3 August 2026: The ClearBridge Select Opportunities Fund - Class A has been awarded a Highly Recommended rating by Zenith Investment Partners, an upgrade from the Recommended rating the fund has held over the past five years.
Zenith says its “conviction in the fund has strengthened following the enhancement to its fee structure, which it expects to lead to improved investment outcomes” and that it holds “the fund’s portfolio manager and long-standing investment process in high regard”. The fund, managed by ClearBridge Investments’ Australian Equities team, applies a high-conviction, actively managed investment approach focused on uncovering mispriced opportunities across ASX-listed equities.
Pleasingly, the fund has achieved its investment objective over the most recent five-year period to 30 June, outperforming the benchmark (S&P/ASX Accumulation Index) and median manager over this time frame.
The fund returned 16.91 per cent over one year, 9.42 per cent per annum over five years and 10.40 per cent per annum over ten years, compared with the benchmark's 6.11, 7.76 and 9.45 per cent, respectively. It ranked in the first quartile of its sector over one, two, three and five years.
Felicity Walsh, Managing Director of Franklin Templeton Australia, says the upgrade reflects the strength of the investment team behind the fund.
“This rating is recognition of the discipline and consistency that Reece and the team have brought to this strategy over a long period. We removed the performance fee on this fund last year to better align outcomes for investors, and it is pleasing to see that change recognised by Zenith alongside the fund's investment performance,” she adds.
“The rating reflects a fundamentally driven research process that has remained consistent. We look for the most compelling undervalued stock ideas on a forward-looking basis, and we let that valuation bias play out through the cycle,” notes Reece Birtles, head of Australian Equities at ClearBridge Investments.
The team of 14 is based in Melbourne and led by Birtles, who has 33 years of industry experience and has been with the team for 31 years. The Australian Equities team is one of the most stable in the industry, with deep experience and long tenure across the investment group.
Zenith's assessment of the team also points to the culture behind the investment process, noting that the broader investment team is "collegiate and promotes rigorous debate amongst team members" and that the investment team is "experienced and adequately resourced" to successfully manage the fund.
Overall, Zenith views the portfolio construction process favourably and says it is “encouraged by its strong connection with the stock research performed by the analysts.”
The fund also holds a Recommended rating from Lonsec.
About Franklin Templeton
Franklin Templeton is a trusted investment partner, delivering tailored solutions that align with clients’ strategic goals. With deep portfolio management expertise across public and private markets, we combine investment excellence with cutting-edge technology. Since our founding in 1947, we have empowered clients through strategic partnership, forward-looking insights, and continuous innovation – providing the tools and resources to navigate change and capture opportunity. To learn more, visit franklintempleton.com.au/about-us and follow us on LinkedIn. Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE: BEN]
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Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDSs) and any associated reference documents before making an investment decision. In accordance with the Design and Distribution Obligations requirements we maintain Target Market Determinations (TMD) for each of our Funds. All documents can be found via www.franklintempleton.com.au or by calling 1800 673 776. Issued by Franklin Templeton Australia Limited (ABN 76 004 835 849, AFSL 240827). Franklin Templeton Australia Limited is the Responsible Entity of the Fund and has appointed ClearBridge Investments as the investment manager for the ClearBridge Select Opportunities Fund - A, ARSN 122 100 207. Copyright © 2026 Franklin Templeton. All rights reserved.
The Zenith Investment Partners (ABN 27 103 132 672, AFS Licence 226872) (“Zenith”) ratings (SSB0009AU assigned 25 June 2026) referred to in this piece is limited to “General Advice” (s766B Corporations Act 2001) for Wholesale clients only. This advice has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any individual, including target markets of financial products, where applicable, and is subject to change at any time without prior notice. It is not a specific recommendation to purchase, sell or hold the relevant product(s). Investors should seek independent financial advice before making an investment decision and should consider the appropriateness of this advice in light of their own objectives, financial situation and needs. Investors should obtain a copy of, and consider the PDS or offer document before making any decision and refer to the full Zenith Product Assessment available on the Zenith website. Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Zenith usually charges the product issuer, fund manager or related party to conduct Product Assessments. Full details regarding Zenith’s methodology, ratings definitions and regulatory compliance are available at zenithpartners.com.au/our-solutions/investment-research/regulatory-guidelines/ on our Product Assessments and at Fund Research Regulatory Guidelines.
The report that included the Lonsec Research rating was published by Lonsec Research Pty Ltd ABN 11 151 658 561 AFSL 421 445 (Lonsec) for SSB0009AU on 29 October 2025. Lonsec receives a fee from fund managers for the preparation of reports. The report / rating is general advice only. An investor should be aware that: a) the advice has been prepared without taking into account an investors’ objectives, financial situation or needs; b) an investor should consider the appropriateness of the advice having regard to their own objectives, financial situation or needs before acting on the advice; and c) an investor should obtain a PDS relating to the product, consider the PDS and seek independent financial advice before making any decision about whether to acquire the product. The rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any product. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Ratings are prepared based on information available at the time of preparation and may be subject to change by Lonsec without notice. Visit lonsec.com.au for important documents (FSG, Conflicts Statement). © 2026 Lonsec. All rights reserved.