PROSPECTUS
FRANKLIN RISING
DIVIDENDS FUND
FRANKLIN MANAGED TRUST
CLASS A, B, & C
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
GROWTH & INCOME
FEBRUARY 1, 2000
[Insert Franklin Templeton Ben Head]
The SEC has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the
adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
CONTENTS
[Begin callout]
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INVESTING
[End callout]
THE FUND
2 Goal and Strategies
4 Main Risks
6 Performance
8 Fees and Expenses
10 Management
11 Distributions and Taxes
12 Financial Highlights
YOUR ACCOUNT
[Begin callout]
INFORMATION ABOUT SALES CHARGES, ACCOUNT TRANSACTIONS AND SERVICES
[End callout]
14 Choosing a Share Class
18 Buying Shares
20 Investor Services
23 Selling Shares
25 Account Policies
28 Questions
FOR MORE INFORMATION
[Begin callout]
WHERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FUND
[End callout]
Back Cover
THE FUND
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital appreciation. Preservation
of capital, while not a goal, is also an important consideration.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS The fund invests primarily in equity securities of
financially sound companies that have paid consistently rising dividends.
These are companies that have:
[Begin callout]
The fund will normally invest at least 65% of its total assets in securities of
companies that meet all of these criteria. This is a fundamental policy, which
means it may not be changed without shareholder approval.
[End callout]
o consistently increased dividends in at least 8 out of the last 10 years and
have not decreased dividends during that time
o increased dividends substantially (at least 100%) over the past 10 years
o reinvested earnings, and paid out less than 65% of current earnings in
dividends (except for utility companies)
o either long-term debt that is no more than 50% of total capitalization or
senior debt that has been rated investment grade by at least one of the
major bond rating agencies (except for utility companies)
o attractive prices, with prices at the time of purchase either in the lower
half of the stock's price/earnings ratio range for the past 10 years or
less than the current market price/earnings ratio of the stocks comprising
the Standard & Poor's(R) 500 Stock Index
The fund typically invests the rest of its assets in equity securities of
companies that pay dividends but do not meet all of these criteria. Equity
securities include common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities.
Equity securities generally entitle the holder to participate in a company's
general operating results.
The fund may invest in equity securities of any sized company, including small
(generally companies with a market capitalization of less than $1 billion) and
mid-cap (generally companies with a market capitalization range of $1 billion to
$8 billion).
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS The manager may take a temporary defensive position when
it believes the securities trading markets or the economies of countries where
the fund invests are experiencing excessive volatility or a prolonged general
decline, or other adverse conditions exist. Under these circumstances, the fund
may be unable to pursue its investment goal, because it may not invest or may
invest substantially less in securities of companies that have paid consistently
rising dividends.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
STOCKS While the stock markets have historically outperformed other asset
classes over the long term, individual stock prices tend to go up and down more
dramatically over the short term. These price movements may result from factors
affecting individual companies, industries or the securities market as a whole.
[Begin callout]
Because the securities the fund holds fluctuate in price, the value of your
investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you could lose money over
short or even extended periods. [End callout]
SMALL AND MID-SIZE COMPANIES Investing in securities of small and mid-size
companies may involve greater risk than investing in larger company securities.
Securities of mid-size companies tend to involve less risk than securities of
smaller companies.
Historically, small and mid-size company securities have been more volatile in
price than larger company securities, especially over the short-term. Among the
reasons for the greater price volatility are the less certain growth prospects
of smaller companies, the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such
securities, and the greater sensitivity of smaller companies to changing
economic conditions.
In addition, these companies may lack depth of management, they may be unable to
generate funds necessary for growth or development, or they may be developing or
marketing new products or services for which markets are not yet established and
may never become established.
Therefore, while smaller companies may offer opportunities for capital growth,
they also involve special risks and should be considered speculative.
YEAR 2000 At this date, it appears that neither the operations of the fund nor
its portfolio securities were materially adversely affected by Year 2000
computer-related problems. However, it is still possible that Year 2000 problems
could emerge. If a company in which the fund is invested develops problems
related to Year 2000 which have not shown up at this date, the price of its
securities may be adversely affected, and this may have an adverse effect on the
fund's share price.
The business operations of the fund and its portfolio companies depend on a
worldwide network of computer systems that contain date fields. Prior to
remediation efforts of the last several months, many of the systems previously
used a two digit date field to represent the date and could not have
distinguished the Year 1900 from the year 2000 (commonly referred to as the Year
2000 problem). In addition, the fact that the Year 2000 is a leap year could
have created difficulties for some systems. Year 2000 has been one of the many
factors the manager considers in making investment decisions.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies (including temporary
investments), and risks can be found in the fund's Statement of Additional
Information (SAI).
[Begin callout]
Mutual fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed
by, any bank, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency of the U.S.
government. Mutual fund shares involve investment risks, including the possible
loss of principal. [End callout]
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PERFORMANCE
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is one
indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows changes in
the fund's returns from year to year over the past 10 calendar years. The table
shows how the fund's average annual total returns compare to those of a
broad-based securities market index. Of course, past performance cannot predict
or guarantee future results.
CLASS A ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
0.26% 35.95% 10.38% -3.49% -5.17% 30.25% 23.42% 32.35% 6.03% -10.28%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q4 '98
19.09%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '98
- -14.68%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1999
1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franklin Rising Dividends Fund - Class A 2 -15.46% 13.79% 10.13%
Wilshire Target MidCap Growth Index 3 15.49% 16.94% 14.51%
SINCE
INCEPTION
1 YEAR (1/1/99)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franklin Rising Dividends Fund - Class B 2 -13.98% 13.83%
Wilshire Target MidCap Growth Index 3 15.49% 15.49%
SINCE
INCEPTION
1 YEAR (5/1/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franklin Rising Dividends Fund - Class C 2 -12.49% 13.43%
Wilshire Target MidCap Growth Index 3 15.49% 15.51%
1. Figures do not reflect sales charges. If they did, returns would be lower.
2. Figures reflect sales charges. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of
dividends and capital gains.
3. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The Wilshire Target MidCap Growth
Index is an unmanaged group of securities of companies selected based on growth
characteristics from among the middle capitalization universe of the Wilshire
5000. It includes reinvested dividends. One cannot invest directly in an index,
nor is an index representative of the fund's portfolio.
[Insert graphic of percentage sign] FEES AND EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
CLASS A CLASS B 1 CLASS C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge (load) as a
percentage of offering price 5.75% 4.00% 1.99%
Load imposed on purchases 5.75% None 1.00%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) None 2 4.00% 3 0.99% 4
Exchange fee 5 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00
Please see "Choosing a Share Class" on page 14 for an explanation of how and
when these sales charges apply.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS)
CLASS A CLASS B 1 CLASS C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fees 0.75% 0.75% 0.75%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.45% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.23% 0.23% 0.23%
----------------------------------
Total annual fund operating expenses 1.43% 1.98% 1.98%
==================================
1. The fund began offering Class B shares on January 1, 1999. Annual fund
operating expenses for Class B are annualized.
2. Except for investments of $1 million or more (see page 14) and purchases by
certain retirement plans without an initial sales charge.
3. Declines to zero after six years.
4. This is equivalent to a charge of 1% based on net asset value. 5. This fee is
only for market timers (see page 26).
EXAMPLE
This example can help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the
cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes:
o You invest $10,000 for the periods shown; o Your investment has a 5% return
each year; and o The fund's operating expenses remain the same.
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions
your costs would be:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you sell your shares at the end of the period:
CLASS A $712 1 $1,001 $1,312 $2,190
CLASS B $601 $ 921 $1,268 $2,164 2
CLASS C $398 $ 715 $1,157 $2,383
If you do not sell your shares:
CLASS B $201 $ 621 $1,068 $2,164 2
CLASS C $299 $ 715 $1,157 $2,383
1. Assumes a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) will not apply.
2. Assumes conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares after eight years,
lowering your annual expenses from that time on.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisory Services, Inc. (Advisory Services), One Parker Plaza, Ninth
Floor, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024, is the fund's investment manager. Advisory
Services and its affiliates manage over $224 billion in assets.
DONALD G. TAYLOR, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVISORY SERVICES
Mr. Taylor has been a manager on the fund since 1996. He joined the Franklin
Templeton Group in 1996.
WILLIAM J. LIPPMAN, PRESIDENT OF ADVISORY SERVICES
Mr. Lippman has been a manager on the fund since 1987 and has more than 30
years' experience in the securities industry.
MARGARET MCGEE, VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVISORY SERVICES
Ms. McGee has been a manager on the fund since 1988. She joined the Franklin
Templeton Group in 1988.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, the fund paid 0.75% of its average
daily net assets to the manager for managing the fund's assets.
[Insert graphic of dollar signs and stacks of coins] DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
INCOME AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS The fund intends to pay a dividend at
least quarterly representing its net investment income. Capital gains, if any,
may be distributed annually. The amount of these distributions will vary and
there is no guarantee the fund will pay dividends.
To receive a distribution, you must be a shareholder on the record date. The
record dates for the fund's distributions will vary. Please keep in mind that if
you invest in the fund shortly before the record date of a distribution, any
distribution will lower the value of the fund's shares by the amount of the
distribution and you will receive some of your investment back in the form of a
taxable distribution. If you would like information on upcoming record dates for
the fund's distributions, please call 1-800/DIAL BEN(R).
TAX CONSIDERATIONS In general, fund distributions are taxable to you as either
ordinary income or capital gains. This is true whether you reinvest your
distributions in additional fund shares or receive them in cash. Any capital
gains the fund distributes are taxable to you as long-term capital gains no
matter how long you have owned your shares.
[Begin callout]
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
By law, the fund must withhold 31% of your taxable distributions and redemption
proceeds if you do not provide your correct social security or taxpayer
identification number, or if the IRS instructs the fund to do so.
[End callout]
Every January, you will receive a statement that shows the tax status of
distributions you received for the previous year. Distributions declared in
December but paid in January are taxable as if they were paid in December.
When you sell your shares of the fund, you may have a capital gain or loss. For
tax purposes, an exchange of your fund shares for shares of a different Franklin
Templeton Fund is the same as a sale.
Fund distributions and gains from the sale or exchange of your shares
generally will be subject to state and local income tax. Non-U.S. investors
may be subject to U.S. withholding and estate tax. You should consult your
tax advisor about the federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences of
your investment in the fund.
[Insert graphic of dollar bill] FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
This table presents the fund's financial performance for the past five years.
This information has been audited by Tait, Weller & Baker.
CLASS A YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1,3 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of year 21.53 26.93 20.03 17.31 14.67
------------------------------------------
Net investment income .15 .13 .16 .28 .33
Net realized and unrealized gains
(losses) 1.76 (2.22) 8.23 2.78 2.61
------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.91 (2.09) 8.39 3.06 2.94
------------------------------------------
Dividends from net investment income (.17) (.11) (.18) (.34) (.30)
Distributions from net realized (1.99) (3.20) (1.31) - -
gains
------------------------------------------
Total distributions (2.16) (3.31) (1.49) (.34) (.30)
------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of year 21.28 21.53 26.93 20.03 17.31
==========================================
Total return (%) 2 8.29 (9.05) 44.10 17.83 20.32
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of year ($ x 1,000) 363,918 407,336 394,873 277,746 260,917
Ratios to average net assets: (%)
Expenses 1.43 1.39 1.41 1.40 1.43
Net investment income .66 .51 .71 1.49 2.10
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 14.04 23.99 39.47 31.55 14.60
CLASS B
- -----------------------------------------------
PER SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of year 23.54
---------
Net investment income .04
Net realized and unrealized
gains (loss) (2.24)
---------
Total from investment operations (2.20)
---------
Dividends from net investment income (.11)
---------
Net asset value, end of year 21.23
=========
Total return (%) 2 (9.38)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of year ($ x 1,000) 1,477
Ratios to average net assets: (%)
Expenses 1.98 4
Net investment income .24 4
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 14.04
CLASS C YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1 1998 1997 1996 1995 5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of year 21.45 26.85 19.98 17.28 15.47
------------------------------------------
Net investment income .03 - .08 .21 .11
Net realized and unrealized gains
(losses) 1.75 (2.20) 8.17 2.74 1.83
------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.78 (2.20) 8.25 2.95 1.94
Dividends from net investment income (.05) - (.07) (.25) (.13)
Distributions from net realized gains(1.99) (3.20) (1.31) - -
------------------------------------------
Total distributions (2.04) (3.20) (1.38) (.25) (.13)
------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of year 21.19 21.45 26.85 19.98 17.28
==========================================
Total return (%) 2 7.69 (9.48) 43.37 17.16 12.56
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of year ($ x 1,000) 40,544 43,790 14,526 3,882 1,060
Ratios to average net assets: (%)
Expenses 1.98 1.94 1.95 1.95 1.90 4
Net investment income (loss) .11 (.05) .17 .94 1.92 4
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 14.04 23.99 39.47 31.55 14.60
1. Based on average shares outstanding.
2. Total return does not include sales charges, and is not annualized for
periods less than one year.
3. For the period January 1, 1999 (effective date) to September 30, 1999 for
Class B.
4. Annualized.
5. For the period May 1, 1995 (effective date) to September 30, 1995.
YOUR ACCOUNT
[Insert graphic of pencil marking an X] CHOOSING A SHARE CLASS
Each class has its own sales charge and expense structure, allowing you to
choose the class that best meets your situation. Your investment representative
can help you decide.
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o Initial sales charge o No initial sales charge o Initial sales charge
of 5.75% or less of 1%
o Deferred sales charge o Deferred sales charge o Deferred sales charge
of 1% on purchases of of 4% on shares you of 1% on shares you
$1 million or more sell within the first sell within 18 months
sold within 12 months year, declining to 1%
within six years and
eliminated after that
o Lower annual expenses o Higher annual expenses o Higher annual
than Class B or C due than Class A (same as expenses than Class A
to lower distribution Class C) due to higher (same as Class B) due
fees distribution fees. to higher
Automatic conversion distribution fees. No
to Class A shares conversion to Class A
after eight years, shares, so annual
reducing future annual expenses do not
expenses. decrease.
SALES CHARGES - CLASS A
THE SALES CHARGE
MAKES UP THIS % WHICH EQUALS THIS %
WHEN YOU INVEST THIS AMOUNT OF THE OFFERING PRICE OF YOUR NET
INVESTMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under $50,000 5.75 6.10
$50,000 but under $100,000 4.50 4.71
$100,000 but under $250,000 3.50 3.63
$250,000 but under $500,000 2.50 2.56
$500,000 but under $1 million 2.00 2.04
INVESTMENTS OF $1 MILLION OR MORE If you invest $1 million or more, either as a
lump sum or through our cumulative quantity discount or letter of intent
programs (see page 17), you can buy Class A shares without an initial sales
charge. However, there is a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) on any
shares you sell within 12 months of purchase. The way we calculate the CDSC is
the same for each class (please see page 16).
