BEN Share Price: Bendigo Bank vs Franklin Resources
Few ticker symbols cause as much confusion as “BEN” – in Australia it’s Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, on Wall Street it’s Franklin Resources. This article sorts out the two, with latest analyst views and a decision on which, if either, fits your portfolio.
Current BEN share price (ASX): A$10.36 ·
Today’s change: +0.29% (+A$0.029) ·
Volume: 1,042,102 shares ·
52-week range: A$9.50 – A$12.80 ·
Dividend yield: Approx. 5.2% (trailing)
Quick snapshot
- Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is listed on the ASX under ticker BEN (Morningstar Australia)
- Franklin Resources trades on the NYSE under BEN (NYSE listing)
- ASX BEN last price A$10.36; consensus target A$10.81 (Stockopedia)
- Direction of interest rates — impacts Bendigo Bank’s net interest margin
- Asset management fee compression may worsen for Franklin Resources
- Which BEN offers better total return over the next 12 months
- Q2 2024: ASX BEN hit 52-week low ~A$9.50 on rate hike fears (Stockopedia)
- Q3 2024: Bendigo Bank reported cash earnings up 3% YoY (Morningstar Australia)
- 2025 Q1: ASX BEN recovered above A$10.50 after broker upgrades (TradingView)
- Analysts mixed on near-term outlook; focus on RBA rate path
- Franklin Resources restructuring results due in Q3 earnings
- Dividend announcements for both stocks in coming months
Six facts about the two BEN stocks, one pattern: both offer yield but face very different headwinds.
| Attribute | ASX:BEN (Bendigo and Adelaide Bank) | NYSE:BEN (Franklin Resources) |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited | Franklin Resources, Inc. |
| Last price | A$10.36 | US$24.50 (approx.) |
| Dividend frequency | Semi-annual | Quarterly |
| Sector | Regional banking | Asset management |
| Market cap | ~A$5.5bn | ~US$12bn |
| Dividend yield (trailing) | ~5.2% | ~4.8% |
Is BEN a good stock to buy?
Current analyst ratings for Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
- Stockopedia reports a consensus target price of A$10.81, with an EPS forecast of A$0.87 for the next financial year (Stockopedia).
- TradingView shows a 1-year price target range from A$9.44 to A$14.20, with a mid-point near A$11.63 (TradingView).
- Morningstar characterises Bendigo Bank as a “conservatively managed retail bank” with strong customer loyalty (Morningstar Australia).
Current analyst ratings for Franklin Resources
Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN) faces a different set of pressures. Fee compression in asset management and a shift toward passive investing have weighed on revenues. Analysts polled by financial data providers give the stock a mixed outlook, though the company’s 40+ year dividend streak remains a draw for income investors. (Refer to the pros/cons section below for a fuller comparison.)
Pros and cons of investing in BEN (ASX vs NYSE)
Upsides
- Bendigo Bank: stable deposit base, conservative lending, strong regional brand
- Franklin Resources: diversified global AUM of US$1.4tn, long dividend history
- Both offer dividend yields above 4.5%
Downsides
- Bendigo Bank: sensitive to interest rate cycles and housing market slowdown
- Franklin Resources: fee income under pressure from passive investing trend
- Confusion between the two tickers can lead to accidental wrong-market purchases
Bendigo Bank offers a defensive yield tied to Australian mortgages; Franklin Resources gives exposure to global markets but carries structural fee risk. For Australian income investors, the local BEN has less currency risk and a more predictable regulatory backdrop.
The implication: For Australian investors, ASX BEN may be the safer bet given local knowledge and franking credits.
What are the long-term prospects for Bendigo Bank?
Growth strategy and future outlook
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s strategy hinges on digital transformation and deepening its regional presence. The bank employs 4,762 people and operates around 200 branches across Australia (Morningstar Australia). Its focus on small-business and rural lending differentiates it from the big four banks.
- Cash earnings rose 3% year-on-year in Q3 2024, despite a competitive mortgage market.
- Net interest margin is sensitive to RBA cash rate decisions — a cut would pressure margins, while steady rates support them.
- Simply Wall St noted that analysts recently lowered their 2025 EPS estimate from AU$0.785 to AU$0.491 per share, reflecting caution on costs (Simply Wall St).
Key risks and opportunities
Regional banks in Australia face funding cost pressures as deposit competition intensifies. Bendigo Bank’s advantage: a loyal customer base built over 165 years. Its P/E ratio of 12.47 (trailing) is lower than major peers, suggesting value if earnings hold up (Stockopedia).
Bendigo Bank’s long-term fate is tied to Australian housing and small-business health. If the economy avoids a hard landing, the bank’s conservative loan book should perform. If recession hits, regional lenders feel it first.
The catch: Bendigo Bank’s future depends on the health of the Australian economy and housing market, which remain uncertain.
Who are the largest shareholders of Bendigo Bank?
Top institutional holders
According to latest filings, institutional investors hold roughly 40% of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank shares. Notable holders include AustralianSuper, Vanguard, and BlackRock. Insider ownership remains modest, with directors holding less than 1% combined.
Recent changes in ownership
- AustralianSuper increased its stake in early 2025, signalling confidence in the bank’s dividend resilience.
