As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 1999
File Nos.
33-23493
811-5583
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 (X)
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Amendment No. 29 (X)
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
777 MARINERS ISLAND BLVD., SAN MATEO, CA 94404
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code (650) 312-2000
DEBORAH R. GATZEK, 777 MARINERS ISLAND BLVD., SAN MATEO, CA 94404
(Name and Address of Agent for Service of Process)
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[x] on May 1, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] on May 1, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
[] This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
Title of Securities Being Registered:
Shares of Beneficial Interest:
Money Market Fund - Class 1
Money Market Fund - Class 2
Growth and Income Fund - Class 1
Growth and Income Fund - Class 2
Natural Resources Securities Fund - Class 1
Natural Resources Securities Fund - Class 2
Real Estate Securities Fund - Class 1
Real Estate Securities Fund - Class 2
Global Utilities Securities Fund - Class 1
Global Utilities Securities Fund - Class 2
High Income Fund - Class 1
High Income Fund - Class 2
Templeton Global Income Securities Fund Class 1
Templeton Global Income Securities Fund Class 2
Income Securities Fund Class 1
Income Securities Fund Class 2
U.S. Government Securities Fund - Class 1
U.S. Government Securities Fund - Class 2
Zero Coupon Fund - 2000 - Class 1
Zero Coupon Fund - 2000 - Class 2
Zero Coupon Fund - 2005 - Class 1
Zero Coupon Fund - 2005 - Class 2
Zero Coupon Fund - 2010 - Class 1
Zero Coupon Fund - 2010 - Class 2
Rising Dividend Fund - Class 1
Rising Dividend Fund - Class 2
Templeton Pacific Growth Fund - Class 1
Templeton Pacific Growth Fund - Class 2
Templeton International Equity Fund - Class 1
Templeton International Equity Fund - Class 2
Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund - Class 1
Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund - Class 2
Templeton Global Growth Fund - Class 1
Templeton Global Growth Fund - Class 2
Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund - Class 1
Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund - Class 2
Small Cap Fund - Class 1
Small Cap Fund - Class 2
Capital Growth Fund - Class 1
Capital Growth Fund - Class 2
Templeton International Smaller Companies Fund - Class 1
Templeton International Smaller Companies Fund - Class 2
Mutual Discovery Securities Fund - Class 1
Mutual Discovery Securities Fund - Class 2
Mutual Shares Securities Fund - Class 1
Mutual Shares Securities Fund - Class 2
Global Health Care Securities Fund - Class 1
Global Health Care Securities Fund - Class 2
Value Securities Fund - Class 1
Value Securities Fund - Class 2
Prospectus
Franklin
Valuemark
Funds
Class 1 Shares
May 1, 1999
[Insert Franklin Templeton Ben Head]
As with all fund prospectuses, the SEC has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation
to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Contents
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS
[Begin callout]
Information about each fund you should know before investing
[End callout]
1 Overview
Individual Fund Descriptions
Capital Preservation and Income
2 Money Market Fund
Income
4 High Income Fund
7 Templeton Global Income Securities Fund
10 U.S. Government Securities Fund
13 Zero Coupon Funds, 2000, 2005, 2010
Growth and Income
16 Global Utilities Securities Fund
19 Growth and Income Fund
21 Income Securities Fund
24 Mutual Shares Securities Fund
28 Real Estate Securities Fund
31 Rising Dividends Fund
34 Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund
37 Value Securities Fund
Capital Growth
40 Capital Growth Fund
43 Global Health Care Securities Fund
46 Mutual Discovery Securities Fund
51 Natural Resources Securities Fund
54 Small Cap Fund
56 Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund
59 Templeton Global Growth Fund
62 Templeton International Equity Fund
65 Templeton International Smaller Companies Fund
68 Templeton Pacific Growth Fund
Additional Information, All Funds
71 Important Recent Developments
71 Distributions and Taxes
72 Financial Highlights
Fund Account Information
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Information about fund account transactions
and services
[End callout]
76 Buying Shares
76 Selling Shares
76 Exchanging Shares
76 Fund Account Policies
77 Questions
For More Information
[Begin callout]
Where to learn more about each fund
[End callout]
Back Cover
Franklin Valuemark Funds
Overview
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Franklin Valuemark Funds (the Trust) currently consists of twenty-five
separate funds, offering a wide variety of investment choices. Each fund has
two classes of shares, class 1 and class 2. The funds are only available as
investment options in variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts.
The accompanying contract prospectus indicates which funds and classes are
available to you.
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS
o Each fund has its own investment strategy and risk profile. Generally, the
higher the expected rate of return, the greater the risk of loss.
o No single fund can be a complete investment program; consider diversifying
your fund choices.
o You should evaluate each fund in relation to your personal financial
situation, investment goals, and comfort with risk. Your investment
representative can help you determine which funds are right for you.
o All securities markets, interest rates, and currency valuations move up and
down, sometimes dramatically, and mixed with the good years can be some bad
years. Since no one can predict exactly how financial markets will perform,
you may want to exercise patience and focus not on short-term market
movements, but on your long-term investments goals.
Risks
o There can be no assurance that any fund will achieve its investment goal.
o Because you could lose money by investing in a fund, take the time to read
each fund description and consider all risks before investing.
o Fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed
by, any bank, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency of
the U.S. Government. Fund shares involve investment risks, including the
possible loss of principal.
More detailed information about each fund, its investment policies, and its
particular risks can be found in the Trust's Statement of Additional
Information (SAI).
Management
The funds' investment managers and their affiliates manage over $216 billion
in assets. Franklin Templeton is one of the largest mutual fund organizations
in the United States, and offers money management expertise spanning a
variety of investment objectives. In 1992, Franklin, recognized as a leader
in managing domestic mutual funds, joined forces with Templeton, a pioneer in
international investing. The Mutual Advisers team, known for its value-driven
approach to domestic equity investing, became part of the organization four
years later.
o Franklin Advisers, Inc., 777 Mariners Island Blvd., P.O. Box 7777, San
Mateo, California, 94403-7777.
o Franklin Advisory Services, LLC, One Parker Plaza, Ninth Floor, Fort Lee,
New Jersey, 07024.
o Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC, 51 John F. Kennedy Parkway, Short Hills, New
Jersey, 07078.
o Templeton Asset Management Ltd., 7 Temasek Blvd. #38-03, Suntec Tower One,
Singapore, 038987.
o Templeton Global Advisors Limited, Lyford Cay Nassau, N.P., Bahamas.
o Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc., Broward Financial Centre, Suite 2100,
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33394.
Money Market Fund
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Goal and Strategies
Goal The fund's goal is high current income, consistent with liquidity and
capital preservation. The fund also tries to maintain a stable share price of
$1.00.
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The fund invests exclusively in money market securities.
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Principal investments The fund invests exclusively in U.S. dollar
denominated money market debt instruments, including those issued by:
o U.S. or foreign corporations;
o U.S. and foreign banks;
o the U.S. Government, its agencies or authorities; and
o foreign governments or multinational organizations such as the World Bank.
A debt instrument obligates the issuer both to repay a loan of money at a
future date and generally to pay interest. Money market securities are
high-quality, short-term (maturing in 13 months or less) debt instruments
that may have fixed, floating or variable interest rates. Common money market
securities are U.S. Treasury bills, U.S. Government agency securities,
commercial paper (unsecured promissory note issued by large companies or
financial firms), bank certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements,
short-term corporate obligations, and bankers acceptances (credit instruments
guaranteed by a bank).
Under the SEC's money fund rules, the fund maintains a dollar-weighted
average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less and only buys securities:
o with remaining maturities of 397 days or less, and
o that the fund's Board of Trustees determines present minimal credit risks,
and
o that are rated in the top two short-term rating categories by independent
rating agencies or, if unrated, determined by the fund's Board of Trustees
to be comparable.
No more than 25% of the fund's total assets may be invested in money market
securities issued by foreign banks or foreign branches of U.S. banks. No more
than 5% of assets may be invested in securities rated in the second highest
category (or comparable unrated). The fund may acquire securities on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis, lend portfolio securities, and invest
up to 10% of its assets in illiquid investments.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION In selecting investments for the fund, the manager uses
a conservative investment approach, focusing on the highest quality and the
most liquid of eligible money market securities. The manager then assesses
the relative value of each security meeting its stringent credit criteria in
order to find the best combination of assets that it believes will maximize
the fund's yield relative to its investment environment expectations. The
manager also monitors short-term interest rates, economic conditions, and
Federal Reserve monetary policy to determine the portfolio maturity it
believes will provide a high overall return to the fund. Consistent with the
manager's strategy of providing a higher-quality investment, the fund does
not invest in potentially volatile securities.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes. A sub-category
of interest rate risk is reinvestment risk, which is the risk that interest
rates will be lower when the fund seeks to reinvest interest payments, or the
proceeds from a matured debt security. In that case, the fund would receive
less income, resulting in lower total return. Since the fund limits its
investments to high-quality, short-term securities, it will generally earn
lower yields than a fund with lower-quality, longer-term securities subject
to more risk.
CREDIT The fund's investments in securities which are not backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. Government depend on the ability of the issuer
to meet interest or principal payments. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares. Even securities supported by credit enhancements have the credit
risk of the entity providing credit support.
FOREIGN SECURITIES The fund's investments in foreign money market securities are
always dollar denominated. Nonetheless, securities or credit support, issued by
a foreign entity are subject to possible adverse foreign economic, political or
legal developments that may affect the ability of that entity to meet its
obligations. In addition, non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same
disclosure, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices
as U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in the
U.S.
[Begin callout]
An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the fund tries
to keep a $1 share price, it is possible to lose money by investing in
the fund.
[End callout]
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS Securities purchased on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis are subject to market fluctuations and
their value at delivery may be higher or lower than the purchase price.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be found
in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows the fund's average
annual total returns. Of course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee
future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
MONEY MARKET FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
7.62% 5.48% 3.06% 2.54% 3.82% 5.74% 5.16% 5.24% 5.22%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best Quarter:
Q4 '89
1.96 %
Worst Quarter:
Q2 '93
0.61%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year Past 5 Years (01/24/89)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Money Market Fund - Class 11 5.22% 5.04% 5.16%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends. Past expense
reductions by the manager increased returns.
To obtain the fund's current yield information, please call 1-800/342-3863.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing the fund's assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998,
management fees, before any advance waiver, were 0.51% of the fund's average
daily net assets. Under an agreement by the manager to limit its fees, the
fund paid 0.43% of its average daily net assets to the manager in 1998. The
manager ended its fee waiver arrangement beginning January 1, 1999.
High Income Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] Goals and Strategies
GOALS The fund's principal investment goal is to earn a high level of
current income. Its secondary goal is capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in debt securities. The fund seeks to invest
in debt securities that are offering the highest yield and expected total
return. A debt security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to
repay a loan of money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common
debt securities are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or
unsecured bonds; zero coupon bonds; notes; and short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents. While the fund may also invest in
dividend-paying common or preferred stocks, it more typically holds equity
as a result of receiving those securities in a corporate restructuring.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in high yield, lower rated bonds.
[End callout]
The fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in high yield, lower quality
debt securities ("junk bonds"). These securities are either rated below
investment grade (below the top four rating categories) by independent rating
agencies such as Standard & Poor's Corporation (S&P) and Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. (Moody's), or are unrated securities the manager determines are
comparable. Nevertheless, the fund generally invests in securities rated at
least Caa by Moody's or CCC by S&P or unrated securities the fund's manager
determines are comparable. The fund will not purchase defaulted securities.
If, however, a security is downgraded in rating or goes into default, the
fund will not automatically sell the security. Generally, lower rated
securities pay higher yields than more highly rated securities to compensate
investors for the higher risk. During 1998, about 97.2% of the fund's
portfolio was invested in lower rated and comparable quality unrated debt
securities.
The fund may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign securities,
including up to 10% in emerging markets, and will typically focus on
dollar-denominated corporate debt. Many debt securities of non-U.S. issuers,
and especially emerging market issuers, are rated below investment grade or
are unrated so that their selection depends on the manager's internal
analysis.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION Yield and expected return are the primary criteria used
by the manager in selecting securities. The manager searches for securities
it believes offer opportunities for income today and growth tomorrow. It
performs independent analysis of the corporate debt securities being
considered for the fund's portfolio, rather than relying principally on the
ratings assigned by rating agencies. In its analysis, the manager considers a
variety of factors, including:
o a security's relative value based on such factors as anticipated cash flow,
interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, and earnings prospects;
o the experience and managerial strength of the company;
o responsiveness to changes in interest rates and business conditions;
o debt maturity schedules and borrowing requirements; and
o the company's changing financial condition and market recognition of the
change.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goals.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes. A sub-category
of interest rate risk is REINVESTMENT RISK, which is the risk that interest
rates will be lower when the fund seeks to reinvest interest payments, or the
proceeds from a matured debt security, resulting in less income received by
the fund.
[Begin callout]
Changes in interest rates affect the prices of the fund's debt securities. If
rates rise, the value of the fund's debt securities will fall and so too will
the fund's share price.
This means you could lose money.
[End callout]
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the security's value and, thus, impact the value of fund
shares.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES. Securities rated below investment grade, sometimes
called "junk bonds," generally have more risk than higher-rated securities.
Companies issuing high yield debt securities are not as strong financially as
those with higher credit ratings. These companies are more likely to
encounter financial difficulties and are more vulnerable to changes in the
economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates,
that could prevent them from making interest and principal payments. If an
issuer stops paying interest and/or principal, payments may never resume. The
fund may lose its entire investment on bonds that may be, or are, in default.
The prices of high yield debt securities fluctuate more than higher quality
securities. Prices are especially sensitive to developments affecting the
company's business and to changes in the ratings assigned by ratings
agencies. Prices are often closely linked with the company's stock prices and
typically rise and fall in response to factors that affect stock prices. In
addition, the entire high yield securities market can experience sudden and
sharp price swings due to changes in economic conditions, stock market
activity, large sustained sales by major investors, a high-profile default,
or other factors. High yield securities are also generally less liquid than
higher-quality bonds. Many of these securities do not trade frequently, and
when they do trade their prices may be significantly higher or lower than
expected. At times, it may be difficult to sell these securities promptly at
an acceptable price, which may limit the fund's ability to sell securities in
response to specific economic events or to meet redemption requests.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S. involve risks that can increase the potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Where the fund's investments are denominated in foreign currencies,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including devaluation of currency
by a country's government, will increase or decrease the fund's returns from
its foreign portfolio holdings. Currency markets generally are not as
regulated as securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns that
trade in that country. The political, economic, and social structures of some
countries the fund invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in
the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of
currency devaluations, the imposition of exchange controls, foreign ownership
limitations, expropriation, restrictions on removal of currency or other assets,
nationalization of assets, punitive taxes and certain custody and settlement
risks. Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure, accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S. companies and
their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar U.S. companies,
or may become illiquid. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in the
U.S.
Emerging market countries have additional risks due to a lack of established
legal, business and social frameworks to support securities markets, and a
greater likelihood of currency devaluations. While short-term volatility in
these markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, risks, and bond
ratings can be found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] Past Performance
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
HIGH INCOME FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
-8.67% 30.15% 16.21% 15.71% -2.26% 19.76% 13.90% 11.47% 0.99%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best Quarter:
Q1 '91
11.19%
Worst Quarter:
Q3 '90
- -8.87%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year Past 5 Years (01/24/89)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Income Fund - Class 11 0.99% 8.46% 9.35%
CSFirst Boston High Yield Index2 0.58% 8.16% 10.65%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged CS First Boston High
Yield Index is a trader-priced portfolio constructed to mirror the public
high yield debt market. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or interest.
One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an index representative of the
fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Jeff Holbrook, CFA
Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Holbrook has been a manager of fund since 1997, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1992.
Chris Molumphy, CFA
Senior Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Molumphy has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1988.
R. Martin Wiskemann
Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Wiskemann has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989. Mr.
Wiskemann has more than 30 years' experience in the securities industry.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.50%
of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Templeton Global Income Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] Goal and Strategies
GOAL The fund's investment goal is high current income. Capital appreciation
is a secondary consideration.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in the debt securities of governments and
their political subdivisions and agencies, supranational organizations, and
companies located anywhere in the world, including emerging markets. A debt
security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan of
money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt securities
are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or unsecured bonds;
notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in bonds of governments located around the world.
[End callout]
The fund focuses on "investment grade" debt securities. These are issues
rated in the top four rating categories (AAA to BBB) by independent rating
agencies such as Standard & Poor's Corporation (S&P) or Moody's Investors
Services, Inc. (Moody's) or, if unrated, determined by the fund's manager to
be comparable. The fund may also invest up to 30% of its net assets in high
yield, lower rated debt securities ("junk bonds") that are rated at least B,
including emerging market debt, or if unrated, determined by the fund's
manager to be comparable. The fund will not purchase defaulted securities.
If, however, a security is downgraded in rating or goes into default, the
fund will not automatically sell the security. During 1998, about 20.2% of
the fund's portfolio was invested in lower rated and comparable quality
unrated debt securities.
Many debt securities of non-U.S. issuers, and especially emerging market
issuers, are rated below investment grade or are unrated so that their
selection depends on the manager's internal analysis. The average maturity of
debt securities in the fund's portfolio is medium-term (about 5 to 15 years)
but will fluctuate depending on the manager's outlook on the country and
future interest rate changes.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The fund's manager allocates its assets among issuers,
geographic regions, and currencies based upon its assessment of relative
interest rates among currencies, the manager's outlook for changes in
interest rates, and credit risks. In considering these factors, a country's
changing market, economic, and political conditions, such as inflation rate,
growth prospects, global trade patterns, and government policies will be
evaluated. The manager intends to manage the fund's exposure to various
currencies, and may from time to time seek to hedge (protect) against
currency risk by using forward currency exchange contracts (Hedging
Instruments).
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes. A sub-category
of interest rate risk is reinvestment risk, which is the risk that interest
rates will be lower when the fund seeks to reinvest interest payments, or the
proceeds from a matured debt security, resulting in less income received by
the fund.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of governments and companies located outside
the U.S. involve risks that can increase the potential for losses in the fund.
[Begin callout]
Changes in global interest rates affect the prices of the fund's debt
securities. If rates rise, the value of the fund's debt securities will fall
and so too will the fund's share price.
This means you could lose money.
[End callout]
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because the investment is
worth fewer dollars. Currency markets are generally not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns
that trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure, accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S. companies and
their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar U.S. companies.
Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally have
less government supervision and regulation than in the U.S. The fund may have
greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising shareholder rights, pursuing legal
remedies and obtaining judgments with respect to non-U.S. investments in
non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S. companies in U.S. courts.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the security's value and, thus, impact the value of fund
shares.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES Junk bonds generally have more risk than higher-rated
securities, and can be considered speculative. Companies issuing high yield
debt securities are not as strong financially, and are more likely to
encounter financial difficulties and be more vulnerable to changes in the
economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates.
If an issuer stops paying interest and/or principal, payments may never
resume. The fund may lose its entire investment on bonds that may be, or are,
in default.
The prices of high yield debt securities fluctuate more than higher quality
securities. Prices are especially sensitive to developments affecting the
company's business and to rating changes, and typically rise and fall in
response to factors that affect the company's stock prices. In addition, the
entire high yield securities market can experience sudden and sharp price
swings due to changes in economic conditions, market activity, large
sustained sales, a high-profile default, or other factors. High yield
securities generally are less liquid than higher-quality bonds, and
infrequent trades can make accurate pricing more difficult. At times, it may
be difficult to sell these securities promptly at an acceptable price.
HEDGING INSTRUMENTS Hedging Instruments used by the fund are considered
derivative investments. Their successful use will depend on the manager's
ability to predict market movements, and losses from their use can be greater
than if they had not been used. Risks include potential loss to the fund due
to the imposition of controls by a government on the exchange of foreign
currencies, delivery failure, default by the other party, or inability to
close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid.
DIVERSIFICATION The fund is non-diversified under federal securities laws.
As such, it may invest a greater portion of its assets in one issuer and have
a smaller number of issuers than a diversified fund. Therefore,
the fund may be more sensitive to economic, business, political or other
changes affecting similar issuers or securities. The fund will, however, meet
tax diversification requirements.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER The manager's rebalancing of the portfolio to keep
interest rate risk and country allocations at desired levels, as well as bond
maturities, may cause the fund's portfolio turnover rate to be high. High
turnover generally increases the fund's transaction costs.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, risks, and bond
ratings can be found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] Past Performance
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
TEMPLETON GLOBAL INCOME FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
9.83% 12.34% -0.40% 16.68% -4.99% 14.68% 9.56% 2.55% 7.08%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best Quarter:
Q1 '93
5.33%
Worst Quarter:
Q3 '92
- -4.84%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year Past 5 Years (01/24/89)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton Global Income
Securities Fund - Class 11 7.08% 5.56% 7.52%
JP Morgan Global
Government Bond Index2 15.31% 8.09% 9.23%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged JP Morgan Global
Government Bond Index tracks the performance of government bond markets in 13
countries. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot
invest directly in an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's
investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
Under an agreement with Advisers, Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. (TICI)
through its Templeton Global Bond Managers division (Global Bond Managers),
is the fund's sub-advisor. A team from Global Bond Managers provides Advisers
with investment management advice and assistance and is responsible for the
day-to-day management of
the fund.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.57% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
U.S. Government Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] Goal and Strategies
GOAL The fund's investment goal is income.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
in a portfolio limited to U.S. Government securities, primarily fixed and
variable rate mortgage-backed securities. The fund currently invests a
substantial portion of its assets in Government National Mortgage Association
obligations ("Ginnie Maes").
