Franklin Universal (FT) vs Barings Participation Investors (MPV)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Franklin Universal (FT) has outperformed Barings Participation Investors (MPV) over the past year, losing 12.0% versus a loss of 20.5%. Over five years, MPV leads with a +18.1% price change compared with -13.8% for FT. On valuation, Franklin Universal trades at a lower trailing P/E (5.5x vs 10.3x for Barings Participation Investors).
Barings Participation Investors offers the higher dividend yield (9.02% vs 7.19%).
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | FT | MPV |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $7.09 | $16.41 |
| Market cap | — | $177.05M |
| 1-day change | +0.14% | +1.83% |
| YTD return | -11.50% | +1.38% |
| 1-year return | -12.05% | -20.52% |
| 5-year return | -13.76% | +18.11% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 5.45 | 10.25 |
| Forward P/E | — | 22.78 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.30 | $1.60 |
| Dividend yield | 7.19% | 9.02% |
| Annual dividend | $0.51 | $1.48 |
| 52-week high | $8.35 | $20.58 |
| 52-week low | $6.95 | $15.05 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -15.09% | -20.29% |
| Average volume | 53.96K | 21.91K |
| Shares outstanding | — | 10.79M |
| Sector | Finance | Finance |
| Industry | Trusts Except Educational Religious and Charitable | Finance Companies |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Barings Participation Investors trades at a higher earnings multiple (10.3x vs 5.5x trailing P/E).
- Barings Participation Investors offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (9.02% vs 7.19%).
About Franklin Universal
FT stock →Franklin Universal Trust is a closed-ended balanced mutual fund launched by Franklin Resources, Inc. The fund is managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc.
Finance · Trusts Except Educational Religious and Charitable
About Barings Participation Investors
MPV stock →Barings Participation Investors is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Barings LLC. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States.
Finance · Finance Companies
FT vs MPV FAQ
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FT or MPV?
FT returned -12.05% over the past 12 months, compared with -20.52% for MPV (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FT or MPV?
FT has the lower trailing P/E at 5.5, versus 10.3 for MPV. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Franklin Universal or Barings Participation Investors?
Barings Participation Investors has the higher yield at 9.02%, compared with 7.19% for Franklin Universal.
Are Franklin Universal and Barings Participation Investors in the same industry?
Both are in the Finance sector, but in different industries: Trusts Except Educational Religious and Charitable for Franklin Universal and Finance Companies for Barings Participation Investors.