Exploring Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Have you ever wondered who the major players are behind Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN), and what drives their investment decisions? As of April 2025, a dive into the investor profile reveals that institutional investors hold a significant stake. With institutions holding a total of 316,837,419 shares, key shareholders include giants like Vanguard Group Inc, Power Corp of Canada, and BlackRock, Inc. But why are these firms so interested in Franklin Resources, and what does their involvement mean for the company's future and your investment strategy? Let's explore the dynamics of BEN's investor landscape and uncover the motivations behind their investment choices.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) Who Invests in [Company Name] and Why?

Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN), a global investment management firm operating as Franklin Templeton, serves a diverse range of investors across more than 150 countries. The company provides investment management and related services to retail, institutional, and high-net-worth investors.

As of February 2025, Franklin Resources managed $1.577 trillion in assets. The distribution is weighted towards retail investors, who account for 54% of assets under management (AUM), while institutional accounts represent 43%. The remaining portion is held by high-net-worth clients.

Key investor types include:

• Retail Investors: Individuals who invest in mutual funds, ETFs, and other investment products offered by Franklin Resources.
• Institutional Investors: Entities such as pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, and sovereign wealth funds that invest large sums of money through Franklin Resources.
• Hedge Funds: Private investment funds that use various strategies to generate returns for their investors.
• High-Net-Worth Individuals: Wealthy individuals who seek personalized investment management services from Franklin Resources.

Major shareholders include:

• Rupert Johnson (19.83%)
• Charlie Johnson (17.79%)
• Vanguard Group Inc (7.179%)
• Power Corporation of Canada (6.01%)
• BlackRock Inc (5.70%)
• State Street Corp (4.17%)

These investors are attracted to Franklin Resources for several reasons:

• Global Reach: Franklin Resources has a significant international presence, with about 30% of its AUM invested in global/international strategies and sourced from clients outside the United States.
• Diversified Investment Solutions: The company offers a wide array of investment products across various asset classes, including equity, fixed income, multi-asset/balanced funds, alternatives, and money market funds.
• Established Brand: With over 75 years of experience, Franklin Templeton is a globally recognized and reputable brand in the investment management industry.
• Dividend Yield: Franklin Resources has a notable dividend yield, which can be attractive to income-seeking investors. For instance, a dividend yield of 7.12% was reported on April 16, 2025, although the sustainability of the dividend payout has been questioned due to a high payout ratio. The annual dividend yield was 5.62%.

Institutional investors held 316,837,419 shares in Franklin Resources. The largest institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc, Power Corp of Canada, BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corp.

Typical investment strategies seen among investors in Franklin Resources include:

• Long-Term Holding: Many institutional and retail investors adopt a long-term holding strategy, seeking to benefit from the company's consistent performance and dividend payouts over time.
• Value Investing: Some investors are attracted to Franklin Resources due to its relatively low forward P/E ratio of 7.94, suggesting the stock may be undervalued compared to its projected earnings.
• Dividend Income: Given its history of dividend payments, some investors, particularly those seeking income, may invest in Franklin Resources for the dividend income.

Financial highlights for Franklin Resources include:

• Market capitalization of $9.25 billion.
• Revenue of $8.48 billion in 2024, an increase of 8.01% compared to the previous year's $7.85 billion.
• Price/Earnings (Normalized) ratio of 7.53.
• Price/Sales ratio of 1.04.

While the company presents an attractive dividend yield, potential investors should be aware of certain challenges. For example, on April 16, 2025, analysts had a cautious stance on the stock, with 7 hold ratings and 4 sell ratings, and no buy ratings. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the sustainability of the dividend payout due to a high dividend payout ratio of 195.31% and a negative free cash flow of over $1.1 billion.

For further insights into the company's financial well-being, consider reading 'Breaking Down Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors'.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) Institutional Ownership and Major Shareholders of Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN)

As of April 2025, institutional investors hold a significant portion of Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN). According to recent data, 1129 institutional owners and shareholders have filed 13D/G or 13F forms with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), holding a total of 316,837,419 shares.

Here's a list of the largest shareholders based on recent filings:

• Vanguard Group Inc: 37,715,809 shares as of December 31, 2024
• Power Corp of Canada: 31,557,117 shares as of December 31, 2024
• BlackRock, Inc.: 29,964,013 shares as of December 31, 2024
• State Street Corp: 21,933,901 shares as of December 31, 2024
• Invesco Ltd.: 11,721,446 shares as of December 31, 2024
• ProShare Advisors LLC: 9,403,875 shares as of December 31, 2024
• Geode Capital Management, Llc: 7,303,699 shares as of December 31, 2024
• Goldman Sachs Group Inc.: 7,223,384 shares as of December 31, 2024
• First Trust Advisors Lp: 6,438,863 shares as of December 31, 2024
• Dimensional Fund Advisors Lp: 6,002,950 shares as of December 31, 2024

Institutional ownership accounts for approximately 60.00% (excluding 13D/G) of the outstanding shares, representing 315,151,084 shares. The total value of institutional holdings amounts to $6,307,576 USD (in thousands).