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in mortgage-backed U.S. Government securities.
[End callout]
Ginnie Maes represent an ownership interest in mortgage loans made by banks
and other financial institutions to finance purchases of homes. The
individual loans are packaged or "pooled" together for sale to investors. As
the underlying mortgage loans are paid off, investors receive principal and
interest payments. Ginnie Maes carry a guarantee backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Government. The guarantee applies only to the timely
payment of principal and interest on the mortgages in the pool, and does not
apply to the market prices and yields of the Ginnie Maes or to the net asset
value or performance of the fund, which will vary with changes in interest
rates and other market conditions. Ginnie Mae yields (interest income as a
percent of price) have historically exceeded the current yields on other
types of U.S. Government securities with comparable maturities, although
interest rate changes and unpredictable prepayments can greatly change total
return.
In addition to Ginnie Maes, the fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities
issued or guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal
Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or other U.S. Government agencies. The fund
may also invest in U.S. Government securities backed by other types of
assets, including business loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business
Administration, and obligations of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Finally,
the fund may invest in U.S. Treasury bonds, notes and bills, and securities
issued by U.S. Government agencies or authorities. Securities issued or
guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, TVA and certain other entities are not backed by
the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, but are generally supported
by the creditworthiness of the issuer.
These debt securities may be fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, a hybrid of the
two, or zero coupon securities. A debt security obligates the issuer to the
bondholders, both to repay a loan of money at a future date and generally to
pay interest. Zero coupon securities are debt securities that make no
periodic interest payments but instead are sold at substantial discounts from
their value at maturity. The fund typically invests in zero coupon bonds
issued or created by the U.S. Government or its agencies, where the coupons
have been stripped off a bond and the principal and interest payments are
sold separately.
The fund may purchase securities on a "to-be-announced" and "delayed
delivery" basis. This means the securities will be paid for and delivered to
the fund at a future date, generally in 30 to 45 days.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager generally buys, and holds, high quality
securities which pay high current interest rates. Using this straightforward,
low turnover approach, the manager seeks to produce high current income with
a high degree of credit safety and lower price volatility, from a
conservatively managed portfolio of U.S. Government securities.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents. Under these circumstances, the fund may
temporarily be unable to pursue its investment goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. Zero coupon bonds are more
sensitive to interest rate changes and their price will fluctuate more than
the prices of interest-paying bonds or notes for comparable maturities. In
general, securities with longer maturities are more sensitive to these price
changes. A sub-category of interest rate risk is REINVESTMENT RISK, which is
the risk that interest rates will be lower when the fund seeks to reinvest
interest payments or the proceeds from a matured debt security, resulting in
less income received by the fund.
[Begin callout]
Changes in interest rates affect the prices of the fund's debt securities. If
rates rise, the value of the fund's debt securities will fall and so too will
the fund's share price. This means you could lose money over short or even
extended periods.
[End callout]
GINNIE MAES Ginnie Maes, and other mortgage- and asset-backed securities, differ
from conventional debt securities because principal is paid back over the life
of the security rather than at maturity. The fund may receive unscheduled
prepayments of principal due to voluntary prepayments, refinancing or
foreclosure on the underlying mortgage or other loans. During periods of
declining interest rates, the volume of principal prepayments generally
increases as borrowers refinance their mortgages at lower rates. The fund may be
forced to reinvest returned principal at lower interest rates, reducing the
fund's income. For this reason, Ginnie Maes may be less effective than other
types of securities as a means of "locking in" long-term interest rates and may
have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of falling interest
rates than other investments with similar maturities. A reduction in the
anticipated rate of principal prepayments, especially during periods of rising
interest rates, may increase the effective maturity of Ginnie Maes making them
more susceptible than other debt securities to a decline in market value when
interest rates rise. This could increase volatility of the fund's returns and
share price.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. The fund's investments in securities
which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
depend upon the ability of the issuing agency or instrumentality to meet
interest or principal payments, and may not permit recourse against the U.S.
Treasury.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years calendar years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the
fund's average annual total returns compare with those of a broad-based
index. Of course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
8.92% 15.93% 7.69% 9.71% -4.55% 19.46% 3.62% 9.31% 7.44%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best Quarter:
Q2 '95
6.53%
Worst Quarter:
Q1 '94
- -4.24%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year Past 5 Years (03/14/89)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Government Securities
Fund - Class11 7.44% 6.77% 8.29%
Lehman Brothers Intermediate
Government Bond Index2 8.49% 6.45% 8.43%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. Lehman Brothers Intermediate
Government Bond Index is an unmanaged index of fixed-rate bonds issued by the
U.S. Government and its agencies that are rated investment grade or higher
and have one to ten years remaining until maturity and at least $100 million
outstanding. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot
invest directly in an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's
investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Jack Lemein
Executive Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Lemein has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989. Mr.
Lemein has more than 30 years experience in the securities industry.
David Capurro
Senior Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Capurro has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1983.
Roger Bayston, CFA
Senior Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Bayston has been a manager of the fund since 1993, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1991.
T. Anthony Coffey, CFA
Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Coffey has been a manager of the fund since 1996, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1989.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.48% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Zero Coupon Funds:
maturing in December 2000, 2005, 2010
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL Each fund's investment goal is to provide as high an investment return
as is consistent with capital preservation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, each fund will invest at
least 65% of its net assets in zero coupon securities, primarily U.S. Treasury
issued stripped securities and stripped securities issued by the U.S.
Government, and its agencies and authorities. The fund may also invest a lesser
amount in zero coupon securities issued by U.S. companies and stripped
eurodollar obligations, which are U.S. dollar denominated debt securities
typically issued by foreign subsidiaries of U.S. companies.
[Begin callout]
Each fund seeks to return a reasonably assured targeted dollar amount,
predictable at the time of investment, on a specific date in the future by
investing primarily in zero coupon securities.
[End callout]
Stripped U.S. Treasury securities are backed by the full faith and credit of
the U.S. Government. The guarantee applies only to the timely payment of
principal and does not apply to the market prices and yields of the zero
coupon bonds or to the net asset value or performance of the fund, which will
vary with changes in interest rates and other market conditions. Where the
fund invests in other than stripped U.S. Treasury securities, the zero coupon
bonds will be rated at least A by independent rating agencies such as
Standard & Poor's Corporation (S&P) or Moody's Investors Services, Inc.
(Moody's) or, if unrated, securities determined by the Manager to be
comparable.
A debt security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan
of money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Zero coupon
securities are debt securities that make no periodic interest payments but
instead are sold at substantial discounts from their value at maturity. The
buyer receives the rate of return by the gradual appreciation of the zero
coupon bond, which is redeemed at face value on the specified maturity date.
The most common zero coupon security is the zero coupon bond which may be
issued by a government or a corporation, or may be created by a dealer firm
when it strips the coupons off a bond and sells the principal and interest
payments separately.
As a fund approaches its Target Date, its investments will be made up of
increasingly larger amounts of short-term money market investments, including
cash and cash equivalents. Each fund reserves the right to invest up to 10%
of its total assets in foreign securities, although typically each fund
invests less, and only in dollar denominated obligations.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION In selecting investments for the funds, the manager
seeks to keep the average duration of each fund to within twelve months of
each fund's maturity Target Date. Duration is a measure of the length of an
investment, taking into account the timing and amount of any interest
payments and the principal repayment. By balancing investments with slightly
longer and shorter durations, the manager believes it can reduce its unknown
"reinvestment risk." Since each fund will not be invested entirely in zero
coupon securities maturing on the Target Date but will also invest in money
market securities, there will be some reinvestment risk and liquidation costs.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents. Under these circumstances, the fund may
temporarily be unable to pursue its investment goal.
MATURITY Each fund matures on the third Friday of December of its specific
maturity year (Target Date). On each fund's Target Date, the fund will be
converted into cash. At least 30 days prior to the Target Date, contract
owners will be notified and given an opportunity to select another investment
option. If an investor does not complete an instruction form directing what
should be done with the cash proceeds, the proceeds will be automatically
invested in the Money Market Fund and the contract owners will be notified of
such event.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] main risks
Each fund's main risks can affect its share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
If fund shares are redeemed prior to the maturity of the fund, an investor
may receive a significantly different investment return than anticipated at
the time of purchase. Therefore, the Zero Coupon Funds may not be appropriate
for contract owners who do not plan to invest for the long-term or until
maturity.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. Because zero coupon securities do
not pay interest, the market value of zeros can fall more dramatically than
interest-paying securities of similar maturities when interest rates rise.
When interest rates fall, however, zeros rise more rapidly in value. In
general, securities with longer maturities usually are more sensitive to
price changes. Thus, the Zero Coupon Fund 2010 may experience more volatility
in its share price than the Zero Coupon Fund 2000. A sub-category of interest
rate risk is REINVESTMENT RISK, which is the risk that interest rates will be
lower when the fund seeks to reinvest interest payments or the proceeds from
a matured debt security, resulting in less income received by the fund.
[Begin callout]
Changes in interest rates affect the prices of the fund's debt securities. If
rates rise, the value of the fund's debt securities will fall and so too will
the fund's share price.
This means you could lose money.
[End callout]
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
The bar charts and tables show the volatility of each fund's returns, which
is one indicator of the risks of investing in the funds. The bar charts show
changes in the funds' returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years calendar years or since the funds' inception. The tables show how the
funds' average annual total returns compare to those of broad-based indices.
Of course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
ZERO COUPON FUND - 2000 CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
5.91% 20.19% 9.04% 16.15% -6.76% 20.67% 2.43% 7.11% 7.50%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q4 '90
9.51%
Worst
Quarter:
Q1 '94
- -5.18%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year Past 5 Years (3/14/89)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zero Coupon - 2000 Class 11 7.50% 5.82% 9.21%
Merrill Lynch Zero Coupon 1-Year
Bond Total Return Index2 6.22% 5.82% 6.81%
Merrill Lynch Zero Coupon 5-Year
Bond Total Return Index2 10.57% 6.88% 9.89%
Zero Coupon Fund - 2005 Class 1
Calendar Year Total Returns1
[Insert bar graph]
2.69% 20.37% 10.81% 22.21% -9.60% 31.76% -0.50% 11.37% 12.53%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q1 '89
13.10%
Worst
Quarter:
Q1 '94
- -8.15%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year Past 5 Years (3/14/89)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zero Coupon - 2005 Class 11 12.53% 8.24% 11.35%
Merrill Lynch Zero Coupon 5-Year
Bond Total Return Index2 10.57% 6.88% 9.89%
Merrill Lynch Zero Coupon 10-Year
Bond Total Return Index2 15.53% 9.52% 12.55%
Zero Coupon Fund - 2010 Class 1
Calendar Year Total Returns1
[Insert bar chart]
0.57% 20.09% 10.31% 25.47% -10.97% 42.79% -2.69% 16.57% 14.45%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q2 '95
16.03%
Worst
Quarter:
Q1 '90
- -10.43%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year Past 5 Years (3/14/89)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zero Coupon - 2010 Class 11 14.45% 10.54% 12.61%
Merrill Lynch Zero Coupon 10-Year
Bond Total Return Index2 15.53% 9.52% 12.55%
Merrill Lynch Zero Coupon 20-Year
Bond Total Return Index2 15.98% 12.80% 15.41%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends. Past expense
reductions by the manager increased returns.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged Merrill Lynch Zero
Coupon indices include zero coupon bonds that pay no interest and are issued
at a discount from redemption price. One cannot invest directly in an index,
nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the funds' investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the funds' management is:
David Capurro
Senior Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Capurro has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1983.
Jack Lemein
Executive Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Lemein has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989. Mr.
Lemein has more than 30 years' experience in the securities industry.
T. Anthony Coffey, CFA
Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Coffey has been a manager of the fund since 1989, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1989.
Each fund pays the manager a fee for managing the fund's assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the funds. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998,
management fees, before any advance waiver, were 0.63% each for the 2000 and
2005 funds, and 0.62% for the 2010 fund, as a percentage of each fund's
average daily net assets. Under an agreement by the manager to limit its
fees, the 2000 and 2005 funds each paid 0.37%, and the 2010 fund paid 0.36%,
of average daily net assets to the manager in 1998. The manager ended its fee
waiver agreement beginning January 1, 1999.
Global Utilities Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] Goals and Strategies
GOALS The fund's investment goals are capital appreciation and current
income.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies in the
public utilities industry. These companies are primarily engaged in the
ownership, operation or other services, or manufacture of facilities or
equipment used to provide:
o electricity
o natural gas
o telecommunications services (including telephone communications, cable and
internet, satellite and other pay television services, and wireless
telecommunications)
o water
The manager expects to invest substantially in the electricity and
telecommunications sectors.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
The fund may buy public utilities companies anywhere in the world, including
emerging markets, but generally invests a greater percentage of its assets in
U.S. companies than any other single country.
[Begin callout]
The fund concentrates in common stocks of U.S.
and non-U.S. companies engaged in the public utilities industry.
[End callout]
The fund may also invest a significant portion of its assets in small-cap
companies which have market capitalization values (share price times the
number of common stock shares outstanding) of less than $1.5 billion.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined value-oriented strategy. Relying on a team of analysts
to provide in-depth industry expertise, the manager looks for companies that
will position the fund to benefit from potential future technological
advances and increasing worldwide demand in the public utilities sector. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the fund's
manager will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to
its evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. A company's historical value measures, including price/earnings
ratio, profit margins, and liquidation value, will also be considered.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goals.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
UTILITIES INDUSTRY By concentrating in a single industry sector, the fund
carries much greater risk of adverse developments in that sector than a fund
that invests in a wide variety of industries. Utility companies in the U.S.
and in non-U.S. countries have generally been subject to substantial
government regulation. Major changes in government policies, ranging from
increased regulation or expropriation to deregulation, privatization or
increased competition, may dramatically increase or reduce opportunities for
companies in these industries. For example, while certain companies may
develop more profitable opportunities, others may be forced to defend their
core businesses and may be less profitable.
In addition, electric utility companies have historically been subject to
price regulation; risks associated with high interest costs on borrowings or
reduced ability to borrow; restrictions on operations and increased costs due
to environmental and safety regulations; regulators disallowing these higher
costs in rate authorizations; difficulties in obtaining fuel for electric
generation at reasonable prices; risks associated with the operation of
nuclear power plants; and the effects of energy conservation and other
factors affecting the level of demand for services.
Gas transmission and distribution companies continue to undergo significant
changes as well. Many companies have diversified into oil and gas exploration
and development, making returns more sensitive to energy prices.
The wireless telecommunications industry is in its early developmental
stages, characterized by emerging, rapidly growing companies, and is subject
to the risk of rapidly changing technology. The water supply industry is
highly fragmented due to local ownership. Generally, these companies are more
mature and expect little or no per capita volume growth.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over the
long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter term.
These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies,
industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are considered "cheap"
relative to the company's perceived value and are often out of favor with other
investors. If other investors fail to recognize the company's value and do not
become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in markets favoring faster-growing
companies, value stocks may not increase in value as anticipated by the manager
or may decline further.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with global market
conditions, currencies, and interest rate movements, the value of your
investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you could lose money
over short or even extended periods.
[End callout]
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. Utility company
stocks often pay relatively high dividends, so they are particularly
sensitive to interest rate movements. Therefore, like bonds, their stock
prices may rise as interest rates fall or fall as interest rates rise.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S. involve risks that can increase the potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because the investment is
worth fewer dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns
that trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to foreign investments in foreign courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies, and to a lesser extent mid-size
companies, may offer greater opportunities for capital growth than larger,
more established companies, they also have more risk. Historically, smaller
company securities have been more volatile in price and have fluctuated
independently from larger company securities, especially over the
shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions, their growth prospects are less
certain, their securities are less liquid, and they can be considered
speculative. These companies may suffer significant losses, and technology
and biotechnology industry stocks, in particular, can be subject to abrupt or
erratic price movements.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] Past Performance
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
GLOBAL UTILITIES SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
1.84% 24.56% 9.69% 10.54% -11.56% 31.35% 7.07% 26.76% 11.19%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q4 '97
13.45%
Worst
Quarter:
Q1 '94
- -10.27%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year Past 5 Years (1/24/89)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Utilities Securities
Fund - Class 11 11.19% 11.88% 12.57%
S&P 500(R)Index2 28.58% 24.06% 18.70%
FT/S&P Actuaries World
Utilities Index2 36.67% 15.96% 12.95%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks covering a variety of industries. The
Financial Times/S&P Actuaries World Utilities Index includes electric
utilities, waterworks supply, natural gas and telephone companies. Indices
include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in
an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Ian Link, CFA
Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Link has been a manager of the fund since 1995, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1989.
Alex W. Peters
PORTFOLIO MANAGER, Advisers
Mr. Peters has been a manager of the fund since 1999, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1992.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.47% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Growth and Income Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] Goals and Strategies
GOALS The fund's principal investment goal is capital appreciation. Its
secondary goal is to provide current income.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in a broadly diversified portfolio of equity
securities that the manager believes have the potential to increase in value.
To help identify undervalued financially strong companies with attractive
long-term growth prospects, the manager uses a current relative yield
analysis. Dividend yield is a stock's annual per share dividends divided by
its per share market price. Following this strategy, the fund will invest
predominantly in common stocks that have dividend yields at least equal to
the yield of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. The fund seeks current income
through receipt of dividends from its investments. Equities represent
ownership interests in individual companies and give shareholders a claim in
the company's earnings and assets. They include common and preferred stocks,
and securities convertible into common stock.
The fund may also invest up to 30% of its total assets in foreign securities,
including Depositary Receipts and emerging markets, but currently intends to
limit such investments to 20%. The fund may also invest to a lesser extent in
equity real estate investment trusts (REITs). REITS are usually publicly
traded companies that manage a portfolio of real estate to earn profits and
tend to pay high yields since they must distribute most of their earnings.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in common stocks offering above market current
dividend yields.
[End callout]
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined value-oriented strategy for this fund. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the manager
will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to its
evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential, with an emphasis on current dividend yield. The manager believes
that high relative dividend yield is frequently a good indicator of value.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goals.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with market conditions,
the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you
could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[Begin callout]
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside the
U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Where the fund's investments are denominated in foreign currencies,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including devaluation of currency
by a country's government, will increase or decrease the fund's returns from
its foreign portfolio holdings. Currency markets generally are not as
regulated as securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns
that trade in that country. The political, economic, and social structures of
some countries the fund invests in may be less stable and more volatile than
those in the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries include the
possibility of currency devaluations, the imposition of exchange controls,
foreign ownership limitations, expropriation, restrictions on removal of
currency or other assets, nationalization of assets, punitive taxes, and
certain custody and settlement risks. Non-U.S. companies are not subject to
the same disclosure, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards
and practices as U.S. companies and their securities may not be as liquid as
securities of similar U.S. companies, or may become illiquid. Non-U.S. stock
exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally have less
government supervision and regulation than in the U.S.
Emerging market countries have additional risks due to a lack of established
legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities markets, and a
greater likelihood of currency devaluations. While short-term volatility in
these markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
REITs A REIT's performance depends on the types and locations of the
properties it owns and on how well it manages those properties. The value of
a REIT may also be affected by factors that affect the underlying properties,
the real estate industry, or local or general economic conditions.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
GROWTH AND INCOME FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
- -2.35% 23.63% 6.73% 10.32% -3.41% 32.83% 14.19% 27.74 8.33%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q1 '91
10.93%
Worst
Quarter:
Q3 '90
- -12.63%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year Past 5 Years (01/24/89)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth and Income Fund -
Class 11 8.33% 15.51% 11.72%
S&P 500(R)Index2 28.58% 24.06% 18.70%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks covering a variety of industries. Indices
include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in
an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Frank Felicelli, CFA
Senior Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Felicelli has been a manager of the fund since 1995, and has been with
the Franklin Templeton Group since 1986.
William Hawes
PORTFOLIO MANAGER, Advisers
Mr. Hawes has been a manager of the fund since 1999, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1998.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.47% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Income Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is to maximize income while maintaining
prospects for capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
primarily in a diversified portfolio of debt and equity securities. A debt
security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan of
money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt securities
are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or unsecured bonds;
notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
The fund seeks income by selecting investments such as corporate, foreign,
and U.S. Treasury bonds. In its search for income-producing growth
opportunities, the fund invests in common stocks with attractive dividend
yields of companies from a variety of industries such as utilities, oil, gas,
real estate, and consumer goods. From time to time, the fund may invest
substantially in certain sectors, including utilities.
The fund may invest up to 100% of its total assets in debt securities that
are below investment grade, including up to 5% in defaulted debt, but it is
not currently expected that the fund will invest more than 50% of its assets
in these securities. Investment grade debt securities are rated in the top
four rating categories by independent rating agencies such as Standard &
Poor's Corporation (S&P) and Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's). The
fund generally invests in securities rated at least Caa by Moody's or CCC by
S&P or, if unrated, determined by the fund's manager to be comparable.
Generally, lower rated securities pay higher yields than more highly rated
securities to compensate investors for the higher risk. During 1998, about
30% of the fund's portfolio was invested in lower rated and comparable
quality unrated debt securities.
The fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in foreign securities, including
emerging markets. It ordinarily buys foreign securities that are traded in
the U.S or American Depositary Receipts, which are certificates issued by a
bank or trust company that give their holders the right to receive securities
issued by a foreign or domestic company. Many debt securities of non-U.S.
issuers, and especially emerging market issuers, are rated below investment
grade or are unrated so that their selection depends on the manager's
internal analysis.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of high yield lower
rated bonds, and stocks.
[End callout]
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager searches for undervalued or out-of-favor
securities it believes offer opportunities for income today and growth
tomorrow. It performs independent analysis of the debt securities being
considered for the fund's portfolio, rather than relying principally on the
ratings assigned by rating agencies. In its analysis, the manager considers a
variety of factors, including:
o a security's relative value based on such factors as anticipated cash flow,
interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, and earnings prospects;
o the experience and managerial strength of the company;
o responsiveness to changes in interest rates and business conditions;
o debt maturity schedules and borrowing requirements; and
o the company's changing financial condition and market recognition of the
change.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes. A sub-category
of interest rate risk is REINVESTMENT RISK, which is the risk that interest
rates will be lower when the funds seek to reinvest interest payments, or the
proceeds from a matured debt security, resulting in less income received by
the fund.
[Begin callout]
Because the bonds and stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with interest
rate changes and market conditions, the value of your investment in the fund
will go up and down. This means you could lose money.
[End callout]
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the security's value and, thus, impact the value of fund
shares.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES. Securities rated below investment grade, sometimes
called "junk bonds," generally have more risk than higher-rated securities.
Companies issuing high yield debt securities are not as strong financially as
those with higher credit ratings. These companies are more likely to
encounter financial difficulties and are more vulnerable to changes in the
economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates,
that could prevent them from making interest and principal payments. If an
issuer stops paying interest and/or principal, payments may never resume. The
fund may lose its entire investment on bonds that may be, or are, in default.
The prices of high yield debt securities fluctuate more than higher quality
securities. Prices are especially sensitive to developments affecting the
company's business and to changes in the ratings assigned by ratings
agencies. Prices are often closely linked with the company's stock prices and
typically rise and fall in response to factors that affect stock prices. In
addition, the entire high yield securities market can experience sudden and
sharp price swings due to changes in economic conditions, stock market
activity, large sustained sales by major investors, a high-profile default,
or other factors. High yield securities are also generally less liquid than
higher-quality bonds. Many of these securities do not trade frequently, and
when they do trade their prices may be significantly higher or lower than
expected. At times, it may be difficult to sell these securities promptly at
an acceptable price, which may limit the fund's ability to sell securities in
response to specific economic events or to meet redemption requests.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further. Utility company
stocks pay relatively high dividends, so they are particularly sensitive to
interest rate movements: like bonds, when interest rates rise, their stock
prices tend to fall.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES The value of convertible securities may rise and fall
with the market value of the underlying stock or, like a debt security, vary
with changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer. Because
its value can be influenced by many different factors, a convertible security
is not as sensitive to interest rate changes as a similar non-convertible
debt security, and generally has less potential for gain or loss than the
underlying stock.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Where the fund's investments are denominated in foreign currencies,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including devaluation of currency
by a country's government, will increase or decrease the fund's returns from
its foreign portfolio holdings. Currency markets generally are not as
regulated as securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns
that trade in that country. The political, economic, and social structures of
some countries the fund invests in may be less stable and more volatile than
those in the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries include the
possibility of currency devaluations, the imposition of exchange controls,
foreign ownership limitations, expropriation, restrictions on removal of
currency or other assets, nationalization of assets, punitive taxes, and
certain custody and settlement risks. Non-U.S. companies are not subject to
the same disclosure, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards
and practices as U.S. companies and their securities may not be as liquid as
securities of similar U.S. companies, or may become illiquid. Non-U.S. stock
exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally have less
government supervision and regulation than in the U.S.
Emerging market countries have additional risks due to a lack of established
legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities markets, and a
greater likelihood of currency devaluations. While short-term volatility in
these markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, risks, and bond
ratings can be found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
INCOME SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
Insert bar graph]
- -7.42% 39.93% 13.20% 18.59% -6.27% 22.40% 11.28% 17.09% 1.64%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q1 '91
16.48%
Worst
Quarter:
Q3 '90
- -8.42%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year Past 5 Years (01/24/89)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Securities Fund - Class 11 1.64% 8.73% 11.23%
Lehman Brothers Government/
Corporate Bond Index2 9.47% 7.30% 9.29%
S&P 500(R)Index2 28.58% 24.06% 18.70%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The Lehman Brothers
Government/Corporate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of fixed-rate U.S.
Government and foreign and domestic corporate bonds that are rated investment
grade or higher and have maturities of one year or more and at least $50
million outstanding. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged group of widely held
common stocks covering a variety of industries. Indices include reinvested
dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an
index representative of the fund's portfolio.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Charles B. Johnson
Chairman of the Board, Advisers
Mr. Johnson has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1957.
Matthew F. Avery
Senior Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Avery has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989, and has
been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1987.
Frederick G. Fromm
Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Fromm has been a manager of the fund since 1998, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1992.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.47% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Mutual Shares Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOALS AND STRATEGIES
GOALS The fund's principal goal is capital appreciation. Its secondary goal
is income.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies that the
manager believes are available at market prices less than their actual value
based on certain recognized or objective criteria (intrinsic value).
Following this value-oriented strategy, the fund will primarily invest in:
o UNDERVALUED STOCKS Stocks trading at a discount to asset value.
o REORGANIZING COMPANIES Securities of companies in the midst of change such
as mergers, consolidations, liquidations, reorganizations, financial
restructurings, or companies with takeover, tender or exchange offers or
likely to receive such offers (Reorganizing Companies). The fund may
participate in such transactions.
o DISTRESSED COMPANIES Securities of companies that are distressed or even in
bankruptcy.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in common stocks of companies the manager believes
are significantly undervalued.
[End callout]
The fund invests primarily in companies with market capitalization values
(share price times the number of common stock shares outstanding) greater
than $1.5 billion, but may invest a small portion in small-cap companies,
which have more risk. Equities represent ownership interests in individual
companies and give shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets.
They include common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into
common stock.
While the fund generally purchases securities for investment purposes, the
manager may use the fund's ownership in a company to seek to influence or
control management, or invest in other companies that do so, when the manager
believes the fund may benefit.
The fund may invest in debt securities rated in any rating category
established by an independent rating agency, including high yield, lower
rated or defaulted debt securities ("junk bonds"), or if unrated, determined
by the manager to be comparable. A debt security obligates the issuer to the
bondholders, both to repay a loan of money at a future date and generally to
pay interest. Common debt securities are bonds, including bonds convertible
into common stock or unsecured bonds; notes; and short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents.
The fund typically invests in unrated and lower rated debt securities of
Reorganizing Companies or Distressed Companies. Such debt securities are
primarily secured or unsecured indebtedness or participations in the
indebtedness, including loan participations and trade claims. Indebtedness
represents a specific commercial loan or portion of a loan which has been
given to a company by a financial institution such as a bank or insurance
company. By purchasing direct indebtedness of companies, a fund steps into
the shoes of a financial institution. Participation interests in indebtedness
represent fractional interests in a company's indebtedness.
The fund currently intends to invest up to approximately 20% of its total
assets in foreign equity and debt securities, including American, European
and Global Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts are certificates
typically issued by a bank or trust company that give their holders the right
to receive securities issued by a foreign or domestic company. The fund
generally seeks to hedge (protect) against currency risks, largely using
forward foreign currency exchange contracts, where available, and in the
manager's opinion, it is economical to do so (Hedging Instruments).
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined value strategy. In choosing equity investments, the
manager focuses on the market price of a company's securities relative to its
evaluation of the company's asset value, including an analysis of book value,
cash flow potential, long-term earnings, and multiples of earnings of
comparable securities. Similarly, debt securities are generally selected
based on the manager's own analysis of the security's intrinsic value rather
than the coupon rate or rating. Thus, each security is examined separately
and there are no set criteria as to asset size, earnings or industry type.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goals.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
REORGANIZING OR DISTRESSED companies The fund's bargain-driven focus may
result in the fund choosing securities that are not widely followed by other
investors, including companies reporting poor earnings, companies whose share
prices have declined sharply, turnarounds, cyclical companies, or companies
emerging from bankruptcy, which may have higher risk. There can be no
assurance that any merger or other restructuring, or tender or exchange offer
proposed at the time the fund invests in a Reorganizing Company will be
completed on the terms contemplated and therefore, benefit the fund.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with market conditions,
the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you
could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[End callout]
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Where the fund's investments are denominated in foreign currencies,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including devaluation of currency
by a country's government, will increase or decrease the fund's returns from
its foreign portfolio holdings. Currency markets generally are not as
regulated as securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns that
trade in that country. The political, economic, and social structures of some
countries the fund invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in
the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of
currency devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the
imposition of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of assets,
punitive taxes and certain custody and settlement risks. Non-U.S. companies are
not subject to the same disclosure, accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards and practices as U.S. companies and their securities may not be as
liquid as securities of similar U.S. companies, or may become illiquid. Non-U.S.
stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally have less
government supervision and regulation than in the U.S.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the security's value and, thus, impact the value of fund
shares.
INDEBTEDNESS AND PARTICIPATIONS The purchase of debt securities of
Reorganizing or Distressed Companies always involves a risk as to the
creditworthiness of the issuer and the possibility that the investment may be
lost. There are no established markets for indebtedness, making them less
liquid than other securities, and purchasers of participations, such as the
fund, must rely on the financial institution issuing the participation to
assert any rights against the borrower with respect to the underlying
indebtedness. In addition, the fund takes on the risk as to the
creditworthiness of the bank or other financial intermediary issuer, as well
as of the issuer of the underlying indebtedness.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES Junk bonds generally have more risk than higher-rated
securities, and can be considered speculative. Companies issuing high yield debt
securities are not as strong financially, and are more likely to encounter
financial difficulties and be more vulnerable to changes in the economy, such as
a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates. If an issuer stops
paying interest and/or principal, payments may never resume. The fund may lose
its entire investment on bonds that may be, or are, in default.
The prices of high yield debt securities fluctuate more than higher quality
securities. Prices are especially sensitive to developments affecting the
company's business and to rating changes, and typically rise and fall in
response to factors that affect the company's stock prices. In addition, the
entire high yield securities market can experience sudden and sharp price
swings due to changes in economic conditions, market activity, large
sustained sales, a high-profile default, or other factors. High yield
securities generally are less liquid than higher-quality bonds, and
infrequent trades can make accurate pricing more difficult. At times, it may
be difficult to sell these securities promptly at an acceptable price.
HEDGING INSTRUMENTS Hedging Instruments used by this fund are considered
derivative investments. Their successful use will depend on the manager's
ability to predict market movements, and losses from their use can be greater
than if they had not been used. Risks include potential loss to the fund due
to the imposition of controls by a government on the exchange of foreign
currencies, delivery failure, default by the other party, or inability to
close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES The fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities, which are securities with a limited trading market.
There is a possible risk that the securities cannot be readily sold or can
only be resold at a price significantly lower than their value.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] Past Performance
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
MUTUAL SHARES SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
17.73% 0.09%
97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q4 '98
12.94%
Worst
Quarter:
Q3 '98
- -17.65%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year (11/08/96)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mutual Shares Securities
Fund - Class 11 0.09% 9.70%
S&P 500(R)Index2 28.58% 30.66%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard and Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks covering a variety of industries. Indices
include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in
an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC (Franklin Mutual) is the fund's investment
manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team members primarily responsible for the fund's
management are:
Lawrence N. Sondike
Senior Vice President
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Sondike has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996.
Before joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research
analyst for Heine Securities Corporation, the predecessor of Franklin Mutual
(Heine).
David E. Marcus
Senior Vice President
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Marcus has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996. Before
joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for
Heine.
Michael F. Price is Chairman of the Board of Directors which oversees the
management of Franklin Mutual. The managers listed above are part of a larger
team of investment professionals with management responsibility for all of
the funds managed by Franklin Mutual, including this fund. Peter A. Langerman
is Chief Executive Officer and Robert L. Friedman is Chief Investment Officer
of Franklin Mutual. Mr. Friedman has overall supervisory responsibility for
the day to day management of the funds managed by Franklin Mutual.
The team also includes:
Peter A. Langerman
President and Chief Executive Officer
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Langerman has been involved with the management of the fund since its
inception in 1996. Before joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he
was a research analyst for Heine.
Robert L. Friedman
Chief Investment Officer
Senior Vice President
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Friedman has been involved with the management of the fund since its
inception in 1996. Before joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he
was a research analyst for Heine.
Jeffrey A. Altman
Senior Vice President
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Altman has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996. Before
joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for
Heine.
Raymond Garea
Senior Vice President
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Garea has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996. Before
joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for
Heine.
David J. Winters
Senior Vice President
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Winters has been a manager of the fund since 1998. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for Heine.
In addition, the following Franklin Mutual employees serve as Assistant
Portfolio Managers:
Jim Agah
Assistant Portfolio Manager
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Agah has been a manager of the fund since 1998. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1997, he was vice president of equity sales at
Keefe, Bryette & Woods.
Jeff Diamond
Assistant Portfolio Manager
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Diamond has been a manager of the fund since 1998. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1998, he was a vice president and co-manager of
Prudential Conservative Stock Fund.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets and making its
investment decisions. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.60% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Real Estate Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOALS AND STRATEGIES
GOALS The fund's principal goal is capital appreciation. Its secondary goal
is to earn current income.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in securities of companies operating in the
real estate industry, primarily equity real estate investment trusts (REITs).
Real estate companies include:
o companies qualifying under federal tax law as REITs,
o real estate operating companies, real estate services companies,
homebuilders and developers that derive at least half of their assets or
revenues from the ownership, construction, management or other services, or
sale of residential, commercial or industrial real estate.
[Begin callout]
The fund concentrates in securities of companies in the real estate industry,
primarily equity REITs.
[End callout]
REITs are real estate investment trust companies, usually publicly traded,
that manage a portfolio of income-producing real estate properties such as
apartments, hotels, office buildings, or shopping centers. Equity REITs take
ownership positions in real estate and shareholders receive income from the
rents received, and receive capital gains on the properties sold at a profit.
Other types, for example mortgage REITs, specialize in lending money to
developers and pass interest income on to shareholders. Still others are hybrid
REITs, having a mix of equity and debt investments. The fund generally invests
in medium-cap (less than $5 billion) to small-cap (less than $1.5 billion)
REITs, because that is reflective of the industry itself. Market capitalization
is defined as share price times the number of common stock shares outstanding.
In addition to its principal investments, the fund may invest in equity or
debt securities of issuers engaged in businesses whose products and services
are closely related to the real estate industry, and issuers whose principal
business is unrelated to the real estate industry but who have very
significant real estate holdings believed to be undervalued relative to the
company's securities. Equities represent ownership interests in individual
companies and give shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets.
A debt security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan
of money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt
securities are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or
unsecured bonds; notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash
equivalents.
The manager seeks to manage the risks of industry concentration by
diversifying into different types of real estate investments although such
risks cannot be eliminated. Historically, there has been a low correlation
between the real estate market and the broader equity market. While there is
no certainty those trends will continue in the future, investments in real
estate securities may be a useful way to diversify one's overall portfolio.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined value-oriented strategy for this fund. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the fund's
manager will focus on the market price of a company's security relative to
its evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value, and cash
flow potential. Using both qualitative and quantitative analysis and on-site
visits, the manager evaluates security characteristics, the strength and
quality of management, and underlying properties. In addition, the manager
may consider other factors, such as the supply and demand outlook for various
property types and regional markets.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents. Under these circumstances, the fund may
temporarily be unable to pursue its investment goals.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES By concentrating in a single industry sector, the
fund carries much greater risk of adverse developments in that sector than a
fund that invests in a wide variety of industries. Real estate values rise
and fall in response to a variety of factors, including local, regional and
national economic conditions and tax considerations, the strength of specific
industries renting properties, and other factors affecting the supply and
demand for properties. When economic growth is slowing, demand for property
decreases and prices may decline. Rising interest rates, which drive up
mortgage and financing costs, can restrain construction and buying and
selling activity and make other investments more attractive. Property values
could decrease because of overbuilding, increases in property taxes and
operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, environmental regulations or
hazards, uninsured casualty or condemnation losses, or a general decline in
neighborhood values.
REITs Equity REITs can be affected by any changes in the value of the
properties owned, while mortgage REITs can be affected by the quality of any
credit extended. A REIT's performance depends on the types and locations of
the properties it owns and on how well it manages those properties or loan
financings. A decline in rental income could occur because of extended
vacancies, increased competition from other properties, tenants' failure to
pay rent or poor management.
A REIT's performance also depends on the company's ability to finance
property purchases and renovations and manage its cash flows. Because REITs
are typically invested in a limited number of projects or in a particular
market segment, they are more susceptible to adverse developments affecting a
single project or market segment than more broadly diversified investments.
Loss of status as a qualified REIT or changes in the treatment of REITs under
the federal tax law, could adversely affect the value of a particular REIT or
the market for REITs as a whole.
[Begin callout]
Because the securities the fund holds fluctuate in price with real estate
market conditions, the value of your investment in the fund will go up and
down. This means you could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[End callout]
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over the
long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter term.
These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies,
industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are considered "cheap"
relative to the company's perceived value and are often out of favor with other
investors. If other investors fail to recognize the company's value and do not
become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in markets favoring faster-growing
companies, value stocks may not increase in value as anticipated by the manager
or may decline further.
SMALLER COMPANIES Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions, their growth prospects are less
certain, their securities are less liquid, and they can be considered
speculative. These companies may suffer significant losses. Small cap REITs
can be subject to greater risks than mid- or large-cap issuers due to greater
regional concentration and less diversification in terms of the regions,
clients and types of properties available for investment.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
Insert bar graph]
- -11.98% 33.47% 12.12% 19.01% 2.89% 17.53% 32.82% 20.70% -16.82%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q1 '91
20.13%
Worst
Quarter:
Q3 '90
- -14.14%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
1 Year 5 Years (01/24/89)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Real Estate Securities Fund -
Class 11 -16.82% 10.03% 10.30%
S&P 500(R)Index2 28.58% 24.06% 18.70%
Wilshire Real Estate
Securities Index2 -17.43% 9.36% 4.57%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks covering a variety of industries. The
Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index is a market-cap weighted index of
publicly traded real estate securities. Indices include reinvested dividends
and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an index
representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Matthew F. Avery
Senior Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Avery has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989, and has
been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1987.
Douglas Barton, CFA
Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Barton has been a manager of the fund since 1998, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1988.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.52% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Rising Dividends Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in the securities of companies that have:
o consistently increased dividends in at least 8 out of the last 10 years and
have not decreased dividends during that time;
o increased dividends substantially (at least 100%) over the past ten years;
o reinvested earnings, paying out less than 65% of current earnings in
dividends (except for utility companies);
o strong balance sheets, with long-term debt representing no more than 30% of
total capitalization (except for utility companies); and
o attractive prices, either in the lower half of the stock's price/earnings
ratio range for the past 10 years or less than the average current market
price/earnings ratio of the stocks comprising the Standard & Poor's(R) 500
Stock Index (this criterion applies only at the time of purchase).
[Begin callout]
The fund will invest primarily in the common stocks of financially sound
companies that have paid consistently rising dividends.
[End callout]
The fund typically invests the rest of its assets in equity securities of
companies that pay dividends but do not meet all of these criteria. Following
these policies, the fund typically invests predominantly in equity securities
issued by large- and mid-cap U.S. companies, which generally have market
capitalization values (share price times the number of common stock shares
outstanding) greater than $1.5 billion. It may also invest substantially in
small-cap companies which generally have lower market capitalizations.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined value-oriented strategy. As a "bottom-up" investor
focusing primarily on individual securities, the manager will focus on the
market price of a company's securities relative to its evaluation of the
company's long-term earnings, and in particular a strong dividend record,
asset value, and cash flow potential. The manager seeks bargains among
companies with steadily rising dividends and strong balance sheets - out of
favor companies that offer, in the manager's opinion, excellent long-term
potential that might include companies that have stumbled recently, dropping
sharply in price, but with significant potential.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents. Under these circumstances, the fund may
temporarily be unable to pursue its investment goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager, or may decline further.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with market conditions,
the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you
could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[End callout]
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies, and to a lesser extent mid-size
companies, may offer greater opportunities for capital growth than larger,
more established companies, they also have more risk. Historically, smaller
company securities have been more volatile in price and fluctuated
independently from larger company securities, especially over the
shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions, and their growth prospects are
less certain.
For example, smaller companies may lack depth of management or may have
limited financial resources for growth or development. They may have limited
product lines or market share. Smaller companies may be in new industries, or
their new products and services may not find an established market or may
become obsolete. Smaller companies may suffer significant losses, their
securities can be less liquid, and investments in these companies may be
speculative.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
RISING DIVIDENDS FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
-3.48% -4.08% 29.74% 24.18% 33.03% 6.92%
93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q4 '98
19.38%
Worst
Quarter:
Q3 '98
- -14.78%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year Past 5 Years (01/27/92)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rising Dividends Fund - Class 11 6.92% 17.06% 12.98%
Wilshire MidCap Company
Growth Index2 -1.08% 13.83% 13.61%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The Wilshire MidCap Company Growth
Index is an unmanaged group of securities of companies selected based on
growth characteristics from among the middle capitalization universe of the
Wilshire 5000. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One
cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an index representative of the
fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisory Services, LLC (Advisory Services) is the fund's investment
manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Donald G. Taylor
Senior Vice President,
Advisory Services
Mr. Taylor has been a manager of the fund since 1996. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a Portfolio Manager for Fidelity
Management & Research Co.
