Franklin is one of the 20 largest US-based asset managers with 71% of AUM from domestic clients and is the fifth-largest global manager of cross-border funds. The company operates multiple investment brands and is actively pursuing digital transformation through AI partnerships and expanding into alternative assets.
Cyborg Score Rationale
Franklin Resources reported a sharp improvement in profitability for Q1 2026 with adjusted EPS of 70c versus consensus of 55c and revenue of $2.33B versus consensus of $1.96B. However, Franklin's funds continue to underperform, with just 49%, 57%, and 65% of AUM above peer medians on a one-, three-, and five-year basis.
Top Insights
Franklin Templeton announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Wand AI to deploy agentic AI across its platform, expecting Wand-powered agents in key enterprise workflows by 2026
Franklin Templeton sees opportunities in private equity, private credit, real estate, and infrastructure for 2026
Franklin Resources reported weak demand trends and disappointing performance in key products resulting in persistent outflows
Franklin Resources launched an AI-driven Intelligence Hub platform in partnership with Microsoft Azure
Named Competitors
BlackRock — World's largest asset manager by AUM
Vanguard — Leading index fund and passive investment provider
Fidelity — Diversified asset and wealth management
T. Rowe Price — Active asset management and retirement solutions
Recent Developments
(January 2026) Q1 2026 earnings beat with strong client activity and record inflows
(December 2025) Multi-year strategic partnership with Wand AI for agentic AI deployment
(November 2025) Franklin Templeton Institute released Global Investment Outlook highlighting three key cyclical themes for 2026
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