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES Class A has a distribution plan, sometimes
known as a Rule 12b-1 plan, that allows the fund to pay distribution fees of up
to 0.50% per year to those who sell and distribute Class A shares and provide
other services to shareholders. Because these fees are paid out of Class A's
assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your
investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SALES CHARGES - CLASS B
IF YOU SELL YOUR SHARES WITHIN THIS % IS DEDUCTED FROM
THIS MANY YEARS AFTER BUYING THEM YOUR PROCEEDS AS A CDSC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year 4
2 Years 4
3 Years 3
4 Years 3
5 Years 2
6 Years 1
7 Years 0
With Class B shares, there is no initial sales charge. However, there is a CDSC
if you sell your shares within six years, as described in the table above. The
way we calculate the CDSC is the same for each class (please see page 16). After
8 years, your Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares, lowering
your annual expenses from that time on.
MAXIMUM PURCHASE AMOUNT The maximum amount you may invest in Class B shares at
one time is $249,999. We place any investment of $250,000 or more in Class A
shares, since a reduced initial sales charge is available and Class A's annual
expenses are lower.
RETIREMENT PLANS Class B shares are available to certain retirement plans,
including IRAs (of any type), Franklin Templeton Trust Company 403(b) plans, and
Franklin Templeton Trust Company qualified plans with participant or earmarked
accounts.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES Class B has a distribution plan, sometimes
known as a Rule 12b-1 plan, that allows the fund to pay distribution and other
fees of up to 1% per year for the sale of Class B shares and for services
provided to shareholders. Because these fees are paid out of Class B's assets on
an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your
investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SALES CHARGES - CLASS C
THE SALES CHARGE
MAKES UP THIS % WHICH EQUALS THIS %
WHEN YOU INVEST THIS AMOUNT OF THE OFFERING PRICE OF YOUR NET INVESTMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under $1 million 1.00 1.01
WE PLACE ANY INVESTMENT OF $1 MILLION OR MORE IN CLASS A SHARES, SINCE THERE
IS NO INITIAL SALES CHARGE AND CLASS A'S ANNUAL EXPENSES ARE LOWER.
CDSC There is a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) on any Class C shares
you sell within 18 months of purchase. The way we calculate the CDSC is the same
for each class (please see below).
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES Class C has a distribution plan, sometimes
known as a Rule 12b-1 plan, that allows the fund to pay distribution and other
fees of up to 1% per year for the sale of Class C shares and for services
provided to shareholders. Because these fees are paid out of Class C's assets on
an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your
investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE (CDSC) - CLASS A, B & C
The CDSC for each class is based on the current value of the shares being sold
or their net asset value when purchased, whichever is less. There is no CDSC on
shares you acquire by reinvesting your dividends or capital gains distributions.
[Begin callout]
The HOLDING PERIOD FOR THE CDSC begins on the day you buy your shares. Your
shares will age one month on that same date the next month and each following
month.
For example, if you buy shares on the 18th of the month, they will age one month
on the 18th day of the next month and each following month.
[End callout]
To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time you place a request to sell
shares we will first sell any shares in your account that are not subject to a
CDSC. If there are not enough of these to meet your request, we will sell the
shares in the order they were purchased. We will use this same method if you
exchange your shares into another Franklin Templeton Fund (please see page 21
for exchange information).
SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS
If you qualify for any of the sales charge reductions or waivers below, please
let us know at the time you make your investment to help ensure you receive the
lower sales charge.
QUANTITY DISCOUNTS We offer several ways for you to combine your purchases in
the Franklin Templeton Funds to take advantage of the lower sales charges for
large purchases of Class A shares.
[Begin callout]
The FRANKLIN TEMPLETON Funds include all of the Franklin Templeton U.S.
registered mutual funds, except Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance
Products Trust, Templeton Capital Accumulator Fund, Inc., and Templeton
Variable Products Series Fund.
[End callout]
o Cumulative Quantity Discount - lets you combine all of your shares in the
Franklin Templeton Funds for purposes of calculating the sales charge. You
also may combine the shares of your spouse, and your children or
grandchildren, if they are under the age of 21. Certain company and
retirement plan accounts also may be included.
o Letter of Intent (LOI) - expresses your intent to buy a stated dollar
amount of shares over a 13-month period and lets you receive the same sales
charge as if all shares had been purchased at one time. We will reserve a
portion of your shares to cover any additional sales charge that may apply
if you do not buy the amount stated in your LOI.
TO SIGN UP FOR THESE PROGRAMS, COMPLETE THE APPROPRIATE
SECTION OF YOUR ACCOUNT APPLICATION.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE If you sell shares of a Franklin Templeton Fund, you may
reinvest some or all of the proceeds within 365 days without an initial sales
charge. The proceeds must be reinvested within the same share class, except
proceeds from the sale of Class B shares will be reinvested in Class A shares.
If you paid a CDSC when you sold your Class A or C shares, we will credit your
account with the amount of the CDSC paid but a new CDSC will apply. For Class B
shares reinvested in Class A, a new CDSC will not apply, although your account
will not be credited with the amount of any CDSC paid when you sold your Class B
shares.
Proceeds immediately placed in a Franklin Bank Certificate of Deposit (CD) also
may be reinvested without an initial sales charge if you reinvest them within
365 days from the date the CD matures, including any rollover.
This privilege does not apply to shares you buy and sell under our exchange
program. Shares purchased with the proceeds from a money fund may be subject to
a sales charge.
SALES CHARGE WAIVERS Class A shares may be purchased without an initial sales
charge or CDSC by various individuals, institutions and retirement plans or by
investors who reinvest certain distributions and proceeds within 365 days.
Certain investors also may buy Class C shares without an initial sales charge.
The CDSC for each class may be waived for certain redemptions and distributions.
If you would like information about available sales charge waivers, call your
investment representative or call Shareholder Services at 1-800/632-2301. For
information about retirement plans, you may call Retirement Plan Services at
1-800/527-2020. A list of available sales charge waivers also may be found in
the Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
GROUP INVESTMENT PROGRAM Allows established groups of 11 or more investors to
invest as a group. For sales charge purposes, the group's investments are added
together. There are certain other requirements and the group must have a purpose
other than buying fund shares at a discount.
[Insert graphic of paper with lines and someone writing]
BUYING SHARES
MINIMUM INVESTMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INITIAL ADDITIONAL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regular accounts $1,000 $50
UGMA/UTMA accounts $100 $50
Retirement accounts no minimum no minimum
(other than IRAs, IRA rollovers, Education IRAs or
Roth IRAs)
IRAs, IRA rollovers, Education IRAs or Roth IRAs $250 $50
Broker-dealer sponsored wrap account programs $250 $50
Full-time employees, officers, trustees and directors of $100 $50
of
Franklin Templeton entities, and their immediate
family members
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MAY ONLY BUY SHARES OF A FUND ELIGIBLE FOR
SALE IN YOUR STATE OR JURISDICTION.
ACCOUNT APPLICATION If you are opening a new account, please complete and sign
the enclosed account application. Make sure you indicate the share class you
have chosen. If you do not indicate a class, we will place your purchase in
Class A shares. To save time, you can sign up now for services you may want on
your account by completing the appropriate sections of the application (see the
next page).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BUYING SHARES
- ------------------------------ -------------------------------- --------------------------------
OPENING AN ACCOUNT ADDING TO AN ACCOUNT
- ------------------------------ -------------------------------- --------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
[Insert graphic of hands Contact your investment Contact your investment
shaking] representative representative
THROUGH YOUR
INVESTMENT
REPRESENTATIVE
- ------------------------------ -------------------------------- --------------------------------
[Insert graphic Make your check payable to Make your check payable to
of envelope] Franklin Rising Dividends Franklin Rising Dividends Fund.
Fund. Include your account number
BY MAIL on the check.
Mail the check and your
signed application to Fill out the deposit slip from
Investor Services. your account statement. If you
do not have a slip, include a
note with your name, the fund
name, and your account number.
Mail the check and deposit slip
or note to Investor Services.
- ------------------------------ -------------------------------- --------------------------------
[Insert graphic of Call to receive a wire control Call to receive a wire control
three lightning bolts] number and wire instructions. number and wire instructions.
BY WIRE Wire the funds and mail your To make a same day wire
signed application to Investor investment, please call us by
1-800/632-2301 Services. Please include the 1:00 p.m. Pacific time and
(or 1-650/312-2000 wire control number or your new make sure your wire arrives
collect) account number on the by 3:00 p.m.
application.
To make a same day wire
investment, please call us by
1:00 p.m. Pacific time and
make sure your wire arrives
by 3:00 p.m.
- ------------------------------ -------------------------------- --------------------------------
[Insert graphic of two Call Shareholder Services at Call Shareholder Services at
arrows pointing in the number below, or send the number below or our
opposite directions] signed written instructions. automated TeleFACTS system,
The TeleFACTS system cannot or send signed written
BY EXCHANGE be used to open a new account. instructions.
TeleFACTS(R) (Please see page 21 for (Please see page 21 for
1-800/247-1753 information on exchanges.) information on exchanges.)
(around-the-clock access)
- ------------------------------ -------------------------------- --------------------------------
</TABLE>
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON INVESTOR SERVICES P.O. BOX 997151,
SACRAMENTO, CA 95899-9983
CALL TOLL-FREE: 1-800/632-2301
(MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 5:30 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M., PACIFIC TIME
SATURDAY 6:30 A.M. TO 2:30 P.M., PACIFIC TIME)
[Insert graphic of person with headset] INVESTOR SERVICES
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN This plan offers a convenient way for you to invest in
the fund by automatically transferring money from your checking or savings
account each month to buy shares. The minimum investment to open an account with
an automatic investment plan is $50 ($25 for an Education IRA). To sign up,
complete the appropriate section of your account application.
AUTOMATIC PAYROLL DEDUCTION You may be able to invest automatically in Class A
shares of the fund by transferring money from your paycheck to the fund by
electronic funds transfer. If you are interested, indicate on your application
that you would like to receive an Automatic Payroll Deduction Program kit.
DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS You may reinvest distributions you receive from the fund in
an existing account in the same share class* of the fund or another Franklin
Templeton Fund. Initial sales charges and CDSCs will not apply if you reinvest
your distributions within 365 days. You can also have your distributions
deposited in a bank account, or mailed by check. Deposits to a bank account may
be made by electronic funds transfer.
[Begin callout]
For Franklin Templeton Trust Company retirement plans, special forms may be
needed to receive distributions in cash. Please call 1-800/527-2020 for
information.
[End callout]
Please indicate on your application the distribution option you have chosen,
otherwise we will reinvest your distributions in the same share class of the
fund.
*Class B and C shareholders may reinvest their distributions in Class A shares
of any Franklin Templeton money fund.
RETIREMENT PLANS Franklin Templeton offers a variety of retirement plans for
individuals and businesses. These plans require separate applications and their
policies and procedures may be different than those described in this
prospectus. For more information, including a free retirement plan brochure or
application, please call Retirement Plan Services at 1-800/527-2020.
TELEFACTS(R) Our TeleFACTS system offers around-the-clock access to information
about your account or any Franklin Templeton Fund. This service is available
from touch-tone phones at 1-800/247-1753. For a free TeleFACTS brochure, call
1-800/DIAL BEN.
TELEPHONE PRIVILEGES You will automatically receive telephone privileges when
you open your account, allowing you and your investment representative to sell
or exchange your shares and make certain other changes to your account by phone.
For accounts with more than one registered owner, telephone privileges also
allow the fund to accept written instructions signed by only one owner for
transactions and account changes that could otherwise be made by phone. For all
other transactions and changes, all registered owners must sign the
instructions.
As long as we take certain measures to verify telephone requests, we will not be
responsible for any losses that may occur from unauthorized requests. Of course,
you can decline telephone exchange or redemption privileges on your account
application.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE You can exchange shares between most Franklin Templeton Funds
within the same class*, generally without paying any additional sales charges.
If you exchange shares held for less than six months, however, you may be
charged the difference between the initial sales charge of the two funds if the
difference is more than 0.25%. If you exchange shares from a money fund, a sales
charge may apply no matter how long you have held the shares.
[Begin callout]
An EXCHANGE is really two transactions: a sale of one fund and the purchase of
another. In general, the same policies that apply to purchases and sales apply
to exchanges, including minimum investment amounts. Exchanges also have the same
tax consequences as ordinary sales and purchases.
[End callout]
Generally exchanges may only be made between identically registered accounts,
unless you send written instructions with a signature guarantee. Any CDSC will
continue to be calculated from the date of your initial investment and will not
be charged at the time of the exchange. The purchase price for determining a
CDSC on exchanged shares will be the price you paid for the original shares. If
you exchange shares subject to a CDSC into a Class A money fund, the time your
shares are held in the money fund will not count towards the CDSC holding
period.
*Certain Class Z shareholders of Franklin Mutual Series Fund Inc. may exchange
into Class A without any sales charge. Advisor Class shareholders of another
Franklin Templeton Fund also may exchange into Class A without any sales charge.
Advisor Class shareholders who exchange their shares for Class A shares and
later decide they would like to exchange into another fund that offers Advisor
Class may do so.
If you exchange your Class B shares for the same class of shares of another
Franklin Templeton Fund, the time your shares are held in that fund will count
towards the eight year period for automatic conversion to Class A shares.
Frequent exchanges can interfere with fund management or operations and drive up
costs for all shareholders. To protect shareholders, there are limits on the
number and amount of exchanges you may make (please see "Market Timers" on page
26).
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN This plan allows you to automatically sell your
shares and receive regular payments from your account. A CDSC may apply to
withdrawals that exceed certain amounts. Certain terms and minimums apply. To
sign up, complete the appropriate section of your application.
[Insert graphic of certificate] SELLING SHARES
You can sell your shares at any time. Please keep in mind that a contingent
deferred sales charge (CDSC) may apply.
SELLING SHARES IN WRITING Generally, requests to sell $100,000 or less can be
made over the phone or with a simple letter. Sometimes, however, to protect you
and the fund we will need written instructions signed by all registered owners,
with a signature guarantee for each owner, if:
[Begin callout]
A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE helps protect your account against fraud. You can obtain a
signature guarantee at most banks and securities dealers.
A notary public CANNOT provide a signature guarantee.
[End callout]
o you are selling more than $100,000 worth of shares
o you want your proceeds paid to someone who is not a registered owner
o you want to send your proceeds somewhere other than the address of record,
or preauthorized bank or brokerage firm account
We also may require a signature guarantee on instructions we receive from an
agent, not the registered owners, or when we believe it would protect the fund
against potential claims based on the instructions received.
SELLING RECENTLY PURCHASED SHARES If you sell shares recently purchased with a
check or draft, we may delay sending you the proceeds until your check or draft
has cleared, which may take seven business days or more. A certified or
cashier's check may clear in less time.
REDEMPTION PROCEEDS Your redemption check will be sent within seven days after
we receive your request in proper form. We are not able to receive or pay out
cash in the form of currency. Redemption proceeds may be delayed if we have not
yet received your signed account application.
RETIREMENT PLANS You may need to complete additional forms to sell shares in a
Franklin Templeton Trust Company retirement plan. For participants under age
591/2, tax penalties may apply. Call Retirement Plan Services at 1-800/527-2020
for details.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SELLING SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO SELL SOME OR ALL OF YOUR SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
[Insert graphic of Contact your investment representative
hands shaking]
THROUGH YOUR
INVESTMENT
REPRESENTATIVE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Insert graphic of Send written instructions and endorsed share certificates (if
envelope] you hold share certificates) to Investor Services. Corporate,
partnership or trust accounts may need to send additional
BY MAIL documents.
