Franklin California Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free Income Fund
Franklin California Tax-Free Trust
PROSPECTUS November 1, 1994
as amended July 18, 1995
777 Mariners Island Blvd., P.O. Box 7777
San Mateo, CA 94403-7777 1-800/DIAL BEN
Franklin California Tax-Free Trust (the "Trust") is an open-end management
investment company, consisting of two diversified and one non-diversified
series. This Prospectus relates only to the Franklin California
Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund (the "Fund"), the non-diversified series
of the Trust. The Fund offers individual investors, corporations and other
institutions a convenient way to invest in a professionally managed portfolio of
municipal securities, primarily issued by the state of California and its
political subdivisions. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors
with as high a level of income exempt from federal income taxes and California
personal income taxes as is consistent with prudent investment management and
the preservation of shareholders' capital. The Fund invests primarily in a
portfolio of investment grade obligations with a dollar weighted average
portfolio maturity of more than three years but not more than ten years. There
can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Fund will be realized.
This Prospectus is intended to set forth in a clear and concise manner
information about the Trust and the Fund that a prospective investor should know
before investing. After reading the Prospectus, it should be retained for future
reference; it contains information about the purchase and sale of shares and
other items which a prospective investor will find useful to have.
Shares of the Fund are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed
by, any bank; further, such shares are not federally insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency.
Shares of the Fund involve investment risks, including the possible loss of
principal.
A Statement of Additional Information concerning the Fund (the "SAI"), dated
November 1, 1994, as may be amended from time to time, provides a further
discussion of certain areas in this Prospectus and other matters which may be of
interest to some investors. It has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") and is incorporated herein by reference. A copy is available
without charge from the Fund or the Fund's principal underwriter,
Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc. ("Distributors"), at the address or
telephone number shown above.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
This Prospectus is not an offering of the securities herein described in any
state in which the offering is not authorized. No sales representative, dealer,
or other person is authorized to give any information or make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus. Further
information may be obtained from the underwriter.
ContentsPage
Expense Table 2
Financial Highlights 4
About the Trust 4
Investment Objective and
Policies of the Fund 4
Management of the Fund 9
Distributions to Shareholders 11
Taxation of the Fund
and Its Shareholders 12
How to Buy Shares of the Fund 14
Other Programs and Privileges
Available to Fund Shareholders 19
Exchange Privilege 21
How to Sell Shares of the Fund 23
Telephone Transactions 26
Valuation of Fund Shares 27
How to Get Information Regarding
an Investment in the Fund 27
Performance 28
General Information 29
Account Registrations 30
Important Notice Regarding
Taxpayer IRS Certifications 31
Portfolio Operations 32
Risk Factors of California 32
Expense Table
The purpose of this table is to assist an investor in understanding the various
costs and expenses that a shareholder will bear directly or indirectly in
connection with an investment in the Fund. These figures are based on aggregate
operating expenses of the Fund (including fees set by contract) for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1994.
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price) 2.25%
Deferred Sales Charge NONE*
Exchange Fee (per transaction) NONE
*Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge;
however, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% is generally imposed on
certain redemptions within a "contingency period" of 12 months of the calendar
month following such investments. See "How to Sell Shares of the Fund -
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge."
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees 0.63%**
12b-1 Fees 0.05%***
Other Expenses:
Reports to shareholders 0.04%
Shareholder servicing costs 0.02%
Other 0.06%
Total Other Expenses 0.12%
Total Fund Operating Expenses 0.80%**
**Represents the amount that would have been payable to the investment manager,
absent a fee reduction by the investment manager. The investment manager has
voluntarily agreed to limit its management fees and assume responsibility for
making payments to offset certain operating expenses otherwise payable by the
Fund. With this reduction, management fees and total operating expenses
represented 0.11% and 0.25%, respectively, of the average net assets of the
Fund.
***Consistent with National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.'s rules, it
is possible that the combination of front-end sales charges and Rule 12b-1 fees
could cause long-term shareholders to pay more than the economic equivalent of
the maximum front-end sales charges permitted under those same rules.
Investors should be aware that the above table is not intended to reflect in
precise detail the fees and expenses associated with an individual's own
investment in the Fund. Rather the table has been provided only to assist
investors in gaining a more complete understanding of fees, charges and
expenses. For a more detailed discussion of these matters, investors should
refer to the appropriate sections of this Prospectus.
Example
As required by SEC regulations, the following example illustrates the expenses,
including the maximum sales charge, that apply to a $1,000 investment in the
Fund over various time periods assuming (1) a 5% annual rate of return and (2)
redemption at the end of each time period.
1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years
$ 30 $ 47 $ 66 $119
This example is based on the aggregate annual operating expenses (including fees
set by contract) shown above and should not be considered a representation of
past or future expenses, which may be more or less than those shown. The
operating expenses are borne by the Fund and only indirectly by shareholders as
a result of their investment in the Fund. In addition, federal securities
regulations require the example to assume an annual return of 5%, but the Fund's
actual return may be more or less than 5%.
Financial Highlights
Set forth below is a table containing the financial highlights for a share of
the Fund from the effective date of the registration statement, September 21,
1992, through the period ended June 30, 1993 and for the fiscal year ended June
30, 1994. This information has been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,
independent auditors, whose audit report appears in the Trust's SAI. See the
discussion "Report to Shareholders" under "General Information."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Per Share Operating Performance Ratio/Supplemental Data
Net Net Net
Asset Net Net Realized Total Dividends Distribu- Asset Assets Ratio of Ratio of
Year Value Invest- & Unrealized From From Net tions from Total Value at End Expenses Net Income
Ended Beginning ment Gain (Loss) Investment Investment Capital Distri- at End Total of Year to Average to Average
June 30 of Year Income on Securities Operations Income Gains bution of Year Return (in 000's) Net Assets Net Assets
<C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1993** $10.00 $0.29 $0.550 $0.840 $(0.290) $- $(0.290) $10.55 10.95%* $42,831 0.09%* 4.73%
1994 10.55 0.54 (0.360) 0.180 (0.530) - (0.530) 10.20 1.65 94,015 0.25 5.11
Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
0.08%
14.95
*Annualized
</TABLE>
**For the period September 21, 1992 (effective date of registration) to June 30,
1993.
Total return measures the change in value of an investment over the period
indicated. It does not include the maximum initial sales charge, and assumes
reinvestment of dividends and capital gains at net asset value.
During the periods indicated, Franklin Advisers, Inc., the investment manager,
reduced management fees and reimbursed other expenses. Had such action not been
taken, the ratio of operating expenses to average net assets would have been
.95% (annualized) and .80%, respectively.
About the Trust
Franklin California Tax-Free Trust is an open-end management investment company,
or mutual fund, organized as a Massachusetts business trust in July 1985 and
registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940
Act"). The Trust currently consists of three series, each of which issues a
separate series of the Trust's shares and maintains a totally separate
investment portfolio.
The Board of Trustees may determine, at a future date, to offer shares of the
Fund in one or more "classes" to permit the Fund to take advantage of
alternative methods of selling Fund shares. "Classes" of shares represent
proportionate interests in the same portfolio of investment securities but with
different rights and privileges, as determined by the trustees. Certain funds in
the Franklin Templeton Funds, as that term is defined under "How to Buy Shares
of the Fund," currently offer their shares in two classes, designated "Class I"
and "Class II." Because the Fund's sales charge structure and plan of
distribution are similar to those of Class I shares, shares of the Fund may be
considered Class I shares for redemption and exchange purposes.
Shares of the Fund may be purchased (minimum investment of $100 initially and
$25 thereafter) at the current public offering price which is equal to the
Fund's net asset value (see "Valuation of Fund Shares") plus a sales charge
based upon a variable percentage (ranging from 2.25% to less than 1.0% of the
offering price) depending upon the amount invested. (See "How to Buy Shares of
the Fund.")
Investment Objective and
Policies of the Fund
The Fund seeks to provide investors with as high a level of income exempt from
federal income taxes and California personal income taxes as is consistent with
prudent investment management and the preservation of shareholders' capital. The
objective is a fundamental policy of the Fund and may not be changed without the
approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares. The Fund invests
primarily in a portfolio of investment grade obligations with a dollar weighted
average portfolio maturity of more than three years but not more than ten years.
There is, of course, no assurance that the Fund's objective will be achieved.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund attempts to invest 100% and, as a
matter of fundamental policy, will invest at least 80% of its total assets in
debt obligations issued by or on behalf of the state of California or any state,
territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia and their
respective authorities, agencies, instrumentalities and political subdivisions,
the interest on which is exempt from federal income tax. It is possible,
although not anticipated, that up to 20% of the Fund's net assets could be in
municipal securities subject to the alternative minimum tax and/or in taxable
obligations.
The Fund may invest, without percentage limitation, in securities having, at the
time of purchase, one of the four highest ratings of Moody's Investors Service
("Moody's") (Aaa, Aa, A, Baa), Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") (AAA, AA,
A, BBB), or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") (AAA, AA, A, BBB), or in
securities which are not rated, provided that, in the opinion of the Fund's
investment manager, such securities are comparable in quality to those within
the four highest ratings. These are considered to be "investment grade"
securities, although bonds rated in the fourth highest ratings level (Baa by
Moody's) are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay principal and
interest but with greater vulnerability to adverse economic conditions and as
having some speculative characteristics. In the event the rating of an issue
held in the Fund's portfolio is lowered by the rating services, such change will
be considered by the Fund in its evaluation of the overall investment merits of
that security but such change will not necessarily result in an automatic sale
of the security. For a description of municipal securities ratings, see
"Appendix B" in the SAI.
In addition, under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65%
of its total assets in municipal securities and obligations issued by or on
behalf of the state of California and its local governments, municipalities,
authorities, agencies and political subdivisions, and those of certain other
governmental issuers, such as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which pay income
exempt from federal and California income taxes ("California Municipal
Securities"). Dividends paid by the Fund which are derived from interest on
tax-exempt obligations that are not California Municipal Securities will be
exempt from federal income tax, but will be subject to California income taxes.
It is possible, although not anticipated, that up to 35% of the Fund's net
assets could be in municipal securities from a state other than California.
For temporary defensive purposes only, the Fund may invest (i) more than 20% of
its assets (which could be up to 100%) in fixed-income obligations the interest
on which is subject to federal income tax, and (ii) more than 35% of the value
of its net assets (which could be up to 100%) in instruments the interest on
which is exempt from federal income taxes but not California personal income
taxes. Any such temporary taxable investments will be limited to obligations
issued or guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or
commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P.