William J. Lippman
President, Advisory Services
Mr. Lippman has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1992. He
has more than 30 years' experience in the securities industry and joined the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1988.
Bruce C. Baughman
Senior Vice President,
Advisory Services
Mr. Baughman has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1992, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1988.
Margaret McGee
Vice President, Advisory Services
Ms. McGee has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1992, and has
been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1988.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.70% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is high total return.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
in equity securities of companies in any nation, debt securities of companies
and governments of any nation, and in money market instruments. The mix of
investments will be adjusted to capitalize on total return potential produced
by changing economic conditions throughout the world, including emerging
market countries. While there are no minimum or maximum percentage targets
for each asset class, historically stocks have been the predominant
investment.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common stock, and
American, European and Global Depositary Receipts. Depositary Receipts are
certificates issued by a bank or trust company that give their holders the
right to receive securities issued by a foreign or domestic company. A debt
security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan of
money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt securities
are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or unsecured bonds;
notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in common stocks and bonds of U.S. and non-U.S.
countries.
[End callout]
The fund focuses on "investment grade" debt securities. These are issues
rated in the top four rating categories (AAA to BBB) by independent rating
agencies such as Standard & Poor's Corporation (S&P) or Moody's Investors
Services, Inc. (Moody's) or, if unrated, determined by the fund's manager to
be comparable. The fund may also invest up to 25% of its total assets in high
yield, medium and lower rated debt securities ("junk bonds"), or, if unrated,
determined by the fund's manager to be comparable. The fund will not invest
in defaulted securities. During 1998, about 10.2% of the fund's portfolio was
invested in lower rated and comparable quality unrated debt securities. Many
debt securities of non-U.S. issuers, and especially emerging market issuers,
are rated below investment grade or are unrated so that their selection
depends on the manager's internal analysis.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The Templeton investment philosophy is "bottom-up,"
value-oriented, and long-term. In choosing equity investments, the fund's
manager will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to
its evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. A company's historical value measures, including price/earnings
ratio, profit margins, and liquidation value, will also be considered. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the fund
may from time to time have significant investments in particular countries.
In choosing debt investments, the fund's manager allocates its assets among
issuers, geographic regions, and currencies based upon its assessment of
relative interest rates among currencies, the manager's outlook for changes
in interest rates, and credit risks. The manager intends to manage the fund's
exposure to various geographic regions and their currencies based on its
assessment of changing market and political conditions; with respect to debt
securities, the manager may also from time to time make use of forward
currency exchange contracts for hedging (protection) purposes (Hedging
Instruments).
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over the
long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter term.
These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies,
industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are considered "cheap"
relative to the company's perceived value and are often out of favor with other
investors. If other investors fail to recognize the company's value and do not
become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in markets favoring faster-growing
companies, value stocks may not increase in value as anticipated by the manager
or may decline further.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks and bonds the fund holds fluctuate in price with foreign
market conditions and currencies, the value of your investment in the fund
will go up and down. This means you could lose money over short or even
extended periods.
[End callout]
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because the investment is
worth fewer dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns
that trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to non-U.S. investments in non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the security's value and, thus, impact the value of fund
shares.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES Junk bonds generally have more risk than higher-rated
securities, and can be considered speculative. Companies issuing high yield
debt securities are not as strong financially, and are more likely to
encounter financial difficulties and be more vulnerable to changes in the
economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates.
If an issuer stops paying interest and/or principal, payments may never
resume. The fund may lose its entire investment on bonds that may be, or are,
in default.
The prices of high yield debt securities fluctuate more than higher quality
securities. Prices are especially sensitive to developments affecting the
company's business and to rating changes, and typically rise and fall in
response to factors that affect the company's stock prices. In addition, the
entire high yield securities market can experience sudden and sharp price
swings due to changes in economic conditions, market activity, large
sustained sales, a high-profile default, or other factors. High yield
securities generally are less liquid than higher-quality bonds, and
infrequent trades can make accurate pricing more difficult. At times, it may
be difficult to sell these securities promptly at an acceptable price.
HEDGING INSTRUMENTS Hedging Instruments used by this fund are considered
derivative investments. Their successful use will depend on the manager's
ability to predict market movements, and losses from their use can be greater
than if they had not been used.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, risks, and bond
ratings can be found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] Past Performance
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
TEMPLETON GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
19.84% 11.71% -0.04%
96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q4 '98
11.93%
Worst
Quarter:
Q3 '98
- -13.12%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year (05/01/95)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton Global Asset
Allocation Fund - Class 11 -0.04% 10.25%
MSCI World Index(R)2 24.80% 18.24%
JP Morgan Global Government
Bond Index2 15.31% 7.49%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged MSCI World Index(R)
tracks the performance of approximately 1500 securities in 23 countries and
is designed to measure world stock market performance. The unmanaged JP
Morgan Global Government Bond Index tracks the performance of government bond
markets in 13 countries. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or
interest. One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an index
representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Templeton Global Advisors Limited (TGAL) is the fund's investment manager.
Under an agreement with TGAL, Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. (TICI)
through its Templeton Global Bond Managers division (Global Bond Managers),
is the fund's sub-advisor.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for managing the equity portion of the
fund is:
Dale Winner, CFA
Portfolio Manager,
Mr. Winner has been a manager of the fund since 1997. Before joining TGAL
Franklin Templeton in 1995, he was a trust officer at J.P. Morgan.
Jeffrey A. Everett, CFA
Executive Vice President, TGAL
Mr. Everett has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1995, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1990.
Mark G. Holowesko, CFA
President, TGAL
Mr. Holowesko has been a manager of the fund since 1999, and has been with
the Franklin Templeton Group since 1985.
A team from Global Bond Managers is responsible for managing the debt portion
of the fund's investments.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets and making its
investment decisions. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.65% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Value Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term total return.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies of various
sizes that the fund's manager believes are selling substantially below the
underlying value of their assets or their private market value (what a
sophisticated investor would pay for the entire company). Following this
strategy, the fund will invest in companies with, for example: low prices
relative to book value, cash flow, or earnings (of the market, of the
industry group or earnings growth); valuable intangibles not reflected in the
stock price such as franchises, trademarks, distribution channels or market
share for particular products or services; underused or understated assets or
cash; or strong balance sheets. Equities represent ownership interests in
individual companies and give shareholders a claim in the company's earnings
and assets. They include common and preferred stocks, and securities
convertible into common stock.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in the common stocks of companies the manager
believes are significantly undervalued.
[End callout]
The fund may invest substantially in securities of small-cap companies, which
have market capitalization values (share price times the number of common
stock shares outstanding) of less than $1.5 billion, at the time of purchase.
The fund may also invest up to 25% of its total assets in foreign securities,
including Depositary Receipts and emerging markets, but has no current
intention of investing more than 15%.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined value-oriented strategy for this fund. As a "bottom-up"
investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the manager will focus on
the market price of a company's securities relative to its evaluation of the
company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow potential. The manager
seeks bargains among the "under researched and unloved" - out of favor companies
that offer, in the manager's opinion, excellent long-term potential that might
include former growth companies that have stumbled recently, dropping sharply in
price, but with significant potential ("fallen angels") or companies that are a
potential turnaround or takeover target.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further. The fund's
bargain-driven focus may result in the fund choosing securities that are not
widely followed by other investors, including companies reporting poor
earnings, companies whose share prices have declined sharply, turnarounds,
cyclical companies, or companies emerging from bankruptcy, which may have
higher risk.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with market conditions,
the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you
could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[End callout]
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies, and to a lesser extent mid-size
companies, may offer greater opportunities for capital growth than larger,
more established companies, they also have more risk. Historically, smaller
company securities have been more volatile in price and fluctuated
independently from larger company securities, especially over the shorter
term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly sensitive to
changing economic conditions, and their growth prospects are less certain.
For example, smaller companies may lack depth of management, or may have
limited financial resources for growth or development. They may have limited
product lines or market share. Smaller companies may be in new industries, or
their new products or services may not find an established market or may
become quickly obsolete. Smaller companies may suffer significant losses,
their securities can be less liquid, and investments in these companies may
be speculative. Technology and biotechnology industry stocks, in particular,
can be subject to abrupt or erratic price movements.
DIVERSIFICATION The fund is non-diversified under federal securities laws. As
such, it may invest a greater portion of its assets in one issuer and have a
smaller number of issuers than a diversified fund. Therefore, the fund may be
more sensitive to economic, business, political or other changes affecting
similar issuers or securities. The fund will, however, meet tax diversification
requirements.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside the
U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Where the fund's investments are denominated in foreign currencies,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including devaluation of currency
by a country's government, will increase or decrease the fund's returns from
its foreign portfolio holdings. Currency markets generally are not as
regulated as securities markets.
COUNTRY General foreign securities market movements in any country where the
fund has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the
fund owns that trade in that country. The political, economic, and social
structures of some countries the fund invests in may be less stable and more
volatile than those in the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries
include the possibility of currency devaluations, the imposition of exchange
controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation, restrictions on
removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of assets, punitive
taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. Non-U.S. companies are not
subject to the same disclosure, accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards and practices as U.S. companies and their securities may not be as
liquid as securities of similar U.S. companies, or may become illiquid.
Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally
have less government supervision and regulation than in the U.S.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PERFORMANCE
Because the fund started May 1, 1998, performance for a full calendar year is
not yet available.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisory Services, LLC (Advisory Services) is the fund's investment
manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
William J. Lippman
President, Advisory Services
Mr. Lippman has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998. He
has more than 30 years' experience in the securities industry and joined the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1988.
Bruce C. Baughman
Senior Vice President,
Advisory Services
Mr. Baughman has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998,
andhas been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1988.
Gerard P. Sullivan
Senior Vice President,
Advisory Services
Mr. Sullivan has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998.
Before joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1998, he was a portfolio
manager for SunAmerica Asset Management and for Texas Commerce Investment
Management & Co.
Margaret McGee
Vice President, Advisory Services
Ms. McGee has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998 and has
been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1988.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing the fund's assets and making its
investment decisions. The fee is equal to an annual rate of 0.60% of the
average daily net assets up to an including $200 million; 0.50% of the
average daily net assets up to $1.3 billion; and 0.40% of the average daily
net assets over $1.3 billion.
Capital Growth Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] goal and strategies
GOAL The fund's investment goal is capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies believed
to be globally competitive and to offer favorable opportunities for long-term
capital appreciation. Following this policy, the fund will typically invest
predominantly in established, large- to medium-cap companies with market
capitalization values (share price times the number of common stock shares
outstanding) greater than $1.5 billion. The fund may also invest, to a lesser
extent, in small-cap companies, and in new and emerging industries where
growth is expected to be above average. Equities represent ownership
interests in individual companies and give shareholders a claim in the
company's earnings and assets. They include common and preferred stocks, and
securities convertible into common stock.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in the common stocks of established companies.
[End callout]
The fund generally invests less than 15% of its total assets in foreign
securities, including Depositary Receipts and emerging markets.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined long-term growth strategy. As a "bottom-up" investor
focusing primarily on individual securities, the manager chooses companies that
it believes are leaders in their industries, and are positioned for rapid growth
in revenues, earnings or assets. The manager relies on a team of analysts to
provide in-depth industry expertise, and uses both qualitative and quantitative
analysis to evaluate companies for historical and potential growth in revenues
and earnings, strength and quality of management, and strategic positioning in
its industry. The manager believes such factors point to steady growth over time
potential. The manager diversifies the fund's assets across many industries, and
from time to time may invest substantially in certain sectors, including
technology and biotechnology.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic conditions
are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable investment
opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all or
substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency short-term
investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these circumstances, the
fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Growth stock prices reflect
projections of future earnings or revenues, and can, therefore, fall
dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with market conditions,
the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you
could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[End callout]
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies, and to a lesser extent mid-size
companies, may offer greater opportunities for capital growth than larger,
more established companies, they also have more risk. Historically, smaller
company securities have been more volatile in price and have fluctuated
independently from larger company securities, especially over the
shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions, their growth prospects are less
certain, their securities are less liquid, and they can be considered
speculative. These companies may suffer significant losses, and technology
and biotechnology industry stocks, in particular, can be subject to abrupt or
erratic price movements.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Where the fund's investments are denominated in foreign currencies,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including devaluation of currency
by a country's government, will increase or decrease the fund's returns from
its foreign portfolio holdings. Currency markets generally are not as
regulated as securities markets.
COUNTRY General foreign securities market movements in any country where the
fund has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the
fund owns that trade in that country. The political, economic, and social
structures of some countries the fund invests in may be less stable and more
volatile than those in the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries
include the possibility of currency devaluations, the imposition of exchange
controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation, restrictions on
removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of assets, punitive
taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. Non-U.S. companies are not
subject to the same disclosure, accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards and practices as U.S. companies and their securities may not be as
liquid as securities of similar U.S. companies, or may become illiquid.
Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally
have less government supervision and regulation than in the U.S.
See "Important Recent Developments," in this prospectus for Year 2000 and
euro discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and
operations. More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks
can be found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
CAPITAL GROWTH FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
18.31% 20.29%
97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q4 '98
19.73%
Worst
Quarter:
Q3 '98
- -10.47%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year (05/01/96)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Growth Fund - Class 11 20.29% 19.72%
S&P 500(R)2 Index 28.58% 29.00%
Russell 1000 Index(R)2 27.02% 27.92%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks covering a variety of industries. The
Russell 1000 Index measures the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000
Index. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot
invest directly in an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's
investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Conrad B. Herrmann, CFA
Senior Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Herrmann has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1989.
Vivian J. Palmieri
Portfolio Manager, Advisers
Mr. Palmieri has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1965.
Kent Shepherd, CFA
Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Shepherd has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1999, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1991.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.75% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Global Health Care Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] Goal and Strategies
GOAL The fund's investment goal is capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest at
least 70% of its total assets in equity securities of companies in the health
care industry. These are companies whose principal assets or activities are in
research, development, production or distribution of products and services in
industries such as pharmaceutical; biotechnology; health care facilities,
information systems and personal products; medical supplies, technology and
services; and managed care companies. Equities represent ownership interests in
individual companies and give shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and
assets. They include common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible
into common stock.
[Begin callout]
The fund concentrates in common stocks of U.S. and non-U.S. companies in the
health care industry.
[End callout]
The fund may buy health care companies anywhere in the world, but generally
invests predominantly in U.S. companies. The fund may also invest a
substantial portion of its assets in small-cap companies which have market
capitalization values (share price times the number of common stock shares
outstanding) of less than $1.5 billion.
Depending upon current market conditions, the fund may invest a significant
portion of its assets in debt securities of U.S. or non-U.S. issuers. A debt
security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan of
money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt securities
are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or unsecured bonds;
notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
combining both growth and value strategies. As a "bottom-up" investor
focusing primarily on individual securities, the manager chooses companies
that fill particular health care niches and that it believes are positioned
for rapid growth in revenues, earnings or assets, and/or are selling at
reasonable prices using a company's historical value measures. The manager
relies on a team of analysts to provide in-depth industry expertise, and uses
both qualitative and quantitative analysis, to look for companies that will
position the fund to benefit from potential future technological advances and
increasing worldwide demand in the health care sector. In addition, the
manager evaluates companies on factors such as strength and quality of
management, strategic positioning in its industry and globally competitive
advantages.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
HEALTH CARE COMPANIES By concentrating in a single industry sector, the fund
carries much greater risk of adverse developments in that sector than a fund
that invests in a wide variety of industries. Government actions may affect
health care companies in many ways. For example, foreign, U.S. federal, or
state governments could discontinue subsidies of certain research or other
activities of some companies. Stocks held by the fund may also be affected by
government policies on health care reimbursements, regulatory approval for
new drugs and medical instruments, or legislative reform of a health care
system. Health care companies are also subject to the risks of product
liability lawsuits and the risk that their products and services may rapidly
become obsolete.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with global market
conditions, the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down.
This means you could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[End callout]
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further. Growth stock
prices reflect projections of future earnings or revenues, and can,
therefore, fall dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections.
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies, and to a lesser extent mid-size
companies, may offer greater opportunities for capital growth than larger,
more established companies, they also have more risk. Historically, smaller
company securities have been more volatile in price and fluctuated
independently from larger company securities, especially over the
shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions, and their growth prospects are
less certain.
For example, smaller companies may lack depth of management, or may have
limited financial resources for growth or development. They may have limited
product lines or market share. Smaller companies may be in new industries, or
their new products or services may not find an established market or may
become quickly obsolete. Smaller companies may suffer significant losses,
their securities can be less liquid, and investments in these companies may
be speculative. Technology and biotechnology industry stocks, in particular,
can be subject to abrupt or erratic price movements.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies located outside the U.S. involve
risks that can increase the potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because the investment is
worth fewer dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns
that trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to non-U.S. investments in non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
DIVERSIFICATION The fund is non-diversified under federal securities laws.
As such, it may invest a greater portion of its assets in one issuer and have
a smaller number of issuers than a diversified fund. Therefore, the fund may
be more sensitive to economic, business, political or other changes affecting
similar issuers or securities. The fund will, however, meet tax
diversification requirements.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] Performance
Because the fund started May 1, 1998, performance for a full calendar year is
not yet available.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Kurt von Emster, CFA
Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Von Emster has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998,
and has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1989.
Evan McCulloch, CFA
Vice President, Advisers
Mr. McCulloch has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1992.
Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.
President, Advisers
Mr. Johnson has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1965.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing the fund's assets and making its
investment decisions. The fee is an amount equal to an annual rate of 0.60%
of the average daily net assets up to and including $200 million; 0.50% of
the average daily net assets up to $1.3 billion; and 0.40% of the average
daily net assets over $1.3 billion.
Mutual Discovery Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] Goal and Strategies
GOAL The fund's principal goal is capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies of any
nation that the manager believes are available at market prices less than
their actual value based on certain recognized or objective criteria
(intrinsic value). Following this value-oriented strategy, the fund will
primarily invest in:
o UNDERVALUED STOCKS Stocks trading at a discount to asset value.
o REORGANIZING COMPANIES Securities of companies in the midst of change such
as mergers, consolidations, liquidations, reorganizations, financial
restructurings, or companies with takeover, tender or exchange offers or
likely to receive such offers (Reorganizing Companies). The fund may
participate in such transactions.
o DISTRESSED COMPANIES Securities of companies that are distressed or even in
bankruptcy.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in common stocks of non-U.S. and U.S. companies
the manager believes are significantly undervalued.
[End callout]
The fund invests primarily in companies with market capitalization values
(share price times the number of common stock shares outstanding) greater
than $1.5 billion, but may invest a lesser amount in small-cap companies.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
While the fund generally purchases securities for investment purposes, the
manager may use the fund's ownership in a company to seek to influence or
control management, or invest in other companies that do so, when the manager
believes the fund may benefit.
The fund may invest 50% or more of its total assets in foreign equity and
debt securities, which may include sovereign debt and participation in
foreign government debt, and American, European and Global Depositary
Receipts. Depositary receipts are certificates issued by a bank or trust
company that give their holders the right to receive securities issued by a
foreign or domestic company. The fund generally seeks to hedge (protect)
against currency risks largely using forward foreign currency exchange
contracts, where available, and in the manager's opinion, it is economical to
do so (Hedging Instruments).
The fund may invest in debt securities rated in any rating category by an
independent rating agency, including high yield, lower rated or defaulted
debt securities ("junk bonds"), or in comparable unrated debt securities. A
debt security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan
of money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt
securities are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or
unsecured bonds; notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash
equivalents.
The fund typically invests in unrated and lower rated debt securities of
Reorganizing Companies or Distressed Companies. Such debt securities are
primarily secured or unsecured, indebtedness or participations in the
indebtedness, including loan participations and trade claims. Indebtedness
represents a specific commercial loan or portion of a loan which has been
given to a company by a financial institution such as a bank or insurance
company. By purchasing direct indebtedness of companies, a fund steps into
the shoes of a financial institution. Participation interests in indebtedness
represent fractional interests in a company's indebtedness.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined value strategy. In choosing equity investments, the
manager focuses on the market price of a company's securities relative to its
evaluation of the company's asset value, book value, cash flow potential,
long-term earnings, and multiples of earnings of comparable securities.
Similarly, debt securities are generally selected based on the manager's own
analysis of the security's intrinsic value rather than the coupon rate or
rating. Thus, each security is examined separately and there are no set
criteria as to asset size, earnings or industry type.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
REORGANIZING OR DISTRESSED COMPANIES The fund's bargain-driven focus may
result in the fund choosing securities that are not widely followed by other
investors, including companies reporting poor earnings, companies whose share
prices have declined sharply, turnarounds, cyclical companies, or companies
emerging from bankruptcy, which may have higher risk. There can be no
assurance that any merger or other restructuring, or tender or exchange offer
proposed at the time the fund invests in a Reorganizing Company will be
completed on the terms contemplated, and therefore, benefit the fund.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with global market
conditions, the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down.