Specify the fund, the account number and the dollar value or
number of shares you wish to sell. If you own both Class A and
B shares, also specify the class of shares, otherwise we will
sell your Class A shares first. Be sure to include all
necessary signatures and any additional documents, as well as
signature guarantees if required.
A check will be mailed to the name(s) and address on the
account, or otherwise according to your written instructions.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Insert graphic of As long as your transaction is for $100,000 or less, you do
phone] not hold share certificates and you have not changed your
address by phone within the last 15 days, you can sell your
BY PHONE shares by phone.
1-800/632-2301 A check will be mailed to the name(s) and address on the
account. Written instructions, with a signature guarantee, are
required to send the check to another address or to make it
payable to another person.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Insert graphic of three You can call or write to have redemption proceeds sent to a
lightning bolts] bank account. See the policies above for selling shares by
mail or phone.
BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS
TRANSFER (ACH) Before requesting to have redemption proceeds sent to a bank
account, please make sure we have your bank account
information on file. If we do not have this information, you
will need to send written instructions with your bank's name
and address, a voided check or savings account deposit slip,
and a signature guarantee if the ownership of the bank and
fund accounts is different.
If we receive your request in proper form by 1:00 p.m. Pacific
time, proceeds sent by ACH generally will be available within
two to three business days.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Insert graphic of two Obtain a current prospectus for the fund you are considering.
arrows pointing in
opposite directions] Call Shareholder Services at the number below or our automated
TeleFACTS system, or send signed written instructions. See the
BY EXCHANGE policies above for selling shares by mail or phone.
TeleFACTS(R) If you hold share certificates, you will need to return them
1-800/247-1753 to the fund before your exchange can be processed.
(around-the-clock access)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON INVESTOR SERVICES P.O. BOX 997151,
SACRAMENTO, CA 95899-9983
CALL TOLL-FREE: 1-800/632-2301
(MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 5:30 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M., PACIFIC TIME
SATURDAY 6:30 A.M. TO 2:30 P.M., PACIFIC TIME)
[Insert graphic of paper and pen] ACCOUNT POLICIES
CALCULATING SHARE PRICE The fund calculates the net asset value per share (NAV)
each business day at the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(normally 1:00 p.m. Pacific time). Each class's NAV is calculated by dividing
its net assets by the number of its shares outstanding.
[Begin callout]
When you buy shares, you pay the offering price. The offering price is the NAV
plus any applicable sales charge.
When you sell shares, you receive the NAV minus any applicable contingent
deferred sales charge (CDSC).
[End callout]
The fund's assets are generally valued at their market value. If market prices
are unavailable, or if an event occurs after the close of the trading market
that materially affects the values, assets may be valued at their fair value. If
the fund holds securities listed primarily on a foreign exchange that trades on
days when the fund is not open for business, the value of your shares may change
on days that you cannot buy or sell shares.
Requests to buy and sell shares are processed at the NAV next calculated after
we receive your request in proper form.
ACCOUNTS WITH LOW BALANCES If the value of your account falls below $250 ($50
for employee and UGMA/UTMA accounts) because you sell some of your shares, we
may mail you a notice asking you to bring the account back up to its applicable
minimum investment amount. If you choose not to do so within 30 days, we may
close your account and mail the proceeds to the address of record. You will not
be charged a CDSC if your account is closed for this reason.
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS You will receive quarterly account statements that show
all your account transactions during the quarter. You also will receive written
notification after each transaction affecting your account (except for
distributions and transactions made through automatic investment or withdrawal
programs, which will be reported on your quarterly statement). You also will
receive the fund's financial reports every six months. To reduce fund expenses,
we try to identify related shareholders in a household and send only one copy of
the financial reports. If you need additional copies, please call 1-800/DIAL
BEN.
If there is a dealer or other investment representative of record on your
account, he or she also will receive copies of all notifications and statements
and other information about your account directly from the fund.
STREET OR NOMINEE ACCOUNTS You may transfer your shares from the street or
nominee name account of one dealer to another, as long as both dealers have an
agreement with Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. We will process the
transfer after we receive authorization in proper form from your delivering
securities dealer.
JOINT ACCOUNTS Unless you specify a different registration, accounts with two or
more owners are registered as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" (shown
as "Jt Ten" on your account statement). To make any ownership changes to a joint
account, all owners must agree in writing, regardless of the law in your state.
MARKET TIMERS The fund may restrict or refuse exchanges by market timers. If
accepted, each exchange by a market timer will be charged $5 by
Franklin/Templeton Investor Services, Inc., the fund's transfer agent. You will
be considered a market timer if you have (i) requested an exchange out of the
fund within two weeks of an earlier exchange request, or (ii) exchanged shares
out of the fund more than twice in a calendar quarter, or (iii) exchanged shares
equal to at least $5 million, or more than 1% of the fund's net assets, or (iv)
otherwise seem to follow a timing pattern. Shares under common ownership or
control are combined for these limits.
ADDITIONAL POLICIES Please note that the fund maintains additional policies and
reserves certain rights, including:
o The fund may refuse any order to buy shares, including any purchase under
the exchange privilege.
o At any time, the fund may change its investment minimums or waive or lower
its minimums for certain purchases.
o The fund may modify or discontinue the exchange privilege on 60 days'
notice.
o In unusual circumstances, we may temporarily suspend redemptions, or
postpone the payment of proceeds, as allowed by federal securities laws.
o For redemptions over a certain amount, the fund reserves the right to make
payments in securities or other assets of the fund, in the case of an
emergency or if the payment by check, wire or electronic funds transfer
would be harmful to existing shareholders.
o To permit investors to obtain the current price, dealers are responsible
for transmitting all orders to the fund promptly.
DEALER COMPENSATION Qualifying dealers who sell fund shares may receive sales
commissions and other payments. These are paid by Franklin Templeton
Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) from sales charges, distribution and service
(12b-1) fees and its other resources.
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMISSION (%) - 4.00 2.00
Investment under $50,000 5.00 - -
$50,000 but under $100,000 3.75 - -
$100,000 but under $250,000 2.80 - -
$250,000 but under $500,000 2.00 - -
$500,000 but under $1 million 1.60 - -
$1 million or more up to 1.00 1 - -
12B-1 FEE TO DEALER 0.50 0.25 2 1.00 3
A dealer commission of up to 1% may be paid on Class A NAV purchases by certain
retirement plans1 and on Class C NAV purchases. A dealer commission of up to
0.25% may be paid on Class A NAV purchases by certain trust companies and bank
trust departments, eligible governmental authorities, and broker-dealers or
others on behalf of clients participating in comprehensive fee programs.
1. During the first year after purchase, dealers may not be eligible to receive
the 12b-1 fee.
2. Dealers may be eligible to receive up to 0.25% from the date of purchase.
After 8 years, Class B shares convert to Class A shares and dealers may then
receive the 12b-1 fee applicable to Class A.
3. Dealers may be eligible to receive up to 0.25% during the first year after
purchase and may be eligible to receive the full 12b-1 fee starting in the 13th
month.
[Insert graphic of question mark] QUESTIONS
If you have any questions about the fund or your account, you can write to us at
P.O. Box 997151, Sacramento, CA 95899-9983. You can also call us at one of the
following numbers. For your protection and to help ensure we provide you with
quality service, all calls may be monitored or recorded.
HOURS (PACIFIC TIME,
DEPARTMENT NAME TELEPHONE NUMBER MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Services 1-800/632-2301 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Saturday)
Fund Information 1-800/DIAL BEN 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
(1-800/342-5236) 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Saturday)
Retirement Plan Services 1-800/527-2020 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Dealer Services 1-800/524-4040 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Institutional Services 1-800/321-8563 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
TDD (hearing impaired) 1-800/851-0637 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
You can learn more about the fund in the following documents:
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
Includes a discussion of recent market conditions and fund strategies, financial
statements, detailed performance information, portfolio holdings, and the
auditor's report.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
Contains more information about the fund, its investments and policies. It is
incorporated by reference (is legally a part of this prospectus).
For a free copy of the current annual/semiannual report or the SAI, please
contact your investment representative or call us at the number below.
FRANKLIN(R)TEMPLETON(R)
1-800/DIAL BEN(R) (1-800/342-5236)
TDD (Hearing Impaired) 1-800/851-0637
www.franklintempleton.com
You can also obtain information about the fund by visiting the SEC's Public
Reference Room in Washington, D.C. (phone 1-800/SEC-0330) or by sending your
request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington,
D.C. 20549-6009. You can also visit the SEC's Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov.
Investment Company Act file #811-4894 158 P 02/00
FRANKLIN RISING
DIVIDENDS FUND
FRANKLIN MANAGED TRUST
CLASS A, B & C
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FEBRUARY 1, 2000
[Insert Franklin Templeton Ben Head]
P.O. BOX 997151, SACRAMENTO, CA 95899-9983 1-800/DIAL BEN(R)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It
contains information in addition to the information in the fund's prospectus.
The fund's prospectus, dated February 1, 2000, which we may amend from time
to time, contains the basic information you should know before investing in
the fund. You should read this SAI together with the fund's prospectus.
The audited financial statements and auditor's report in the fund's Annual
Report to Shareholders, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, are
incorporated by reference (are legally a part of this SAI).
For a free copy of the current prospectus or annual report, contact your
investment representative or call
1-800/DIAL BEN (1-800/342-5236).
CONTENTS
Goal and Strategies ....................................... 2
Risks ..................................................... 4
Officers and Trustees ..................................... 5
Management and Other Services ............................. 7
Portfolio Transactions .................................... 8
Distributions and Taxes ................................... 9
Organization, Voting Rights
and Principal Holders ................................... 11
Buying and Selling Shares ................................. 11
Pricing Shares ............................................ 17
The Underwriter ........................................... 18
Performance ............................................... 19
Miscellaneous Information ................................. 22
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MUTUAL FUNDS, ANNUITIES, AND OTHER INVESTMENT PRODUCTS:
o ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION,
THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT;
o ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY
BANK;
o ARE SUBJECT TO INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF
PRINCIPAL.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOAL AND STRATEGIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fund's investment goal is long-term capital appreciation. This goal is
fundamental, which means it may not be changed without shareholder approval.
Preservation of capital, while not a goal, is also an important consideration.
The fund invests primarily in financially sound companies that have paid
consistently rising dividends. The fund's manager believes that because of
these companies' dividend records, their securities have a strong potential
to increase in value. The manager believes that a focus on companies with a
pattern of rising dividends will help the fund attain its goal of long-term
capital appreciation. In addition, because capital preservation is an
important consideration, the manager also reviews a company's stability and
the strength of its balance sheet in selecting among companies generally. The
manager also considers other factors, such as return on shareholder's equity,
rate of earnings growth, and anticipated price/earnings ratios,
in selecting investments for the fund.
The fund diversifies its investments among different companies in different
industry segments, with no more than 25% of the fund's portfolio concentrated
in any one industry.
The following is a description of the various types of securities the fund
may buy.
EQUITY SECURITIES Equity securities generally entitle the holder to
participate in a company's general operating results. The purchaser of an
equity security typically receives an ownership interest in the company as
well as certain voting rights. The owner of an equity security may
participate in a company's success through the receipt of dividends, which
are distributions of earnings by the company to its owners. Equity security
owners may also participate in a company's success or lack of success through
increases or decreases in the value of the company's shares as traded in the
public trading market for such shares. Equity securities generally take the
form of common stock, preferred stock, securities convertible into common
stocks, or rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase common stocks.
Preferred stockholders typically receive greater dividends but may receive
less appreciation than common stockholders and may have greater voting rights
as well. Warrants or rights give the holder the right to buy a common stock
at a given time for a specified price.
FOREIGN SECURITIES The fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in foreign
securities, and does so typically through the purchase of American, European
and Global Depositary Receipts. These are certificates typically issued by a
bank or trust company that give their holders the right to receive securities
issued by a foreign or domestic company.
The fund does not consider securities that it acquires outside of the U.S.
and that are publicly traded in the U.S. or on a foreign securities market to
be illiquid assets if (a) the fund reasonably believes it can readily dispose
of the securities for cash in the U.S. or foreign market, or (b) current
market quotations are readily available.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS. ADRs are typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
company and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign
corporation. EDRs and GDRs are typically issued by foreign banks or trust
companies, although they may be issued by U.S. banks or trust companies, and
evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by either a foreign or a
U.S. corporation. Generally, depositary receipts in registered form are
designed for use in the U.S. securities market, and depositary receipts in
bearer form are designed for use in securities markets outside the U.S.
Depositary receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency
as the underlying securities into which they may be converted.
Depositary receipts may be issued pursuant to sponsored or unsponsored
programs. In sponsored programs, an issuer has made arrangements to have its
securities traded in the form of depositary receipts. In unsponsored
programs, the issuer may not be directly involved in the creation of the
program. Although regulatory requirements with respect to sponsored and
unsponsored programs are generally similar, in some cases it may be easier to
obtain financial information from an issuer that has participated in the
creation of a sponsored program. Accordingly, there may be less information
available regarding issuers of securities underlying unsponsored programs,
and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market
value of the depositary receipts.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS The fund generally will have a portion of its assets in
cash or cash equivalents for a variety of reasons, including waiting for a
special investment opportunity or taking a defensive position. To earn income
on this portion of its assets, the fund may enter into repurchase agreements.
Under a repurchase agreement, the fund agrees to buy securities guaranteed as
to payment of principal and interest by the U.S. government or its agencies
from a qualified bank or broker-dealer and then to sell the securities back
to the bank or broker-dealer after a short period of time (generally, less
than seven days) at a higher price. The bank or broker-dealer must transfer
to the fund's custodian securities with an initial market value of at least
102% of the dollar amount invested by the fund in each repurchase agreement.
The manager will monitor the value of such securities daily to determine that
the value equals or exceeds the repurchase price.
Repurchase agreements may involve risks in the event of default or insolvency
of the bank or broker-dealer, including possible delays or restrictions upon
the fund's ability to sell the underlying securities. The fund will enter
into repurchase agreements only with parties who meet certain
creditworthiness standards, i.e., banks or broker-dealers that the manager
has determined present no serious risk of becoming involved in bankruptcy
proceedings within the time frame contemplated by the repurchase transaction.
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES To generate additional income, the fund may
lend certain of its portfolio securities to qualified banks and
broker-dealers. These loans may not exceed 30% of the value of the fund's
total assets, measured at the time of the most recent loan. For each loan,
the borrower must maintain with the fund's custodian collateral (consisting
of any combination of cash, securities issued by the U.S. government and its
agencies and instrumentalities, or irrevocable letters of credit) with a
value at least equal to the current market value of the loaned securities.
The fund retains all or a portion of the interest received on investment of
the cash collateral or receives a fee from the borrower. The fund also
continues to receive any distributions paid on the loaned securities. The
fund may terminate a loan at any time and obtain the return of the securities
loaned within the normal settlement period for the security involved.
