Registration No. 33-9981
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 31, 1996
==============================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 X
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 X
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 X
Amendment No. 16 X
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
TEMPLETON GROWTH FUND, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
700 CENTRAL AVENUE, P.O. BOX 33030, ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA 33733-8030
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number: (813) 823-8712
John K. Carter
700 Central Avenue
P.O. Box 33030
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA 33733-8030
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
X on JANUARY 1, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
on pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
on pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
this post-effective amendment designates a new effective
date for a previously filed post-effective amendment
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Registrant has registered an indefinite number of shares of beneficial
interest under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, and filed its Rule 24f-2 Notice for the fiscal
year ended August 31, 1996 on October 30, 1996.
PAGE
TEMPLETON GROWTH FUND, INC.
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
FORM N-1A
PART A
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-1A LOCATION IN
ITEM NO. ITEM REGISTRATION STATEMENT
<S> <C> <C>
1 Cover page Cover Page
2 Synopsis Expense Summary
3 Condensed Financial "Financial Highlights";
Information "How Does the Fund
Measure Performance?"
4 General Description "How Is the Fund Organized?";
of Registrant "How Does the Fund Invest Its
Assets?";"What Are the Fund's
Potential Risks?"
5 Management of the Fund "Who Manages the Fund?"
5A Management's Discussion Contained in Registrant's Annual
of Fund Performance Report to Shareholders
6 Capital Stock and Other "How Is the Fund Organized?";
Securities "Services to Help You Manage Your
Account"; "What Distributions Might
I Received From the Fund?"; "How
Taxation Affects You and the Fund?"
7 Purchase of Securities "How Do I Buy Shares?"; "May I
Being Offered Exchange Shares for Shares of
Another Fund?"; "Transaction
Procedures and Special
Requirements"; "Services to Help
You Manage Your Account"; "Who
Manages the Fund?"; "Useful Terms
and Definitions"
8 Redemption or Repurchase "May I Exchange Shares for Shares of
Another Fund?"; "How Do I Sell
Shares?"; "Transaction Procedures
and Special Requirements"; "Services
to Help You Manage Your Account"
9 Pending Legal Procedures Not Applicable
</TABLE>
PAGE
TEMPLETON GROWTH FUND, INC.
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
FORM N-1A
PART B
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-1A LOCATION IN
ITEM NO. ITEM REGISTRATION STATEMENT
<S> <C> <C>
10 Cover Page Cover Page
11 Table of Contents Table of Contents
12 General Information and Not Applicable
History
13 Investment Objectives and "How Does the Fund Invest Its
Policies Assets?"; "Investment
Restrictions"; "What Are the Fund's
Potential Risks?"
14 Management of the "Officers and Trustees"; "Investment
Registrant Advisory and Other Services"
15 Control Persons and "Officers and Trustees"; "Investment
Principal Holders of Advisory and Other Services";
Securities "Miscellaneous Information"
16 Investment Advisory and "Investment Advisory and Other
Other Services Services"; "The Fund's Underwriter"
17 Brokerage Allocation and "How Does the Fund Buy Securities
Other Practices For Its Portfolio?"
18 Capital Stock and Other "Miscellaneous Information"; See
Securities Prospectus "How Is The Fund
Organized?"
19 Purchase, Redemption and "How Do I Buy, Sell and Exchange
Pricing of Securities Shares?";"How Are Fund Shares
Being Offered Valued?"; "Financial Statements"
20 Tax Status "Additional Information on
Distributions and Taxes"
21 Underwriters "The Fund's Underwriter"
22 Calculation of Performance "How Does the Fund Measure
Data Performance?"
23 Financial Statements Financial Statements
</TABLE>
PAGE
PART A
PROSPECTUS
PAGE
PROSPECTUS
& APPLICATION
(LOGO)
TEMPLETON
GROWTH
FUND, INC.
--------------------------------------------------
JANUARY 1, 1997
INVESTMENT STRATEGY:
GLOBAL GROWTH
(LOGO)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This prospectus describes the Advisor Class shares of Templeton Growth
Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"). It contains information you should know before
investing in the Fund. Please keep it for future reference.
The Fund's Advisor Class SAI, dated January 1, 1997, as may be amended
from time to time, includes more information about the Fund's procedures
and policies. It has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by
reference into this prospectus. For a free copy or a larger print
version of this prospectus, call 1-800/DIAL BEN or write the Fund at the
address shown.
Advisor Class shares are only available for purchase by certain persons,
including, among others, certain broker-dealers and qualified registered
investment advisor, participants in Franklin Templeton's 401(k) and
Franklin Templeton's Profit Sharing Plans; Franklin Templeton Fund
Allocator Series; and directors, trustees, officers and full time
employees (and their family members) of Franklin Templeton Group and the
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds. See "About Your Account."
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER
AGENCY OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. SHARES OF THE FUND INVOLVE INVESTMENT
RISKS, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
LIKE ALL MUTUAL FUNDS, THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SEC
OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
PAGE
TEMPLETON GROWTH
FUND, INC.
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 Distributors.
----------------------------------------------------------
When reading this prospectus, you will see
certain terms beginning with capital letters.
This means the term is explained
in our glossary section.
PAGE
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THE FUND
Expense Summary ......................... 2
How Does the Fund Invest Its
Assets? ................................. 3
What Are the Fund's Potential
Risks? .................................. 6
Who Manages the
Fund? ................................... 9
How Does the Fund Measure
Performance? .......................... 11
How Is the Fund
Organized? ............................ 11
How Taxation Affects You and the
Fund ................................... 12
ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
How Do I Buy
Shares? ................................ 13
May I Exchange Shares for Shares of
Another Fund? .......................... 14
How Do I Sell
Shares? ............................... 16
What Distributions Might I Receive
TEMPLETON From the Fund? ......................... 18
GROWTH Transaction Procedures and Special
FUND, INC. Requirements ........................... 19
- ------------------------ Services to Help You Manage Your
January 1, 1997 Account ............................... 23
GLOSSARY
Useful Terms and
700 Central Avenue Definitions ........................... 27
St. Petersburg, Florida APPENDIX
33701 Description of
1-800/DIAL BEN Ratings ................................
</TABLE>
PAGE
ABOUT THE FUND
EXPENSE SUMMARY
This table is designed to help you understand the costs of investing in the
Fund. Because Advisor Class shares were not offered to the public prior to the
date of this prospectus, the table is based on the historical expenses of the
Class I shares of the Fund for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996*. Your
actual expenses may vary.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Advisor
Class
<S> <C> <C>
A. Shareholder Transaction Expenses**
Maximum Sales Charge (as a percentage
of Offering Price) NONE
Paid at time of purchase NONE
Paid at redemption NONE
Exchange Fee (per transaction) $5.00***
B. Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees 0.61%
Rule 12b-1 Fees NONE
Other Expenses 0.26%
----------
Total Fund Operating Expenses 0.87%
----------
C. Example
</TABLE>
Assume the annual return for Advisor Class shares is 5% and operating
expenses are as described above. For each $1,000 investment, you would pay
the following projected expenses if you sold your shares after the number of
years shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ONE YEAR THREE YEARS FIVE YEARS TEN YEARS
------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$9 $28 $48 $107
</TABLE>
THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE. IT DOES NOT REPRESENT PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR
RETURNS. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND RETURNS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
The Fund pays its operating expenses. The effects of these expenses are
reflected in the Net Asset Value or dividends of each class and are not
directly charged to your account.
*Unlike Advisor Class shares, the Class I shares of the Fund have a front-end
sales charge and Rule 12b-1 fees.
**If your transaction is processed through your Securities Dealer you may be
charged a fee by your Securities Dealer for this service.
***$5.00 fee is only for Market Timers. We process all other exchanges without
a fee.
- Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
2
PAGE
HOW DOES THE FUND INVEST ITS ASSETS?
The Fund's Investment Objective
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. The objective is a fundamental policy of the Fund and may not be
changed without shareholder approval. Of course, there is no assurance that the
Fund's objective will be achieved.
Although the Fund generally invests in common stock, it may also invest in
preferred stocks and certain debt securities (which may include structured
investments, as described in the SAI under "How Does the Fund Invest its
Assets? - Structured Investments"), rated or unrated, such as convertible bonds
and bonds selling at a discount. Whenever, in the judgment of TGAL, 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 "How Does the Fund Invest its Assets?" 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 "How Does the
Fund Invest its Assets?" in the SAI.
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. -
3
PAGE
Types of Securities in which the Fund May Invest
The Fund is authorized to use the various securities and investment techniques
described below. The Fund is authorized to use the various securities and
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.
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 disposition 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 U.S. 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
- Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
4
PAGE
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 "How Does the Fund Invest its
Assets? - 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 U.S.
corporation. Generally, depositary receipts in registered form are designed for
use in the U.S. securities market and depositary receipts in bearer form are
designed for use in securities markets outside the U.S. Depositary receipts may
not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities
into which they may be converted. Depositary receipts may be issued pursuant to
sponsored or unsponsored programs. In sponsored programs, an issuer has made
arrangements to have its securities traded in the form of depositary receipts.
In unsponsored programs, the issuer may not be directly involved in the
creation of the program. Although regulatory requirements with respect to
sponsored and unsponsored programs are generally similar, in some cases it may
be easier to obtain financial information from an issuer that has participated
in the creation of a sponsored program. Accordingly, there may be less
information available regarding issuers of securities underlying unsponsored
programs and
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. -
5
PAGE
there may not be a correlation between such 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.
WHAT ARE THE FUND'S POTENTIAL RISKS?
You 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 stock markets and currency valuations, and
these may occur unpredictably in the future. The value of debt securities held
by the Fund generally will vary inversely with changes in prevailing interest
rates. Additionally, investment decisions made by TGAL 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 TGAL'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,
- Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
6
PAGE
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
U.S. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting or
financial reporting standards, and auditing practices and requirements may not
be comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The Fund may encounter
difficulties or be unable to vote proxies, exercise shareholder rights, pursue
legal remedies, and obtain judgments in foreign courts.
Brokerage commissions, custodial services, and other costs relating to
investment in foreign countries are generally more expensive than in the U.S.
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 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 U.S. 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 U.S. The Fund may invest in Eastern European countries, which
involves special risks that are described under "What Are the Fund's Potential
Risks?" in the SAI.
Prior governmental approval of non-domestic investments may be required under
certain circumstances in some developing countries, and the extent of
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. -
7
PAGE
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.
As a non-fundamental policy, the Fund will limit its investments in Russian
securities to 5% of its total assets. Russian securities involve additional
significant risks, including political and social uncertainty (for example,
regional conflicts and risk of war), currency exchange rate volatility,
pervasiveness of corruption and crime in the Russian economic system, delays in
settling portfolio transactions and risk of loss arising out of Russia's system
of share registration and custody. For more information on these risks and
other risks associated with Russian securities, please see "What Are the Fund's
Potential Risks?" in the SAI.
The Fund is authorized to invest in medium quality or high-risk, lower quality
debt securities that are rated between BBB and CCC by S&P and between Baa and
Caa by Moody's or, if unrated, are of equivalent investment quality as
determined by TGAL. As an operating policy, which may be changed by the Board
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
known 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
- Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
8
PAGE
debt securities considered for purchase (whether rated or unrated) will be
carefully analyzed by TGAL 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 TGAL, 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 transactions (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.
WHO MANAGES THE FUND?
The Board. The Board oversees the management of the Fund and elects its
officers. The officers are responsible for the Fund's day-to-day operations. The
Board also monitors the Fund to ensure no material conflicts exist among the
classes of shares. While none is expected, the Board will act appropriately to
resolve any material conflict that may arise.
Investment Manager. TGAL manages the Fund's assets and makes its investment
decisions. TGAL also performs similar services for other funds. It is wholly
owned by Resources, a publicly owned company engaged in the financial services
industry through its subsidiaries. Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.
are the principal shareholders of Resources. Together, TGAL and its affiliates
manage over $172 billion in assets. The Templeton organization has been
investing globally since 1940. TGAL and its affiliates have offices in
Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy,
Luxembourg, Poland, Russia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, U.S., and
Vietnam. Please see "Investment Management and Other Services" and
"Miscellaneous Information" in the SAI for information on securities
transactions and a summary of the Fund's Code of Ethics.
Portfolio Management. The lead portfolio manager of the Fund since 1987 is Mark
G. Holowesko. Mr. Holowesko is president of TGAL. He holds a BA in economics
from Holy Cross College and an MBA from Babson College. He is a Chartered
Financial Analyst, Chartered Investment Counselor, and a director and founding
member of the International Society of Financial Analysts. Prior to joining the
Templeton organization, Mr. Holowesko worked with RoyWest Trust Corporation
(Bahamas) Limited as an investment analyst. His duties at RoyWest
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. -
9
PAGE
included managing trust and individual accounts, as well as equity market
research worldwide. Mr. Holowesko is responsible for coordinating equity
research worldwide for TGAL and managing several mutual funds.
Richard Sean Farrington and Jeffrey A. Everett exercise secondary portfolio
management responsibilities for the Fund. Mr. Farrington is a vice president of
TGAL. He holds a BA in economics from Harvard University. Mr. Farrington is a
Chartered Financial Analyst and is currently the president of the Bahamas
Society of Financial Analysts. He joined the Templeton organization in 1991 and
is currently a research analyst and portfolio manager. Mr. Farrington's research
responsibilities include global coverage of electrical equipment industries, as
well as non-U.S. electric utilities. He is also responsible for country
coverage of Hong Kong, China and Taiwan. Mr. Everett is an executive vice
president of TGAL. He holds a BS in finance from Pennsylvania State University
and is also a Chartered Financial Analyst. Prior to joining the Templeton
organization in 1989, Mr. Everett was an investment officer at First
Pennsylvania Investment Research, a division of First Pennsylvania Corporation,
where he analyzed equity and convertible securities. He also coordinated
research for Centre Square Investment Group, the pension management subsidiary
of First Pennsylvania Corporation. Mr. Everett is responsible for managing
several offshore accounts at Templeton, as well as several Templeton funds. His
global research responsibilities encompass industry coverage for broadcasting,
advertising, publishing and real estate, and country responsibilities for Italy
and Australia.
Management Fees. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the Fund paid 0.61%
of its average daily net assets in management fees.
Portfolio Transactions. TGAL tries to obtain the best execution on all
transactions. If TGAL believes more than one broker or dealer can provide the
best execution, consistent with internal policies it may consider research and
related services and the sale of Fund shares, as well as shares of other funds
in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds, when selecting a broker or dealer.
Please see "How Does the Fund Buy Securities For Its Portfolio?" in the SAI for
more information.
Administrative Services. FT Services (and, prior to October 1, 1996, Templeton
Global Investors, Inc.) provides certain administrative services and facilities
for the Fund. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, administration fees
totaling 0.08% of the average daily net assets of the Fund were paid to
Templeton Global Investors, Inc. Please see "Investment Management and Other
Services" in the SAI for more information.
- Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
10
PAGE
HOW DOES THE FUND MEASURE PERFORMANCE?
From time to time, each class of the Fund advertises its performance. The more
commonly used measure of performance is total return. Performance figures are
usually calculated using the maximum sales charge, if applicable, but certain
figures may not include the sales charge.
Total return is the change in value of an investment over a given period. It
assumes any dividends and capital gains are reinvested.
The investment results of each class will vary. Performance figures are always
based on past performance and do not indicate future results. For a more
detailed description of how the Fund calculates its performance figures, please
see "How Does the Fund Measure Performance?" in the SAI.
HOW IS THE FUND ORGANIZED?
The Fund is a diversified open-end management investment company, commonly
called a mutual fund. It was organized as a Maryland corporation on November
10, 1986, and is registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act. The Fund offers
three classes of shares: Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. - Advisor Class, Templeton
Growth Fund, Inc. - Class I, and Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. - Class II.
The Fund began offering two classes of shares on May 15, 1995: Templeton Growth
Fund, Inc. - Class I and Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. - Class II. All shares
purchased before that time are considered Class I shares. The Fund began
offering a third class of shares on January 1, 1997: Templeton Growth Fund,
Inc. - Advisor Class. A further description of Class I and Class II is set forth
below.
Each class 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. In the future, additional series or
classes of shares may be offered. Shares of each class represent proportionate
interests in the assets of the Fund and have the same voting and other rights
and preferences as any other class of the Fund on matters that affect the Fund
as a whole.
The Fund has noncumulative voting rights. This gives holders of more than 50%
of the shares voting the ability to elect all of the members of the Board. If
this happens, holders of the remaining shares voting will not be able to elect
anyone to the Board.
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. -
11
PAGE
The Fund does not intend to hold annual shareholder meetings. It may hold a
special meeting, however, for matters requiring shareholder approval under the
1940 Act. The Fund will call a special meeting of shareholders for the purpose
of considering the removal of a Board member if requested in writing to do so
by shareholders holding at least 10% of the outstanding shares. The 1940 Act
requires that we help you communicate with other shareholders in connection
with removing members of the Board.
Class I and Class II. Class I and Class II shares of the Fund are described in a
separate prospectus relating only to those classes. You may buy Class I and
Class II shares through your investment representative or directly by contacting
the Fund. If you would like a prospectus relating to the Fund's Class I and
Class II shares, contact your investment representative or Distributors.
Class I and Class II shares of the Fund have sales charges and Rule 12b-1
charges that may affect performance. Class I shares have a front-end sales
charge of 5.75% (6.10% of the net amount invested) which is reduced on certain
transactions of $50,000 or more. Class I shares are subject to annual Rule 12b-1
expenses equal to a maximum of 0.25%. Class II shares have a front-end sales
charge of 1% (1.01% of the amount invested) and are subject to annual Rule
12b-1 expenses equal to a maximum of 1%. Shares of Class I may be subject, and
shares of Class II generally are subject, to a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
upon redemption.
HOW TAXATION AFFECTS YOU AND THE FUND
The following discussion reflects some of the tax considerations that affect
mutual funds and their shareholders. For more information on tax matters
relating to the Fund and its shareholders, see "Additional Information on
Distributions and Taxes" in the SAI.
