CFRA Keeps Hold Opinion On Shares Of Franklin Resources, Inc.

CFRA, an independent research provider, has provided MT Newswires with the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:

We cut our 12-month target by $5 to $25, valuing BEN shares at 8.7x our FY 26 (Sep.) adjusted EPS estimate of $2.87 and 9.4x our FY 25 EPS estimate of $2.65, versus the three-year average forward multiple of 9.8x and a peer average of 12.1x. We cut our FY 24 EPS estimate by $0.10 to $2.40. Mar-Q EPS of $0.56 versus $0.65, was comparable to our $0.60 EPS estimate and the $0.57 consensus view, on 12% higher revenues (aided by the Putnam acquisition), offset by a 370-basis point operating margin contraction (to 25.2%) on a 21% rise in operating expenses. Assets under management rose 16% year-over-year to $1.64T, and fund flows improved (to $2.1B of inflows versus outflows of $8B a year ago), though core equities had Mar-Q outflows of $5.3B. Weighing the positives of the Putnam acquisition and better fund flow trends with the erosion in operating margins, we view the shares as fairly valued, despite their discounted valuation to peers. The shares also currently yield 5.2%, adding to potential total return.

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