Franklin Resources, Inc. - BEN STOCK NEWS

Franklin Templeton has awarded the 2022 Harmon E. Burns Award to Hugh Macdonnell for his significant volunteer efforts supporting ALS patients through the annual Tri-State Trek. The award recognizes employees for extraordinary community contributions. Two finalists were also honored: Debbie Gawrylowicz for addressing disparities faced by women and minorities, and Ivana Sebastian for her work with Footsteps Missions. In total, charitable donations were made to the winners' chosen charities, reinforcing Franklin Templeton's commitment to community service.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share, payable on January 13, 2023, to shareholders on record as of December 30, 2022. This dividend marks a 3.4% increase from the previous quarter and same quarter last year. The company has consistently increased its dividend annually since 1981. As of November 30, 2022, Franklin Templeton, with approximately $1.4 trillion in assets under management, continues to serve clients in over 155 countries.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN) reported preliminary assets under management (AUM) of $1,410.6 billion as of November 30, 2022, up from $1,318.4 billion at October 31, 2022. The increase was driven by positive market conditions and the acquisition of Alcentra, valued at $34.9 billion, though this was partially offset by long-term net outflows. AUM by asset class shows increases in Fixed Income and Equity, while cash management rose to $69.6 billion.

Franklin Templeton Academy has launched its Alternatives Education program to enhance financial professionals' expertise in alternative investments. The comprehensive curriculum covers private equity, real estate, private credit, and hedge strategies. Offered in various formats, including webinars and self-paced modules, the program provides continuing education credits for several financial certifications at no cost to learners. With market volatility and inflation concerns, this initiative aims to equip advisors with the necessary skills to integrate alternative investments effectively.

Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE: FT) announced its distribution sources for the monthly payment scheduled on November 30, 2022. The estimated distribution per share is $0.0425, with allocations including $0.0025 (6%) from net investment income, $0.0067 (16%) from short-term capital gains, and $0.0333 (78%) from return of capital. For fiscal year-to-date, total distributions reached $0.0850, with a cumulative total return of -5.86% related to NAV as of October 31, 2022.

The Franklin Limited Duration Income Trust (FTF) announced the estimated sources of its upcoming monthly distributions for November 30, 2022. Shareholders can expect a distribution of $0.0587 per share, with 32% attributed to net investment income and 68% as a return of capital. For the fiscal year-to-date, total distributions amount to $0.6657 per share, with 68% from net investment income. The trust operates under a managed distribution plan aiming for a minimum annual fixed rate of 10% based on average NAV. The return of capital is highlighted as a significant component of the distributions.

Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC has declared distributions for various closed-end funds under its managed distribution policy for December 2022, January, and February 2023. Key dates include record dates of December 22, January 24, and February 21, with payable dates set for December 30, January 31, and February 28, respectively. The distributions for the Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (WIA) and Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (WIW) are specified at $0.05000, $0.05000, and $0.06050 across the three months. The policy allows distributions from net assets if income is insufficient.

Independent Insurance Group's life and annuity subsidiary, Independent Life Insurance Company, announced over $100 million in committed sales of its product iStructure, the first uncapped index-linked structured settlement annuity. This significant milestone is primarily rooted in plaintiff settlement recoveries, attorney fee deferrals, and installment sales. With more than 150 clients choosing iStructure for various financial needs, including personal injury cases, the product offers potential growth and tax benefits. Independent Life continues to innovate its offerings, partnering with renowned entities like Franklin Templeton and Bank of America.