Franklin Resources likes to indicate that you can "gain from their perspective." For instance, they indicate that one advantage that they have is an abundance of resources across the globe. Specifically:

"We believe superior insight into the cultural nuances of an investment helps us spot opportunities others may miss. To deliver this competitive advantage to our shareholders, we "think globally and act locally."

The website goes on to indicate that Franklin Resources has more than 590 investment professionals in 35 countries, with an average tenure of over 16 years in the industry and over 10 years with the firm. And conceivably this is a significant point - a large group of experienced professionals around the world appears to be a solid advantage.

The real advantage of Franklin Resources - in our opinion - is their underlying ideology and presentation of topics. You can get advice and investment aggregation vehicles almost anywhere, so it must follow that Franklin Resources brings something else to the table. This is precisely what we have observed. Their perspective might be the company's backbone, but properly advertising this perspective is what brings clients in the door.

A quick review of the company's "2020 vision" website will reveal an array of cool tools and investing presentations. For instance, Franklin Resources makes the "Case for Equities" using 5 proposals:

1. History Favors a Return to the Mean
2. The World is Getting Smaller
3. Innovation Will Surprise Us… Again
4. Quality Companies Are Not Short-Sighted
5. Equities Help Protect Purchasing Power