Franklin Resources, Inc. - BEN STOCK NEWS

Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN) reported preliminary month-end assets under management (AUM) of $1,486.9 billion as of February 28, 2022, down from $1,521.8 billion at January 31, 2022. This decline is attributed to market fluctuations and long-term net outflows. Major changes in AUM by asset class include a drop in Fixed Income from $626.0 billion to $612.5 billion and a decrease in Equity from $526.3 billion to $509.8 billion.

Franklin Templeton has appointed Lloyd Nemerever as vice president and head of Municipal Bonds SMA Strategies, effective March 28, 2022. Joining from Goldman Sachs Asset Management, he will lead portfolio management for municipal bond SMAs, enhancing the firm’s offerings in a growing market. Notably, municipal fixed income accounts for over $300 billion in industry assets, signaling a robust demand. Franklin Templeton’s municipal bond team manages approximately $72 billion in assets, reinforcing its position in the sector.

Clarion Partners Real Estate Income Fund has enhanced its portfolio by acquiring The Sheds on Charlotte, a fully leased 85,032 square-foot office and retail complex in Nashville, TN. This strategic acquisition targets high-quality tenants in a dynamic market. Notable tenants include ForceX and Starbucks. The property’s prime location near major medical facilities and affluent neighborhoods reinforces its potential for stable income. As CPREIF grows its holdings, it aims to replicate this success to benefit investors in the long term.

Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE: FT) has announced a monthly distribution of $0.0425 per share from net investment income, payable on March 31, 2022. Shareholders of record as of March 17, 2022 will receive the payment, with an ex-dividend date of March 16, 2022. The Fund's primary aim is to provide high current income while preserving capital. Distribution amounts may vary based on investment income, and past distributions do not predict future performance.

Templeton Emerging Markets Income Fund (NYSE: TEI) has announced a monthly distribution of $0.0632 per share, payable on March 31, 2022. This distribution supports the Fund’s managed distribution plan, which aims for a minimum annual rate of 10% based on average monthly net asset value. The Fund seeks to generate these distributions primarily from net ordinary income and short-term capital gains. However, long-term capital gains or return of capital may be utilized if sufficient income is unavailable. Shareholders are cautioned not to interpret the distribution amount as an indicator of investment performance.

The Templeton Global Income Fund (NYSE: GIM) has announced a monthly distribution of $0.0362 per share, payable on March 31, 2022, to shareholders of record on March 17, 2022. The Fund's Board of Trustees has approved an increase in the managed distribution plan from 7.5% to 8% annual minimum fixed rate, which aims to provide high current income to shareholders. The Plan is subject to Board review and may be amended or terminated without prior notice, potentially impacting the market price of the Fund's shares.