The Fund may borrow from banks for temporary or emergency purposes and pledge up
to 5% of its total assets therefor. As approved by the Board of Trustees and
subject to the following conditions, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities
to qualified securities dealers or other institutional investors, provided that
such loans do not exceed 10% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the time
of the most recent loan. The borrower must deposit with the Fund's custodian
collateral with an initial market value of at least 102% of the initial market
value of the securities loaned, including any accrued interest, with the value
of the collateral and loaned securities marked-to-market daily to maintain
collateral coverage of at least 102%. Such collateral shall consist of cash. The
lending of securities is a common practice in the securities industry. The Fund
engages in security loan arrangements with the primary objective of increasing
the Fund's income either through investing the cash collateral in short-term
interest bearing obligations or by receiving a loan premium from the borrower.
Under the securities loan agreement, the Fund continues to be entitled to all
dividends or interest on any loaned securities. As with any extension of credit,
there are risks of delay in recovery and loss of rights in the collateral should
the borrower of the security fail financially.
Municipal Securities
The term "municipal securities," as used in this Prospectus, means obligations
issued by or on behalf of the state of California or any state, territory or
possession of the U.S. and the District of Columbia, and their political
subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities, the interest on which is exempt
from federal income tax. An opinion as to the tax-exempt status of a municipal
security is generally rendered to the issuer by the issuer's bond counsel at the
time of issuance of the security.
Municipal securities are used to raise money for various public purposes, such
as constructing public facilities and making loans to public institutions.
Certain types of municipal bonds are issued to obtain funding for privately
operated facilities. Further information on the maturity and funding
classifications of municipal securities is included in the SAI.
It is possible, from time to time, that the Fund will invest more than 25% of
its assets in a particular segment of the municipal securities market, such as
hospital revenue bonds, housing agency bonds, industrial development bonds,
transportation bonds, or pollution control revenue bonds, or in securities the
interest upon which is paid from revenues of a similar type of project. In such
circumstances, economic, business, political or other changes affecting one bond
(such as proposed legislation affecting the financing of a project; shortages or
price increases of needed materials; or declining markets or need for the
projects) might also affect other bonds in the same segment, thereby potentially
increasing market risk.
Yields on municipal securities vary, depending on a variety of factors,
including the general condition of the financial markets and of the municipal
securities market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the
obligation and the credit rating of the issuer. Generally, municipal securities
of longer maturities produce higher current yields than municipal securities
with shorter maturities, but are subject to greater price fluctuation due to
changes in interest rates, tax laws and other general market factors.
Lower-rated municipal securities generally produce a higher yield than
higher-rated municipal securities due to the perception of a greater degree of
risk as to the ability of the issuer to pay principal and interest obligations.
The interest on bonds issued to finance public purpose state and local
government operations is generally tax-exempt for regular federal income tax
purposes. Interest on certain "private activity bonds" (including those for
housing and student loans) issued after August 7, 1986, while still tax-exempt,
constitutes a preference item for taxpayers in determining the federal
alternative minimum tax under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), and under the income tax provisions of some states. This interest could
subject a shareholder to, or increase the shareholder's liability under, the
federal alternative minimum tax (but not under California's alternative minimum
tax), depending on the shareholder's tax situation. In addition, all
distributions derived from interest exempt from regular federal income tax may
subject a corporate shareholder to, or increase its liability under, the federal
alternative minimum tax, because such distributions are included in the
corporation's "adjusted current earnings." Consistent with the Fund's investment
objective, the Fund may acquire such private activity bonds if, in the
investment manager's opinion, such bonds represent the most attractive
investment opportunity then available to the Fund. As of June 30, 1994, the Fund
derived 1.48% of its income from bonds, the interest on which constitutes a
preference item subject to the federal alternative minimum tax for certain
investors.
The Fund may purchase floating rate and variable rate obligations. These
obligations bear interest at rates that are not fixed, but that vary with
changes in prevailing market rates on predesignated dates. The Fund may also
invest in variable or floating rate demand notes ("VRDNs"), which carry a demand
feature that permits the Fund to tender the obligation back to the issuer or a
third party at par value plus accrued interest prior to maturity, according to
the terms of the obligations, which amount may be more or less than the amount
the Fund paid for such obligation. Frequently, VRDNs are secured by letters of
credit or other credit support arrangements provided by banks. Because of the
demand feature, the prices of VRDNs may be higher and the yields lower than they
otherwise would be for obligations without a demand feature. The Fund will limit
its purchase of municipal securities that are floating rate and variable rate
obligations to those meeting the quality standards set forth in this Prospectus.
The Fund may purchase and sell municipal securities on a "when-issued" and
"delayed delivery" basis. These transactions are subject to market fluctuation,
and the value at delivery may be more or less than the purchase price. Although
the Fund will generally purchase municipal securities on a when-issued basis
with the intention of acquiring such securities, it may sell such securities
before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable. When the Fund is the buyer
in such a transaction, it will maintain, in a segregated account with its
custodian, cash or high-grade marketable securities having an aggregate value
equal to the amount of such purchase commitments, until payment is made. To the
extent the Fund engages in "when-issued" and "delayed delivery" transactions, it
will do so for the purpose of acquiring securities for the Fund's portfolio
consistent with its investment objective and policies and not for the purpose of
investment leverage.
The Fund may also invest in municipal lease obligations, primarily through
Certificates of Participation ("COPs"). COPs, which are widely used by state and
local governments to finance the purchase of property, function much like
installment purchase agreements. For example, COPs may be created when long-term
lease revenue bonds are issued by a governmental corporation to pay for the
acquisition of property or facilities which are then leased to a municipality.
The payments made by the municipality under the lease are used to repay interest
and principal on the bonds issued to purchase the property. Once these lease
payments are completed, the municipality gains ownership of the property for a
nominal sum. This lease format is generally not subject to constitutional
limitations on the issuance of state debt, and COPs may enable a governmental
issuer to increase government liabilities beyond constitutional debt limits.
A feature which distinguishes COPs from municipal debt is that the lease which
is the subject of the transaction must contain a "nonappropriation" or
"abatement" clause. A nonappropriation clause provides that, while the
municipality will use its best efforts to make lease payments, the municipality
may terminate the lease without penalty if the municipality's appropriating body
does not allocate the necessary funds. Local administrations, being faced with
increasingly tight budgets, therefore have more discretion to curtail payments
under COPs than they do to curtail payments on traditionally funded debt
obligations. If the government lessee does not appropriate sufficient monies to
make lease payments, the lessor or its agent is typically entitled to repossess
the property. In most cases, however, the private sector value of the property
will be less than the amount the government lessee was paying.
While the risk of nonappropriation is inherent to COPs financing, the Fund
believes that this risk is mitigated by its policy of investing only in COPs
rated within the four highest rating categories of Moody's, S&P or Fitch, or in
unrated COPs believed to be of comparable quality. Criteria considered by the
rating agencies and the investment manager in assessing such risk include the
issuing municipality's credit rating, evaluation of how essential the leased
property is to the municipality and the term of the lease compared to the useful
life of the leased property. The Board of Trustees reviews the COPs held in the
Fund's portfolio to assure that they constitute liquid investments based on
various factors reviewed by the investment manager and monitored by the Board.
Such factors include (a) the credit quality of such securities and the extent to
which they are rated or, if unrated, comply with existing criteria and
procedures followed to ensure that they are of quality comparable to the ratings
required for Fund investment, including an assessment of the likelihood that the
leases will not be canceled; (b) the size of the municipal securities market,
both in general and with respect to COPs; and (c) the extent to which the type
of COPs held by the Fund trade on the same basis and with the same degree of
dealer participation as other municipal bonds of comparable credit rating or
quality. While there is no limit as to the amount of assets which the Fund may
invest in COPs, as of June 30, 1994, the Fund held 31.09% of its net assets in
COPs and other municipal leases.
The Fund may purchase and hold callable municipal bonds which contain a
provision in the indenture permitting the issuer to redeem the bonds prior to
their maturity dates at a specified price which typically reflects a premium
over the bonds' original issue price. These bonds generally have call protection
(that is, a period of time during which the bonds may not be called) which
usually lasts for five to ten years, after which time such bonds may be called
away. An issuer may generally be expected to call its bonds, or a portion of
them, during periods of relatively declining interest rates, when borrowings may
be replaced at lower rates than those obtained in prior years. If the proceeds
of a bond called under such circumstances are reinvested, the result may be a
lower overall yield due to lower current interest rates. If the purchase price
of such bonds included a premium related to the appreciated value of the bonds,
some or all of that premium may not be recovered by bondholders, such as the
Fund, depending on the price at which such bonds were redeemed. Notwithstanding
the call feature, any such investment would still be subject to the policy
whereby the Fund is required to maintain a dollar weighted average portfolio
maturity of between three and ten years.
Investment Risk Considerations
While an investment in the Fund is not without risk, certain policies are
followed in managing the Fund which may help to reduce the investor's risk.
There are two categories of risks to which a Fund is subject: credit risk and
market risk. Credit risk is a function of the ability of an issuer of a
municipal security to maintain timely interest payments and to pay the principal
of a security upon maturity. It is generally reflected in a security's
underlying credit rating and its stated interest rate (normally the coupon
rate). A change in the credit risk associated with a municipal security may
cause a corresponding change in the security's price. Market risk is the risk of
price fluctuation of a municipal security caused by changes in general economic
and interest rate conditions generally affecting the market as a whole. A
municipal security's maturity length also affects its price. As with other debt
instruments, the price of the securities in which the Fund invests are likely to
decrease in times of rising interest rates. Conversely, when rates fall, the
value of the Fund's debt investments may rise. Price changes of securities held
by the Fund have a direct impact on the net asset value per share of the Fund.
Since the Fund will generally invest primarily in California Municipal
Securities, there are certain specific factors and considerations concerning
California which may affect the credit and market risk of the municipal
securities that the Fund may purchase. See "Risk Factors in California" for a
discussion of these factors.
As a non-diversified investment company, the Fund is not subject to any
statutory restriction under the 1940 Act with respect to the concentration of
its investments in the assets of one or more issuers. This concentration may
present greater risks than in the case of a diversified company. (See the SAI
for the diversification requirements the Fund intends to meet in order to
qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code.)
The Fund is subject to a number of additional investment restrictions, some of
which may be changed only with the approval of shareholders, which limit its
activities to some extent. For a list of these restrictions and more information
concerning the policies discussed herein, please see the SAI.
How Shareholders Participate in the
Results of the Fund's Activities
The assets of the Fund are invested in portfolio securities. If the securities
owned by the Fund increase in value, the value of the shares of the Fund which
the shareholder owns will increase. If the securities owned by the Fund decrease
in value, the value of the shareholder's shares will also decline. In this way,
shareholders participate in any change in the value of the securities owned by
the Fund. In addition to the factors which affect the value of individual
securities, as described in the preceding sections, a shareholder may anticipate
that the value of Fund shares will fluctuate with movements in the broader
equity and bond markets as well. In particular, changes in interest rates will
affect the value of the Fund's portfolio and thus its share price. Increased
interest rates, which frequently accompany higher inflation and/or a growing
economy, are likely to have a negative effect on the value of Fund shares.
