Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN) Receives 'Buy' Rating Amid Strong AUM Growth and New ETF Launch

Font: Financial Modeling Prep  • Jun 04, 2026

• Analyst firm Cowen & Co. reaffirmed its "Buy" rating for Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN), signaling strong confidence in the global investment management firm's future performance.
• The company reported robust growth in Assets Under Management (AUM), increasing by 1.9% to $1.78 trillion in May 2026, driven by positive market performance and $4 billion in new client investments.
• Franklin Resources expanded its offerings with the launch of the Franklin BSP CLO ETF (YCLO), coinciding with a significant stock price surge of 5.27% to $31.97, reaching a new 52-week high of $32.45.

On June 4, 2026, analyst firm Cowen & Co. maintained its "Buy" rating for Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN), a global investment management firm. The company, operating as Franklin Templeton, offers a wide range of investment products for individuals and institutions. This positive "Buy" rating suggests analysts are optimistic about BEN's future financial performance and market position.

This positive outlook for the investment management sector is strongly supported by recent growth in the company's Assets Under Management (AUM), which represents the total value of investments it manages for clients. As highlighted by Zacks.com, BEN's AUM for May 2026 increased by 1.9% to $1.78 trillion. This significant AUM growth was primarily driven by good market performance and $4 billion in new investments from clients, underscoring strong investor confidence in Franklin Resources.

The company saw impressive growth across its major investment categories. Equity assets, which are investments in stocks, grew by 3.7% to $751.5 billion. Fixed income assets, like bonds, increased to $440.7 billion. Alternative assets, which include investments outside of traditional stocks and bonds, also demonstrated growth, reaching $289.5 billion. This diversified asset growth highlights Franklin Resources' broad appeal and effective investment strategies.

Adding to its comprehensive investment offerings, BEN launched a new actively managed fund, the Franklin BSP CLO ETF (YCLO), as highlighted by Business Wire. An Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) is an investment fund that trades on stock exchanges like a stock. This new ETF focuses on collateralized loan obligation (CLO) debt to provide income and protect initial investments, further diversifying Franklin Resources' product portfolio and catering to specific investor needs.

Investor confidence in Franklin Resources appears strong, as BEN's stock price rose 5.27% to $31.97 on the day of the announcement. The stock also hit a new 52-week high of $32.45 during the trading session. This robust stock market performance reflects the market's positive reaction to the company's growing assets, strategic new product initiatives, and overall strong financial health.