Franklin Resources, Inc. Announces Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Franklin Resources reported a preliminary net loss of $84.7 million ($0.19 per share) for Q4 2024, compared to net income of $174.0 million in the previous quarter and $295.5 million year-over-year. The company recorded a $389.2 million impairment charge related to Western Asset Management mutual fund contracts. Total AUM reached $1.68 trillion, up 22% year-over-year, with long-term net outflows of $32.6 billion. The Putnam Investments acquisition exceeded expectations, growing AUM by 21% to $180 billion since closing. The company returned $946 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Positive

• Record AUM of $1.68 trillion, up 22% year-over-year
• 25% increase in long-term inflows to $319 billion
• Putnam acquisition exceeded cost savings target of $150 million
• International business reached over $500 billion in AUM
• Operating revenues increased 8% to $8.48 billion for fiscal year

Negative

• Net loss of $84.7 million in Q4 2024 vs. profit of $295.5 million year-ago
• $389.2 million impairment charge for Western Asset Management
• Long-term net outflows of $32.6 billion for fiscal year
• Operating margin declined to 4.8% from 14.0% year-over-year
• 47% decrease in fiscal year net income to $464.8 million

Insights

Financial Analyst

Franklin Resources reported concerning Q4 results with a net loss of $84.7 million (-$0.19/share), significantly down from net income of $295.5 million in Q4 2023. The main driver was a $389.2 million impairment charge related to Western Asset Management's mutual fund contracts.

Key metrics show mixed performance:

• AUM reached record $1.68 trillion, up 22% YoY
• Long-term net outflows of $32.6 billion for fiscal 2024
• Adjusted operating margin declined to 26.3% from 32.4% YoY

The Putnam acquisition appears to be a bright spot, contributing $148.3 billion to AUM and exceeding cost savings targets. However, Western Asset Management remains challenged with $48.6 billion in outflows for the year, weighing on overall results.

Market Research Analyst

The market dynamics present a complex picture. While global markets rallied significantly, Franklin's results show structural challenges in traditional fixed income through Western Asset Management. However, there are positive trends in high-growth segments:

• ETF AUM up 89% YoY
• Canvas® platform AUM up 94% YoY
• International business reaching $500 billion AUM with positive flows

The shift toward alternatives and multi-asset strategies, combined with strong international distribution, suggests the company is adapting to changing investor preferences. However, the core fixed income business requires significant repositioning.

SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Franklin Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) [NYSE: BEN] today announced preliminary net loss of $84.7 million or $0.19 per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, as compared to net income of $174.0 million or $0.32 per diluted share for the previous quarter, and $295.5 million or $0.58 per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Preliminary net income¹ for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 was $464.8 million or $0.85 per diluted share, as compared to $882.8 million or $1.72 per diluted share for the prior fiscal year. Preliminary operating loss was $150.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, as compared to operating income of $222.5 million for the previous quarter and $338.3 million for the prior year. During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company impaired its indefinite-lived intangible asset related to certain mutual fund contracts managed by Western Asset Management by $389.2 million.

As supplemental information, the Company is providing certain adjusted performance measures which are based on methodologies other than generally accepted accounting principles. Preliminary adjusted net income² was $315.2 million and adjusted diluted earnings per share² was $0.59 for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, as compared to $326.4 million and $0.60 for the previous quarter, and $427.0 million and $0.84 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Preliminary adjusted net income² was $1,276.7 million and adjusted diluted earnings per share² was $2.39 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, as compared to $1,332.2 million and $2.60 for the prior fiscal year. Preliminary adjusted operating income² was $451.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, as compared to $424.9 million for the previous quarter and $511.7 million for the prior year.

“Franklin Templeton is one of the most comprehensive global asset managers with investment management capabilities across public and private markets and a distribution reach with clients in over 150 countries,” said Jenny Johnson, President and CEO of Franklin Resources, Inc. “Over the past several years, we have successfully grown and further diversified our business by investment team, asset class, investment vehicle and geography.

“As we reflect on our fiscal year, global markets rallied significantly, despite ongoing geopolitical complexity and uncertainty. Against this backdrop, we reached record AUM of $1.68 trillion and saw a 25% increase from the prior year in long-term inflows to $319 billion. Long-term net outflows were $32.6 billion, including $20.7 billion of reinvested distributions. Excluding Western Asset Management, our long-term net inflows were $16.0 billion.