History reflects both increases and decreases in the prevailing rate of interest
which may reoccur unpredictably in the future.
Management of the Fund
The Board of Trustees has the primary responsibility for the overall management
of the Fund and for electing the officers of the Trust who are responsible for
administering its day-to-day operations.
Franklin Advisers, Inc. ("Advisers" or "Manager"), serves as the Fund's
investment manager. Advisers is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources,
Inc. ("Resources"), a publicly owned holding company, the principal shareholders
of which are Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., who own
approximately 20% and 16%, respectively, of Resources' outstanding shares.
Resources is engaged in various aspects of the financial services industry
through its various subsidiaries (the "Franklin Templeton Group"). Advisers acts
as investment manager or administrator to 34 U.S. registered investment
companies (113 separate series) with aggregate assets of over $76 billion,
approximately $41.1 billion of which are in the municipal securities market.
Pursuant to the management agreement, the Manager supervises and implements the
Fund's investment activities and provides certain administrative services and
facilities which are necessary to conduct the Fund's business.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1994, fees totaling 0.63% of the average
monthly net assets of the Fund would have accrued to Advisers. Total operating
expenses, including management fees, would have represented 0.80% of the average
monthly net assets of the Fund. Pursuant to an agreement by Advisers to limit
its fees, the Fund paid management fees totaling 0.11% of the average monthly
net assets of the Fund and operating expenses totaling 0.25%.
It is not anticipated that the Fund will incur a significant amount of brokerage
expenses because municipal securities are generally traded on a "net" basis,
that is, in principal transactions without the addition or deduction of
brokerage commissions or transfer taxes. To the extent that the Fund does
participate in transactions involving brokerage commissions, it is the Manager's
responsibility to select brokers through whom such transactions will be
effected. The Manager tries to obtain the best execution on all such
transactions. If it is felt that more than one broker is able to provide the
best execution, the Manager will consider the furnishing of quotations and of
other market services, research, statistical and other data for the Manager and
its affiliates, as well as the sale of shares of the Fund, as factors in
selecting a broker. Further information is included under "The Trust's Policies
Regarding Brokers Used on Portfolio Transactions" in the SAI.
Shareholder accounting and many of the clerical functions for the Fund are
performed by Franklin/Templeton Investor Services, Inc. ("Investor Services" or
"Shareholder Services Agent"), in its capacity as transfer agent and
dividend-paying agent. Investor Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Resources.
Plan of Distribution
The Fund has adopted a distribution plan (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund may reimburse Distributors or
others for all expenses incurred by Distributors or others in the promotion and
distribution of the Fund's shares. Such expenses may include, but are not
limited to, the printing of prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes,
expenses of preparing and distributing sales literature and related expenses,
advertisements, and other distribution-related expenses, including a prorated
portion of Distributors' overhead expenses attributable to the distribution of
Fund shares, as well as any distribution or service fees paid to securities
dealers or their firms or others who have executed a servicing agreement with
the Fund, Distributors or its affiliates. The maximum amount which the Fund may
pay to Distributors or others for such distribution expenses is 0.10% per annum
of the average daily net assets of the Fund, payable on a quarterly basis. All
expenses of distribution and marketing in excess of 0.10% per annum will be
borne by Distributors, or others who have incurred them, without reimbursement
from the Fund. The Plan also covers any payments to or by the Fund, Advisers,
Distributors, or other parties on behalf of the Fund, Advisers or Distributors,
to the extent such payments are deemed to be for the financing of any activity
primarily intended to result in the sale of shares issued by the Fund within the
context of Rule 12b-1. The payments under the Plan are included in the maximum
operating expenses which may be borne by the Fund. For more information, please
see the SAI.
Distributions to Shareholders
There are two types of distributions which the Fund may make to its
shareholders:
1. Income dividends. The Fund receives income in the form of interest and other
income derived from its investments. This income, less the expenses incurred in
the Fund's operations, is its net investment income from which income dividends
may be distributed. Thus, the amount of dividends paid per share may vary with
each distribution.
2. Capital gain distributions. The Fund may derive capital gains or losses in
connection with sales or other dispositions of its portfolio securities.
Distributions by the Fund derived from net short-term and net long-term capital
gains (after taking into account any net capital loss carryovers) may generally
be made once a year in December to reflect any net short-term and net long-term
capital gains realized by the Fund as of October 31 of the current fiscal year
and any undistributed net capital gains from the prior fiscal year. These
distributions, when made, will generally be fully taxable to the Fund's
shareholders. The Fund may make more than one distribution derived from net
short-term and net long-term capital gains in any year or adjust the timing of
these distributions for operational or other reasons.
Distribution Date
Although subject to change by the Board of Trustees, without prior notice to or
approval by shareholders, the Fund's current policy is to declare income
dividends daily and pay them monthly on or about the last business day of that
month. The amount of income dividend payments by the Fund is dependent upon the
amount of net income received by the Fund from its portfolio holdings, is not
guaranteed and is subject to the discretion of the Board of Trustees. The Fund
does not pay "interest" or guarantee any fixed rate of return on an investment
in its shares.
Dividend Reinvestment
Unless otherwise requested, income dividends and capital gain distributions, if
any, will be automatically reinvested in the shareholder's account in the form
of additional shares, valued at the closing net asset value (without a sales
charge) on the dividend reinvestment date. Dividend and capital gain
distributions are only eligible for reinvestment at net asset value in the Fund
or Class I shares of other Franklin Templeton Funds. Shareholders have the right
to change their election with respect to the receipt of distributions by
notifying the Fund, but any such change will be effective only as to
distributions for which the reinvestment date is seven or more business days
after the Fund has been notified. See the SAI for more information.
Many of the Fund's shareholders receive their distributions in the form of
additional shares. This is a convenient way to accumulate additional shares and
maintain or increase the shareholder's earnings base. Of course, any shares so
acquired remain at market risk.
Distributions in Cash
A shareholder may elect to receive income dividends, or both income dividends
and capital gain distributions, in cash. By completing the "Special Payment
Instructions for Distributions" section of the Shareholder Application included
with this Prospectus, a shareholder may direct the selected distributions to
another fund in the Franklin Group of Funds(R) or the Templeton Funds, to
another person, or directly to a checking account. If the bank at which the
account is maintained is a member of the Automated Clearing House, the payments
may be made automatically by electronic funds transfer. If this last option is
requested, the shareholder should allow at least 15 days for initial processing.
Dividends which may be paid in the interim will be sent to the address of
record. Additional information regarding automated fund transfers may be
obtained from Franklin's Shareholder Services Department. See "Purchases at Net
Asset Value" under "How to Buy Shares of the Fund."
Taxation of the Fund and Its Shareholders
The following discussion reflects some of the tax considerations that affect
mutual funds and their shareholders. For further information, see the section
entitled "Additional Information Regarding Taxation" in the SAI.
Each series of the Trust is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax
purposes. The Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Code, qualified as such, and intends to continue to so
qualify. By distributing all of its income and meeting certain other
requirements relating to the sources of its income and diversification of its
assets, the Fund will not be liable for federal income or excise taxes.
The Fund intends to qualify and elect to pay exempt-interest dividends to its
shareholders. To the extent that dividends are derived from interest income from
debt obligations of California or its political subdivisions or from interest on
U.S. territorial obligations (including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and
Guam) which are exempt from regular federal and California personal income tax,
they will not be subject to either federal or California personal income tax
when received by the Fund's shareholders. The pass through of exempt-interest
dividends is allowed only if the Fund meets its federal and California
requirements that at least 50% of its total assets are invested in such exempt
obligations at the end of each quarter of its fiscal year. In addition, to the
extent that exempt-interest dividends are derived from direct obligations of the
federal government, they will also be exempt from California personal income
taxes. For corporate taxpayers subject to the California franchise tax, however,
all distributions will be fully taxable.
To the extent dividends are derived from taxable income from temporary
investments (including the discount from certain stripped obligations or their
coupons or income from securities loans or other taxable transactions) or from
the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss, they
are treated as ordinary income whether the shareholder has elected to receive
them in cash or in additional shares.
From time to time, the Fund may purchase a tax-exempt obligation with market
discount, that is, for a price that is less than the principal amount of the
bond. For such obligations purchased after April 30, 1993, a portion of the gain
(not to exceed the accrued portion of market discount as of the time of sale or
disposition) is treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain. Any
distribution by the Fund of such ordinary income to its shareholders will be
subject to regular income tax in the hands of Fund shareholders. In any fiscal
year, the Fund may elect not to distribute to its shareholders its taxable
ordinary income and, instead, to pay federal income or excise taxes on this
income at the Fund level.
Distributions derived from the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss are treated as long-term capital gain regardless of the
length of time a shareholder has owned Fund shares and regardless of whether
such distributions are received in cash or in additional shares.
Pursuant to the Code, certain distributions which are declared in October,
November or December but which, for operational reasons, may not be paid to the
shareholder until the following January, will be treated for tax purposes as if
received by the shareholder on December 31 of the calendar year in which they
are declared.
Redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares are taxable events on which a
shareholder may realize a gain or loss. Any loss incurred on the sale or
exchange of Fund shares, held for six months or less, will be treated as a
long-term capital loss to the extent of capital gain dividends received with
respect to such shares.
Since the Fund's income is derived from interest income and gain on the sale of
portfolio securities rather than dividend income, no portion of the Fund's
distributions will generally be eligible for the corporate dividends-received
deduction.
The Fund will inform shareholders of the source of their dividends and
distributions at the time they are paid and will, promptly after the close of
each calendar year, advise them of the tax status for federal income tax
purposes of such dividends and distributions, including the portion of the
dividends on an average basis which constitutes taxable income, such as market
discount income, if any, or interest income that is a tax preference item under
the federal alternative minimum tax. Shareholders who have not held shares of
the Fund for a full calendar year may have designated as tax-exempt or as tax
preference income a percentage of income which is not equal to the actual amount
of tax-exempt or tax preference income earned during the period of their
investment in the Fund.
Exempt-interest dividends of the Fund, although exempt from regular federal
income tax in the hands of a shareholder, are includable in the tax base for
determining the extent to which a shareholder's social security or railroad
retirement benefits will be subject to federal income tax. Shareholders are
required to disclose the receipt of exempt-interest dividends on their federal
income tax returns.
Interest on indebtedness incurred (directly or indirectly) by shareholders to
purchase or carry Fund shares will not be deductible for federal income tax
purposes.