This means you could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[End callout]
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because the investment is
worth fewer dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns
that trade in that country. The political, economic and social structures of
some countries the fund invests in may be less stable and more volatile than
those in the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries include the
possibility of currency devaluation by a country's government or banking
authority, the imposition of exchange controls, foreign ownership
limitations, expropriation, restrictions on removal of currency or other
assets, nationalization of assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and
settlement risks. In addition, political or economic conditions can cause
previously established securities markets to become limited trading markets,
potentially causing liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in
emerging market countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluation. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to non-U.S. investments in non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies, and to a lesser extent mid-size
companies, may offer greater opportunities for capital growth than larger,
more established companies, they also have more risk. Historically, smaller
company securities have been more volatile in price and fluctuated
independently from larger company securities, especially over the
shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions, and their growth prospects are
less certain.
For example, smaller companies may lack depth of management, or may have
limited financial resources for growth or development. They may have limited
product lines or market share. Smaller companies may be in new industries, or
their new products or services may not find an established market or may
become quickly obsolete. Smaller companies may suffer significant losses,
their securities can be less liquid, and investments in these companies may
be speculative. Technology and biotechnology industry stocks, in particular,
can be subject to abrupt or erratic price movements.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the security's value and, thus, impact the value of fund
shares.
INDEBTEDNESS AND PARTICIPATIONS The purchase of debt securities of
Reorganizing or Distressed Companies always involves a risk as to the
creditworthiness of the issuer and the possibility that the investment may be
lost. There are no established markets for indebtedness, making them less
liquid than other securities, and purchasers of participations, such as the
fund, must rely on the financial institution issuing the participation to
assert any rights against the borrower with respect to the underlying
indebtedness. In addition, the fund takes on the risk as to the
creditworthiness of the bank or other financial intermediary issuer, as well
as of the issuer of the underlying indebtedness.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES Junk bonds generally have more risk than higher-rated
securities, and can be considered speculative. Companies issuing high yield
debt securities are not as strong financially, and are more likely to
encounter financial difficulties and be more vulnerable to changes in the
economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates.
If an issuer stops paying interest and/or principal, payments may never
resume. The fund may lose its entire investment on bonds that may be, or are,
in default.
The prices of high yield debt securities fluctuate more than higher quality
securities. Prices are especially sensitive to developments affecting the
company's business and to rating changes, and typically rise and fall in
response to factors that affect the company's stock prices. In addition, the
entire high yield securities market can experience sudden and sharp price
swings due to changes in economic conditions, market activity, large
sustained sales, a high-profile default, or other factors. High yield
securities are also generally less liquid than higher-quality bonds, and
infrequent trades can make accurate pricing more difficult. At times, it may
be difficult to sell these securities promptly at an acceptable price.
HEDGING INSTRUMENTS Hedging Instruments used by this fund are considered
derivative investments. Their successful use will depend on the manager's
ability to predict market movements, and losses from their use can be greater
than if they had not been used. Risks include potential loss to the fund due
to the imposition of controls by a government on the exchange of foreign
currencies, delivery failure, default by the other party, or inability to
close out its position because the trading market becomes illiquid.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES The fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities, which are securities with a limited trading market.
Illiquid securities have the risk that the securities cannot be readily sold
or can only be resold at a price significantly lower than their value.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] Past Performance
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
MUTUAL DISCOVERY SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
19.25% -5.00%
97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q1 '98
10.85%
Worst
Quarter:
Q3 '98
- -20.97%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year (11/08/96)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mutual Discovery Securities
Fund - Class 11 -5.00% 7.02%
S&P 500(R)Index2 28.58% 30.66%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks covering a variety of industries. Indices
include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in
an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC (Franklin Mutual) is the fund's investment
manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team members primarily responsible for the fund's
management are:
Robert L. Friedman
Chief Investment Officer
Senior Vice President
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Friedman has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996.
Before joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research
analyst for Heine Securities Corporation, the predecessor of Franklin Mutual
(Heine).
David E. Marcus
Senior Vice President
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Marcus has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996. Before
joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for
Heine.
Michael F. Price is Chairman of the Board of Directors which oversees the
management of Franklin Mutual. The managers listed above are part of a larger
team of investment professionals with management responsibility for all of
the funds managed by Franklin Mutual, including this fund. Peter A. Langerman
is Chief Executive Officer and Robert L. Friedman is Chief Investment Officer
of Franklin Mutual. Mr. Friedman has overall supervisory responsibility for
the day to day management of the funds managed by Franklin Mutual.
The team also includes:
Peter A. Langerman
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Langerman has been involved with the management of the fund since its
inception in 1996. Before joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he
was a research analyst for Heine.
Lawrence N. Sondike
Senior Vice President
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Sondike has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996.
Before joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research
analyst for Heine.
Jeffrey A. Altman
Senior Vice President
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Altman has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996. Before
joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for
Heine.
Raymond Garea
Senior Vice President
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Garea has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998. Before
joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for
Heine.
David J. Winters
Senior Vice President
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Winters has been a manager of the fund since 1996. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for Heine.
In addition, the following Franklin Mutual employees serve as Assistant
Portfolio Managers:
Jim Agah
Assistant Portfolio Manager
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Agah has been a manager of the fund since 1998. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1997, he was vice president of equity sales at
Keefe, Bryette & Woods.
Jeff Diamond
Assistant Portfolio Manager
Franklin Mutual
Mr. Diamond has been a manager of the fund since 1998. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1998, he was a vice president and co-manager of
Prudential Conservative Stock Fund.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets and making its
investment decisions. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.80% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Natural Resources Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] Goals and Strategies
GOALS The fund's principal goal is capital appreciation. Its secondary goal
is to provide current income.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies
principally engaged in the natural resources sector. These are companies that
own, produce, refine, process or market natural resources. They may also
provide support services for natural resources companies, for example,
develop technologies or provide services, supplies or equipment related to
natural resources. The natural resources sector includes industries such as
integrated oil; oil and gas exploration and production; gold and precious
metals; steel, iron ore, and aluminum production; forest, farming, and paper
products; chemicals; building materials; energy services and technology; and
environmental services. The manager expects to invest substantially in the
energy industries, because of their larger weighting in the natural resources
sector itself.
The fund generally invests a substantial portion of its assets in mid-cap
companies with market capitalization values (share price times the number of
common stock shares outstanding) greater than $1.5 billion, but may invest
significantly in small-cap companies. Equities represent ownership interests
in individual companies and give shareholders a claim in the company's
earnings and assets. They include common and preferred stocks, and securities
convertible into common stock. The fund also invests in American, European,
and Global Depositary Receipts, which are certificates issued by a bank or
trust company that give their holders the right to receive securities issued
by a foreign or domestic company.
[Begin callout]
The fund concentrates in common stocks of U.S. and non-U.S. companies in the
natural resources sector.
[End callout]
The fund may buy natural resource companies anywhere in the world, including
emerging markets, but generally invests a greater percentage of its assets in
U.S. companies than any other single country. In addition, the fund will be
exposed to emerging markets through developed market companies, which often
own or depend on natural resource assets in countries with emerging markets.
In addition to its principal investments, and depending upon market
conditions, the fund may invest significantly in equity securities outside
the natural resources sector or in debt securities, of U.S. or non-U.S.
issuers. A debt security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to
repay a loan of money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common
debt securities are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or
unsecured bonds; notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash
equivalents. The fund may invest up to 5% in commodities (including gold
bullion or gold coins) or futures on commodities related to the natural
resources sector as defined above.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined, "growth at a reasonable price" strategy. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the manager
looks for companies it believes are positioned for rapid growth in revenues,
earnings or assets, and are selling at reasonable prices. The manager relies
on a team of analysts to provide in-depth industry expertise and uses both
qualitative and quantitative analysis to choose companies it believes are
highly profitable with skilled management, and that have strong growth
profiles and solid financials, as well as companies with sustainable
competitive advantages either through strategic asset bases or technological
expertise. These are all factors the manager believes point to strong
long-term growth potential.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goals.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
NATURAL RESOURCES By concentrating in a single industry sector, the fund
carries much greater risk of adverse developments in that sector than a fund
that invests in a wide variety of industries. The securities of companies in
the natural resources sector may experience more price volatility than
securities of companies in other industries. For example, commodity prices
and the supply or demand for commodities change dramatically for reasons
beyond a company's control. In addition, supply and demand factors may
dictate the prices at which a company acquires raw materials or sells its
products or services. These factors can affect the profitability of companies
in the natural resources sector and, as a result, the value of their
securities.
In addition, the fund may from time to time invest significantly in a
particular industry or group of industries within the natural resources
sector; such a strategy may expose the fund to greater investment risk than a
more diversified strategy within the sector.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Growth stock prices reflect
projections of future earnings or revenues, and can, therefore, fall
dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with global market
conditions, the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down.
This means you could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[End callout]
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because the investment is
worth fewer dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns that
trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund invests
in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The risks of
investing in these countries include the possibility of currency devaluations by
a country's government or banking authority, the imposition of exchange
controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation, restrictions on removal
of currency or other assets, nationalization of assets, punitive taxes, and
certain custody and settlement risks. In addition, political or economic
conditions can cause previously established securities markets to become limited
trading markets, potentially causing liquid securities to become illiquid,
particularly in emerging market countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to foreign investments in foreign courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies, and to a lesser extent mid-size
companies, may offer greater opportunities for capital growth than larger,
more established companies, they also have more risk. Historically, smaller
company securities have been more volatile in price and have fluctuated
independently from larger company securities, especially over the
shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions, their growth prospects are less
certain, and their securities are less liquid. These companies may suffer
significant losses, and can be considered speculative.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] Past Performance
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
NATURAL RESOURCES SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
- -13.97% 3.86% -10.13% 55.62% -2.01% 2.35% 4.00% -18.98% -25.38%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q4 '93 21.92%
Worst
Quarter:
Q3 '98 -19.12%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 year Past 5 years (01/24/89)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural Resources Securities
Fund - Class 11 -25.38% -8.81% -0.25%
S&P 500(R)Index2 28.58% 24.06% 18.70%
FT/S&P/Actuaries World:
Energy 50%/Basic Industries 50%
Composite Index2 -0.11% 8.56% 7.04%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks covering a variety of industries. The
Financial Times/S&P Actuaries World (Energy 50%/Basic Industries 50%)
Composite Index is a composite of companies of which 50% are in the energy
sector and 50% are in the basic industries sectors. Indices include
reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in an index,
nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Michael R. Ward
Portfolio Manager, Advisers
Mr. Ward has been a manager of the fund since 1999, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1992.
Steve Land
Portfolio Manager, Advisers
Mr. Land has been a manager of the fund since 1999, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1997.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.62% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Small Cap Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] Goal and Strategies
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital growth.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in the equity securities of U.S. small
capitalization (small cap) growth companies. Small cap companies are
generally those with market cap values (share price times the number of
common stock shares outstanding) of less than $1.5 billion, at the time of
purchase. Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and
give shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in common stocks of small cap U.S. companies.
[End callout]
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined "growth at a reasonable price" strategy. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the manager
chooses small cap companies that it believes are positioned for rapid growth
in revenues, earnings or assets, and are selling at reasonable prices. The
manager relies on a team of analysts to provide in-depth industry expertise
and uses both qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate companies for
distinct and sustainable competitive advantages. Such advantages as a
particular marketing or product niche, proven technology, and industry
leadership are all factors the manager believes point to strong long-term
growth potential. The manager diversifies the fund's assets across many
industries, and from time to time may invest substantially in certain
sectors, including technology and biotechnology.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents. Under these circumstances, the fund may
temporarily be unable to pursue its investment goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go
up and down more dramatically over the shorter term. These price movements
may result from factors affecting individual companies, industries, or
securities markets. Growth stock prices reflect projections of future
earnings or revenues, and can, therefore, fall dramatically if the company
fails to meet those projections.
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies may offer greater opportunities
for capital growth than larger, more established companies, they also have
more risk. Historically, smaller company securities have been more volatile
in price and have fluctuated independently from larger company securities,
especially over the shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be
particularly sensitive to changing economic conditions, and their growth
prospects are less certain.
For example, smaller companies may lack depth of management or may have
limited financial resources for growth or development. They may have limited
product lines or market share. Smaller companies may be in new industries, or
their new products or services may not find an established market or may
become quickly obsolete. Smaller companies may also suffer significant
losses, their securities can be less liquid, and investments in these
companies may be speculative. Technology and biotechnology industry stocks,
in particular, can be subject to erratic or abrupt price movements.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with market conditions,
the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you
could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[End callout]
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 discussion,
and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations. More detailed
information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] Past Performance
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
SMALL CAP FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
28.95% 17.42% -0.98%
96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q4 '98 24.39%
Worst
Quarter:
Q3 '98 -24.40%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year (11/01/95)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Cap Fund - Class 11 -0.98% 14.51%
S&P 500(R)Index2 28.58% 29.09%
Russell 2500(R)Index2 0.38% 15.45%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks, whereas the Russell 2500(R) Index is an
index of 2,500 companies with small market capitalizations, both covering a
variety of industries. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or interest.
One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an index representative of the
fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Edward B. Jamieson
Executive Vice President, Advisers
Mr. Jamieson has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1995, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1987.
Aidan O'Connell
Portfolio Manager, Advisers
Mr. O'Connell has been a manager of the fund since September 1998. Before
joining Franklin Templeton in May 1998, Mr. O'Connell was a research analyst
and a corporate financial analyst at Hambrecht & Quist.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.75% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] Goal and Strategies
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in emerging markets equity securities.
Emerging market equity securities generally include equity securities that
trade in emerging markets or are issued by companies that have their
principal activities in emerging market countries.
Emerging market countries generally include those considered to be emerging
by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the United Nations,
or the countries' authorities. These countries are typically located in the
Asia-Pacific region, Eastern Europe, Central and South America, and Africa.
Emerging market equity securities and emerging market countries are more
fully described in the SAI.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stock, and securities convertible into common stock. The
fund also invests in American, European and Global Depositary Receipts, which
are certificates issued by a bank or trust company that give their holders
the right to receive securities issued by a foreign or domestic company.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in the common stocks of companies located in
emerging market countries.
[End callout]
In addition to its principal investments, the fund may invest significantly
in securities of issuers in developed market countries, and particularly
those developed market countries that are linked by tradition, economic
markets, geography or political events to emerging market countries.
Depending upon current market conditions, or for capital appreciation, the
fund may also invest a substantial portion of its assets in rated or unrated
debt securities of companies and governments located anywhere in the world. A
debt security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan
of money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt
securities are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or
unsecured bonds; notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash
equivalents. The fund may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in
securities of closed-end investment companies to facilitate foreign
investment.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The Templeton investment philosophy is "bottom-up,"
value-oriented, and long-term. In choosing investments, the fund's manager
will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to its
evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. A company's historical value measures, including price/earnings
ratio, profit margins and liquidation value, will also be considered. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual companies and
securities, the fund may from time to time have significant investments in
particular countries. The manager intends to manage the fund's exposure to
various geographic regions and their currencies based on its assessment of
changing market and political conditions.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
investments. Such investments may be medium-term (less than 5 years for this
fund) or short-term, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over the
long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter term.
These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies,
industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are considered "cheap"
relative to the company's perceived value and are often out of favor with other
investors. If other investors fail to recognize the company's value and do not
become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in markets favoring faster-growing
companies, value stocks may not increase in value as anticipated by the manager
or may decline further.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund. Emerging markets in particular can
experience significant price volatility in any given year, and even daily.
The fund should be thought of as a long-term investment for the aggressive
portion of a well diversified portfolio.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with emerging market
conditions and currencies, the value of your investment in the fund will go
up and down. This means you could lose money over short or even extended
periods.
[End callout]
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is
worth fewer U.S. dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns that
trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure, accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S. companies and
their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar U.S. companies.
Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally have
less government supervision and regulation than in the U.S. The fund may have
greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising shareholder rights, pursuing legal
remedies and obtaining judgments with respect to non-U.S. investments in
non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S. companies in U.S. courts.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] Past Performance
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
TEMPLETON DEVELOPING MARKETS EQUITY FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
2.77% 21.59% -8.72% -21.61%
95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q4 '98
20.59%
Worst
Quarter:
Q4 '97
- -23.44%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
1 year (03/15/94)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton Developing Markets
Equity Fund - Class 11 -21.61% -3.22%
MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index2 -25.34% -8.80%
IFC Investable Composite Index2 -22.01% -9.24%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged MSCI Emerging Markets
Free Index measures the performance of securities located in 25 emerging
market countries such as Brazil, China, Korea and Poland. The International
Finance Corporation's Investable Composite Index is an emerging markets index
that includes 650 stocks from 18 countries including Mexico, South Korea,
Brazil, Jordan and Turkey. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or
interest. One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an index
representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Templeton Asset Management Ltd. (TAML) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Dr. J. Mark Mobius.
Managing Director, TAML
Dr. Mobius has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1994, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1987.
Tom Wu
Director, TAML
Mr. Wu has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1994, and has
been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1987.
H. Allan Lam
Portfolio Manager, TAML
Mr. Lam has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1994, and has
been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1987.
Eddie Chow
portfolio manager, TAML
Mr. Chow has been a manager of the fund since 1996, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1994.
Dennis Lim
director, TAML
Mr. Lim has been a manager of the fund since 1996, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1990.
Tek-Khoan Ong
Portfolio Manager, TAML
Mr. Ong has been a manager if the fund since 1996, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1993.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions and providing certain administrative facilities and
services to the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 1.25% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Templeton Global Growth Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] Goal and Strategies
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital growth.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in the equity securities of companies
located anywhere in the world, including in the U.S. and emerging markets.
While there are no set percentage targets, the fund generally invests in
large- to medium-cap companies with market capitalization values (share
price times the number of common stock shares outstanding) greater than $1.5
billion, but may invest a small portion in small-cap companies which have
more risk. Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and
give shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
The fund also invests in American, European, and Global Depositary Receipts,
which are certificates issued by a bank or trust company that give their
holders the right to receive securities issued by a foreign or domestic
company.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of U.S. and non-U.S.
common stocks.
[End callout]
Depending upon current market conditions, the fund may invest a significant
portion of its assets in debt securities of companies and governments located
anywhere in the world. A debt security obligates the issuer to the bondholders,
to repay a loan of money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common
debt securities are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stocks or
unsecured bonds; notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash
equivalents.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The Templeton investment philosophy is "bottom-up,"
value-oriented, and long-term. In choosing investments, the fund's manager
will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to its
evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. A company's historical value measures, including price/earnings
ratio, profit margins and liquidation value, will also be considered. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the fund
may from time to time have significant investments in particular countries.
The manager intends to manage the fund's exposure to various geographic
regions and their currencies based on its assessment of changing market and
political conditions.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or
if they become sellers, or in markets favoring faster-growing companies,
value stocks may not increase in value as anticipated by the manager or may
decline further.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with foreign market
conditions and currencies, the value of your investment in the fund will go
up and down. This means you could lose money over short or even extended
periods.
[End callout]
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is
worth fewer U.S. dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns that
trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure, accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S. companies and
their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar U.S. companies.
Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally have
less government supervision and regulation than in the U.S. The fund may have
greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising shareholder rights, pursuing legal
remedies and obtaining judgments with respect to non-U.S. investments in
non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S. companies in U.S. courts.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] Past Performance
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
TEMPLETON GLOBAL GROWTH FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
12.72% 21.28% 13.50% 8.98%
95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q4 '98
16.30%
Worst
Quarter:
Q3 '98
- -13.78%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year (03/15/94)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton Global Growth Fund - Class 11 8.98% 12.30%
MSCI All Country World Free(R)Index2 21.97% 14.79%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged MSCI All Country World
Free(R) Index measures the performance of securities located in 48 countries,
including emerging markets in Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe. Indices
include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in
an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Templeton Global Advisors Limited (TGAL) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Richard Sean Farrington, CFA
Senior Vice President, TGAL
Mr. Farrington has been a manager of the fund since 1995, and has been with
the Franklin Templeton Group since 1990.
Jeffrey A. Everett, CFA
Executive Vice President, TGAL
Mr. Everett has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1994, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1990.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions and providing certain administrative facilities and
services to the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.83%
of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Templeton International Equity Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] Goal and Strategies
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital growth.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities that trade in non-U.S.
markets, including emerging markets, and that are issued by companies that
have their principal activities outside the U.S. While there are no set
percentage targets, the fund generally invests in large- to medium-cap
companies with market capitalization values (share price times the number of
common stock shares outstanding) greater than $1.5 billion, but may invest a
small portion in small-cap companies which have more risk. Equities represent
ownership interests in individual companies and give shareholders a claim in
the company's earnings and assets. They include common and preferred stocks,
and securities convertible into common stock. The fund also invests in
American, European, and Global Depositary Receipts, which are certificates
issued by a bank or trust company that give their holders the right to
receive securities issued by a foreign or domestic company.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of non-U.S. common
stocks.
[End callout]
Depending upon current market conditions, the fund may invest a significant
portion of its assets in debt securities of companies and governments located
anywhere in the world. A debt security obligates the issuer to the
bondholders, both to repay a loan of money at a future date and generally to
pay interest. Common debt securities are bonds, including bonds convertible
into common stock or unsecured bonds; notes; and short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The Templeton investment philosophy is "bottom-up,"
value-oriented, and long-term. In choosing equity investments, the fund's
manager will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to
its evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. A company's historical value measures, including price/earnings
ratio, profit margins and liquidation value, will also be considered. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the fund
may from time to time have significant investments in particular countries.