“During the fiscal year, we continued to increase our presence in our key focus areas which reflect areas of long-term client demand. Client interest in alternative and multi-asset investment strategies generated positive flows for the year. Private markets fundraising totaled $14.8 billion with flagship funds in secondary private equity and alternative credit exceeding fund targets. We saw strong growth across a broad range of investment vehicles with retail SMA, ETF and Canvas^® AUM increasing by 29%, 89% and 94% year-over-year, respectively – all to record highs. From a regional perspective, our international business continued to be a strength of the firm and experienced positive long-term net flows for the year, culminating in over $500 billion in AUM.

“Our acquisition of Putnam Investments has exceeded our expectations. Since closing on January 1, Putnam’s AUM has grown 21% to $180 billion and Franklin Templeton has generated positive net flows of approximately $11 billion in Putnam strategies, benefiting from our global distribution platform. The transaction has also exceeded our annual run-rate cost savings target of $150 million. We have returned $946 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

“We remain committed to our vision of building innovative and collaborative relationships with our clients and look forward to unlocking new opportunities that reflect the high standards that have defined Franklin Templeton as a trusted partner over 75 years. I would like to thank our employees around the world for their dedication and commitment to always putting our clients first.”

		Quarter Ended								% Change			Quarter Ended				% Change			Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
		30-Sep-24				30-Jun-24				Qtr. vs. Qtr.			30-Sep-23				Year vs. Year			2024				2023				% Change
Financial Results
(in millions, except per share data)
Operating revenues		$	2,211.2			$	2,122.9			4	%		$	1,986.1			11	%		$	8,478.0			$	7,849.4			8	%
Operating income (loss)			(150.7	)			222.5			NM				338.3			NM				407.6				1,102.3			(63	%)
Operating margin			(6.8	%)			10.5	%						17.0	%						4.8	%			14.0	%
Net income (loss)¹		$	(84.7	)		$	174.0			NM			$	295.5			NM			$	464.8			$	882.8			(47	%)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share			(0.19	)			0.32			NM				0.58			NM				0.85				1.72			(51	%)
As adjusted (non-GAAP):2
Adjusted operating income		$	451.6			$	424.9			6	%		$	511.7			(12	%)		$	1,713.1			$	1,823.8			(6	%)
Adjusted operating margin			26.3	%			25.7	%						32.4	%						26.1	%			29.9	%
Adjusted net income		$	315.2			$	326.4			(3	%)		$	427.0			(26	%)		$	1,276.7			$	1,332.2			(4	%)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share			0.59				0.60			(2	%)			0.84			(30	%)			2.39				2.60			(8	%)
Assets Under Management
(in billions)
Ending		$	1,678.6			$	1,646.6			2	%		$	1,374.2			22	%		$	1,678.6			$	1,374.2			22	%
Average3			1,667.5				1,632.6			2	%			1,419.1			18	%			1,565.8				1,400.4			12	%
Long-term net flows			(31.3	)			(3.2	)						(6.9	)						(32.6	)			(21.3	)

Total assets under management (“AUM”) were $1,678.6 billion at September 30, 2024, up $32.0 billion or 2% during the quarter due to the positive impact of $63.5 billion of net market change, distributions, and other, partially offset by $31.3 billion of long-term net outflows, inclusive of $37.0 billion of long-term net outflows at Western Asset Management, and $0.2 billion of cash management net outflows. AUM increased $304.4 billion or 22% during the fiscal year due to the positive impact of $186.0 billion of net market change, distributions and other, $148.3 billion from the acquisition of Putnam, and $2.7 billion of cash management net inflows, partially offset by $32.6 billion of long-term net outflows, inclusive of $48.6 billion of long-term net outflows at Western Asset Management.

Cash and cash equivalents and investments were $5.6 billion and, including the Company’s direct investments in consolidated investment products (“CIPs”), were $6.7 billion⁴ at September 30, 2024. Total stockholders’ equity was $13.3 billion and the Company had 523.6 million shares of common stock outstanding at September 30, 2024. The Company repurchased 4.9 million shares of its common stock for a total cost of $102.4 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Conference Call Information

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

Ms. Johnson and Messrs. Nicholls and Spector will also lead a live teleconference today at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to answer questions. Access to the teleconference will be available via investors.franklinresources.com or by dialing (+1) (877) 407-0989 in North America or (+1) (201) 389-0921 in other locations. A replay of the teleconference can also be accessed by calling (+1) (877) 660-6853 in North America or (+1) (201) 612-7415 in other locations using access code 13749455 after 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 4, 2024 through November 10, 2024, or via investors.franklinresources.com.