The foregoing description relates solely to federal income tax law and to
California personal income tax treatment to the extent indicated. Shareholders
should consult their tax advisors with respect to the applicability of other
state and local income tax laws to distributions and redemption proceeds
received from the Fund. Corporate, individual and trust shareholders should
contact their tax advisors to determine the impact of Fund dividends and capital
gain distributions under the alternative minimum tax that may be applicable to a
shareholder's particular tax situation.
Shareholders who are not U.S. persons for purposes of federal income taxation
should consult their financial or tax advisors regarding the applicability of
U.S. withholding or other taxes on distributions received by them from the Fund
and the application of foreign tax laws to these distributions.
How to Buy Shares of the Fund
Shares of the Fund are continuously offered through securities dealers which
execute an agreement with Distributors, the principal underwriter of the Fund's
shares. The use of the term "securities dealer" shall include other financial
institutions which, pursuant to an agreement with Distributors (directly or
through affiliates), handle customer orders and accounts with the Fund. Such
reference, however, is for convenience only and does not indicate a legal
conclusion of capacity. The minimum initial investment is $100 and subsequent
investments must be $25 or more. These minimums may be waived when the shares
are purchased through plans established by the Franklin Templeton Group. The
Fund and Distributors reserve the right to refuse any order for the purchase of
shares. The Fund currently does not permit investment by market timing or
allocation services ("Timing Accounts"), which generally include accounts
administered so as to redeem or purchase shares based upon certain predetermined
market indicators.
The Fund may impose a $10 charge for each returned item, against any shareholder
account which, in connection with the purchase of Fund shares, submits a check
or a draft which is returned unpaid to the Fund.
Purchase Price of Fund Shares
Shares of the Fund are offered at the public offering price, which is determined
by adding the net asset value per share plus a front-end sales charge, next
computed (1) after the shareholder's securities dealer receives the order which
is promptly transmitted to the Fund or (2) after receipt of an order by mail
from the shareholder directly in proper form (which generally means a completed
Shareholder Application accompanied by a negotiable check). The sales charge is
a variable percentage of the offering price depending upon the amount of the
sale. The offering price will be calculated to two decimal places using standard
rounding criteria. A description of the method of calculating net asset value
per share is included under the caption "Valuation of Fund Shares."
Set forth below is a table of total front-end sales charges or underwriting
commissions and dealer concessions.
Total Sales Charge
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As a Percentage Dealer Concession
Size of Transaction As a Percentage of Net Amount As a Percentage
at Offering Price of Offering Price Invested of Offering Price*,***
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $100,000 2.25% 2.30% 2.00%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 1.75% 1.78% 1.50%
$250,000 but less than $500,000 1.25% 1.26% 1.00%
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 1.00% 1.01% 0.85%
$1,000,000 or more none none (see below)**
</TABLE>
*Financial institutions or their affiliated brokers may receive an agency
transaction fee in the percentages set forth above.
**The following commissions will be paid by Distributors, out of its own
resources, to securities dealers who initiate and are responsible for purchases
of $1 million or more: 0.75% on sales of $1 million but less than $2 million,
plus 0.60% on sales of $2 million but less than $3 million, plus 0.50% on sales
of $3 million but less than $50 million, plus 0.25% on sales of $50 million but
less than $100 million, plus 0.15% on sales of $100 million or more. Dealer
concession breakpoints are reset every 12 months for purposes of additional
purchases.
***At the discretion of Distributors, all sales charges may at times be allowed
to the securities dealer. If 90% or more of the sales commission is allowed,
such securities dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter as that term is
defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
No front-end sales charge applies on investments of $1 million or more, but a
contingent deferred sales charge of 1% is imposed on certain redemptions of all
or a portion of investments of $1 million within the contingency period. See
"How to Sell Shares of the Fund - Contingent Deferred Sales Charge."
The size of a transaction which determines the applicable sales charge on the
purchase of Fund shares is determined by adding the amount of the shareholder's
current purchase plus the cost or current value (whichever is higher) of a
shareholder's existing investment in one or more of the funds in the Franklin
Group of Funds(R) and the Templeton Group of Funds. Included for these
aggregation purposes are (a) the mutual funds in the Franklin Group of Funds
except Franklin Valuemark Funds and Franklin Government Securities Trust (the
"Franklin Funds"), (b) other investment products underwritten by Distributors or
its affiliates (although certain investments may not have the same schedule of
sales charges and/or may not be subject to reduction) and (c) the U.S.
registered mutual funds in the Templeton Group of Funds except Templeton Capital
Accumulator Fund, Inc., Templeton Variable Annuity Fund, and Templeton Variable
Products Series Fund (the "Templeton Funds"). (Franklin Funds and Templeton
Funds are collectively referred to as the "Franklin Templeton Funds.") Sales
charge reductions based upon aggregate holdings of (a), (b) and (c) above
("Franklin Templeton Investments") may be effective only after notification to
Distributors that the investment qualifies for a discount.
Distributors, or one of its affiliates, may make payments, out of its own
resources, of up to 1.00% of the amount purchased to securities dealers who
initiate and are responsible for purchases made at net asset value by certain
trust companies and trust departments of banks. See definition under
"Description of Special Net Asset Value Purchases" and as set forth in the SAI.
Other Payments to Securities Dealers
Distributors, or one of its affiliates, out of its own resources, may also
provide additional compensation to securities dealers in connection with sales
of shares of the Franklin Templeton Funds. Compensation may include financial
assistance to securities dealers in connection with conferences, sales or
training programs for their employees, seminars for the public, advertising,
sales campaigns and/or shareholder services and programs regarding one or more
of the Franklin Templeton Funds, and other dealer-sponsored programs or events.
In some instances, this compensation may be made available only to certain
securities dealers whose representatives have sold or are expected to sell
significant amounts of shares of the Franklin Templeton Funds. Compensation may
include payment for travel expenses, including lodging, incurred in connection
with trips taken by invited registered representatives and members of their
families to locations within or outside of the United States for meetings or
seminars of a business nature. Securities dealers may not use sales of the
Fund's shares to qualify for this compensation to the extent such may be
prohibited by the laws of any state or any self-regulatory agency, such as the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. None of the aforementioned
additional compensation is paid for by the Fund or its shareholders.
Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also affiliated with
Distributors. A detailed description is included in the SAI.
Quantity Discounts in Sales Charges
Shares may be purchased under a variety of plans which provide for a reduced
sales charge. To be certain to obtain the reduction of the sales charge, the
investor or the securities dealer should notify Distributors at the time of each
purchase of shares which qualifies for the reduction. In determining whether a
purchase qualifies for a discount, investments in any Franklin Templeton
Investments may be combined with those of the investor's spouse and children
under the age of 21. In addition, the aggregate investments of a trustee or
other fiduciary account (for an account under exclusive investment authority)
may be considered in determining whether a reduced sales charge is available,
even though there may be a number of beneficiaries of the account. The value of
Class II shares owned by the investor may also be included for this purpose.
In addition, an investment in the Fund may qualify for a reduction in the sales
charge under the following programs:
1. Rights of Accumulation. The cost or current value (whichever is higher) of
existing investments in the Franklin Templeton Investments may be combined with
the amount of the current purchase in determining the sales charge to be paid.
2. Letter of Intent. An investor may immediately qualify for a reduced sales
charge on a purchase of shares of the Fund by completing the Letter of Intent
section of the Shareholder Application (the "Letter of Intent" or "Letter"). By
completing the Letter, the investor expresses an intention to invest during the
next 13 months a specified amount which, if made at one time, would qualify for
a reduced sales charge and grants to Distributors a security interest in the
reserved shares and irrevocably appoints Distributors as attorney-in-fact with
full power of substitution to surrender for redemption any or all shares for the
purpose of paying any additional sales charge due. Purchases under the Letter
will conform with the requirements of Rule 22d-1 under the 1940 Act. The
investor or the investor's securities dealer must inform Investor Services or
Distributors that this Letter is in effect each time a purchase is made.
An investor acknowledges and agrees to the following provisions by completing
the Letter of Intent section of the Shareholder Application: Five percent (5%)
of the amount of the total intended purchase will be reserved in shares of the
Fund, registered in the investor's name, to assure that the full applicable
sales charge will be paid if the intended purchase is not completed. The
reserved shares will be included in the total shares owned as reflected on
periodic statements; income and capital gain distributions on the reserved
shares will be paid as directed by the investor. The reserved shares will not be
available for disposal by the investor until the Letter of Intent has been
completed or the higher sales charge paid. For more information, see "Additional
Information Regarding Purchases" in the SAI.
Although the sales charges on Class II shares cannot be reduced through these
programs, the value of Class II shares owned by the investor may be included in
determining a reduced sales charge to be paid on Class I shares pursuant to the
Letter of Intent and Rights of Accumulation programs.
Group Purchases
An individual who is a member of a qualified group may also purchase shares of
the Fund at the reduced sales charge applicable to the group as a whole. The
sales charge is based upon the aggregate dollar value of shares previously
purchased and still owned by the group, plus the amount of the current purchase.
For example, if members of the group had previously invested and still held
$80,000 of Fund shares and now were investing $25,000, the sales charge would be
1.75%. Information concerning the current sales charge applicable to a group may
be obtained by contacting Distributors.
A "qualified group" is one which (i) has been in existence for more than six
months, (ii) has a purpose other than acquiring Fund shares at a discount and
(iii) satisfies uniform criteria which enable Distributors to realize economies
of scale in its costs of distributing shares. A qualified group must have more
than 10 members, be available to arrange for group meetings between
representatives of the Fund or Distributors and the members, agree to include
sales and other materials related to the Fund in its publications and mailings
to members at reduced or no cost to Distributors, and seek to arrange for
payroll deduction or other bulk transmission of investments to the Fund.
If an investor selects a payroll deduction plan, subsequent investments will be
automatic and will continue until such time as the investor notifies the Fund
and the investor's employer to discontinue further investments. Due to the
varying procedures used to prepare, process and forward the payroll deduction
information to the Fund, there may be a delay between the time of the payroll
deduction and the time the money reaches the Fund. The investment in the Fund
will be made at the offering price per share determined on the day that both the
check and payroll deduction data are received in required form by the Fund.
Purchases at Net Asset Value
Shares of the Fund may be purchased without the imposition of a front-end sales
charge ("net asset value") or a contingent deferred sales charge by (1)
officers, directors, trustees and full-time employees of the Trust, any of the
Franklin Templeton Funds, or of the Franklin Templeton Group, and by their
spouses and family members, including subsequent payments made by such parties
after cessation of employment; (2) companies exchanging shares with or selling
assets pursuant to a merger, acquisition or exchange offer; (3) accounts managed
by the Franklin Templeton Group; (4) registered securities dealers and their
affiliates, for their investment account only, and (5) registered personnel and
employees of securities dealers and by their spouses and family members, in
accordance with the internal policies and procedures of the employing securities
dealer.
Shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value by persons who have
redeemed, within the previous 365 days, their shares of the Fund or another of
the Class I Franklin Templeton Funds which were purchased with a front-end sales
charge or assessed a contingent deferred sales charge on redemption. If a
different class of shares is purchased, the full front-end sales charge must be
paid at the time of purchase of the new shares. An investor may reinvest an
amount not exceeding the redemption proceeds. While credit will be given for any
contingent deferred sales charge paid on the shares redeemed and subsequently
repurchased, a new contingency period will begin. Shares redeemed and
subsequently repurchased, in connection with an exchange into another of the
Franklin Templeton Funds (see "Exchange Privilege") are not considered
"redeemed" for this privilege. In order to exercise this privilege, a written
order for the purchase of shares of the Fund must be received by the Fund or the
Fund's Shareholder Services Agent within 365 days after the redemption. The 365
days, however, do not begin to run on redemption proceeds placed immediately
after redemption in a Franklin Bank Certificate of Deposit ("CD") until the CD
(including any rollover) matures. Reinvestment at net asset value may also be
handled by a securities dealer or other financial institution, who may charge
the shareholder a fee for this service. The redemption is a taxable transaction
but reinvestment without a sales charge may affect the amount of gain or loss
recognized and the tax basis of the shares reinvested. If there has been a loss
on the redemption, the loss may be disallowed if a reinvestment in the same fund
is made within a 30-day period. Information regarding the possible tax
consequences of such a reinvestment is included in the tax section of this
Prospectus and the SAI.
Shares of the Fund or another of the Franklin Templeton Funds Class I shares may
be purchased at net asset value and without a contingent deferred sales charge
by persons who have received dividends and capital gains distributions in cash
from investments in the Fund within 365 days of the payment date of such
distribution. To exercise this privilege, a written request to reinvest the
distribution must accompany the purchase order. Additional information may be
obtained from Shareholder Services at 1-800/632-2301. See "Distributions in
Cash" under "Distributions to Shareholders."
Shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value and without the
imposition of a contingent deferred sales charge by investors who have, within
the past 60 days, redeemed an investment in a mutual fund which is not part of
the Franklin Templeton Funds and which was subject to a front-end sales charge
or a contingent deferred sales charge and which has investment objectives
similar to those of the Fund.
Shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value and without the
imposition of a contingent deferred sales charge by broker-dealers, who have
entered into a supplemental agreement with Distributors, or by registered
investment advisers affiliated with such broker-dealers, on behalf of their
clients who are participating in a comprehensive fee program (sometimes known as
a wrap fee program).
Shares of the Fund may also be purchased at net asset value and without the
imposition of a contingent deferred sales charge by any state, county, or city,
or any instrumentality, department, authority or agency thereof which has
determined that the Fund is a legally permissible investment and which is
prohibited by applicable investment laws from paying a sales charge or
commission in connection with the purchase of shares of any registered
management investment company ("an eligible governmental authority"). SUCH
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN LEGAL ADVISORS TO DETERMINE WHETHER AND TO
WHAT EXTENT THE SHARES OF THE FUND CONSTITUTE LEGAL INVESTMENTS FOR THEM.
Municipal investors considering investment of proceeds of bond offerings into
the Fund should consult with expert counsel to determine the effect, if any, of
various payments made by the Fund or its investment manager on arbitrage rebate
calculations. If an investment by an eligible governmental authority at net
asset value is made through a securities dealer who has executed a dealer
agreement with Distributors, Distributors or one of its affiliates may make a
payment, out of their own resources, to such securities dealer in an amount not
to exceed 0.25% of the amount invested. Contact Franklin's Institutional Sales
Department for additional information.
Description of Special Net Asset Value Purchases
Shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value and without the
imposition of a contingent deferred sales charge by trust companies and bank
trust departments for funds over which they exercise exclusive discretionary
investment authority and which are held in a fiduciary, agency, advisory,
custodial or similar capacity. Such purchases are subject to minimum
requirements with respect to amount of purchase, which may be established by
Distributors. Currently, those criteria require that the amount invested or to
be invested during the subsequent 13-month period in this Fund or any of the
Franklin Templeton Investments must total at least $1,000,000. Orders for such
accounts will be accepted by mail accompanied by a check or by telephone or
other means of electronic data transfer directly from the bank or trust company,
with payment by federal funds received by the close of business on the next
business day following such order.
Refer to the SAI for further information regarding net asset value purchases.
General
Securities laws of states in which the Fund's shares are offered for sale may
differ from the interpretations of federal law, and banks and financial
institutions selling Fund shares may be required to register as dealers pursuant
to state law.
Other Programs and Privileges
Available to Fund Shareholders
Certain of the programs and privileges described in this section may not be
available directly from the Fund to shareholders whose shares are held, of
record, by a financial institution or in a "street name" account or networked
account through the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") (see the
section captioned "Account Registrations" in this Prospectus).
Share Certificates
Shares for an initial investment, as well as subsequent investments, including
the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions, are generally
credited to an account in the name of an investor on the books of the Fund,
without the issuance of a share certificate. Maintaining shares in
uncertificated form (also known as "plan balance") minimizes the risk of loss or
theft of a share certificate. A lost, stolen or destroyed certificate cannot be
replaced without obtaining a sufficient indemnity bond. The cost of such a bond,
which is generally borne by the shareholder, can be 2% or more of the value of
the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate. A certificate will be issued if
requested in writing by the shareholder or by the securities dealer.
Confirmations
A confirmation statement will be sent to each shareholder quarterly to reflect
the dividends reinvested during that period and after each other transaction
which affects the shareholder's account. This statement will also show the total
number of shares owned by the shareholder, including the number of shares in
"plan balance" for the account of the shareholder.
Automatic Investment Plan
Under the Automatic Investment Plan, a shareholder may be able to arrange to
make additional purchases of shares automatically on a monthly basis by
electronic funds transfer from a checking account, if the bank which maintains
the account is a member of the Automated Clearing House, or by preauthorized
checks drawn on the shareholder's bank account. A shareholder may, of course,
terminate the program at any time. The Automatic Investment Plan Application
included with this Prospectus contains the requirements applicable to this
program. In addition, shareholders may obtain more information concerning this
program from their securities dealers or from Distributors.
The market value of the Fund's shares is subject to fluctuation. Before
undertaking any plan for systematic investment, the investor should keep in mind
that such a program does not assure a profit or protect against a loss.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
A shareholder may establish a Systematic Withdrawal Plan and receive regular
periodic payments from the account, provided that the net asset value of the
shares held by the shareholder is at least $5,000. There are no service charges
for establishing or maintaining a Systematic Withdrawal Plan. The minimum amount
which the shareholder may withdraw is $50 per withdrawal transaction, although
this is merely the minimum amount allowed under the plan and should not be
mistaken for a recommended amount. The plan may be established on a monthly,
quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. If the shareholder establishes a plan,
any capital gain distributions and income dividends paid by the Fund will be
reinvested for the shareholder's account in additional shares at net asset
value. Payments will then be made from the liquidation of shares at net asset
value on the day of the transaction (which is generally the first business day
of the month in which the payment is scheduled) with payment generally received
by the shareholder three to five days after the date of liquidation. By
completing the "Special Payment Instructions for Distributions" section of the
Shareholder Application included with this Prospectus, a shareholder may direct
the selected withdrawals to another of the Franklin Templeton Funds, to another
person, or directly to a checking account. If the bank at which the account is
maintained is a member of the Automated Clearing House, the payments may be made
automatically by electronic funds transfer. If this last option is requested,
the shareholder should allow at least 15 days for initial processing. Payments
which may be paid in the interim will be sent to the address of record.
Liquidation of shares may reduce or possibly exhaust the shares in the
shareholder's account, to the extent withdrawals exceed shares earned through
dividends and distributions, particularly in the event of a market decline. If
the withdrawal amount exceeds the total plan balance, the account will be closed
and the remaining balance will be sent to the shareholder. As with other
redemptions, a liquidation to make a withdrawal payment is a sale for federal
income tax purposes. Because the amount withdrawn under the plan may be more
than the shareholder's actual yield or income, part of the payment may be a
return of the shareholder's investment.
The maintenance of a Systematic Withdrawal Plan concurrently with purchases of
additional shares of the Fund would be disadvantageous because of the sales
charge on the additional purchases. Also, redemptions of shares may be subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge if the shares are redeemed within 12
months of the calendar month of the original purchase date. The shareholder
should ordinarily not make additional investments of less than $5,000 or three
times the annual withdrawals under the plan during the time such a plan is in
effect. The applicable contingent deferred sales charge is waived for share
redemptions of up to 1% monthly of an account's net asset value (12% annually,
6% semiannually, 3% quarterly). For example, if an account maintained an annual
balance of $1,000,000, only $120,000 could be withdrawn through a once-yearly
Systematic Withdrawal Plan free of charge; any amount over that $120,000 would
be assessed a 1% (or applicable) contingent deferred sales charge. A Systematic
Withdrawal Plan may be terminated on written notice by the shareholder or the
Fund, and it will terminate automatically if all shares are liquidated or
withdrawn from the account, or upon the Fund's receipt of notification of the
death or incapacity of the shareholder. Shareholders may change the amount (but
not below the specified minimum) and schedule of withdrawal payments, or suspend
one such payment, by giving written notice to Investor Services at least seven
business days prior to the end of the month preceding a scheduled payment. Share
certificates may not be issued while a Systematic Withdrawal Plan is in effect.
Institutional Accounts
There may be additional methods of purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares of
the Fund available to institutional accounts. For further information, contact
the Franklin Templeton Institutional Services Department at 1-800/321-8563.
Exchange Privilege
The Franklin Templeton Funds consist of a number of mutual funds with various
investment objectives or policies. The shares of most of these mutual funds are
offered to the public with a sales charge. If a shareholder's investment
objective or outlook for the securities markets changes, the Fund shares may be
exchanged for shares of other Franklin Templeton Funds Class I shares which are
eligible for sale in the shareholder's state of residence and in conformity with
such fund's stated eligibility requirements and investment minimums. Investors
should review the prospectuses of the fund they wish to exchange from and the
fund they wish to exchange into for all specific requirements or limitations on
exercising the exchange privilege, for example, minimum holding periods or
applicable sales charges. No exchanges between different classes of shares are
allowed and, therefore, shares of the Fund may not be exchanged for Class II
shares of other Franklin Templeton Funds. Shareholders may choose to redeem
shares of the Fund and purchase Class II shares of other Franklin Templeton
Funds, but such purchase will be subject to that Fund's Class II front-end and
contingent deferred sales charges for the contingency period of 18 months.
