Jefferies Previews BEN F1Q11, Ups Target To $120

Franklin Resources BEN will report its earnings during the week of January 24, Jefferies reports. “Our F1Q11 EPS estimate is $1.94 an increase from our prior $1.78 estimate,” Jefferies writes in a report that includes a PT increase to $120 from $110. “We expect total revenues to come in at $1.69B, which would match BEN's highest quarterly total ever (i.e., F1Q08), as well as a q/q improvement in operating margins to 34.5% from 33.3%.” For the full calendar year 2011 Jefferies expects earnings of $8.00 and operating margins of 33.3%. Franklin Resources closed Monday at $112.93.