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 investorrelations@franklintempleton.com before the live teleconference for any clarifications or questions related to the earnings release or written commentary.

FRANKLIN RESOURCES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Unaudited
(in millions, except per share data)		Three Months Ended September 30,								% Change			Twelve Months Ended September 30,								% Change
		2024				2023 5							2024				2023 5
Operating Revenues
Investment management fees		$	1,766.2			$	1,634.4			8	%		$	6,822.2			$	6,452.9			6	%
Sales and distribution fees			368.0				306.4			20	%			1,381.0				1,203.7			15	%
Shareholder servicing fees			67.0				37.2			80	%			229.3				152.7			50	%
Other			10.0				8.1			23	%			45.5				40.1			13	%
Total operating revenues			2,211.2				1,986.1			11	%			8,478.0				7,849.4			8	%
Operating Expenses
Compensation and benefits			940.8				826.3			14	%			3,831.1				3,494.0			10	%
Sales, distribution and marketing			496.9				411.1			21	%			1,863.1				1,613.1			15	%
Information systems and technology			177.4				128.3			38	%			620.1				505.0			23	%
Occupancy			77.7				57.8			34	%			325.4				228.9			42	%
Amortization of intangible assets			83.8				86.5			(3	%)			338.2				341.1			(1	%)
Impairment of intangible assets			389.2				—			NM				389.2				—			NM
General, administrative and other			196.1				137.8			42	%			703.3				565.0			24	%
Total operating expenses			2,361.9				1,647.8			43	%			8,070.4				6,747.1			20	%
Operating Income (Loss)			(150.7	)			338.3			NM				407.6				1,102.3			(63	%)
Other Income (Expenses)
Investment and other income, net			95.3				62.0			54	%			395.5				262.3			51	%
Interest expense			(25.0	)			(24.4	)		2	%			(97.2	)			(123.7	)		(21	%)
Investment and other income of consolidated investment products, net			46.2				40.5			14	%			149.9				115.8			29	%
Expenses of consolidated investment products			(12.0	)			(3.0	)		300	%			(32.6	)			(18.7	)		74	%
Other income, net			104.5				75.1			39	%			415.6				235.7			76	%
Income (loss) before taxes			(46.2	)			413.4			NM				823.2				1,338.0			(38	%)
Taxes on income			9.5				75.0			(87	%)			215.3				312.3			(31	%)
Net income (loss)			(55.7	)			338.4			NM				607.9				1,025.7			(41	%)
Less: net income (loss) attributable to
Redeemable noncontrolling interests			32.6				27.0			21	%			127.9				135.5			(6	%)
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests			(3.6	)			15.9			NM				15.2				7.4			105	%
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.		$	(84.7	)		$	295.5			NM			$	464.8			$	882.8			(47	%)
Earnings (Loss) per Share
Basic		$	(0.19	)		$	0.58			NM			$	0.85			$	1.72			(51	%)
Diluted			(0.19	)			0.58			NM				0.85				1.72			(51	%)
Dividends Declared per Share		$	0.31			$	0.30			3	%		$	1.24			$	1.20			3	%
Average Shares Outstanding
Basic			516.2				489.2			6	%			509.5				490.0			4	%
Diluted			516.2				490.0			5	%			510.3				490.8			4	%
Operating Margin			(6.8	%)			17.0	%						4.8	%			14.0	%

