Franklin Resources Shareholders Approve Equity Plan Increases at AGM

Management Highlights $1.66T in Assets Under Management for Fiscal 2025

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Franklin Resources (NYSE: BEN) held its 2026 annual shareholder meeting, where investors voted to approve increases to the company's 1998 Employee Stock Investment Plan and 2002 Universal Stock Incentive Plan. During the meeting, management also provided an update on the firm's fiscal 2025 performance, including $1.66 trillion in assets under management and growth in areas like retail, separately managed accounts, ETFs, and the Canvas custom indexing platform.

Why it matters

The approval of expanded equity plans signals Franklin Resources' commitment to incentivizing and retaining talent, which is crucial for an active asset management firm. The strong fiscal 2025 results, including growth in key strategic focus areas, demonstrate the company's ability to navigate industry challenges and position itself for continued success.

The details

At the annual meeting, shareholders voted to increase the shares authorized for issuance under the 1998 Employee Stock Investment Plan by 5 million shares and the 2002 Universal Stock Incentive Plan by 25 million shares. Shareholders also approved the compensation of the company's named executive officers. During the meeting, management highlighted fiscal 2025 results, including $1.66 trillion in assets under management, $44.5 billion in long-term net inflows excluding Western Asset Management, and strong growth in retail, SMAs, ETFs, and the Canvas platform. The company also discussed challenges at Western Asset Management and efforts to support the business, as well as strategic priorities around alternatives, ETFs, and personalization-oriented offerings.

  • Franklin Resources held its 2026 annual shareholder meeting.
  • As of September 30, 2025, the company had $1.66 trillion in assets under management.

The players

Franklin Resources

A global investment management organization that offers a wide range of asset management solutions to institutional and individual investors.

Greg Johnson

Executive Chairman and Board Chairman of Franklin Resources.

Jenny Johnson

Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Resources.

Matthew Nicholls

Co-President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Franklin Resources.

Western Asset Management

A subsidiary of Franklin Resources that faced significant challenges in fiscal 2025 but has since rebounded strongly in investment performance.

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What they’re saying

“Fiscal 2025 featured 'strong equity gains and broader market participation,' which she described as an 'attractive environment for active management.'”

— Jenny Johnson, Chief Executive Officer (MarketBeat)

“Fiscal 2025 presented 'significant challenges' for Western Asset, and that Franklin remained committed to supporting the business.”

— Jenny Johnson, Chief Executive Officer (MarketBeat)

“Fiscal 2025 reflected 'continued change' in the investment management industry and reiterated a long-term plan focused on diversification across asset classes, vehicles and geographies.”

— Matthew Nicholls, Co-President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (MarketBeat)

The takeaway

Franklin Resources' strong fiscal 2025 results and shareholder approval of expanded equity plans demonstrate the company's ability to adapt to industry changes and invest in its future growth. The firm's strategic focus on alternatives, ETFs, and personalization-oriented offerings positions it well to meet evolving client needs and maintain its competitive edge in the asset management landscape.