Where voting rights with respect to the loaned securities pass with the
lending of the securities, the manager intends to call the loaned securities
to vote proxies, or to use other practicable and legally enforceable means to
obtain voting rights, when the manager has knowledge that, in its opinion, a
material event affecting the loaned securities will occur or the manager
otherwise believes it necessary to vote. As with other extensions of credit,
there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in collateral in
the event of default or insolvency of the borrower. The fund will loan its
securities only to parties who meet creditworthiness standards approved by
the fund's board of trustees, i.e., banks or broker-dealers that the manager
has determined present no serious risk of becoming involved in bankruptcy
proceedings within the time frame contemplated by the loan.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS The fund's policy is not to invest more than 10% of its
net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities are generally
securities that cannot be sold within seven days in the normal course of
business at approximately the amount at which the fund has valued them.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes that the securities trading
markets or the economy are experiencing excessive volatility or a prolonged
general decline, or other adverse conditions exist, it may invest the fund's
portfolio in a temporary defensive manner. Under such circumstances, the fund
may invest up to 100% of its assets in U.S. government securities, bank CDs,
bankers' acceptances and high-grade commercial paper issued by domestic
corporations, and commercial deposits or equivalents. To the extent permitted
by exemptions granted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(1940 Act), and the fund's other investment policies and restrictions, the
fund also may invest in shares of one or more money market funds managed by
Franklin Advisory Services, LLC or its affiliates.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS The fund has adopted the following restrictions as
fundamental policies. This means they may only be changed if the change is
approved by (i) more than 50% of the fund's outstanding shares or (ii) 67% or
more of the fund's shares present at a shareholder meeting if more than 50%
of the fund's outstanding shares are represented at the meeting in person or
by proxy, whichever is less. In addition to the investment restrictions set
forth below, the fund will normally, as a fundamental policy, invest at least
65% of its total assets in securities of companies that meet certain
criteria. See "Principal Investments" in the fund's prospectus.
The fund may not:
1. Purchase the securities of any one issuer (other than the U.S. government
or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or securities of other investment
companies), if immediately after such investment (a) more than 5% of the
value of the fund's total assets would be invested in such issuer or (b) more
than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be owned
by the fund, except that up to 25% of the value of the fund's total assets
may be invested without regard to such 5% and 10% limitations.
2. Act as an underwriter except to the extent the fund may be deemed to be an
underwriter when disposing of securities it owns or when selling its own
shares.
3. Make loans to other persons, except (a) through the lending of its
portfolio securities; (b) through the purchase of debt securities, loan
participations and/or engaging in direct corporate loans in accordance with
its investment objectives and policies, and (c) to the extent the entry into
a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan. The fund may also make loans
to affiliated investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or
any exemptions therefrom which may be granted by the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC).
4. Borrow money, except that the fund may borrow money from banks or
affiliated investment companies to the extent permitted by the "1940 Act", or
any exemptions therefrom which may be granted by the "SEC", or for temporary
or emergency purposes and then in an amount not exceeding 331/3% of the value
of the fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed).
5. Issue securities senior to the fund's presently authorized shares of
beneficial interest. Except that this restriction shall not be deemed to
prohibit the fund from (a) making any permitted borrowings, loans, mortgages
or pledges, (b) entering into options, futures contracts, forward contracts,
repurchase transactions, or reverse repurchase transactions, or (c) making
short sales of securities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and any
rule or order thereunder, or SEC staff interpretations thereof.
6. Concentrate (invest more than 25% of its net assets) in securities of
issuers in a particular industry (other than securities issued or guaranteed
by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or
securities of other investment companies).
7. Purchase or sell real estate and commodities, except that the fund may
purchase or sell securities of real estate investment trusts, may purchase or
sell currencies, may enter into futures contracts on securities, currencies,
and other indices or any other financial instruments, and may purchase and
sell options on such futures contracts.
The fund presently has the following additional restrictions, which are not
fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
The fund may not:
1. Invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of any
issuer that has not had a record, together with predecessors, of at least
three years of continuous operation.
2. Buy securities of other investment companies except in accordance with the
1940 Act, and except that the fund may invest its assets in shares of one or
more money market funds managed by Franklin Advisory Services, LLC or its
affiliates, to the extent permitted by exemptions granted under the 1940 Act.
The fund may also be subject to investment limitations imposed by foreign
jurisdictions in which the fund sells its shares.
If a bankruptcy or other extraordinary event occurs concerning a particular
security the fund owns, the fund may receive stock, real estate, or other
investments that the fund would not, or could not, buy. If this happens, the
fund intends to sell such investments as soon as practicable while maximizing
the return to shareholders.
Generally, the policies and restrictions discussed in this SAI and in the
prospectus apply when the fund makes an investment. In most cases, the fund
is not required to sell a security because circumstances change and the
security no longer meets one or more of the fund's policies or restrictions.
If a percentage restriction or limitation is met at the time of investment, a
later increase or decrease in the percentage due to a change in the value or
liquidity of portfolio securities will not be considered a violation of the
restriction or limitation.
RISKS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOREIGN SECURITIES The value of foreign (and U.S.) securities is affected by
general economic conditions and individual company and industry earnings
prospects. While foreign securities may offer significant opportunities for
gain, they also involve additional risks that can increase the potential for
losses in the fund. These risks can be significantly greater for investments
in emerging markets. Investments in depositary receipts also involve some or
all of the risks described below.
There is the possibility of cessation of trading on national exchanges,
expropriation, nationalization of assets, confiscatory or punitive taxation,
withholding and other foreign taxes on income or other amounts, foreign
exchange controls (which may include suspension of the ability to transfer
currency from a given country), restrictions on removal of assets, political
or social instability, or diplomatic developments that could affect
investments in securities of issuers in foreign nations.
There may be less publicly available information about foreign companies
comparable to the reports and ratings published about companies in the U.S.
Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting or
financial reporting standards, and auditing practices and requirements may
not be comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The fund, therefore,
may encounter difficulty in obtaining market quotations for purposes of
valuing its portfolio and calculating its net asset value.
Certain countries' financial markets and services are less developed than
those in the U.S. or other major economies. In many foreign countries there
is less government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges, brokers,
and listed companies than in the U.S. Foreign markets have substantially less
volume than the New York Stock Exchange and securities of some foreign
companies are less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable
U.S. companies. Commission rates in foreign countries, which are generally
fixed rather than subject to negotiation as in the U.S., are likely to be
higher. Settlement practices may be cumbersome and result in delays that may
affect portfolio liquidity. The fund may have greater difficulty voting
proxies, exercising shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies, and
obtaining judgments with respect to foreign investments in foreign courts
than with respect to domestic issuers in U.S. courts.
The fund's investments in foreign securities may increase the risks with
respect to the liquidity of the fund's portfolio. This could inhibit the
fund's ability to meet a large number of shareholder redemption requests in
the event of economic or political turmoil in a country in which the fund has
a substantial portion of its assets invested or deterioration in relations
between the U.S. and the foreign country.
Investments in companies domiciled in developing countries may be subject to
potentially higher risks than investments in developed countries. These risks
include (i) less economic stability; (ii) political and social uncertainty
(for example, regional conflicts and risk of war); (iii) pervasiveness of
corruption and crime; (iv) the small current size of the markets for such
securities and the currently low or nonexistent volume of trading, which
result in a lack of liquidity and in greater price volatility; (v) delays in
settling portfolio transactions; (vi) risk of loss arising out of the system
of share registration and custody; (vii) certain national policies that may
restrict the fund's investment opportunities, including restrictions on
investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests;
(viii) foreign taxation; (ix) the absence of developed legal structures
governing private or foreign investment or allowing for judicial redress for
injury to private property; (x) the absence of a capital market structure or
market-oriented economy; and (xi) the possibility that recent favorable
economic developments may be slowed or reversed by unanticipated political or
social events.
In addition, many countries in which the fund may invest have experienced
substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many
years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may
continue to have negative effects on the economies and securities markets of
certain countries. Moreover, the economies of some developing countries may
differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as
growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, currency depreciation,
capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, and balance of payments
position.
CURRENCY The fund's management endeavors to buy and sell foreign currencies
on as favorable a basis as practicable. Some price spread in currency
exchange (to cover service charges) may be incurred, particularly when a fund
changes investments from one country to another or when proceeds of the sale
of shares in U.S. dollars are used for the purchase of securities in foreign
countries. Some countries may adopt policies that would prevent the fund from
transferring cash out of the country or withhold portions of interest and
dividends at the source.
The fund may be affected either unfavorably or favorably by fluctuations in
the relative rates of exchange between the currencies of different nations,
by exchange control regulations, and by indigenous economic and political
developments. Some countries in which the fund may invest may also have fixed
or managed currencies that are not free-floating against the U.S. dollar.
Certain currencies may not be internationally traded.
Certain currencies have experienced a steady devaluation relative to the U.S.
dollar. Any devaluations in the currencies in which the fund's portfolio
securities are denominated may have a detrimental impact on the fund. Through
the fund's flexible policy, management endeavors to avoid unfavorable
consequences and to take advantage of favorable developments in particular
nations where, from time to time, it places the fund's investments.
The exercise of this flexible policy may include decisions to purchase
securities with substantial risk characteristics and other decisions such as
changing the emphasis on investments from one nation to another and from one
type of security to another. Some of these decisions may later prove
profitable and others may not. No assurance can be given that profits, if
any, will exceed losses.
The fund's board of trustees considers at least annually the likelihood of
the imposition by any foreign government of exchange control restrictions
that would affect the liquidity of the fund's assets maintained with
custodians in foreign countries, as well as the degree of risk from political
acts of foreign governments to which such assets may be exposed. The board of
trustees also considers the degree of risk involved through the holding of
portfolio securities in domestic and foreign securities depositories.
However, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross
negligence on the part of the fund's manager, any losses resulting from the
holding of the fund's portfolio securities in foreign countries and/or with
securities depositories will be at the risk of the shareholders. No assurance
can be given that the board of trustees' appraisal of the risks will always
be correct or that such exchange control restrictions or political acts of
foreign governments might not occur.
EURO On January 1, 1999, the European Monetary Union (EMU) introduced a new
single currency, the euro, which will be implemented in stages through July
1, 2002, to replace the national currency for participating member countries.
The participating countries are Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany,
Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. The
transition and the elimination of currency risk among EMU countries may
change the economic environment and behavior of investors, particularly in
European markets. While the implementation of the euro could have a negative
effect on the fund, the fund's manager and its affiliated services providers
are taking steps they believe are reasonably designed to address the euro
issue.
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The trust has a board of trustees. The board is responsible for the overall
management of the fund, including general supervision and review of the
fund's investment activities. The board, in turn, elects the officers of the
trust who are responsible for administering the trust's day-to-day
operations. The board also monitors the fund to ensure no material conflicts
exist among share classes. While none is expected, the board will act
appropriately to resolve any material conflict that may arise.
The name, age and address of the officers and board members, as well as their
affiliations, positions held with the trust, and principal occupations during
the past five years are shown below.
Frank T. Crohn (75)
180 Morton Road, Rhinebeck, NY 12572-2530
TRUSTEE
Chairman, Eastport Lobster & Fish Company; Director, Unity Mutual Life
Insurance Company; trustee of two of the investment companies in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds; and FORMERLY, Chairman, Financial Benefit Life
Insurance Company (until 1996) and Director, AmVestors Financial Corporation
(until 1997).
*William J. Lippman (74)
One Parker Plaza, 9th Floor, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
PRESIDENT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND TRUSTEE
Senior Vice President, Franklin Resources, Inc. and Franklin Management,
Inc.; President, Franklin Advisory Services, LLC; and officer and/or director
or trustee, as the case may be, of six of the investment companies in the
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
Charles Rubens II (69)
18 Park Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583-2112
TRUSTEE
Private investor; and trustee or director, as the case may be, of three of
the investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
Leonard Rubin (74)
2460 Lemoine Ave., 3rd Floor, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
TRUSTEE
Partner in LDR Equities, LLC (manages various personal investments); Vice
President, Trimtex Co., Inc. (manufactures and markets specialty fabrics);
director or trustee, as the case may be, of three of the investment companies
in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds; and FORMERLY, Chairman of the
Board, Carolace Embroidery Co., Inc. (until 1996) and President, F.N.C.
Textiles, Inc.
Harmon E. Burns (54)
777 Mariners Island Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94404
VICE PRESIDENT
Vice Chairman, Member - Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin
Resources, Inc., Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. and Franklin Templeton
Services, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Director,
Franklin Investment Advisory Services, Inc. and Franklin/Templeton Investor
Services, Inc.; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be,
of most of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 51 of
the investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
Martin L. Flanagan (39)
777 Mariners Island Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94404
VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
President, Member - Office of the President, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Senior
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director, Franklin/Templeton
Investor Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC; Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Director, Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; Executive Vice President,
Chief Operating Officer and Director, Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc.;
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Franklin Advisers,
Inc.; Chief Financial Officer, Franklin Advisory Services, LLC and Franklin
Investment Advisory Services, Inc.; President and Director, Franklin
Templeton Services, Inc.; officer and/or director of some of the other
subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer and/or director or
trustee, as the case may be, of 51 of the investment companies in the
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
Deborah R. Gatzek (51)
777 Mariners Island Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94404
SECRETARY
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Senior
Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, Inc. and Franklin Templeton
Distributors, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Vice
President, Franklin Advisory Services, LLC and Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC;
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Franklin
Investment Advisory Services, Inc.; and officer of 52 of the investment
companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. (59)
777 Mariners Island Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94404
VICE PRESIDENT
Executive Vice President and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc. and Franklin
Templeton Distributors, Inc.; President and Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc.
and Franklin Investment Advisory Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President,
Franklin Advisory Services, LLC; Director, Franklin/Templeton Investor
Services, Inc.; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be,
of most of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 51 of
the investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
Kimberley Monasterio (37)
777 Mariners Island Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94404
TREASURER AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER
Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, Inc.; and officer of 30 of the
investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
Edward V. McVey (62)
777 Mariners Island Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94404
VICE PRESIDENT
Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager, Franklin Templeton
Distributors, Inc.; and officer of 28 of the investment companies in the
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
R. Martin Wiskemann (73)
777 Mariners Island Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94404
VICE PRESIDENT
Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Director, Franklin Advisers,
Inc.; Senior Vice President, Franklin Management, Inc.; and officer and/or
director or trustee, as the case may be, of 15 of the investment companies in
the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds; and FORMERLY, Vice President and
Director, ILA Financial Services, Inc. (until July 1998).
*This board member is considered an "interested person" under federal
securities laws.
The trust pays noninterested board members $325 per month plus $300 per meeting
attended. Noninterested board members also may serve as directors or trustees of
other funds in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds and may receive fees from
these funds for their services. The following table provides the total fees paid
to noninterested board members by the trust and by the Franklin Templeton Group
of Funds.
NUMBER OF
BOARDS IN
TOTAL FEES THE FRANKLIN
RECEIVED FROM TEMPLETON
TOTAL FEES THE FRANKLIN GROUP
RECEIVED TEMPLETON OF FUNDS
FROM THE GROUP OF ON WHICH
NAME TRUST 1 ($) FUNDS 2 ($) EACH SERVES 3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frank T. Crohn 8,984 31,950 2
Charles Rubens II 9,884 88,950 3
Leonard Rubin 9,884 88,950 3
1. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999. During the period from October
1, 1998, through September 22, 1999, fees at the rate of $1,800 per quarter plus
$900 per board meeting attended were in effect for the trust.