The Fund intends to elect to be treated and to qualify each year as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. 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 to shareholders substantially all of its net investment income and
realized capital gains, which generally 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 you each year
of the amount and nature of such income or gains. Sales or other dispositions of
Fund shares generally will give rise to taxable gain or loss.
- Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
12
PAGE
ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
HOW DO I BUY SHARES?
Opening Your Account
Advisor Class shares are offered only to investors satisfying one of the
following criteria:
(a) Broker-dealers, qualified registered investment advisors or certified
financial planners, who have entered into a supplemental agreement with
Distributors for clients participating in comprehensive fee programs;
(b) Qualified registered investment advisors or registered certified financial
planners who have clients invested in Mutual Series on October 31, 1996;
(c) Qualified registered investment advisors or registered certified financial
planners who did not have clients invested in Mutual Series on October 31,
1996 may buy through a broker-dealer or service agent who has entered into
an agreement with Distributors;
(d) Effective on or about February 1, 1997, participants in Franklin Templeton's
401(k) and Franklin Templeton's Profit Sharing Plans;
(e) Directors, trustees, officers and full-time employees (and members of their
immediate family) of Franklin Templeton Group and Franklin Templeton Group
of Funds who invest $100 or more;
(f) Accounts managed by the Franklin Templeton Group;
(g) Class I shareholders of the Fund who qualify under one of the above
categories, may have their existing Class I shares invested into the Fund's
Advisor Class by sending written instructions indicating that they wish to
do so, by June 30, 1997. Instructions should be addressed to Investor
Services. Generally, for federal income tax purposes, there will be no
recognition of gain or loss associated with such a transaction. You may wish
to consult with your tax advisor to determine whether there are any state
income tax consequences to such a transaction.
(h) Each series of Franklin Templeton Fund Allocator Series that invests $1,000
or more.
The minimum for subsequent investments in Advisor Class shares is $25 for most
purchases of Advisor Class shares of the Fund and for purchases by directors,
trustees, officers and full-time employees (and members of their
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. -
13
PAGE
immediate family) of Franklin Templeton Group and Franklin Templeton Funds; and
$1,000 for each series of Franklin Templeton Fund Allocator Series.
Purchase Price of Fund Shares
Advisor Class shares are purchased at Net Asset Value without a sales charge.
Securities Dealers may receive compensation up to 0.25% of the amount invested
from Distributors or an affiliated company.
MAY I EXCHANGE SHARES FOR SHARES OF ANOTHER FUND?
We offer a wide variety of funds. If you would like, you can move your
investment from your Fund account to an existing or new account in another
Franklin Templeton Fund (an "exchange"). Because it is technically a sale and a
purchase of shares, an exchange is a taxable transaction for taxable investors.
Before making an exchange, please read the prospectus of the fund you are
interested in. This will help you learn about the fund and its rules and
requirements for exchanges. For example, some Franklin Templeton Funds do not
accept exchanges and others may have different investment minimums. Some
Franklin Templeton Funds do not offer Advisor Class shares.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
METHOD STEPS TO FOLLOW
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
BY MAIL 1. Send us written instructions signed by all
account owners
2. Include any outstanding share certificates
for the shares you're exchanging
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
BY PHONE Call Shareholder Services
If you do not want the ability to exchange by
phone to apply to your account, please let us
know.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
THROUGH YOUR DEALER Call your investment representative
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Please refer to "Transaction Procedures and Special Requirements" for other
important information on how to exchange shares.
How We Process Your Exchange
If you are exchanging your Advisor Class shares of the Fund you may:
- - exchange into any of our money funds except Franklin Templeton Money Fund II.
- Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
14
PAGE
- - exchange into the other Advisor Class shares of the Franklin Templeton Funds
(excluding Templeton Developing Markets Trust and Templeton Foreign Fund,
except as described below), Mutual Series Class Z shares and Templeton
Institutional Funds, Inc., if you meet the investment requirements of the
funds to be acquired.
- - exchange into the Advisor Class shares of Templeton Developing Markets Trust
and Templeton Foreign Fund if you fall into one of the following categories:
(i) you are a broker-dealer or a qualified registered investment advisor who
has entered into a special agreement with Distributors for your clients who
are participating in comprehensive fee programs; (ii) you are a registered
investment advisor or certified financial planner who has clients invested in
Mutual Series on October 31, 1996; (iii) you are a qualified registered
investment advisor or certified financial planner who did not have clients
invested in Mutual Series on October 31, 1996 and are buying through a
broker-dealer or service agent who has entered into an agreement with
Distributors; (iv) you are a director, trustee, officer or full-time employee
(or a family member) of the Franklin Templeton Group or the Franklin Templeton
Funds; (v) you are a participant in Franklin Templeton's 401(k) or Franklin
Templeton's Profit Sharing Plans; (vi) the exchanging shareholder is an
account managed by the Franklin Templeton Group; or (vii) the exchanging
shareholder is a series and each class thereof of Franklin Templeton Fund
Allocator Series.
- - If the fund you are exchanging into does not offer Advisor Class shares, you
may exchange into the Class I shares of the fund at Net Asset Value.
Please be aware that the following restrictions may apply to exchanges:
- - The accounts must be identically registered. You may exchange shares from a
Fund account requiring two or more signatures into an identically registered
money fund account requiring only one signature for all transactions. Please
notify us in writing if you do not want this option to be available on your
account(s). Additional procedures may apply. Please see "Transaction
Procedures and Special Requirements."
- - Trust Company IRA or 403(b) retirement plan accounts may exchange shares as
described above. Restrictions may apply to other types of retirement plans.
Please contact our Retirement Plans Department for information on exchanges
within these plans.
- - The fund you are exchanging into must be eligible for sale in your state.
- - We may modify or discontinue our exchange policy upon 60 days' written notice.
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. -
15
PAGE
- - Your exchange may be restricted or refused if you: (i) request an exchange out
of the Fund within two weeks of an earlier exchange request, (ii) exchange
shares out of the Fund more than twice in a calendar quarter, or (iii)
exchange shares equal to at least $5 million, or more than 1/4 of 1% of the
Fund's net assets. Shares under common ownership or control are combined for
these limits. If you exchange shares as described in this paragraph, you will
be considered a Market Timer. Each exchange by a Market Timer, if accepted,
will be charged $5.00. Some of our funds do not allow investments by Market
Timers.
Because excessive trading can hurt Fund performance and shareholders, we may
refuse any exchange purchase if (i) we believe the Fund would be harmed or
unable to invest effectively, or (ii) the Fund receives or anticipates
simultaneous orders that may significantly affect the Fund.
HOW DO I SELL SHARES?
You may sell (redeem) your shares at any time.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
METHOD STEPS TO FOLLOW
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
BY MAIL 1. Send us written instructions signed by all
account owners
2. Include any outstanding share certificates
for the shares you are selling
3. Provide a signature guarantee if required
4. Corporate, partnership and trust accounts
may need to send additional documents.
Accounts under court jurisdiction may have
additional requirements.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
16
PAGE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
METHOD STEPS TO FOLLOW
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
BY PHONE Call Shareholder Services
(Only available if you have completed and sent to us the telephone
redemption agreement included with this prospectus)
Telephone requests will be accepted:
- If the request is $50,000 or less.
Institutional accounts may exceed $50,000 by
completing a separate agreement. Call
Institutional Services to receive a copy.
- If there are no share certificates issued
for the shares you want to sell or you have
already returned them to the Fund
- Unless you are selling shares in a Trust
Company retirement plan account
- Unless the address on your account was
changed by phone within the last 30 days
Beginning on or about May 1, 1997, you will
automatically be able to redeem shares by
telephone without completing a telephone
redemption agreement. Please notify us if you
do not want this option to be available on
your account. If you later decide you would
like this option, send us written instructions
signed by all account owners.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
THROUGH YOUR DEALER Call your investment representative
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
We will send your redemption check within seven days after we receive your
request in proper form. If you sell your shares by phone, the check may only be
made payable to all registered owners on the account and sent to the address of
record. We are not able to receive or pay out cash in the form of currency.
If you sell shares you just purchased with a check or draft, we may delay
sending you the proceeds for up to 15 days or more to allow the check or draft
to clear. A certified or cashier's check may clear in less time.
Under unusual circumstances, we may suspend redemptions or postpone payment for
more than seven days as permitted by federal securities law.
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. -
17
PAGE
Please refer to "Transaction Procedures and Special Requirements" for other
important information on how to sell shares.
Trust Company Retirement Plan Accounts
To comply with IRS regulations, you need to complete additional forms before
selling shares in a Trust Company retirement plan account. Tax penalties
generally apply to any distribution from these plans to a participant under age
59 1/2, unless the distribution meets an exception stated in the Code. To obtain
the necessary forms, please call our Retirement Plans Department.
WHAT DISTRIBUTIONS MIGHT I RECEIVE FROM THE FUND?
Dividends and capital gains are calculated and distributed the same way for each
class of the Fund. The amount of any income dividends per share will differ,
however, generally due to the difference in the applicable Rule 12b-1 fees of
any class. Advisor Class shares are not subject to Rule 12b-1 fees.
Dividend payments are not guaranteed, are subject to the Board's discretion and
may vary with each payment. THE FUND DOES NOT PAY "INTEREST" OR GUARANTEE ANY
FIXED RATE OF RETURN ON AN INVESTMENT IN ITS SHARES.
If you buy shares shortly before the record date, please keep in mind that any
distribution will lower the value of the Fund's shares by the amount of the
distribution.
Distribution Options
You may receive your distributions from the Fund in any of these ways:
1. Buy additional shares of the Fund - You may buy additional shares of the same
class of the Fund by reinvesting capital gain distributions, dividend
distributions, or both. This is a convenient way to accumulate additional
shares and maintain or increase your earnings base.
2. Buy shares of other Franklin Templeton Funds - You may direct your
distributions to buy Advisor Class shares or Class I shares of another Franklin
Templeton Fund. Many shareholders find this a convenient way to diversify their
investments.
3. Receive distributions in cash - You may receive capital gain distributions,
dividend distributions, or both in cash. If you have the money sent to another
person or to a checking account, you may need a signature guarantee.
TO SELECT ONE OF THESE OPTIONS, PLEASE COMPLETE THE SHAREHOLDER APPLICATION
INCLUDED WITH THIS PROSPECTUS OR TELL YOUR INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIVE WHICH
- Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
18
PAGE
OPTION YOU PREFER. IF YOU DO NOT SELECT AN OPTION, WE WILL AUTOMATICALLY
REINVEST DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS IN ADVISOR CLASS SHARES OF THE
FUND. For Trust Company retirement plans, special forms are required to receive
distributions in cash. You may change your distribution option at any time by
notifying us by mail or phone. Please allow at least seven days prior to the
record date for us to process the new option.
TRANSACTION PROCEDURES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
How and When Shares Are Priced
The Fund is open for business each day the NYSE is open. We determine the Net
Asset Value per share of each class as of the scheduled close of the NYSE,
generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. You can find the prior day's closing Net Asset
Value and Offering Price for each class in many newspapers.
The Net Asset Value of all outstanding shares of each class is calculated on a
pro rata basis. It is based on each class' proportionate participation in the
Fund, determined by the value of the shares of each class. To calculate Net
Asset Value per share of each class, the assets of each class are valued and
totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance, called net assets, is
divided by the number of shares of the class outstanding. The Fund's assets are
valued as described under "How Are Fund Shares Valued?" in the SAI.
The Price We Use When You Buy or Sell Shares
You buy shares of Advisor Class at the Net Asset Value per share. We calculate
it to two decimal places using standard rounding criteria. You also sell shares
at Net Asset Value.
We will use the Net Asset Value next calculated after we receive your
transaction request in proper form. If you buy or sell shares through your
Securities Dealer, however, we will use the Net Asset Value next calculated
after your Securities Dealer receives your request, which is promptly
transmitted to the Fund. Your redemption proceeds will not earn interest
between the time we receive the order from your dealer and the time we receive
any required documents.
Proper Form
An order to buy shares is in proper form when we receive your signed
shareholder application and check. Written requests to sell or exchange shares
are in proper form when we receive written instructions signed by all registered
owners, with a signature guarantee if necessary. We must also receive any
outstanding share certificates for those shares.
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. -
19
PAGE
Written Instructions
Written instructions must be signed by all registered owners. To avoid any delay
in processing your transaction, they should include:
- - Your name,
- - The Fund's name,
- - The class of shares,
- - A description of the request,
- - For exchanges, the name of the fund you're exchanging into,
- - Your account number,
- - The dollar amount or number of shares, and
- - A telephone number where we may reach you during the day, or in the evening
if preferred.
Signature Guarantees
For our mutual protection, we require a signature guarantee in the following
situations:
1) You wish to sell over $50,000 worth of shares,
2) You want the proceeds to be paid to someone other than the registered owners,
3) The proceeds are not being sent to the address of record, preauthorized bank
account, or preauthorized brokerage firm account,
4) We receive instructions from an agent, not the registered owners,
5) We believe a signature guarantee would protect us against potential claims
based on the instructions received.
A signature guarantee verifies the authenticity of your signature and may be
obtained from certain banks, brokers or other eligible guarantors. YOU SHOULD
VERIFY THAT THE INSTITUTION IS AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR PRIOR TO SIGNING. A
NOTARIZED SIGNATURE IS NOT SUFFICIENT.
Share Certificates
We will credit your shares to your Fund account. We do not issue share
certificates unless you specifically request them. This eliminates the costly
problem of replacing lost, stolen or destroyed certificates. If a certificate
is lost,
- Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
20
PAGE
stolen or destroyed, you may have to pay an insurance premium of up to 2% of
the value of the certificate to replace it.
Any outstanding share certificates must be returned to the Fund if you want to
sell or exchange those shares or if you would like to start a systematic
withdrawal plan. The certificates should be properly endorsed. You can do this
either by signing the back of the certificate or by completing a share
assignment form. For your protection, you may prefer to complete a share
assignment form. In this case, you should send the certificate and assignment
form in separate envelopes.
Telephone Transactions
You may initiate many transactions by phone. Please refer to the sections of
this prospectus that discuss the transaction you would like to make or call
Shareholder Services.
When you call, we will request personal or other identifying information to
confirm that instructions are genuine. We will also record calls. We will not be
liable for following instructions communicated by telephone if we reasonably
believe they are genuine. For your protection, we may delay a transaction or not
implement one if we are not reasonably satisfied that the instructions are
genuine. If this occurs, we will not be liable for any loss.
Trust Company Retirement Plan Accounts. You may not sell shares or change
distribution options on Trust Company retirement plans by phone. While you may
exchange shares of Trust Company IRA and 403(b) retirement accounts by phone,
certain restrictions may be imposed on other retirement plans.
To obtain any required forms or more information about distribution or transfer
procedures, please call our Retirement Plans Department.
Account Registrations and Required Documents
When you open an account, you need to tell us how you want your shares
registered. How you register your account will affect your ownership rights and
ability to make certain transactions. If you have questions about how to
register your account, you should consult your investment representative or
legal advisor. Please keep the following information in mind when registering
your account.
Joint Ownership. If you open an account with two or more owners, we register
the account as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" unless you tell us
otherwise. An account registered as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship"
is shown as "Jt Ten" on your account statement. For any account with two or
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. -
21
PAGE
more owners, all owners must sign instructions to process transactions and
changes to the account. Even if the law in your state says otherwise, you will
not be able to change owners on the account unless all owners agree in writing.
If you would like another person or owner to sign for you, please send us a
current power of attorney.
Gifts and Transfers to Minors. You may set up a custodial account for a minor
under your state's Uniform Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act. Other than this form
of registration, a minor may not be named as an account owner.
Trusts. If you register your account as a trust, you should have a valid written
trust document to avoid future disputes or possible court action over who owns
the account.
Required Documents. For corporate, partnership and trust accounts, please send
us the following documents when you open your account. This will help avoid
delays in processing your transactions while we verify who may sign on the
account.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TYPE OF ACCOUNT DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
CORPORATION Corporate Resolution
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
PARTNERSHIP 1. The pages from the partnership agreement that
identify the general partners,
2. A certification for a partnership agreement
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
TRUST 1. The pages from the trust document that
identify the trustees, or
2. A certification for trust
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Street or Nominee Accounts. If you have Fund shares held in a "street" or
"nominee" name account with your Securities Dealer, you may transfer the shares
to the street or nominee name account of another Securities Dealer. Both
dealers must have an agreement with Distributors or we will not process the
transfer. Contact your Securities Dealer to initiate the transfer. We will
process the transfer after we receive authorization in proper form from your
delivering Securities Dealer. Accounts may be transferred electronically
through the NSCC. For accounts registered in street or nominee name, we may
take instructions directly from the Securities Dealer or your nominee.
Electronic Instructions. If there is a Securities Dealer or other
representative of record on your account, we are authorized to use and execute
electronic instructions received directly from your dealer or representative
without further inquiry. Electronic instructions may be processed through the
services of the
- Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
22
PAGE
NSCC, which currently include the NSCC's "Networking," "Fund/SERV," and "ACATS"
systems, or through Franklin/Templeton's PCTrades II(TM) System.
Tax Identification Number
For tax reasons, we must have your correct Social Security or tax identification
number on a signed shareholder application or applicable tax form. Federal law
requires us to withhold 31% of your taxable distributions and sale proceeds if
(i) you have not furnished a certified correct taxpayer identification number,
(ii) you have not certified that withholding does not apply, (iii) the IRS or a
Securities Dealer notifies the Fund that the number you gave us is incorrect, or
(iv) you are subject to backup withholding.
We may refuse to open an account if you fail to provide the required tax
identification number and certifications. We may also close your account if the
IRS notifies us that your tax identification number is incorrect. If you
complete an "awaiting TIN" certification, we must receive a correct tax
identification number within 60 days of your initial purchase to keep your
account open.