FRANKLIN RESOURCES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Unaudited
(in millions, except per share data)		Three Months Ended								% Change			Three Months Ended 5
		30-Sep-24				30-Jun-24							31-Mar-24				31-Dec-23				30-Sep-23
Operating Revenues
Investment management fees		$	1,766.2			$	1,689.9			5	%		$	1,713.9			$	1,652.2			$	1,634.4
Sales and distribution fees			368.0				358.3			3	%			358.3				296.4				306.4
Shareholder servicing fees			67.0				61.8			8	%			68.0				32.5				37.2
Other			10.0				12.9			(22	%)			12.6				10.0				8.1
Total operating revenues			2,211.2				2,122.9			4	%			2,152.8				1,991.1				1,986.1
Operating Expenses
Compensation and benefits			940.8				893.8			5	%			1,028.2				968.3				826.3
Sales, distribution and marketing			496.9				481.1			3	%			484.3				400.8				411.1
Information systems and technology			177.4				156.6			13	%			155.1				131.0				128.3
Occupancy			77.7				104.8			(26	%)			76.2				66.7				57.8
Amortization of intangible assets			83.8				84.0			0	%			84.6				85.8				86.5
Impairment of intangible assets			389.2				—			NM				—				—				—
General, administrative and other			196.1				180.1			9	%			195.1				132.0				137.8
Total operating expenses			2,361.9				1,900.4			24	%			2,023.5				1,784.6				1,647.8
Operating Income (Loss)			(150.7	)			222.5			NM				129.3				206.5				338.3
Other Income (Expenses)
Investment and other income, net			95.3				74.5			28	%			52.5				173.2				62.0
Interest expense			(25.0	)			(25.7	)		(3	%)			(27.7	)			(18.8	)			(24.4	)
Investment and other income (losses) of consolidated investment products, net			46.2				37.6			23	%			89.9				(23.8	)			40.5
Expenses of consolidated investment products			(12.0	)			(8.8	)		36	%			(5.9	)			(5.9	)			(3.0	)
Other income, net			104.5				77.6			35	%			108.8				124.7				75.1
Income (loss) before taxes			(46.2	)			300.1			NM				238.1				331.2				413.4
Taxes on income			9.5				68.1			(86	%)			62.8				74.9				75.0
Net income (loss)			(55.7	)			232.0			NM				175.3				256.3				338.4
Less: net income (loss) attributable to
Redeemable noncontrolling interests			32.6				43.0			(24	%)			42.8				9.5				27.0
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests			(3.6	)			15.0			NM				8.3				(4.5	)			15.9
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.		$	(84.7	)		$	174.0			NM			$	124.2			$	251.3			$	295.5
Earnings (Loss) per Share
Basic		$	(0.19	)		$	0.32			NM			$	0.23			$	0.50			$	0.58
Diluted			(0.19	)			0.32			NM				0.23				0.50				0.58
Dividends Declared per Share		$	0.31			$	0.31			0	%		$	0.31			$	0.31			$	0.30
Average Shares Outstanding
Basic			516.2				516.5			0	%			518.4				487.0				489.2
Diluted			516.2				517.2			0	%			519.2				487.9				490.0
Operating Margin			(6.8	)%			10.5	%						6.0	%			10.4	%			17.0	%

AUM AND FLOWS
(in billions)		Three Months Ended September 30,								% Change			Twelve Months Ended September 30,								% Change
		2024				2023							2024				2023
Beginning AUM		$	1,646.6			$	1,431.5			15	%		$	1,374.2			$	1,297.4			6	%
Long-term inflows			82.5				55.2			49	%			319.0				254.9			25	%
Long-term outflows			(113.8	)			(62.1	)		83	%			(351.6	)			(276.2	)		27	%
Long-term net flows			(31.3	)			(6.9	)		354	%			(32.6	)			(21.3	)		53	%
Cash management net flows			(0.2	)			(1.6	)		(88	%)			2.7				4.3			(37	%)
Total net flows			(31.5	)			(8.5	)		271	%			(29.9	)			(17.0	)		76	%
Acquisition			—				—			NM				148.3				34.9			NM
Net market change, distributions and other6			63.5				(48.8	)		NM				186.0				58.9			216	%
Ending AUM		$	1,678.6			$	1,374.2			22	%		$	1,678.6			$	1,374.2			22	%
Average AUM		$	1,667.5			$	1,419.1			18	%		$	1,565.8			$	1,400.4			12	%

AUM BY ASSET CLASS
(in billions)		30-Sep-24			30-Jun-24			% Change			31-Mar-24			31-Dec-23			30-Sep-23
Equity		$	632.1		$	595.0		6	%		$	592.7		$	467.5		$	430.4
Fixed Income			556.4			564.5		(1	%)			571.4			511.7			483.1
Alternative			249.9			254.5		(2	%)			255.5			256.2			254.9
Multi-Asset			176.2			168.1		5	%			163.4			154.6			145.0
Cash Management			64.0			64.5		(1	%)			61.7			65.5			60.8
Total AUM		$	1,678.6		$	1,646.6		2	%		$	1,644.7		$	1,455.5		$	1,374.2
Average AUM for the Three-Month Period		$	1,667.5		$	1,632.6		2	%		$	1,581.1		$	1,394.2		$	1,419.1