2. For the calendar year ended December 31, 1999.
3. We base the number of boards on the number of registered investment companies
in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds. This number does not include the total
number of series or funds within each investment company for which the board
members are responsible. The Franklin Templeton Group of Funds currently
includes 53 registered investment companies, with approximately 155 U.S. based
funds or series.
Noninterested board members are reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection
with attending board meetings, paid pro rata by each fund in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds for which they serve as director or trustee. No officer
or board member received any other compensation, including pension or retirement
benefits, directly or indirectly from the fund or other funds in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds. Certain officers or board members who are shareholders
of Franklin Resources, Inc. may be deemed to receive indirect remuneration by
virtue of their participation, if any, in the fees paid to its subsidiaries.
MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGER AND SERVICES PROVIDED The fund's manager is Franklin Advisory
Services, LLC. The manager is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin
Resources, Inc. (Resources), a publicly owned company engaged in the
financial services industry through its subsidiaries. Charles B. Johnson and
Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. are the principal shareholders of Resources.
The manager provides investment research and portfolio management services,
and selects the securities for the fund to buy, hold or sell. The manager
also selects the brokers who execute the fund's portfolio transactions. The
manager provides periodic reports to the board, which reviews and supervises
the manager's investment activities. To protect the fund, the manager and its
officers, directors and employees are covered by fidelity insurance.
The manager and its affiliates manage numerous other investment companies and
accounts. The manager may give advice and take action with respect to any of
the other funds it manages, or for its own account, that may differ from
action taken by the manager on behalf of the fund. Similarly, with respect to
the fund, the manager is not obligated to recommend, buy or sell, or to
refrain from recommending, buying or selling any security that the manager
and access persons, as defined by applicable federal securities laws, may buy
or sell for its or their own account or for the accounts of any other fund.
The manager is not obligated to refrain from investing in securities held by
the fund or other funds it manages.
The fund, its manager and principal underwriter have each adopted a code of
ethics, as required by federal securities laws. Under the code of ethics,
employees who are designated as access persons may engage in personal
securities transactions, including transactions involving securities that are
being considered for the fund or that are currently held by the fund, subject
to certain general restrictions and procedures. The personal securities
transactions of access persons of the fund, its manager and principal
underwriter will be governed by the code of ethics.
MANAGEMENT FEES The fund pays the manager a fee equal to an annual rate of:
o 0.75% of the value of net assets up to and including $500 million;
o 0.625% of the value of net assets over $500 million and not over $1
billion; and
o 0.50% of the value of net assets in excess of $1 billion.
The fee is computed at the close of business on the last business day of each
month according to the terms of the management agreement. The fund's management
agreement also provides for the payment of $40,000 per year by the fund to the
manager for the provision of certain accounting, bookkeeping and recordkeeping
functions for the fund. Each class of the fund's shares pays its proportionate
share of the fee.
For the last three fiscal years ended September 30, the fund paid the following
management fees:
MANAGEMENT
FEES PAID ($)
- -------------------------------------------------------
1999 3,560,910
1998 3,577,836
1997 2,483,231
ADMINISTRATOR AND SERVICES PROVIDED Franklin Templeton Services, Inc. (FT
Services) has an agreement with the manager to provide certain administrative
services and facilities for the fund. FT Services is wholly owned by Resources
and is an affiliate of the fund's manager and principal underwriter.
The administrative services FT Services provides include preparing and
maintaining books, records, and tax and financial reports, and monitoring
compliance with regulatory requirements.
ADMINISTRATION FEES The manager pays FT Services a monthly fee equal to an
annual rate of:
o 0.15% of the fund's average daily net assets up to $200 million;
o 0.135% of average daily net assets over $200 million up to $700 million;
o 0.10% of average daily net assets over $700 million up to $1.2 billion;
and
o 0.075% of average daily net assets over $1.2 billion.
During the last three fiscal years ended September 30, the manager paid FT
Services the following administration fees:
ADMINISTRATION
FEES PAID ($)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
1999 671,318
1998 676,711
1997 476,990
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AND TRANSFER AGENT Franklin/Templeton Investor
Services, Inc. (Investor Services) is the fund's shareholder servicing agent
and acts as the fund's transfer agent and dividend-paying agent. Investor
Services is located at 777 Mariners Island Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94404. Please
send all correspondence to Investor Services to P.O. Box 997151, Sacramento,
CA 95899-9983.
For its services, Investor Services receives a fixed fee per account. The
fund also will reimburse Investor Services for certain out-of-pocket
expenses, which may include payments by Investor Services to entities,
including affiliated entities, that provide sub-shareholder services,
recordkeeping and/or transfer agency services to beneficial owners of the
fund. The amount of reimbursements for these services per benefit plan
participant fund account per year will not exceed the per account fee payable
by the fund to Investor Services in connection with maintaining shareholder
accounts.
CUSTODIAN Bank of New York, Mutual Funds Division, 90 Washington Street, New
York, NY 10286, acts as custodian of the fund's securities and other assets.
AUDITOR Tait, Weller & Baker, Eight Penn Center Plaza, Suite 800,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, is the fund's independent auditor. The
auditor gives an opinion on the financial statements included in the trust's
Annual Report to Shareholders and reviews the trust's registration statement
filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The manager selects brokers and dealers to execute the fund's portfolio
transactions in accordance with criteria set forth in the management
agreement and any directions that the board may give.
When placing a portfolio transaction, the manager seeks to obtain prompt
execution of orders at the most favorable net price. For portfolio
transactions on a securities exchange, the amount of commission paid is
negotiated between the manager and the broker executing the transaction. The
determination and evaluation of the reasonableness of the brokerage
commissions paid are based to a large degree on the professional opinions of
the persons responsible for placement and review of the transactions. These
opinions are based on the experience of these individuals in the securities
industry and information available to them about the level of commissions
being paid by other institutional investors of comparable size. The manager
will ordinarily place orders to buy and sell over-the-counter securities on a
principal rather than agency basis with a principal market maker unless, in
the opinion of the manager, a better price and execution can otherwise be
obtained. Purchases of portfolio securities from underwriters will include a
commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases
from dealers will include a spread between the bid and ask price.
The manager may pay certain brokers commissions that are higher than those
another broker may charge, if the manager determines in good faith that the
amount paid is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and
research services it receives. This may be viewed in terms of either the
particular transaction or the manager's overall responsibilities to client
accounts over which it exercises investment discretion. The services that
brokers may provide to the manager include, among others, supplying
information about particular companies, markets, countries, or local,
regional, national or transnational economies, statistical data, quotations
and other securities pricing information, and other information that provides
lawful and appropriate assistance to the manager in carrying out its
investment advisory responsibilities. These services may not always directly
benefit the fund. They must, however, be of value to the manager in carrying
out its overall responsibilities to its clients.
It is not possible to place a dollar value on the special executions or on
the research services the manager receives from dealers effecting
transactions in portfolio securities. The allocation of transactions to
obtain additional research services allows the manager to supplement its own
research and analysis activities and to receive the views and information of
individuals and research staffs of other securities firms. As long as it is
lawful and appropriate to do so, the manager and its affiliates may use this
research and data in their investment advisory capacities with other clients.
If the fund's officers are satisfied that the best execution is obtained, the
sale of fund shares, as well as shares of other funds in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds, also may be considered a factor in the selection of
broker-dealers to execute the fund's portfolio transactions.
Because Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) is a member of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., it may sometimes
receive certain fees when the fund tenders portfolio securities pursuant to a
tender-offer solicitation. To recapture brokerage for the benefit of the
fund, any portfolio securities tendered by the fund will be tendered through
Distributors if it is legally permissible to do so. In turn, the next
management fee payable to the manager will be reduced by the amount of any
fees received by Distributors in cash, less any costs and expenses incurred
in connection with the tender.
If purchases or sales of securities of the fund and one or more other
investment companies or clients supervised by the manager are considered at
or about the same time, transactions in these securities will be allocated
among the several investment companies and clients in a manner deemed
equitable to all by the manager, taking into account the respective size of
the fund and the amount of securities to be purchased or sold. In some cases
this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the
security so far as the fund is concerned. In other cases it is possible that
the ability to participate in volume transactions may improve execution and
reduce transaction costs to the fund.
During the last three fiscal years ended September 30, the fund paid the
following brokerage commissions:
BROKERAGE
COMMISSIONS ($)
- --------------------------------------------------------------
1999 340,223
1998 478,453
1997 324,013
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, the fund did not pay brokerage
commissions to brokers who provided research services.
As of September 30, 1999, the fund did not own securities of its regular
broker-dealers.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fund calculates dividends and capital gains the same way for each class.
The amount of any income dividends per share will differ, however, generally
due to the difference in any distribution and service (Rule 12b-1) fees of
each class. Distributions are subject to approval by the board. The fund does
not pay "interest" or guarantee any fixed rate of return on an investment in
its shares.
DISTRIBUTIONS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME The fund receives income generally in
the form of dividends and interest on its investments. This income, less
expenses incurred in the operation of the fund, constitutes the fund's net
investment income from which dividends may be paid to you. Any distributions
by the fund from such income will be taxable to you as ordinary income,
whether you take them in cash or in additional shares.
DISTRIBUTIONS OF CAPITAL GAINS The fund may derive capital gains and losses
in connection with sales or other dispositions of its portfolio securities.
Distributions from net short-term capital gains will be taxable to you as
ordinary income. Distributions from net long-term capital gains will be
taxable to you as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long you have
held your shares in the fund. Any net capital gains realized by the fund
generally will be distributed once each year, and may be distributed more
frequently, if necessary, to reduce or eliminate excise or income taxes on
the fund.
EFFECT OF FOREIGN INVESTMENTS ON DISTRIBUTIONS Most foreign exchange gains
realized on the sale of debt securities are treated as ordinary income by the
fund. Similarly, foreign exchange losses realized by the fund on the sale of
debt securities are generally treated as ordinary losses by the fund. These
gains when distributed will be taxable to you as ordinary dividends, and any
losses will reduce the fund's ordinary income otherwise available for
distribution to you. This treatment could increase or decrease the fund's
ordinary income distributions to you, and may cause some or all of the fund's
previously distributed income to be classified as a return of capital.
INFORMATION ON THE TAX CHARACTER OF DISTRIBUTIONS The fund will inform you of
the amount of your ordinary income dividends and capital gains distributions
at the time they are paid, and will advise you of their tax status for
federal income tax purposes shortly after the close of each calendar year. If
you have not held fund shares for a full year, the fund may designate and
distribute to you, as ordinary income or capital gain, a percentage of income
that is not equal to the actual amount of such income earned during the
period of your investment in the fund.
ELECTION TO BE TAXED AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY The fund has elected
to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code, has qualified as such for its most recent fiscal year,
and intends to so qualify during the current fiscal year. As a regulated
investment company, the fund generally pays no federal income tax on the
income and gains it distributes to you. The board reserves the right not to
maintain the qualification of the fund as a regulated investment company if
it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders. In such
case, the fund will be subject to federal, and possibly state, corporate
taxes on its taxable income and gains, and distributions to you will be taxed
as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the fund's earnings and profits.
EXCISE TAX DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS To avoid federal excise taxes, the
Internal Revenue Code requires the fund to distribute to you by December 31
of each year, at a minimum, the following amounts: 98% of its taxable
ordinary income earned during the calendar year; 98% of its capital gain net
income earned during the twelve month period ending October 31; and 100% of
any undistributed amounts from the prior year. The fund intends to declare
and pay these distributions in December (or to pay them in January, in which
case you must treat them as received in December) but can give no assurances
that its distributions will be sufficient to eliminate all taxes.
REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES Redemptions (including redemptions in kind) and
exchanges of fund shares are taxable transactions for federal and state
income tax purposes. If you redeem your fund shares, or exchange your fund
shares for shares of a different Franklin Templeton Fund, the IRS will
require that you report any gain or loss on your redemption or exchange. If
you hold your shares as a capital asset, the gain or loss that you realize
will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term or short-term, generally
depending on how long you hold your shares. Any loss incurred on the
redemption or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated
as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gains
distributed to you by the fund on those shares.
Beginning after the year 2005 (2000 for certain shareholders), gains from the
sale of fund shares held for more than five years may be subject to a reduced
rate.
All or a portion of any loss that you realize upon the redemption of your
fund shares will be disallowed to the extent that you buy other shares in the
fund (through reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within 30 days before
or after your share redemption. Any loss disallowed under these rules will be
added to your tax basis in the new shares you buy.
DEFERRAL OF BASIS If you redeem some or all of your shares in the fund, and
then reinvest the sales proceeds in the fund or in another Franklin Templeton
Fund within 90 days of buying the original shares, the sales charge that
would otherwise apply to your reinvestment may be reduced or eliminated. The
IRS will require you to report any gain or loss on the redemption of your
original shares in the fund. In doing so, all or a portion of the sales
charge that you paid for your original shares in the fund will be excluded
from your tax basis in the shares sold (for the purpose of determining gain
or loss upon the sale of such shares). The portion of the sales charge
excluded will equal the amount that the sales charge is reduced on your
reinvestment. Any portion of the sales charge excluded from your tax basis in
the shares sold will be added to the tax basis of the shares you acquire from
your reinvestment.
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS States grant tax-free status to dividends paid to
you from interest earned on direct obligations of the U.S. government,
subject in some states to minimum investment or reporting requirements that
must be met by the fund. Investments in Government National Mortgage
Association or Federal National Mortgage Association securities, bankers'
acceptances, commercial paper and repurchase agreements collateralized by
U.S. government securities do not generally qualify for tax-free treatment.
The rules on exclusion of this income are different for corporations.
DIVIDENDS-RECEIVED DEDUCTION FOR CORPORATIONS If you are a corporate
shareholder, you should note that 100% of the dividends paid by the fund for
the most recent fiscal year qualified for the dividends-received deduction.
You may be allowed to deduct these qualified dividends, thereby reducing the
tax that you would otherwise be required to pay on these dividends. The
dividends-received deduction will be available only with respect to dividends
designated by the fund as eligible for such treatment. All dividends
(including the deducted portion) must be included in your alternative minimum
taxable income calculation.
INVESTMENT IN COMPLEX SECURITIES The fund may invest in complex securities.
These investments may be subject to numerous special and complex tax rules.
These rules could affect whether gains and losses recognized by the fund are
treated as ordinary income or capital gain, accelerate the recognition of
income to the fund (possibly causing the fund to sell securities to raise the
cash for necessary distributions) and/or defer the fund's ability to
recognize losses, and, in limited cases, subject the fund to U.S. federal
income tax on income from certain foreign securities. In turn, these rules
may affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to you
by the fund.
ORGANIZATION, VOTING RIGHTS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Rising Dividends Fund is a diversified series of Franklin Managed Trust, an
open-end management investment company, commonly called a mutual fund. The trust
was organized as a Delaware business trust on October 26, 1999, and is
registered with the SEC. Prior to October 26, 1999, the trust was a
Massachusetts business trust, originally organized on July 15, 1986. On October
26, 1999, the trust's shareholders approved a reorganization of the trust as a
Delaware business trust, and the reorganization was effected the same day.