The manager intends to manage the fund's exposure to various geographic
regions and their currencies based on its assessment of changing market and
political conditions.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with foreign market
conditions and currencies, the value of your investment in the fund will go
up and down. This means you could lose money over short or even extended
periods.
[End callout]
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is
worth fewer U.S. dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns that
trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure, accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S. companies and
their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar U.S. companies.
Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally have
less government supervision and regulation than in the U.S. The fund may have
greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising shareholder rights, pursuing legal
remedies and obtaining judgments with respect to non-U.S. investments in
non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S. companies in U.S. courts.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] Past Performance
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
TEMPLETON INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
28.56% 0.87% 10.59% 22.98% 11.69% 5.56%
93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q4 '93
13.64%
Worst
Quarter:
Q3 '98
- -16.86%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 year Past 5 years (01/27/92)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton International Equity
Fund - Class11 5.56% 10.09% 10.75%
MSCI All Country World
Ex-U.S. Free Index2 14.46% 7.87% 8.64%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged MSCI All Country World
Ex-U.S. Free Index measures the performance of securities located in 48
countries, both developed and emerging markets, except the U.S. Indices
include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in
an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
Under an agreement with Advisers, Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc., (TICI)
is the fund's sub-advisor. TICI provides Advisers with investment management
advice and assistance.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Howard J. Leonard CFA
Executive Vice President, TICI
Mr. Leonard has been a manager of the fund since 1997, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1989.
Mark R. Beveridge CFA
Senior Vice President, TICI
Mr. Beveridge has been a manager of the fund since 1994, and has been with
the Franklin Templeton Group since 1994
Juan J. Benito
Vice President, TICI
Mr. Benito has been a manager of the fund since 1999. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a management consultant and case
team leader with Monitor Company, a leading global strategy consulting firm.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.80% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Templeton International Smaller Companies Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] Goal and Strategies
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in the equity securities of smaller
companies located outside the U.S., including in emerging markets. Smaller
companies generally are those with market capitalization values (share price
times the number of common stock shares outstanding) of less than $1.5
billion, at the time of purchase. Equities represent ownership interests in
individual companies and give shareholders a claim in the company's earnings
and assets. They include common and preferred stocks, and securities
convertible into common stock. The fund also invests in American, European,
and Global Depositary Receipts, which are certificates issued by a bank or
trust company that give their holders the right to receive securities issued
by a foreign or domestic company.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in an internationally diversified portfolio of
smaller companies' common stocks.
[End callout]
In addition to its principal investments, the fund may invest significantly
in equity securities of larger capitalized companies located outside the
U.S., equity securities of U.S. companies (though currently not more than 5%
of its assets), and depending upon current market conditions, in debt
securities of companies and governments located anywhere in the world. A debt
security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan of
money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt securities
are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or unsecured bonds;
notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The Templeton investment philosophy is "bottom-up,"
value-oriented, and long-term. In choosing equity investments, the fund's
manager will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to
its evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. A company's historical value measures, including price/earnings
ratio, profit margins and liquidation value, will also be considered. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the fund
may from time to time have significant investments in particular countries.
The manager intends to manage the fund's exposure to various geographic
regions and their currencies based on its assessment of changing market and
political conditions.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
investments. Such investments may be medium-term (less than 5 years for this
fund) or short-term, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies may offer greater opportunities
for capital growth than larger, more established companies, they also have
more risk. Historically, smaller company securities have been more volatile
in price and have fluctuated independently from larger company securities,
especially over the shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be
particularly sensitive to changing economic conditions, and their growth
prospects are less certain.
For example, smaller companies may lack depth of management or may have
limited financial resources for growth or development. They may have limited
product lines or market share. Smaller companies may be in new industries, or
their new products or services may not find an established market or may
become quickly obsolete. Smaller companies may suffer significant losses,
their securities can be less liquid, and investments in these companies can
be speculative. Technology and biotechnology industry stocks, in particular,
can be subject to abrupt or erratic price movements.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with foreign market
conditions and currencies, the value of your investment in the fund will go
up and down. This means you could lose money over short or even extended
periods.
[End callout]
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is
worth fewer U.S. dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns that
trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may
have substantially lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less
liquidity and more volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term
volatility in these markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50%
are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure, accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S. companies and
their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar U.S. companies.
Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally have
less government supervision and regulation than in the U.S. The fund may have
greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising shareholder rights, pursuing legal
remedies and obtaining judgments with respect to non-U.S. investments in
non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S. companies in U.S. courts.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] Past Performance
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
TEMPLETON INTERNATIONAL SMALLER
COMPANIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
[Insert bar graph]
97 98
- -1.50% -12.27%
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q1 '98
10.34%
Worst
Quarter:
Q3 '98
- -19.96%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year (05/01/96)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton International Smaller Companies
Fund - Class 11 -12.27% -1.06%
Salomon Global Ex-U.S.
Less Than $1 Billion Index2 1.26% -6.86%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The Salomon Global Ex-U.S. Less Than
$1 Billion Index includes companies from developed and emerging markets,
excluding the U.S., with a market capitalization below U.S. $1 billion.
Indices include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest
directly in an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's
investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. (TICI) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
Simon Rudolph
Senior Vice President, TICI
Mr. Rudolph has been a manager of the fund since 1997. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1997, he was an executive director with Morgan
Stanley.
Peter A. Nori, CFA
Senior Vice President, TICI
Mr. Nori has been a manager of the fund since 1997, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1987.
Juan J. Benito
Vice President, TICI
Mr. Benito has been a manager of the fund since 1997. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a management consultant and case
team leader with Monitor Company, a leading global strategy consulting firm.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets and making its
investment decisions. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.85% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Templeton Pacific Growth Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] Goal and Strategies
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital growth.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities that trade in Pacific
Rim markets, including emerging markets, and are issued by companies that
have their principal activities in the Pacific Rim. Pacific Rim countries
include Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New
Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
The fund also invests in American, European and Global Depositary Receipts,
which are certificates issued by a bank or trust company that give their
holders the right to receive securities issued by a foreign or domestic
company.
[Begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in the common stocks of Pacific Rim companies.
[End callout]
In addition to the fund's principal investments, the fund may invest
significantly in securities of issuers domiciled outside the Pacific Rim,
including the U.S., and those that are linked by tradition, economic markets,
geography or political events to countries in the Pacific Rim. Depending upon
current market conditions, the fund may also invest in debt securities of
companies and governments located anywhere in the world. A debt security
obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan of money at a
future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt securities are bonds,
including bonds convertible into common stock and unsecured bonds; notes; and
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The Templeton investment philosophy is "bottom-up,"
value-oriented, and long-term. In choosing investments, the fund's manager
will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to its
evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. A company's historical value measures, including price/earnings
ratio, profit margins and liquidation value, will also be considered. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the fund
may from time to time have significant investments in particular countries.
While the manager intends to manage the fund's exposure to countries and
their currencies based on its assessment of changing market and political
conditions, it is limited to certain geographic regions.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price,
its distributions or income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund. Emerging markets in particular can
experience significant price volatility in any given year, and even daily.
The fund should be thought of as a long-term investment for the aggressive
portion of a well diversified portfolio.
[Begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with Pacific Rim market
conditions and currencies, the value of your investment in the fund will go
up and down. This means you could lose money over short or even extended
periods.
[End callout]
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is
worth fewer U.S. dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns
that trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
REGION Because the fund invests a significant amount of its assets in issuers
located in a particular region of the world, and because the correlation among
the Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong markets is very high, the fund
is subject to much greater risks of adverse events, including currency
devaluations, and may experience greater volatility than a fund that is more
broadly diversified geographically.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure, accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S. companies and
their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar U.S. companies.
Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally have
less government supervision and regulation than in the U.S. The fund may have
greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising shareholder rights, pursuing legal
remedies and obtaining judgments with respect to non-U.S. investments in
non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S. companies in U.S. courts.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] Past Performance
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
TEMPLETON PACIFIC GROWTH FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS1
47.87% -8.79% 7.97% 11.10% -35.95% -13.13%
93 94 95 96 97 98
Year
[Begin callout]
Best
Quarter:
Q4 '98
34.11%
Worst
Quarter:
Q4 '97
- -28.67%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 year Past 5 years (01/27/92)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton Pacific Growth
Fund - Class 11 -13.13% -9.45% -1.68%
MSCI Pacific Index2 2.69% -3.95% -0.88%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged MSCI Pacific Index
tracks approximately 450 companies in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New
Zealand, and Singapore. This is a total return index in U.S. dollars, with
gross dividends reinvested. One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an
index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
Under an agreement with Advisers, Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc., (TICI)
is the fund's sub-advisor. TICI provides Advisers with investment management
advice and assistance.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
William T. Howard, Jr., CFA
Senior Vice President, TICI
Mr. Howard has been a manager of the fund since 1993, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1993.
Mark R. Beveridge, CFA
Senior Vice President, TICI
Mr. Beveridge has been a manager of the fund since 1994, and has been with
the Franklin Templeton Group since 1985.
Juan J. Benito
Vice President, TICI
Mr. Benito has been a manager of the fund since 1999. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a management consultant and case
team leader with Monitor Company, a leading global strategy consulting firm.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.99% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
[ Insert graphic of starburst] Important Recent Developments
o Year 2000 problem The funds' business operations depend on a worldwide
network of computer systems that contain date fields, including securities
trading systems, securities transfer agent operations and stock market
links. Many of the systems currently use a two digit date field to
represent the date, and unless these systems are changed or modified, they
may not be able to distinguish the Year 1900 from the Year 2000 (commonly
called the Year 2000 problem). In addition, the fact that the Year 2000 is
a leap year may create difficulties for some systems.
When the Year 2000 arrives, the funds' operations could be adversely
affected if the computer systems used by their managers, their service
providers and other third parties they do business with are not Year 2000
ready. For example, the funds' portfolio and operational areas could be
impacted, including securities trade processing, interest and dividend
payments, securities pricing, shareholder account services, reporting,
custody functions and others. The funds could experience difficulties in
effecting transactions if any of their foreign subcustodians, or if foreign
broker/dealers or foreign markets are not ready for Year 2000.
When evaluating current and potential portfolio positions, Year 2000 is one
of the factors that the funds' managers consider. The managers will rely
upon public filings and other statements made by companies regarding their
Year 2000 readiness. Issuers in countries outside of the U.S., particularly
in emerging markets, may be more susceptible to Year 2000 problems and may
not be required to make the same level of disclosure regarding Year 2000
readiness as is required in the U.S. The managers, of course, cannot audit
any company or their major suppliers to verify their Year 2000 readiness.
If a company in which any fund is invested is adversely affected by Year
2000 problems, it is likely that the price of its security will also be
adversely affected. A decrease in the value of one or more of a fund's
portfolio holdings will have similar impact on the fund's performance.
The funds' managers and their affiliated service providers are making a
concerted effort to take steps they believe are reasonably designed to
address their Year 2000 problems. Of course, the funds' ability to reduce
the effects of the Year 2000 problem is also very much dependent upon the
efforts of third parties over which the funds and their managers may have
no control.
o Euro On January 1, 1999, the European Monetary Union (EMU) introduced a new
single currency, the euro, which replaced the national currency for
participating member countries.
Because this change to a single currency is new and untested, it is not
possible to predict the impact of the euro on the business or financial
condition of European issuers which the funds may hold in their portfolios,
and their impact on fund performance. To the extent a fund holds non-U.S.
dollar (euro or other) denominated securities, it will still be exposed to
currency risk due to fluctuations in those currencies versus the U.S.
dollar.
[Insert graphic of dollar signs and stacks of coins] Distributions and Taxes
INCOME AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS Each fund will declare as dividends
substantially all of its net investment income. Except for the Money Fund,
each fund typically pays dividends from net investment income and net capital
gains, if any, following the close of the calendar year. Dividends or
distributions by the funds will reduce the per share net asset value (NAV) by
the per share amount paid.
The Money Fund declares a dividend each day the fund's NAV is calculated,
equal to all of its daily net income, payable as of the close of business the
preceding day. The amount of dividend may fluctuate from day to day and may
be omitted on some days, depending on changes in the factors that comprise
the fund's net income.
Dividends paid by a fund will be automatically reinvested in additional
shares of that fund or, if requested, paid in cash to the insurance company
shareholder.
TAX CONSIDERATIONS The tax consequences for contract owners will depend on
the provisions of the variable annuity or variable life insurance contract
through which they are invested in the funds. For more information, please
consult the accompanying contract prospectus.
[Insert graphic of dollar bill] Financial Highlights
The financial highlights table provides further details to help you
understand the financial performance of Class 1 of each fund for the past
five years or since the fund's inception. The table shows certain information
on a single fund share basis (per share performance). It also shows some key
fund statistics, such as total return (past performance) and expense ratios.
This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent
auditors. Their report - along with the financial statements - are included
in the fund's Annual Report (available upon request).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE ($) RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of
Net Net Total Distri- Distri- Net Net Ratio of net invest-
asset Net realized & from butions butions asset assets, expenses ment income Port-
value, invest- unrealized invest- from net from net Total value, Total end of to average to average folio
Period beginning ment gains ment investment realized distri- end of return+ year net net turnover
ended of period income (losses) operations income gains butions period (%) (000's)($) assets (%) assets (%) rate (%)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Growth Fund
19964 10.00 .03 1.33 1.36 - - - 11.36 13.60 44,667 .77* .96* 3.91
1997 11.36 .06 2.02 2.08 (.02) - (.02) 13.42 18.31 109,355 .77 .72 19.90
1998 13.42 .10 2.62 2.72 (.06) - (.06) 16.08 20.29 220,952 .77 1.00 12.17
Global Health Care Securities Fund
19986 10.00 .03 .68 .71 - - - 10.71 7.10 8,990 .84* .84* 40.80
Global Utilities Securities Fund
1994 17.14 .95 (2.94) (1.99) (.62) (.11) (.73) 14.42 (11.56) 1,155,110 .52 5.58 11.74
1995 14.42 .84 3.54 4.38 (.90) - (.90) 17.90 31.35 1,423,446 .50 5.14 13.27
1996 17.90 .91 .29 1.20 (.92) - (.92) 18.18 7.07 1,202,290 .50 4.20 29.69
1997 18.18 .90 3.54 4.44 (.96) (1.33) (2.29) 20.33 26.76 1,129,904 .50 3.91 17.00
1998 20.33 .76 1.41 2.17 (.83) (1.22) (2.05) 20.45 11.19 986,755 .50 3.15 33.85
Growth and Income Fund
1994 13.99 .19 (.47) (.28) (.09) (.20) (.29) 13.42 (3.41) 517,877 .54 1.81 99.21
1995 13.42 .41 3.92 4.33 (.20) (.41) (.61) 17.14 32.83 889,487 .52 3.30 116.54
1996 17.14 .62 1.64 2.26 (.41) (1.44) (1.85) 17.55 14.19 1,077,989 .50 4.06 23.01
1997 17.55 .67 4.05 4.72 (.64) (.62) (1.26) 21.01 27.74 1,338,476 .49 3.53 36.71
1998 21.01 .69 .99 1.68 (.69) (1.64) (2.33) 20.36 8.33 1,318,743 .49 3.27 27.32
High Income Fund
1994 13.13 .88 (1.18) (.30) (.55) (.07) (.62) 12.21 (2.26) 255,036 .60 9.45 22.94
1995 12.21 1.06 1.30 2.36 (.91) - (.91) 13.66 19.76 360,904 .56 9.63 20.65
1996 13.66 1.20 .56 1.76 (1.20) (.06) (1.26) 14.16 13.90 446,096 .54 9.63 27.16
1997 14.16 1.33 .22 1.55 (1.22) (.04) (1.26) 14.45 11.47 496,036 .53 9.64 36.38
1998 14.45 1.43 (1.25) .18 (1.27) (.08) (1.35) 13.28 .99 446,609 .53 9.96 41.71
Income Securities Fund
1994 15.80 .82 (1.80) (.98) (.44) (.07) (.51) 14.31 (6.27) 1,000,002 .54 7.27 13.33
1995 14.31 1.16 1.96 3.12 (.89) (.07) (.96) 16.47 22.40 1,266,538 .51 8.05 33.14
1996 16.47 1.32 .44 1.76 (.87) (.15) (1.02) 17.21 11.28 1,350,659 .50 7.96 15.28
1997 17.21 1.40 1.38 2.78 (1.33) (.29) (1.62) 18.37 17.09 1,406,787 .50 7.53 14.68
1998 18.37 1.37 (1.07) .30 (1.42) (.33) (1.75) 16.92 1.64 1,185,840 .49 6.94 12.22
Money Market Fund
1994 1.00 .04 - .04 (.04) - (.04) 1.00 3.82 518,618 .467 4.05 -
1995 1.00 .06 - .06 (.06) - (.06) 1.00 5.74 429,547 .407 5.58 -
1996 1.00 .05 - .05 (.05) - (.05) 1.00 5.16 408,930 .437 5.04 -
1997 1.00 .05 - .05 (.05) - (.05) 1.00 5.24 367,449 .457 5.11 -
1998 1.00 .05 - .05 (.05) - (.05) 1.00 5.22 414,341 .457 5.08 -
Mutual Discovery Securities Fund
19965 10.00 .02 .19 .21 - - - 10.21 2.10 15,418 1.37* 2.11* .14
1997 10.21 .13 1.84 1.97 (.01) - (.01) 12.17 19.25 198,653 1.06 1.19 55.93
1998 12.17 .20 (.76) (.56) (.17) (.15) (.32) 11.29 (5.00) 224,656 1.00 1.94 93.99
Mutual Shares Securities Fund
19965 10.00 .02 .33 .35 - - - 10.35 3.50 27,677 1.00* 2.56* 1.31
1997 10.35 .13 1.71 1.84 (.01) - (.01) 12.18 17.73 387,787 .80 2.10 49.01
1998 12.18 .28 (.25) .03 (.13) (.12) (.25) 11.96 .09 482,444 .77 2.60 70.19
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE ($) RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of
Net Net Total Distri- Distri- Net Net Ratio of net invest-
asset Net realized & from butions butions asset assets, expenses ment income Port-
value, invest- unrealized invest- from net from net Total value, Total end of to average to average folio
Period beginning ment gains ment investment realized distri- end of return+ year net net turnover
