TEMPLETON GROWTH FUND INC
497, 1995-05-03
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<PAGE>
 
TEMPLETON                                                                     
GROWTH FUND, INC.                                PROSPECTUS -- MAY 1, 1995     
                                                                                
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INVESTMENT     Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") seeks long-term
OBJECTIVE      capital growth through a flexible policy of investing in
AND POLICIES   stocks and debt obligations of companies and governments of
               any nation.
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PURCHASE OF    Please complete and return the Shareholder Application. If you
SHARES         need assistance in completing this form, please call our
               Account Services Department. The Fund offers two classes to
               its investors. Templeton Growth Fund--Class I ("Class I") and
               Templeton Growth Fund--Class II ("Class II"). Investors can
               choose between Class I Shares, which generally bear a higher
               front-end sales charge and lower ongoing Rule 12b-1
               distribution fees ("Rule 12b-1 fees"), and Class II Shares,
               which generally have a lower front-end sales charge and higher
               ongoing Rule 12b-1 fees. Investors should consider the
               differences between the two classes, including the impact of
               sales charges and distribution fees, in choosing the more
               suitable class given their anticipated investment amount and
               time horizon. See "How to Buy Shares of the Fund--Alternative
               Purchase Arrangements." The minimum initial investment is $100
               ($25 minimum for subsequent investments).     
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PROSPECTUS     This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the
INFORMATION    Fund that a prospective investor ought to know before
               investing. Investors are advised to read and retain this
               Prospectus for future reference. A Statement of Additional
               Information ("SAI") dated May 1, 1995, has been filed with the
               Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and is
               incorporated in its entirety by reference in and made a part
               of this Prospectus. This SAI is available without charge upon
               request to Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc., P.O. Box
               33030, St. Petersburg, Florida 33733-8030 or by calling the
               Fund Information Department.     
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FUND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT -- 1-800-292-9293
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TEMPLETON "STAR" SERVICE (24 hours, seven days a week access to current
prices, shareholder account balances/values, last transaction and duplicate
account statements) -- 1-800-654-0123
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TABLE OF CONTENTS                
<TABLE>                          
<CAPTION>                        
                        Page     
                        ----     
<S>                     <C>      
EXPENSE TABLE.........    2      
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS..    3      
GENERAL DESCRIPTION...    4      
Investment Objective             
 and Policies.........    4      
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES.    4      
Repurchase Agreements.    5      
Options on Indices....    5      
Stock Index Futures              
 Contracts............    5      
Loans of Portfolio               
 Securities...........    5      
Depositary Receipts...    5      
RISK FACTORS..........    6      
HOW TO BUY SHARES OF             
 THE FUND                 7      
Alternative Purchase             
 Arrangements.........    8      
Deciding Which Class             
 to Purchase..........    8      
Offering Price........    9      
Class I...............    9      
Cumulative Quantity              
 Discount.............   10      
Letter of Intent......   10      
Group Purchases.......   10      
Class II..............   11      
Net Asset Value                  
 Purchases (Both                 
 Classes).............   11      
Description of Special           
 Net Asset Value                 
 Purchases............   13      
</TABLE>    

<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                       Page
                       ----
<S>                    <C>
Additional Dealer
 Compensation (Both
 Classes)............   13
Purchasing Class I
 and Class II Shares.   14
Automatic Investment
 Plan................   14
Institutional
 Accounts............   14
Account Statements...   14
Templeton STAR
 Service.............   14
Retirement Plans.....   15
Net Asset Value......   15
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE...   15
Exchanges of Class I
 Shares..............   16
Exchanges of Class II
 Shares..............   16
Transfers............   17
Conversion Rights....   17
Exchanges by Timing
 Accounts............   17
HOW TO SELL SHARES OF
 THE FUND               18
Reinstatement
 Privilege...........   20
Systematic Withdrawal
 Plan................   20
Redemptions by
 Telephone...........   21
Contingent Deferred
 Sales Charges.......   21
TELEPHONE
 TRANSACTIONS........   22
Verification
 Procedures..........   22
Restricted Accounts..   22
</TABLE>    

<TABLE>                        
<CAPTION>                      
                       Page  
                       ----  
<S>                    <C>   
General..............   22   
MANAGEMENT OF THE            
 FUND................   23   
Investment Manager...   23   
Business Manager.....   24   
Transfer Agent.......   24   
Custodian............   24   
Plans of                     
 Distribution........   24   
Expenses.............   25   
Brokerage                    
 Commissions.........   25   
GENERAL INFORMATION..   25   
Description of               
 Shares/Share                
 Certificates........   25   
Voting Rights........   25   
Meetings of                  
 Shareholders........   25   
Dividends and                
 Distributions.......   25   
Federal Tax                  
 Information.........   26   
Inquiries............   26   
Performance                  
 Information.........   26   
Statements and               
 Reports.............   27   
WITHHOLDING                  
 INFORMATION.........   28   
CORPORATE RESOLUTION.   29   
AUTHORIZATION                
 AGREEMENT...........   30   
THE FRANKLIN                 
 TEMPLETON GROUP.....   31   
</TABLE>                        
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SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK; FURTHER, SUCH SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER
AGENCY.     
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXPENSE TABLE
   
  The purpose of this table is to assist an investor in understanding the
various costs and expenses that a Shareholder will bear directly or indirectly
in connection with an investment in the Fund. The figures are estimates of the
Fund's expenses for the current fiscal year, restated to reflect current sales
charges and Rule 12b-1 fees for each class.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                             CLASS I   CLASS II
                                                             -------   --------
<S>                                                          <C>       <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage
 of Offering Price)........................................   5.75%     1.00%/1/
Deferred Sales Charge......................................    None/2/  1.00%/3/
Exchange Fee (per transaction).............................   $5.00/4/  $5.00/4/
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(As a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees............................................   0.62%     0.62%
Rule 12b-1 Fees/5/.........................................   0.22%     1.00%
Other Expenses (audit, legal, business management, transfer
 agent and custodian)......................................   0.26%     0.26%
Total Fund Operating Expenses..............................   1.10%     1.88%
</TABLE>    
 
- -------
   
/1/ Although Class II has a lower front-end sales charge than Class I, over time
    the higher Rule 12b-1 fee for Class II may cause Shareholders to pay more
    for Class II Shares than for Class I Shares. Given the maximum front-end
    sales charge and the rate of Rule 12b-1 fees for each class, it is estimated
    that this would take less than six years for Shareholders who maintain total
    Shares valued at less than $50,000 in the Franklin Templeton Funds.
    Shareholders with larger investments in the Franklin Templeton Funds will
    reach the cross-over point more quickly.     
   
/2/ Class I investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end
    sales charge; however, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%, which has
    not been reflected in the Example below, is generally imposed on certain
    redemptions within a "contingency period" of 12 months of the calendar month
    following such investments. See "How to Sell Shares of the Fund--Contingent
    Deferred Sales Charge."     
   
/3/ Class II Shares redeemed within a "contingency period" of 18 months of the
    calendar month following such investments are subject to a 1% contingent
    deferred sales charge. See "How to Sell Shares of the Fund--Contingent
    Deferred Sales Charge."     
   
/4/ $5.00 fee imposed only on Timing Accounts as described under "Exchange
    Privilege." All other exchanges are processed without a fee.     
   
/5/ Annual Rule 12b-1 fees may not exceed 0.25% of the Fund's average net assets
    attributable to Class I Shares and 1.00% of the Fund's average net assets
    attributable to Class II Shares. Consistent with the National Association of
    Securities Dealers, Inc.'s rules, it is possible that the combination of
    front-end sales charges and Rule 12b-1 fees could cause long-term
    Shareholders to pay more than the economic equivalent of the maximum front-
    end sales charges permitted under those same rules.     
   
  Investors should be aware that the above table is not intended to reflect in
precise detail the fees and expenses associated with an individual's own
investment in the Fund. Rather, the table has been provided only to assist
investors in gaining a more complete understanding of fees, charges and
expenses. For a more detailed discussion of these matters, investors should
refer to the appropriate sections of this Prospectus.     
   
EXAMPLE     
   
  As required by SEC regulations, the following example illustrates the
expenses, including the maximum front-end sales charge and applicable
contingent deferred sales charge, that apply to a $1,000 investment in the
Fund over various time periods assuming (1) a 5% annual rate of return and (2)
redemption at the end of each time period.     
 
<TABLE>       
<CAPTION>
                                       ONE YEAR THREE YEARS FIVE YEARS TEN YEARS
                                       -------- ----------- ---------- ---------
      <S>                              <C>      <C>         <C>        <C>
      Class I.........................   $68        $90        $115      $184
      Class II........................   $39        $68        $111      $228
</TABLE>    
   
  THIS EXAMPLE IS BASED ON THE ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES, INCLUDING
FEES SET BY CONTRACT, SHOWN ABOVE AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A
REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES, WHICH MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN
THOSE SHOWN. The operating expenses are borne by the Fund and only indirectly
by Shareholders as a result of their investment in the Fund. (See "Management
of the Fund" for a description of the Fund's expenses.) In addition, federal
securities regulations require the example to assume an annual return of 5%,
but the Fund's actual return may be more or less than 5%.     
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                             FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
   
  The following statement of selected financial information has been audited
by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, independent certified public accountants, for the
periods indicated in their report which is incorporated by reference and which
appears in the Fund's 1994 Annual Report to Shareholders. This statement
should be read in conjunction with the other financial statements and notes
thereto included in the Fund's 1994 Annual Report to Shareholders, which
contains further information about the Fund's performance, and which is
available to Shareholders upon request and without charge. Information
regarding Class II Shares will be included in this table after they have been
offered to the public for a reasonable period of time.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
PER SHARE
OPERATING                                           YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,                                       EIGHT
PERFORMANCE              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------     MONTHS
(For a Share                                                                                                    ENDED
outstanding                                                                                                   AUGUST 31,
throughout the period)      1994        1993        1992        1991        1990        1989        1988         1987
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of period     $    17.47  $    15.81  $    16.14  $    15.23  $    16.62  $    13.65  $    17.13   $    12.87
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from
investment
operations
Net investment
 income                        0.29        0.32        0.41        0.45        0.57        0.58        0.45         0.29
Net realized and
 unrealized gain (loss)        2.58        2.97        0.92        1.68       (0.87)       3.12       (2.41)        3.97
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------
Total from
 investment
 operations                    2.87        3.29        1.33        2.13       (0.30)       3.70       (1.96)        4.26
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------
Less
 distributions
Dividends from
 net investment income        (0.27)      (0.36)      (0.44)      (0.54)      (0.62)      (0.48)      (0.44)          --
Distributions
 from net
 realized gains               (1.12)      (1.27)      (1.22)      (0.68)      (0.47)      (0.25)      (1.08)          --
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------
Total
 distributions                (1.39)      (1.63)      (1.66)      (1.22)      (1.09)      (0.73)      (1.52)          --
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------
Change in net
 asset value
 for the year                  1.48        1.66       (0.33)       0.91       (1.39)       2.97       (3.48)        4.26
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
 end of period           $    18.95  $    17.47  $    15.81  $    16.14  $    15.23  $    16.62  $    13.65   $    17.13
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN++                17.47%      23.57%       9.22%      15.95%     (2.01)%      28.38%      (9.86)%      33.10%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL
 DATA
Net assets, end
 of year (000)           $5,611,560  $4,033,911  $3,268,644  $2,895,684  $2,466,684  $2,355,306  $1,572,112   $1,633,909
Ratio to average
 net
 assets of:
 Expenses                      1.10%       1.03%       0.88%       0.75%       0.67%       0.66%       0.69%        0.66%+
 Net investment
  income                       1.76%       2.10%       2.62%       3.09%       3.70%       4.20%       3.50%        2.99%+
Portfolio
 turnover rate                27.35%      28.89%      29.46%      30.28%      18.47%      11.55%      11.44%       17.55%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                     PRO FORMA*
                         -------------------------------------
PER SHARE
OPERATING                   EIGHT      YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,
PERFORMANCE                 MONTHS     -----------------------
(For a Share                ENDED
outstanding              DECEMBER 31,
throughout the period)       1986         1986        1985
- --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>           <C>         <C>
Net asset value,
 beginning of period      $    13.33   $    10.14  $     9.56
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Income from
investment
operations
Net investment
 income                         0.14         0.19        0.23
Net realized and
 unrealized gain (loss)         0.28         3.72        0.83
                         ------------- ----------- -----------
Total from
 investment
 operations                     0.42         3.91        1.06
                         ------------- ----------- -----------
Less
 distributions
Dividends from
 net investment income         (0.40)       (0.24)      (0.19)
Distributions
 from net
 realized gains                (0.48)       (0.48)      (0.29)
                         ------------- ----------- -----------
Total
 distributions                 (0.88)       (0.72)      (0.48)
                         ------------- ----------- -----------
Change in net
 asset value
 for the year                  (0.46)        3.19        0.58
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
 end of period            $    12.87   $    13.33  $    10.14
- --------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN++                  3.32%       40.92%      11.89%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL
 DATA
Net assets, end
 of year (000)            $1,132,570   $2,397,926  $1,402,265
Ratio to average
 net
 assets of:
 Expenses                       2.40%+       2.50%       2.97%
 Net investment
  income                        1.76%+       2.11%       2.66%
Portfolio
 turnover rate                  9.50%       23.00%      20.41%
- --------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
   
 * The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 1986 as successor in interest
   to 58% of Templeton Growth Fund, Ltd. (the "Canadian Fund") which
   reorganized into two funds on that date. In accordance with the terms of
   the reorganization, the Canadian shareholders, representing 42% of the
   shares outstanding, remained shareholders of the Canadian Fund and the non-
   Canadian shareholders, representing 58% of the shares outstanding, became
   Shareholders of the Fund. The per share table is presented as if the
   reorganization took place as of the inception of the Canadian Fund, 58% of
   the net assets and Shares outstanding were allocated to the Fund and the
   Fund continued to operate in Canada subject to Canadian federal and
   provincial taxes until December 31, 1986. No other pro forma adjustments
   have been made for any changes in operating costs had the reorganization
   taken place at that date. Since the table is on the basis of a single Share
   outstanding throughout the period, the results illustrated, except for the
   number of Shares outstanding at the end of each year, are the same as those
   shown for the Canadian Fund.     
   
 + Annualized.     
++ Does not reflect sales charges.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                              GENERAL DESCRIPTION
 
  Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") was incorporated under the laws of
Maryland on November 10, 1986 and is a successor to Templeton Growth Fund,
Ltd. The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
"1940 Act") as an open-end, diversified management investment company.
 
  The Fund has two classes of Common Shares with a par value of $.01 per
Share: Templeton Growth Fund--Class I and Templeton Growth Fund--Class II. All
Fund Shares outstanding before May 1, 1995 have been redesignated as Class I
Shares, and will retain their previous rights and privileges, except for
legally required modifications to Shareholder voting procedures, as discussed
in "General Information--Voting Rights."
 
  Shares of the Fund may be purchased (minimum investment of $100 initially
and $25 thereafter) at the current public Offering Price. The current public
Offering Price of the Class I Shares is equal to the net asset value (see "How
to Buy Shares of the Fund--Net Asset Value"), plus a variable sales charge not
exceeding 5.75% of the Offering Price depending upon the amount invested. The
current public Offering Price of the Class II Shares is equal to the net asset
value, plus a sales charge of 1.0% of the amount invested. (See "How to Buy
Shares of the Fund.")
 
  INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES. The Fund's investment objective is long-
term capital growth, which it seeks to achieve through a flexible policy of
investing in stocks and debt obligations of companies and governments of any
nation. Any income realized will be incidental.
 
  Although the Fund generally invests in common stock, it may also invest in
preferred stocks and certain debt securities, rated or unrated, such as
convertible bonds and bonds selling at a discount. Whenever, in the judgment
of the Investment Manager, market or economic conditions warrant, the Fund
may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest without limit in U.S. Government
securities, bank time deposits in the currency of any major nation and
commercial paper meeting the quality ratings set forth under "Investment
Objective and Policies" in the SAI, and purchase from banks or broker-dealers
Canadian or U.S. Government securities with a simultaneous agreement by the
seller to repurchase them within no more than seven days at the original
purchase price plus accrued interest.
 