Keeping Your Account Open
Due to the relatively high cost of maintaining a small account, we may close
your account if the value of your shares is $50 or less, except for investors
under categories (d), (e) and (h) under "Opening Your Account." We will do this
if the value of your account falls below this minimum because you voluntarily
sold your shares and your account has been inactive (except for the
reinvestment of distributions) for at least six months. Before we close your
account, we will notify you and give you 30 days to increase the value of your
account to at least $100.
SERVICES TO HELP YOU MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT
Automatic Investment Plan
Our automatic investment plan offers a convenient way to invest in the Fund.
Under the plan, you can have money transferred automatically from your checking
account to the Fund each month to buy additional shares. If you are interested
in this program, please refer to the account application included with this
prospectus or contact your investment representative. The market value of the
Fund's shares may fluctuate and a systematic investment plan such as this will
not assure a profit or protect against a loss. You may discontinue the program
at any time by notifying Investor Services by mail or phone.
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. -
23
PAGE
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
Our systematic withdrawal plan allows you to sell your shares and receive
regular payments from your account on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual
basis. The value of your account must be at least $5,000 and the minimum
payment amount for each withdrawal must be at least $50. For retirement plans
subject to mandatory distribution requirements, the $50 minimum will not apply.
If you would like to establish a systematic withdrawal plan, please complete the
systematic withdrawal plan section of the shareholder application included with
this prospectus and indicate how you would like to receive your payments. You
may choose to direct your payments to buy the same class of shares of another
Franklin Templeton Fund or have the money sent directly to you, to another
person, or to a checking account.
You will generally receive your payment by the end of the month in which a
payment is scheduled. When you sell your shares under a systematic withdrawal
plan, it is a taxable transaction.
You may discontinue a systematic withdrawal plan, change the amount and
schedule of withdrawal payments, or suspend one payment by notifying us in
writing at least seven business days before the end of the month preceding a
scheduled payment. Please see "How Do I Buy, Sell and Exchange Shares? -
Systematic Withdrawal Plan" in the SAI for more information.
Statements and Reports to Shareholders
We will send you the following statements and reports on a regular basis:
- - Confirmation and account statements reflecting transactions in your account,
including additional purchases and dividend reinvestments. PLEASE VERIFY THE
ACCURACY OF YOUR STATEMENTS WHEN YOU RECEIVE THEM.
- - Financial reports of the Fund will be sent every six months. To reduce Fund
expenses, we attempt to identify related shareholders within a household and
send only one copy of a report. Call Fund Information if you would like an
additional free copy of the Fund's financial reports or an interim quarterly
report.
Brokers and Dealers and Plan Administrators
You may buy and sell Fund shares through registered broker-dealers. The Fund
does not impose a sales or service charge but your broker-dealer may charge you
a transaction fee. Transaction fees and services may vary among broker-dealers,
- Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
24
PAGE
and your broker-dealer may impose higher initial or subsequent investment
requirements than those established by the Fund. Services provided by broker-
dealers may include allowing you to establish a margin account and borrow on
the value of the Fund's shares in that account. If your broker-dealer receives
your order before pricing on a given day, the broker-dealer is required to
forward the order to the Fund before pricing closes on that day. A broker-
dealer's failure to timely forward an order may give rise to a claim by the
investor against the broker.
Third party plan administrators of tax-qualified retirement plans and other
entities may provide sub-transfer agent services to the Fund. In such cases, the
Fund may pay the third party an annual sub-transfer agency fee that is not
greater than the Fund otherwise would have paid for such services.
Institutional Accounts
Institutional investors will likely be required to complete an institutional
account application. There may be additional methods of opening accounts and
purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares of the Fund available for
institutional accounts. To obtain an institutional application or additional
information regarding institutional accounts, contact Franklin Templeton
Institutional Services at 1-800/321-8563 Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m.
to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Availability of These Services
The services above are available to most shareholders. If, however, your shares
are held by a financial institution, in a street name account, or networked
through the NSCC, the Fund may not be able to offer these services directly to
you. Please contact your investment representative.
What If I Have Questions About My Account?
If you have any questions about your account, you may write to Investor
Services, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030. The Fund and
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. -
25
<PAGE>
Distributors are also located at this address. You may also contact us by phone
at one of the numbers listed below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HOURS OF OPERATION (EASTERN
TIME)
DEPARTMENT NAME TELEPHONE NO. (MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Shareholder Services 1-800/632-2301 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Dealer Services 1-800/524-4040 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Fund Information 1-800/DIAL BEN 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
(1-800/342-5236) 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Saturday)
Retirement Plans 1-800/527-2020 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Institutional Services 1-800/321-8563 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
TDD (hearing impaired) 1-800/851-0637 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
</TABLE>
Your phone call may be monitored or recorded to ensure we provide you with high
quality service. You will hear a regular beeping tone if your call is being
recorded.
- Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
26
PAGE
GLOSSARY
USEFUL TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
1940 Act - Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Board - The Board of Directors of the Fund
Class I, Class II and Advisor Class - The Fund offers three classes of shares,
designated "Class I," "Class II" and "Advisor Class." The three classes have
proportionate interests in the Fund's portfolio. Class I and Class II differ,
however, primarily in their sales charge structures and Rule 12b-1 plans.
Advisor Class shares are purchased without a sales charge and do not have a Rule
12b-1 plan.
Code - Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
Contingency Period - For Class I shares, the 12 month period during which a
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge may apply. For Class II shares, the
contingency period is 18 months. Regardless of when during the month you
purchased shares, they will age one month on the last day of that month and
each following month.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) - A sales charge of 1% that may apply
if you sell your shares within the Contingency Period.
Distributors - Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc., the Fund's principal
underwriter. The SAI lists the officers and Board members who are affiliated
with Distributors. See "Officers and Directors."
Franklin Funds - The mutual funds in the Franklin Group of Funds(R) except
Franklin Valuemark Funds and the Franklin Government Securities Trust
Franklin Templeton Funds - The Franklin Funds, the Templeton Funds.
Franklin Templeton Group - Franklin Resources, Inc., a publicly owned holding
company, and its various subsidiaries
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds - All U.S. registered investment companies in
the Franklin Group of Funds(R), the Templeton Group of Funds.
FT Services - Franklin Templeton Services, Inc.
Investor Services - Franklin/Templeton Investor Services, Inc., the Fund's
shareholder servicing and transfer agent
IRS - Internal Revenue Service
Market Timer(s) - Market Timers generally include market timing or allocation
services, accounts administered so as to buy, sell or exchange shares based on
predetermined market indicators, or any person or group whose transactions seem
to follow a timing pattern.
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. -
27
PAGE
Mutual Series - Franklin Mutual Series Fund Inc., a member of the Franklin Group
of Funds, formerly the Mutual Series Fund Inc. Each series of Mutual Series
began offering three classes of shares on November 1, 1996, Class I, Class II
and Class Z. All shares sold before that time are designated Class Z shares.
NASD - National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Net Asset Value (NAV) - The value of a mutual fund is determined by deducting
the fund's liabilities from the total assets of the portfolio. The net asset
value per share is determined by dividing the net asset value of the fund by
the number of shares outstanding.
NSCC - National Securities Clearing Corporation
NYSE - New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Offering Price - The public offering price is based on the Net Asset Value per
share of the class and includes the frontend sales charge, if applicable. The
maximum front-end sales charge is 5.75% for Class I and 1% for Class II.
Advisor Class has no front-end sales charge.
Resources - Franklin Resources, Inc.
SAI - Statement of Additional Information
SEC - U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities Dealer - A financial institution that, either directly or through
affiliates, has an agreement with Distributors to handle customer orders and
accounts with the Fund. This reference is for convenience only and does not
indicate a legal conclusion of capacity.
Templeton Funds - The U.S. registered mutual funds in the Templeton Group of
Funds except Templeton Capital Accumulator Fund, Inc., Templeton Variable
Annuity Fund, and Templeton Variable Products Series Fund
TGAL - Templeton Global Advisers, Ltd., the Fund's investment manager, is
located in Lyford Cay, Nassau, Bahamas.
Trust Company - Franklin Templeton Trust Company. Trust Company is an affiliate
of Distributors and both are wholly owned subsidiaries of Resources.
U.S. - United States
We/Our/Us - Unless the context indicates a different meaning, these terms refer
to the Fund and/or Investor Services, Distributors, or other wholly owned
subsidiaries of Resources.
- Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
28
PAGE
PART B
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PAGE
TEMPLETON GROWTH FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
JANUARY 1, 1997
700 CENTRAL AVENUE
ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33701 1-800/DIAL BEN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How does the Fund Invest its Assets?.........................
What are the Fund's Potential Risks?.........................
Investment Restrictions......................................
Officers and Directors.......................................
Investment Management and Other Services.....................
How does the Fund Buy Securities for its Portfolio?..........
How Do I Buy, Sell and Exchange Shares?......................
How are Fund Shares Valued?..................................
Additional Information on Distributions and Taxes............
The Fund's Underwriter.......................................
How does the Fund Measure Performance?.......................
Miscellaneous Information....................................
Financial Statements.........................................
Useful Terms and Definitions.................................
When reading this SAI, you will see certain terms beginning with capital
letters. This means the term is explained under "Useful Terms and
Definitions."
The Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is a diversified, open-end
management investment company. 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.
Advisor Class shares are only available for purchase by certain persons,
including, among others, certain broker-dealers and qualified registered
investment advisors; participants in Franklin Templeton's 401(k) and Franklin
Templeton's Profit Sharing Plans; Franklin Templeton Fund Allocator Series; and
directors, trustees, officers and full-time employees (and their family members)
of Franklin Templeton Group and the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
The Advisor Class Prospectus, dated January 1, 1997, as may be amended from time
to time, contains the basic information you should know before investing in the
Fund. For a free copy, call 1-800/DIAL BEN or write the Fund at the address
shown.
1
<PAGE>
THIS SAI IS NOT A PROSPECTUS. IT CONTAINS INFORMATION IN ADDITION TO AND IN MORE
DETAIL THAN SET FORTH IN THE PROSPECTUS. THIS SAI IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE YOU
WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES OF THE FUND, AND SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
PROSPECTUS.
MUTUAL FUNDS, ANNUITIES, AND OTHER INVESTMENT PRODUCTS:
- - ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION,
THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT;
- - ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY
BANK;
- - ARE SUBJECT TO INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF
PRINCIPAL.
HOW DOES THE FUND INVEST ITS ASSETS?
The following provides more detailed information about some of the securities
the Fund may buy and its investment policies. You should read it together with
the section in the Prospectus entitled "How does the Fund Invest its Assets?"
The Fund may invest for defensive purposes in commercial paper which, at the
date of investment, must be rated A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's or, if not
rated, issued by a company which, at the date of investment, has an outstanding
debt issue rated AAA or AA by S&P or Aaa or Aa by Moody's.
Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase agreements are contracts under which the buyer
of a security simultaneously commits to resell the security to the seller at an
agreed upon price and date. Under a repurchase agreement, the seller is required
to maintain the value of the securities subject to the repurchase agreement at
not less than their repurchase price. TGAL will monitor the value of such
securities daily to determine that the value equals or exceeds the repurchase
price. Repurchase agreements may involve risks in the event of default or
insolvency of the seller, including possible delays or restrictions upon the
Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying securities. The Fund will enter into
repurchase agreements only with parties who meet creditworthiness standards
approved by the Fund's Board, i.e., banks or broker-dealers which have been
determined by TGAL to present no serious risk of becoming involved in bankruptcy
proceedings within the time frame contemplated by the repurchase transaction.
Loans of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may lend to banks and broker-dealers
portfolio securities with an aggregate market
2
<PAGE>
value of up to one-third of its total assets. 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 retains all or a portion of the interest received on investment of the
cash collateral or receives a fee from the borrower. 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 have voting rights with respect to
the securities. However, as with other extensions of credit, there are risks of
delay in recovery or even loss of rights in collateral should the borrower fail.
Debt Securities. The Fund may invest in debt securities which are rated at least
Caa by Moody's or CCC by S&P or deemed to be of comparable quality by TGAL. As
an operating policy, the Fund will not invest more than 5% of its assets in debt
securities rated lower than Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P. The market value of
debt securities generally varies in response to changes in interest rates and
the financial condition of each issuer. During periods of declining interest
rates, the value of debt securities generally increases. Conversely, during
periods of rising interest rates, the value of such securities generally
declines. These changes in market value will be reflected in the Fund's Net
Asset Value.
Bonds rated Caa by Moody's are of poor standing. Such securities may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest. Bonds rated CCC by S&P are regarded, on balance, as speculative. Such
securities will have some quality and protective characteristics, but these are
outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Although they may offer higher yields than do higher rated securities, low rated
and unrated debt securities generally involve greater volatility of price and
risk of principal and income, including the possibility of default by, or
bankruptcy of, the issuers of the securities. In addition, the markets in which
low rated and unrated debt securities are traded are more limited than those in
which higher rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets for
particular securities may diminish the Fund's ability to sell the securities at
fair value either to meet redemption requests or to respond to a specific
economic event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer.
Reduced secondary market liquidity for certain low rated or unrated debt
securities may also make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate
market quotations for the
3
<PAGE>
purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio. Market quotations are generally
available on many low rated or unrated securities only from a limited number of
dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such dealers or prices
for actual sales.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental
analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of low rated debt securities,
especially in a thinly traded market. Analysis of the creditworthiness of
issuers of low rated debt securities may be more complex than for issuers of
higher rated securities, and the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment
objective may, to the extent of investment in low rated debt securities, be more
dependent upon such credit-worthiness analysis than would be the case if the
Fund were investing in higher rated securities.
Low rated debt securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse
economic and competitive industry conditions than investment grade securities.
The prices of low rated debt securities have been found to be less sensitive to
interest rate changes than higher rated investments, but more sensitive to
adverse economic downturns or individual corporate developments. A projection of
an economic downturn or of a period of rising interest rates, for example, could
cause a decline in low rated debt securities prices because the advent of a
recession could lessen the ability of a highly leveraged company to make
principal and interest payments on its debt securities. If the issuer of low
rated debt securities defaults, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek
recovery.
The Fund may accrue and report interest on high yield bonds structured as zero
coupon bonds or pay-in-kind securities as income even though it receives no cash
interest until the security's maturity or payment date. In order to qualify for
beneficial tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, the Fund must
distribute substantially all of its income to shareholders (see "Additional
Information on Distributions and Taxes"). Thus, the Fund may have to dispose of
its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash in
order to satisfy the distribution requirement.
Structured Investments. Included among the issuers of debt securities in which
the Fund may invest are entities organized and operated solely for the purpose
of restructuring the investment characteristics of various securities. These
entities are typically organized by investment banking firms which receive fees
in connection with establishing each entity and arranging for the placement of
its securities. This type of restructuring involves the deposit with or
purchases by an entity, such as a corporation or trust, of specified instruments
and the issuance
4
<PAGE>
by that entity of one or more classes of securities ("structured investments")
backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. The cash
flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued
structured investments to create securities with different investment
characteristics such as varying maturities, payment priorities or interest rate
provisions; the extent of the payments made with respect to structured
investments is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying
instruments. Because structured investments of the type in which the Fund
anticipates investing typically involve no credit enhancement, their credit risk
will generally be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments.
The Fund is permitted to invest in a class of structured investments that is
either subordinated or unsubordinated to the right of payment of another class.
Subordinated structured investments typically have higher yields and present
greater risks than unsubordinated structured investments. Although the Fund's
purchase of subordinated structured investments would have a similar economic
effect to that of borrowing against the underlying securities, the purchase will
not be deemed to be leverage for purposes of the limitations placed on the
extent of the Fund's assets that may be used for borrowing activities.
Certain issuers of structured investments may be deemed to be "investment
companies" as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result, the Fund's investment in
these structured investments may be limited by the restrictions contained in the
1940 Act. Structured investments are typically sold in private placement
transactions, and there currently is no active trading market for structured
investments. To the extent such investments are illiquid, they will be subject
to the Fund's restrictions on investments in illiquid securities.
Stock Index Futures Contracts. The Fund's investment policies also permit it to
buy and sell stock index futures contracts with respect to any stock index
traded on a recognized stock exchange or board of trade, to an aggregate amount
not exceeding 20% of the Fund's total assets at the time when such contracts are
entered into. Successful use of stock index futures is subject to TGAL's ability
to predict correctly movements in the direction of the stock markets. No
assurance can be given that TGAL's judgment in this respect will be correct.
A stock index futures contract is a contract to buy or sell units of a stock
index at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is
made. The value of a unit is the current value of the stock index. For example,
the S&P 500 Stock Index (the "S&P 500 Index") is composed of 500 selected common
stocks, most of which are listed on the NYSE. The S&P 500 Index
5
<PAGE>
assigns relative weightings to the value of one share of each of these 500
common stocks included in the Index, and the Index fluctuates with changes in
the market values of the shares of those common stocks. In the case of the S&P
500 Index, contracts are to buy or sell 500 units. Thus, if the value of the S&P
500 Index were $150, one contract would be worth $75,000 (500 units x $150). The
stock index futures contract specifies that no delivery of the actual stocks
making up the index will take place. Instead, settlement in cash must occur upon
the termination of the contract, with the settlement being the difference
between the contract price and the actual level of the stock index at the
expiration of the contract. For example, if the Fund enters into a futures
contract to buy 500 units of the S&P 500 Index at a specified future date at a
contract price of $150 and the S&P 500 Index is at $154 on that future date, the
Fund will gain $2,000 (500 units x gain of $4). If the Fund enters into a
futures contract to sell 500 units of the stock index at a specified future date
at a contract price of $150 and the S&P 500 Index is at $154 on that future
date, the Fund will lose $2,000 (500 units x loss of $4).