Exchanges may be made in any of the following ways:
Exchanges By Mail
Send written instructions signed by all account owners and accompanied by any
outstanding share certificates properly endorsed. The transaction will be
effective upon receipt of the written instructions together with any outstanding
share certificates.
Exchanges By Telephone
Shareholders, or their investment representative of record, if any, may exchange
shares of the Fund by telephone by calling Investor Services at 1-800/632-2301
or the automated Franklin TeleFACTS(R) system (day or night) at 1-800/247-1753.
If the shareholder does not wish this privilege extended to a particular
account, the Fund or Investor Services should be notified.
The Telephone Exchange Privilege allows a shareholder to effect exchanges from
the Fund into an identically registered account in one of the other available
Franklin Templeton Funds Class I shares. The Telephone Exchange Privilege is
available only for uncertificated shares or those which have previously been
deposited in the shareholder's account. The Fund and Investor Services will
employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine. Please refer to "Telephone Transactions - Verification
Procedures."
During periods of drastic economic or market changes, it is possible that the
Telephone Exchange Privilege may be difficult to implement and the TeleFACTS
option may not be available. In this event, shareholders should follow the other
exchange procedures discussed in this section, including the procedures for
processing exchanges through securities dealers.
Exchanges Through Securities Dealers
As is the case with all purchases and redemptions of the Fund's shares, Investor
Services will accept exchange orders from securities dealers who execute a
dealer or similar agreement with Distributors. See also "Exchanges By Telephone"
above. Such a dealer-ordered exchange will be effective only for uncertificated
shares on deposit in the shareholder's account or for which certificates have
previously been deposited. A securities dealer may charge a fee for handling an
exchange.
Additional Information Regarding Exchanges
The contingency period during which a contingent deferred sales charge may be
assessed will be tolled (or stopped) for the period such shares are exchanged
into and held in a Franklin or Templeton money market fund. If the account has
shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, the shares will be
exchanged into the new account on a "first-in, first-out" basis. See also "How
to Sell Shares of the Fund - Contingent Deferred Sales Charge."
Exchanges are made on the basis of the net asset values of the funds involved,
except as set forth below. Exchanges of shares of the Fund which were purchased
without a sales charge will be charged a sales charge in accordance with the
terms of the prospectus of the fund being purchased, unless the investment on
which no sales charge was paid was transferred in from a fund on which the
investor paid a sales charge. Exchanges of shares of the Fund which were
purchased with a lower sales charge to a fund which has a higher sales charge
will be charged the difference, unless the shares were held in the Fund for at
least six months prior to executing the exchange. When an investor requests the
exchange of the total value of the Fund account, accrued but unpaid income
dividends and capital gain distributions will be reinvested in the Fund at the
net asset value on the date of the exchange, and then the entire share balance
will be exchanged into the new fund in accordance with the procedures set forth
above. Because the exchange is considered a redemption and purchase of shares,
the shareholder may realize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.
Backup withholding and information reporting may also apply. Information
regarding the possible tax consequences of such an exchange is included in the
tax section in this Prospectus and in the SAI.
There are differences among the Franklin Templeton Funds. Before making an
exchange, a shareholder should obtain and review a current prospectus of the
fund into which the shareholder wishes to transfer.
If a substantial portion of the Fund's shareholders should, within a short
period, elect to redeem their shares of the Fund pursuant to the exchange
privilege, the Fund might have to liquidate portfolio securities it might
otherwise hold and incur the additional costs related to such transactions. On
the other hand, increased use of the exchange privilege may result in periodic
large inflows of money. If this should occur, it is the general policy of the
Fund to initially invest this money in short-term, interest-bearing municipal
securities, unless it is felt that attractive investment opportunities
consistent with the Fund's investment objective exist immediately. Subsequently,
this money will be withdrawn from such short-term municipal securities and
invested in portfolio securities in as orderly a manner as is possible when
attractive investment opportunities arise.
The Exchange Privilege may be modified or discontinued by the Fund at any time
upon 60 days' written notice to shareholders.
Timing Accounts
"Timing Accounts" are not permitted to exchange into the Fund. This policy does
not affect any other types of investor. "Timing Accounts" generally include
market timing or allocation services; accounts administered as to redeem or
purchase shares based upon certain predetermined market indicators; or any
person whose transactions seem to follow a timing pattern.
How to Sell Shares of the Fund
A shareholder may at any time liquidate shares owned and receive from the Fund
the value of the shares. Shares may be redeemed in any of the following ways:
Redemptions by Mail
Send a written request, signed by all registered owners, to Investor Services,
at the address shown on the back cover of this Prospectus, and any share
certificates which have been issued for the shares being redeemed, properly
endorsed and in order for transfer. The shareholder will then receive from the
Fund the value of the shares based upon the net asset value per share (less the
contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable) next computed after the written
request in proper form is received by Investor Services. Redemption requests
received after the time at which the net asset value is calculated (at the
scheduled closing of the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") which is
generally 1:00 p.m. Pacific time) each day that the Exchange is open for
business will receive the price calculated on the following business day.
Shareholders are requested to provide a telephone number(s) where they may be
reached during business hours, or in the evening if preferred. Investor
Services' ability to contact a shareholder promptly when necessary will speed
the processing of the redemption.
To be considered in proper form, signature(s) must be guaranteed if the
redemption request involves any of the following:
(1) the proceeds of the redemption are over $50,000;
(2) the proceeds (in any amount) are to be paid to someone other than the
registered owner(s) of the account;
(3) the proceeds (in any amount) are to be sent to any address other than the
shareholder's address of record, preauthorized bank account or brokerage firm
account;
(4) share certificates, if the redemption proceeds are in excess of $50,000; or
(5) the Fund or Investor Services believes that a signature guarantee would
protect against potential claims based on the transfer instructions, including,
for example, when (a) the current address of one or more joint owners of an
account cannot be confirmed, (b) multiple owners have a dispute or give
inconsistent instructions to the Fund, (c) the Fund has been notified of an
adverse claim, (d) the instructions received by the Fund are given by an agent,
not the actual registered owner, (e) the Fund determines that joint owners who
are married to each other are separated or may be the subject of divorce
proceedings, or (f) the authority of a representative of a corporation,
partnership, association, or other entity has not been established to the
satisfaction of the Fund.
Signature(s) must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" as
defined under Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Generally,
eligible guarantor institutions include (1) national or state banks, savings
associations, savings and loan associations, trust companies, savings banks,
industrial loan companies and credit unions; (2) national securities exchanges,
registered securities associations and clearing agencies; (3) securities dealers
which are members of a national securities exchange or a clearing agency or
which have minimum net capital of $100,000; or (4) institutions that participate
in the Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program ("STAMP") or other recognized
signature guarantee medallion program. A notarized signature will not be
sufficient for the request to be in proper form.
Where shares to be redeemed are represented by share certificates, the request
for redemption must be accompanied by the share certificate and a share
assignment form signed by the registered shareholders exactly as the account is
registered, with the signature(s) guaranteed as referenced above. Shareholders
are advised, for their own protection, to send the share certificate and
assignment form in separate envelopes if they are being mailed in for
redemption.
Liquidation requests of corporate, partnership, trust and custodianship
accounts, and accounts under court jurisdiction require the following
documentation to be in proper form:
Corporation - (1) Signature guaranteed letter of instruction from the authorized
officer(s) of the corporation and (2) a corporate resolution.
Partnership - (1) Signature guaranteed letter of instruction from a general
partner and (2) pertinent pages from the partnership agreement identifying the
general partners or a certification for a partnership agreement.
Trust - (1) Signature guaranteed letter of instruction from the trustee(s) and
(2) a copy of the pertinent pages of the trust document listing the trustee(s)
or a Certification for Trust if the trustee(s) are not listed on the account
registration.
Custodial (other than a retirement account) - Signature guaranteed letter of
instruction from the custodian.
Accounts under court jurisdiction - Check court documents and the applicable
state law since these accounts have varying requirements, depending upon the
state of residence.
Payment for redeemed shares will be sent to the shareholder within seven days
after receipt of the request in proper form.
Redemptions by Telephone
Shareholders who complete the Franklin Templeton Telephone Redemption
Authorization Agreement (the "Agreement"), included with this Prospectus, may
redeem shares of the Fund by telephone, subject to the Restricted Account
exception noted under "Telephone Transactions - Restricted Accounts."
Information may also be obtained by writing to the Fund or Investor Services at
the address shown on the cover or by calling 1-800/632-2301. The Fund and
Investor Services will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
given by telephone are genuine. Shareholders, however, bear the risk of loss in
certain cases as described under "Telephone Transactions - Verification
Procedures."
For shareholder accounts with the completed Agreement on file, redemptions of
uncertificated shares or shares which have previously been deposited with the
Fund or Investor Services may be made for up to $50,000 per day per Fund
account. Telephone redemption requests received before the scheduled closing of
the Exchange (generally 1:00 p.m. Pacific time) on any business day will be
processed that same day. The redemption check will be sent within seven days,
made payable to all the registered owners on the account, and will be sent only
to the address of record. Redemption requests by telephone will not be accepted
within 30 days following an address change by telephone. In that case, a
shareholder should follow the other redemption procedures set forth in this
Prospectus. Institutional accounts (certain corporations, bank trust
departments, government entities and qualified retirement plans which qualify to
purchase shares at net asset value pursuant to the terms of this Prospectus)
which wish to execute redemptions in excess of $50,000 must complete an
Institutional Telephone Privileges Agreement which is available from the
Franklin Templeton Institutional Services Department by telephoning
1-800/321-8563.
Redeeming Shares Through Securities Dealers
The Fund will accept redemption orders from securities dealers who have entered
into an agreement with Distributors. This is known as a repurchase. The only
difference between a normal redemption and a repurchase is that if the
shareholder redeems shares through a dealer, the redemption price will be the
net asset value next calculated after the shareholder's dealer receives the
order which is promptly transmitted to the Fund, rather than on the day the Fund
receives the shareholder's written request in proper form. The documents, as
described in the preceding section, are required even if the shareholder's
securities dealer has placed the repurchase order. After receipt of a repurchase
order from the dealer, the Fund will still require a signed letter of
instruction and all other documents set forth above. A shareholder's letter
should reference the Fund, the account number, the fact that the repurchase was
ordered by a dealer and the dealer's name. Details of the dealer-ordered trade,
such as trade date, confirmation number, and the amount of shares or dollars,
will help speed processing of the redemption. The seven-day period within which
the proceeds of the shareholder's redemption will be sent will begin when the
Fund receives all documents required to complete ("settle") the repurchase in
proper form. The redemption proceeds will not earn dividends or interest during
the time between receipt of the dealer's repurchase order and the date the
redemption is processed upon receipt of all documents necessary to settle the
repurchase. Thus, it is in a shareholder's best interest to have the required
documentation completed and forwarded to the Fund as soon as possible. The
shareholder's dealer may charge a fee for handling the order. The SAI contains
more information on the redemption of shares.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
In order to recover commissions paid to securities dealers on investments of $1
million or more redeemed within the contingency period of 12 months of the
calendar month following their purchase will be assessed a contingent deferred
sales charge, unless one of the exceptions described below applies. The charge
is 1% of the lesser of the value of the shares redeemed (exclusive of reinvested
dividends and capital gain distributions) or the net asset value at the time of
purchase of such shares, and is retained by Distributors. The contingent
deferred sales charge is waived in certain instances.