  The Fund may invest no more than 5% of its total assets in securities issued
by any one company or government, exclusive of U.S. Government securities.
Although the Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in a single industry, it
has no present intention of doing so. The Fund may not invest more than 5% of
its assets in warrants (exclusive of warrants acquired in units or attached to
securities) nor more than 10% of its assets in securities with a limited
trading market. The Investment Objective and Policies described above, as well
as most of the Investment Restrictions described in the SAI, cannot be changed
without Shareholder approval. The Fund invests for long-term growth of capital
and does not intend to place emphasis upon short-term trading profits.
Accordingly, the Fund expects to have a portfolio turnover rate of less than
50%.
 
  The Fund may also purchase and sell stock index futures contracts up to an
aggregate amount not exceeding 20% of its total assets. In addition, in order
to increase its return or to hedge all or a portion of its portfolio
investments, the Fund may purchase and sell put and call options on securities
indices. These investment techniques are described below and under the heading
"Investment Objective and Policies" in the SAI.
 
                             INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
 
  The Fund is authorized to use the various investment techniques described
below. Although these strategies are regularly used by some investment
companies and other institutional investors in various markets, some of these
strategies cannot at the present time be used to a significant extent by the
Fund in some of the markets in which the Fund will invest and may not be
available for extensive use in the future.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. When the Fund acquires a security from a U.S. bank or
a registered broker-dealer, it may simultaneously enter into a repurchase
agreement, wherein the seller agrees to repurchase the security at a specified
time and price. The repurchase price is in excess of the purchase price by an
amount which reflects an agreed-upon rate of return, which is not tied to the
coupon rate of the underlying security. Under the 1940 Act, repurchase
agreements are considered to be loans collateralized by the underlying
security and therefore will be fully collateralized. However, if the seller
should default on its obligation to repurchase the underlying security, the
Fund may experience delay or difficulty in exercising its rights to realize
upon the security and might incur a loss if the value of the security
declines, as well as incur costs in liquidating the security.
 
  OPTIONS ON INDICES. The Fund may purchase and write (i.e., sell) put and
call options on securities indices that are traded on United States and
foreign exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. An option on a
securities index permits the purchaser of the option, in return for the
premium paid, the right to receive from the seller cash equal to the
difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of
the option. The Fund may write a put or call option only if the option is
"covered." This means that so long as the Fund is obligated as the writer of
an option, it will maintain with its custodian cash or cash equivalents equal
to the contract value (in the case of call options) or exercise price (in the
case of put options). The Fund will not purchase put or call options if the
aggregate premium paid for such options would exceed 5% of its total assets.
 
  STOCK INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS. For hedging purposes only, the Fund may
purchase and sell stock index futures contracts up to an aggregate amount not
exceeding 20% of its total assets. A stock index futures contract is an
agreement under which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount
of cash based on the difference between the value of a stock index at the
beginning and at the end of the contract period. When the Fund enters into a
stock index futures contract, it must make an initial deposit, known as
"initial margin," as a partial guarantee of its performance under the
contract. As the value of the stock index fluctuates, either party to the
contract is required to make additional margin deposits, known as "variation
margin," to cover any additional obligation it may have under the contract. In
addition, when the Fund enters into a futures contract, it will segregate
assets or "cover" its position in accordance with the 1940 Act. See
"Investment Objective and Policies -- Stock Index Futures Contracts" in the
SAI. The Fund may not at any time commit more than 5% of its total assets to
initial margin deposits on futures contracts.
 
  LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. The Fund may lend to banks and broker-dealers
portfolio securities with an aggregate market value of up to one-third of its
total assets to generate income. Such loans must be secured by collateral
(consisting of any combination of cash, U.S. Government securities or
irrevocable letters of credit) in an amount at least equal (on a daily marked-
to-market basis) to the current market value of the securities loaned. The
Fund may terminate the loans at any time and obtain the return of the
securities loaned within five business days. The Fund will continue to receive
any interest or dividends paid on the loaned securities and will continue to
retain any voting rights with respect to the securities.
 
  DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS. The Fund may purchase sponsored or unsponsored American
Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and Global
Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") (collectively, "Depositary Receipts"). ADRs are
Depositary Receipts typically used by a U.S. bank or trust company which
evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation.
EDRs and GDRs are typically issued by foreign banks or trust companies,
although they also may be issued by U.S. banks or trust companies, and
evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by either a foreign or a
United States 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 United
States. 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
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. Depositary
Receipts also involve the risks of other investments in foreign securities, as
discussed below. For purposes of the Fund's investment policies, the Fund's
investments in Depositary Receipts will be deemed to be investments in the
underlying securities.
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  Shareholders should understand that all investments involve risk and there
can be no guarantee against loss resulting from an investment in the Fund, nor
can there be any assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be
attained. As with any investment in securities, the value of, and income from,
an investment in the Fund can decrease as well as increase, depending on a
variety of factors which may affect the values and income generated by the
Fund's portfolio securities, including general economic conditions and market
factors. In addition to the factors which affect the value of individual
securities, a Shareholder may anticipate that the value of the Shares of the
Fund will fluctuate with movements in the broader equity and bond markets. A
decline in the stock market of any country in which the Fund is invested may
also be reflected in declines in the price of Shares of the Fund. Changes in
currency valuations will also affect the price of Shares of the Fund. History
reflects both decreases and increases in worldwide stock markets and currency
valuations, and these may reoccur unpredictably in the future. Additionally,
investment decisions made by the Investment Manager will not always be
profitable or prove to have been correct. The Fund is not intended as a
complete investment program.
 
  Successful use of stock index futures contracts and options on securities
indices by the Fund is subject to certain special risk considerations. A
liquid stock index option or futures market may not be available when the Fund
seeks to offset adverse market movements. In addition, there may be an
imperfect correlation between movements in the securities included in the
index and movements in the securities in the Fund's portfolio. Successful use
of stock index futures contracts and options on securities indices is further
dependent on the Investment Manager's ability to predict correctly movements
in the direction of the stock markets and no assurance can be given that its
judgment in this respect will be correct. Risks in the purchase and sale of
stock index futures and options are further referred to in the SAI.
 
  The Fund has the right to purchase securities in any foreign country,
developed or developing. Investors should consider carefully the substantial
risks involved in investing in securities issued by companies and governments
of foreign nations, which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in
domestic investments. There is the possibility of expropriation,
nationalization or confiscatory taxation, taxation of income earned in foreign
nations or other taxes imposed with respect to investments in foreign nations,
foreign exchange controls (which may include suspension of the ability to
transfer currency from a given country), foreign investment controls on daily
stock market movements, default in foreign government securities, political or
social instability or diplomatic developments which could affect investment in
securities of issuers in foreign nations. Some countries may withhold portions
of interest and dividends at the source. In addition, in many countries there
is less publicly available information about issuers than is available in
reports about companies in the United States. Foreign companies are not
generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards, and auditing practices and requirements may not be comparable to
those applicable to United States companies. The Fund may encounter
difficulties or be unable to pursue legal remedies and obtain judgments in
foreign courts. The Fund may encounter difficulties or be unable to vote
proxies, exercise shareholder rights, pursue legal remedies, and obtain
judgments in foreign courts. Commission rates in foreign countries, which are
sometimes fixed rather than subject to negotiation as in the United States,
are likely to be higher. Foreign securities markets also have different
clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been
times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of
securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions.
Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund
are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to
make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the
Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of
portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses
to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or,
if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
possible liability to the purchaser. In many foreign countries, there is less
government supervision and regulation of business and industry practices,
stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies than in the United States. There
is an increased risk, therefore, of uninsured loss due to lost, stolen, or
counterfeit stock certificates. In addition, the foreign securities markets of
many of the countries in which the Fund may invest may also be smaller, less
liquid, and subject to greater price volatility than those in the United
States. The Fund may invest in Eastern European countries, which involves
special risks that are described under "Risk Factors" in the SAI.
 
  Prior governmental approval of foreign investments may be required under
certain circumstances in some developing countries, and the extent of foreign
investment in domestic companies may be subject to limitation in other
developing countries. Foreign ownership limitations also may be imposed by the
charters of individual companies in developing countries to prevent, among
other concerns, violation of foreign investment limitations.
 
  Repatriation of investment income, capital and proceeds of sales by foreign
investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in some
developing countries. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in or a
refusal to grant any required governmental registration or approval for such
repatriation.
 
  Further, the economies of developing countries generally are heavily
dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may
continue to be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls,
managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist
measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These
economies also have been and may continue to be adversely affected by economic
conditions in the countries with which they trade.
 
  The Fund is authorized to invest in medium quality or high-risk, lower
quality debt securities that are rated between BBB and as low as CCC by
Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") and between Baa and as low as Caa by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or, if unrated, are of equivalent
investment quality as determined by the Investment Manager. As an operating
policy, which may be changed by the Board of Directors without Shareholder
approval, the Fund will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in debt
securities rated lower than BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's. The Board may
consider a change in this operating policy if, in its judgment, economic
conditions change such that a higher level of investment in high-risk, lower
quality debt securities would be consistent with the interests of the Fund and
its Shareholders. High-risk, lower quality debt securities, commonly referred
to as "junk bonds," are regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative
with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
accordance with the terms of the obligation and may be in default. Unrated
debt securities are not necessarily of lower quality than rated securities but
they may not be attractive to as many buyers. Regardless of rating levels, all
debt securities considered for purchase (whether rated or unrated) will be
carefully analyzed by the Investment Manager to insure, to the extent
possible, that the planned investment is sound. The Fund may, from time to
time, purchase defaulted debt securities if, in the opinion of the Investment
Manager, the issuer may resume interest payments in the near future. The Fund
will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in defaulted debt
securities, which may be illiquid.
 
  The Fund usually effects currency exchange transactions on a spot (i.e.,
cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign exchange market.
However, some price spread on currency exchange (to cover service charges)
will be incurred when the Fund converts assets from one currency to another.
There are further risk considerations, including possible losses through the
holding of securities in domestic and foreign custodian banks and
depositories, described in the SAI.
 
                         HOW TO BUY SHARES OF THE FUND
 
  Shares of the Fund may be purchased at the Offering Price through any broker
which has a dealer agreement with Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.
("FTD"), the Principal Underwriter for the Shares of the Fund, or directly
from FTD upon receipt by FTD of a completed Shareholder Application and check.
The minimum initial investment is $100, and subsequent investments must be $25
or
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
more. These minimums may be waived when the Shares are being purchased through
retirement plans providing for regular periodic investments, as described
below under "Retirement Plans."
 
  ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE ARRANGEMENTS. The difference between Class I and Class
II Shares lies primarily in their front-end and contingent deferred sales
charges and Rule 12b-1 fees as described below.
 
  Class I. All Fund Shares outstanding before the implementation of the
multiclass structure have been redesignated as Class I Shares, and will retain
their previous rights and privileges. Class I Shares are generally subject to
a variable sales charge upon purchase and not subject to any sales charge upon
redemption. Class I Shares are subject to Rule 12b-1 fees of up to an annual
maximum of 0.25% of average daily net assets of such Shares. With this
multiclass structure, Class I Shares have higher front-end sales charges than
Class II Shares and comparatively lower Rule 12b-1 fees. Class I Shares may be
purchased at reduced front-end sales charges, or at net asset value if certain
conditions are met. In most circumstances, contingent deferred sales charges
will not be assessed against redemptions of Class I Shares. See "Management of
the Fund" and "How to Sell Shares of the Fund" for more information.
 
  Class II. The current public Offering Price of Class II Shares is equal to
the net asset value, plus a front-end sales charge of 1.0% of the amount
invested. Class II Shares are also subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge of 1.0% if Shares are redeemed within 18 months of the calendar month
following purchase. In addition, Class II Shares are subject to Rule 12b-1
fees of up to a maximum of 1.0% of average daily net assets of such Shares.
Class II Shares have lower front-end sales charges than Class I Shares and
comparatively higher Rule 12b-1 fees. See "How to Sell Shares of the Fund--
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge."
 
  Purchases of Class II Shares are limited to purchases below $1 million. Any
purchases of $1 million or more will automatically be invested in Class I
Shares, since that is more beneficial to investors. Such purchases, however,
may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Investors may exceed $1
million in Class II Shares by cumulative purchases over a period of time.
Investors who intend to make investments exceeding $1 million, however, should
consider purchasing Class I Shares through a Letter of Intent instead of
purchasing Class II Shares.
 
  DECIDING WHICH CLASS TO PURCHASE. Investors should carefully evaluate their
anticipated investment amount and time horizon prior to determining which
class of Shares to purchase. Generally, an investor who expects to invest less
than $50,000 in the Franklin Templeton Funds and who expects to make
substantial redemptions within approximately six years or less of investment
should consider purchasing Class II Shares. However, the higher annual Rule
12b-1 fees on the Class II Shares will result in slightly higher operating
expenses and lower income dividends for Class II Shares, which will accumulate
over time to outweigh the difference in front-end sales charges. For this
reason, Class I Shares may be more attractive to long-term investors even if
no sales charge reductions are available to them.
 
  Investors who qualify to purchase Class I Shares at reduced sales charges
definitely should consider purchasing Class I Shares, especially if they
intend to hold their Shares approximately six years or more. Investors who
qualify to purchase Class I Shares at reduced sales charges but who intend to
hold their Shares less than approximately six years should evaluate whether it
is more economical to purchase Class I Shares through a Letter of Intent or
under Cumulative Quantity Discount rather than purchasing Class II Shares.
INVESTORS INVESTING $1 MILLION OR MORE IN A SINGLE PAYMENT AND OTHER INVESTORS
WHO QUALIFY TO PURCHASE CLASS I SHARES AT NET ASSET VALUE WILL BE PRECLUDED
FROM PURCHASING CLASS II SHARES.
 
  Each class represents the same interest in the investment portfolio of the
Fund and has the same rights, except that each class has a different sales
charge, bears the separate expenses of its Rule 12b-1 distribution plan, and
has exclusive voting rights with respect to such plan. The two classes also
have separate exchange privileges.
 
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  In determining which Shares are more appropriate for a Shareholder's
investment objectives and income needs, a Shareholder should also consider
that the higher Rule 12b-1 fees for Class II will generally result in lower
dividends and consequently lower yields for Class II Shares as compared to
Class I Shares.
   
  OFFERING PRICE. Shares of both classes of the Fund are offered at their
respective public Offering Prices, which are determined by adding the net
asset value per share plus a front-end sales charge, next computed (i) after
the Shareholder's securities dealer receives the order which is promptly
transmitted to the Fund or (ii) after receipt of an order by mail from the
Shareholder directly in proper form (which generally means a completed
Shareholder Application accompanied by a negotiable check).     
   
  CLASS I. The sales charge for Class I Shares is a variable percentage of the
Offering Price depending upon the amount of the sale. A description of the
method of calculating net asset value per share is included under the caption
"Net Asset Value" below.     
       
   The price to the public on purchases of Class I Shares made by a single
purchaser, by an individual, his or her spouse and their children under the
age of 21, or by a single trust or fiduciary account other than an employee
benefit plan holding Shares of the Fund on or before February 1, 1995, is the
net asset value per Share plus a sales charge not exceeding 5.75% of the
Offering Price (equivalent to 6.10% of the net asset value), which is reduced
on larger sales as shown below.
 
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                         TOTAL SALES CHARGE
                            --------------------------------------------
                             AS A PERCENTAGE OF     AS A PERCENTAGE OF        PORTION OF TOTAL
   AMOUNT OF                OFFERING PRICE OF THE NET ASSET VALUE OF THE       OFFERING PRICE
   AT OFFERING PRICE          SHARES PURCHASED       SHARES PURCHASED    RETAINED BY DEALERS/1/,/3/
   -----------------        --------------------- ---------------------- --------------------------
   <S>                      <C>                   <C>                    <C>
   Less than $50,000.......         5.75%                 6.10%                    5.00%
   $50,000 but less than
   $100,000...............          4.50%                 4.71%                    3.75%
   $100,000 but less than
   $250,000...............          3.50%                 3.63%                    2.80%
   $250,000 but less than
   $500,000...............          2.50%                 2.56%                    2.00%
   $500,000 but less than
   $1,000,000.............          2.00%                 2.04%                    1.60%
   $1,000,000 or more......         none                   none                (see below)/2/
</TABLE>    
- -------
   
/1/ Financial institutions or their affiliated brokers may receive an agency
    transaction fee in the percentages set forth above.     
   
