Earnings Preview: Franklin Resources' EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise - Ameriprise Finl (NYSE:AMP), Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN)

Franklin Resources BEN unveils its next round of earnings this Thursday, October 27, 2011. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for Franklin Resources' fourth quarter earnings.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of $1.99/share and revenues of $1.85 billion. Franklin Resources' latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of $1.65/share on revenues of $1.53 billion. We'll have to wait for Thursday to see if Franklin Resources has accomplished the estimated 20.6% rise in EPS and 20.9% increase in revenues on a year-over-year basis.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Quarter	Q3	Q2	Q1	Q4
EPS Estimate	$2.16	$2.00	$1.91	$1.74
EPS Actual	$2.26	$2.25	$2.23	$1.65

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of Franklin Resources were trading at $103.53. Since January 1st, shares of Franklin Resources have declined 6.3%. For a full 12 months, the return has declined by 12.8%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are probably a little upset going into this earnings release.

Long-term shareholders are already wary of 12-month losses prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Franklin Resources is a Hold.

Competitors:

Looking for a sympathy stock to trade or interested in the performance of other companies in the same sector? Take a look at some of Franklin Resources' peers.

Ameriprise Financial AMP: Moderate Buy with a $1.31 recent quarter EPS
BlackRock BLK: Moderate Buy with a $2.83 recent quarter EPS
Calamos Asset Management CLMS: Hold with a $0.32 recent quarter EPS
Cohen & Steers CNS: Hold with a $0.22 recent quarter EPS

Franklin Resources is in the finance-investment management industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 1.1%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Franklin Resources is a global investment manager that offers investment vehicles for clients, including individuals, institutions, and trusts.

Take Action:

Now that you're fully prepared, get ready to take quick action if the company reports any numbers significantly different from those listed above. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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