- No major sell-downs from top 10 shareholders in the past quarter.
When institutional ownership is stable, it signals a “hold” view from big money. A sudden shift in top holders often precedes a price move.
Stable institutional ownership suggests a hold view from big money.
What is the future of BEN stock? — Franklin Resources forecast
Franklin Resources stock forecast 2026
Franklin Resources reported a restructuring plan in Q4 2024 aimed at cutting costs and refocusing on higher-fee products. The asset manager’s AUM stood at US$1.4tn. Revenue projections hinge on market performance and the pace of passive-to-active rebalancing.
Analyst ratings and price targets
- Consensus rating on NYSE:BEN is “Hold” with a median price target around US$26, implying modest upside.
- Dividend yield of ~4.8% is considered sustainable, with a payout ratio near 60%.
- Key risk: continued fee compression as investors shift to low-cost ETFs.
For dividend investors, the yield is attractive, but capital appreciation is limited by industry headwinds.
Why is Bendigo Bank share price falling?
Recent price action and key triggers
The ASX:BEN share price touched a 52-week low of A$9.50 in Q2 2024. Factors included:
- Rising funding costs due to competitive deposit rates.
- Mortgage market competition shrinking net interest margins.
- Regulatory changes requiring higher capital buffers for regional banks.
Since then, the stock recovered to A$10.36, helped by broker upgrades and a pause in rate hikes (Stockopedia).
Comparison with BOQ share price and ASX 200
Bendigo Bank’s regional peer, Bank of Queensland (BOQ), has seen a similar trajectory. Both trade at discounts to the big four banks. The ASX 200 financials sector has outperformed Bendigo Bank year-to-date, reflecting a preference for larger, more diversified lenders.
The share price fall may look like a buying opportunity, but if earnings estimates keep dropping (as Simply Wall St flagged), the current P/E of 12.47 could still be expensive relative to forward earnings.
The key is whether earnings estimates stabilize; if they continue to fall, the current P/E may not be a bargain.
Timeline: key events that moved the BEN share price
Key events that moved the BEN share price over the past year.
| Date/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| Q2 2024 | ASX BEN hit 52-week low ~A$9.50 on rate hike fears |
| Q3 2024 | Bendigo Bank reported cash earnings up 3% YoY |
| Q4 2024 | Franklin Resources announced restructuring and cost cuts |
| 2025 Q1 | ASX BEN recovered above A$10.50 on positive broker upgrades |
| 2025 Q2 | Current price ~A$10.36; analysts mixed on near-term outlook |
Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is a well-capitalized regional bank with stable deposit base.
- Franklin Resources pays a consistent dividend for over 40 years.
- Both stocks trade under the ticker BEN but in different markets.
What’s unclear
- Direction of interest rates remains uncertain — impacts Bendigo Bank margins.
- Asset management fee compression may worsen for Franklin Resources.
- Which BEN offers better total return over next 12 months.
“Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is a conservatively managed retail bank with a long history and strong customer and shareholder loyalty.”
— Morningstar analyst on Bendigo Bank (Morningstar Australia)
“The consensus EPS forecast for Bendigo Bank stands at AU$0.87, but analysts have been trimming estimates as funding costs rise.”
— Stockopedia analyst consensus (Stockopedia)
“Technical analysis shows support around A$10.00; a break below could signal further downside.”
— Market Index technical summary for BENDIGO BANK (Market Index via Morningstar)
For Australian investors, the decision between the two BEN stocks comes down to home bias and income needs. Bendigo Bank offers familiar geography, franking credits, and a defensive mortgage book. Franklin Resources provides global diversification but carries fee risk. The trade-off is clear: for most Australian investors, ASX BEN offers the safer income play, while NYSE BEN is best left to those comfortable with sector risk.
raskmedia.com.au, stocksdownunder.com, stockinvest.us, investing.com
Those tracking the BEN share price may find this Bendigo Bank share price analysis useful for comparing analyst ratings and dividend outlook.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ASX:BEN and NYSE:BEN?
ASX:BEN is Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, an Australian regional bank. NYSE:BEN is Franklin Resources, a US-based global asset manager. They operate in completely different sectors and markets.
Does Bendigo Bank pay dividends?
Yes. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank pays a semi-annual dividend. The trailing yield is approximately 5.2%.
What is the price-to-earnings ratio of Bendigo Bank?
According to Stockopedia, the trailing P/E ratio is 12.47.
Is Franklin Resources a good dividend stock?
Franklin Resources has paid uninterrupted dividends for over 40 years. Its current yield is around 4.8%, but fee compression in asset management could pressure future earnings.
What are the main risks for investing in regional banks in Australia?
Key risks include rising funding costs, mortgage competition, interest rate sensitivity, and regulatory changes requiring higher capital.
How does Bendigo Bank compare to BOQ?
Both are ASX-listed regional banks. Bendigo Bank has a more diversified loan book and a longer history, while BOQ focuses more on Queensland. Their share prices have moved similarly in recent months.
What is the analyst price target for Franklin Resources (BEN) in 2026?
Analyst consensus for NYSE:BEN is a median target around US$26, with ratings generally at “Hold.”
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