/2/ The following commissions will be paid by FTD, from its own resources, to
    securities dealers who initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1
    million or more; 1% on sales of $1 million but less than $2 million, plus
    0.80% on sales of $2 million but less than $3 million, plus 0.50% on sales
    of $3 million but less than $50 million, plus 0.25% on sales of $50 million
    but less than $100 million, plus 0.15% on sales of $100 million or more.
    Dealer concession breakpoints are reset every 12 months for purposes of
    additional purchases.     
   
/3/ At the discretion of FTD, all sales charges may at times be reallowed to the
    securities dealer. If 90% or more of the sales commission is allowed, such
    securities dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter as that term is defined
    in the Securities Act of 1933.     
   
  No front-end sales charge applies on investments of $1 million or more, but
a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% is imposed on certain redemptions of
all or a portion of investments of $1 million or more within 12 months of the
calendar month following such investments ("contingency period"). See "How to
Sell Shares of the Fund--Contingent Deferred Sales Charge."     
   
  The size of a transaction which determines the applicable sales charge on
the purchase of Class I Shares is determined by adding the amount of the
Shareholder's current purchase plus the cost or current value (whichever is
higher) of a Shareholder's existing investment in one or more of the funds in
the Franklin Group of Funds(R) and the Templeton Family of Funds. Included for
these aggregation purposes are (a) the mutual funds in the Franklin Group of
Funds except Franklin Valuemark Funds and Franklin Government Securities Trust
(the "Franklin Funds"); (b) other investment products underwritten by FTD or
its affiliates (although certain investments may not have the same schedule of
sales charges and/or may not be subject to reduction); and (c) the U.S.-
registered     
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
mutual funds in the Templeton Family of Funds except Templeton Capital
Accumulator Fund, Inc., Templeton Variable Annuity Fund, and Templeton
Variable Products Series Fund (the "Templeton Funds"). (Franklin Funds and
Templeton Funds are collectively referred to as the "Franklin Templeton
Funds.") Sales charge reductions based upon aggregate holdings of (a), (b) and
(c) above ("Franklin Templeton Investments") may be effective only after
notification to FTD that the investment qualifies for a discount.
 
  Other Payments to Securities Dealers. FTD, or one of its affiliates, may
make payments, from its own resources, of up to 1% of the amount purchased to
securities dealers who initiate and are responsible for purchases made at net
asset value by certain designated retirement plans (as defined below)
(excluding IRA and IRA rollovers), certain non-designated plans (as defined
below), certain trust companies and trust departments of banks and certain
retirement plans of organizations with collective retirement plan assets of
$10 million or more. See definitions under "Description of Special Net Asset
Value Purchases," below, and as set forth in the SAI.
 
  A sales charge of 4% of the offering price (4.17% of the net asset value) is
applicable to all purchases of Shares made for any qualified or non-qualified
employee benefit plan account which is a Shareholder in the Fund on or before
February 1, 1995. Of the 4% sales charge applicable to such purchases, 3.20%
of the offering price will be retained by dealers.
 
  CUMULATIVE QUANTITY DISCOUNT. The schedule of reduced sales charges also may
be applied to qualifying sales of Class I Shares on a cumulative basis. For
this purpose, the dollar amount of the sale is added to the higher of (i) the
value (calculated at the applicable Offering Price), or (ii) the purchase
price, of Franklin Templeton Investments. The cumulative quantity discount
applies to Franklin Templeton Investments owned at the time of purchase by the
purchaser, his or her spouse, and their children under age 21. In addition,
the aggregate investments of a trustee or other fiduciary account (for an
account under exclusive investment authority) may be considered in determining
whether a reduced sales charge is available, even though there may be a number
of beneficiaries of the account. For example, if the investor held Class I
Shares valued at $40,000 (or, if valued at less than $40,000, had been
purchased for $40,000) and purchased an additional $20,000 of the Fund's Class
I Shares, the sales charge for the $20,000 purchase would be at the rate of
4.50%. It is FTD's policy to give investors the best sales charge rate
possible; however, there can be no assurance that an investor will receive the
appropriate discount unless, at the time of placing the purchase order, the
investor or the dealer makes a request for the discount and gives FTD
sufficient information to determine whether the purchase will qualify for the
discount. On telephone orders from dealers for the purchase of Class I Shares
to be registered in "street name," FTD will accept the dealer's instructions
with respect to the applicable sales charge rate to be applied. The cumulative
quantity discount may be amended or terminated at any time.
 
  LETTER OF INTENT. Investors may also reduce sales charges on all investments
in Class I Shares by means of a Letter of Intent ("LOI") which expresses the
investor's intention to invest a certain amount within a 13-month period in
Class I Shares of the Fund or any other Franklin Templeton Fund. See the
Shareholder Application. Except for certain employee benefit plans, the
minimum initial investment under an LOI is 5% of the total LOI amount. Except
for Shares purchased by certain employee benefit plans, Shares purchased with
the first 5% of such amount will be held in escrow to secure payment of the
higher sales charge applicable to the Shares actually purchased if the full
amount indicated is not purchased, and such escrowed Shares will be
involuntarily redeemed to pay the additional sales charge, if necessary. A
purchase not originally made pursuant to an LOI may be included under a
subsequent LOI executed within 90 days of the purchase. Any redemptions made
by Shareholders, other than by certain employee benefit plans, during the 13-
month period will be subtracted from the amount of the purchases for purposes
of determining whether the terms of the LOI have been completed. For a further
description of the LOI, see "Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares --
 Letter of Intent" in the SAI.
 
  GROUP PURCHASES. An individual who is a member of a qualified group may also
purchase Class I Shares of the Fund at the reduced sales charge applicable to
the group as a whole. The sales charge is based upon the aggregate dollar
value of Class I Shares previously purchased and still owned by the group,
plus the amount of the current purchase. For example, if members of the group
had previously invested and still held $80,000 of Class I Shares and now were
investing $25,000, the sales charge would be 3.50%. Information concerning the
current sales charge applicable to a group may be obtained by contacting FTD.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
  A "qualified group" is one which (i) has been in existence for more than six
months, (ii) has a purpose other than acquiring Fund Shares at a discount, and
(iii) satisfies uniform criteria which enable FTD to realize economies of
scale in its costs of distributing Shares. A qualified group must have more
than 10 members, must be available to arrange for group meetings between
representatives of the Fund or FTD and the members, must agree to include
sales and other materials related to the Fund in its publications and mailings
to members at reduced or no cost to FTD, and must seek to arrange for payroll
deduction or other bulk transmission of investments to the Fund.
 
  If an investor selects a payroll deduction plan, subsequent investments will
be automatic and will continue until such time as the investor notifies the
Fund and the investor's employer to discontinue further investments. Due to
the varying procedures to prepare, process and forward the payroll deduction
information to the Fund, there may be a delay between the time of the payroll
deduction and the time the money reaches the Fund. The investment in the Fund
will be made at the Offering Price per Share determined on the day that both
the check and payroll deduction data are received in required form by the
Fund.
 
  CLASS II. Unlike Class I Shares, the front-end sales charges and dealer
concessions for Class II Shares do not vary depending on the amount of
purchase. The total sales charges or underwriting commissions and dealer
concessions for Class II Shares are set forth below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          TOTAL SALES CHARGE
                             --------------------------------------------
                              AS A PERCENTAGE OF     AS A PERCENTAGE OF     PORTION OF TOTAL
   AMOUNT OF                 OFFERING PRICE OF THE NET ASSET VALUE OF THE    OFFERING PRICE
   AT OFFERING PRICE           SHARES PURCHASED       SHARES PURCHASED    RETAINED BY DEALERS*
   -----------------         --------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
   <S>                       <C>                   <C>                    <C>
   any amount (less than $1
    million)...............          1.00%                  1.01%                 1.00%
</TABLE>
- -------
* FTD, or one of its affiliates, may make additional payments to securities
  dealers, from its own resources, of up to 1.0% of the amount invested.
  During the first year following a purchase of Class II Shares, FTD will keep
  a portion of the Rule 12b-1 fees assessed on those Shares to partially
  recoup fees FTD pays to securities dealers.
 
  Class II Shares redeemed within 18 months of their purchase will be assessed
a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.0% on the lesser of the then-current
net asset value or the net asset value of such Shares at the time of purchase,
unless such charge is waived as described under "How To Sell Shares of the
Fund--Contingent Deferred Sales Charge."
 
  NET ASSET VALUE PURCHASES (BOTH CLASSES). Class I Shares may be purchased
without the imposition of a front-end sales charge ("net asset value") or a
contingent deferred sales charge by (i) officers, trustees, directors, and
full-time employees of the Fund, any of the Franklin Templeton Funds, or of
the Franklin Templeton Group, and their spouses and family members, including
any subsequent payments made by such parties after cessation of employment;
(ii) companies exchanging Shares with or selling assets pursuant to a merger,
acquisition or exchange offer; (iii) insurance company separate accounts for
pension plan contracts; (iv) accounts managed by the Franklin Templeton Group;
(v) shareholders of Templeton Institutional Funds, Inc. reinvesting redemption
proceeds from that fund under an employee benefit plan qualified under Section
401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), in Shares
of the Fund; (vi) certain unit investment trusts and unit holders of such
trusts reinvesting their distributions from the trusts in the Fund; (vii)
registered securities dealers and their affiliates, for their investment
account only; and (viii) registered personnel and employees of securities
dealers, and their spouses and family members, in accordance with the internal
policies and procedures of the employing securities dealer.
 
  For either Class I or Class II, the same class of Shares of the Fund may be
purchased at net asset value by persons who have redeemed, within the previous
120 days, their Shares of the Fund or another of the Franklin Templeton Funds
which were purchased with a front-end sales charge or assessed a contingent
deferred sales charge on redemption. If a different class of Shares is
purchased, the full front-end sales charge must be paid at the time of
purchase of the new Shares. An investor may reinvest an amount not
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
exceeding the redemption proceeds. While credit will be given for any
contingent deferred sales charge paid on the Shares redeemed and subsequently
repurchased, a new contingency period will begin. Shares of the Fund redeemed
in connection with an exchange into another fund (see "Exchange Privilege")
are not considered "redeemed" for this privilege. In order to exercise this
privilege, a written order for the purchase of Shares of the Fund must be
received by the Fund or the Fund's Transfer Agent within 120 days after the
redemption. The 120 days, however, do not begin to run on redemption proceeds
placed immediately after redemption in a Franklin Bank Certificate of Deposit
("CD") until the CD (including any rollover) matures. Reinvestment at net
asset value may also be handled by a securities dealer or other financial
institution, who may charge the Shareholder a fee for this service. The
redemption is a taxable transaction but reinvestment without a sales charge
may affect the amount of gain or loss recognized and the tax basis of the
Shares reinvested. If there has been a loss on the redemption, the loss may be
disallowed if a reinvestment in the same fund is made within a 30-day period.
Information regarding the possible tax consequences of such a reinvestment is
included under "General Information--Federal Tax Information" of this
Prospectus and in the SAI.
 
  For either Class I or Class II, the same class of Shares of the Fund or of
another of the Franklin Templeton Funds may be purchased at net asset value
and without a contingent deferred sales charge by persons who have received
dividends and capital gain distributions in cash from investments in that
class of Shares of the Fund within 120 days of the payment date of such
distribution. To exercise this privilege, a written request to reinvest the
distribution must accompany the purchase order. Additional information may be
obtained from Account Services at 1-800-393-3001. See "General Information--
Dividends and Distributions."
 
  Class I Shares may be purchased at net asset value and without the
imposition of a contingent deferred sales charge by investors who have, within
the past 60 days, redeemed an investment in a mutual fund which is not part of
the Franklin Templeton Funds and which charged the investor a contingent
deferred sales charge upon redemption, and which has investment objectives
similar to those of the Fund.
 
  Class I Shares may be purchased at net asset value and without the
imposition of a contingent deferred sales charge by broker-dealers who have
entered into a supplemental agreement with FTD, or by registered investment
advisers affiliated with such broker-dealers, on behalf of their clients who
are participating in a comprehensive fee program (also known as a wrap fee
program).
 
  Class I Shares may be purchased at net asset value and without the
imposition of a contingent deferred sales charge by anyone who has taken a
distribution from an existing retirement plan already invested in the Franklin
Templeton Funds (including former participants of the Franklin Templeton
Profit Sharing 401(k) plan), to the extent of such distribution. In order to
exercise this privilege, a written order for the purchase of Shares of the
Fund must be received by Franklin Templeton Trust Company ("FTTC"), the Fund
or Franklin Templeton Investor Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent") within
120 days after the plan distribution.
 
  Class I Shares may also be purchased at net asset value and without the
imposition of a contingent deferred sales charge by any state, county or city,
or any instrumentality, department, authority or agency thereof which has
determined that the Fund is a legally permissible investment and which is
prohibited by applicable investment laws from paying a sales charge or
commission in connection with the purchase of shares of any registered
management investment company (an "eligible governmental authority"). SUCH
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN LEGAL ADVISERS TO DETERMINE WHETHER AND TO
WHAT EXTENT THE SHARES OF THE FUND CONSTITUTE LEGAL INVESTMENTS FOR THEM.
Municipal investors considering investment of proceeds of bond offerings into
the Fund should consult with expert counsel to determine the effect, if any,
of various payments made by the Fund or its investment manager on arbitrage
rebate calculations. If an investment by an eligible governmental authority at
net asset value is made through a securities dealer who has executed a dealer
agreement with FTD, FTD or one of its affiliates may make a payment, out of
its own resources, to such securities dealer in an amount not to exceed 0.25%
of the amount invested. Contact Franklin Templeton Institutional Services for
additional information.
 
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
  DESCRIPTION OF SPECIAL NET ASSET VALUE PURCHASES. Class I Shares may also be
purchased at net asset value and without the imposition of a contingent
deferred sales charge by certain designated retirement plans, including,
profit-sharing, pension, 401(k) and simplified employee pension plans
("designated plans"), subject to minimum requirements with respect to number
of employees or amount of purchase, which may be established by FTD. Currently
those criteria require that the employer establishing the plan have 200 or
more employees or that the amount invested or to be invested during the
subsequent 13-month period in the Fund or in any of the Franklin Templeton
Investments totals at least $1 million. Employee benefit plans not designated
above or qualified under Section 401 of the Code ("non-designated plans") may
be afforded the same privilege if they meet the above requirements as well as
the uniform criteria for qualified groups previously described under "Group
Purchases," which enable FTD to realize economies of scale in its sales
efforts and sales-related expenses.
 
  Class I Shares may be purchased at net asset value and without the
imposition of a contingent deferred sales charge by trust companies and bank
trust departments for funds over which they exercise exclusive discretionary
investment authority and which are held in a fiduciary, agency, advisory,
custodial or similar capacity. Such purchases are subject to minimum
requirements with respect to amount of purchase, which may be established by
FTD. Currently, those criteria require that the amount invested or to be
invested during the subsequent 13-month period in the Fund or any of the
Franklin Templeton Investments must total at least $1 million. Orders for such
accounts will be accepted by mail accompanied by a check, or by telephone or
other means of electronic data transfer directly from the bank or trust
company, with payment by federal funds received by the close of business on
the next business day following such order.
 
  Class I Shares may be purchased at net asset value and without the
imposition of a contingent deferred sales charge by trustees or other
fiduciaries purchasing securities for certain retirement plans of
organizations with collective retirement plan assets of $10 million or more,
without regard to where such assets are currently invested.
 
  Refer to the SAI for further information regarding net asset value purchases
of Class I Shares.
 
  ADDITIONAL DEALER COMPENSATION (BOTH CLASSES). FTD, or one of its
affiliates, from its own resources, may also provide additional compensation
to securities dealers in connection with sales of shares of the Franklin
Templeton Funds. Compensation may include financial assistance to securities
dealers in connection with conferences, sales or training programs for their
employees, seminars for the public, advertising, sales campaigns and/or
shareholder services and programs regarding one or more of the Franklin
Templeton Funds and other dealer-sponsored programs or events. In some
instances, this compensation may be made available only to certain securities
dealers whose representatives have sold or are expected to sell significant
amounts of shares of the Franklin Templeton Funds. Compensation may include
payment for travel expenses, including lodging, incurred in connection with
trips taken by invited registered representatives and members of their
families to locations within or outside of the United States for meetings or
seminars of a business nature. Securities dealers may not use sales of the
Fund's Shares to qualify for this compensation to the extent such may be
prohibited by the laws of any state or any self-regulatory agency, such as the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. In addition, FTD or its
affiliates may make ongoing payments to brokerage firms, financial
institutions (including banks) and others to facilitate the administration and
servicing of shareholder accounts. None of the aforementioned additional
compensation is paid for by the Fund or its Shareholders.
 