During or in anticipation of a period of market appreciation, the Fund may enter
into a "long hedge" of common stock which it proposes to add to its portfolio by
purchasing stock index futures for the purpose of reducing the effective
purchase price of such common stock. To the extent that the securities which the
Fund proposes to purchase change in value in correlation with the stock index
contracted for, the purchase of futures contracts on that index would result in
gains to the Fund which could be offset against rising prices of such common
stock.
During or in anticipation of a period of market decline, the Fund may "hedge"
common stock in its portfolio by selling stock index futures for the purpose of
limiting the exposure of its portfolio to such decline. To the extent that the
Fund's portfolio of securities changes in value in correlation with a given
stock index, the sale of futures contracts on that index could substantially
reduce the risk to the portfolio of a market decline and, by so doing, provide
an alternative to the liquidation of securities positions in the portfolio with
resultant transaction costs.
Parties to an index futures contract must make initial margin deposits to secure
performance of the contract, which currently range from 1-1/2% to 5% of the
contract amount. Initial margin requirements are determined by the respective
exchanges on which the futures contracts are traded. There also are requirements
to make variation margin deposits as the value of the futures contract
fluctuates.
6
<PAGE>
At the time the Fund purchases a stock index futures contract, an amount of
cash, U.S. government securities, or other highly liquid debt securities equal
to the market value of the contract will be deposited in a segregated account
with the Fund's custodian. When selling a stock index futures contract, the Fund
will maintain with its custodian liquid assets that, when added to the amounts
deposited with a futures commission merchant or broker as margin, are equal to
the market value of the instruments underlying the contract. Alternatively, the
Fund may "cover" its position by owning a portfolio with a volatility
substantially similar to that of the index on which the futures contract is
based, or holding a call option permitting the Fund to purchase the same futures
contract at a price no higher than the price of the contract written by the Fund
(or at a higher price if the difference is maintained in liquid assets with the
Fund's custodian).
Stock Index Options. The Fund may purchase and sell put and call options on
securities indices in standardized contracts traded on national securities
exchanges, boards of trade, or similar entities, or quoted on NASDAQ. An option
on a securities index is a contract that gives the purchaser of the option, in
return for the premium paid, the right to receive from the writer of the option,
cash equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the
exercise price of the option, expressed in dollars, times a specified multiplier
for the index option. An index is designed to reflect specified facets of a
particular financial or securities market, a specific group of financial
instruments or securities, or certain indicators.
The Fund may write call options and put options only if they are "covered." A
call option on an index is covered if the Fund maintains with its custodian cash
or cash equivalents equal to the contract value. A call option is also covered
if the Fund holds a call on the same index as the call written where the
exercise price of the call held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price
of the call written, or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the call
written, provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in cash or cash
equivalents in a segregated account with its custodian. A put option on an index
is covered if the Fund maintains cash or cash equivalents equal to the exercise
price in a segregated account with its custodian. A put option is also covered
if the Fund holds a put on the same index as the put written where the exercise
price of the put held is (i) equal to or greater than the exercise price of the
put written, or (ii) less than the exercise price of the put written, provided
the difference is maintained by the Fund in cash or cash equivalents in a
segregated account with its custodian.
7
<PAGE>
If an option written by the Fund expires, the Fund will realize a capital gain
equal to the premium received at the time the option was written. If an option
purchased by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a capital loss
equal to the premium paid.
Prior to the earlier of exercise or expiration, an option may be closed out by
an offsetting purchase or sale of an option of the same series (type, exchange,
index, exercise price, and expiration). There can be no assurance, however, that
a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund desires.
WHAT ARE THE FUND'S POTENTIAL RISKS?
The Fund has an unlimited right to purchase securities in any foreign country,
developed or developing, if they are listed on a stock exchange, as well as a
limited right to purchase such securities if they are unlisted. Investors should
consider carefully the substantial risks involved in securities of companies and
governments of foreign nations, which are in addition to the usual risks
inherent in domestic investments.
There may be less publicly available information about foreign companies
comparable to the reports and ratings published about companies in the U.S.
Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting or financial
reporting standards, and auditing practices and requirements may not be
comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The Fund, therefore, may
encounter difficulty in obtaining market quotations for purposes of valuing its
portfolio and calculating its Net Asset Value. Foreign markets have
substantially less volume than the NYSE and securities of some foreign companies
are less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies.
Although the Fund may invest up to 15% of its total assets in unlisted foreign
securities, including not more than 10% of its total assets in securities with a
limited trading market, in the opinion of management such securities with a
limited trading market do not present a significant liquidity problem.
Commission rates in foreign countries, which are generally fixed rather than
subject to negotiation as in the U.S., are likely to be higher. In many foreign
countries there is less government supervision and regulation of stock
exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the U.S.
Investments in companies domiciled in developing countries may be subject to
potentially higher risks than investments in developed countries. These risks
include (i) less social, political and economic stability; (ii) the small
current size of the markets for such securities and the currently low or
nonexistent volume
8
<PAGE>
of trading, which result in a lack of liquidity and in greater price volatility;
(iii) certain national policies which may restrict the Fund's investment
opportunities, including restrictions on investment in issuers or industries
deemed sensitive to national interests; (iv) foreign taxation; (v) the absence
of developed legal structures governing private or foreign investment or
allowing for judicial redress for injury to private property; (vi) the absence,
until recently in certain Eastern European countries, of a capital market
structure or market-oriented economy; and (vii) the possibility that recent
favorable economic developments in Eastern Europe may be slowed or reversed by
unanticipated political or social events in such countries.
In addition, many countries in which the Fund may invest have experienced
substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many
years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may
continue to have negative effects on the economies and securities markets of
certain countries. Moreover, the economies of some developing countries may
differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth
of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, currency depreciation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
Investments in Eastern European countries may involve risks of nationalization,
expropriation and confiscatory taxation. The Communist governments of a number
of Eastern European countries expropriated large amounts of private property in
the past, in many cases without adequate compensation, and there can be no
assurance that such expropriation will not occur in the future. In the event of
such expropriation, the Fund could lose a substantial portion of any investments
it has made in the affected countries. Further, no accounting standards exist in
Eastern European countries. Finally, even though certain Eastern European
currencies may be convertible into U.S. dollars, the conversion rates may be
artificial to the actual market values and may be adverse to Fund shareholders.
Investing in Russian companies involves a high degree of risk and special
considerations not typically associated with investing in the U.S. securities
markets, and should be considered highly speculative. Such risks include: (a)
delays in settling portfolio transactions and risk of loss arising out of
Russia's system of share registration and custody; (b) the risk that it may be
impossible or more difficult than in other countries to obtain and/or enforce a
judgment; (c) pervasiveness of corruption and crime in the Russian economic
system; (d) currency exchange rate volatility and the lack of available currency
hedging instruments; (e) higher rates of inflation (including the risk of
9
<PAGE>
social unrest associated with periods of hyper-inflation); (f) controls on
foreign investment and local practices disfavoring foreign investors and
limitations on repatriation of invested capital, profits and dividends, and on
the Fund's ability to exchange local currencies for U.S. dollars; (g) the risk
that the government of Russia or other executive or legislative bodies may
decide not to continue to support the economic reform programs implemented since
the dissolution of the Soviet Union and could follow radically different
political and/or economic policies to the detriment of investors, including
non-market-oriented policies such as the support of certain industries at the
expense of other sectors or investors, or a return to the centrally planned
economy that existed prior to the dissolution of the Soviet Union; (h) the
financial condition of Russian companies, including large amounts of
inter-company debt which may create a payments crisis on a national scale; (i)
dependency on exports and the corresponding importance of international trade;
(j) the risk that the Russian tax system will not be reformed to prevent
inconsistent, retroactive and/or exorbitant taxation; and (k) possible
difficulty in identifying a purchaser of securities held by the Fund due to the
underdeveloped nature of the securities markets.
There is little historical data on Russian securities markets because they are
relatively new and a substantial proportion of securities transactions in Russia
are privately negotiated outside of stock exchanges. Because of the recent
formation of the securities markets as well as the underdeveloped state of the
banking and telecommunications systems, settlement, clearing and registration of
securities transactions are subject to significant risks. Ownership of shares
(except where shares are held through depositories that meet the requirements of
the 1940 Act) is defined according to entries in the company's share register
and normally evidenced by extracts from the register or by formal share
certificates. However, there is no central registration system for shareholders
and these services are carried out by the companies themselves or by registrars
located throughout Russia. These registrars are not necessarily subject to
effective state supervision and it is possible for the Fund to lose its
registration through fraud, negligence or even mere oversight. While the Fund
will endeavor to ensure that its interest continues to be appropriately recorded
either itself or through a custodian or other agent inspecting the share
register and by obtaining extracts of share registers through regular
confirmations, these extracts have no legal enforceability and it is possible
that subsequent illegal amendment or other fraudulent act may deprive the Fund
of its ownership rights or improperly dilute its interests. In addition, while
applicable Russian regulations impose liability on registrars for losses
resulting from their errors, it may be difficult for the Fund to enforce
10
<PAGE>
any rights it may have against the registrar or issuer of the securities in the
event of loss of share registration. Furthermore, although a Russian public
enterprise with more than 1,000 shareholders is required by law to contract out
the maintenance of its shareholder register to an independent entity that meets
certain criteria, in practice this regulation has not always been strictly
enforced. Because of this lack of independence, management of a company may be
able to exert considerable influence over who can purchase and sell the
company's shares by illegally instructing the registrar to refuse to record
transactions in the share register. This practice may prevent the Fund from
investing in the securities of certain Russian companies deemed suitable by
TGAL. Further, this also could cause a delay in the sale of Russian company
securities by the Fund if a potential purchaser is deemed unsuitable, which may
expose the Fund to potential loss on the investment.
The Fund's management endeavors to buy and sell foreign currencies on as
favorable a basis as practicable. Some price spread on currency exchange (to
cover service charges) may be incurred, particularly when the Fund changes
investments from one country to another or when proceeds of the sale of shares
in U.S. dollars are used for the purchase of securities in foreign countries.
Also, some countries may adopt policies which would prevent the Fund from
transferring cash out of the country or withhold portions of interest and
dividends at the source. There is the possibility of cessation of trading on
national exchanges, expropriation, nationalization or confiscatory taxation,
withholding and other foreign taxes on income or other amounts, foreign exchange
controls (which may include suspension of the ability to transfer currency from
a given country), default in foreign government securities, political or social
instability, or diplomatic developments that could affect investments in
securities of issuers in foreign nations.
The Fund may be affected either unfavorably or favorably by fluctuations in the
relative rates of exchange between the currencies of different nations, by
exchange control regulations and by indigenous economic and political
developments. Some countries in which the Fund may invest may also have fixed or
managed currencies that are not free-floating against the U.S. dollar. Further,
certain currencies may not be internationally traded. Certain of these
currencies have experienced a steady devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar.
Any devaluations in the currencies in which the Fund's portfolio securities are
denominated may have a detrimental impact on the Fund. Through the Fund's
flexible policy, management endeavors to avoid unfavorable consequences and to
take advantage of favorable developments in particular nations where, from time
to time, it places the Fund's investments.
11
<PAGE>
The exercise of this flexible policy may include decisions to purchase
securities with substantial risk characteristics and other decisions such as
changing the emphasis on investments from one nation to another and from one
type of security to another. Some of these decisions may later prove profitable
and others may not. No assurance can be given that profits, if any, will exceed
losses.
The Board considers at least annually the likelihood of the imposition by any
foreign government of exchange control restrictions which would affect the
liquidity of the Fund's assets maintained with custodians in foreign countries,
as well as the degree of risk from political acts of foreign governments to
which such assets may be exposed. The Board also considers the degree of risk
involved through the holding of portfolio securities in domestic and foreign
securities depositories (see "Investment Management and Other Services -
Shareholder Servicing Agent and Custodian"). However, in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of TGAL, any losses
resulting from the holding of the Fund's portfolio securities in foreign
countries and/or with securities depositories will be at the risk of the
shareholders. No assurance can be given that the Boards' appraisal of the risks
will always be correct or that such exchange control restrictions or political
acts of foreign governments might not occur.
There are additional risks involved in stock index futures transactions. These
risks relate to the Fund's ability to reduce or eliminate its futures positions,
which will depend upon the liquidity of the secondary markets for such futures.
The Fund intends to purchase or sell futures only on exchanges or boards of
trade where there appears to be an active secondary market, but there is no
assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular contract
or at any particular time. Use of stock index futures for hedging may involve
risks because of imperfect correlations between movements in the prices of the
stock index futures on the one hand and movements in the prices of the
securities being hedged or of the underlying stock index on the other.
Successful use of stock index futures by the Fund for hedging purposes also
depends upon TGAL's ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of
the market, as to which no assurance can be given.
There are several risks associated with transactions in options on securities
indices. For example, there are significant differences between the securities
and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these
markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. A decision
as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of
12
<PAGE>
skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to
some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events. There can be no
assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out an
option position. If the Fund were unable to close out an option that it had
purchased on a securities index, it would have to exercise the option in order
to realize any profit or the option may expire worthless. If trading were
suspended in an option purchased by the Fund, it would not be able to close out
the option. If restrictions on exercise were imposed, the Fund might be unable
to exercise an option it has purchased. Except to the extent that a call option
on an index written by the Fund is covered by an option on the same index
purchased by the Fund, movements in the index may result in a loss to the Fund;
however, such losses may be mitigated by changes in the value of the Fund's
securities during the period the option was outstanding.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund has adopted the following restrictions as fundamental policies. These
restrictions may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Under the 1940 Act, this means the
approval of (i) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund or (ii) 67%
or more of the shares of the Fund present at a shareholder meeting if more than
50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are represented at the meeting in
person or by proxy, whichever is less. The Fund MAY NOT:
1. Invest in real estate or mortgages on real estate (although
the Fund may invest in marketable securities secured by real
estate or interests therein or issued by companies or
investment trusts which invest in real estate or interests
therein); invest in interests (other than debentures or equity
stock interests) in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or
development programs; purchase or sell commodity contracts
except stock index futures contracts; invest in other open-end
investment companies or, as an operating policy approved by
the Board, invest in closed-end investment companies.
2. Purchase or retain securities of any company in which
directors or officers of the Fund or of its Investment
Manager, individually owning more than 1/2 of 1% of the
securities of such company, in the aggregate own more than 5%
of the securities of such company.
3. Purchase more than 10% of any class of securities of any one
company, including more than 10% of its
13
<PAGE>
outstanding voting securities, or invest in any company for
the purpose of exercising control or management.
4. Act as an underwriter; issue senior securities; purchase on
margin or sell short; write, buy or sell puts, calls,
straddles or spreads (but the Fund may make margin payments in
connection with, and purchase and sell, stock index futures
contracts and options on securities indices).
5. Loan money, apart from the purchase of a portion of an issue
of publicly distributed bonds, debentures, notes and other
evidences of indebtedness, although the Fund may buy Canadian
and U.S. government obligations with a simultaneous agreement
by the seller to repurchase them within no more than seven
days at the original purchase price plus accrued interest.
6. Borrow money for any purpose other than redeeming its shares
or purchasing its shares for cancellation, and then only as a
temporary measure to an amount not exceeding 5% of the value
of its total assets, or pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate its
assets other than to secure such temporary borrowings, and
then only to such extent not exceeding 10% of the value of its
total assets as the Board may by resolution approve. (For the
purposes of this Restriction, collateral arrangements with
respect to margin for a stock index futures contract are not
deemed to be a pledge of assets.)
7. Invest more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets in
securities of issuers which have been in continuous operation
less than three years.
8. Invest more than 5% of the Fund's total assets in warrants,
whether or not listed on the NYSE or AMEX, including no more
than 2% of its total assets which may be invested in warrants
that are not listed on those exchanges. Warrants acquired by
the Fund in units or attached to securities are not included
in this Restriction. This Restriction does not apply to
options on securities indices.
9. Invest more than 15% of the Fund's total assets in securities
of foreign issuers that are not listed on a recognized U.S. or
foreign securities exchange, including no more than 10% of its
total assets (including warrants) which may be invested in
securities with a limited trading market. The Fund's
14
<PAGE>
position in the latter type of securities may be of such size
as to affect adversely their liquidity and marketability and
the Fund may not be able to dispose of its holdings in these
securities at the current market price.
10. Invest more than 25% of the Fund's total assets in a single
industry.
11. Invest in "letter stocks" or securities on which there are
sales restrictions under a purchase agreement.
12. Participate on a joint or a joint and several basis in any
trading account in securities. (See "How does the Fund Buy
Securities for its Portfolio?" as to transactions in the same
securities for the Fund, other clients and/or other mutual
funds within the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.)
If a percentage restriction is met at the time of investment, a later increase
or decrease in the percentage due to a change in value of portfolio securities
or the amount of assets will not be considered a violation of any of the
foregoing restrictions. The value of the Fund's assets is calculated as
described in the Prospectus under the heading "Transaction Procedures and
Special Requirements - How and When Shares are Priced." Nothing in the
Investment Policies or Investment Restrictions (except Restrictions 9 and 10)
shall be deemed to prohibit the Fund from purchasing securities pursuant to
subscription rights distributed to the Fund by any issuer of securities held at
the time in its portfolio (as long as such purchase is not contrary to the
Fund's status as a diversified investment company under the 1940 Act).
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The Board has the responsibility for the overall management of the Fund,
including general supervision and review of its investment activities. The
Board, in turn, elects the officers of the Fund who are responsible for
administering the Fund's day-to-day operations. The affiliations of the officers
and Board members and their principal occupations for the past five years are
shown below. Members of the Board who are considered "interested persons" of the
Fund under the 1940 Act are indicated by an asterisk (*).