In determining if a contingent deferred sales charge applies, shares not subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge are deemed to be redeemed first, in the
following order: (i) a calculated number of shares representing amounts
attributable to capital appreciation of those shares held less than the
contingency period; (ii) shares purchased with reinvested dividends and capital
gain distributions; and (iii) other shares held longer than the contingency
period; and followed by any shares held less than the contingency period, on a
"first in, first out" basis. For tax purposes, a contingent deferred sales
charge is treated as either a reduction in redemption proceeds or an adjustment
to the cost basis of the shares redeemed.
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived for: exchanges; any account fees;
redemptions through a Systematic Withdrawal Plan set up prior to February 1,
1995, and for Systematic Withdrawal Plans set up thereafter, redemptions of up
to 1% monthly of an account's net asset value (3% quarterly, 6% semiannually or
12% annually); redemptions initiated by the Fund due to a shareholder's account
falling below the minimum specified account size; and redemptions following the
death of the shareholder or the beneficial owner.
All investments made during a calendar month, regardless of when during the
month the investment occurred, will age one month on the last day of that month
and each subsequent month.
Requests for redemptions for a specified dollar amount, unless otherwise
specified, will result in additional shares being redeemed to cover any
applicable contingent deferred sales charge while requests for redemption of a
specific number of shares will result in the applicable contingent deferred
sales charge being deducted from the total dollar amount redeemed.
Additional Information Regarding Redemptions
The Fund may delay the mailing of the redemption check, or a portion thereof,
until the clearance of the check used to purchase Fund shares, which may take up
to 15 days or more. Although the use of a certified or cashier's check will
generally reduce this delay, shares purchased with these checks will also be
held pending clearance. Shares purchased by federal funds wire are available for
immediate redemption. In addition, the right of redemption may be suspended or
the date of payment postponed if the Exchange is closed (other than customary
closing) or upon the determination of the SEC that trading on the Exchange is
restricted or an emergency exists, or if the SEC permits it, by order, for the
protection of shareholders. Of course, the amount received may be more or less
than the amount invested by the shareholder, depending on fluctuations in the
market value of securities owned by the Fund.
Other
For any information required about a proposed liquidation, a shareholder may
call Franklin's Shareholder Services Department or the securities dealer may
call Franklin's Dealer Services Department.
Telephone Transactions
Shareholders of the Fund and their investment representative of record, if any,
may be able to execute various transactions by calling Investor Services at
1-800/632-2301.
All shareholders will be able to: (i) effect a change in address, (ii) change a
dividend option, (iii) transfer Fund shares in one account to another
identically registered account in the Fund, (iv) request the issuance of
certificates, to be sent to the address of record only, and (v) exchange Fund
shares as described in this Prospectus by telephone. In addition, shareholders
who complete and file an Agreement as described under "How to Sell Shares of the
Fund - Redemptions by Telephone" will be able to redeem shares of the Fund.
Verification Procedures
The Fund and Investor Services will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. These will include:
recording all telephone calls requesting account activity by telephone,
requiring that the caller provide certain personal and/or account information
requested by the telephone service agent at the time of the call for the purpose
of establishing the caller's identification, and by sending a confirmation
statement on redemptions to the address of record each time account activity is
initiated by telephone. So long as the Fund and Investor Services follow
instructions communicated by telephone which were reasonably believed to be
genuine at the time of their receipt, neither they nor their affiliates will be
liable for any loss to the shareholder caused by an unauthorized transaction.
The Fund and Investor Services may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized
or fraudulent instructions in the event such reasonable procedures are not
followed. Shareholders are, of course, under no obligation to apply for or
accept telephone transaction privileges. In any instance where the Fund or
Investor Services is not reasonably satisfied that instructions received by
telephone are genuine, the requested transaction will not be executed, and
neither the Fund nor Investor Services will be liable for any losses which may
occur because of a delay in implementing a transaction.
General
During periods of drastic economic or market changes, it is possible that the
telephone transaction privileges will be difficult to execute because of heavy
telephone volume. In such situations, shareholders may wish to contact their
investment representative for assistance, or to send written instructions to the
Fund as detailed elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Neither the Fund nor Investor Services will be liable for any losses resulting
from the inability of a shareholder to execute a telephone transaction.
The telephone transaction privilege may be modified or discontinued by the Fund
at any time upon 60 days' written notice to shareholders.
Valuation of Fund Shares
The net asset value per share of the Fund is determined as of the scheduled
closing of the Exchange (generally 1:00 p.m. Pacific time) each day that the
Exchange is open for trading. Many newspapers carry daily quotations of the
prior trading day's closing "bid" (net asset value) and "ask" (offering price,
which includes the maximum front-end sales charge of the Fund).
The net asset value per share of the Fund is determined in the following manner:
The aggregate of all liabilities is deducted from the aggregate gross value of
all assets, and the difference is divided by the number of shares of the Fund
outstanding at the time. For the purpose of determining the aggregate net assets
of the Fund, cash and receivables are valued at their realizable amounts.
Interest is recorded as accrued. Portfolio securities for which market
quotations are readily available are valued within the range of the most recent
bid and ask prices as obtained from one or more dealers that make markets in the
securities. Portfolio securities which are traded both in the over-the-counter
market and on a stock exchange are valued according to the broadest and most
representative market as determined by the Manager. Municipal securities
generally trade in the over-the-counter market rather than on a securities
exchange. Other securities for which market quotations are readily available are
valued at the current market price, which may be obtained from a pricing
service, based on a variety of factors, including recent trades, institutional
size trading in similar types of securities (considering yield, risk and
maturity) and/or developments related to specific issues. Securities and other
assets for which market prices are not readily available are valued at fair
value as determined following procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. With
the approval of trustees, the Fund may utilize a pricing service, bank or
securities dealer to perform any of the above described functions.
How to Get Information
Regarding an Investment in the Fund
Any questions or communications regarding a shareholder's account should be
directed to Investor Services at the address shown on the back cover of this
Prospectus.
From a touch-tone phone, Franklin and Templeton shareholders may access an
automated system (day or night) which offers the following features:
By calling the Franklin TeleFACTS(R) system at 1-800/247-1753, shareholders may
obtain Class I and Class II account information, current price and, if
available, yield or other performance information specific to the Fund or any
Franklin Templeton Fund. In addition, Franklin Class I shareholders may process
an exchange, within the same class, into an identically registered Franklin
account; and request duplicate confirmation or year-end statements, money fund
checks, if applicable, and deposit slips.
Fund information may be accessed by entering Fund Code 152 followed by the #
sign. The system's automated operator will prompt the caller with easy to follow
step-by-step instructions from the main menu. Other features may be added in the
future.
To assist shareholders and securities dealers wishing to speak directly with a
representative, the following is a list of the various Franklin departments,
telephone numbers and hours of operation to call. The same numbers may be used
when calling from a rotary phone:
Hours of Operation (Pacific time)
Department Name Telephone No. (Monday through Friday)
Shareholder Services 1-800/632-2301 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Dealer Services 1-800/524-4040 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fund Information 1-800/DIAL BEN 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Saturday)
Retirement Plans 1-800/527-2020 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
TDD (hearing impaired) 1-800/851-0637 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In order to ensure that the highest quality of service is being provided,
telephone calls placed to or by representatives in Franklin or Templeton's
service departments may be accessed, recorded and monitored. These calls can be
determined by the presence of a regular beeping tone.
Performance
Advertisements, sales literature and communications to shareholders may contain
various measures of the Fund's performance, including current yield, tax
equivalent yield, various expressions of total return, current distribution rate
and taxable equivalent distribution rate. They may occasionally cite statistics
to reflect its volatility or risk.
Average annual total return figures as prescribed by the SEC represent the
average annual percentage change in value of $1,000 invested at the maximum
public offering price (offering price includes sales charge) for one-, five- and
ten-year periods, or portion thereof, to the extent applicable, through the end
of the most recent calendar quarter, assuming reinvestment of all distributions.
The Fund may also furnish total return quotations for other periods or based on
investments at various sales charge levels or at net asset value. For such
purposes, total return equals the total of all income and capital gain paid to
shareholders, assuming reinvestment of all distributions, plus (or minus) the
change in the value of the original investment, expressed as a percentage of the
purchase price.
Current yield reflects the income per share earned by the Fund's portfolio
investments; it is calculated by dividing the Fund's net investment income per
share during a recent 30-day period by the maximum public offering price on the
last day of that period and annualizing the result. Tax equivalent yield
demonstrates the yield from a taxable investment necessary to produce an
after-tax yield equivalent to that of a fund which invests in tax-exempt
obligations. It is computed by dividing the tax-exempt portion of a fund's yield
(calculated as indicated) by one minus a stated income tax rate and adding the
product to the taxable portion (if any) of the fund's yield.
Current yield and tax equivalent yield, which are calculated according to a
formula prescribed by the SEC (see the SAI), are not indicative of the dividends
or distributions which were or will be paid to the Fund's shareholders.
Dividends or distributions paid to shareholders are reflected in the current
distribution rate or taxable equivalent distribution rate, which may be quoted
to shareholders. The current distribution rate is computed by dividing the total
amount of dividends per share paid by the Fund during the past 12 months by a
current maximum offering price. A taxable equivalent distribution rate
demonstrates the taxable distribution rate necessary to produce an after tax
distribution rate equivalent to the Fund's distribution rate (calculated as
indicated above). Under certain circumstances, such as when there has been a
change in the amount of dividend payout or a fundamental change in investment
policies, it might be appropriate to annualize the dividends paid during the
period such policies were in effect, rather than using the dividends during the
past 12 months. The current distribution rate differs from the current yield
computation because it may include distributions to shareholders from sources
other than dividends and interest, such as short-term capital gain, and is
calculated over a different period of time.