The fund currently offers three classes of shares, Class A, Class B, and Class
C. The fund began offering Class B shares on January 1, 1999. The fund may offer
additional classes of shares in the future. The full title of each class is:
o Franklin Rising Dividends Fund - Class A
o Franklin Rising Dividends Fund - Class B
o Franklin Rising Dividends Fund - Class C
Shares of each class represent proportionate interests in the fund's assets.
On matters that affect the fund as a whole, each class has the same voting
and other rights and preferences as any other class. On matters that affect
only one class, only shareholders of that class may vote. Each class votes
separately on matters affecting only that class, or expressly required to be
voted on separately by state or federal law.
The trust has noncumulative voting rights. For board member elections, this
gives holders of more than 50% of the shares voting the ability to elect all
of the members of the board. If this happens, holders of the remaining shares
voting will not be able to elect anyone to the board.
The trust does not intend to hold annual shareholder meetings. The trust or a
series of the trust may hold special meetings, however, for matters requiring
shareholder approval. A meeting may be called by the board to consider the
removal of a board member if requested in writing by shareholders holding at
least 10% of the outstanding shares. In certain circumstances, we are
required to help you communicate with other shareholders about the removal of
a board member. A special meeting also may be called by the board in its
discretion.
To the best knowledge of the fund, no other person holds beneficially or of
record more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class.
As of January 3, 2000, the officers and board members, as a group, owned of
record and beneficially less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each class.
The board members may own shares in other funds in the Franklin Templeton
Group of Funds.
BUYING AND SELLING SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fund continuously offers its shares through securities dealers who have
an agreement with Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors). A
securities dealer includes any financial institution that, either directly or
through affiliates, has an agreement with Distributors to handle customer
orders and accounts with the fund. This reference is for convenience only and
does not indicate a legal conclusion of capacity. Banks and financial
institutions that sell shares of the fund may be required by state law to
register as securities dealers.
For investors outside the U.S., the offering of fund shares may be limited in
many jurisdictions. An investor who wishes to buy shares of the fund should
determine, or have a broker-dealer determine, the applicable laws and
regulations of the relevant jurisdiction. Investors are responsible for
compliance with tax, currency exchange or other regulations applicable to
redemption and purchase transactions in any jurisdiction to which they may be
subject. Investors should consult appropriate tax and legal advisors to
obtain information on the rules applicable to these transactions.
All checks, drafts, wires and other payment mediums used to buy or sell
shares of the fund must be denominated in U.S. dollars. We may, in our sole
discretion, either (a) reject any order to buy or sell shares denominated in
any other currency or (b) honor the transaction or make adjustments to your
account for the transaction as of a date and with a foreign currency exchange
factor determined by the drawee bank. We may deduct any applicable banking
charges imposed by the bank from your account.
When you buy shares, if you submit a check or a draft that is returned unpaid
to the fund we may impose a $10 charge against your account for each returned
item.
If you buy shares through the reinvestment of dividends, the shares will be
purchased at the net asset value determined on the business day following the
dividend record date (sometimes known as the "ex-dividend date"). The
processing date for the reinvestment of dividends may vary and does not
affect the amount or value of the shares acquired.
INITIAL SALES CHARGES The maximum initial sales charge is 5.75% for Class A
and 1% for Class C. There is no initial sales charge for Class B.
The initial sales charge for Class A shares may be reduced for certain large
purchases, as described in the prospectus. We offer several ways for you to
combine your purchases in the Franklin Templeton Funds to take advantage of
the lower sales charges for large purchases. The Franklin Templeton Funds
include the U.S. registered mutual funds in the Franklin Group of Funds(R) and
the Templeton Group of Funds except Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance
Products Trust, Templeton Capital Accumulator Fund, Inc., and Templeton
Variable Products Series Fund.
CUMULATIVE QUANTITY DISCOUNT. For purposes of calculating the sales charge on
Class A shares, you may combine the amount of your current purchase with the
cost or current value, whichever is higher, of your existing shares in the
Franklin Templeton Funds. You also may combine the shares of your spouse,
children under the age of 21 or grandchildren under the age of 21. If you are
the sole owner of a company, you also may add any company accounts, including
retirement plan accounts. Companies with one or more retirement plans may add
together the total plan assets invested in the Franklin Templeton Funds to
determine the sales charge that applies.
LETTER OF INTENT (LOI). You may buy Class A shares at a reduced sales charge
by completing the letter of intent section of your account application. A
letter of intent is a commitment by you to invest a specified dollar amount
during a 13 month period. The amount you agree to invest determines the sales
charge you pay. By completing the letter of intent section of the
application, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
o You authorize Distributors to reserve 5% of your total intended purchase
in Class A shares registered in your name until you fulfill your LOI.
Your periodic statements will include the reserved shares in the total
shares you own, and we will pay or reinvest dividend and capital gain
distributions on the reserved shares according to the distribution
option you have chosen.
o You give Distributors a security interest in the reserved shares and
appoint Distributors as attorney-in-fact.
o Distributors may sell any or all of the reserved shares to cover any
additional sales charge if you do not fulfill the terms of the LOI.
o Although you may exchange your shares, you may not sell reserved shares
until you complete the LOI or pay the higher sales charge.
After you file your LOI with the fund, you may buy Class A shares at the
sales charge applicable to the amount specified in your LOI. Sales charge
reductions based on purchases in more than one Franklin Templeton Fund will
be effective only after notification to Distributors that the investment
qualifies for a discount. Any Class A purchases you made within 90 days
before you filed your LOI also may qualify for a retroactive reduction in the
sales charge. If you file your LOI with the fund before a change in the
fund's sales charge, you may complete the LOI at the lower of the new sales
charge or the sales charge in effect when the LOI was filed.
Your holdings in the Franklin Templeton Funds acquired more than 90 days
before you filed your LOI will be counted towards the completion of the LOI,
but they will not be entitled to a retroactive reduction in the sales charge.
Any redemptions you make during the 13 month period, except in the case of
certain retirement plans, will be subtracted from the amount of the purchases
for purposes of determining whether the terms of the LOI have been completed.
If the terms of your LOI are met, the reserved shares will be deposited to an
account in your name or delivered to you or as you direct. If the amount of
your total purchases, less redemptions, is more than the amount specified in
your LOI and is an amount that would qualify for a further sales charge
reduction, a retroactive price adjustment will be made by Distributors and
the securities dealer through whom purchases were made. The price adjustment
will be made on purchases made within 90 days before and on those made after
you filed your LOI and will be applied towards the purchase of additional
shares at the offering price applicable to a single purchase or the dollar
amount of the total purchases.
If the amount of your total purchases, less redemptions, is less than the
amount specified in your LOI, the sales charge will be adjusted upward,
depending on the actual amount purchased (less redemptions) during the
period. You will need to send Distributors an amount equal to the difference
in the actual dollar amount of sales charge paid and the amount of sales
charge that would have applied to the total purchases if the total of the
purchases had been made at one time. Upon payment of this amount, the
reserved shares held for your account will be deposited to an account in your
name or delivered to you or as you direct. If within 20 days after written
request the difference in sales charge is not paid, we will redeem an
appropriate number of reserved shares to realize the difference. If you
redeem the total amount in your account before you fulfill your LOI, we will
deduct the additional sales charge due from the sale proceeds and forward the
balance to you.
For LOIs filed on behalf of certain retirement plans, the level and any
reduction in sales charge for these plans will be based on actual plan
participation and the projected investments in the Franklin Templeton Funds
under the LOI. These plans are not subject to the requirement to reserve 5%
of the total intended purchase or to the policy on upward adjustments in
sales charges described above, or to any penalty as a result of the early
termination of a plan, nor are these plans entitled to receive retroactive
adjustments in price for investments made before executing the LOI.
GROUP PURCHASES. If you are a member of a qualified group, you may buy Class
A shares at a reduced sales charge that applies to the group as a whole. The
sales charge is based on the combined dollar value of the group members'
existing investments, plus the amount of the current purchase.
A qualified group is one that:
o Was formed at least six months ago,
o Has a purpose other than buying fund shares at a discount,
o Has more than 10 members,
o Can arrange for meetings between our representatives and group members,
o Agrees to include Franklin Templeton Fund sales and other materials in
publications and mailings to its members at reduced or no cost to
Distributors,
o Agrees to arrange for payroll deduction or other bulk transmission of
investments to the fund, and
o Meets other uniform criteria that allow Distributors to achieve cost
savings in distributing shares.
A qualified group generally does not include a 403(b) plan that only allows
salary deferral contributions, although any such plan that purchased the
fund's Class A shares at a reduced sales charge under the group purchase
privilege before February 1, 1998, may continue to do so.
WAIVERS FOR INVESTMENTS FROM CERTAIN PAYMENTS. Class A shares may be
purchased without an initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge
(CDSC) by investors who reinvest within 365 days:
o Dividend and capital gain distributions from any Franklin Templeton
Fund. The distributions generally must be reinvested in the same share
class. Certain exceptions apply, however, to Class C shareholders who
chose to reinvest their distributions in Class A shares of the fund
before November 17, 1997, and to Advisor Class or Class Z shareholders
of a Franklin Templeton Fund who may reinvest their distributions in the
fund's Class A shares. This waiver category also applies to Class B and
C shares.
o Dividend or capital gain distributions from a real estate investment
trust (REIT) sponsored or advised by Franklin Properties, Inc.
o Annuity payments received under either an annuity option or from death
benefit proceeds, if the annuity contract offers as an investment option
the Franklin Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust or the
Templeton Variable Products Series Fund. You should contact your tax
advisor for information on any tax consequences that may apply.
o Redemption proceeds from a repurchase of shares of Franklin Floating
Rate Trust, if the shares were continuously held for at least 12 months.
If you immediately placed your redemption proceeds in a Franklin Bank CD
or a Franklin Templeton money fund, you may reinvest them as described
above. The proceeds must be reinvested within 365 days from the date the
CD matures, including any rollover, or the date you redeem your money
fund shares.
o Redemption proceeds from the sale of Class A shares of any of the
Templeton Global Strategy Funds if you are a qualified investor.
If you paid a CDSC when you redeemed your Class A shares from a
Templeton Global Strategy Fund, a new CDSC will apply to your purchase
of fund shares and the CDSC holding period will begin again. We will,
however, credit your fund account with additional shares based on the
CDSC you previously paid and the amount of the redemption proceeds that
you reinvest.
If you immediately placed your redemption proceeds in a Franklin
Templeton money fund, you may reinvest them as described above. The
proceeds must be reinvested within 365 days from the date they are
redeemed from the money fund.
o Distributions from an existing retirement plan invested in the Franklin
Templeton Funds
WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INVESTORS. Class A shares also may be purchased without
an initial sales charge or CDSC by various individuals and institutions due
to anticipated economies in sales efforts and expenses, including:
o Trust companies and bank trust departments agreeing to invest in
Franklin Templeton Funds over a 13 month period at least $1 million of
assets held in a fiduciary, agency, advisory, custodial or similar
capacity and over which the trust companies and bank trust departments
or other plan fiduciaries or participants, in the case of certain
retirement plans, have full or shared investment discretion. We will
accept orders for these accounts 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 the order.
o Any state or local government or any instrumentality, department,
authority or agency thereof that has determined the fund is a legally
permissible investment and that can only buy fund shares without paying
sales charges. Please consult your legal and investment advisors to
determine if an investment in the fund is permissible and suitable for
you and the effect, if any, of payments by the fund on arbitrage rebate
calculations.
o Broker-dealers, registered investment advisors or certified financial
planners who have entered into an agreement with Distributors for
clients participating in comprehensive fee programs
o Qualified registered investment advisors who buy through a broker-dealer
or service agent who has entered into an agreement with Distributors
o Registered securities dealers and their affiliates, for their investment
accounts only
o Current employees of securities dealers and their affiliates and their
family members, as allowed by the internal policies of their employer
o Officers, trustees, directors and full-time employees of the Franklin
Templeton Funds or the Franklin Templeton Group, and their family
members, consistent with our then-current policies
o Any investor who is currently a Class Z shareholder of Franklin Mutual
Series Fund Inc. (Mutual Series), or who is a former Mutual Series Class
Z shareholder who had an account in any Mutual Series fund on October
31, 1996, or who sold his or her shares of Mutual Series Class Z within
the past 365 days
o Investment companies exchanging shares or selling assets pursuant to a
merger, acquisition or exchange offer
o Accounts managed by the Franklin Templeton Group
o Certain unit investment trusts and their holders reinvesting
distributions from the trusts
o Group annuity separate accounts offered to retirement plans
o Chilean retirement plans that meet the requirements described under
"Retirement plans" below
In addition, Class C shares may be purchased without an initial sales charge
by any investor who buys Class C shares through an omnibus account with
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, Inc. A CDSC may apply, however, if the
shares are sold within 18 months of purchase.
RETIREMENT PLANS. Retirement plans sponsored by an employer (i) with at least
100 employees, or (ii) with retirement plan assets of $1 million or more, or
(iii) that agrees to invest at least $500,000 in the Franklin Templeton Funds
over a 13 month period may buy Class A shares without an initial sales
charge. Retirement plans that are not qualified retirement plans (employer
sponsored pension or profit-sharing plans that qualify under section 401 of
the Internal Revenue Code, including 401(k), money purchase pension, profit
sharing and defined benefit plans), SIMPLEs (savings incentive match plans
for employees) or SEPs (employer sponsored simplified employee pension plans
established under section 408(k) of the Internal Revenue Code) must also meet
the group purchase requirements described above to be able to buy Class A
shares without an initial sales charge. We may enter into a special
arrangement with a securities dealer, based on criteria established by the
fund, to add together certain small qualified retirement plan accounts for
the purpose of meeting these requirements.
For retirement plan accounts opened on or after May 1, 1997, a CDSC may apply
if the retirement plan is transferred out of the Franklin Templeton Funds or
terminated within 365 days of the retirement plan account's initial purchase
in the Franklin Templeton Funds.
SALES IN TAIWAN. Under agreements with certain banks in Taiwan, Republic of
China, the fund's shares are available to these banks' trust accounts without
a sales charge. The banks may charge service fees to their customers who
participate in the trusts. A portion of these service fees may be paid to
Distributors or one of its affiliates to help defray expenses of maintaining
a service office in Taiwan, including expenses related to local literature
fulfillment and communication facilities.
The fund's Class A shares may be offered to investors in Taiwan through
securities advisory firms known locally as Securities Investment Consulting
Enterprises. In conformity with local business practices in Taiwan, Class A
shares may be offered with the following schedule of sales charges:
SIZE OF PURCHASE - U.S. DOLLARS SALES CHARGE (%)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Under $30,000 3.0
$30,000 but less than $50,000 2.5
$50,000 but less than $100,000 2.0
$100,000 but less than $200,000 1.5
$200,000 but less than $400,000 1.0
$400,000 or more 0
DEALER COMPENSATION Securities dealers may at times receive the entire sales
charge. A securities dealer who receives 90% or more of the sales charge may
be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Financial institutions or their affiliated brokers may receive an agency
transaction fee in the percentages indicated in the dealer compensation table
in the fund's prospectus.