15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
OFFICES WITH THE DURING THE PAST FIVE
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE FUND YEARS
- --------------------- ---------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C>
HARRIS J. ASHTON Director Chairman of the board, president and
Metro Center chief executive officer of General
1 Station Place Host Corporation (nursery and craft
Stamford, Connecticut centers); director of RBC Holdings
Age 64 (U.S.A.) Inc. (a bank holding company)
and Bar-S Foods; and director or trustee
of 55 of the investment companies in the
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
NICHOLAS F. BRADY* Director Chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets
The Bullitt House Investment Trust PLC; chairman of
102 East Dover Street Templeton Latin America Investment
Easton, Maryland Trust PLC; chairman of Darby Overseas
Age 66 Investments, Ltd. (an investment firm)
(1994-present); chairman and director of
Templeton Central and Eastern European
Fund; director of the Amerada Hess
Corporation, Christiana Companies, and
the H.J. Heinz Company; formerly,
Secretary of the United States
Department of the Treasury (1988-1993)
and chairman of the board of Dillon,
Read & Co. Inc. (investment banking)
prior to 1988; and director or trustee
of 23 of the investment companies in the
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
VON DIERGARDT, BARON HASSO-GEZA Director Farmer; president of Clairhaven
Rural Route 3 Investments, Ltd. and other private
Stouffville, Ontario investment companies; and director or
Canada trustee of 12 of the investment
Age 80 companies in the Franklin Templeton
Group of Funds.
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
S. JOSEPH FORTUNATO Director Member of the law firm of Pitney,
200 Campus Drive Hardin, Kipp & Szuch; director of
Florham Park, New Jersey General Host Corporation (nursery and
Age 64 craft centers); and director or
trustee of 57 of the investment
companies in the Franklin Templeton
Group of Funds.
JOHN Wm. GALBRAITH Director President of Galbraith Properties,
360 Central Avenue Inc. (personal investment company);
Suite 1300 director of Gulf West Banks, Inc.
St. Petersburg, Florida (bank holding company) (1995-present);
Age 75 formerly, director of Mercantile Bank
(1991-1995), vice chairman of
Templeton, Galbraith & Hansberger Ltd.
(1986-1992), and chairman of Templeton
Funds Management, Inc. (1974-1991);
and director or trustee of 22 of the
investment companies in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds.
ANDREW H. HINES, JR. Director Consultant for the Triangle Consulting
150 2nd Avenue N. Group; chairman and director of
St. Petersburg, Florida Precise Power Corporation;
Age 73 executive-in-residence of Eckerd
College (1991-present); director of
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc.;
formerly, chairman of the board and
chief executive officer of Florida
Progress Corporation (1982-1990) and
director of various of its subsidiaries;
and director or trustee of 24 of the
investment companies in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds.
CHARLES B. JOHNSON* Chairman of the Board and President, chief executive officer,
777 Mariners Island Blvd. President and director of Franklin Resources,
San Mateo, California Inc.; chairman of the board and
Age 63 director of Franklin Advisers, Inc. and
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.;
director of General Host Corporation
(nursery and craft centers) and Franklin
Templeton Investor Services, Inc.; and
officer and/or director, trustee or
managing general partner, as the case
may be, of most other subsidiaries of
Franklin Resources, Inc. and 56 of the
investment companies in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds.
BETTY P. KRAHMER Director Director or trustee of various civic
2201 Kentmere Parkway associations; formerly, economic
Wilmington, Delaware analyst, U.S. government; and director
Age 67 or trustee of 23 of the investment
companies in the Franklin Templeton
Group of Funds.
GORDON S. MACKLIN Director Chairman of White River Corporation
8212 Burning Tree Road (information services); director of
Bethesda, Maryland Fund America Enterprises Holdings,
Age 68 Inc., MCI Communications Corporation,
Fusion Systems Corporation, Infovest
Corporation, MedImmune, Inc., Source One
Mortgage Services Corporation, and
Shoppers Express, Inc. (on-line shopping
service); formerly, chairman of
Hambrecht and Quist Group, director of
H&Q Healthcare Investors and Lockheed
Martin Corporation, and president of the
National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc.; and director or trustee
of 52 of the investment companies in the
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds
FRED R. MILLSAPS Director Manager of personal investments
2665 N.E. 37th Drive (1978-present); director of
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Age 67 various business and nonprofit
organizations; formerly, chairman and
chief executive officer of Landmark
Banking Corporation (1969-1978),
financial vice president of Florida
Power and Light (1965-1969), and vice
president of The Federal Reserve Bank of
Atlanta (1958-1965); and director or
trustee of 24 of the investment
companies in the Franklin Templeton
Group of Funds.
MARK G. HOLOWESKO President President and director of Templeton
Lyford Cay Global Advisors Limited; chief
Nassau, Bahamas investment officer of global equity
Age 36 research for Templeton Worldwide,
Inc.; president or vice president of the
Templeton Funds; formerly, investment
administrator with Roy West Trust
Corporation (Bahamas) Limited
(1984-1985); and officer of 23 of the
investment companies in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds.
RUPERT H. JOHNSON, JR. Vice President Executive vice president and director
777 Mariners Island Blvd. of Franklin Resources, Inc. and
San Mateo, California Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.;
Age 56 president and director of Franklin
Advisers, Inc.; director of Franklin
Templeton Investor Services, Inc.; and
officer and/or director, trustee or
managing general partner, as the case
may be, of most other subsidiaries of
Franklin Resources, Inc. and 60 of the
investment companies in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds.
HARMON E. BURNS Vice President Executive vice president, secretary
777 Mariners Island Blvd. and director of Franklin Resources,
San Mateo, California Inc.;
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Age 51 executive vice president and director of
Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.;
executive vice president of Franklin
Advisers, Inc.; officer and/or director,
as the case may be, of other
subsidiaries of Franklin Resources,
Inc.; and officer and/or director or
trustee of 60 of the investment
companies in the Franklin Templeton
Group of Funds.
CHARLES E. JOHNSON Vice President Senior vice president and director of
500 East Broward Blvd. Franklin Resources, Inc.; senior vice
Fort Lauderdale, Florida president of Franklin Templeton
Age 40 Distributors, Inc.; president and
chief executive officer of Templeton
Worldwide, Inc.; president and director
of Franklin Institutional Services
Corporation; chairman of the board of
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc.;
officer and/or director, as the case may
be, of other subsidiaries of Franklin
Resources, Inc.; and officer and/or
director or trustee of 39 of the
investment companies in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds.
DEBORAH R. GATZEK Vice President Senior vice president and general
777 Mariners Island Blvd. counsel of Franklin Resources, Inc.;
San Mateo, California senior vice president of Franklin
Age 47 Templeton Distributors, Inc.; vice
president of Franklin Advisers, Inc.;
and officer of 60 of the investment
companies in the Franklin Templeton
Group of Funds.
MARTIN L. FLANAGAN Vice President Senior vice president, treasurer and
777 Mariners Island Blvd. chief financial officer of Franklin
San Mateo, California Resources, Inc.;
Age 36
</TABLE>
20
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
director and executive vice president of
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc.; a
member of the International Society of
Financial Analysts and the American
Institute of Certified Public
Accountants; formerly, with Arthur
Andersen & Company (1982-1983); officer
and/or director, as the case may be, of
other subsidiaries of Franklin
Resources, Inc.; and officer and/or
director or trustee of 60 of the
investment companies in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds.
JOHN R. KAY Vice President Vice president and treasurer of
500 East Broward Blvd. Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; assistant
Fort Lauderdale, Florida vice president of Franklin Templeton
Age 56 Distributors, Inc.; formerly, vice
president and controller of the Keystone
Group, Inc.; and officer of 27 of the
investment companies in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds.
ELIZABETH M. KNOBLOCK Vice President - Compliance General counsel, secretary and a
500 East Broward Blvd. senior vice president of Templeton
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Investment Counsel, Inc.; formerly,
Age 41 vice president and associate general
counsel of Kidder Peabody & Co. Inc.
(1989-1990), assistant general counsel
of Gruntal & Co., Inc. (1988), vice
president and associate general
counsel of Shearson Lehman Hutton Inc.
(1988), vice president and assistant
general counsel of E.F. Hutton & Co.
Inc. (1986-1988), and special counsel
of the division of investment
management of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (1984-
</TABLE>
21
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
1986); and officer of 23 of the
investment companies in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds.
JAMES R. BAIO Treasurer Certified public accountant; senior
500 East Broward Blvd. vice president of Templeton Worldwide,
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Inc., and Templeton Funds Trust
Age 42 Company; formerly, senior tax manager
with Ernst & Young (certified public
accountants) (1977-1989); and treasurer
of 23 of the investment companies in the
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
BARBARA J. GREEN Secretary Senior vice president of Templeton
500 East Broward Blvd. Worldwide, Inc. and an officer of
Fort Lauderdale, Florida other subsidiaries of Templeton
Age 49 Worldwide, Inc.; formerly, deputy
director of the Division of Investment
Management, executive assistant and
senior advisor to the chairman,
counsellor to the chairman, special
counsel and attorney fellow, U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission
(1986-1995), attorney, Rogers & Wells,
and judicial clerk, U.S. District Court
(District of Massachusetts); and
secretary of 23 of the investment
companies in the Franklin Templeton
Group of Funds.
</TABLE>
The table above shows the officers and Board members who are affiliated with
Distributors and TGAL. Nonaffiliated members of the Board and Mr. Brady are
currently paid an annual retainer and/or fees for attendance at Board and
Committee meetings, the amount of which is based on the level of assets in the
Fund. Accordingly, the Fund currently pays the independent members of the Board
and Mr. Brady an annual retainer of $12,500 and a fee of $950 per meeting of the
Board and its portion of a flat fee of $2,000 for each Audit Committee meeting
and/or Nominating and
22
<PAGE>
Compensation Committee meeting attended. As shown above, some of the
nonaffiliated Board members also serve as directors, trustees or managing
general partners of other investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group
of Funds. They may receive fees from these funds for their services. The
following table provides the total fees paid to nonaffiliated Board members and
Mr. Brady by the Fund and by other funds in the Franklin Templeton Group of
Funds.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
BOARDS IN THE
TOTAL FEES FRANKLIN
RECEIVED FROM TEMPLETON GROUP
TOTAL FEES THE FRANKLIN OF FUNDS ON
RECEIVED FROM TEMPLETON GROUP WHICH EACH
NAME THE FUND(A) OF FUNDS(B) SERVES(C)
- ---- --------- --------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Harris J. Ashton $15,700 $339,592 55
Nicholas F. Brady 15,700 119,275 23
F. Bruce Clarke(D) 15,843 69,500 0
Hasso-G von
Diergardt-Naglo(E) 15,700 66,375 0
S. Joseph Fortunato 15,700 356,412 57
John Wm. Galbraith 13,943 102,475 22
Andrew H. Hines, Jr. 15,910 130,525 24
Betty P. Krahmer 15,700 119,275 23
Gordon S. Macklin 15,767 331,542 52
Fred R. Millsaps 15,843 130,525 24
</TABLE>
(A) For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996.
(B) For the calendar year ended December 31, 1996.
(C) We base the number of boards on the number of registered investment
companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds. This number does not include
the total number of series or funds within each investment company for which the
Board members are responsible. The Franklin Templeton Group of Funds currently
includes 61 registered investment companies, with approximately 171 U.S. based
funds or series.
(D) Mr. Clarke resigned as a director on October 20, 1996.
(E) Mr. Von Diergardt resigned as a director on December 31, 1996.
23
<PAGE>
Nonaffiliated members of the Board and Mr. Brady are reimbursed for expenses
incurred in connection with attending board meetings, and paid pro rata by each
fund in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds for which they serve as director,
trustee or managing general partner. No officer or Board member received any
other compensation, including pension or retirement benefits, directly or
indirectly from the Fund or other funds in the Franklin Templeton Group of
Funds. Certain officers or Board members who are shareholders of Resources may
be deemed to receive indirect remuneration by virtue of their participation, if
any, in the fees paid to its subsidiaries.
As of December 1, 1996, the officers and Board members, as a group, owned of
record and beneficially approximately 496,656, or less than 1% of the total
outstanding shares of the Fund. Many of the Board members also own shares in
other funds in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds. Charles B. Johnson and
Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. are brothers and the father and uncle, respectively, of
Charles E. Johnson.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES
Investment Manager and Services Provided. The Fund's investment manager is TGAL.
TGAL provides investment research and portfolio management services, including
the selection of securities for the Fund to buy, hold or sell and the selection
of brokers through whom the Fund's portfolio transactions are executed. TGAL
renders its services to the Fund from outside the U.S. and its activities
are subject to the review and supervision of the Board to whom TGAL renders
periodic reports of the Fund's investment activities. TGAL is covered by
fidelity insurance on its officers, directors and employees for the protection
of the Fund.
TGAL and its affiliates act as investment manager to numerous other investment
companies and accounts. TGAL may give advice and take action with respect to any
of the other funds it manages, or for its own account, that may differ from
action taken by TGAL on behalf of the Fund. Similarly, with respect to the Fund,
TGAL is not obligated to recommend, buy or sell, or to refrain from
recommending, buying or selling any security that TGAL and access persons, as
defined by the 1940 Act, may buy or sell for its or their own account or for the
accounts of any other fund. TGAL is not obligated to refrain from investing in
securities held by the Fund or other funds that it manages. Of course, any
transactions for the accounts of TGAL and other access persons will be made in
compliance with the Fund's Code of Ethics. Please see "Miscellaneous Information
- - Summary of Code of Ethics."
24
<PAGE>
Management Fees. Under its management agreement, the Fund pays TGAL a monthly
management fee equal to an annual rate of 0.75% of its average daily net assets
up to $200,000,000, reduced to a fee of 0.675% of such net assets in excess of
$200,000,000, and further reduced to a fee of 0.60% of such net assets in excess
of $1,300,000,000. Each class pays its proportionate share of the management
fee.
For the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, management fees were
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended August 31 1996 1995 1994
- ------------------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees $48,379,594 $37,081,820 $29,634,284
</TABLE>
Management Agreement. The management agreement may continue in effect for
successive annual periods if its continuance is specifically approved at least
annually by a vote of the Board or by a vote of the holders of a majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting securities, and in either event by a majority vote of
the Board members who are not parties to the management agreement or interested
persons of any such party (other than as members of the Board), cast in person
at a meeting called for that purpose. The management agreement may be terminated
without penalty at any time by the Board or by a vote of the holders of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, or by TGAL on 60 days'
written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment,
as defined in the 1940 Act.
Administrative Services. FT Services (and, prior to October 1, 1996, Templeton
Global Investors, Inc.) provides certain administrative services and facilities
for the Fund. These include preparing and maintaining books, records, and tax
and financial reports, and monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements.
FT Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Resources.
Under its administration agreement, the Fund pays FT Services a monthly
administration fee equal to an annual rate of 0.15% of the Fund's average daily
net assets up to $200 million, 0.135% of average daily net assets over $200
million up to $700 million, 0.10% of average daily net assets over $700 million
up to $1.2 billion, and 0.075% of average daily net assets over $1.2 billion.
During the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, administration
fees totaling $6,481,909, $5,069,519 and $4,138,659, respectively, were paid to
Templeton Global Investors, Inc.
Shareholder Servicing Agent. Investor Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Resources, is the Fund's shareholder servicing agent
25
<PAGE>
and acts as the Fund's transfer agent and dividend-paying agent. Investor
Services is compensated on the basis of a fixed fee per account.
Custodian. The Chase Manhattan Bank, at its principal office at MetroTech
Center, Brooklyn, NY 11245, and at the offices of its branches and agencies
throughout the world, acts as custodian of the Fund's assets. The custodian does
not participate in decisions relating to the purchase and sale of portfolio
securities.
Auditors. McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, 555 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017, are the
Fund's independent auditors. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, their
auditing services consisted of rendering an opinion on the financial statements
of the Fund included in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal
year ended August 31, 1996, and review of the Fund's filings with the SEC and
the IRS. Advisor Class shares of the Fund were not offered to the public before
January 1, 1997.
HOW DOES THE FUND BUY SECURITIES FOR ITS PORTFOLIO?
The selection of brokers and dealers to execute transactions in the Fund's
portfolio is made by TGAL in accordance with criteria set forth in the
investment management agreement and any directions that the Board may give.
When placing a portfolio transaction, TGAL seeks to obtain prompt execution of
orders at the most favorable net price. When portfolio transactions are done on
a securities exchange, the amount of commission paid by the Fund is negotiated
between TGAL and the broker executing the transaction. The determination and
evaluation of the reasonableness of the brokerage commissions paid in connection
with portfolio transactions are based to a large degree on the professional
opinions of the persons responsible for the placement and review of the
transactions. These opinions are based on the experience of these individuals in
the securities industry and information available to them about the level of
commissions being paid by other institutional investors of comparable size. TGAL
will ordinarily place orders to buy and sell over-the-counter securities on a
principal rather than agency basis with a principal market maker unless, in the
opinion of TGAL, a better price and execution can otherwise be obtained.
Purchases of portfolio securities from underwriters will include a commission or
concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers
will include a spread between the bid and ask price.
The amount of commission is not the only factor TGAL considers in the selection
of a broker to execute a trade. If TGAL believes it
26
<PAGE>
is in the Fund's best interest, it may place portfolio transactions with brokers
who provide the types of services described below, even if it means the Fund
will pay a higher commission than if no weight were given to the broker's
furnishing of these services. This will be done only if, in the opinion of TGAL,
the amount of any additional commission is reasonable in relation to the value
of the services. Higher commissions will be paid only when the brokerage and
research services received are bona fide and produce a direct benefit to the
Fund or assist TGAL in carrying out its responsibilities to the Fund, or when it
is otherwise in the best interest of the Fund to do so, whether or not such
services may also be useful to TGAL in advising other clients.
When TGAL believes several brokers are equally able to provide the best net
price and execution, it may decide to execute transactions through brokers who
provide quotations and other services to the Fund, in an amount of total
brokerage as may reasonably be required in light of these services.
Specifically, these services may include providing the quotations necessary to
determine the Fund's Net Asset Value, as well as research, statistical and other
data.
