Dividends are one of the best benefits to being a shareholder, but finding a great dividend stock is no easy task. Does Franklin Resources (BEN) have what it takes?

The ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrat ETF (NOBL) underperformed SPY in 2025, gaining 7.2% versus SPY's 18.42%. Despite average underperformance, select Aristocrats like CAH (+74.18%), ALB (+66.90%), and CHRW (+61.22%) delivered strong double-digit returns. Dividend growth for the Aristocrats slowed to 5.52% in 2025, down from 5.78% in 2024, with 68 of 69 raising payouts.

Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN - Get Free Report) saw some unusual options trading on Monday. Stock traders bought 40,631 call options on the stock. This is an increase of approximately 3,179% compared to the typical volume of 1,239 call options. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase

Franklin Resources offers an above-average yield and the money manager has increased its distribution for 28 consecutive years.

Franklin Resources, Inc. BEN recently announced a quarterly dividend increase to 33 cents per share and expanded its stock repurchase program. The dividend will be payable on Jan. 9, 2026, to its shareholders of record as of Dec. 30, 2025.

Contravisory Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN) by 1,151.2% during the undefined quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 30,029 shares of the closed-end fund's stock after purchasing an additional 27,629 shares during the quarter. Contravisory Investment Management

SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Franklin Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) [NYSE:BEN] announced a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.33 per share payable on January 9, 2026 to stockholders of record holding shares of common stock at the close of business on December 30, 2025. The quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share represents a 3.1% increase over the dividends paid for the prior quarter and the same quarter last year. The Company has raised its dividend every year since 1981. Furth.

– Doug Bourne Appointed to Lead Office; Thomas Dunn Relocates from London – ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexington Partners ("Lexington"), one of the world's largest and most experienced managers of secondary private equity and co-investment funds, today announced the opening of its new office in Abu Dhabi, expanding the firm's global footprint to nine offices across four continents. The establishment of the Abu Dhabi office underscores Lexington's long-standing commitment to the Middle East, where the firm has maintained investor relationships for more than 25 years.

Whether you're a value, growth, or momentum investor, finding strong stocks becomes easier with the Zacks Style Scores, a top feature of the Zacks Premium research service.

Between BEN's alternatives expansion and TROW's growing platform, which asset manager is better positioned for 2026? Let's check out.