Franklin Resources Inc
. (
BEN
) declared preliminary assets under management (AUM) of $813.8
billion by its subsidiaries for Feb 2013. The company's results
witnessed a rise of 0.5% from $809.8 billion as of Jan 31, 2013.
Moreover, it increased 11.9% from $727.4 billion as of Feb 29,
2012.
Month-end total equity assets came in at $317.5 billion for
Franklin, decreasing 0.2% from the prior month but increasing
5.4% on a year-over-year basis. Of the total equity assets,
around 72.9% were from international sources, while the remaining
27.1% were from the U.S.
Franklin's total fixed income assets were $364.7 billion, rising
1.2% from $360.5 billion as of Jan 31, 2013, and augmenting 15%
from $317.2 billion as of Feb 29, 2012. Overall, tax-free assets
for Franklin accounted for only 23.4% of the fixed income assets,
while the remaining 76.6% were taxable.
Franklin recorded $125.7 billion in hybrid assets, which edged up
0.4% from $125.2 billion in the prior month and surged 22.4% from
$102.7 billion in the prior-year month.
Cash management funds for Franklin were reported at $5.9 billion,
in line with the prior month but waning 7.8% from the prior-year
month.
Among other investment managers
,
Invesco Ltd
. (
IVZ
) recorded a rise in its preliminary month-end AUM for Feb 2013.
The AUM for the month was $713.8 billion compared with $712.6
billion at the end of Jan 2013. Favorable market returns as well
as surge in both active and passive long-term inflows were the
primary reasons for the rise. Yet, foreign exchange led to a $5.8
billion drop in AUM.
Further
,
Legg Mason Inc
. (
LM
) is expected to release its preliminary AUM for the month of Feb
2013 later this week.
Our Viewpoint
Franklin has a global footprint and a well diversified AUM, which
is an excellent strategic point for the company. Further,
Franklin is expected to benefit from its strong balance sheet.
However, regulatory restrictions and sluggish economic growth can
adversely affect AUM improvement and increase costs.
Additionally, higher expenses remain a matter of concern.
Franklin currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Other asset
managers in the same sector worth considering is
Lazard Ltd
. (
LAZ
), which currently holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
FRANKLIN RESOUR (BEN): Free Stock Analysis
Report
INVESCO LTD (IVZ): Free Stock Analysis Report
LAZARD LTD (LAZ): Free Stock Analysis Report
LEGG MASON INC (LM): Free Stock Analysis
Report
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