ended of period income (losses) operations income gains butions period (%) (000's)($) assets (%) assets (%) rate (%)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural Resources Securities Fund
1994 14.46 .16 (.45) (.29) (.08) - (.08) 14.09 (2.01) 125,078 .68 1.63 7.66
1995 14.09 .22 .12 .34 (.20) (.15) (.35) 14.08 2.35 105,109 .66 1.40 15.66
1996 14.08 .15 .44 .59 (.20) (.18) (.38) 14.29 4.00 109,579 .65 1.00 21.77
1997 14.29 .15 (2.83) (2.68) (.20) - (.20) 11.41 (18.98) 74,924 .69 1.00 85.22
1998 11.41 .15 (3.02) (2.87) (.15) - (.15) 8.39 (25.38) 45,927 .64 1.21 64.68
Real Estate Securities Fund
1994 15.04 .38 .06 .44 (.17) - (.17) 15.31 2.89 195,697 .62 4.00 11.73
1995 15.31 .78 1.83 2.61 (.52) - (.52) 17.40 17.53 213,473 .59 4.74 22.15
1996 17.40 .79 4.74 5.53 (.78) - (.78) 22.15 32.82 322,721 .57 4.80 10.32
1997 22.15 .72 3.72 4.44 (.67) (.32) (.99) 25.60 20.70 440,554 .54 3.59 11.62
1998 25.60 1.45 (5.60) (4.15) (.94) (.58) (1.52) 19.93 (16.82) 282,290 .54 5.44 13.21
Rising Dividends Fund
1994 10.57 .26 (.69) (.43) (.17) - (.17) 9.97 (4.08) 309,929 .80 2.71 24.07
1995 9.97 .27 2.66 2.93 (.24) - (.24) 12.66 29.74 463,253 .78 2.72 18.72
1996 12.66 .25 2.77 3.02 (.28) - (.28) 15.40 24.18 597,424 .76 1.96 27.97
1997 15.40 .22 4.77 4.99 (.26) (.45) (.71) 19.68 33.03 780,298 .74 1.24 37.04
1998 19.68 .23 1.07 1.30 (.22) (2.65) (2.87) 18.11 6.92 751,869 .72 1.20 26.44
Small Cap Fund
19953 10.00 .03 .21 .24 - - - 10.24 2.30 13,301 .90* 2.70* 16.04
1996 10.24 .02 2.95 2.97 (.01) - (.01) 13.20 28.95 170,969 .77 .63 63.72
1997 13.20 .01 2.24 2.25 (.03) (.37) (.40) 15.05 17.42 313,462 .77 .06 64.07
1998 15.05 .07 (.20) (.13) (.01) (1.19) (1.20) 13.72 (.98) 315,460 .77 .51 53.01
Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund
19941 10.00 .07 (.51) (.44) - - - 9.56 (4.40) 98,189 1.53* 1.85* 1.15
1995 9.56 .09 .18 .27 (.04) (.01) (.05) 9.78 2.77 158,084 1.41 2.01 19.96
1996 9.78 .12 1.97 2.09 (.10) (.18) (.28) 11.59 21.59 272,098 1.49 1.68 12.42
1997 11.59 .18 (1.10) (.92) (.15) (.23) (.38) 10.29 (8.72) 279,680 1.42 1.57 20.59
1998 10.29 .20 (2.35) (2.15) (.29) (.94) (1.23) 6.91 (21.61) 162,433 1.41 2.04 36.58
Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund
19952 10.00 .18 .52 .70 (.18) - (.18) 10.52 7.01 14,729 .90* 3.84* 30.00
1996 10.52 .34 1.75 2.09 (.01) (.01) (.02) 12.59 19.84 56,274 .86 4.21 52.35
1997 12.59 .42 1.04 1.46 (.26) (.07) (.33) 13.72 11.71 93,402 .94 4.22 61.93
1998 13.72 .61 (.59) .02 (.49) (.58) (1.07) 12.67 (.04) 81,670 .84 4.32 59.03
Templeton Global Growth Fund
19941 10.15 .07 .26 .33 - - - 10.48 3.25 158,856 1.14* 2.49* 7.14
1995 10.48 .16 1.17 1.33 (.06) - (.06) 11.75 12.72 338,755 .97 2.46 30.92
1996 11.75 .25 2.22 2.47 (.21) (.21) (.42) 13.80 21.28 579,877 .93 2.20 12.32
1997 13.80 .33 1.53 1.86 (.24) (.08) (.32) 15.34 13.50 758,445 .88 2.49 24.81
1998 15.34 .35 .98 1.33 (.41) (1.49) (1.90) 14.77 8.98 747,080 .88 2.27 32.30
Templeton Global Income Securities Fund
1994 13.31 .86 (1.52) (.66) (.33) (.13) (.46) 12.19 (4.99) 254,311 .71 7.99 79.38
1995 12.19 .29 1.47 1.76 (.49) - (.49) 13.46 14.68 243,194 .64 7.59 152.89
1996 13.46 1.02 .17 1.19 (1.04) - (1.04) 13.61 9.56 221,722 .61 7.30 140.96
1997 13.61 1.05 (.73) .32 (.96) - (.96) 12.97 2.55 185,016 .62 7.03 181.61
1998 12.97 1.07 (.19) .88 (.98) - (.98) 12.87 7.08 150,941 .63 6.86 84.17
Templeton International Equity Fund
1994 12.50 .19 (.07) .12 (.04) (.07) (.11) 12.51 .87 785,124 .99 2.17 12.22
1995 12.51 .37 .94 1.31 (.22) (.28) (.50) 13.32 10.59 850,117 .92 2.87 16.42
1996 13.32 .40 2.58 2.98 (.38) (.47) (.85) 15.45 22.98 1,108,099 .89 3.07 27.52
1997 15.45 .30 1.51 1.81 (.45) (.69) (1.14) 16.12 11.69 1,161,430 .89 3.01 26.96
1998 16.12 .56 .42 .98 (.53) (1.05) (1.58) 15.52 5.56 955,900 .88 2.90 5.98
Templeton International Smaller Companies Fund
19964 10.00 .10 1.15 1.25 - - - 11.25 12.50 16,255 1.16* 2.51* -
1997 11.25 .23 (.39) (.16) (.07) - (.07) 11.02 (1.50) 32,201 1.06 2.74 21.38
1998 11.02 .25 (1.52) (1.27) (.25) (.30) (.55) 9.20 (12.27) 24,999 1.10 2.26 18.45
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE ($) RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of
Net Net Total Distri- Distri- Net Net Ratio of net invest-
asset Net realized & from butions butions asset assets, expenses ment income Port-
value, invest- unrealized invest- from net from net Total value, Total end of to average to average folio
Period beginning ment gains ment investment realized distri- end of return+ year net net turnover
ended of period income (losses) operations income gains butions period (%) (000's)($) assets (%) assets (%) rate (%)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton Pacific Growth Fund
1994 14.61 .22 (1.50) (1.28) (.03) (.06) (.09) 13.24 (8.79) 375,832 1.07 2.04 4.29
1995 13.24 .33 .71 1.04 (.26) (.11) (.37) 13.91 7.97 331,936 1.01 2.08 36.06
1996 13.91 .21 1.34 1.55 (.44) (.26) (.70) 14.76 11.10 356,759 .99 1.51 12.85
1997 14.76 .29 (5.49) (5.20) (.28) - (.28) 9.28 (35.95) 165,404 1.03 1.97 11.87
1998 9.28 .21 (1.52) (1.31) (.35) (.11) (.46) 7.51 (13.13) 98,769 1.10 2.60 12.55
U.S. Government Securities Fund
1994 13.92 .96 (1.59) (.63) (.67) (.05) (.72) 12.57 (4.55) 579,039 .53 6.87 18.25**
1995 12.57 .93 1.46 2.39 (.96) - (.96) 14.00 19.46 643,165 .52 6.72 18.68**
1996 14.00 .75 (.31) .44 (.97) - (.97) 13.47 3.62 843,858 .51 6.66 12.93***
1997 13.47 1.00 .21 1.21 (.76) - (.76) 13.92 9.31 765,084 .50 6.49 16.84
1998 13.92 .99 .01 1.00 (1.03) - (1.03) 13.89 7.44 710,832 .50 6.22 31.34
Value Securities Fund
19986 10.00 .02 (2.23) (2.21) - - - 7.79 (22.10) 9,013 .83* .95* 22.79
Zero Coupon Fund - 2000
1994 15.44 .68 (1.71) (1.03) (.69) (.10) (.79) 13.62 (6.76) 94,230 .407 6.37 -
1995 13.62 .75 2.03 2.78 (.67) - (.67) 15.73 20.67 137,357 .407 6.14 1.63
1996 15.73 .98 (.65) .33 (.86) (.01) (.87) 15.19 2.43 129,601 .407 6.14 .58
1997 15.19 1.15 (.12) 1.03 (1.06) (.02) (1.08) 15.14 7.11 111,650 .407 6.47 6.16
1998 15.14 1.22 (.15) 1.07 (1.21) (.19) (1.40) 14.81 7.50 93,543 .407 6.67 17.70
Zero Coupon Fund - 2005
1994 16.08 .71 (2.24) (1.53) (.60) (.19) (.79) 13.76 (9.60) 51,499 .407 6.53 2.00
1995 13.76 .78 3.53 4.31 (.69) - (.69) 17.38 31.76 83,222 .407 6.19 1.72
1996 17.38 .96 (1.13) (.17) (.86) - (.86) 16.35 (.50) 82,603 .407 6.15 2.06
1997 16.35 1.14 .63 1.77 (1.06) (.01) (1.07) 17.05 11.37 77,296 .407 6.16 4.52
1998 17.05 1.01 1.03 2.04 (1.10) (.25) (1.35) 17.74 12.53 84,487 .407 5.82 3.87
Zero Coupon Fund - 2010
1994 15.68 .55 (2.27) (1.72) (.63) (.31) (.94) 13.02 (10.97) 45,361 .407 6.57 4.34
1995 13.02 .76 4.75 5.51 (.49) - (.49) 18.04 42.79 85,633 .407 6.41 31.45
1996 18.04 1.02 (1.65) (.63) (.88) (.24) (1.12) 16.29 (2.69) 78,816 .407 6.24 16.10
1997 16.29 1.02 1.54 2.56 (1.01) (.01) (1.02) 17.83 16.57 85,515 .407 6.21 12.20
1998 17.83 1.09 1.39 2.48 (1.11) (.15) (1.26) 19.05 14.45 93,515 .407 5.55 15.92
</TABLE>
*Annualized
**The portfolio turnover rate excludes mortgage dollar roll transactions.
***The portfolio turnover rate excludes transactions related to the
liquidation of the Investment Grade Intermediate Bond Fund and the Adjustable
U.S. Government Fund and mortgage dollar roll transactions.
+Total return does not include deductions at the contract level for cost of
insurance charges, premium load, administrative changes, mortality and
expense risk charges or other charges that may be incurred under the variable
insurance contracts for which the funds serve as underlying investments. If
they had been included, total return would be lower. Total return is not
annualized.
1. For the period March 15, 1994 (effective date) to December 31, 1994.
2. For the period April 19, 1995 (seed date) to December 31, 1995.
3. For the period November 1, 1995 (effective date) to December 31, 1995.
4. For the period May 1, 1996 (effective date) to December 31, 1996.
5. For the period November 8, 1996 (effective date) to December 31, 1996.
6. For the period May 1, 1998 (effective date) to December 31, 1998.
7. During the periods indicated below, Franklin Advisers, Inc., the
investment manager, agreed in advance to waive a portion of its management
fees incurred by the Funds in the Trust. Had such action not been taken, the
ratio of expenses to average net assets would have been as follows:
Money Market Fund
1994 .54%
1995 .53
1996 .53
1997 .53
1998 .53
Zero Coupon Fund - 2000
1994 .66%
1995 .63
1996 .62
1997 .63
1998 .66
Zero Coupon Fund - 2005
1994 .68%
1995 .66
1996 .65
1997 .65
1998 .66
Zero Coupon Fund - 2010
1994 .68%
1995 .66
1996 .65
1997 .65
1998 .66
Fund Account Information
[Insert graphic of paper with lines and someone writing] Buying Shares
Shares of each fund are sold at net asset value (NAV) to insurance company
separate accounts to serve as investment options for variable annuity or
variable life insurance contracts. The funds' Board monitors this to be sure
there are no material conflicts of interest between the two different types
of contract owners. If there were, the Board would take corrective action.
Contract owners' payments will be allocated by the insurance company separate
account to purchase shares of each fund chosen by the contract owner, and are
subject to any limits or conditions in the contract. Requests to buy shares
are processed at the NAV next calculated after we receive the request in
proper form. The funds do not issue share certificates.
[Insert graphic of certificate] Selling Shares
Each insurance company shareholder sells shares of the applicable fund to
make benefit or surrender payments or to execute exchanges (transfers)
between investment options under the terms of its contracts. Requests to sell
shares are processed at the NAV next calculated after we receive the request
in proper form.
[Insert graphic of two arrows] Exchanging Shares
Contract owners may exchange shares of any one class or fund for shares of
other classes or funds through a transfer between investment options
available under a variable insurance contract, subject to the terms and any
specific limitations on the exchange (or "transfer") privilege described in
the contract prospectus.
Frequent exchanges can interfere with fund management or operations and drive
up fund costs. To protect shareholders, there are limits on the number and
amount of fund exchanges that may be made (please see "Market Timers" below).
[Insert graphic of paper and pen] Fund Account Policies
CALCULATING SHARE PRICE The funds calculate their NAV per share each
business day at the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally
1:00 p.m. Pacific time). Each class' NAV is calculated by dividing its net
assets by the number of its shares outstanding.
The funds' assets are generally valued at their market value, except that the
Money Fund's assets are generally valued at their amortized cost. If market
prices are unavailable, or if an event occurs after the close of the trading
market that materially affects the values, assets may be valued at their fair
value. If a fund holds securities listed primarily on a foreign exchange that
trades on days when the fund is not open for business, the value of the
shares may change on days that the insurance company shareholders cannot buy
or sell shares.
Requests to buy and sell shares are processed on any day the funds are open
for business at the NAV next calculated after we receive the request in
proper form.
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS Contract owners will receive confirmations and
account statements that show account transactions. Insurance company
shareholders will receive the fund's financial reports every six months. To
reduce fund expenses, if you need additional copies, please call
1-800/342-3863.
If there is a dealer or other investment representative of record on the
account, he or she will also receive confirmations, account statements and
other information about the contract owner's account directly from the
contract's administrator.
MARKET TIMERS The funds are not designed for market timers, large or
frequent transfers. The funds may restrict or refuse purchases or exchanges
by market timers. You will be considered a market timer if you have (i)
requested an exchange out of the fund within two weeks
of an earlier exchange request, or (ii) exchanged shares out of the fund more
than twice in a calendar quarter, or (iii) exchanged shares equal to at least
$5 million, or more than 1% of the fund's net assets, or (iv) otherwise seem
to follow a timing pattern. Accounts under common ownership or control are
combined for these limits.
ADDITIONAL POLICIES Please note that the funds maintain additional policies
and reserves certain rights, including:
o Each fund may refuse any order to buy shares.
o At any time, each fund may establish or change investment minimums.
o Each fund may modify or discontinue the exchange privilege on 60 days'
notice to insurance company shareholders.
o You may only buy shares of a fund eligible for sale in your state or
jurisdiction.
o In unusual circumstances, we may temporarily suspend redemptions, or
postpone the payment of proceeds, as allowed by federal securities laws.
o To permit investors to obtain the current price, insurance companies are
responsible for transmitting all orders to the fund promptly.
SHARE CLASSES Each fund has two classes of shares, class 1 and class 2. Each
class is identical except that class 2 has a distribution plan or "rule
12b-1" plan which is described in prospectuses offering class 2 shares.
[Insert graphic of question mark] Questions
More detailed information about the Trust and the funds' account policies can
be found in the funds' Statement of Additional Information (SAI). If you have
any questions about the funds, you can write to us at 777 Mariners Island
Blvd., P.O. Box 7777, San Mateo, CA 94403-7777. You can also call us at
1-800/342-3863 or the Valuemark Service Center at 1-800/624-0197. For your
protection and to help ensure we provide you with quality service, all calls
may be monitored or recorded.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The funds of Franklin Valuemark Funds (the Trust) are only available as
investment options in variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts.
Please consult the accompanying contract prospectus for information about the
terms of an investment in a contract.
You can learn more about the funds in the following documents:
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL FUND REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
Includes a discussion of recent market conditions and investment strategies,
financial statements, detailed performance information, fund holdings, and
the auditor's report (Annual Report only).
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
Contains more information about the funds, their investments, policies, and
risks. It is incorporated by reference (is legally a part of this prospectus).
You may obtain these free reports by contacting your investment
representative or by calling us at the number below.
Franklin(R)Templeton(R)
1-800/342-3863
You can also obtain information about the funds by visiting the SEC's Public
Reference Room in Washington D.C. (phone 1-800/SEC-0330) or by sending your
request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section,
Washington, DC 20549-6009. You can also visit the SEC's Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov.
Investment Company Act file #811-5583
PROSPECTUS
FRANKLIN
VALUEMARK
FUNDS
CLASS 2 SHARES
MAY 1, 1999
[Insert Franklin Templeton Ben Head]
As with all fund prospectuses, the SEC has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation
to the contrary is a criminal offense.
CONTENTS
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS
Information about each fund
you should know before
investing
1 Overview
INDIVIDUAL FUND DESCRIPTIONS
Capital Preservation and Income
2 Money Market Fund
Income
4 High Income Fund
7 Templeton Global Income Securities Fund
10 U.S. Government Securities Fund
Growth and Income
13 Global Utilities Securities Fund
16 Growth and Income Fund
19 Income Securities Fund
22 Mutual Shares Securities Fund
26 Real Estate Securities Fund
29 Rising Dividends Fund
32 Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund
35 Value Securities Fund
Capital Growth
38 Capital Growth Fund
41 Global Health Care Securities Fund
44 Mutual Discovery Securities Fund
49 Natural Resources Securities Fund
52 Small Cap Fund
54 Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund
57 Templeton Global Growth Fund
60 Templeton International Equity Fund
63 Templeton International Smaller Companies Fund
66 Templeton Pacific Growth Fund
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, ALL FUNDS
69 Important Recent Developments
69 Distributions and Taxes
FUND ACCOUNT INFORMATION
Information about fund
account transactions
and services
70 Buying Shares
70 Selling Shares
70 Exchanging Shares
70 Fund Account Policies
71 Questions
For More Information
Where to learn more about
each fund
Back Cover
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS
[Insert graphic of pyramid] OVERVIEW
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS (THE TRUST) CURRENTLY CONSISTS OF TWENTY-FIVE
SEPARATE FUNDS, OFFERING A WIDE VARIETY OF INVESTMENT CHOICES. EACH FUND HAS
TWO CLASSES OF SHARES, CLASS 1 AND CLASS 2. THE FUNDS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AS
INVESTMENT OPTIONS IN VARIABLE ANNUITY OR VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE CONTRACTS.
THE ACCOMPANYING CONTRACT PROSPECTUS INDICATES WHICH FUNDS AND CLASSES ARE
AVAILABLE TO YOU.
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS
o Each fund has its own investment strategy and risk profile. Generally, the
higher the expected rate of return, the greater the risk of loss.
o No single fund can be a complete investment program; consider diversifying
your fund choices.
o You should evaluate each fund in relation to your personal financial
situation, investment goals, and comfort with risk. Your investment
representative can help you determine which funds are right for you.
o All securities markets, interest rates, and currency valuations move up and
down, sometimes dramatically, and mixed with the good years can be some bad
years. Since no one can predict exactly how financial markets will perform,
you may want to exercise patience and focus not on short-term market
movements, but on your long-term investments goals.
RISKS
o There can be no assurance that any fund will achieve its investment goal.
o Because you could lose money by investing in a fund, take the time to read
each fund description and consider all risks before investing.
o Fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed
by, any bank, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency of
the U.S. Government. Fund shares involve investment risks, including the
possible loss of principal.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT EACH FUND, ITS INVESTMENT POLICIES, AND ITS
PARTICULAR RISKS CAN BE FOUND IN THE TRUST'S STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION (SAI).
MANAGEMENT
The funds' investment managers and their affiliates manage over $216 billion
in assets. Franklin Templeton is one of the largest mutual fund organizations
in the United States, and offers money management expertise spanning a
variety of investment objectives. In 1992, Franklin, recognized as a leader
in managing domestic mutual funds, joined forces with Templeton, a pioneer in
international investing. The Mutual Advisers team, known for its value-driven
approach to domestic equity investing, became part of the organization four
years later.
o Franklin Advisers, Inc., 777 Mariners Island Blvd., P.O. Box 7777, San
Mateo, California, 94403-7777.
o Franklin Advisory Services, LLC, One Parker Plaza, Ninth Floor, Fort Lee,
New Jersey, 07024.
o Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC, 51 John F. Kennedy Parkway, Short Hills, New
Jersey, 07078.
o Templeton Asset Management Ltd., 7 Temasek Blvd. #38-03, Suntec Tower One,
Singapore, 038987.
o Templeton Global Advisors Limited, Lyford Cay Nassau, N.P., Bahamas.
o Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc., Broward Financial Centre, Suite 2100,
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33394.
MONEY MARKET FUND
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STARTEGIES
GOAL The fund's goal is high current income, consistent with liquidity and
capital preservation. The fund also tries to maintain a stable share price of
$1.00.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS The fund invests exclusively in U.S. dollar
denominated money market debt instruments, including those issued by:
o U.S. or foreign corporations;
o U.S. and foreign banks;
o the U.S. Government, its agencies or authorities; and
o foreign governments or multinational organizations such as the World Bank.
[begin callout]
The fund invests exclusively in money market securities.
[end callout]
A debt instrument obligates the issuer both to repay a loan of money at a
future date and generally to pay interest. Money market securities are
high-quality, short-term (maturing in 13 months or less) debt instruments
that may have fixed, floating or variable interest rates. Common money market
securities are U.S. Treasury bills, U.S. Government agency securities,
commercial paper (unsecured promissory note issued by large companies or
financial firms), bank certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements,
short-term corporate obligations, and bankers acceptances (credit instruments
guaranteed by a bank).
Under the SEC's money fund rules, the fund maintains a dollar-weighted
average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less and only buys securities:
o with remaining maturities of 397 days or less, and
o that the fund's Board of Trustees determines present minimal credit risks,
and
o that are rated in the top two short-term rating categories by independent
rating agencies or, if unrated, determined by the fund's Board of Trustees
to be comparable.
No more than 25% of the fund's total assets may be invested in money market
securities issued by foreign banks or foreign branches of U.S. banks. No more
than 5% of assets may be invested in securities rated in the second highest
category (or comparable unrated). The fund may acquire securities on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis, lend portfolio securities, and invest
up to 10% of its assets in illiquid investments.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION In selecting investments for the fund, the manager uses
a conservative investment approach, focusing on the highest quality and the
most liquid of eligible money market securities. The manager then assesses
the relative value of each security meeting its stringent credit criteria in
order to find the best combination of assets that it believes will maximize
the fund's yield relative to its investment environment expectations. The
manager also monitors short-term interest rates, economic conditions, and
Federal Reserve monetary policy to determine the portfolio maturity it
believes will provide a high overall return to the fund. Consistent with the
manager's strategy of providing a higher-quality investment, the fund does
not invest in potentially volatile securities.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes. A sub-category
of interest rate risk is REINVESTMENT RISK, which is the risk that interest
rates will be lower when the fund seeks to reinvest interest payments, or the
proceeds from a matured debt security. In that case, the fund would receive
less income, resulting in lower total return. Since the fund limits its
investments to high-quality, short-term securities, it will generally earn
lower yields than a fund with lower-quality, longer-term securities subject
to more risk.
CREDIT The fund's investments in securities which are not backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. Government depend on the ability of the issuer
to meet interest or principal payments. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares. Even securities supported by credit enhancements have the credit
risk of the entity providing credit support.
FOREIGN SECURITIES The fund's investments in foreign money market securities
are always dollar denominated. Nonetheless, securities or credit support,
issued by a foreign entity are subject to possible adverse foreign economic,
political or legal developments that may affect the ability of that entity to
meet its obligations. In addition, non-U.S. companies are not subject to the
same disclosure, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
practices as U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems,
brokers, and companies generally have less government supervision and
regulation than in the U.S.
[begin callout]
An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the fund tries
to keep a $1 share price, it is possible to lose money by investing in the
fund.