  Ongoing payments will be made to qualifying dealers at the annual rate of
0.25% of the average daily net asset value of Class I Shares, and 1.00% of the
average daily net asset value of Class II Shares, registered in the name of
that broker-dealer as nominee or held in a Shareholder account that designates
that broker-dealer as dealer of record. These payments are made in order to
promote selling efforts and to compensate dealers for providing certain
services, including processing purchase and redemption transactions,
establishing Shareholder accounts and providing certain information and
assistance with respect to the Fund. For purchases on or after February 1,
1995 of Class I Shares that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge,
the dealer will receive ongoing payments beginning in the thirteenth month
after the date of the purchase. For all purchases of Class II Shares that are
subject to a contingent
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
deferred sales charge, the dealer will receive payments representing a service
fee (0.25% of average daily net asset value of the Shares) beginning in the
first month after the date of the purchase, and will receive payments
representing compensation for distribution (0.75% of average daily net asset
value of the Shares), beginning in the thirteenth month after the date of the
purchase.
 
  PURCHASING CLASS I AND CLASS II SHARES. When placing purchase orders,
investors should clearly indicate which class of Shares they intend to
purchase. A purchase order that fails to specify a class will automatically be
invested in Class I Shares. Purchases of $1 million or more in a single
payment will be invested in Class I Shares. There are no conversion features
attached to either class of Shares.
 
  Investors who qualify to purchase Class I Shares at net asset value should
purchase Class I rather than Class II Shares. See the section "Net Asset Value
Purchases (Both Classes)" and "Description of Special Net Asset Value
Purchases" above for a discussion of when Shares may be purchased at net asset
value.
 
  As to telephone orders placed with FTD by dealers, the dealer must receive
the investor's order before the close of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE")
and transmit it to FTD by 5:00 p.m., New York time, for the investor to
receive that day's Offering Price. Payment for such orders must be made by
check in U.S. currency and must be promptly submitted to FTD. Orders mailed to
FTD by dealers or individual investors are effected at the net asset value of
the Fund's Shares next computed after the purchase order accompanied by
payment has been received by FTD. Such payment must be by check in U.S.
currency drawn on a commercial bank in the U.S. and, if over $100,000, may not
be deemed to have been received until the proceeds have been collected unless
the check is certified or issued by such bank. Any subscription may be
rejected by FTD or by the Fund.
 
  The Fund may impose a $10 charge against a Shareholder account in the event
that a check or draft submitted for the purchase of Fund Shares is returned
unpaid to the Fund.
 
  Investors should promptly check the confirmation advice that is mailed after
each purchase (or redemption) in order to insure that it has been accurately
recorded in the investor's account.
 
  AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN. Investors may accumulate Fund Shares regularly
each month by means of automatic debits to their checking accounts ($25
minimum). Forms for this purpose are in the Shareholder Application in this
Prospectus. Such a plan is voluntary and may be discontinued by written notice
to FTD, which must be received at least 10 days prior to the collection date,
or by FTD upon written notice to the investor at least 30 days prior to the
collection date.
 
  INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTS. Institutional investors will likely be required to
complete an institutional account application. There may also be additional
methods of opening accounts, purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares of the
Fund available for institutional accounts. To obtain an institutional account
application or additional information regarding institutional accounts,
contact Franklin Templeton Institutional Services at 1-800-321-8563.
 
  ACCOUNT STATEMENTS. Shareholder accounts are opened in accordance with the
Shareholder's registration instructions. Transactions in the account, such as
additional investments and dividend reinvestments, will be reflected on
regular confirmation statements from the Transfer Agent.
 
  TEMPLETON STAR SERVICE. From a touch tone phone, Templeton and Franklin
Shareholders may access an automated system (day or night) which offers the
following features.
 
  By calling the Templeton STAR Service, Shareholders may obtain current price
and yield information specific to a Templeton Fund, regardless of class, or
Franklin Class II shares; obtain account information; and request duplicate
confirmation or year-end statements and money fund checks, if applicable.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
  By calling the Franklin TeleFACTS system, Class I Shareholders may obtain
current price, yield or other performance information specific to a Franklin
Fund; process an exchange into an identically registered Franklin account;
obtain account information; and request duplicate confirmation or year-end
statements, money fund checks, if applicable, and deposit slips.
 
  Share prices and account information specific to Templeton Class I or II
Shares and Franklin Class II shares may also be accessed on TeleFACTS by
Franklin Class I and Class II shareholders.
 
  The Templeton STAR Service is accessible by calling 1-800-654-0123. The
TeleFACTS system is accessible by calling 1-800-247-1753. Templeton Class I
and Class II Share codes for the Fund, which will be needed to access system
information, are 101 and 201, respectively. The system's automated operator
will prompt the caller with easy to follow step-by-step instructions from the
main menu. Other features may be added in the future.
 
  RETIREMENT PLANS. Shares of the Fund may be purchased through various
retirement plans including the following plans for which FTTC or its affiliate
acts as trustee or custodian: IRAs, Simplified Employee Pensions, 403(b)
plans, qualified plans for corporations, self-employed individuals and
partnerships, and 401(k) plans. For further information about any of the
plans, agreements, applications and annual fees, contact Franklin Templeton
Distributors, Inc. To determine which retirement plan is appropriate, an
investor should contact his or her tax adviser.
 
  NET ASSET VALUE. The net asset value per Share of each class of the Fund is
determined as of the scheduled closing time of the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m.,
New York time) each day that the NYSE is open for trading, by dividing the
value of the Fund's securities plus any cash and other assets (including
accrued interest and dividends receivable) less all liabilities (including
accrued expenses) by the number of Shares outstanding, adjusted to the nearest
whole cent. A security listed or traded on a recognized stock exchange or
NASDAQ is valued at its last sale price on the principal exchange on which the
security is traded. The value of a foreign security is determined in its
national currency as of the close of trading on the foreign exchange on which
it is traded, or as of the scheduled closing time of the NYSE (generally 4:00
p.m., New York time), if that is earlier, and that 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 mean between the current
bid and asked price is used. Occasionally, events which affect the values of
such securities and such exchange rates may occur between the times at which
they are determined and the close of the NYSE, and will therefore not be
reflected in the computation of the Fund's net asset value. If events
materially affecting the value of such securities occur during such period,
then these securities will be valued at fair value as determined by the
management and approved in good faith by the Board of Directors. All other
securities for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available
are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked price. Securities for
which market quotations are not readily available and other assets are valued
at fair value as determined by the management and approved in good faith by
the Board of Directors.
 
  Each of the Fund's classes will bear, pro-rata, all of the common expenses
of the Fund. The net asset value of all outstanding Shares of each class of
the Fund will be computed on a pro-rata basis for each outstanding Share based
on the proportionate participation in the Fund represented by the value of
Shares of such classes, except that the Class I and Class II Shares will bear
the Rule 12b-1 expenses payable under their respective plans. Due to the
specific distribution expenses and other costs that will be allocable to each
class, the dividends paid to each class of the Fund may vary.
 
                              EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
 
  A Shareholder may exchange Shares for the same class of shares of other
Franklin Templeton Funds which are eligible for sale in the Shareholder's
state of residence and in conformity with such fund's stated eligibility
requirements and investment minimums. Some funds, however, may not offer Class
II shares. Class I Shares may be exchanged for Class I shares of any Franklin
Templeton Funds.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
Class II Shares may be exchanged for Class II shares of any Franklin Templeton
Funds. No exchanges between different classes of shares will be allowed. A
contingent deferred sales charge will not be imposed on exchanges. If the
exchanged Shares were subject to a contingent deferred sales charge in the
original fund purchased, and Shares are subsequently redeemed within 12 months
(Class I Shares) or 18 months (Class II Shares) of the calendar month of the
original purchase date, a contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed.
The period will be tolled (or stopped) for the period Class I Shares are
exchanged into and held in a Franklin or Templeton money market fund. See also
"How to Sell Shares of the Fund -- Contingent Deferred Sales Charge."
 
  Exchange purchases are subject to the minimum investment requirements of the
fund purchased and no sales charge generally applies. Exchanges of the same
class of shares are made on the basis of the net asset values of the class
involved, except as set forth below. Exchanges of shares of a class which were
originally purchased without a sales charge will be charged a sales charge in
accordance with the terms of the prospectus of the fund and the class of
shares being purchased, unless the original investment on which no sales
charge was paid was transferred in from a fund on which the investor paid a
sales charge. Exchanges of shares from the Franklin Templeton Money Funds are
subject to applicable sales charges on the funds being purchased, unless the
Franklin Templeton Money Fund shares were acquired by an exchange from a fund
having a sales charge, or by reinvestment of dividends or capital gain
distributions. Exchanges of Class I Shares of the Fund which were purchased
with a lower sales charge to a fund which has a higher sales charge will be
charged the difference, unless the shares were held in the original fund for
at least six months prior to executing the exchange. All exchanges are
permitted only after at least 15 days have elapsed from the date of the
purchase of the Shares to be exchanged.
 
  A Shareholder may exchange Shares by writing to the Transfer Agent (see "How
to Sell Shares of the Fund"), by contacting his or her investment dealer or --
 if the Shareholder Application indicates that the Shareholder has not
declined the option -- by telephoning 1-800-393-3001. Telephone exchange
instructions must be received by FTD by the scheduled closing time of the NYSE
(generally 4:00 p.m., New York time). Telephonic exchanges can involve only
Shares in non-certificated form. Shares held in certificate form are not
eligible, but may be returned and qualify for these services. All accounts
involved in a telephonic exchange must have the same registration and dividend
option as the account from which the Shares are being exchanged. The Fund and
the Transfer Agent will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Please refer to "Telephone
Transactions -- Verification Procedures." Forms for declining the telephone
exchange privilege and prospectuses of the other funds in the Franklin
Templeton Group may be obtained from FTD. Exchange redemptions and purchases
are processed simultaneously at the share prices next determined after the
exchange order is received. (See "How to Buy Shares of the Fund -- Offering
Price.") A gain or loss for tax purposes generally will be realized upon the
exchange, depending on the tax basis of the Shares redeemed.
 
  This exchange privilege is available only in states where shares of the fund
being acquired may legally be sold and may be modified, limited or terminated
at any time by the Fund upon 60 days' written notice. A Shareholder who wishes
to make an exchange should first obtain and review a current prospectus of the
fund into which he or she wishes to exchange. Broker-dealers who process
exchange orders on behalf of their customers may charge a fee for their
services. Such fee may be avoided by making requests for exchange directly to
the Transfer Agent.
 
  EXCHANGES OF CLASS I SHARES. The contingency period of Class I Shares will
be tolled (or stopped) for the period such Shares are exchanged into and held
in a Franklin or Templeton money market fund. If a Class I account has Shares
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, Class I Shares will be
exchanged into the new account on a "first-in, first-out" basis. See also "How
to Sell Shares of the Fund -- Contingent Deferred Sales Charge."
 
  EXCHANGES OF CLASS II SHARES. When an account is composed of Class II Shares
subject to the contingent deferred sales charge, and Shares that are not, the
Shares will be transferred proportionately into the new fund. Shares received
from reinvestment of dividends and capital gains are referred to as "free
Shares," Shares which were originally subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge but to which the contingent deferred sales charge no longer applies are
called "matured Shares," and Shares still subject to the contingent
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
   
deferred sales charge are referred to as "CDSC liable Shares." CDSC liable
Shares held for different periods of time are considered different types of
CDSC liable Shares. For instance, if a Shareholder has $1,000 in free Shares,
$2,000 in matured Shares, and $3,000 in CDSC liable Shares, and the
Shareholder exchanges $3,000 into a new fund, $500 will be exchanged from free
Shares, $1,000 from matured Shares, and $1,500 from CDSC liable Shares.
Similarly, if CDSC liable Shares have been purchased at different periods, a
proportionate amount will be taken from Shares held for each period. If, for
example, the Shareholder holds $1,000 in Shares bought three months ago,
$1,000 bought six months ago, and $1,000 bought nine months ago, and the
Shareholder exchanges $1,500 into a new fund, $500 from each of these Shares
will be exchanged into the new fund.     
   
  The only money market fund exchange option available to Class II
Shareholders is the Franklin Templeton Money Fund II ("Money Fund II"), a
series of the Franklin Templeton Money Fund Trust. No drafts (checks) may be
written on Money Fund II accounts, nor may Shareholders purchase shares of
Money Fund II directly. Class II Shares exchanged for shares of Money Fund II
will continue to age and a contingent deferred sales charge will be assessed
if CDSC liable Shares are redeemed. No other money market funds are available
for Class II Shareholders for exchange purposes. Class I Shares may be
exchanged for shares of any of the money market funds in the Franklin
Templeton Funds except Money Fund II. Draft writing privileges and direct
purchases are allowed on these money market funds as described in their
respective prospectuses.     
   
  To the extent Shares are exchanged proportionately, as opposed to another
method, such as "first-in, first-out," or free Shares followed by CDSC liable
Shares, the exchanged Shares may, in some instances, be CDSC liable even
though a redemption of such Shares, as discussed elsewhere herein, may no
longer be subject to a CDSC. The proportional method is believed by management
to more closely meet and reflect the expectations of Class II Shareholders in
the event Shares are redeemed during the contingency period. For federal
income tax purposes, the cost basis of Shares redeemed or exchanged is
determined under the Code without regard to the method of transferring Shares
chosen by the Fund for purposes of exchanging or redeeming Shares.     
       
   
  TRANSFERS. Transfers between accounts in the same fund and class are treated
as non-monetary and non-taxable events, and are not subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge. The transferred Shares will continue to age from the
date of original purchase. Like exchanges, Class II Shares will be moved
proportionately from each type of Share in the original account.     
   
  CONVERSION RIGHTS. It is not presently anticipated that Class II Shares will
be converted to Class I Shares. A Shareholder may, however, sell Class II
Shares and use the proceeds to purchase Class I Shares, subject to all
applicable sales charges.     
 
  EXCHANGES BY TIMING ACCOUNTS. In the case of market timing or allocation
services ("Timing Accounts"), FTD will deduct an administrative service fee of
$5.00 per exchange. Timing Accounts generally include accounts administered so
as to redeem or purchase Shares based upon certain predetermined market
indicators. In accordance with the terms of their respective prospectuses,
certain funds in the Franklin Templeton Group do not accept or may place
differing limitations than those described below on exchanges by Timing
Accounts.
 
  The Fund reserves the right to temporarily or permanently terminate the
exchange privilege or reject any specific purchase order for any Timing
Account or any person whose transactions seem to follow a timing pattern who:
(i) makes an exchange request out of the Fund within two weeks of an earlier
exchange request out of the Fund, (ii) makes more than two exchanges out of
the Fund per calendar quarter, or (iii) exchanges shares equal in value to at
least $5 million, or more than 1% of the Fund's net assets. Accounts under
common ownership or control, including accounts administered so as to redeem
or purchase shares based upon certain predetermined market indicators, will be
aggregated for purposes of the exchange limits.
 
  In addition, the Fund reserves the right to refuse the purchase side of
exchange requests by any Timing Account, person, or group if, in the
Investment Manager's judgment, the Fund would be unable to invest effectively
in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, or would otherwise
potentially be adversely affected. A Shareholder's exchanges into the Fund may
be restricted or refused
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
if the Fund receives or anticipates simultaneous orders affecting significant
portions of the Fund's assets. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that
coincides with a "market timing" strategy may be disruptive to the Fund and
therefore may be refused.
 
  Finally, as indicated above, the Fund and FTD reserve the right to refuse
any order for the purchase of Shares.
 