In each case, performance figures are based upon past performance, reflect all
recurring charges against Fund income and will assume the payment of the maximum
sales charge on the purchase of shares. When there has been a change in the
sales charge structure, the historical performance figures will be restated to
reflect the new rate. The investment results of the Fund, like all other
investment companies, will fluctuate over time; thus, performance figures should
not be considered to represent what an investment may earn in the future or what
the Fund's yield, tax equivalent yield, distribution rate, taxable equivalent
distribution rate or total return may be in any future period.
General Information
Reports to Shareholders
The Fund's fiscal year ends June 30. Annual Reports containing audited financial
statements of the Trust, including the auditors' report, and Semi-Annual Reports
containing unaudited financial statements are automatically sent to
shareholders. Copies may be obtained by investors or shareholders, without
charge, upon request to the Trust at the telephone number or address set forth
on the cover page of this Prospectus.
Additional information on Fund performance is included in the Fund's Annual
Report to Shareholders and the SAI.
Organization and Voting Rights
The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on July 18, 1985. The
Agreement and Declaration of Trust permits the trustees to issue an unlimited
number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest without par value,
which may be issued in any number of series and classes. Shares issued will be
fully paid and non-assessable and will have no preemptive, conversion, or
sinking rights. Shares of each series have equal and exclusive rights as to
dividends and distributions as declared by such series and the net assets of
such series upon liquidation or dissolution.
Shares of each series have equal rights as to voting and vote separately as to
issues affecting that series or the Trust unless otherwise permitted by the 1940
Act. Voting rights are noncumulative, so that in any election of trustees the
holders of more than 50% of the shares voting can elect all of the trustees, if
they choose to do so, and in such event, the holders of the remaining shares
voting will not be able to elect any person or persons to the Board of Trustees.
The Trust does not intend to hold annual shareholders' meetings. The Trust may,
however, hold a special shareholders' meeting for such purposes as changing
fundamental investment restrictions, approving a new management agreement or any
other matters which are required to be acted on by shareholders under the 1940
Act. A meeting may also be called by a majority of the Board of Trustees or by
shareholders holding at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of any
series. Shareholders will receive assistance in communicating with other
shareholders in connection with the election or removal of trustees, such as
that provided in Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act.
The Board of Trustees may from time to time issue other funds of the Trust, the
assets and liabilities of which will likewise be separate and distinct from any
other fund.
Redemptions by the Fund
The Fund reserves the right to redeem, at net asset value, shares of any
shareholder whose account has a value of less than $50, but only where the value
of such account has been reduced by the shareholder's prior voluntary redemption
of shares and has been inactive (except for the reinvestment of distributions)
for a period of at least six months, provided advance notice is given to the
shareholder. More information is included in the SAI.
Other Information
Distribution or redemption checks sent to shareholders do not earn interest or
any other income during the time such checks remain uncashed and neither the
Fund nor its affiliates will be liable for any loss to the shareholder caused by
the shareholder's failure to cash such check(s).
"Cash" payments to or from the Fund may be made by check, draft or wire. The
Fund has no facility to receive, or pay out, cash in the form
of currency.
Account Registrations
An account registration should reflect the investor's intentions as to
ownership. Where there are two co-owners on the account, the account will be
registered as "Owner 1" and "Owner 2"; the "or" designation is not used except
for money market fund accounts. If co-owners wish to have the ability to redeem
or convert on the signature of only one owner, a limited power of attorney may
be used.
Accounts should not be registered in the name of a minor, either as sole or
co-owner of the account. Transfer or redemption for such an account may require
court action to obtain release of the funds until the minor reaches the legal
age of majority. The account should be registered in the name of one "Adult" as
custodian for the benefit of the "Minor" under the Uniform Transfer or Gifts to
Minors Act.
A trust designation such as "trustee" or "in trust for" should only be used if
the account is being established pursuant to a legal, valid trust document. Use
of such a designation in the absence of a legal trust document may cause
difficulties and require court action for transfer or redemption of the funds.
Shares, whether in certificate form or not, registered as joint tenants or "Jt
Ten" shall mean "as joint tenants with rights of survivorship" and not "as
tenants in common."
Except as indicated, a shareholder may transfer an account in the Fund carried
in "street" or "nominee" name by the shareholder's securities dealer to a
comparably registered Fund account maintained by another securities dealer. Both
the delivering and receiving securities dealers must have executed dealer
agreements on file with Distributors. Unless a dealer agreement has been
executed and is on file with Distributors, the Fund will not process the
transfer and will so inform the shareholder's delivering securities dealer. To
effect the transfer, a shareholder should instruct the securities dealer to
transfer the account to a receiving securities dealer and sign any documents
required by the securities dealer(s) to evidence consent to the transfer. Under
current procedures, the account transfer may be processed by the delivering
securities dealer and the Fund after the Fund receives authorization in proper
form from the shareholder's delivering securities dealer. In the future it may
be possible to effect such transfers electronically through the services of the
NSCC.
The Fund may conclusively accept instructions from an owner or the owner's
nominee listed in publicly available nominee lists, regardless of whether the
account was initially registered in the name of or by the owner, the nominee, or
both. If a securities dealer or other representative is of record on an
investor's account, the investor will be deemed to have authorized the use of
electronic instructions on the account, including, without limitation, those
initiated through the services of the NSCC, to have adopted as instruction and
signature any such electronic instructions received by the Fund and the
Shareholder Services Agent, and to have authorized them to execute the
instructions without further inquiry. At the present time, such services which
are available, include the NSCC's "Networking," "Fund/SERV," and "ACATS"
systems.
Any questions regarding an intended registration should be answered by the
securities dealer handling the investment, or by calling Franklin's Fund
Information Department.
Important Notice Regarding
Taxpayer IRS Certifications
Pursuant to the Code and U.S. Treasury regulations, the Fund may be required to
report to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") any taxable dividend, capital
gain distribution, or other reportable payment (including share redemption
proceeds) and withhold 31% of any such payments made to individuals and other
non-exempt shareholders who have not provided a correct taxpayer identification
number ("TIN") and made certain required certifications that appear in the
Shareholder Application. A shareholder may also be subject to backup withholding
if the IRS or a securities dealer notifies the Fund that the number furnished by
the shareholder is incorrect or that the shareholder is subject to backup
withholding for previous under-reporting of interest or dividend income.
The Fund reserves the right to (1) refuse to open an account for any person
failing to provide a TIN along with the required certifications and (2) close an
account by redeeming its shares in full at the then current net asset value upon
receipt of notice from the IRS that the TIN certified as correct by the
shareholder is, in fact, incorrect or upon the failure of a shareholder who has
completed an "awaiting TIN" certification to provide the Fund with a certified
TIN within 60 days after opening the account.
Portfolio Operations
The following persons are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of
the Fund's portfolio: Mr. Bernard Schroer and Mr. Andrew Jennings, Sr. since the
Fund's inception and Mr. Thomas Kenny since August 1994.
Thomas J. Kenny
Senior Vice President
Franklin Advisers, Inc.
Mr. Kenny is Senior Vice President of the investment manager and is director of
Franklin's municipal bond department. He joined Franklin in 1986. He received a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Economics from the University of
California at Santa Barbara and Master of Science degree in Finance from Golden
Gate University. He is a member of several municipal securities industry-related
committees and associations.
Bernard Schroer
Vice President
Franklin Advisers, Inc.
Mr. Schroer was the manager of trading at Kidder Peabody and Company, Inc. from
1974 to 1984. He has a degree in Finance from Santa Clara University and is
currently a member of various municipal securities industry related committees
and associations. He joined Advisers in 1987.
Andrew Jennings, Sr.
Vice President
Franklin Advisers, Inc.
Mr. Jennings attended Villanova University in Philadelphia and has been in the
securities industry for over 33 years. From 1985 to 1990, Mr. Jennings was First
Vice President and Manager of the Municipal Institutional Bond Department at
Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc. He is a member of several municipal securities
industry related committees and associations.
Risk Factors in California
The following information as to certain California risk factors is given to
investors in view of the Fund's policy of investing primarily in California
state and municipal issuers. The information is based primarily upon information
derived from public documents relating to securities offerings of California
state and municipal issuers, from independent municipal credit reports and
historically reliable sources, but has not been independently verified by the
Fund.
Changes in California constitutional and other laws during the last several
years have raised questions about the ability of California state and municipal
issuers to obtain sufficient revenue to pay their bond obligations. In 1978,
California voters approved an amendment to the California Constitution known as
Proposition 13. Proposition 13 limits ad valorem taxes on real property and
restricts the ability of taxing entities to increase real property taxes.
Legislation passed subsequent to Proposition 13, however, provided for the
redistribution of California's General Fund surplus to local agencies, the
reallocation of revenues to local agencies and the assumption of certain local
obligations by the state so as to help California municipal issuers to raise
revenue to pay their bond obligations. It is unknown, however, whether
additional revenue redistribution legislation will be enacted in the future and
whether, if enacted, such legislation would provide sufficient revenue for such
California issuers to pay their obligations. The state is also subject to
another constitutional amendment, Article XIIIB, which may have an adverse
impact on California state and municipal issuers. Article XIIIB restricts the
state from spending certain appropriations in excess of an appropriations limit
imposed for each state and local government entity. If revenues exceed such
appropriations limit, such revenues must be returned as revisions in the tax
rates or fee schedules. Because of the uncertain impact of the aforementioned
statutes, the possible inconsistencies in the respective terms of the statutes
and the impossibility of predicting the level of future appropriations and
applicability of related statutes to such questions, it is not currently
possible to assess the impact of such legislation and policies on the long-term
ability of California state and municipal issuers to pay interest or repay
principal on their obligations.
California's economy is larger than most sovereign nations. During the 1980s,
California experienced growth rates well in excess of the rest of the nation.
The state's major employment sectors are services, trade and manufacturing, with
industrial concentration in electronics, aerospace, and non-electrical
equipment. Other significant areas include agriculture and oil production.
Key sectors of California's economy have been severely affected by the most
recent recession, with job losses totaling over 850,000 since May of 1990. The
continuing growth of the state's population and labor force has produced high
unemployment rates compared to the nation as a whole. While total job loss has
declined with a slightly improving economy, key areas of California's economy,
including government, real estate and aerospace have been slow to recover.
Contraction in California's defense related industries, overbuilding in
commercial real estate, and consolidation and decline in the state's financial
services industry are expected to produce slower growth for several years.
Wealth levels in the state remain high relative to the nation, although this gap
continues to narrow.
In July of 1994, both S&P and Moody's lowered the general obligation bond
ratings of the state of California. These revisions reflect the state's heavy
reliance on short-term financing to cure cash imbalances and only moderate
economic growth projections for the state in fiscal 1994-95. For more
information on these ratings revisions and the state's current budget, please
refer to the SAI.
