations and growing our business in numerous countries.
• Our focus on international markets as a source of investments and sales of our products subjects us to increased exchange rate and market-specific political, economic or other risks that may adversely impact our revenues and income generated overseas.
• We may review and pursue strategic transactions that could pose risks to our business.
• Failure to properly address the increased transformative pressures affecting the asset management industry could negatively impact our business.
• Strong competition from numerous and sometimes larger companies with competing offerings and products could limit or reduce sales of our products, potentially resulting in a decline in our market share, revenues and income.
• Increasing competition and other changes in the third-party distribution and sales channels on which we depend could reduce our income and hinder our growth.
• Any failure of our third-party providers to fulfill their obligations, or our failure to maintain good relationships with our providers, could adversely impact our business.
• We may be adversely affected if any of our third-party providers is subject to a successful cyber or security attack.
• Our ability to manage and grow our business successfully can be impeded by systems and other technological limitations.
• Any significant limitation, failure or security breach of our information and cyber security infrastructure, software applications, technology or other systems that are critical to our operations could disrupt our business and harm our operations and reputation.
• Our inability to recover successfully, should we experience a disaster or other business continuity problem, could cause material financial loss, regulatory actions, legal liability, and/or reputational harm.
• We depend on key personnel and our financial performance could be negatively affected by the loss of their services.
• Our ability to meet cash needs depends upon certain factors, including the market value of our assets, our operating cash flows and our perceived creditworthiness.
• We are dependent on the earnings of our subsidiaries.
• We are subject to extensive, complex, overlapping and frequently changing rules, regulations, policies, and legal interpretations.
• We may be adversely affected as a result of new or revised legislation or regulations or by changes in the interpretation of existing laws and regulations, in the U.S. and other jurisdictions.
• Global regulatory and legislative actions and reforms have made compliance in the regulatory environment in which we operate more costly and future actions and reforms could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
• Failure to comply with the laws, rules or regulations in any of the jurisdictions in which we operate could result in substantial harm to our reputation and results of operations.
• Changes in tax laws or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
• Regulatory and governmental examinations and/or investigations, litigation and the legal risks associated with our business, could adversely impact our AUM, increase costs and negatively impact our profitability and/or our future financial results.
• Our contractual obligations may subject us to indemnification costs and liability to third parties.
• Failure to protect our intellectual property may negatively impact our business.

If a circumstance occurs after the date of this press release that causes any of our forward-looking statements to be inaccurate, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, we undertake no obligation to announce publicly the change to our expectations, or to make any revision to our forward-looking statements, to reflect any change in assumptions, beliefs or expectations, or any change in events, conditions or circumstances upon which any forward-looking statement is based, unless required by law.

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FAQ

What was Franklin Resources' net income for Q4 2020?

Franklin Resources reported a net income of $345.3 million for Q4 2020.

What is the adjusted earnings per share for Franklin Resources in Q4 2020?

The adjusted earnings per share for Franklin Resources in Q4 2020 was $0.73.

How much was the Assets Under Management (AUM) for Franklin Resources at the end of Q4 2020?

The Assets Under Management (AUM) for Franklin Resources reached approximately $1.5 trillion at the end of Q4 2020.

What were the long-term net flows for Franklin Resources in Q4 2020?

Franklin Resources experienced long-term net outflows of $4.5 billion in Q4 2020.

How did Franklin Resources' operating income change in Q4 2020 compared to Q3 2020?

Franklin Resources' operating income increased to $409.1 million in Q4 2020 from $103.6 million in Q3 2020.