It is not possible to place a dollar value on the special executions or on the
research services received by TGAL from dealers effecting transactions in
portfolio securities. The allocation of transactions in order to obtain
additional research services permits TGAL to supplement its own research and
analysis activities and to receive the views and information of individuals and
research staff of other securities firms. As long as it is lawful and
appropriate to do so, TGAL and its affiliates may use this research and data in
their investment advisory capacities with other clients. If the Fund's officers
are satisfied that the best execution is obtained, consistent with internal
policies the sale of Fund shares, as well as shares of other funds in the
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds, may also be considered a factor in the
selection of broker-dealers to execute the Fund's portfolio transactions.
Because Distributors is a member of the NASD, it may sometimes receive certain
fees when the Fund tenders portfolio securities pursuant to a tender-offer
solicitation. As a means of recapturing brokerage for the benefit of the Fund,
any portfolio securities tendered by the Fund will be tendered through
Distributors if it is legally permissible to do so. In turn, the next investment
management fee payable to TGAL will be reduced by the amount of any fees
received by Distributors in cash, less any costs and expenses incurred in
connection with the tender.
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If purchases or sales of securities of the Fund and one or more other investment
companies or clients supervised by TGAL are considered at or about the same
time, transactions in these securities will be allocated among the several
investment companies and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all by TGAL,
taking into account the respective sizes of the funds and the amount of
securities to be purchased or sold. In some cases this procedure could have a
detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security so far as the Fund is
concerned. In other cases it is possible that the ability to participate in
volume transactions and to negotiate lower brokerage commissions will be
beneficial to the Fund.
During the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Fund paid
brokerage commissions totaling $7,918,000, $8,559,000 and $6,914,000,
respectively.
As of August 31, 1996, the Fund did not own securities of its regular
broker-dealers.
HOW DO I BUY, SELL AND EXCHANGE SHARES?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON BUYING SHARES
The Fund continuously offers its shares through Securities Dealers who have an
agreement with Distributors. Securities Dealers may at times receive the entire
sales charge on Class I and Class II shares. A Securities Dealer who receives
90% or more of sales charge may be deemed an underwriter under the 1933 Act.
Securities laws of states where the Fund offers its shares may differ from
federal law. Banks and financial institutions that sell shares of the Fund may
be required by state law to register as Securities Dealers. Financial
institutions or their affiliated brokers may receive an agency transaction fee
in the percentages indicated in the table under "How Do I Buy Shares? - Purchase
Price of Fund Shares" in the Prospectus.
When you buy shares, if you submit a check or a draft that is returned unpaid to
the Fund we may impose a $10 charge against your account for each returned item.
Under agreements with certain banks in Taiwan, Republic of China, the Fund's
shares are available to these banks' trust accounts without a sales charge. The
banks may charge service fees to their customers who participate in the trusts.
A portion of these service fees may be paid to Distributors or one of its
affiliates to help defray expenses of maintaining a service office in Taiwan,
including expenses related to local literature fulfillment and communication
facilities.
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Reinvestment Date. Shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends will be
purchased at the Net Asset Value determined on the business day following the
dividend record date (sometimes known as the "ex-dividend date"). The processing
date for the reinvestment of dividends may vary and does not affect the amount
or value of the shares acquired.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON EXCHANGING SHARES
If you request the exchange of the total value of your account, declared but
unpaid income dividends and capital gain distributions will be exchanged into
the new fund and will be invested at Net Asset Value. Backup withholding and
information reporting may apply. Information regarding the possible tax
consequences of an exchange is included in the tax section in this SAI and in
the Prospectus.
If a substantial number of shareholders should, within a short period, sell
their shares of the Fund under the exchange privilege, the Fund might have to
sell portfolio securities it might otherwise hold and incur the additional costs
related to such transactions. On the other hand, increased use of the exchange
privilege may result in periodic large inflows of money. If this occurs, it is
the Fund's general policy to initially invest this money in short-term,
interest-bearing money market instruments, unless it is believed that attractive
investment opportunities consistent with the Fund's investment objective[s]
exist immediately. This money will then be withdrawn from the short-term money
market instruments and invested in portfolio securities in as orderly a manner
as is possible when attractive investment opportunities arise.
The proceeds from the sale of shares of an investment company are generally not
available until the fifth business day following the sale. The funds you are
seeking to exchange into may delay issuing shares pursuant to an exchange until
that fifth business day. The sale of Fund shares to complete an exchange will be
effected at Net Asset Value at the close of business on the day the request for
exchange is received in proper form. Please see "May I Exchange Shares for
Shares of Another Fund?" in the Prospectus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SELLING SHARES
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. There are no service charges for establishing or
maintaining a systematic withdrawal plan. Once your plan is established, any
distributions paid by the Fund will be automatically reinvested in your account.
Payments under the plan will be made from the redemption of an equivalent amount
of
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shares in your account, generally on the last day of the month in which a
payment is scheduled.
Redeeming shares through a systematic withdrawal plan may reduce or exhaust the
shares in your account if payments exceed distributions received from the Fund.
This is especially likely to occur if there is a market decline. If a withdrawal
amount exceeds the value of your account, your account will be closed and the
remaining balance in your account will be sent to you. Because the amount
withdrawn under the plan may be more than your actual yield or income, part of
the payment may be a return of your investment.
The Fund may discontinue a systematic withdrawal plan by notifying you in
writing and will automatically discontinue a systematic withdrawal plan if all
shares in your account are withdrawn or if the Fund receives notification of the
shareholder's death or incapacity.
Through Your Securities Dealer. If you sell shares through your Securities
Dealer, it is your dealer's responsibility to transmit the order to the Fund in
a timely fashion. Any loss to you resulting from your dealer's failure to do so
must be settled between you and your Securities Dealer.
Redemptions in Kind. The Fund has committed itself to pay in cash (by check) all
requests for redemption by any shareholder of record, limited in amount,
however, during any 90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the value
of the Fund's net assets at the beginning of the 90-day period. This commitment
is irrevocable without the prior approval of the SEC. In the case of redemption
requests in excess of these amounts, the Board reserves the right to make
payments in whole or in part in securities or other assets of the Fund, in case
of an emergency, or if the payment of such a redemption in cash would be
detrimental to the existing shareholders of the Fund. In these circumstances,
the securities distributed would be valued at the price used to compute the
Fund's net assets and you may incur brokerage fees in converting the securities
to cash. The Fund does not intend to redeem illiquid securities in kind. If this
happens, however, you may not be able to recover your investment in a timely
manner.
GENERAL INFORMATION
If dividend checks are returned to the Fund marked "unable to forward" by the
postal service, we will consider this a request by you to change your dividend
option to reinvest all distributions. The proceeds will be reinvested in
additional shares at Net Asset Value until we receive new instructions.
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If mail is returned as undeliverable or we are unable to locate you or verify
your current mailing address, we may deduct the costs of our efforts to find you
from your account. These costs may include a percentage of the account when a
search company charges a percentage fee in exchange for its location services.
All checks, drafts, wires and other payment mediums used to buy or sell shares
of the Fund must be denominated in U.S. dollars. We may, in our sole discretion,
either (a) reject any order to buy or sell shares denominated in any other
currency or (b) honor the transaction or make adjustments to your account for
the transaction as of a date and with a foreign currency exchange factor
determined by the drawee bank.
Special Services. The Franklin Templeton Institutional Services Department
provides specialized services, including recordkeeping, for institutional
investors. The cost of these services is not borne by the Fund.
Investor Services may pay certain financial institutions that maintain omnibus
accounts with the Fund on behalf of numerous beneficial owners for recordkeeping
operations performed with respect to such owners. For each beneficial owner in
the omnibus account, the Fund may reimburse Investor Services an amount not to
exceed the per account fee that the Fund normally pays Investor Services. These
financial institutions may also charge a fee for their services directly to
their clients.
Certain shareholder servicing agents may be authorized to accept your
transaction request.
HOW ARE FUND SHARES VALUED?
We calculate the Net Asset Value per share of each class as of the scheduled
close of the NYSE, generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, each day that the NYSE is
open for trading. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund is informed that the NYSE
observes the following holidays: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
For the purpose of determining the aggregate net assets of the Fund, cash and
receivables are valued at their realizable amounts. Interest is recorded as
accrued and dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Portfolio securities
listed on a securities exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System for
which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale
price of the day or, if there is no such reported sale, within the range of the
most recent quoted bid and ask prices. Over-the-counter portfolio securities are
valued
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within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. Portfolio
securities that are traded both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock
exchange are valued according to the broadest and most representative market as
determined by TGAL.
Portfolio securities underlying actively traded call options are valued at their
market price as determined above. The current market value of any option held by
the Fund is its last sale price on the relevant exchange prior to the time when
assets are valued. Lacking any sales that day or if the last sale price is
outside the bid and ask prices, options are valued within the range of the
current closing bid and ask prices if the valuation is believed to fairly
reflect the contract's market value.
Trading in securities on European and Far Eastern securities exchanges and
over-the-counter markets is normally completed well before the close of business
of the NYSE on each day that the NYSE is open. Trading in European or Far
Eastern securities generally, or in a particular country or countries, may not
take place on every NYSE business day. Furthermore, trading takes place in
various foreign markets on days that are not business days for the NYSE and on
which the Net Asset Value of each class is not calculated. Thus, the calculation
of the Net Asset Value of each class does not take place contemporaneously with
the determination of the prices of many of the portfolio securities used in the
calculation and, if events materially affecting the values of these foreign
securities occur, the securities will be valued at fair value as determined by
management and approved in good faith by the Board.
Generally, trading in corporate bonds, U.S. government securities and money
market instruments is substantially completed each day at various times before
the scheduled close of the NYSE. The value of these securities used in computing
the Net Asset Value of each class is determined as of such times. Occasionally,
events affecting the values of these securities may occur between the times at
which they are determined and the scheduled close of the NYSE that will not be
reflected in the computation of the Net Asset Value of each class. If events
materially affecting the values of these securities occur during this period,
the securities will be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by
the Board.
Other securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at
the current market price, which may be obtained from a pricing service, based on
a variety of factors including recent trades, institutional size trading in
similar types of securities (considering yield, risk and maturity) and/or
developments related to specific issues. Securities and other assets for which
market prices are not readily available are
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valued at fair value as determined following procedures approved by the Board.
With the approval of the Board, the Fund may utilize a pricing service, bank or
Securities Dealer to perform any of the above described functions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DISTRIBUTIONS
You may receive two types of distributions from the Fund:
1. Income dividends. The Fund receives income generally in the form of
dividends, interest and other income derived from its investments. This income,
less the expenses incurred in the Fund's operations, is its net investment
income from which income dividends may be distributed. Thus, the amount of
dividends paid per share may vary with each distribution.
2. Capital gain distributions. The Fund may derive capital gains or losses in
connection with sales or other dispositions of its portfolio securities.
Distributions by the Fund derived from net short-term and net long-term capital
gains (after taking into account any capital loss carryforward or post October
loss deferral) may generally be made once a year in December to reflect any net
short-term and net long-term capital gains realized by the Fund as of October 31
of the current fiscal year and any undistributed capital gains from the prior
fiscal year. The Fund may make more than one distribution derived from net
short-term and net long-term capital gains in any year or adjust the timing of
these distributions for operational or other reasons.
TAXES
As stated in the Prospectus, the Fund has elected and qualified to be treated as
a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. The status of the
Fund as a regulated investment company does not involve government supervision
of management or of its investment practices or policies. As a regulated
investment company, the Fund generally will be relieved of liability for U.S.
federal income tax on that portion of its net investment income and net realized
capital gains which it distributes to its shareholders. Amounts not distributed
on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement
also are subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax. To prevent application of the
excise tax, the Fund intends to make distributions in accordance with the
calendar year distribution requirement.
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The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund as a
regulated investment company if it determines this course of action to be
beneficial to shareholders. In that case, the Fund will be subject to federal
and possibly state corporate taxes on its taxable income and gains, and
distributions to shareholders will be taxable to the extent of the Fund's
available earnings and profits.
Dividends of net investment income and net short-term capital gains are taxable
to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions of net investment income may
be eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction to the extent
attributable to the Fund's qualifying dividend income. However, the alternative
minimum tax applicable to corporations may reduce the benefit of the
dividends-received deduction. Distributions of net capital gains (the excess of
net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) designated by
the Fund as capital gain dividends are taxable to shareholders as long-term
capital gains, regardless of the length of time the Fund's shares have been held
by a shareholder, and are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
Generally, dividends and distributions are taxable to shareholders, whether
received in cash or reinvested in shares of the Fund. Any distributions that are
not from the Fund's investment company taxable income or net capital gain may be
characterized as a return of capital to shareholders or, in some cases, as
capital gain. Shareholders will be notified annually as to the federal tax
status of dividends and distributions they receive and any tax withheld thereon.
Distributions by the Fund reduce the Net Asset Value of the Fund shares. Should
a distribution reduce the Net Asset Value below a shareholder's cost basis, the
distribution nevertheless would be taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income
or capital gain as described above, even though, from an investment standpoint,
it may constitute a partial return of capital. In particular, investors should
be careful to consider the tax implication of buying shares just prior to a
distribution by the Fund. The price of shares purchased at that time includes
the amount of the forthcoming distribution, but the distribution will generally
be taxable to them.
The Fund may invest in stocks of foreign companies that are classified under the
Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). In general, a foreign
company is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of its assets constitute
investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type
income. Under the PFIC rules, an "excess distribution" received with respect to
PFIC stock is treated as having been realized ratably over the period during
which the Fund held the PFIC
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stock. The Fund itself will be subject to tax on the portion, if any, of the
excess distribution that is allocated to the Fund's holding period in prior
taxable years (and an interest factor will be added to the tax, as if the tax
had actually been payable in such prior taxable years) even though the Fund
distributes the corresponding income to shareholders. Excess distributions
include any gain from the sale of PFIC stock as well as certain distributions
from a PFIC. All excess distributions are taxable as ordinary income.
The Fund may be able to elect alternative tax treatment with respect to PFIC
stock. Under an election that currently may be available, the Fund generally
would be required to include in its gross income its share of the earnings of a
PFIC on a current basis, regardless of whether any distributions are received
from the PFIC. If this election were made, the special rules, discussed above,
relating to the taxation of excess distributions, would not apply. In addition,
another election may be available that would involve marking to market the
Fund's PFIC shares at the end of each taxable year (and on certain other dates
prescribed in the Code), with the result that unrealized gains are treated as
though they were realized. If this election were made, tax at the fund level
under the PFIC rules would generally be eliminated, but the Fund could, in
limited circumstances, incur nondeductible interest charges. The Fund's
intention to qualify annually as a regulated investment company may limit its
elections with respect to PFIC shares.
Because the application of the PFIC rules may affect, among other things, the
character of gains, the amount of gain or loss and the timing of the recognition
of income with respect to PFIC stock, as well as subject the Fund itself to tax
on certain income from PFIC stock, the amount that must be distributed to
shareholders, and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income or
long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as compared
to a fund that did not invest in PFIC stock.
Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject
to withholding and other income or similar taxes imposed by such countries. If
more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of its
taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will be
eligible and intends to elect to "pass through" to the Fund's shareholders the
amount of foreign taxes paid by the Fund. Pursuant to this election, a
shareholder will be required to include in gross income (in addition to taxable
dividends actually received) his pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by the
Fund, and will be entitled either to deduct (as an itemized deduction) his pro
rata share of foreign income and similar taxes in computing his
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taxable income or to use it as a foreign tax credit against his U.S. federal
income tax liability, subject to limitations. No deduction for foreign taxes may
be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions, but such a
shareholder may be eligible to claim the foreign tax credit (see below). Each
shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of the Fund's
taxable year whether the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will "pass through" for
that year.
Generally, a credit for foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may
not exceed the shareholder's U.S. tax attributable to his foreign source taxable
income. For this purpose, if the pass-through election is made, the source of
the Fund's income flows through to its shareholders. With respect to the Fund,
gains from the sale of securities will be treated as derived from U.S. sources
and certain currency fluctuation gains, including fluctuation gains from foreign
currency-denominated debt securities, receivables and payables, will be treated
as ordinary income derived from U.S. sources. The limitation on the foreign tax
credit is applied separately to foreign source passive income (as defined for
purposes of the foreign tax credit), including the foreign source passive income
passed through by the Fund. Shareholders may be unable to claim a credit for the
full amount of their proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund.
Foreign taxes may not be deducted in computing alternative minimum taxable
income and the foreign tax credit can be used to offset only 90% of the
alternative minimum tax (as computed under the Code for purposes of this
limitation) imposed on corporations and individuals. If the Fund is not eligible
to make the election to "pass through" to its shareholders its foreign taxes,
the foreign income taxes it pays generally will reduce investment company
taxable income and the distributions by the Fund will be treated as U.S. source
income.
Certain options and futures contracts in which the Fund may invest are "section
1256 contracts." Gains or losses on section 1256 contracts generally are
considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses ("60/40");
however, foreign currency gains or losses (as discussed below) arising from
certain section 1256 contracts may be treated as ordinary income or loss. Also,
section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of each taxable year (and on
certain other dates as prescribed pursuant to the Code) are "marked to market"
with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were
realized.
Generally, the hedging transactions undertaken by the Fund may result in
"straddles" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect
the character of gains (or losses)
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realized by the Fund. In addition, losses realized by a Fund on positions that
are part of the straddle may be deferred under the straddle rules, rather than
being taken into account in calculating the taxable income for the taxable year
in which the losses are realized. Because only a few regulations implementing
the straddle rules have been promulgated, the tax consequences to the Fund of
hedging transactions are not entirely clear. The hedging transactions may
increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by a Fund which is taxed
as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders.
The Fund may make one or more of the elections available under the Code which
are applicable to straddles. If the Fund makes any of the elections, the amount,
character, and timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the affected
straddle positions will be determined under rules that vary according to the
election(s) made. The rules applicable under certain of the elections may
operate to accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected
straddle positions.
Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of gains or
losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from
the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to
shareholders and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income or
long-term capital gain may be increased or decreased as compared to a fund that
did not engage in such hedging transactions.
Requirements relating to the Fund's tax status as a regulated investment company
may limit the extent to which the Fund will be able to engage in transactions in
options and futures contracts.
The Fund may accrue and report interest income on discount bonds such as zero
coupon bonds or pay-in-kind securities, even though the Fund receives no cash
interest until the security's maturity or payment date. In order to qualify for
beneficial tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, and to
generally be relieved of federal tax liabilities, the Fund must distribute
substantially all of its net investment income and gains to shareholders on an
annual basis. Thus, the Fund may have to dispose of portfolio securities under
disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash or leverage itself by borrowing
cash in order to satisfy the distribution requirement.
Some of the debt securities may be purchased by the Fund at a discount which
exceeds the original issue discount on such debt securities, if any. This
additional discount represents market discount for federal income tax purposes.
The gain realized on the disposition of any taxable debt security having market
discount will be treated as ordinary income to the extent it does
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not exceed the accrued market discount on such debt security. Generally, market
discount accrues on a daily basis for each day the debt security is held by the
Fund at a constant rate over the time remaining to the debt security's maturity
or, at the election of the Fund, at a constant yield to maturity which takes
into account the semiannual compounding of interest.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues income or other
receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign
currency and the time the Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such
liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss.
Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency
and on disposition of certain financial contracts and options, gains or losses
attributable to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency between the date
of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition also are
treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains and losses, referred to under the
Code as "section 988" gains and losses, may increase or decrease the amount of
the Fund's net investment income to be distributed to its shareholders as
ordinary income. For example, fluctuations in exchange rates may increase the
amount of income that a Fund must distribute in order to qualify for treatment
as a regulated investment company and to prevent application of an excise tax on
undistributed income. Alternatively, fluctuations in exchange rates may decrease
or eliminate income available for distribution. If section 988 losses exceed
other net investment income during a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to
make ordinary dividend distributions, or distributions made before the losses
were realized would be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders
for federal income tax purposes, rather than as an ordinary dividend, reducing
each shareholder's basis in his Fund shares, or as a capital gain.
Upon the sale or exchange of his shares, a shareholder generally will realize a
taxable gain or loss depending upon his basis in the shares. Such gain or loss
will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in the
shareholder's hands, and generally will be long-term if the shareholder's
holding period for the shares is more than one year and generally otherwise will
be short-term. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange will be disallowed to the
extent that the shares disposed of are replaced (including replacement through
the reinvesting of dividends and capital gain distributions in the Fund) within
a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the
disposition of the shares. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will
be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized by a shareholder
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on the sale of Fund shares held by the shareholder for six months or less will
be treated for federal income tax purposes as a long-term capital loss to the
extent of any distributions of long-term capital gains received by the
shareholder with respect to such shares.
In some cases, shareholders will not be permitted to take sales charges into
account for purposes of determining the amount of gain or loss realized on the
disposition of their shares. This prohibition generally applies where (1) the
shareholder incurs a sales charge in acquiring the stock of a regulated
investment company, (2) the stock is disposed of before the 91st day after the
date on which it was acquired, and (3) the shareholder subsequently acquires
shares of the same or another regulated investment company and the otherwise
applicable sales charge is reduced or eliminated under a "reinvestment right"
received upon the initial purchase of shares of stock. In that case, the gain or
loss recognized will be determined by excluding from the tax basis of the shares
exchanged all or a portion of the sales charge incurred in acquiring those
shares. This exclusion applies to the extent that the otherwise applicable sales
charge with respect to the newly acquired shares is reduced as a result of
having incurred a sales charge initially. Sales charges affected by this rule
are treated as if they were incurred with respect to the stock acquired under
the reinvestment right. This provision may be applied to successive acquisitions
of shares of stock.
The Fund generally will be required to withhold federal income tax at a rate of
31% ("backup withholding") from dividends paid, capital gain distributions, and
redemption proceeds to shareholders if (1) the shareholder fails to furnish the
Fund with the shareholder's correct taxpayer identification number or social
security number and to make such certifications as the Fund may require, (2) the
IRS notifies the shareholder or the Fund that the shareholder has failed to
report properly certain interest and dividend income to the IRS and to respond
to notices to that effect, or (3) when required to do so, the shareholder fails
to certify that he is not subject to backup withholding. Any amounts withheld
may be credited against the shareholder's federal income tax liability.
Ordinary dividends and taxable capital gain distributions declared in October,
November, or December with a record date in such month and paid during the
following January will be treated as having been paid by the Fund and received
by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which declared, rather
than the calendar year in which the dividends are actually received.
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Distributions also may be subject to state, local and foreign taxes.
Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers for details with
respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in either
Fund. U.S. tax rules applicable to foreign investors may differ significantly
from those outlined above. In particular, shareholders of the Fund who are
citizens or residents of Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg or other countries
are specifically advised to consult their tax advisers with respect to the U.S.
and foreign tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.
THE FUND'S UNDERWRITER
Pursuant to an underwriting agreement, Distributors acts as principal
underwriter in a continuous public offering of the Fund's shares. The
underwriting agreement will continue in effect for successive annual periods if
its continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of the
Board or by a vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities, and in either event by a majority vote of the Board members who are
not parties to the underwriting agreement or interested persons of any such
party (other than as members of the Board), cast in person at a meeting called
for that purpose. The underwriting agreement terminates automatically in the
event of its assignment and may be terminated by either party on 90 days'
written notice.
Distributors pays the expenses of the distribution of Fund shares, including
advertising expenses and the costs of printing sales material and prospectuses
used to offer shares to the public. The Fund pays the expenses of preparing and
printing amendments to its registration statements and prospectuses (other than
those necessitated by the activities of Distributors) and of sending
prospectuses to existing shareholders.
Distributors and/or its affiliates provide financial support to various
Securities Dealers that sell shares of the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
Such support is based primarily on the amount of sales of Fund shares. The
amount of support may be affected by: total sales; net sales; levels of
redemptions; the proportion of a Securities Dealer's sales and marketing efforts
in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds; a Securities Dealer's support of, and
participation in, Distributors' marketing programs; a Securities Dealer's
compensation programs for its registered representatives; and the extent of a
Securities Dealer's marketing programs relating to the Franklin Templeton Group
of Funds. Financial support to Securities Dealers may be made by payments from
Distributors' resources, from Distributors' retention of underwriting
concessions and, in the case of funds that have Rule 12b-1 plans, from payments
to Distributors under
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such plans. In addition, certain Securities Dealers may receive brokerage
commissions generated by fund portfolio transactions in accordance with the
NASD's rules.
Distributors will not receive compensation from the Fund for acting as
underwriter with respect to the Advisor Class shares.
HOW DOES THE FUND MEASURE PERFORMANCE?
Performance quotations are subject to SEC rules. These rules require the use of
standardized performance quotations or, alternatively, that every
non-standardized performance quotation furnished by the Fund be accompanied by
certain standardized performance information computed as required by the SEC.
Average annual total return quotations used by the Fund are based on the
standardized methods of computing performance mandated by the SEC. If a Rule
12b-1 plan is adopted, performance figures reflect fees from the date of the
plan's implementation. An explanation of these and other methods used by the
Fund to compute or express performance for the Advisor Class shares follows. For
any period prior to January 1, 1997, the standardized performance quotations for
Advisor Class will be calculated by substituting the performance of Class I for
the relevant time period, and excluding the effect of the maximum sales charge
and including the effect of Rule 12b-1 fees applicable to Class I. Regardless of
the method used, past performance does not guarantee future results, and is an
indication of the return to shareholders only for the limited historical period
used.
TOTAL RETURN
Average Annual Total Return. Average annual total return is determined by
finding the average annual rates of return over one-, five- and ten-year
periods, or fractional portion thereof, that would equate an initial
hypothetical $1,000 investment to its ending redeemable value. The calculation
assumes income dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested at Net
Asset Value. The quotation assumes the account was completely redeemed at the
end of each one-, five- and ten-year period and the deduction of all applicable
charges and fees.
The average annual total return for Advisor Class for the one-, five- and
ten-year periods ended August 31, 1996 would have been ___%, ___% and ___%.
These figures were calculated according to the SEC formula:
P(1+T)to the power of n = ERV
where:
41
<PAGE>
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the
beginning of the one-, five- or ten-year periods at the end of the
one-, five-, or ten-year periods
Cumulative Total Return. The Fund may also quote its cumulative total return, in
addition to its average annual total return. These quotations are computed the
same way, except the cumulative total return will be based on the Fund's actual
return for a specified period rather than on its average return over the period.
The cumulative total return for Advisor Class for the one-, five-, and ten-year
periods ended August 31, 1996 would have been 10.85%, 92.57%, and 252.15%.
VOLATILITY
Occasionally statistics may be used to show the Fund's volatility or risk.
Measures of volatility or risk are generally used to compare the Fund's Net
Asset Value or performance to a market index. One measure of volatility is beta.
Beta is the volatility of a fund relative to the total market, as represented by
an index considered representative of the types of securities in which the fund
invests. A beta of more than 1.00 indicates volatility greater than the market
and a beta of less than 1.00 indicates volatility less than the market. Another
measure of volatility or risk is standard deviation. Standard deviation is used
to measure variability of Net Asset Value or total return around an average over
a specified period of time. The idea is that greater volatility means greater
risk undertaken in achieving performance.
OTHER PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS
For any period prior to January 1, 1997, sales literature about Advisor Class
may quote a current distribution rate yield, average total return, cumulative
total return and other measures of performance as described elsewhere in this
SAI by substituting the performance of Class I for the relevant time period and
excluding the effect of the maximum sales charge and Rule 12b-1 fees applicable
to Class I.
Sales literature referring to the use of the Fund as a potential investment for
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Business Retirement Plans, and other
tax-advantaged retirement plans may quote a total return based upon compounding
of dividends on which it is presumed no federal income tax applies.
42
<PAGE>
The Fund may include in its advertising or sales material information relating
to investment objectives and performance results of funds belonging to the
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds. Resources is the parent company of the
advisors and underwriter of both the Franklin Group of Funds and Templeton Group
of Funds.
COMPARISONS
From time to time, advertisements or information for the Fund may include a
discussion of certain attributes or benefits to be derived from an investment in
the Fund. The advertisements or information may include symbols, headlines, or
other material that highlights or summarizes the information discussed in more
detail in the communication.
Advertisements or information may also compare a class' performance to the
return on CDs or other investments. You should be aware, however, that an
investment in the Fund involves the risk of fluctuation of principal value, a
risk generally not present in an investment in a CD issued by a bank. For
example, as the general level of interest rates rise, the value of the Fund's
fixed-income investments, if any, as well as the value of its shares that are
based upon the value of such portfolio investments, can be expected to decrease.
Conversely, when interest rates decrease, the value of the Fund's shares can be
expected to increase. CDs are frequently insured by an agency of the U.S.
government. An investment in the Fund is not insured by any federal, state or
private entity.
In assessing comparisons of performance, you should keep in mind that the
composition of the investments in the reported indices and averages is not
identical to the Fund's portfolio, the indices and averages are generally
unmanaged, and the items included in the calculations of the averages may not be
identical to the formula used by the Fund to calculate its figures. In addition,
there can be no assurance that the Fund will continue its performance as
compared to these other averages.
Performance information for the Fund may be compared, in reports and promotional
literature, to: (i) unmanaged indices so that investors may compare the Fund's
results with those of a group of unmanaged securities widely regarded by
investors as representative of the securities market in general; (ii) other
43
<PAGE>
groups of mutual funds tracked by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., a widely
used independent research firm which ranks mutual funds by overall performance,
investment objectives and assets, or tracked by other services, companies,
publications, or persons who rank mutual funds on overall performance or other
criteria; and (iii) the Consumer Price Index (measure for inflation) to assess
the real rate of return from an investment in the Fund. Unmanaged indices may
assume the reinvestment of dividends but generally do not reflect deductions for
administrative and management costs and expenses.
Performance information for the Fund reflects only the performance of a
hypothetical investment in the Fund during the particular time period on which
the calculations are based. Performance information should be considered in
light of the Fund's investment objective and policies, characteristics and
quality of the portfolio and the market conditions during the given time period,
and should not be considered as a representation of what may be achieved in the
future.
From time to time, the Fund and TGAL may also refer to the following
information:
(1) TGAL's and its affiliates' market share of international equities
managed in mutual funds prepared or published by Strategic Insight or a
similar statistical organization.
(2) The performance of U.S. equity and debt markets relative to foreign
markets prepared or published by Morgan Stanley Capital International
or a similar financial organization.
(3) The capitalization of U.S. and foreign stock markets as prepared or
published by the International Finance Corporation, Morgan Stanley
Capital International or a similar financial organization.
(4) The geographic and industry distribution of the Fund's portfolio and
the Fund's top ten holdings.
(5) The gross national product and populations, including age
characteristics, literacy rates, foreign investment improvements due to
a liberalization of securities laws and a reduction of foreign exchange
controls, and improving communication technology, of various countries
as published by various statistical organizations.
44
<PAGE>
(6) To assist investors in understanding the different returns and risk
characteristics of various investments, the Fund may show historical
returns of various investments and published indices (e.g., Ibbotson
Associates, Inc. Charts and Morgan Stanley EAFE - Index).
(7) The major industries located in various jurisdictions as published by
the Morgan Stanley Index.
(8) Rankings by DALBAR Surveys, Inc. with respect to mutual fund
shareholder services.
(9) Allegorical stories illustrating the importance of persistent long-term
investing.
(10) Each Fund's portfolio turnover rate and its ranking relative to
industry standards as published by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. or
Morningstar, Inc.
(11) A description of the Templeton organization's investment management
philosophy and approach, including its worldwide search for undervalued
or "bargain" securities and its diversification by industry, nation and
type of stocks or other securities.
(12) The number of shareholders in the Fund or the aggregate number of
shareholders of the open-end investment companies in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds or the dollar amount of fund and private
account assets under management.
(13) Comparison of the characteristics of various emerging markets,
including population, financial and economic conditions.
(14) Quotations from the Templeton organization's founder, Sir John
Templeton,* advocating the virtues of diversification and long-term
investing, including the following:
- --------
* Sir John Templeton sold the Templeton organization to Resources in
October, 1992 and resigned from the Fund's Board on April 16, 1995. He
is no longer involved with the investment management process.
45
<PAGE>
- "Never follow the crowd. Superior performance is possible
only if you invest differently from the crowd."
- "Diversify by company, by industry and by country."
- "Always maintain a long-term perspective."
- "Invest for maximum total real return."
- "Invest - don't trade or speculate."
- "Remain flexible and open-minded about types of investment."
- "Buy low."
- "When buying stocks, search for bargains among quality
stocks."
- "Buy value, not market trends or the economic outlook."
- "Diversify. In stocks and bonds, as in much else, there is
safety in numbers."
- "Do your homework or hire wise experts to help you."
- "Aggressively monitor your investments."
- "Don't panic."
- "Learn from your mistakes."
- "Outperforming the market is a difficult task."
- "An investor who has all the answers doesn't even understand
all the questions."
- "There's no free lunch."
- "And now the last principle: Do not be fearful or negative
too often."
46
<PAGE>
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
The Fund may help you achieve various investment goals such as accumulating
money for retirement, saving for a down payment on a home, college costs and
other long-term goals. The Franklin College Costs Planner may help you in
determining how much money must be invested on a monthly basis in order to have
a projected amount available in the future to fund a child's college education.
(Projected college cost estimates are based upon current costs published by the
College Board.) The Franklin Retirement Planning Guide leads you through the
steps to start a retirement savings program. Of course, an investment in the
Fund cannot guarantee that these goals will be met.
The Fund is a member of the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds, one of the
largest mutual fund organizations in the U.S., and may be considered in a
program for diversification of assets. Founded in 1947, Franklin, one of the
oldest mutual fund organizations, has managed mutual funds for over 48 years and
now services more than 2.5 million shareholder accounts. In 1992, Franklin, a
leader in managing fixed-income mutual funds and an innovator in creating
domestic equity funds, joined forces with Templeton Worldwide, Inc., a pioneer
in international investing. Together, the Franklin Templeton Group has over $152
billion in assets under management for more than 4.2 million U.S. based mutual
fund shareholder and other accounts. The Franklin Templeton Group of Funds
offers 121 U.S. based open-end investment companies to the public. The Fund may
identify itself by its NASDAQ symbol or CUSIP number.
The Dalbar Surveys, Inc. broker-dealer survey has ranked Franklin number one in
service quality for five of the past eight years.
As of December 1, 1996, the principal shareholders of the Fund, beneficial or of
record, were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS SHARE AMOUNT PERCENTAGE
CLASS II
<S> <C> <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. 2,097,952 10%
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Third Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246
</TABLE>
From time to time, the number of Fund shares held in the "street name" accounts
of various Securities Dealers for the benefit of their clients or in centralized
securities depositories may exceed 5% of the total shares outstanding.
In the event of disputes involving multiple claims of ownership or authority to
control your account, the Fund has the right (but has
47
<PAGE>
no obligation) to: (a) freeze the account and require the written agreement of
all persons deemed by the Fund to have a potential property interest in the
account, prior to executing instructions regarding the account; (b) interplead
disputed funds or accounts with a court of competent jurisdiction; or (c)
surrender ownership of all or a portion of the account to the IRS in response to
a Notice of Levy.