Distributors may pay the following commissions, out of its own resources, to
securities dealers who initiate and are responsible for purchases of Class A
shares of $1 million or more: 1% on sales of $1 million to $2 million, plus
0.80% on sales over $2 million to $3 million, plus 0.50% on sales over $3
million to $50 million, plus 0.25% on sales over $50 million to $100 million,
plus 0.15% on sales over $100 million.
These breakpoints are reset every 12 months for purposes of additional
purchases.
Distributors or one of its affiliates may pay up to 1%, out of its own
resources, to securities dealers who initiate and are responsible for
purchases of Class A shares by certain retirement plans without an initial
sales charge. These payments may be made in the form of contingent advance
payments, which may be recovered from the securities dealer or set off
against other payments due to the dealer if shares are sold within 12 months
of the calendar month of purchase. Other conditions may apply. All terms and
conditions may be imposed by an agreement between Distributors, or one of its
affiliates, and the securities dealer.
In addition to the payments above, Distributors and/or its affiliates may
provide financial support to securities dealers that sell shares of the
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds. This support is based primarily on the
amount of sales of fund shares and/or total assets with the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds. The amount of support may be affected by: total
sales; net sales; levels of redemptions; the proportion of a securities
dealer's sales and marketing efforts in the Franklin Templeton Group of
Funds; a securities dealer's support of, and participation in, Distributors'
marketing programs; a securities dealer's compensation programs for its
registered representatives; and the extent of a securities dealer's marketing
programs relating to
the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds. Financial support to securities
dealers may be made by payments from Distributors' resources, from
Distributors' retention of underwriting concessions and, in the case of funds
that have Rule 12b-1 plans, from payments to Distributors under such plans.
In addition, certain securities dealers may receive brokerage commissions
generated by fund portfolio transactions in accordance with the rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Distributors routinely sponsors due diligence meetings for registered
representatives during which they receive updates on various Franklin
Templeton Funds and are afforded the opportunity to speak with portfolio
managers. Invitation to these meetings is not conditioned on selling a
specific number of shares. Those who have shown an interest in the Franklin
Templeton Funds, however, are more likely to be considered. To the extent
permitted by their firm's policies and procedures, registered
representatives' expenses in attending these meetings may be covered by
Distributors.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE (CDSC) If you invest $1 million or more in
Class A shares, either as a lump sum or through our cumulative quantity
discount or letter of intent programs, a CDSC may apply on any shares you
sell within 12 months of purchase. For Class C shares, a CDSC may apply if
you sell your shares within 18 months of purchase. The CDSC is 1% of the
value of the shares sold or the net asset value at the time of purchase,
whichever is less.
Certain retirement plan accounts opened on or after May 1, 1997, and that
qualify to buy Class A shares without an initial sales charge also may be
subject to a CDSC if the retirement plan is transferred out of the Franklin
Templeton Funds or terminated within 365 days of the account's initial
purchase in the Franklin Templeton Funds.
For Class B shares, there is a CDSC if you sell your shares within six years,
as described in the table below. The charge is based on the value of the
shares sold or the net asset value at the time of purchase, whichever is less.
IF YOU SELL YOUR CLASS B SHARES WITHIN THIS % IS DEDUCTED FROM
THIS MANY YEARS AFTER BUYING THEM YOUR PROCEEDS AS A CDSC
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year 4
2 Years 4
3 Years 3
4 Years 3
5 Years 2
6 Years 1
7 Years 0
CDSC WAIVERS. The CDSC for any share class generally will be waived for:
o Account fees
o Sales of Class A shares purchased without an initial sales charge by
certain retirement plan accounts if (i) the account was opened before
May 1, 1997, or (ii) the securities dealer of record received a payment
from Distributors of 0.25% or less, or (iii) Distributors did not make
any payment in connection with the purchase, or (iv) the securities
dealer of record has entered into a supplemental agreement with
Distributors
o Redemptions of Class A shares by investors who purchased $1 million or
more without an initial sales charge if the securities dealer of record
waived its commission in connection with the purchase
o Redemptions by the fund when an account falls below the minimum required
account size
o Redemptions following the death of the shareholder or beneficial owner
o Redemptions through a systematic withdrawal plan set up before February
1, 1995
o Redemptions through a systematic withdrawal plan set up on or after
February 1, 1995, up to 1% monthly, 3% quarterly, 6% semiannually or 12%
annually of your account's net asset value depending on the frequency of
your plan
o Redemptions by Franklin Templeton Trust Company employee benefit plans
or employee benefit plans serviced by ValuSelect(R) (not applicable to
Class B)
o Distributions from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) due to death or
disability or upon periodic distributions based on life expectancy (for
Class B, this applies to all retirement plan accounts, not only IRAs)
o Returns of excess contributions (and earnings, if applicable) from
retirement plan accounts
o Participant initiated distributions from employee benefit plans or
participant initiated exchanges among investment choices in employee
benefit plans (not applicable to Class B)
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE If you request the exchange of the total value of your
account, declared but unpaid income dividends and capital gain distributions
will be reinvested in the fund and exchanged into the new fund at net asset
value when paid. Backup withholding and information reporting may apply.
If a substantial number of shareholders should, within a short period, sell
their fund shares under the exchange privilege, the fund might have to sell
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
occurs, it is the fund's general policy to initially invest this money in
short-term, interest-bearing money market instruments, unless it is believed
that attractive investment opportunities consistent with the fund's
investment goal exist immediately. This money will then be withdrawn from the
short-term, interest-bearing money market instruments and invested in
portfolio securities in as orderly a manner as is possible when attractive
investment opportunities arise.
The proceeds from the sale of shares of an investment company generally are
not available until the seventh day following the sale. The funds you are
seeking to exchange into may delay issuing shares pursuant to an exchange
until that seventh day. The sale of fund shares to complete an exchange will
be effected at net asset value at the close of business on the day the
request for exchange is received in proper form.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN Our systematic withdrawal plan allows you to sell
your shares and receive regular payments from your account on a monthly,
quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. The value of your account must be at
least $5,000 and the minimum payment amount for each withdrawal must be at
least $50. For retirement plans subject to mandatory distribution
requirements, the $50 minimum will not apply. There are no service charges
for establishing or maintaining a systematic withdrawal plan.
Payments under the plan will be made from the redemption of an equivalent
amount of shares in your account, generally on the 25th day of the month in
which a payment is scheduled. If the 25th falls on a weekend or holiday, we
will process the redemption on the next business day. When you sell your
shares under a systematic withdrawal plan, it is a taxable transaction.
To avoid paying sales charges on money you plan to withdraw within a short
period of time, you may not want to set up a systematic withdrawal plan if
you plan to buy shares on a regular basis. Shares sold under the plan also
may be subject to a CDSC.
Redeeming shares through a systematic withdrawal plan may reduce or exhaust
the shares in your account if payments exceed distributions received from the
fund. This is especially likely to occur if there is a market decline. If a
withdrawal amount exceeds the value of your account, your account will be
closed and the remaining balance in your account will be sent to you. Because
the amount withdrawn under the plan may be more than your actual yield or
income, part of the payment may be a return of your investment.
You may discontinue a systematic withdrawal plan, change the amount and
schedule of withdrawal payments, or suspend one payment by notifying us by
mail or by phone at least seven business days before the end of the month
preceding a scheduled payment. The fund may discontinue a systematic
withdrawal plan by notifying you in writing and will automatically
discontinue a systematic withdrawal plan if all shares in your account are
withdrawn or if the fund receives notification of the shareholder's death
or incapacity.
REDEMPTIONS IN KIND The fund has committed itself to pay in cash (by check)
all requests for redemption by any shareholder of record, limited in amount,
however, during any 90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the
value of the fund's net assets at the beginning of the 90-day period. This
commitment is irrevocable without the prior approval of the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC). In the case of redemption requests in excess
of these amounts, the board reserves the right to make payments in whole or
in part in securities or other assets of the fund, in case of an emergency,
or if the payment of such a redemption in cash would be detrimental to the
existing shareholders of the fund. In these circumstances, the securities
distributed would be valued at the price used to compute the fund's net
assets and you may incur brokerage fees in converting the securities to cash.
The fund does not intend to redeem illiquid securities in kind. If this
happens, however, you may not be able to recover your investment in a timely
manner.
SHARE CERTIFICATES We will credit your shares to your fund account. We do not
issue share certificates unless you specifically request them. This
eliminates the costly problem of replacing lost, stolen or destroyed
certificates. If a certificate is lost, stolen or destroyed, you may have to
pay an insurance premium of up to 2% of the value of the certificate to
replace it.
Any outstanding share certificates must be returned to the fund if you want
to sell or exchange those shares or if you would like to start a systematic
withdrawal plan. The certificates should be properly endorsed. You can do
this either by signing the back of the certificate or by completing a share
assignment form. For your protection, you may prefer to complete a share
assignment form and to send the certificate and assignment form in separate
envelopes.
GENERAL INFORMATION If dividend checks are returned to the fund marked
"unable to forward" by the postal service, we will consider this a request by
you to change your dividend option to reinvest all distributions. The
proceeds will be reinvested in additional shares at net asset value until we
receive new instructions.
Distribution or redemption checks sent to you do not earn interest or any
other income during the time the checks remain uncashed. Neither the fund nor
its affiliates will be liable for any loss caused by your failure to cash
such checks. The fund is not responsible for tracking down uncashed checks,
unless a check is returned as undeliverable.
In most cases, if mail is returned as undeliverable we are required to take
certain steps to try to find you free of charge. If these attempts are
unsuccessful, however, we may deduct the costs of any additional efforts to
find you from your account. These costs may include a percentage of the
account when a search company charges a percentage fee in exchange for its
location services.
Sending redemption proceeds by wire or electronic funds transfer (ACH) is a
special service that we make available whenever possible. By offering this
service to you, the fund is not bound to meet any redemption request in less
than the seven day period prescribed by law. Neither the fund nor its agents
shall be liable to you or any other person if, for any reason, a redemption
request by wire or ACH is not processed as described in the prospectus.
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, Inc. (Investor Services) may pay
certain financial institutions that maintain omnibus accounts with the fund
on behalf of numerous beneficial owners for recordkeeping operations
performed with respect to such owners. For each beneficial owner in the
omnibus account, the fund may reimburse Investor Services an amount not to
exceed the per account fee that the fund normally pays Investor Services.
These financial institutions also may charge a fee for their services
directly to their clients.
If you buy or sell shares through your securities dealer, we use the net
asset value next calculated after your securities dealer receives your
request, which is promptly transmitted to the fund. If you sell shares
through your securities dealer, it is your dealer's responsibility to
transmit the order to the fund in a timely fashion. Your redemption proceeds
will not earn interest between the time we receive the order from your dealer
and the time we receive any required documents. Any loss to you resulting
from your dealer's failure to transmit your redemption order to the fund in a
timely fashion must be settled between you and your securities dealer.
Certain shareholder servicing agents may be authorized to accept your
transaction request.
For institutional accounts, there may be additional methods of buying or
selling fund shares than those described in this SAI or in the prospectus.
In the event of disputes involving multiple claims of ownership or authority
to control your account, the fund has the right (but has no obligation) to:
(a) freeze the account and require the written agreement of all persons
deemed by the fund to have a potential property interest in the account,
before executing instructions regarding the account; (b) interplead disputed
funds or accounts with a court of competent jurisdiction; or (c) surrender
ownership of all or a portion of the account to the IRS in response to a
notice of levy.
PRICING SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When you buy shares, you pay the offering price. The offering price is the
net asset value (NAV) per share plus any applicable sales charge, calculated
to two decimal places using standard rounding criteria. When you sell shares,
you receive the NAV minus any applicable CDSC.
The value of a mutual fund is determined by deducting the fund's liabilities
from the total assets of the portfolio. The net asset value per share is
determined by dividing the net asset value of the fund by the number of
shares outstanding.
The fund calculates the NAV per share of each class each business day at the
close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 1:00 p.m. Pacific
time). The fund does not calculate the NAV on days the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE) is closed for trading, which include New Year's Day, Martin
Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
When determining its NAV, the fund values cash and receivables at their
realizable amounts, and records interest as accrued and dividends on the
ex-dividend date. If market quotations are readily available for portfolio
securities listed on a securities exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market
System, the fund values those securities at the last quoted sale price of the
day or, if there is no reported sale, within the range of the most recent
quoted bid and ask prices. The fund values over-the-counter portfolio
securities within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. If
portfolio securities trade both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock
exchange, the fund values them according to the broadest and most
representative market as determined by the manager.
The fund determines the value of a foreign security as of the close of
trading on the foreign exchange on which the security is traded or as of the
close of trading on the NYSE, if that is earlier. The value is then converted
into its U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at
noon, New York time, on the day the value of the foreign security is
determined. If no sale is reported at that time, the foreign security is
valued within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices.
Occasionally events that affect the values of foreign securities and foreign
exchange rates may occur between the times at which they are determined and
the close of the exchange and will, therefore, not be reflected in the
computation of the NAV. If events materially affecting the values of these
foreign securities occur during this period, the securities will be valued in
accordance with procedures established by the board.
Generally, trading in U.S. government securities and money market instruments
is substantially completed each day at various times before the close of the
NYSE. The value of these securities used in computing the NAV is determined
as of such times. Occasionally, events affecting the values of these
securities may occur between the times at which they are determined and the
close of the NYSE that will not be reflected in the computation of the NAV.
If events materially affecting the values of these securities occur during
this period, the securities will be valued at their fair value as determined
in good faith by the board.
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. With the approval of
the board, the fund may use a pricing service, bank or securities dealer to
perform any of the above described functions.
THE UNDERWRITER
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) acts as the principal
underwriter in the continuous public offering of the fund's shares.
Distributors is located at 777 Mariners Island Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94404.
Distributors pays the expenses of the distribution of fund shares, including
advertising expenses and the costs of printing sales material and
prospectuses used to offer shares to the public. The fund pays the expenses
of preparing and printing amendments to its registration statements and
prospectuses (other than those necessitated by the activities of
Distributors) and of sending prospectuses to existing shareholders.
The table below shows the aggregate underwriting commissions Distributors
received in connection with the offering of the fund's shares, the net
underwriting discounts and commissions Distributors retained after allowances
to dealers, and the amounts Distributors received in connection with
redemptions or repurchases of shares for the last three fiscal years ended
September 30:
AMOUNT
RECEIVED IN
CONNECTION
WITH
TOTAL AMOUNT REDEMPTIONS
COMMISSIONS RETAINED BY AND
RECEIVED DISTRIBUTORS REPURCHASES
($) ($) ($)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 816,467 99,501 56,598
1998 1,956,311 187,279 20,936
1997 796,459 80,759 2,425
Distributors may be entitled to reimbursement under the Rule 12b-1 plans, as
discussed below. Except as noted, Distributors received no other compensation
from the fund for acting as underwriter.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES The board has adopted a separate plan
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for each class. Although the plans differ in some ways
for each class, all of the plans are designed to benefit the fund and its
shareholders. The plans are expected to, among other things, increase
advertising of the fund, encourage sales of the fund and service to its
shareholders, and increase or maintain assets of the fund so that certain
fixed expenses may be spread over a broader asset base, resulting in lower
per share expense ratios. In addition, a positive cash flow into the fund is
useful in managing the fund because the manager has more flexibility in
taking advantage of new investment opportunities and handling shareholder
redemptions.
