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3 Franklin Templeton Mutual Funds to Buy for Long-Term Gains

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Franklin Templeton is a company, which is based out of San Mateo, CA. Franklin Income Adviser debuted in August 1947. Since then, Franklin Templeton has accumulated assets of about $1.4trillion, according to the most recently available information. The funds are managed by a team of experienced professionals who employ a disciplined approach to portfolio construction and asset allocation.

Franklin Templeton stands out for its diverse range of mutual funds that cater to investors with varying goals. Whether one seeks steady income or aims to maximize growth, the fund offers a suitable option. Their available funds span across a wide range of asset types, such as equity, balanced portfolio, fixed income, hybrid, and thematic investments. This diversified selection allows various options to develop a well-rounded and comprehensive investment plan.

Franklin Templeton Mutual Funds are acclaimed for their excellent research abilities and emphasis on identifying superior investment opportunities. The fund managers conduct a thorough analysis and research to explore potential winners in the market, all aimed at delivering consistent returns over the long haul. This pledge to research-based investing truly distinguishes Franklin Templeton from its counterparts.

The company provides the benefit of expert management and robust risk monitoring. Its investment professionals vigilantly oversee fund performance, ensuring that all investments remain consistent with their objectives.

Additionally, Franklin Templeton employs effective risk management practices to alleviate potential risks linked with market fluctuations. Their broad range of funds, investment approach, and impressive past results establish Franklin Templeton as a trustworthy option for building a diverse portfolio.

Nonetheless, investing in low-cost Franklin Templeton Mutual Funds seems judicious as of now. Also, mutual funds, in general, diversify portfolios without several commission charges that are mainly associated with stock purchases and trim transaction costs (read more: Mutual Funds: Advantages, Disadvantages, and How They Make Investors Money).

We have, thus, chosen three Franklin Templeton mutual funds that investors should buy now for the long term. These funds possess a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy), have positive three-year and five-year annualized returns, minimum initial investments within $5000, and expense ratios considerably lower than the category average. So, these funds have provided comparatively strong performance along with lower fees.

Franklin MicroCap Value Fund (FVRMX - Free Report) seeks capital appreciation. It generally invests primarily in the equity securities of companies with market capitalization under $300 million and focuses on buying such securities when they are selling at a low price to book value.

Oliver H. Wong has been the lead manager of FVRMX since Jul 18, 2019. Most of the fund’s holdings were in companies like MATRIX SERVICE CO (2%), NORTHEAST BANK (2%), and FIRST BUSINESS FINANCIAL (1.9%) as of Jan 31, 2023.

FVRMX’s 3-year and 5-year annualized returns are 17.8% and 3.4%, respectively. Its net expense ratio is 0.97% compared to the category average of 1.16%. FVRMX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1.

To see how this fund performed compared to its category, and other 1 and 2 Ranked Mutual Funds, please click here.

Franklin Income Fund (FRIAX - Free Report) aims to maximize income while maintaining prospects for capital appreciation. It invests its assets in debt securities that are rated below investment grade and also invests in foreign securities.

Edward D. Perks has been the lead manager of FRIAX since Apr 30, 2020. Most of the fund’s holdings were in companies like CHEVRON CORP (1.5%), TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC (1%) and SOUTHERN CO (0.9%) as of Mar 31, 2023.

FRIAX’s 3-year and 5-year annualized returns are 9.3% and 5.4%, respectively. Its net expense ratio is 0.46% compared to the category average of 0.84%. FRIAX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1.

Franklin Utilities Fund (FRUAX - Free Report) invests most of its net assets in equity securities of public utility companies that provide electricity, natural gas, water, and communications services to the public and companies that provide services to public utility companies. FRUAX advisors also invest a relatively small portion of their assets in companies operating in the utility industry.

John Kohli has been the lead manager of FRUAX since Dec 30, 1998. Most of the fund’s holdings were in companies like NextEra Energy (11.5%), Southern Co (4.7%) and EDISON INTERNATIONAL (4.6%) as of Mar 31, 2023.

FRUAX’s 3-year and 5-year returns are 6.6% and 8.3%, respectively. The annual expense ratio is 0.55% compared to the category average of 0.94%. FRUAX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1.
 

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