Summary of Code of Ethics. Employees of Resources or its subsidiaries who are
access persons under the 1940 Act are permitted to engage in personal securities
transactions subject to the following general restrictions and procedures: (i)
the trade must receive advance clearance from a compliance officer and must be
completed within 24 hours after clearance; (ii) copies of all brokerage
confirmations must be sent to a compliance officer and, within 10 days after the
end of each calendar quarter, a report of all securities transactions must be
provided to the compliance officer; and (iii) access persons involved in
preparing and making investment decisions must, in addition to (i) and (ii)
above, file annual reports of their securities holdings each January and inform
the compliance officer (or other designated personnel) if they own a security
that is being considered for a fund or other client transaction or if they are
recommending a security in which they have an ownership interest for purchase or
sale by a fund or other client.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited financial statements contained in the Annual Report to Shareholders
of the Fund, for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, including the auditors'
report, are incorporated herein by reference. These audited financial statements
do not include information for Advisor Class as these shares were not publicly
offered prior to the date of this SAI.
USEFUL TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
1933 Act - Securities Act of 1933, as amended
1940 Act - Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
Board - The Board of Directors of the Fund
CD - Certificate of deposit
CFTC - Commodity Futures Trading Commission
48
<PAGE>
Class I, Class II and Advisor Class - The Fund offers three classes of shares,
designated "Class I," "Class II" and "Advisor Class." The three classes have
proportionate interests in the Fund's portfolio. They differ, however, primarily
in their sales charge structures and Rule 12b-1 plans, if any.
Code - Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
Distributors - Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc., the Fund's principal
underwriter
Franklin Funds - the mutual funds in the Franklin Group of Funds(R) except
Franklin Valuemark Funds and the Franklin Government Securities Trust
Franklin Templeton Funds - the Franklin Funds and the Templeton Funds
Franklin Templeton Group - Franklin Resources, Inc., a publicly owned holding
company, and its various subsidiaries
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds - all U.S. registered investment companies in
the Franklin Group of Funds(R) and the Templeton Group of Funds
FT Services - Franklin Templeton Services, Inc., the Fund's administrator
Investor Services - Franklin/Templeton Investor Services, Inc., the Fund's
shareholder servicing and transfer agent
IRS - Internal Revenue Service
Letter - Letter of Intent
NASD - National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Net Asset Value (NAV) - The value of a mutual fund is determined by deducting
the fund's liabilities from the total assets of the portfolio. The net asset
value per share is determined by dividing the net asset value of the fund by the
number of shares outstanding.
NYSE - New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Offering Price - The public offering price is based on the Net Asset Value per
share of the class and includes the front-end sales charge. The maximum
front-end sales charge is 5.75% for Class I and 1% for Class II.
49
<PAGE>
Prospectus - the prospectus for Advisor Class of the Fund dated January 1, 1997,
as may be amended from time to time
Resources - Franklin Resources, Inc.
SAI - Statement of Additional Information
SEC - U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities Dealer - a financial institution which, either directly or through
affiliates, has an agreement with Distributors to handle customer orders and
accounts with the Fund. This reference is for convenience only and does not
indicate a legal conclusion of capacity.
Templeton Funds - the U.S. registered mutual funds in the Templeton Group of
Funds except Templeton Capital Accumulator Fund, Inc., the Templeton Variable
Annuity Fund, and the Templeton Variable Products Series Fund
TGAL - Templeton Global Advisers, Ltd., the Fund's investment manager, is
located in Lyford Cay, Nassau, Bahamas.
U.S. - United States
We/Our/Us - Unless a different meaning is indicated by the context, these terms
refer to the Fund and/or Investor Services, Distributors, or other wholly owned
subsidiaries of Resources.
50
PAGE
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(a) Financial Statements: Incorporated by reference
from the 1996 Annual Reports:
Independent Auditors' Report
Investment Portfolios as of August 31, 1996
Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of
August 31, 1996
Statements of Operations for the year ended
August 31, 1996
Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the years
ended August 31, 1996 and 1995
Notes to Financial Statements
(B) EXHIBITS
(1) (A) Articles of Incorporation*
(B) Articles Supplementary dated April 13, 1995*
(C) Articles of Amendment dated April 17, 1995*
(D) Articles Supplementary dated
December 27, 1996
(2) (A) By-laws *
(amended and restated October 19,1996)
(3) Not Applicable
(4) (A) Specimen of certificate countersigned by
Securities Fund Investors, Inc.(predecessor
of Templeton Funds Trust Company) as
Transfer Agent for U.S. Shareholders*
(B) Specimen of certificate countersigned by
The Bank of New York as Transfer Agent for
U.S. Shareholders*
(5) Amended and Restated Investment Management
Agreement*
(6) (A) Distribution Agreement*
(B) Non-Exclusive Underwriting
Agreement*
(C) Dealer Agreement*
(7) Not Applicable
(8) Custody Agreement*
(9) (A) Fund Administration Agreement*
(B) Form of Transfer Agent Agreement*
(C) Form of Sub-Transfer Agent Services
Agreement*
(D) Form of Sub-Accounting Services
Agreement*
(E) Paying Agent Agreement*
(10) Opinion and consent of counsel (filed with
Rule 24f-2 Notice)
(11) Consent of Independent Public Accountants*
(12) Not Applicable
(13) Investment Letter*
(14) Retirement plans*
(15) (A)(1) Distribution Plan - Class I Shares*
(2)Distribution Plan - Class II Shares*
(16) Schedule showing computation of performance
quotations provided in response to Item 22*
(17) Assistant Secretary's Certificate pursuant
to Rule 483(b)*
(18) Form of Multiclass Plan*
(27) Financial Data Schedule
* Previously filed with Registration Statement No. 33-9981 and
incorporated by reference herein.
PAGE
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
None.
ITEM 26. NUMBER OF RECORD HOLDERS
Title of Class Number of Record Holders
Common Stock-Class I 444,824 as of November 30, 1996
Common Stock-Class II 30,216 as of November 30, 1996
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION
Reference is made to Article 5.2 of the Registrant's By-Laws,
which was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 on
December 27, 1996.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers, and
controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the
By-Laws or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of
the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and, therefore, is unenforceable.
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid
by directors, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant in
connection with the successful defense of any act, suit or proceeding)
is asserted by such directors, officers or controlling person in
connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will,
unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issues.
ITEM 28. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
The business and other connections of Registrant's investment
manager, Templeton Global Advisors Limited, are described in Parts A
and B.
For information relating to the investment manager's officers
and directors, reference is made to Form ADV filed under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940 by Templeton Global Advisors Limited.
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
(a) Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. also acts as
principal underwriter of shares of:
Franklin Templeton Japan Fund
Templeton American Trust, Inc.
Templeton Developing Markets Trust
Templeton Funds, Inc.
Templeton Global Investment Trust
Templeton Global Opportunities Trust
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund, Inc.
Templeton Global Real Estate Fund
Templeton Income Trust
Templeton Institutional Funds, Inc.
Templeton Variable Products Series Fund
Franklin Asset Allocation Fund
Franklin California Tax Free Income Fund, Inc.
Franklin California Tax Free Trust
Franklin Custodian Funds, Inc.
Franklin Equity Fund
Franklin Federal Money Fund
Franklin Federal Tax-Free Income Fund
Franklin Gold Fund
Franklin High Income Trust
Franklin Investors Securities Trust
Franklin Managed Trust
Franklin Money Fund
Franklin Municipal SecuritieS Trust
Franklin New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Franklin New York Tax-Free Trust
Franklin Premier Return Fund
Franklin Real Estate Securities Fund
Franklin Strategic Mortgage Portfolio
Franklin Strategic Series
Franklin Tax-Advantaged High Yield Securities Fund
Franklin Tax-Advantaged International Bond Fund
Franklin Tax-Advantaged U.S. Government
Securities Fund
Franklin Tax Exempt Money Fund
Franklin Tax-Free Trust
Franklin Templeton International Trust
Franklin Templeton Money Fund
Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Franklin Value Investors Trust
Institutional Fiduciary Trust
(b) The directors and officers of FTD are identified below.
Except as otherwise indicated, the address of each director
and officer is 777 Mariners Island Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94404:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH REGISTRANT
NAME UNDERWRITER
<S> <C> <C>
Charles B. Johnson Chairman of the Board and Director Chairman, Vice President and Director
Gregory E. Johnson President None
Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. Executive Vice President and Director Vice President
Harmon E. Burns Executive Vice President and Director Vice President
Edward V. McVey Senior Vice President None
Kenneth V. Domingues Senior Vice President None
William J. Lippman Senior Vice President None
Richard C. Stoker Senior Vice President None
Charles E. Johnson Senior Vice President Vice President
500 East Broward Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33394
Deborah R. Gatzek Senior Vice President and Asst. Vice President
Secretary
Daniel T. O'Lear Senior Vice President None
Peter Jones Senior Vice President None
700 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
James K. Blinn Vice President None
Richard O. Conboy Vice President None
James A. Escobedo Vice President None
Loretta Fry Vice President None
Bert W. Feuss Vice President None
Robert N. Geppner Asst. Vice President None
Mike Hackett Vice President None
Philip J. Kearns Vice President None
Ken Leder Vice President None
Jack Lemein Vice President None
John R. McGee Vice President None
Harry G. Mumford Vice President None
Vivian J. Palmieri Vice President None
Alison Hawksley Vice President None
Sarah Stypa Vice President None
Francie Arnone Vice President None
John R. Kay Asst. Vice President Vice President
500 East Broward Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33394
Andrea Dover Asst. Vice President None
Laura Komar Asst. Vice President None
Virginia Marans Asst. Vice President None
Bernadette Marino Howard Asst. Vice President None
Susan Thompson Asst. Vice President None
Kenneth A. Lewis Treasurer None
Karen DeBellis Assistant Treasurer Asst. Treasurer
700 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Kent P. Strazza Vice President None
Leslie M. Kratter Secretary None
Philip A. Scatena Asst. Treasurer None
</TABLE>
The directors and officers of Templeton Global Strategic Services
S.A. are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH POSITIONS AND OFFICES
NAME UNDERWRITER WITH REGISTRANT
<S> <C> <C>
William Lockwood General Manager None
Charles E. Johnson Chairman/ Director Vice President
Martin L. Flanagan Managing Director Vice President
Gregory E. McGowan Managing Director None
Dickson B. Anderson Managing Director None
Douglas W. Adams Managing Director None
</TABLE>
(c) Not applicable.
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
Originals of all accounts, books and other documents required
to be maintained by Registrant pursuant to Section 31 (a) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules promulgated thereunder are
maintained at the offices of Franklin Templeton Services, Inc., 500
East Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394.
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Not Applicable.
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) Not Applicable.
(b) Not Applicable.
(c) Registrant undertakes to furnish to each person to whom
a Prospectus for Growth Fund is provided a copy of
such Fund's latest Annual Report, upon request and
without charge.
PAGE
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all the
requirements for effectiveness of the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule
485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Post-Effective
Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed onits behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in city of St. Petersburg, Florida, on
the 30th day of December, 1996.
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
By:___________________________
Mark G. Holowesko*
President
*By:/s/JOHN K. CARTER
John K. Carter
as attorney-in-fact**
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective
Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
<S> <C> <C>
_________________________ Director December 30, 1996
Betty P. Krahmer*
_________________________ Director December 30, 1996
Fred R. Millsaps*
_________________________ Director December 30, 1996
John Wm. Galbraith*
_________________________ Director December 30, 1996
Charles B. Johnson*
_________________________ Director December 30, 1996
Harris J. Ashton*
_________________________ Director December 30, 1996
S. Joseph Fortunato*
_________________________ Director December 30, 1996
Andrew H. Hines, Jr.*
_________________________ Director December 30, 1996
Gordon S. Macklin*
_________________________ Director December 30, 1996
Nicholas F. Brady*
_________________________ Director December 30, 1996
Hasso-G Von Diergardt-Naglo*
_________________________ President December 30, 1996
Mark G. Holowesko* (Chief Executive Officer)
_________________________ Treasurer December 30, 1996
James R. Baio* (Chief Financial and Accounting
Officer)
</TABLE>
*By:/s/JOHN K. CARTER
John K. Carter
as attorney-in-fact**
** Powers of Attorney are contained in Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to
this Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1992, Post-Effective Amendment
No. 8 to the Registration Statement filed on November 2, 1993, Post-Effective
Amendment No. 9 to the Registration Statement filed on December 23, 1993, and
Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to the Registration Statement on December 30,
1994 or filed herewith.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
EXHIBITS FILED WITH
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 14 TO
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON
FORM N-1A
TEMPLETON GROWTH FUND, INC.
PAGE
EXHIBIT LIST NAME OF EXHIBIT
2 Article Supplementary
27 Financial Data Schedule
PAGE
TEMPLETON GROWTH FUND, INC.
ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY
TEMPLETON GROWTH FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") and having its
principal office in the State of Maryland in Baltimore City, Maryland
(hereinafter called the "Corporation"), hereby certifies to the State Department
of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland that:
FIRST: The Board of Directors of the Corporation, at a meeting
duly convened and held on October 19, 1996, adopted a resolution to classify two
hundred million (200,000,000) shares of Common Stock previously classified as
"Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. Class II" shares of Common Stock as "Templeton
Growth Fund, Inc. Advisor Class" shares of Common Stock.
SECOND: Immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Articles
Supplementary of the Corporation as hereinabove set forth, the Corporation had
authority to issue one billion four hundred million (1,400,000,000) shares of
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and having an aggregate par value of
one million four hundred thousand dollars ($1,400,000), of which the Board of
Directors had classified 800,000,000 shares as Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. Class
I shares of Common Stock and classified 600,000,000 shares as Templeton Growth
Fund, Inc. Class II shares of Common Stock. As amended hereby, the Corporation's
Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of 1,400,000,000 Common shares
of the par value of $0.01 per share and having an aggregate par value of
$1,400,000, of which the Board of Directors has classified 800,000,000 shares as
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. Class I shares, 400,000,000 shares as Templeton
Growth Fund, Inc. Class II shares, and 200,000,000 shares as Templeton Growth
Fund, Inc. Advisor Class shares. The preferences, rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and terms and
conditions of redemption of the three classes of shares, as set forth in the
Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation as heretofore amended and
supplemented, are not changed by these Articles Supplementary.
THIRD: The shares of Common Stock of the Corporation
authorized and classified pursuant to Articles First and Second of these
Articles Supplementary have been so authorized and classified by the Board of
Directors under the authority contained in the Charter of the Corporation. The
total number of shares of Common Stock of the various classes that the
Corporation has authority to issue has been established by the Board of
Directors in accordance with Section 2-105(c) of the Maryland General
Corporation Law.
FOURTH: The preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividend, qualifications and terms and
conditions of redemption of the three classes of shares shall be as set
forth in the Corporation's charter and shall be subject to all provisions
of the charter relating to shares of the Corporation generally, including
those set forth as follows:
(a) The assets of each class shall be invested in the same
investment portfolio of such class of the Corporation.
(b) The dividends and distributions of investment income and
capital gains with respect to each class of shares shall be
in such amounts as may be declared from time to time by the
Board of Directors, and the dividends and distributions of
each class of shares may vary from the dividends and
distributions of the other classes of shares to reflect
differing allocations of the expenses of each class and any
resultant differences between the net asset value per share
of each class, to such extent and for such purposes as the
Board of Directors may deem appropriate. The allocation of
investment income or capital gains and expenses and
liabilities among the classes shall be determined by the
Board of Directors in a manner it deems appropriate.
(c) Class I shares (including fractional shares) may be subject
to an initial sales charge and service and/or distribution
pursuant to the terms of the issuance of such shares, and the
fee proceeds of the redemption of Class I shares (including
fractional shares) may be reduced by the amount of any
contingent deferred sales charge payable on such redemption
pursuant to the terms of the issuance of such shares, as set
forth in the Corporation's then-current registration
statement on Form N-1A pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933
and the 1940 Act (the "Registration Statement") and
determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of
the 1940 Act and the rules and the regulations of the NASD.
(d) Class II shares (including fractional shares) may be subject
to an initial sales charge and service and/or distribution fee
pursuant to the terms of the issuance of such shares, and the
proceeds of the redemption of Class II shares (including
fractional shares) may be reduced by the amount of any
contingent deferred sales charge payable on such redemption
pursuant to the terms of the issuance of such shares, as set
forth in the Registration Statement, and determined in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and
the rules and regulations of the NASD.
(e) Advisor Class shares (including fractional shares) may be
subject to an initial sales charge and service and/or
distribution fee pursuant to the terms of the issuance of such
shares, and the proceeds of the redemption of Advisor Class
shares (including fractional shares) may be reduced by the
amount of any contingent deferred sales charge payable on such
redemption pursuant to the terms of the issuance of such
shares, as set forth in the Registration Statement, and
determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of the
1940 Act and the rules and regulations of the NASD.
(f) The holders of Class I, Class II and Advisor Class shares as
the case may be, shall have (i) exclusive voting rights with
respect to provisions of any service plan or service and
distribution plan adopted by the Corporation pursuant to Rule
12b-1 under the 1940 Act (a "Plan") applicable to the
respective class and (ii) no voting rights with respect to the
provisions of any Plan applicable to another class of shares
or with regard to any other matter submitted to a vote of
shareholders which does not affect holders of that respective
class of shares.
(g) Class II shares (including fractional shares) may be subject
to automatic conversion into Class I shares pursuant to the
terms of the issuance of such shares as described in the
Registration Statement.
PAGE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Templeton Growth Fund, Inc. has caused
these Articles upplementary to be signed in its name on its behalf by its
authorized officers who acknowledge that these Articles Supplementary are the
act of the Corporation, that to the best of their knowledge, information and
belief, all matters and facts set forth herein relating to the authorization and
approval of these Articles Supplementary are true in all material respects and
that this statement is made under the penalties of perjury.
Date: December 27, 1996
TEMPLETON GROWTH FUND, INC.
[CORPORATE SEAL]
By:/s/HARMON E. BURNS
Harmon E. Burns
Vice President
ATTEST: /s/JEFFREY L. STEELE
Jeffrey L. Steele
Assistant Secretary
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THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
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ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
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<LEGEND>
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ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
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<NAME> TEMPLETON GROWTH FUND, INC.
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<NAME> TEMPLETON GROWTH FUND, INC.
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