Under each plan, the fund pays Distributors or others for the expenses of
activities that are primarily intended to sell shares of the class. These
expenses also may include service fees paid to securities dealers or others
who have executed a servicing agreement with the fund, Distributors or its
affiliates who provide service or account maintenance to shareholders
(service fees); the expenses of printing prospectuses and reports used for
sales purposes, and of preparing and distributing sales literature and
advertisements; and a prorated portion of Distributors' overhead expenses
related to these activities. Together, all of these expenses, including the
service fees, are "eligible expenses".
The distribution and service (12b-1) fees charged to each class are based
only on the fees attributable to that particular class.
THE CLASS A PLAN. The fund may pay up to 0.50% per year of Class A's average
daily net assets. Of this amount, the fund may pay up to 0.25% for service
fees.
The Class A plan is a reimbursement plan. It allows the fund to reimburse
Distributors for eligible expenses that Distributors has shown it has
incurred. The fund will not reimburse more than the maximum amount allowed
under the plan. Any unreimbursed expenses from one year may not be carried
over to or reimbursed in later years.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, Distributors' eligible expenses
for advertising, printing, payments to underwriters and broker-dealers and
other expenses were $2,134,461, and the amount the fund paid Distributors
under the plan was $1,940,015.
THE CLASS B AND C PLANS. The fund pays Distributors up to 1% per year of the
class's average daily net assets, of which 0.25% may be used for service
fees. The Class B and C plans also may be used to pay Distributors for
advancing commissions to securities dealers with respect to the initial sale
of Class B and C shares. Class B plan fees payable to Distributors are used
by Distributors to pay third party financing entities that have provided
financing to Distributors in connection with advancing commissions to
securities dealers.
The Class B and C plans are compensation plans. They allow the fund to pay a
fee to Distributors that may be more than the eligible expenses Distributors
has incurred at the time of the payment. Distributors must, however,
demonstrate to the board that is has spent or has immediate plans to spend
the amount received on eligible expenses. The fund will not pay more than the
maximum amount allowed under the plan.
Under the Class B plan, Distributors' eligible expenses for advertising,
printing, payments to underwriters and broker-dealers and other expenses for
the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, were $54,303, and the amount the
fund paid Distributors under the plan was $3,193.
Under the Class C plan, total payments to Distributors for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1999, were $488,865. The eligible expenses Distributors
had incurred to that date were:
($)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advertising 937
Printing and mailing prospectuses other than to
current shareholders 8,556
Payments to underwriters 6,531
Payments to broker-dealers 421,630
Other 17,606
------------
Total 455,260
============
THE CLASS A, B AND C PLANS. In addition to the payments that Distributors or
others are entitled to under each plan, each plan also provides that to the
extent the fund, the manager or Distributors or other parties on behalf of
the fund, the manager or Distributors make payments that are deemed to be for
the financing of any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of
fund shares within the context of Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended, then such payments shall be deemed to have been made
pursuant to the plan.
To the extent fees are for distribution or marketing functions, as
distinguished from administrative servicing or agency transactions, certain
banks will not be entitled to participate in the plans as a result of
applicable federal law prohibiting certain banks from engaging in the
distribution of mutual fund shares. These banking institutions, however, are
permitted to receive fees under the plans for administrative servicing or for
agency transactions. If you are a customer of a bank that is prohibited from
providing these services, you would be permitted to remain a shareholder of
the fund, and alternate means for continuing the servicing would be sought.
In this event, changes in the services provided might occur and you might no
longer be able to avail yourself of any automatic investment or other
services then being provided by the bank. It is not expected that you would
suffer any adverse financial consequences as a result of any of these changes.
Distributors must provide written reports to the board at least quarterly on
the amounts and purpose of any payment made under the plans and any related
agreements, and furnish the board with such other information as the board
may reasonably request to enable it to make an informed determination of
whether the plans should be continued.
Each plan has been approved in accordance with the provisions of Rule 12b-1.
The terms and provisions of each plan relating to required reports, term, and
approval are consistent with Rule 12b-1.
PERFORMANCE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance quotations are subject to SEC rules. These rules require the use
of standardized performance quotations or, alternatively, that every
non-standardized performance quotation furnished by the fund be accompanied
by certain standardized performance information computed as required by the
SEC. Average annual total return and current yield quotations used by the
fund are based on the standardized methods of computing performance mandated
by the SEC. Performance figures reflect Rule 12b-1 fees from the date of the
plan's implementation. An explanation of these and other methods used by the
fund to compute or express performance follows. Regardless of the method
used, past performance does not guarantee future results, and is an
indication of the return to shareholders only for the limited historical
period used.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN Average annual total return is determined by
finding the average annual rates of return over the periods indicated below
that would equate an initial hypothetical $1,000 investment to its ending
redeemable value. The calculation assumes the maximum initial sales charge is
deducted from the initial $1,000 purchase, and income dividends and capital
gain distributions are reinvested at net asset value. The quotation assumes
the account was completely redeemed at the end of each period and the
deduction of all applicable charges and fees. If a change is made to the
sales charge structure, historical performance information will be restated
to reflect the maximum initial sales charge currently in effect.
When considering the average annual total return quotations for Class A and C
shares, you should keep in mind that the maximum initial sales charge
reflected in each quotation is a one time fee charged on all direct
purchases, which will have its greatest impact during the early stages of
your investment. This charge will affect actual performance less the longer
you retain your investment in the fund. The average annual total returns for
the indicated periods ended September 30, 1999, were:
1 YEAR (%) 5 YEARS (%) 10 YEARS (%)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 2.08 13.66 10.35
SINCE
INCEPTION
1 YEAR (%) (5/1/95) (%)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 5.62 14.64
The following SEC formula was used to calculate these figures:
n
P(1+T) = ERV
where:
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at
the beginning of each period at the end of each period
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN Like average annual total return, cumulative total
return assumes the maximum initial sales charge is deducted from the initial
$1,000 purchase, income dividends and capital gain distributions are
reinvested at net asset value, the account was completely redeemed at the end
of each period and the deduction of all applicable charges and fees.
Cumulative total return, however, is based on the actual return for a
specified period rather than on the average return over the periods indicated
above. The cumulative total returns for the indicated periods ended September
30, 1999, were:
1 YEAR (%) 5 YEARS (%) 10 YEARS (%)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 2.08 89.69 167.70
SINCE
INCEPTION
1 YEAR (%) (1/1/97) (%)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B N/A -12.99
SINCE
INCEPTION
1 YEAR (%) (5/1/95) (%)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 5.62 82.89
CURRENT YIELD Current yield shows the income per share earned by the fund. It
is calculated by dividing the net investment income per share earned during a
30-day base period by the applicable maximum offering price per share on the
last day of the period and annualizing the result. Expenses accrued for the
period include any fees charged to all shareholders of the class during the
base period. The yields for the 30-day period ended September 30, 1999, were:
CLASS A (%) CLASS B (%) CLASS C (%)
- -------------------------------------------------
0.68 0.15 0.16
The following SEC formula was used to calculate these figures:
6
Yield = 2 [(A-B + 1) - 1]
---
cd
where:
a = dividends and interest earned during the period
b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements)
c = the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period
that were entitled to receive dividends
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period
CURRENT DISTRIBUTION RATE Current yield, which is calculated according to a
formula prescribed by the SEC, is not indicative of the amounts which were or
will be paid to shareholders. Amounts paid to shareholders are reflected in
the quoted current distribution rate. The current distribution rate is
usually computed by annualizing the dividends paid per share by a class
during a certain period and dividing that amount by the current maximum
offering price. 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 gains, and is
calculated over a different period of time. The current distribution rates
for the 30-day period ended September 30, 1999, were:
CLASS A (%) CLASS B (%) CLASS C (%)
- --------------------------------------------------------------
0.69 0.43 0.12
VOLATILITY Occasionally statistics may be used to show the fund's volatility
or risk. Measures of volatility or risk are generally used to compare the
fund's net asset value or performance to a market index. One measure of
volatility is beta. Beta is the volatility of a fund relative to the total
market, as represented by an index considered representative of the types of
securities in which the fund invests. A beta of more than 1.00 indicates
volatility greater than the market and a beta of less than 1.00 indicates
volatility less than the market. Another measure of volatility or risk is
standard deviation. Standard deviation is used to measure variability of net
asset value or total return around an average over a specified period of
time. The idea is that greater volatility means greater risk undertaken in
achieving performance.
OTHER PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS The fund also may quote the performance of
shares without a sales charge. Sales literature and advertising may quote a
cumulative total return, average annual total return and other measures of
performance with the substitution of net asset value for the public offering
price.
Sales literature referring to the use of the fund as a potential investment
for IRAs, business retirement plans, and other tax-advantaged retirement
plans may quote a total return based upon compounding of dividends on which
it is presumed no federal income tax applies.
The fund may include in its advertising or sales material information
relating to investment goals and performance results of funds belonging to
the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds. Franklin Resources, Inc. is the parent
company of the advisors and underwriter of the Franklin Templeton Group of
Funds.
COMPARISONS To help you better evaluate how an investment in the fund may
satisfy your investment goal, advertisements and other materials about the
fund may discuss certain measures of fund performance as reported by various
financial publications. Materials also may compare performance (as calculated
above) to performance as reported by other investments, indices, and
averages. These comparisons may include, but are not limited to, the
following examples:
o Dow Jones(R) Composite Average and its component averages - a
price-weighted average of 65 stocks that trade on the New York Stock
Exchange. The average is a combination of the Dow Jones Industrial
Average (30 blue-chip stocks that are generally leaders in their
industry), the Dow Jones Transportation Average (20 transportation
stocks), and the Dow Jones Utilities Average (15 utility stocks involved
in the production of electrical energy).
o Standard & Poor's(R) 500 Stock Index or its component indices - a
capitalization-weighted index designed to measure performance of the
broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of
500 stocks representing all major industries.
o The New York Stock Exchange composite or component indices - an
unmanaged index of all industrial, utilities, transportation, and
finance stocks listed on the NYSE.
o Wilshire 5000 Equity Index - represents the return on the market value
of all common equity securities for which daily pricing is available.
Comparisons of performance assume reinvestment of dividends.
o Lipper - Mutual Fund Performance Analysis and Lipper - Equity Fund
Performance Analysis - measure total return and average current yield
for the mutual fund industry and rank individual mutual fund performance
over specified time periods, assuming reinvestment of all distributions,
exclusive of any applicable sales charges.
o CDA Mutual Fund Report, published by CDA Investment Technologies, Inc. -
analyzes price, current yield, risk, total return, and average rate of
return (average annual compounded growth rate) over specified time
periods for the mutual fund industry.
o Mutual Fund Source Book, published by Morningstar, Inc. - analyzes
price, yield, risk, and total return for mutual funds.
o Financial publications: THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, AND BUSINESS WEEK,
CHANGING TIMES, FINANCIAL WORLD, FORBES, FORTUNE, AND MONEY MAGAZINES -
provide performance statistics over specified time periods.
o Consumer Price Index (or Cost of Living Index), published by the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics - a statistical measure of change, over time,
in the price of goods and services in major expenditure groups.
o Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and Inflation, published by Ibbotson Associates -
historical measure of yield, price, and total return for common and
small company stock, long-term government bonds, Treasury bills, and
inflation.
o Savings and Loan Historical Interest Rates - as published in the U.S.
Savings & Loan League Fact Book.
o Historical data supplied by the research departments of CS First Boston
Corporation, the J.P. Morgan companies, Salomon Brothers, Merrill Lynch,
Lehman Brothers and Bloomberg L.P.
o Morningstar - information published by Morningstar, Inc., including
Morningstar proprietary mutual fund ratings. The ratings reflect
Morningstar's assessment of the historical risk-adjusted performance of
a fund over specified time periods relative to other funds within its
category.
From time to time, advertisements or information for the fund may include a
discussion of certain attributes or benefits to be derived from an investment
in the fund. The advertisements or information may include symbols,
headlines, or other material that highlights or summarizes the information
discussed in more detail in the communication.
Advertisements or information also may compare the fund's performance to the
return on certificates of deposit (CDs) or other investments. You should be
aware, however, that an investment in the fund involves the risk of
fluctuation of principal value, a risk generally not present in an investment
in a CD issued by a bank. For example, as the general level of interest rates
rise, the value of the fund's fixed-income investments, if any, as well as
the value of its shares that are based upon the value of such portfolio
investments, can be expected to fall. Conversely, when interest rates
decrease, the value of the fund's shares can be expected to increase. CDs are
frequently insured by an agency of the U.S. government. An investment in the
fund is not insured by any federal, state or private entity.
In assessing comparisons of performance, you should keep in mind that the
composition of the investments in the reported indices and averages is not
identical to the fund's portfolio, the indices and averages are generally
unmanaged, and the items included in the calculations of the averages may not
be identical to the formula used by the fund to calculate its figures. In
addition, there can be no assurance that the fund will continue its
performance as compared to these other averages.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fund may help you achieve various investment goals such as accumulating
money for retirement, saving for a down payment on a home, college costs and
other long-term goals. The Franklin College Costs Planner may help you in
determining how much money must be invested on a monthly basis to have a
projected amount available in the future to fund a child's college education.
(Projected college cost estimates are based upon current costs published by
the College Board.) The Franklin Retirement Planning Guide leads you through
the steps to start a retirement savings program. Of course, an investment in
the fund cannot guarantee that these goals will be met.
The fund is a member of the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds, one of the
largest mutual fund organizations in the U.S., and may be considered in a
program for diversification of assets. Founded in 1947, Franklin is one of
the oldest mutual fund organizations and now services approximately 3 million
shareholder accounts. In 1992, Franklin, a leader in managing fixed-income
mutual funds and an innovator in creating domestic equity funds, joined
forces with Templeton, a pioneer in international investing. The Mutual
Series team, known for its value-driven approach to domestic equity
investing, became part of the organization four years later. Together, the
Franklin Templeton Group has over $224 billion in assets under management for
more than 5 million U.S. based mutual fund shareholder and other accounts.
The Franklin Templeton Group of Funds offers 103 U.S. based open-end
investment companies to the public. The fund may identify itself by its
NASDAQ symbol or CUSIP number.
Currently, there are more mutual funds than there are stocks listed on the
New York Stock Exchange. While many of them have similar investment goals, no
two are exactly alike. Shares of the fund are generally sold through
securities dealers, whose investment representatives are experienced
professionals who can offer advice on the type of investments suitable to
your unique goals and needs, as well as the risks associated with such
investments.
The Information Services & Technology division of Franklin Resources, Inc.
(Resources) established a Year 2000 Project Team in 1996. This team has been
making necessary software changes to help the computer systems that service
the fund and its shareholders to be Year 2000 compliant. After completing
these modifications, comprehensive tests are conducted in one of Resources'
U.S. test labs to verify their effectiveness. Resources continues to seek
reasonable assurances from all major hardware, software or data-services
suppliers that they will be Year 2000 compliant on a timely basis. Resources
is also developing a contingency plan, including identification of those
mission critical systems for which it is practical to develop a contingency
plan. However, in an operation as complex and geographically distributed as
Resources' business, the alternatives to use of normal systems, especially
mission critical systems, or supplies of electricity or long distance voice
and data lines are limited.
