Franklin Resources, Inc. - BEN STOCK NEWS

Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE: FT) announced a distribution of $0.0320 per share, scheduled for payment on May 14, 2021. Shareholders must be on record by April 30, 2021, with an ex-dividend date of April 29, 2021. The amount of distributions may fluctuate based on the fund’s net investment income. Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN), the managing organization, has over $1.5 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2021, and serves clients globally. All investments carry risks, including potential loss of principal.

Franklin Limited Duration Income Trust (FTF) announced a distribution of $0.0783 per common share, payable on May 14, 2021. Shareholders of record will be those listed on April 30, 2021. Under a managed distribution plan, the Fund aims for a minimum fixed rate of 10% annually, calculated from the average monthly net asset value (NAV). The Board can amend or terminate this plan anytime, affecting market price. Distributions may also include returns of capital, impacting total assets and potentially increasing the expense ratio.

AdvisorEngine has completed its integration with Schwab Advisor Center, enhancing its wealth management platform. This integration allows advisors to utilize various features including portfolio management, client onboarding, and automation tools. Key benefits include improved portfolio management, reduced client onboarding errors, and enhanced operational clarity. According to a Schwab study, the integration significantly decreases not-in-good-order rates. Firms are increasingly investing in technology, with 71% making new investments last year. AdvisorEngine, a subsidiary of Franklin Templeton, serves over 1,200 firms managing $600 billion in assets.

The Franklin Limited Duration Income Trust (NYSE:FTF) has declared a dividend of $0.0790 per common share, payable on April 15, 2021, to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2021. This comprises $0.0190 from net investment income and $0.0600 as a return of principal. The Fund operates a managed distribution plan that guarantees an annual minimum rate of 10% based on the average monthly net asset value, aimed at minimizing the market price discount to the NAV. The plan may be amended or terminated by the Board without prior notice.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN) reported preliminary assets under management (AUM) of $1,498.9 billion for March 31, 2021, a slight decrease from $1,500.5 billion in February. The decline was primarily due to long-term net outflows of $4.2 billion, primarily from a nearly $6 billion institutional redemption. Despite these outflows, there were positive market gains this month. Reinvested distributions totaled $2.3 billion for the quarter. The AUM figures indicate a stable but challenged position amidst significant redemptions and market conditions.

Franklin Templeton has unveiled its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, highlighting its commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. For FY 2021, the firm has set goals focused on ESG investing, diversity and inclusion, and the environment. Key initiatives include establishing a Stewardship and Sustainability Council, committing to gender and ethnicity transparency, and expanding emissions reporting. CEO Jenny Johnson emphasized the importance of global citizenship amid recent global challenges. The full CSR Report is accessible here.

Templeton Global Income Fund (NYSE: GIM) has announced its monthly distribution of $0.0377 per share, payable on April 30, 2021. Shareholders of record by April 15 will receive this payout. A new managed distribution plan guarantees a minimum fixed rate of 7.5% annually, based on the Fund’s average net asset value. The strategy seeks to narrow the market price discount compared to NAV, though success is not assured. Additionally, the Fund may utilize reverse repurchase agreements and fixed-income swaps to boost income, which entails increased risks.

Templeton Emerging Markets Income Fund (TEI) declared a monthly distribution of $0.0747 per share from net investment income, scheduled for April 30, 2021. Shareholders of record as of April 15, 2021 will receive this payment, with an ex-dividend date set for April 14, 2021. The Fund is also exploring options for repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements.

Franklin Templeton has announced its sponsorship of LPGA star Nelly Korda, winner of the Gainbridge Tournament. Korda will display the Franklin Templeton logo during LPGA tournaments in North America, Asia, and Europe, starting at the ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, CA. This partnership allows the company to utilize Korda's name for marketing, including social media and meet-and-greet events. Korda, currently ranked #4 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, is the top American golfer and a four-time LPGA Tour winner.