                        HOW TO SELL SHARES OF THE FUND
       
  Shares will be redeemed, without charge, on request of the Shareholder in
"Proper Order" to the Transfer Agent. "PROPER ORDER" MEANS THAT THE REQUEST TO
REDEEM MUST MEET ALL THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
 
  1. Except as provided below under "Redemptions by Telephone," it must be in
writing, signed by the Shareholder(s) exactly in the manner as the Shares are
registered, and must specify either the number of Shares, or the dollar amount
of Shares, to be redeemed and sent to Franklin Templeton Investor Services,
Inc., P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, Florida 33733-8030;
   
  2. The signature(s) of the redeeming Shareholder(s) must be guaranteed by an
"eligible guarantor," including (1) national or state banks, savings
associations, savings and loan associations, trust companies, savings banks,
industrial loan companies and credit unions; (2) national securities
exchanges, registered securities associations and clearing agencies; (3)
securities broker-dealers which are members of a national securities exchange
or a clearing agency or which have minimum net capital of $100,000; or (4)
institutions that participate in the Securities Transfer Agent Medallion
Program ("STAMP") or other recognized signature medallion program. A notarized
signature will not be sufficient for the request to be in Proper Order. If the
Shares are registered in more than one name, the signature of each of the
redeeming Shareholders must be guaranteed. A signature guarantee is not
required for redemptions of $50,000 or less, requested by and payable to all
Shareholders of record, to be sent to the address of record for that account.
However, the Fund reserves the right to require signature guarantees on all
redemptions. A signature guarantee is required in connection with any written
request for transfer of Shares. Also, a signature guarantee is required if the
Fund or the Transfer Agent believes that a signature guarantee would protect
against potential claims based on the transfer instructions, including, for
example, when (a) the current address of one or more joint owners of an
account cannot be confirmed; (b) multiple owners have a dispute or give
inconsistent instructions to the Fund; (c) the Fund has been notified of an
adverse claim; (d) the instructions received by the Fund are given by an
agent, not the actual registered owner; (e) the Fund determines that joint
owners who are married to each other are separated or may be the subject of
divorce proceedings; or (f) the authority of a representative of a
corporation, partnership, association, or other entity has not been
established to the satisfaction of the Fund;     
 
  3. Any outstanding certificates must accompany the request together with a
stock power signed by the Shareholder(s), with signature(s) guaranteed as
described in Item 2 above;
 
  4. Liquidation requests of corporate, partnership, trust and custodianship
accounts, and accounts under court jurisdiction, require the following
documentation to be in proper form:
 
    . Corporation -- (i) Signature guaranteed letter of instruction from the
      authorized officer(s) of the corporation, and (ii) a corporate
      resolution in a form satisfactory to the Transfer Agent;
    . Partnership -- (i) Signature guaranteed letter of instruction from a
      general partner and, if necessary, (ii) pertinent pages from the
      partnership agreement identifying the general partners or other
      documentation in a form satisfactory to the Transfer Agent;
    . Trust -- (i) Signature guaranteed letter of instruction from the
      trustee(s), and (ii) a copy of the pertinent pages of the trust
      document listing the trustee(s) or a certificate of incumbency if the
      trustee(s) are not listed on the account registration;
    . Custodial (other than a retirement account) -- Signature guaranteed
      letter of instruction from the custodian;
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
    . Accounts under court jurisdiction -- Check court documents and the
      applicable state law since these accounts have varying requirements,
      depending upon the state of residence; and
 
  5. Redemption of Shares held in a retirement plan for which FTTC or its
affiliate acts as trustee or custodian must conform to the distribution
requirements of the plan and the Fund's redemption requirements above.
Distributions from such plans are subject to additional requirements under the
Code, and certain documents (available from the Transfer Agent) must be
completed before the distribution may be made. For example, distributions from
retirement plans are subject to withholding requirements under the Code, and
the IRS Form W-4P (available from the Transfer Agent) may be required to be
submitted to the Transfer Agent with the distribution request, or the
distribution will be delayed. Franklin Templeton Investor Services, Inc. and
its affiliates assume no responsibility to determine whether a distribution
satisfies the conditions of applicable tax laws and will not be responsible
for any penalties assessed.
 
  To avoid delay in redemption or transfer, Shareholders having questions
about these requirements should contact the Account Services Department by
calling 1-800-393-3001 or 813-823-8712.
 
  The redemption price will be the net asset value of the Shares next computed
after the redemption request in Proper Order is received by the Transfer
Agent. Payment of the redemption price ordinarily will be made by check (or by
wire at the sole discretion of the Transfer Agent if wire transfer is
requested including name and address of the bank and the Shareholder's account
number to which payment of the redemption proceeds is to be wired) within
seven days after receipt of the redemption request in Proper Order. However,
if Shares have been purchased by check, the Fund will make redemption proceeds
available when a Shareholder's check received for the Shares purchased has
been cleared for payment by the Shareholder's bank, which, depending upon the
location of the Shareholder's bank, could take up to 15 days or more. The
check will be mailed by first-class mail to the Shareholder's registered
address (or as otherwise directed). Remittance by wire (to a commercial bank
account in the same name(s) as the Shares are registered) or express mail, if
requested, are subject to a handling charge of up to $15 which will be
deducted from the redemption proceeds.
 
  The Fund, through FTD, also repurchases Shares (whether in certificate or
book-entry form) through securities dealers. The Fund normally will accept
orders to repurchase such Shares by wire or telephone from dealers for their
customers at the net asset value next computed after the dealer has received
the Shareholder's request for repurchase, if the dealer received such request
before closing time of the NYSE on that day. Dealers have the responsibility
of submitting such repurchase requests by calling not later than 5:00 p.m.,
New York time, on such day in order to obtain that day's applicable redemption
price. Repurchase of Shares is for the convenience of Shareholders and does
not involve a charge by the Fund; however, securities dealers may impose a
charge on the Shareholder for transmitting the notice of repurchase to the
Fund. The Fund reserves the right to reject any order for repurchase, which
right of rejection might adversely affect Shareholders seeking redemption
through the repurchase procedure. Ordinarily payment will be made to the
securities dealer within seven days after receipt of a repurchase order and
Share certificate (if any) in "Proper Order" as set forth above. The Fund will
also accept, from member firms of the NYSE, orders to repurchase Shares for
which no certificates have been issued by wire or telephone without a
redemption request signed by the Shareholder, provided the member firm
indemnifies the Fund and FTD from any liability resulting from the absence of
the Shareholder's signature. Forms for such indemnity agreement can be
obtained from FTD.
 
  The Fund may involuntarily redeem an investor's Shares if the net asset
value of such Shares is less than $100, provided that involuntary redemptions
will not result from fluctuations in the value of an investor's Shares. In
addition, the Fund may involuntarily redeem the Shares of any investor who has
failed to provide the Fund with a certified taxpayer identification number or
such other tax-related certifications as the Fund may require. A notice of
redemption sent by first-class mail to the investor's address of record will
fix a date not less than 30 days after the mailing date, and Shares will be
redeemed at net asset value at the close of business on that date, unless
sufficient additional Shares are purchased to bring the aggregate account
value up to $100 or more, or unless a certified taxpayer identification number
(or such other information as the Fund has requested) has been provided, as
the case may be. A check for the redemption proceeds will be mailed to the
investor at the address of record.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
  REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE. Shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset
value with the proceeds from (i) a redemption of Shares of any fund in the
Franklin Templeton Group (except Templeton Capital Accumulator Fund, Inc.,
Templeton Variable Annuity Fund, Templeton Variable Products Series Fund,
Franklin Valuemark Funds and Franklin Government Securities Trust) which were
purchased with an initial sales charge or assessed a contingent deferred sales
charge on redemption, or (ii) a dividend or distribution paid by any fund in
the Franklin Templeton Group, within 120 days after the date of the redemption
or dividend or distribution. However, if a Shareholder's original investment
was in Class I shares of a fund with a lower sales charge, or no sales charge,
the Shareholder must pay the difference. While credit will be given for any
contingent deferred sales charge paid on the Shares redeemed, a new
contingency period will begin. Shares of the Fund redeemed in connection with
an exchange into another fund (see "Exchange Privilege") are not considered
"redeemed" for this privilege. In order to exercise this privilege, a written
order for the purchase of Shares of the Fund must be received by the Fund or
the Fund's Transfer Agent within 120 days after the redemption. The 120 days,
however, do not begin to run on redemption proceeds placed immediately after
redemption in a CD until the CD (including any rollover) matures. The amount
of gain or loss resulting from a redemption may be affected by exercise of the
reinstatement privilege if the Shares redeemed were held for 90 days or less,
or if a Shareholder reinvests in the same fund within 30 days. Reinvestment
will be at the next calculated net asset value after receipt.
 
  SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN. A Shareholder may establish a Systematic
Withdrawal Plan ("Plan") and receive periodic payments from the account
provided that the net asset value of the Shares held by the Shareholder is at
least $5,000. There are no service charges for establishing or maintaining a
Plan. The minimum amount which the Shareholder may withdraw is $50 per
withdrawal transaction although this is merely the minimum amount allowed
under the Plan and should not be mistaken for a recommended amount. The Plan
may be established on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. If the
Shareholder establishes a Plan, any capital gain distributions and income
dividends paid by the Fund to the Shareholder's account must be reinvested for
the Shareholder's account in additional Shares at net asset value. Payments
are then made from the liquidation of Shares at net asset value on the day of
the liquidation (which is generally on or about the 25th of the month) to meet
the specified withdrawals. Payments are generally received three to five days
after the date of liquidation. By completing the "Special Payment Instructions
for Distributions" section of the Shareholder Application included with this
Prospectus, a Shareholder may direct the selected withdrawals to another of
the Franklin Templeton Funds, to another person, or directly to a checking
account. Liquidation of Shares may reduce or possibly exhaust the Shares in
the Shareholder's account, to the extent withdrawals exceed Shares earned
through dividends and distributions, particularly in the event of a market
decline. If the withdrawal amount exceeds the total Plan balance, the account
will be closed and the remaining balance will be sent to the Shareholder. As
with other redemptions, a liquidation to make a withdrawal payment is a sale
for federal income tax purposes. Because the amount withdrawn under the Plan
may be more than the Shareholder's actual yield or income, part of such a Plan
payment may be a return of the Shareholder's investment.
 
  Maintaining a Plan concurrently with purchases of additional Shares of the
Fund would be disadvantageous because of the sales charge on the additional
purchases. Also, redemptions of Class I Shares and Class II Shares may be
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge if the Shares are redeemed
within 12 months (Class I Shares) or 18 months (Class II Shares) of the
calendar month of the original purchase date. The Shareholder should
ordinarily not make additional investments of less than $5,000 or three times
the annual withdrawals under the Plan during the time such a Plan is in
effect.
 
  With respect to Class I Shares, the contingent deferred sales charge is
waived for redemptions through a Systematic Withdrawal Plan set up prior to
February 1, 1995. With respect to Systematic Withdrawal Plans set up on or
after February 1, 1995, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge is
waived for Class I and Class II Share redemptions of up to 1% monthly of an
account's net asset value (12% annually, 6% semiannually, 3% quarterly). For
example, if a Class I account maintained an annual balance of $1,000,000, only
$120,000 could be withdrawn through a once-yearly Systematic Withdrawal Plan
free of charge; any amount over that $120,000 would be assessed a 1% (or
applicable) contingent deferred sales charge. Likewise, if a Class II account
maintained an annual balance of $10,000, only $1,200 could be withdrawn
through a once-yearly Systematic Withdrawal Plan free of charge.
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
  A Plan may be terminated on written notice by the Shareholder or the Fund,
and it will terminate automatically if all Shares are liquidated or withdrawn
from the account, or upon the Fund's receipt of notification of the death or
incapacity of the Shareholder. Shareholders may change the amount (but not
below $50) and schedule of withdrawal payments or suspend one such payment by
giving written notice to the Transfer Agent at least seven business days prior
to the end of the month preceding a scheduled payment. Share certificates may
not be issued while a Plan is in effect.
 
  REDEMPTIONS BY TELEPHONE. Shareholders who file a Telephone Redemption
Authorization Agreement (the "Agreement") (a copy of which is included in this
Prospectus) may redeem Shares of the Fund by telephone, subject to the
Restricted Account exception noted under "Telephone Transactions -- Restricted
Accounts." The Fund and the Transfer Agent will employ reasonable procedures
to confirm that instructions given by telephone are genuine. Shareholders,
however, bear the risk of loss in certain cases as described under "Telephone
Transactions -- Verification Procedures."
 
  For Shareholder accounts with a completed Agreement on file, redemptions of
uncertificated Shares or Shares which have previously been deposited with the
Fund or the Transfer Agent may be made for up to $50,000 per day per Fund
account. Telephone redemption requests received before the scheduled closing
time of the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m., New York time), on any business day
will be processed that same day. The redemption check will be sent within
seven days, made payable to all the registered owners on the account, and will
be sent only to the address of record. Redemption requests by telephone will
not be accepted within 30 days following an address change by telephone. In
that case, a Shareholder should follow the other redemption procedures set
forth in this Prospectus. Institutional accounts which wish to execute
redemptions in excess of $50,000 must complete an Institutional Telephone
Privileges Agreement which is available from Franklin Templeton Institutional
Services by telephoning 1-800-321-8563.
 
  CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE. Class I. In order to recover commissions
paid to securities dealers on investments of $1 million or more, a contingent
deferred sales charge of 1% applies to redemptions of those investments within
the contingency period of 12 months following the calendar month of their
purchase. The charge is 1% of the lesser of the net asset value of the Shares
redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions) or
the net asset value of such Shares at the time of purchase, and is retained by
FTD. The contingent deferred sales charge is waived in certain instances. See
"How to Buy Shares of the Fund -- Net Asset Value Purchases (Both Classes)."
 
  Class II. Class II Shares redeemed within the contingency period of 18
months of the calendar month following their purchase will be assessed a
contingent deferred sales charge, unless one of the exceptions described below
applies. The charge is 1% of the lesser of the net asset value of the Shares
redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions) or
the net asset value at the time of purchase of such Shares, and is retained by
FTD. The contingent deferred sales charge is waived in certain instances. See
below.
 
  Class I and Class II. In determining if a contingent deferred sales charge
applies, Shares not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge are deemed
to be redeemed first, in the following order: (i) Shares representing amounts
attributable to capital appreciation of those Shares held less than the
contingency period (12 months in the case of Class I Shares and 18 months in
the case of Class II Shares); (ii) Shares purchased with reinvested dividends
and capital gain distributions; and (iii) other Shares held longer than the
contingency period, and followed by any Shares held less than the contingency
period, on a "first in, first out" basis. For tax purposes, a contingent
deferred sales charge is treated as either a reduction in redemption proceeds
or an adjustment to the cost basis of the Shares redeemed.
 
  The contingent deferred sales charge on each class of Shares is waived, as
applicable, for: exchanges; any account fees; distributions to participants or
beneficiaries in FTTC individual retirement plan accounts due to death,
disability or attainment of age 59 1/2; tax-free returns of excess
contributions from employee benefit plans; distributions from employee benefit
plans, including those due to plan termination or plan transfer; redemptions
through a Systematic Withdrawal Plan set up for Shares prior to February 1,
1995
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
and, for Systematic Withdrawal Plans set up thereafter, redemptions of up to
1% monthly of an account's net asset value (3% quarterly, 6% semiannually or
12% annually); redemptions initiated by the Fund due to a Shareholder's
account falling below the minimum specified account size; and redemptions
following the death of the Shareholder.
 
  All investments made during a calendar month, regardless of when during the
month the investment occurred, will age one month on the last day of that
month and each subsequent month.
 
  Requests for redemptions for a SPECIFIED DOLLAR amount, unless otherwise
specified, will result in additional Shares being redeemed to cover any
applicable contingent deferred sales charge, while requests for redemption of
a SPECIFIC NUMBER of Shares will result in the applicable contingent deferred
sales charge being deducted from the total dollar amount redeemed.
 
                            TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS
 
  Shareholders of the Fund and their dealer of record, if any, may be able to
execute various transactions by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-800-393-3001.
All Shareholders will be able to: (i) effect a change in address, (ii) change
a dividend option (see "Restricted Accounts" below), (iii) transfer Fund
Shares in one account to another identically registered account in the Fund,
and (iv) exchange Fund Shares by telephone as described in this Prospectus. In
addition, Shareholders who complete and file an Agreement as described under
"How to Sell Shares of the Fund -- Redemptions by Telephone" will be able to
redeem Shares of the Fund.
 
  VERIFICATION PROCEDURES. The Fund and the Transfer Agent will employ
reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone
are genuine. These will include: recording all telephone calls requesting
account activity by telephone, requiring that the caller provide certain
personal and/or account information requested by the telephone service agent
at the time of the call for the purpose of establishing the caller's
identification, and sending a confirmation statement on redemptions to the
address of record each time account activity is initiated by telephone. So
long as the Fund and the Transfer Agent follow instructions communicated by
telephone which were reasonably believed to be genuine at the time of their
receipt, neither they nor their affiliates will be liable for any loss to the
Shareholder caused by an unauthorized transaction. The Fund and the Transfer
Agent may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
instructions in the event such reasonable procedures are not followed.
Shareholders are, of course, under no obligation to apply for or accept
telephone transaction privileges. In any instance where the Fund or the
Transfer Agent is not reasonably satisfied that instructions received by
telephone are genuine, the requested transaction will not be executed, and
neither the Fund, the Transfer Agent, nor their affiliates will be liable for
any losses which may occur because of a delay in implementing a transaction.
 