AUM BY SALES REGION
(in billions)		30-Sep-24			30-Jun-24			% Change			31-Mar-24			31-Dec-23			30-Sep-23
United States		$	1,177.1		$	1,155.0		2	%		$	1,155.9		$	1,019.4		$	979.9
International
Europe, Middle East and Africa7			209.1			205.8		2	%			206.3			180.6			165.1
Asia-Pacific			178.0			174.1		2	%			170.4			150.5			117.6
Americas, excl. U.S.			114.4			111.7		2	%			112.1			105.0			111.6
Total international			501.5			491.6		2	%			488.8			436.1			394.3
Total		$	1,678.6		$	1,646.6		2	%		$	1,644.7		$	1,455.5		$	1,374.2

AUM AND FLOWS BY ASSET CLASS
(in billions)
for the three months ended September 30, 2024		Equity				Fixed Income				Alternative				Multi-Asset				Cash Management				Total
AUM at July 1, 2024		$	595.0			$	564.5			$	254.5			$	168.1			$	64.5			$	1,646.6
Long-term inflows			36.8				33.0				4.0				8.7				—				82.5
Long-term outflows			(36.0	)			(66.9	)			(5.0	)			(5.9	)			—				(113.8	)
Long-term net flows			0.8				(33.9	)			(1.0	)			2.8				—				(31.3	)
Cash management net flows			—				—				—				—				(0.2	)			(0.2	)
Total net flows			0.8				(33.9	)			(1.0	)			2.8				(0.2	)			(31.5	)
Net market change, distributions and other6			36.3				25.8				(3.6	)			5.3				(0.3	)			63.5
AUM at September 30, 2024		$	632.1			$	556.4			$	249.9			$	176.2			$	64.0			$	1,678.6

(in billions)
for the three months ended June 30, 2024		Equity				Fixed Income				Alternative				Multi-Asset				Cash Management				Total
AUM at April 1, 2024		$	592.7			$	571.4			$	255.5			$	163.4			$	61.7			$	1,644.7
Long-term inflows			32.0				37.4				3.4				9.9				—				82.7
Long-term outflows			(33.6	)			(42.2	)			(2.0	)			(8.1	)			—				(85.9	)
Long-term net flows			(1.6	)			(4.8	)			1.4				1.8				—				(3.2	)
Cash management net flows			—				—				—				—				3.0				3.0
Total net flows			(1.6	)			(4.8	)			1.4				1.8				3.0				(0.2	)
Net market change, distributions and other6			3.9				(2.1	)			(2.4	)			2.9				(0.2	)			2.1
AUM at June 30, 2024		$	595.0			$	564.5			$	254.5			$	168.1			$	64.5			$	1,646.6

(in billions)
for the three months ended September 30, 2023		Equity				Fixed Income				Alternative				Multi-Asset				Cash Management				Total
AUM at July 1, 2023		$	458.0			$	505.1			$	257.2			$	148.3			$	62.9			$	1,431.5
Long-term inflows			17.1				26.2				3.9				8.0				—				55.2
Long-term outflows			(24.8	)			(27.8	)			(3.1	)			(6.4	)			—				(62.1	)
Long-term net flows			(7.7	)			(1.6	)			0.8				1.6				—				(6.9	)
Cash management net flows			—				—				—				—				(1.6	)			(1.6	)
Total net flows			(7.7	)			(1.6	)			0.8				1.6				(1.6	)			(8.5	)
Net market change, distributions and other6			(19.9	)			(20.4	)			(3.1	)			(4.9	)			(0.5	)			(48.8	)
AUM at September 30, 2023		$	430.4			$	483.1			$	254.9			$	145.0			$	60.8			$	1,374.2

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.