Changes in institutional ownership can provide insights into the sentiment of major investors. Recent data indicates that institutional shareholders have increased their positions by 15.44 million shares, a 5.15% change in the most recent quarter.

Here's a summary of changes in positions by some of the major holders:

Institutional investors play a crucial role in the stock price and strategy of Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN). Their actions can influence market sentiment and stock volatility. High institutional ownership, such as the 48% reported, indicates that the stock price is sensitive to their trading activities.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) has a global presence and diversified investment solutions, which are attractive to both retail and institutional investors. The company manages approximately $1.577 trillion in assets as of February 2025. The distribution of assets under management (AUM) is split between retail investors (54%), institutional accounts (43%), and high-net-worth clients (the remainder). The firm's investment strategies include equity, fixed income, and alternative investment solutions.

For more insights into Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN), you can explore its history, ownership structure, mission, and how it operates and generates revenue here: Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) Key Investors and Their Impact on [Company Name]

Understanding the investor profile of Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) is crucial for grasping the dynamics of its stock and strategic direction. Key investors can significantly influence company decisions and stock movements through their holdings and actions.

While specific real-time data on all current investors and their direct impact can fluctuate, we can analyze available information to understand the general landscape of BEN's investor base. Institutional investors often hold a significant portion of BEN's shares.

Notable investors may include well-known funds that focus on value investing or dividend-paying stocks, as Franklin Resources, Inc. has historically been known for its dividend payouts. These institutional investors can exert influence through:

• Voting Rights: Large shareholders have a greater say in company matters during shareholder meetings.
• Market Sentiment: Their buying or selling activity can impact the stock price, influencing market sentiment.
• Engagement with Management: Major investors often engage with the company's management to discuss strategy and performance.

Recent moves by key investors, such as buying or selling large stakes, are closely watched by analysts and other investors. These actions can signal confidence or concern about the company's future prospects. Activist investors may also take positions in Franklin Resources, Inc., seeking to influence specific changes within the company, such as cost-cutting measures, strategic shifts, or changes in leadership.

To get a better understanding of Franklin Resources, Inc., explore its background, mission, and ownership structure: Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) Market Impact and Investor Sentiment

Understanding investor sentiment and market reactions to Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) is crucial for assessing the company's stability and future prospects. Shifts in major shareholders' positions, market responses to these changes, and analyst perspectives all contribute to a comprehensive view of the company's financial health.

Investor sentiment toward Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) can be gauged by monitoring the activity of its major shareholders. Positive sentiment is typically reflected in increased buying activity, while negative sentiment may result in selling or reduced positions. Based on recent data, it appears that institutional investors hold a significant portion of Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN). For instance, looking at the period for the fiscal year 2024, these institutions have maintained substantial holdings, indicating a generally stable outlook. However, specific sentiments can vary among different shareholders, influenced by factors such as the company's performance, market conditions, and broader economic trends.

Recent market reactions to changes in ownership or large investor moves can provide valuable insights. For example, a significant increase in institutional ownership might lead to a short-term boost in the stock price, reflecting confidence in the company's prospects. Conversely, a large sell-off by a major shareholder could trigger a price decline due to concerns about the company's future. During 2024, Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) experienced moderate fluctuations in its stock price following announcements of institutional adjustments, highlighting the market's sensitivity to such movements.

Analyst perspectives play a crucial role in interpreting the impact of key investors on Franklin Resources, Inc.'s (BEN) future. Analysts often provide insights into why major investors are taking certain actions and how these actions might affect the company's performance. These analyses typically consider factors such as Franklin Resources, Inc.'s (BEN) financial performance, strategic initiatives, and competitive landscape. For the fiscal year 2024, analysts have generally maintained a neutral to slightly positive outlook on Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN), citing the company's strong market position and strategic acquisitions as positive factors. However, concerns about market volatility and regulatory changes have also been noted.

Here is a table summarizing key aspects of investor profiles and their potential impact:

Key factors influencing investor sentiment include:

• Financial Performance: Revenue growth, profitability, and cash flow.
• Strategic Decisions: Mergers, acquisitions, and new initiatives.
• Market Conditions: Overall economic trends and industry outlook.
• Regulatory Environment: Changes in regulations affecting the financial industry.

Understanding these elements helps stakeholders gauge the overall health and direction of Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN) in the investment landscape.

To gain further insights into the core values and strategic direction of the company, refer to Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Franklin Resources, Inc. (BEN).