  RESTRICTED ACCOUNTS. Telephone redemptions and dividend option changes may
not be accepted on FTTC retirement accounts. To assure compliance with all
applicable regulations, special forms are required for any distribution,
redemption, or dividend payment. Although the telephone exchange privilege is
extended to these retirement accounts, a Franklin Templeton Transfer
Authorization Form must be on file in order to transfer retirement plan assets
between the Franklin Group of Funds (R) and the Templeton Family of Funds
within the same plan type. Changes to dividend options for these accounts must
also be made in writing.
 
  To obtain further information regarding distribution or transfer procedures,
including any required forms, FTTC retirement account shareholders may call
toll-free 1-800-527-2020 or 1-800-354-9191 (press "2").
 
  GENERAL. During periods of drastic economic or market changes, it is
possible that the telephone transaction privileges will be difficult to
execute because of heavy telephone volume. In such situations, Shareholders
may wish to contact their dealer for assistance, or to send written
instructions to the Fund as detailed elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
  Neither the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for any losses
resulting from the inability of a Shareholder to execute a telephone
transaction.
 
  The telephone transaction privilege may be modified or discontinued by the
Fund at any time upon 60 days' written notice to Shareholders.
 
                            MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
 
  The Fund is managed by its Board of Directors and all powers are exercised
by or under authority of the Board. Information relating to the Directors and
Executive Officers is set forth under the heading "Management of the Fund" in
the SAI.
 
  The Board has carefully reviewed the multi class structure to ensure that no
material conflict exists between the two classes of Shares. Although the Board
does not expect to encounter material conflicts in the future, the Board will
continue to monitor the Fund and will take appropriate action to resolve such
conflicts if any should later arise.
 
  In developing the multi class structure, the Fund has retained the authority
to establish additional classes of Shares. It is the Fund's present intention
to offer only two classes of Shares, but new classes may be offered in the
future.
 
  INVESTMENT MANAGER. The Investment Manager of the Fund is Templeton,
Galbraith & Hansberger Ltd., Nassau, Bahamas. The Investment Manager manages
the investment and reinvestment of the Fund's assets. The Investment Manager
is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc.
("Franklin"). Through its subsidiaries, Franklin is engaged in various aspects
of the financial services industry. The Investment Manager and its affiliates
serve as advisers for a wide variety of public investment mutual funds and
private clients in many nations. The Templeton organization has been investing
globally over the past 52 years and, with its affiliates, provides investment
management and advisory services to a worldwide client base, including over
4.3 million mutual fund shareholders, foundations, endowments, employee
benefit plans and individuals. The Investment Manager and its affiliates have
approximately 4,100 employees in the United States, Australia, Scotland,
Germany, Hong Kong, Luxembourg, Bahamas, Singapore, Canada and Russia.
 
  The Investment Manager uses a disciplined, long-term approach to value-
oriented global and international investing. It has an extensive global
network of investment research sources. Securities are selected for the Fund's
portfolio on the basis of fundamental company-by-company analysis. Many
different selection methods are used for different funds and clients and these
methods are changed and improved by the Investment Manager's research on
superior selection methods.
 
  The Investment Manager does not furnish any other services or facilities for
the Fund, although such expenses are paid by some investment advisers of other
investment companies. As compensation for its services, the Fund pays the
Investment Manager a fee which, during the most recent fiscal year,
represented 0.62% of its average daily net assets.
 
  Currently, the lead portfolio manager for the Fund is Mark G. Holowesko. Mr.
Holowesko joined the Templeton organization in 1985, and is responsible for
coordinating equity research worldwide for the Investment Manager. Prior to
joining the Templeton organization, Mr. Holowesko worked with Roy West Trust
Corporation (Bahamas) Limited as an investment administrator. His duties at
Roy West included managing trust and individual accounts, as well as
conducting research of worldwide equity markets. Dorian B. Foyil and Jeffrey
A. Everett exercise secondary portfolio management responsibilities with
respect to the Fund. Mr. Foyil is Vice President of the Investment Manager and
head of the Investment Manager's research technology group. Prior to joining
the Templeton organization, Mr. Foyil was a research analyst for four years
with UBS Phillips & Drew in London, England. Mr. Everett joined the Templeton
organization in 1989 and is Vice President, Portfolio Management/Research, of
the Investment Manager. Prior to joining the Templeton organization, Mr.
Everett was an investment officer at First Pennsylvania Investment Research, a
division of First Pennsylvania Corporation, where he analyzed equity and
convertible securities. Mr. Everett was also responsible for coordinating
research for Centre Square Investment
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
Group, the pension management subsidiary of First Pennsylvania Corporation.
Further information concerning the Investment Manager is included under the
heading "Investment Management and Other Services" in the SAI.
 
  BUSINESS MANAGER. Templeton Global Investors, Inc. provides certain
administrative facilities and services for the Fund, including payment of
salaries of officers, preparation and maintenance of books and records,
preparation of tax returns and financial reports, monitoring compliance with
regulatory requirements and monitoring tax-deferred retirement plans. For its
services, the Business Manager receives a fee equivalent on an annual basis to
0.15% of the average daily net assets of the Fund, reduced to 0.135% of such
net assets in excess of $200 million, to 0.10% of such assets in excess of
$700 million, and to 0.075% of such assets in excess of $1,200 million.
 
  TRANSFER AGENT. Franklin Templeton Investor Services, Inc. serves as
transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund.
 
  CUSTODIAN. The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. serves as custodian of the Fund's
assets.
 
  PLANS OF DISTRIBUTION. A separate Plan of Distribution has been approved and
adopted for each class ("Class I Plan" and "Class II Plan," respectively, or
"Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Rule 12b-1 fees
charged to each class will be based solely on the distribution and servicing
fees attributable to that particular class. Any portion of fees remaining from
either Plan after distribution to securities dealers up to the maximum amount
permitted under each Plan may be used by the class to reimburse FTD for
routine ongoing promotion and distribution expenses incurred with respect to
such class. Such expenses may include, but are not limited to, the printing of
prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, expenses of preparing and
distributing sales literature and related expenses, advertisements, and other
distribution-related expenses, including a prorated portion of FTD's overhead
expenses attributable to the distribution of Fund Shares, as well as any
distribution or service fees paid to securities dealers or their firms or
others who have executed a servicing agreement with the Fund, FTD or its
affiliates.
 
  The maximum amount which the Fund may pay to FTD or others under the Class I
Plan for such distribution expenses is 0.25% per annum of Class I's average
daily net assets, payable on a quarterly basis. All expenses of distribution
and marketing in excess of 0.25% per annum will be borne by FTD, or others who
have incurred them, without reimbursement from the Fund. Under the Class I
Plan, costs and expenses not reimbursed in any one given quarter (including
costs and expenses not reimbursed because they exceed the applicable limit
under the Plan) may be reimbursed in subsequent quarters or years, subject to
applicable law. FTD has informed the Fund that it had no unreimbursed expenses
under the Class I Plan at August 31, 1994.
 
  Under the Class II Plan, the maximum amount which the Fund is permitted to
pay to FTD or others for distribution expenses and related expenses is 0.75%
per annum of Class II's average daily net assets, payable quarterly. All
expenses of distribution, marketing and related services over that amount will
be borne by FTD, or others who have incurred them, without reimbursement by
the Fund. In addition, the Class II Plan provides for an additional payment by
the Fund of up to 0.25% per annum of Class II's average daily net assets as a
servicing fee, payable quarterly. This fee will be used to pay securities
dealers or others for, among other things, assisting in establishing and
maintaining customer accounts and records; assisting with purchase and
redemption requests; receiving and answering correspondence; monitoring
dividend payments from the Fund on behalf of the customers; or similar
activities related to furnishing personal services and/or maintaining
Shareholder accounts.
 
  During the first year after the purchase of Class II Shares, FTD will keep a
portion of the Plan fees assessed on Class II Shares to partially recoup fees
FTD pays to securities dealers. FTD, or its affiliates, may pay, from its own
resources, a commission of up to 1% of the amount invested to securities
dealers who initiate and are responsible for purchases of Class II Shares.
 
  Both Plans also cover any payments to or by the Fund, the Investment
Manager, FTD, or other parties on behalf of the Fund, the Investment Manager
or FTD, to the extent such payments are deemed to be for the financing of any
activity primarily intended to result
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
in the sale of Shares issued by the Fund within the context of Rule 12b-1. The
payments under the Plans are included in the maximum operating expenses which
may be borne by each class of the Fund. For more information including a
discussion of the Board's policies with regard to the amount of each Plan's
fees, please see the SAI.
 
  EXPENSES. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1994, expenses borne by Class
I Shares of the Fund amounted to 1.10% of the Fund's average net assets of
such Class.
 
  BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS. The Fund's brokerage policies are described under the
heading "Brokerage Allocation" in the SAI. The Fund's brokerage policies
provide that the sale of Shares by a broker is one factor among others to be
taken into account in allocating securities transactions to that broker,
provided that the prices and execution provided by such broker equal the best
available within the scope of the Fund's brokerage policies.
 
                              GENERAL INFORMATION
 
  DESCRIPTION OF SHARES/SHARE CERTIFICATES. The Fund's authorized capital
consists of 600,000,000 Common Shares of $0.01 par value per Share. Each Share
entitles the holder to one vote and to participate equally in dividends,
distributions of capital and net assets of the Fund on liquidation.
 
  The Fund will not ordinarily issue certificates for Shares purchased. Share
certificates representing whole (not fractional) Shares are issued only upon
the specific request of the Shareholder made in writing to the Transfer Agent.
No charge is made for the issuance of one certificate for all or some of the
Shares purchased in a single order.
 
  VOTING RIGHTS. Shares of each class represent proportionate interests in the
assets of the Fund and have the same voting and other rights and preferences
as the other class of the Fund for matters that affect the Fund as a whole.
For matters that only affect a certain class of the Fund's Shares, however,
only Shareholders of that class will be entitled to vote. Therefore, each
class of Shares will vote separately on matters (1) affecting only that class,
(2) expressly required to be voted on separately by state law, or (3) required
to be voted on separately by the 1940 Act or the rules adopted thereunder. For
instance, if a change to the Rule 12b-1 plan relating to Class I Shares
requires Shareholder approval, only Shareholders of Class I may vote on
changes to the Rule 12b-1 plan affecting that class. Similarly, if a change to
the Rule 12b-1 plan relating to Class II Shares requires Shareholder approval,
only Shareholders of Class II may vote on the change to such plan. On the
other hand, if there is a proposed change to the investment objective of the
Fund, this affects all Shareholders, regardless of which class of Shares they
hold, and therefore, each Share has the same voting rights.
 
  MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS. The Fund is not required to hold annual meetings
of Shareholders and may elect not to do so. The Fund will call a special
meeting of Shareholders when requested to do so by Shareholders holding at
least 10% of the Fund's outstanding Shares. In addition, the Fund is required
to assist Shareholder communications in connection with the calling of
Shareholder meetings to consider removal of a Director or Directors.
 
  DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. The Fund intends to pay a dividend at least
annually representing substantially all of its net investment income and any
net realized capital gains. According to the requirements of the Code,
dividends and capital gains will be calculated and distributed in the same
manner for Class I and Class II Shares. The per share amount of any income
dividends will generally differ only to the extent that each class is subject
to different Rule 12b-1 fees. Unless otherwise requested, income dividends and
capital gain distributions paid by the Fund, other than on those Shares whose
owners keep them registered in the name of a broker-dealer, are automatically
reinvested on the payable date in whole or fractional Shares at net asset
value as of the ex-dividend date, unless a Shareholder makes a written or
telephonic request for payments in cash. Dividend and capital gain
distributions are only
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
eligible for reinvestment at net asset value in the same class of Shares of
the Fund or the same class of another of the Franklin Templeton Funds. The
processing date for the reinvestment of dividends may vary from month to
month, and does not affect the amount or value of the Shares acquired. Income
dividends and capital gain distributions will be paid in cash on Shares during
the time that their owners keep them registered in the name of a broker-
dealer, unless the broker-dealer has made arrangements with the Transfer Agent
for reinvestment.
 
  Prior to purchasing Shares of the Fund, the impact of dividends or capital
gain distributions which have been declared but not yet paid should be
carefully considered. Any dividend or capital gain distribution paid shortly
after a purchase by a Shareholder prior to the record date will have the
effect of reducing the per Share net asset value of the Shares by the amount
of the dividend or distribution. All or a portion of such dividend or
distribution, although in effect a return of capital, generally will be
subject to tax.
 
  Checks are forwarded by first-class mail to the address of record. The
proceeds of any such checks which are not accepted by the addressee and
returned to the Fund will be reinvested in the Shareholder's account in whole
or fractional Shares at net asset value next computed after the check has been
received by the Transfer Agent. Subsequent distributions will be reinvested
automatically at net asset value as of the ex-dividend date in additional
whole or fractional Shares.
 
  FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION. The Fund intends to elect to be treated and to
qualify each year as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the
Code. See the SAI for a summary of the requirements that must be satisfied to
so qualify. A regulated investment company generally is not subject to federal
income tax on income and gains distributed in a timely manner to its
Shareholders. The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net
investment income and realized capital gains to Shareholders, which will be
taxable income or capital gains in their hands. Distributions declared in
October, November or December to Shareholders of record on a date in such
month and paid during the following January will be treated as having been
received by Shareholders on December 31 in the year such distributions were
declared. The Fund will inform Shareholders each year of the amount and nature
of such income or gains. A more detailed description of tax consequences to
Shareholders is contained in the SAI under the heading "Tax Status."
 
  The Fund may be required to withhold federal income tax at the rate of 31%
of all taxable distributions (including redemptions) paid to Shareholders who
fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or
to make required certifications or where the Fund or the Shareholder has been
notified by the Internal Revenue Service that the Shareholder is subject to
backup withholding. Corporate Shareholders and certain other Shareholders
specified in the Code are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding
is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the
Shareholder's Federal income tax liability.
 
  INQUIRIES. Shareholders' inquiries will be answered promptly. They should be
addressed to Franklin Templeton Investor Services, Inc., P.O. Box 33030, St.
Petersburg, Florida 33733-8030 -- telephone 1-800-393-3001 or 813-823-8712.
Transcripts of Shareholder accounts less than three years old are provided on
request without charge; requests for transcripts going back more than three
years from the date the request is received by the Transfer Agent are subject
to a fee of up to $15 per account.
 
  PERFORMANCE INFORMATION. The Fund may include its total return in
advertisements or reports to Shareholders or prospective investors. Quotations
of average annual total return will be expressed in terms of the average
annual compounded rate of return on a hypothetical investment in the Fund over
a period of 1, 5 and 10 years (or up to the life of the Fund), will reflect
the deduction of the maximum initial sales charge and deduction of a
proportional share of Fund expenses (on an annual basis), and will assume that
all dividends and distributions are reinvested when paid. Total return may be
expressed in terms of the cumulative value of an investment in the Fund at the
end of a defined period of time. For a description of the methods used to
determine total return for the Fund, see the SAI.
 
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
  Because Class II Shares were not offered prior to May 1, 1995, no
performance data is available for these Shares. After a sufficient period of
time has passed, Class II performance data will be available.
 