“Adjusted operating income,” “adjusted operating margin,” “adjusted net income” and “adjusted diluted earnings per share” are defined below, followed by reconciliations of operating income (loss), 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 (loss) adjusted to exclude the following:

• Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation of investment products.
• Acquisition-related items:
  • Acquisition-related retention compensation.
  • Other acquisition-related expenses including professional fees, technology costs and fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration assets and liabilities.
  • Amortization of intangible assets.
  • Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, if any.
• Special termination benefits related to workforce optimization initiatives related to past acquisitions and certain initiatives undertaken by the Company.
• Impact on compensation and benefits expense from gains and losses on investments related to deferred compensation plans, which is offset in investment and other income (losses), net.
• Impact on compensation and benefits expense related to minority interests in certain subsidiaries, which is offset in net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.

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:

• Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation of investment products.
• 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.

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

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

• Activities of CIPs.
• Acquisition-related items:
  • Acquisition-related retention compensation.
  • Other acquisition-related expenses including professional fees, technology costs and fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration assets and liabilities.
  • Amortization of intangible assets.
  • Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, if any.
  • Write off of noncontrolling interests related to the wind down of an acquired business.
  • Interest expense for amortization of Legg Mason debt premium from acquisition-date fair value adjustment.
• Special termination benefits related to workforce optimization initiatives related to past acquisitions and certain initiatives undertaken by the Company.
• Net gains or losses on investments related to deferred compensation plans which are not offset by compensation and benefits expense.
• Net compensation and benefits expense related to minority interests in certain subsidiaries not offset by net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.
• Unrealized investment gains and losses.
• Net income tax expense of the above adjustments based on the respective blended rates applicable to the adjustments.

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 our non-GAAP measures, we adjust for the impact of CIPs because it is not considered reflective of our underlying results of operations. Acquisition-related items and special termination benefits are excluded to facilitate comparability to other asset management firms. We adjust for compensation and benefits expense related to funded deferred compensation plans because it is partially offset in other income (expense), net. We adjust for compensation and benefits expense and net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests to reflect the economics of certain profits interest arrangements. Sales and distribution fees and a portion of investment management fees generally cover sales, distribution and marketing expenses and, therefore, are excluded from adjusted operating revenues. In addition, when calculating adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share we exclude unrealized investment gains and losses included in investment and other income (losses) because the related investments 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												Twelve Months Ended
		30-Sep-24				30-Jun-24				30-Sep-23				30-Sep-24				30-Sep-23
Operating income (loss)		$	(150.7	)		$	222.5			$	338.3			$	407.6			$	1,102.3
Add (subtract):
Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation of investment products*			12.7				12.3				11.2				47.4				37.5
Acquisition-related retention			46.3				43.7				56.8				263.6				164.9
Compensation and benefits expense from gains (losses) on deferred compensation, net			15.7				1.8				(6.0	)			50.5				20.3
Other acquisition-related expenses			31.8				33.6				4.9				97.4				50.2
Amortization of intangible assets			83.8				84.0				86.5				338.2				341.1
Impairment of intangible assets			389.2				—				—				389.2				—
Special termination benefits			12.0				16.7				8.3				75.8				63.2
Compensation and benefits expense related to minority interests in certain subsidiaries			10.8				10.3				11.7				43.4				44.3
Adjusted operating income		$	451.6			$	424.9			$	511.7			$	1,713.1			$	1,823.8
Total operating revenues		$	2,211.2			$	2,122.9			$	1,986.1			$	8,478.0			$	7,849.4
Add (subtract):
Acquisition-related pass through performance fees			(10.5	)			—				(5.6	)			(97.5	)			(169.7	)
Sales and distribution fees			(368.0	)			(358.3	)			(306.4	)			(1,381.2	)			(1,203.7	)
Allocation of investment management fees for sales, distribution and marketing expenses			(128.9	)			(122.8	)			(104.7	)			(481.9	)			(409.4	)
Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation of investment products*			12.7				12.3				11.2				47.4				37.5
Adjusted operating revenues		$	1,716.5			$	1,654.1			$	1,580.6			$	6,564.8			$	6,104.1
Operating margin			(6.8	%)			10.5	%			17.0	%			4.8	%			14.0	%
Adjusted operating margin			26.3	%			25.7	%			32.4	%			26.1	%			29.9	%

