Franklin Resources Inc - BEN STOCK NEWS

Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE: FT) has declared a monthly distribution of $0.0425 per share, payable on January 31, 2022. Shareholders of record on January 18, 2022 will receive this payment, with an ex-dividend date of January 14, 2022. The Trust aims to provide high current income while preserving capital, with variations in distributions based on net investment income. Investors are reminded that past distributions do not guarantee future results, and actual amounts will depend on the Fund's performance and tax regulations.

The Templeton Emerging Markets Income Fund (NYSE: TEI) announced a monthly distribution of $0.0648 per share on January 31, 2022, for shareholders of record by January 18, 2022. The distribution is part of a managed plan targeting an annual minimum rate of 10% based on average monthly net asset value. Although aimed at stabilizing share pricing relative to net asset value, there is no guarantee of success. The plan may include return of capital, potentially misleading regarding investment performance.

Franklin BSP Lending Corporation and Franklin BSP Capital Corporation have acquired substantially all equity interests of Encina Equipment Finance, LLC, a non-bank equipment finance platform. This acquisition aims to bolster Encina's capital base to support its growth in providing secured leases and loans to middle-market companies in the US and Canada. Since its inception in 2017, Encina has completed over 125 transactions totaling over $1 billion. The acquisition is expected to enhance the capabilities of both Franklin companies in equipment financing.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) has completed its acquisition of O’Shaughnessy Asset Management (OSAM), enhancing its position in the separately managed accounts (SMA) market. With approximately $130 billion in SMA assets under management, the acquisition strengthens Franklin Templeton’s capabilities in Custom Indexing and factor-based investment strategies. OSAM’s flagship Canvas® platform, which has seen rapid growth, will integrate under Franklin Templeton, allowing for tailored investment solutions. The firm will retain its brand while boosting innovation and market competitiveness.

The Templeton Global Income Fund (NYSE: GIM) announced its estimated sources of monthly distributions for December 31, 2021. The distribution per share is set at $0.0349, with 30% attributed to net investment income and 70% as return of capital. Year-to-date, cumulative distributions total $0.3573 per share, comprised of 60% net investment income and 40% return of capital. The Fund operates under a managed distribution plan aiming for an annual minimum rate of 7.5%, with the distribution strategy subject to market conditions and Board review.

The Templeton Emerging Markets Income Fund (NYSE: TEI) announced its estimated sources of distributions for the fiscal year 2021, highlighting a monthly distribution of $0.0663 per share, effective December 31, 2021. This includes $0.0387 in net investment income (58%), with a return of capital totaling $0.0276 (42%). Cumulative distributions for the fiscal year-to-date are reported at $0.7148 per share, 73% from net investment income. However, shareholders should note that a portion of the distribution may represent a return of capital, which does not reflect the Fund's investment performance.

Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE: FT) declared a total distribution of $0.0817 per share, consisting of $0.0425 in net investment income and $0.0392 in short-term capital gains, payable on January 14, 2022. The record date for shareholders is December 31, 2021, with an ex-dividend date of December 30, 2021. The Fund aims to provide high current income while preserving capital, and past distribution performance does not guarantee future results. Shareholders will receive a Form 1099-DIV for tax reporting purposes based on the Fund's fiscal year performance.