  STATEMENTS AND REPORTS. The Fund's fiscal year ends on August 31. Annual
reports (containing financial statements audited by independent auditors and
additional information regarding the Fund's performance) and semiannual
reports (containing unaudited financial statements) are sent to Shareholders
each year. Additional copies may be obtained, without charge, upon request to
the Account Services Department. The Fund also sends to each Shareholder a
confirmation statement after every transaction that affects the Shareholder's
account and a year-end historical confirmation statement.
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
                       INSTRUCTIONS AND IMPORTANT NOTICE
SUBSTITUTE W-9 INSTRUCTIONS INFORMATION
GENERAL. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the tax
liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the
amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a
refund may be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS").
OBTAINING A NUMBER. If you do not have a Social Security Number/Taxpayer
Identification Number ("SSN/TIN"), you must obtain Form SS-5 or Form SS-4 from
your local Social Security or IRS office and apply for one. If you have
checked the "Awaiting TIN" box and signed the certification, withholding will
apply to payments relating to your account unless you provide a certified TIN
within 60 days.
WHAT SSN/TIN TO GIVE. Please refer to the following guidelines:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCOUNT TYPE    GIVE SSN OF            ACCOUNT TYPE           GIVE TAXPAYER ID # OF
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>                    <C>                    <C>
. Individual    Individual             . Trust, Estate, or    Trust, Estate, or
                                       Pension Plan Trust     Pension Plan Trust
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
. Joint         Actual owner of        . Corporation,         Corporation,
 Individual     account, or if         Partnership, or other  Partnership, or other
                combined funds, the    organization           organization
                first-named
                individual
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
. Unif.         Minor                  . Broker nominee       Broker nominee
 Gift/Transfer
 to Minor
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
. Sole          Owner of business
 Proprietor
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
. Legal         Ward, Minor, or
 Guardian       Incompetent
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
EXEMPT RECIPIENTS. Please provide your TIN and check the "Exempt Recipient"
box if you are an exempt recipient. Exempt recipients generally include:
  A corporation                        A real estate investment trust
                                       A common trust fund operated by a bank
  A financial institution              under section 584(a)
                                       An entity registered at all times
  An organization exempt from tax      under the Investment Company
  under section 501(a), or an          Act of 1940
  individual retirement plan
  A registered dealer in securities or
  commodities registered in the U.S.
  or a U.S. possession
IRS PENALTIES. If you do not supply us with your SSN/TIN, you will be subject
to an IRS $50 penalty unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not
willful neglect. If you fail to report certain income on your Federal income
tax return, you will be treated as negligent and subject to an IRS 20% penalty
on any underpayment of tax attributable to such negligence, unless there was
reasonable cause for the resulting underpayment and you acted in good faith.
If you falsify information on this form or make any other false statement
resulting in no backup withholding on an account which should be subject to
backup withholding, you may be subject to an IRS $500 penalty and certain
criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment.
SUBSTITUTE W-8 INSTRUCTIONS INFORMATION
EXEMPT FOREIGN PERSON. Check the "Exempt Foreign Person" box if you qualify as
a non-resident alien or foreign entity that is not subject to certain U.S.
information return reporting or to backup withholding rules. Dividends paid to
your account may be subject to withholding of up to 30%. Generally, you are an
"Exempt Foreign Person" if you are not (1) a citizen or resident of the U.S.,
or (2) a U.S. corporation, partnership, estate, or trust. In the case of an
individual, an "Exempt Foreign Person" is one who has been physically present
in the U.S. for less than 31 days during the current calendar year. An
individual who is physically present in the U.S. for at least 31 days during
the current calendar year will still be treated as an "Exempt Foreign Person,"
provided that the total number of days physically present in the current
calendar year and the two preceding calendar years does not equal or exceed
183 days (counting all of the days in the current calendar year, only one-
third of the days in the first preceding calendar year and only one-sixth of
the days in the second preceding calendar year). In addition, lawful permanent
residents or green card holders may not be treated as "Exempt Foreign
Persons." If you are an individual or an entity, you must not now be, or at
this time expect to be, engaged in a U.S. trade or business with respect to
which any gain derived from transactions effected by the Fund/Payer during the
calendar year is effectively connected to the U.S.
PERMANENT ADDRESS. The Shareholder Application must contain your permanent
address if you are an "Exempt Foreign Person." If you are an individual,
provide your permanent address. If you are a partnership or corporation,
provide the address of your principal office. If you are an estate or trust,
provide the address of your permanent residence or the principal office of any
fiduciary.
NOTICE OF CHANGE IN STATUS. If you become a U.S. citizen or resident after you
have provided certification of your foreign status, or if you cease to be an
"Exempt Foreign Person," you must notify the Fund/Payer within 30 days of your
change in status. Reporting will then begin on the account(s) listed, and
backup withholding may also begin unless you certify to the Fund/Payer that
(1) the tax payer identification number you have given is correct, and (2) the
IRS has not notified you that you are subject to backup withholding because
you failed to report certain interest or dividend income. You may use Form W-
9, "Payer's Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification," to
make these certifications. If an account is no longer active, you do not have
to notify a Fund/Payer or broker of your change in status unless you also have
another account with the same Fund/Payer that is still active. If you receive
interest from more than one Fund/Payer or have dealings with more than one
broker or barter exchange, file a certificate with each. If you have more than
one account with the same Fund/Payer, the Fund/Payer may require you to file a
separate certificate for each account.
WHEN TO FILE. File these certifications with the Fund before a payment is made
to you, unless you have already done this in either of the two preceding
calendar years. Only certifications that are in proper order will be treated
as having been filed with the Fund.
HOW OFTEN YOU MUST FILE. This certificate generally remains in effect for
three calendar years. A Fund/Payer or broker, however, may require that a new
certificate be filed each time a payment is made. On joint accounts for which
each joint owner is a foreign person, each must provide a certification of
foreign status.
1/94
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
                FOR CORPORATE SHAREHOLDERS--FORM OF RESOLUTION
 
It will be necessary for corporate shareholders to provide a certified copy of
a resolution or other certificate of authority to authorize the purchase as
well as sale (redemption) of shares and withdrawals by checks or drafts. You
may use the following form of resolution or you may prefer to use your own. It
is understood that the Fund, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc., Franklin
Templeton Investor Services, Inc., the custodian bank and their affiliates may
rely upon these authorizations until revoked or amended by written notice
delivered by registered or certified mail to the Fund.
 
CERTIFIED COPY OF RESOLUTION (Corporation or Association)
 
The undersigned hereby certifies and affirms that he/she is the duly 
elected ______________________________  of ____________________________________
                   TITLE                               CORPORATE NAME
a ____________________________ organized under the laws of the State of _______
     TYPE OF ORGANIZATION                                                STATE 
and that the following is a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by 
the Board of Directors at a meeting duly called and held on ___________________
                                                                   DATE
 
  RESOLVED, that the _________________________________________________ of this
                                     OFFICERS' TITLES
  Corporation or Association are authorized to open an account in the name of
  the Corporation or Association with one or more of the Franklin Group of
  Funds or Templeton Family of Funds (collectively, the "Funds") and to
  deposit such funds of this Corporation or Association in this account as
  they deem necessary or desirable; that the persons authorized below may
  endorse checks and other instruments for deposit to said account or
  accounts; and
 
  FURTHER RESOLVED, that any of the following __________________ officers are 
                                                     NUMBER 
  authorized to sign any share assignment on behalf of this Corporation or
  Association and to take any other actions as may be necessary to sell or
  redeem its shares in the Funds or to sign checks or drafts withdrawing funds
  from the account; and

  FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Corporation or Association shall hold harmless,
  indemnify, and defend the Funds, their custodian bank, Franklin Templeton
  Distributors, Inc., Franklin Templeton Investor Services, Inc., and their
  affiliates, from any claim, loss or liability resulting in whole or in
  part, directly or indirectly, from their reliance from time to time upon
  any certifications by the secretary or any assistant secretary of this
  Corporation or Association as to the names of the individuals occupying
  such offices and their acting in reliance upon these resolutions until
  actual receipt by them of a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of
  Directors of the Corporation or Association modifying or revoking any or
  all such resolutions.
   
The undersigned further certifies that the below named persons, whose
signatures appear opposite their names and office titles, are duly elected
officers of the Corporation or Association. (Attach additional list if
necessary.)     
 
- -------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
NAME/TITLE (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE)      SIGNATURE
 
- -------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
NAME/TITLE (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE)      SIGNATURE
 
- -------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
NAME/TITLE (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE)      SIGNATURE
 
- -------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
NAME/TITLE (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE)      SIGNATURE
 
- -------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
NAME OF CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION     DATE
 
Certified from minutes ________________________________________________________
                       NAME AND TITLE
                       CORPORATE SEAL (if appropriate)
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
      THE FRANKLIN TEMPLETON TELEPHONE REDEMPTION AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT
 
You may use Franklin Templeton's telephone redemption privilege to redeem
uncertificated Franklin Templeton Fund shares for up to $50,000 (or your
Shareholder account balance, whichever is less) per day, per fund account in
accordance with the terms of the Fund's Prospectus.
 
The telephone redemption privilege is available only to Shareholders who
specifically request it. If you would like to add this redemption privilege to
the other telephone transaction privileges automatically available to Franklin
Templeton Fund shareholders, please sign and return this authorization to
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, Inc. ("Services"), transfer agent and
shareholder servicing agent for the Franklin Templeton Funds.
 
SHAREHOLDER AUTHORIZATION: I/We request the telephone redemption privilege
under the terms described below and in the prospectus for each investment
company in the Franklin Templeton Group (a "Franklin Templeton Fund" or a
"Fund"), now opened or opened at a later date, holding shares registered as
follows:
 
- -------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
PRINT NAME(S) AS SHOWN IN YOUR ACCOUNT REGISTRATION ("SHAREHOLDER")
 
- -------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
ACCOUNT NUMBER(S)
 
I/We authorize each Fund and Services to honor and act upon telephone requests
given as provided in this agreement to redeem shares from any
Shareholder account:
 
- -------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
SIGNATURE(S) AND DATE
 
- -------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
PRINT NAME(S) (AND TITLE/CAPACITY, IF APPLICABLE)
 
VERIFICATION PROCEDURES: I/We understand and agree that: (1) each Fund and
Services will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that redemption
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine and that if these
confirmation procedures are not followed, the Fund or Services may be liable
for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions; (2)
the confirmation procedures will include the recording of telephone calls
requesting redemptions, requiring that the caller provide certain personal
and/or account information requested by the telephone service agent at the
time of the call for the purpose of establishing the caller's identification,
and the sending of confirmation statements to the address of record each time
a redemption is initiated by telephone; and (3) so long as the Fund and
Services follow the confirmation procedures in acting on instructions
communicated by telephone which were reasonably believed to be genuine at the
time of receipt, neither they, nor their parent or affiliates, will be liable
for any loss, damages or expenses caused by an unauthorized or fraudulent
redemption request.
 
JOINTLY OWNED/CO-TRUSTEE ACCOUNTS: Each of us signing this agreement as either
joint owners or co-trustees authorizes each Fund and Services to honor
telephone redemption requests given by ANY ONE of the signers, or our
investment representative of record, if any, ACTING ALONE.
 
APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEY-IN-FACT: In order to issue telephone redemption
requests acting alone, each of us individually makes the following
appointment: I hereby appoint the other joint owner(s)/co-trustee(s) as my
agent(s) (attorney[s]-in-fact) with full power and authority to individually
act for me in any lawful way with respect to the issuance of instructions to a
Fund or Services in accordance with the telephone redemption privilege we have
requested by signing this agreement. This appointment shall not be affected by
my subsequent disability or incompetency and shall remain in effect until it
is revoked by either written notice from any one of us delivered to a Fund or
Services by registered mail, return receipt requested or by a Fund or Services
upon receipt of any information that causes a Fund or Services to believe in
good faith that there is or that there may be a dispute among any of us with
respect to the Franklin Templeton Fund account(s) covered by this agreement.
Each of us agrees to notify the Fund or Services immediately upon the death of
any of the signers.
 
CORPORATE/PARTNERSHIP/TRUST/RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS: The Shareholder and each of
us signing this agreement on behalf of the Shareholder represent and warrant
to each Franklin Templeton Fund and Services that the Shareholder has the
authority to enter into this agreement and that each of us is duly authorized
to execute this agreement on behalf of the Shareholder. The Shareholder agrees
that its election of the telephone redemption privilege means that a Fund or
Services may honor a telephone redemption request given by ANY
officer/partner/member/administrator/or agent of the Shareholder ACTING ALONE.
 
RESTRICTED ACCOUNTS: Telephone redemptions may not be accepted on Franklin
Templeton Trust Company retirement accounts.
 
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO:
Franklin Templeton Investor Services, Inc., Attn.: Telephone Redemptions
Dept., 700 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-3628.
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
   
The Franklin Templeton Group     
   
Literature Request -- Call today for a free descriptive brochure and
prospectus on any of the funds listed below. The prospectus contains more
complete information, including fees, charges and expenses, and should be read
carefully before investing or sending money.     
   
TEMPLETON FUNDS     
                                                                                
American Trust                                                                  
                                                                                
American Government Securities Fund      
                                                                                
Developing Markets Trust      
                                                                                
Foreign Fund                                                                    
                                                                                
Global Infrastructure Fund      
                                                                                
Global Opportunities Trust     
                                                                                
Global Rising Dividends Fund      
                                                                                
Growth Fund                                                                     
                                                                                
Income Fund                                                                     
                                                                                
Japan Fund                                                                      
                                                                                
Money Fund                                                                      
                                                                                
Real Estate Securities Fund                 
                                                                                
Smaller Companies Growth Fund      
                                                                                
World Fund                                                                      


                                                                                
FRANKLIN FUNDS     
                                                                                
SEEKING TAX-FREE INCOME     
                                                                                
Federal Intermediate Term 
Tax-Free Income Fund                                                
                                                                   
Federal Tax-Free Income Fund                                     
                                                                    
High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund     
    
Insured Tax-Free Income Fund***       
                                                                                
Puerto Rico Tax-Free Income Fund      


                                                                                
FRANKLIN STATE-SPECIFIC FUNDS 
SEEKING TAX-FREE INCOME      
                                                                                
Alabama                                                                         
                                                                                
Arizona*                                                                        
                                                                                
Arkansas**     
                                                                                
California*                        
                                                                                
Colorado                                                                        
                                                                                
Connecticut     
                                                                                
Florida*                                                                        
                                                                                
Georgia                                                                         
                                                                                
Hawaii**                                                                        
                                                                                
Indiana                                                                         
                                                                                
Kentucky                                                                        
                                                                                
Louisiana                                                                       
                                                    
Maryland                  
                          
Massachusetts***          
                          
Michigan***               
                          
Minnesota***              
                          
Missouri                  
                          
New Jersey                
                          
New York*                                                                     
                                                                              
North Carolina                                                                
                                                                              
Ohio***                                                                       
                                                                              
Oregon                                                                        
                                                                              
Pennsylvania                                                                  
                                                                              
Tennessee**                                                                   
    
Texas                                                                         
                                                                              
Virginia                                                                      
                                                                              
Washington**                                                                  
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
FRANKLIN FUNDS
SEEKING CAPITAL GROWTH     
                          
California Growth Fund     
    
DynaTech Fund                                                    
                                                    
Equity Fund     
                          
Global Health Care Fund                 
                          
Gold Fund                 
                          
Growth Fund     
                      
International Equity Fund     
                          
Pacific Growth Fund                                                
                                                    
Real Estate Securities Fund                                                
           
Small Cap Growth Fund     
                          
                          
                                                    
FRANKLIN FUNDS SEEKING 
GROWTH AND INCOME            
                                                    
Balance Sheet Investment Fund                        
                                 
Convertible Securities Fund      
                                 
Equity Income Fund               
                          
Global Utilities Fund     
                          
Income Fund               
                          
Premier Return Fund       
                          
Rising Dividends Fund     
                          
Strategic Income Fund     
                          
Utilities Fund            


                                                     
FRANKLIN FUNDS SEEKING                               
HIGH CURRENT INCOME                                  
                                                     
AGE High Income Fund     
                                                     
German Government Bond Fund                                                 
                                                     
Global Government Income Fund                                                  
                                                          
Investment Grade Income Fund                                                  
                                                          
U.S. Government Securities Fund                                       
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
FRANKLIN FUNDS SEEKING HIGH CURRENT 
INCOME AND STABILITY OF PRINCIPAL     
                                                      
Adjustable Rate Securities Fund               
                                                      
Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Fund      
                                                      
Short-Intermediate U.S. Government Securities Fund      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
FRANKLIN FUNDS FOR NON-U.S. INVESTORS                                        
                                                      
Tax-Advantaged High Yield Securities Fund     
                                                     
Tax-Advantaged International Bond Fund     
                                                 
Tax-Advantaged U.S. Government Securities Fund     
                                                     
                                                     
                                                     
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON INTERNATIONAL 
CURRENCY FUNDS     
    
Global Currency Fund     
                           
Hard Currency Fund        
                          
High Income Currency Fund                      


                      
FRANKLIN MONEY MARKET FUNDS                     
                          
California Tax-Exempt Money Fund                
                          
Federal Money Fund        
                          
IFT U.S. Treasury Money Market Portfolio          
                          
Money Fund                 
                                                 
New York Tax-Exempt Money Fund                   
                                                 
Tax-Exempt Money Fund                            
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
FRANKLIN FUND FOR CORPORATIONS                   
                                                 
Corporate Qualified Dividend Fund                
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON VARIABLE ANNUITIES            
                                                 
Franklin Valuemark                               
                                                 
Franklin Templeton Valuemark Income              
                                                 
Plus (an intermediate annuity)                    

    
Toll-free 1-800/DIAL BEN (1-800/342-5236)                                   
                                                                               
*  Two or more fund options available: Long-term portfolio, intermediate-term  
   portfolio, a portfolio of municipal securities, and a high yield portfolio  
   (CA).                                                                       
                                                                               
** The fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in bonds that pay interest     
   subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.                             
                                                                               
*** Portfolio of insured municipal securities.                                 
                                                                               
                                      31

<PAGE>
 
- -----------------------
 
 TEMPLETON GROWTH
 FUND, INC.
 
 PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER:
 
 Franklin Templeton
 Distributors, Inc.
 700 Central Avenue
 St. Petersburg,
 Florida 33701-3628
 
 Account Services
    
 1-800-393-3001     
 
 Fund Information
 1-800-292-9293
 
 Institutional Service
 1-800-321-8563
 
 This Prospectus is not
 an offering of the
 securities herein
 described in any state
 in which the offering
 is not authorized. No
 sales representative,
 dealer, or other person
 is authorized to give
 any information or make
 any representations
 other than those
 contained in this
 Prospectus. Further
 information may be
 obtained from the
 Principal Underwriter.

- -----------------------
       
[RECYCLED LOGO APPEARS HERE]

                  
TL01 P95 05/95     

TEMPLETON
GROWTH
FUND, INC.
 
Prospectus
   
May 1, 1995     
       

[LOGO OF FRANKLIN TEMPLETON APPEARS HERE]

<PAGE>
 
[LOGO OF FRANKLIN TEMPLETON APPEARS HERE]

                                  Mail to: FRANKLIN TEMPLETON DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
              P.O. Box 33031  St. Petersburg, Florida 33733-8031  (800) 393-3001

Please do not use this form for any Retirement Plan for which Franklin Templeton
Trust Company or its affiliate serves as custodian or trustee, or for any of the
following Templeton Funds: Templeton Money Fund, Templeton Institutional Funds
or Templeton Capital Accumulator Fund. Please request separate Applications
and/or Prospectuses.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  SHAREHOLDER APPLICATION OR REVISION  
  [_] Please check the box if this is a revision and see Section 8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Please check Class I or Class II, if applicable, next to your Fund selection.
Class I and Class II shares have different sales charges and operating expenses,
among other differences, as described in each Fund's prospectus.     
 
                                                        Date  __________________
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
 CLASS                                                  CLASS     
 I   II                                                 I   II      
<S>                                         <C>        <C>                                  <C> 
[_] [_] AMERICAN TRUST                      $______    [_] [_] GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND   $______  
[_]     AMERICAS GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND  ______    [_] [_] GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES TRUST    ______  
[_] [_] DEVELOPING MARKETS TRUST             ______    [_] [_] GLOBAL RISING DIVIDENDS FUND  ______  
[_] [_] FOREIGN FUND                         ______    [_] [_] GROWTH FUND                   ______  
<CAPTION>                                              
 CLASS                                                  CLASS
 I   II                                                 I   II     
<S>                                         <C>        <C>                                  <C> 
[_] [_] INCOME FUND                         $______    [_] [_] WORLD FUND                   $______
[_]     JAPAN FUND                           ______    [_] [_] OTHER:                        ______
[_] [_] REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND          ______                            ____________________
[_] [_] SMALLER COMPANIES GROWTH FUND        ______    
</TABLE> 

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  1  ACCOUNT REGISTRATION  (PLEASE PRINT)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
[_] INDIVIDUAL OR JOINT ACCOUNT
 
__________________________________________________  ________-________-__________
First Name      Middle Initial        Last Name     Social Security Number (SSN)
 
__________________________________________________  ________-________-__________
Joint Owner(s) (Joint ownership means "Joint        Social Security Number (SSN)
Tenants With Rights of Survivorship unless 
otherwise specified) All owners must sign Section 4.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[_] GIFT/TRANSFER TO A MINOR
 
_______________________________ As Custodian For________________________________
Name of Custodian (one only)                    Minor's Name (one only)
 
_____________Uniform Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act________-________-____________
State of Residence                                Minor's Social Security Number

Please Note: Custodian's Signature, not Minor's, is required in Section 4.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[_] TRUST, CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP, RETIREMENT PLAN, OR OTHER ENTITY

__________________________________________  ____________-_______________________
Name                                        Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

___________________________________________  ___________________________________
Name of Beneficiary (if to be included in    Date of Trust Document (must be 
the Registration)                            completed for registration)

________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Each Trustee (if to be included in the Registration)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  2 ADDRESS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

___________________________________________  Daytime Phone (___)________________
Street Address                                              Area Code
         
____________________________________-______  Evening Phone (___)________________
City              State    Zip Code                         Area Code

I am a Citizen of: [_] U.S. [_]______________________________
                               Country of Residence
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3 INITIAL INVESTMENT ($100 minimum initial investment)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Check(s) enclosed for $___________________ . (Payable to Franklin Templeton 
                                             Distributors, Inc. or the Fund(s) 
                                             indicated above.)
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4 SIGNATURE AND TAX CERTIFICATIONS 
    (All registered owners must sign application)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The Fund reserves the right to refuse to open an account without either a 
certified Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") or a certification of foreign 
status. Failure to provide tax certifications in this section may result in 
backup withholding on payments relating to your account and/or in your inability
to qualify for treaty withholding rates.
 
I am(We are) not subject to backup withholding because I(we) have not been 
notified by the IRS that I am(we are) subject to backup withholding as a result 
of a failure to report all interest or dividends or because the IRS has notified
me(us) that I am(we are) no longer subject to backup withholding. (If you are 
currently subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all 
interest or dividends, please cross out the preceding statement.)
 
[_] The number shown above is my(our) correct TIN, or that of the Minor named in
    Section 1.
 
[_] AWAITING TIN. I am(We are) waiting for a number to be issued to me(us). 
    I(We) understand that if I(we) do not provide a TIN to the Fund within 60
    days, the Fund is required to commence 31% backup withholding until I(we)
    provide a certified TIN.
 
[_] EXEMPT RECIPIENT. Individuals cannot be exempt. Check this box only after 
    reading the instructions to see whether you qualify as an exempt recipient.
    (You should still provide a TIN.)

[_] EXEMPT FOREIGN PERSON. Check this box only if the following statement 
    applies: "I am(we are) neither a citizen nor a resident of the United
    States. I(we) certify to the best of my(our) knowledge and belief, I(we)
    qualify as an exempt foreign person and/or entity as described in the
    instructions."

    Permanent address for tax purposes:
 
________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address            City        State        Country       Personal Code
 
PLEASE NOTE: The IRS only allows one TIN to be listed on an account. On joint 
accounts, it is preferred that the primary account owner (or person listed first
on the account) list his/her number as requested above.
 
CERTIFICATION - Under the penalties of perjury, I(we) certify that (1) the 
information provided on this application is true, correct and complete, (2) 
I(we) have read the prospectus(es) for the Fund(s) in which I am(we are)
investing and agree to the terms thereof, and (3) I am(we are) of legal age or
an emancipated minor. I (we) acknowledge that Shares of the Fund(s) are not
insured or guaranteed by any agency or institution and that an investment in the
Shares involves risks, including the possible loss of principal.
 
X                                        X
- ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Signature                                Signature
 
X                                        X
- ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Signature                                Signature

Please make a photocopy of this application for your records.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  5 BROKER/DEALER USE ONLY (PLEASE PRINT)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                        ----------------------- 
We hereby submit this application for the purchase of   Templeton Dealer Number 
shares of the Fund indicated above in accordance with                           
the terms of our selling agreement with Franklin        ----------------------- 
Templeton Distributors, Inc. ("FTD"), and with the
Prospectus for the Fund. We agree to notify FTD of any
Purchases of Class I shares which may be eligible for
reduced or eliminated sales charges.
 
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    WIRE ORDER ONLY: The attached check for $_______ should be applied against 
     Wire Order
         Confirmation Number ___________ Dated___________ For__________ Shares
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Securities Dealer Name__________________________________________________________
 
Main Office Address________________ Main Office Telephone Number (___)__________
 
Branch Number________ Representative Number ________ Representative Name________
 
Branch Address_________________________ Branch Telephone Number (___)___________
 
Authorized Signature, Securities Dealer______________________ Title_____________
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCEPTED: Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. By___________ Date______________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
          Please see reverse side for Shareholder Account Privileges:
 
[_] Distribution Options              [_] Special Instructions for Distributions
[_] Systematic Withdrawal Plan        [_] Automatic Investment Plan
 
[_] Telephone Exchange Service        [_] Letter of Intent
[_] Cumulative Quantity Discount
 
     This application must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus for 
                         the Fund(s) being purchased.
 
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  6  DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS (Check one)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Check one - if no box is checked, all dividends and capital gains will be 
reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.

  [_] Reinvest all dividends                    [_] Pay all dividends in cash 
      and capital gains.                            and reinvest capital gains.

  [_] Pay capital gains in cash                 [_] Pay all dividends and 
      and reinvest dividends.                       capital gains in cash.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  7  OPTIONAL SHAREHOLDER PRIVILEGES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
A. SPECIAL PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISTRIBUTIONS (Check one box)

  [_] Pay Distributions, as noted in Section 6, to another Franklin or Templeton
      Fund.
      Fund Name______________________ Existing Account Number___________________
  [_] Send my Distributions to the person, named below, instead of as registered
      in Section 1.
      Name___________________________ Street Address____________________________
      
      City___________________________ State____________________Zip Code_________

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
 
   Please withdraw from my Franklin Templeton account $_____($50 minimum)
   [_]Monthly [_]Quarterly [_]Semi-Annually or [_]Annually as set forth in the
   Prospectus, starting in ______________(Month). The net asset value of the
   shares held must be at least $5,000 at the time the plan is established.
   Additional restrictions may apply to Class II or other shares subject to
   contingent deferred sales charge, as described in the prospectus. Send the
   proceeds to: [_]Address of Record OR [_]the Franklin Templeton Fund or person
   specified in Section 7(A) - Special Payment Instructions for Distributions.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C. TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS
 
   TELEPHONE EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE: If the Fund does not receive specific
   instructions from the shareholder, either in writing or by telephone, the
   Telephone Exchange Privilege (see the prospectus) is automatically extended
   to each account. The shareholder should understand, however, that the Fund
   and Franklin Templeton Investor Services, Inc. ("FTI") or Templeton Funds
   Trust Company and their agents will not be liable for any loss, injury,
   damage or expense as a result of acting upon instructions communicated by
   telephone reasonably believed to be genuine. The shareholder agrees to hold
   the Fund and its agents harmless from any loss, claims, or liability arising
   from its or their compliance with such instructions. The shareholder
   understands that this option is subject to the terms and conditions set forth
   in the prospectus of the fund to be acquired.
 
[_]No, I do NOT wish to participate in the Telephone Exchange Privilege or 
   authorize the Fund or its agents, including FTI or Templeton Funds Trust
   Company, to act upon instructions received by telephone to exchange shares
   for shares of any other account(s) within the Franklin Templeton Group of
   Funds. 
 
   Telephone Redemption Privilege: This is available to shareholders who
   specifically request it and who complete the Franklin Templeton Telephone
   Redemption Authorization Agreement in the back of the Fund's prospectus.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D. AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
 
   IMPORTANT: ATTACH AN UNSIGNED, VOIDED CHECK (FOR CHECKING ACCOUNTS) OR A
   SAVINGS ACCOUNT DEPOSIT SLIP HERE, AND COMPLETE THE INFORMATION BELOW. I(We)
   would like to establish an Automatic Investment Plan (the"Plan") as described
   in the Prospectus. I(We) agree to reimburse FTI and/or FTD for any expenses
   or losses that they may incur in connection with my(our) plan, including any
   caused by my(our) bank's failure to act in accordance with my(our) request.
   If my(our) bank makes any erroneous payment or fails to make a payment after
   shares are purchased on my(our) behalf, any such purchase may be cancelled
   and I(we) hereby authorize redemptions and/or deductions from my(our) account
   for that purpose. 
 
   Debit my(our) bank account monthly for $__________($25 minimum) on or about
   the [_]1st [_]5th [_]15th or [_]20th day starting_______(month), to be
   invested in (name of Fund)___________________Account Number (if known)_______
  
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E. INSTRUCTIONS TO BANK - AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN AUTHORIZATION

   To:__________________________________  ______________________________________
           Name of Your Bank                             ABA Number
 
   ___________________________  _________________  ____________  ______________
        Street Address                City            State         Zip Code    

I(We) authorize you to charge my(our) Checking/Savings Account and to make 
payment to FTD, upon instructions from FTD. I(We) agree that in making payment 
for such charges your rights shall be the same as if each were a charge made and
signed personally by me(us). This authority shall remain in effect until you 
receive written notice from me(us) changing its terms or revoking it. Until you
actually receive such notice, I(we) agree that you shall be fully protected in 
paying any charge under this authority. I(we) further agree that if any such 
charge is not made, whether with or without cause and whether intentionally or 
inadvertently, you shall be under no liability whatsoever.

X_________________________________________________  ___________________________
Signature(s) EXACTLY as shown on your bank records             Date

______________________________________  _______________________________________
              Print Name(s)                       Account Number

______________________________  _________________  ____________  ______________
        Street Address                City            State         Zip Code    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F. LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) -- APPLICABLE TO CLASS I SHARES ONLY 
 
[_]I(We) agree to the terms of the LOI and provisions for reservations of 
   Shares and grant FTD the security interest set forth in the Prospectus.
   Although I am(we are) not obligated to do so, it is my(our) intention to
   invest over a 13 month period in shares of one or more Franklin or Templeton 
   Funds (including all Money Market Funds in the Franklin Templeton Group) an
   aggregate amount at least equal to that which is checked below:
 
<TABLE> 
   <S>                                        <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C> 
   [_]$50,000-99,999 (except for Income Fund) [_]$100,000-249,999 [_]$250,000-499,999 [_]$500,000-999,999 [_]$1,000,0000 or more
</TABLE> 
 
   Purchases made within the last 90 days will be included as part of your LOI.

   Please write in your Account Number(s)____________ ____________ ____________
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G. CUMULATIVE QUANTITY DISCOUNT -- APPLICABLE TO CLASS I SHARES ONLY
 
   Shares may be purchased at the Offering Price applicable to the dollar amount
   of the sale added to the higher of (1) the value (calculated at the
   applicable Offering Price) or (2) the purchase price, of any other Shares of
   the Fund and/or other Funds in the Franklin Templeton Group owned at that
   time by the purchaser, his or her spouse, and their children under age 21,
   including all Money Market Funds in the Franklin Templeton Group as stated in
   the Prospectus. in order for this Cumulative Quantity Discount to be made
   available, the Shareholder or his or her Securities Dealer must notify FTI or
   FTD of the total holdings in the Franklin Templeton Group each time an order
   is placed.
 
[_]I(We) own shares of more than one Fund in the Franklin Templeton Group and 
   qualify for the Cumulative Quantity Discount described above and in the 
   Prospectus.
 
   My(Our) other Account Number(s) are ___________  ___________  _______________
 
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  8 ACCOUNT REVISION (If Applicable)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  If you are using this application to revise your Account Registration, or wish
to have Distributions sent to an address other than the address on your existing
Account's Registration, a Signature Guarantee is required. Signatures of all 
registered owners must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor" as defined in 
the "How to Sell Shares of the Fund" section in the Fund's Prospectus. A Notary 
Public is not an acceptable guarantor.

X________________________________________  ____________________________________ 
Signature(s) of Registered Account Owners  Account Number(s)

X________________________________________  ____________________________________ 

X________________________________________  

X________________________________________  ____________________________________ 
                                           Signature Guarantee Stamp

  NOTE: For any change in registration, please send us any outstanding 
  Certificates by Registered Mail.
 
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                                                                 TLGOF APP 05/95


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