(in millions, except per share data)	Three Months Ended												Twelve Months Ended
	30-Sep-24				30-Jun-24				30-Sep-23				30-Sep-24				30-Sep-23
Net income (loss) attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.	$	(84.7	)		$	174.0			$	295.5			$	464.8			$	882.8
Add (subtract):
Net (income) loss of consolidated investment products*		(2.8	)			(2.4	)			1.6				(3.9	)			8.0
Acquisition-related retention		46.3				43.7				56.8				263.6				164.9
Other acquisition-related expenses		32.0				34.9				8.9				107.0				70.4
Amortization of intangible assets		83.8				84.0				86.5				338.2				341.1
Impairment of intangible assets		389.2				—				—				389.2				—
Special termination benefits		12.0				16.7				8.3				75.8				63.2
Net gains on deferred compensation plan investments not offset by compensation and benefits expense		(2.9	)			(1.1	)			(1.4	)			(13.9	)			(15.5	)
Unrealized investment (gains) losses		(23.9	)			31.0				20.6				(51.5	)			(2.6	)
Interest expense for amortization of debt premium		(5.2	)			(6.4	)			(6.4	)			(24.4	)			(25.4	)
Net compensation and benefits expense related to minority interests in certain subsidiaries not offset by net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests		2.3				2.8				1.0				3.5				0.1
Net income tax expense of adjustments		(130.9	)			(50.8	)			(44.4	)			(271.7	)			(154.8	)
Adjusted net income	$	315.2			$	326.4			$	427.0			$	1,276.7			$	1,332.2
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.19	)		$	0.32			$	0.58			$	0.85			$	1.72
Adjusted diluted earnings per share		0.59				0.60				0.84				2.39				2.60

* The impact of CIPs is summarized as follows:
(in millions)		Three Months Ended												Twelve Months Ended
		30-Sep-24				30-Jun-24				30-Sep-23				30-Sep-24				30-Sep-23
Elimination of operating revenues upon consolidation		$	(12.7	)		$	(12.3	)		$	(11.2	)		$	(47.4	)		$	(37.5	)
Other income, net			32.5				42.0				21.4				104.5				88.8
Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interests			17.0				27.3				11.8				53.2				59.3
Net income (loss)		$	2.8			$	2.4			$	(1.6	)		$	3.9			$	(8.0	)

Notes

1. Net income (loss) represents net income (loss) attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc.
2. “Adjusted net income,” “adjusted diluted earnings per share,” “adjusted operating income” and “adjusted operating margin” are based on methodologies other than generally accepted accounting principles. See “Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for definitions and reconciliations of these measures.
3. Average AUM represents monthly average AUM.
4. Includes our direct investments in CIPs of $1.1 billion, approximately $355 million of employee-owned and other third-party investments made through partnerships, approximately $289 million of investments that are subject to long-term repurchase agreements and other net financing arrangements, and approximately $441 million of cash and investments related to deferred compensation plans.
5. During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, the Company identified that it did not eliminate the investment income from certain consolidated limited partnerships for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, resulting in offsetting adjustments to investment and other income, net and net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest. For comparability, the Company has revised the comparative prior period amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Income. There was no impact to operating income, net income attributable to Franklin Resources, Inc. or earnings per share.
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. India region is included in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN) is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 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 offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in equity, fixed income, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.6 trillion in AUM as of September 30, 2024. 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, financial performance and market conditions. 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 preceded by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “depends,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “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 that may cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from any future results or outcomes expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including market and volatility risks, investment performance and reputational risks, global operational risks, competition and distribution risks, third-party risks, technology and security risks, human capital risks, cash management risks, and legal and regulatory risks. 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, 2023 and our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. 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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241103233835/en/

Franklin Resources, Inc.

Investor Relations: Selene Oh (650) 312-4091, selene.oh@franklintempleton.com

Media Relations: Jeaneen Terrio (212) 632-4005, jeaneen.terrio@franklintempleton.com

investors.franklinresources.com

Source: Franklin Resources, Inc.

FAQ

What was Franklin Resources (BEN) Q4 2024 net loss?

Franklin Resources reported a net loss of $84.7 million or $0.19 per diluted share for Q4 2024.

What was the impairment charge for Western Asset Management in Q4 2024?

The company recorded a $389.2 million impairment charge related to indefinite-lived intangible assets for Western Asset Management mutual fund contracts.

How much did Franklin Resources (BEN) AUM grow in fiscal 2024?

Total AUM increased by $304.4 billion or 22% to reach $1.68 trillion during fiscal year 2024.

What were Franklin Resources (BEN) long-term net flows in fiscal 2024?

The company reported long-term net outflows of $32.6 billion for fiscal year 2024.