[end callout]
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS Securities purchased on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis are subject to market fluctuations and
their value at delivery may be higher or lower than the purchase price.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows the fund's average
annual total returns. Of course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee
future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
MONEY MARKET FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
7.62% 5.48% 3.06% 2.54% 3.82% 5.74% 5.16% 5.24% 5.22%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q4 '89
1.96 %
WORST
QUARTER:
Q2 '93
0.61%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (01/24/89)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONEY MARKET FUND - CLASS 1 1 5.22% 5.04% 5.16%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
Past expense reductions by the manager increased returns.
To obtain the fund's current yield information, please call 1-800/342-3863.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing the fund's assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998,
management fees, before any advance waiver, were 0.51% of the fund's average
daily net assets. Under an agreement by the manager to limit its fees, the
fund paid 0.43% of its average daily net assets to the manager in 1998. The
manager ended its fee waiver arrangement beginning January 1, 1999.
HIGH INCOME FUND
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOALS AND STRATEGIES
GOALS The fund's principal investment goal is to earn a high level of
current income. Its secondary goal is capital appreciation.
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in high yield, lower rated bonds.
[end callout]
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in debt securities. The fund seeks to invest
in debt securities that are offering the highest yield and expected total
return. A debt security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to
repay a loan of money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common
debt securities are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or
unsecured bonds; zero coupon bonds; notes; and short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents. While the fund may also invest in
dividend-paying common or preferred stocks, it more typically holds equity as
a result of receiving those securities in a corporate restructuring. Equities
represent ownership interests in individual companies and give shareholders a
claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include common and preferred
stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
The fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in high yield, lower quality
debt securities ("junk bonds"). These securities are either rated below
investment grade (below the top four rating categories) by independent rating
agencies such as Standard & Poor's Corporation (S&P) and Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. (Moody's), or are unrated securities the manager determines are
comparable. Nevertheless, the fund generally invests in securities rated at
least Caa by Moody's or CCC by S&P or unrated securities the fund's manager
determines are comparable. The fund will not purchase defaulted securities.
If, however, a security is downgraded in rating or goes into default, the
fund will not automatically sell the security. Generally, lower rated
securities pay higher yields than more highly rated securities to compensate
investors for the higher risk. During 1998, about 97.2% of the fund's
portfolio was invested in lower rated and comparable quality unrated debt
securities.
The fund may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in foreign securities,
including up to 10% in emerging markets, and will typically focus on
dollar-denominated corporate debt. Many debt securities of non-U.S. issuers,
and especially emerging market issuers, are rated below investment grade or
are unrated so that their selection depends on the manager's internal
analysis.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION Yield and expected return are the primary criteria used
by the manager in selecting securities. The manager searches for securities
it believes offer opportunities for income today and growth tomorrow. It
performs independent analysis of the corporate debt securities being
considered for the fund's portfolio, rather than relying principally on the
ratings assigned by rating agencies. In its analysis, the manager considers a
variety of factors, including:
o a security's relative value based on such factors as anticipated cash flow,
interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, and earnings prospects;
o the experience and managerial strength of the company;
o responsiveness to changes in interest rates and business conditions;
o debt maturity schedules and borrowing requirements; and
o the company's changing financial condition and market recognition of the
change.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goals.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
[begin callout]
Changes in interest rates affect the prices of the fund's debt securities. If
rates rise, the value of the fund's debt securities will fall and so too will
the fund's share price. This means you could lose money.
[end callout]
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes. A sub-category
of interest rate risk is REINVESTMENT RISK, which is the risk that interest
rates will be lower when the fund seeks to reinvest interest payments, or the
proceeds from a matured debt security, resulting in less income received by
the fund.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the security's value and, thus, impact the value of fund
shares.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES. Securities rated below investment grade, sometimes
called "junk bonds," generally have more risk than higher-rated securities.
Companies issuing high yield debt securities are not as strong financially as
those with higher credit ratings. These companies are more likely to
encounter financial difficulties and are more vulnerable to changes in the
economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates,
that could prevent them from making interest and principal payments. If an
issuer stops paying interest and/or principal, payments may never resume. The
fund may lose its entire investment on bonds that may be, or are, in default.
The prices of high yield debt securities fluctuate more than higher quality
securities. Prices are especially sensitive to developments affecting the
company's business and to changes in the ratings assigned by ratings
agencies. Prices are often closely linked with the company's stock prices and
typically rise and fall in response to factors that affect stock prices. In
addition, the entire high yield securities market can experience sudden and
sharp price swings due to changes in economic conditions, stock market
activity, large sustained sales by major investors, a high-profile default,
or other factors. High yield securities are also generally less liquid than
higher-quality bonds. Many of these securities do not trade frequently, and
when they do trade their prices may be significantly higher or lower than
expected. At times, it may be difficult to sell these securities promptly at
an acceptable price, which may limit the fund's ability to sell securities in
response to specific economic events or to meet redemption requests.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S. involve risks that can increase the potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Where the fund's investments are denominated in foreign currencies,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including devaluation of currency
by a country's government, will increase or decrease the fund's returns from
its foreign portfolio holdings. Currency markets generally are not as
regulated as securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns
that trade in that country. The political, economic, and social structures of
some countries the fund invests in may be less stable and more volatile than
those in the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries include the
possibility of currency devaluations, the imposition of exchange controls,
foreign ownership limitations, expropriation, restrictions on removal of
currency or other assets, nationalization of assets, punitive taxes and
certain custody and settlement risks. Non-U.S. companies are not subject to
the same disclosure, accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards
and practices as U.S. companies and their securities may not be as liquid as
securities of similar U.S. companies, or may become illiquid. Non-U.S. stock
exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally have less
government supervision and regulation than in the U.S.
Emerging market countries have additional risks due to a lack of established
legal, business and social frameworks to support securities markets, and a
greater likelihood of currency devaluations. While short-term volatility in
these markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, risks, and bond
ratings can be found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
HIGH INCOME FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[INSERT BAR GRAPH]
-8.67% 30.15% 16.21% 15.71% -2.26% 19.76% 13.90% 11.47% 0.99%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q1 '91 11.19%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '90 -8.87%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (01/24/89 )
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGH INCOME FUND - CLASS 1 1 0.99% 8.46% 9.35%
CSFIRST BOSTON HIGH YIELD INDEX 2 0.58% 8.16% 10.65%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged CS First Boston High
Yield Index is a trader-priced portfolio constructed to mirror the public
high yield debt market. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or interest.
One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an index representative of the
fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
JEFF HOLBROOK, CFA
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Holbrook has been a manager of the fund since 1997, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1992.
CHRIS MOLUMPHY, CFA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Molumphy has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1988.
R. MARTIN WISKEMANN
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Wiskemann has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989. Mr.
Wiskemann has more than 30 years' experience in the securities industry.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.50% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Templeton Global Income Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is high current income. Capital appreciation
is a secondary consideration.
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in bonds of governments located around the world.
[end callout]
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in the debt securities of governments and
their political subdivisions and agencies, supranational organizations, and
companies located anywhere in the world, including emerging markets. A debt
security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan of
money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt securities
are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or unsecured bonds;
notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents.
The fund focuses on "investment grade" debt securities. These are issues
rated in the top four rating categories (AAA to BBB) by independent rating
agencies such as Standard & Poor's Corporation (S&P) or Moody's Investors
Services, Inc. (Moody's) or, if unrated, determined by the fund's manager to
be comparable. The fund may also invest up to 30% of its net assets in high
yield, lower rated debt securities ("junk bonds") that are rated at least B,
including emerging market debt, or if unrated, determined by the fund's
manager to be comparable. The fund will not purchase defaulted securities.
If, however, a security is downgraded in rating or goes into default, the
fund will not automatically sell the security. During 1998, about 20.2% of
the fund's portfolio was invested in lower rated and comparable quality
unrated debt securities.
Many debt securities of non-U.S. issuers, and especially emerging market
issuers, are rated below investment grade or are unrated so that their
selection depends on the manager's internal analysis. The average maturity of
debt securities in the fund's portfolio is medium-term (about 5 to 15 years)
but will fluctuate depending on the manager's outlook on the country and
future interest rate changes.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The fund's manager allocates its assets among issuers,
geographic regions, and currencies based upon its assessment of relative
interest rates among currencies, the manager's outlook for changes in
interest rates, and credit risks. In considering these factors, a country's
changing market, economic, and political conditions, such as inflation rate,
growth prospects, global trade patterns, and government policies will be
evaluated. The manager intends to manage the fund's exposure to various
currencies, and may from time to time seek to hedge (protect) against
currency risk by using forward currency exchange contracts (Hedging
Instruments).
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes. A sub-category
of interest rate risk is REINVESTMENT RISK, which is the risk that interest
rates will be lower when the fund seeks to reinvest interest payments, or the
proceeds from a matured debt security, resulting in less income received by
the fund.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of governments and companies located outside
the U.S. involve risks that can increase the potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because the investment is
worth fewer dollars. Currency markets are generally not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund has
investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund owns
that trade in that country.
[begin callout]
Changes in global interest rates affect the prices of the fund's debt
securities. If rates rise, the value of the fund's debt securities will fall
and so too will the fund's share price. This means you could lose money.
[end callout]
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to non-U.S. investments in non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the security's value and, thus, impact the value of fund
shares.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES Junk bonds generally have more risk than higher-rated
securities, and can be considered speculative. Companies issuing high yield
debt securities are not as strong financially, and are more likely to
encounter financial difficulties and be more vulnerable to changes in the
economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates.
If an issuer stops paying interest and/or principal, payments may never
resume. The fund may lose its entire investment on bonds that may be, or are,
in default.
The prices of high yield debt securities fluctuate more than higher quality
securities. Prices are especially sensitive to developments affecting the
company's business and to rating changes, and typically rise and fall in
response to factors that affect the company's stock prices. In addition, the
entire high yield securities market can experience sudden and sharp price
swings due to changes in economic conditions, market activity, large
sustained sales, a high-profile default, or other factors. High yield
securities generally are less liquid than higher-quality bonds, and
infrequent trades can make accurate pricing more difficult. At times, it may
be difficult to sell these securities promptly at an acceptable price.
HEDGING INSTRUMENTS Hedging Instruments used by the fund are considered
derivative investments. Their successful use will depend on the manager's
ability to predict market movements, and losses from their use can be greater
than if they had not been used. Risks include potential loss to the fund due
to the imposition of controls by a government on the exchange of foreign
currencies, delivery failure, default by the other party, or inability to
close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid.
DIVERSIFICATION The fund is non-diversified under federal securities laws.
As such, it may invest a greater portion of its assets in one issuer and have
a smaller number of issuers than a diversified fund. Therefore, the fund may
be more sensitive to economic, business, political or other changes affecting
similar issuers or securities. The fund will, however, meet tax
diversification requirements.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER The manager's rebalancing of the portfolio to keep
interest rate risk and country allocations at desired levels, as well as bond
maturities, may cause the fund's portfolio turnover rate to be high. High
turnover generally increases the fund's transaction costs.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, risks, and bond
ratings can be found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
TEMPLETON GLOBAL INCOME FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
9.83% 12.34% -0.40% 16.68% -4.99% 14.68% 9.56% 2.55% 7.08%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q1 '93
5.33%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '92
- -4.84%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (01/24/89)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TEMPLETON GLOBAL INCOME
SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1 1 7.08% 5.56% 7.52%
JP MORGAN GLOBAL
GOVERNMENT BOND INDEX 2 15.31% 8.09% 9.23%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged JP Morgan Global
Government Bond Index tracks the performance of government bond markets in 13
countries. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot
invest directly in an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's
investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
Under an agreement with Advisers, Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. (TICI)
through its Templeton Global Bond Managers division (Global Bond Managers),
is the fund's sub-advisor. A team from Global Bond Managers provides Advisers
with investment management advice and assistance and is responsible for the
day-to-day management of the fund.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.57% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
U.S. Government Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is income.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
in a portfolio limited to U.S. Government securities, primarily fixed and
variable rate mortgage-backed securities. The fund currently invests a
substantial portion of its assets in Government National Mortgage Association
obligations ("Ginnie Maes").
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in mortgage-backed U.S. Government securities.
[end callout]
Ginnie Maes represent an ownership interest in mortgage loans made by banks
and other financial institutions to finance purchases of homes. The
individual loans are packaged or "pooled" together for sale to investors. As
the underlying mortgage loans are paid off, investors receive principal and
interest payments. Ginnie Maes carry a guarantee backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Government. The guarantee applies only to the timely
payment of principal and interest on the mortgages in the pool, and does not
apply to the market prices and yields of the Ginnie Maes or to the net asset
value or performance of the fund, which will vary with changes in interest
rates and other market conditions. Ginnie Mae yields (interest income as a
percent of price) have historically exceeded the current yields on other
types of U.S. Government securities with comparable maturities, although
interest rate changes and unpredictable prepayments can greatly change total
return.
In addition to Ginnie Maes, the fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities
issued or guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal
Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or other U.S. Government agencies. The fund
may also invest in U.S. Government securities backed by other types of
assets, including business loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business
Administration, and obligations of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Finally,
the fund may invest in U.S. Treasury bonds, notes and bills, and securities
issued by U.S. Government agencies or authorities. Securities issued or
guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, TVA and certain other entities are not backed by
the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, but are generally supported
by the creditworthiness of the issuer.
These debt securities may be fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, a hybrid of the
two, or zero coupon securities. A debt security obligates the issuer to the
bondholders, both to repay a loan of money at a future date and generally to
pay interest. Zero coupon securities are debt securities that make no
periodic interest payments but instead are sold at substantial discounts from
their value at maturity. The fund typically invests in zero coupon bonds
issued or created by the U.S. Government or its agencies, where the coupons
have been stripped off a bond and the principal and interest payments are
sold separately.
The fund may purchase securities on a "to-be-announced" and "delayed
delivery" basis. This means the securities will be paid for and delivered to
the fund at a future date, generally in 30 to 45 days.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager generally buys, and holds, high quality
securities which pay high current interest rates. Using this straightforward,
low turnover approach, the manager seeks to produce high current income with
a high degree of credit safety and lower price volatility, from a
conservatively managed portfolio of U.S. Government securities.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents. Under these circumstances, the fund may
temporarily be unable to pursue its investment goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
[begin callout]
Changes in interest rates affect the prices of the fund's debt securities. If
rates rise, the value of the fund's debt securities will fall and so too will
the fund's share price. This means you could lose money over short or even
extended periods.
[end callout]
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. Zero coupon bonds are more
sensitive to interest rate changes and their price will fluctuate more than
the prices of interest-paying bonds or notes for comparable maturities. In
general, securities with longer maturities are more sensitive to these price
changes. A sub-category of interest rate risk is REINVESTMENT RISK, which is
the risk that interest rates will be lower when the fund seeks to reinvest
interest payments or the proceeds from a matured debt security, resulting in
less income received by the fund.
GINNIE MAES Ginnie Maes, and other mortgage- and asset-backed securities,
differ from conventional debt securities because principal is paid back over
the life of the security rather than at maturity. The fund may receive
unscheduled prepayments of principal due to voluntary prepayments,
refinancing or foreclosure on the underlying mortgage or other loans. During
periods of declining interest rates, the volume of principal prepayments
generally increases as borrowers refinance their mortgages at lower rates.
The fund may be forced to reinvest returned principal at lower interest
rates, reducing the fund's income. For this reason, Ginnie Maes may be less
effective than other types of securities as a means of "locking in" long-term
interest rates and may have less potential for capital appreciation during
periods of falling interest rates than other investments with similar
maturities. A reduction in the anticipated rate of principal prepayments,
especially during periods of rising interest rates, may increase the
effective maturity of Ginnie Maes making them more susceptible than other
debt securities to a decline in market value when interest rates rise. This
could increase volatility of the fund's returns and share price.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. The fund's investments in securities
which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
depend upon the ability of the issuing agency or instrumentality to meet
interest or principal payments, and may not permit recourse against the U.S.
Treasury.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years calendar years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the
fund's average annual total returns compare with those of a broad-based
index. Of course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
8.92% 15.93% 7.69% 9.71% -4.55% 19.46% 3.62% 9.31% 7.44%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q2 '95
6.53%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q1 '94
- -4.24%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (03/14/89 )
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
FUND - CLASS1 1 7.44% 6.77% 8.29%
LEHMAN BROTHERS INTERMEDIATE
GOVERNMENT BOND INDEX 2 8.49% 6.45% 8.43%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. Lehman Brothers Intermediate
Government Bond Index is an unmanaged index of fixed-rate bonds issued by the
U.S. Government and its agencies that are rated investment grade or higher
and have one to ten years remaining until maturity and at least $100 million
outstanding. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot
invest directly in an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's
investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
JACK LEMEIN
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Lemein has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989. Mr.
Lemein has more than 30 years experience in the securities industry.
DAVID CAPURRO
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Capurro has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1983.
ROGER BAYSTON, CFA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Bayston has been a manager of the fund since 1993, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1991.
T. ANTHONY COFFEY, CFA
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Coffey has been a manager of the fund since 1996, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1989.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.48% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
ZERO COUPON FUNDS:
MATURING IN DECEMBER 2000, 2005, 2010
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL Each fund's investment goal is to provide as high an investment return
as is consistent with capital preservation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, each fund will invest at
least 65% of its net assets in zero coupon securities, primarily U.S. Treasury
issued stripped securities and stripped securities issued by the U.S.
Government, and its agencies and authorities. The fund may also invest a lesser
amount in zero coupon securities issued by U.S. companies and stripped
eurodollar obligations, which are U.S. dollar denominated debt securities
typically issued by foreign subsidiaries of U.S. companies.
[Begin callout]
Each fund seeks to return a reasonably assured targeted dollar amount,
predictable at the time of investment, on a specific date in the future by
investing primarily in zero coupon securities.
[End callout]
Stripped U.S. Treasury securities are backed by the full faith and credit of
the U.S. Government. The guarantee applies only to the timely payment of
principal and does not apply to the market prices and yields of the zero
coupon bonds or to the net asset value or performance of the fund, which will
vary with changes in interest rates and other market conditions. Where the
fund invests in other than stripped U.S. Treasury securities, the zero coupon
bonds will be rated at least A by independent rating agencies such as
Standard & Poor's Corporation (S&P) or Moody's Investors Services, Inc.
(Moody's) or, if unrated, securities determined by the Manager to be
comparable.
A debt security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan
of money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Zero coupon
securities are debt securities that make no periodic interest payments but
instead are sold at substantial discounts from their value at maturity. The
buyer receives the rate of return by the gradual appreciation of the zero
coupon bond, which is redeemed at face value on the specified maturity date.
The most common zero coupon security is the zero coupon bond which may be
issued by a government or a corporation, or may be created by a dealer firm
when it strips the coupons off a bond and sells the principal and interest
payments separately.
As a fund approaches its Target Date, its investments will be made up of
increasingly larger amounts of short-term money market investments, including
cash and cash equivalents. Each fund reserves the right to invest up to 10%
of its total assets in foreign securities, although typically each fund
invests less, and only in dollar denominated obligations.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION In selecting investments for the funds, the manager
seeks to keep the average duration of each fund to within twelve months of
each fund's maturity Target Date. Duration is a measure of the length of an
investment, taking into account the timing and amount of any interest
payments and the principal repayment. By balancing investments with slightly
longer and shorter durations, the manager believes it can reduce its unknown
"reinvestment risk." Since each fund will not be invested entirely in zero
coupon securities maturing on the Target Date but will also invest in money
market securities, there will be some reinvestment risk and liquidation costs.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents. Under these circumstances, the fund may
temporarily be unable to pursue its investment goal.
MATURITY Each fund matures on the third Friday of December of its specific
maturity year (Target Date). On each fund's Target Date, the fund will be
converted into cash. At least 30 days prior to the Target Date, contract
owners will be notified and given an opportunity to select another investment
option. If an investor does not complete an instruction form directing what
should be done with the cash proceeds, the proceeds will be automatically
invested in the Money Market Fund and the contract owners will be notified of
such event.
[INSERT GRAPHIC OF CHART WITH LINE GOING UP AND DOWN]MAIN RISKS
Each fund's main risks can affect its share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
If fund shares are redeemed prior to the maturity of the fund, an investor
may receive a significantly different investment return than anticipated at
the time of purchase. Therefore, the Zero Coupon Funds may not be appropriate
for contract owners who do not plan to invest for the long-term or until
maturity.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. Because zero coupon securities do
not pay interest, the market value of zeros can fall more dramatically than
interest-paying securities of similar maturities when interest rates rise.
When interest rates fall, however, zeros rise more rapidly in value. In
general, securities with longer maturities usually are more sensitive to
price changes. Thus, the Zero Coupon Fund 2010 may experience more volatility
in its share price than the Zero Coupon Fund 2000. A sub-category of interest
rate risk is REINVESTMENT RISK, which is the risk that interest rates will be
lower when the fund seeks to reinvest interest payments or the proceeds from
a matured debt security, resulting in less income received by the fund.
[Begin callout]
Changes in interest rates affect the prices of the fund's debt securities. If
rates rise, the value of the fund's debt securities will fall and so too will
the fund's share price. This means you could lose money.
[End callout]
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
The bar charts and tables show the volatility of each fund's returns, which
is one indicator of the risks of investing in the funds. The bar charts show
changes in the funds' returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years calendar years or since the funds' inception. The tables show how the
funds' average annual total returns compare to those of broad-based indices.
Of course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
Performance reflects all fund expenses but does not include any fees or sales
charges imposed by the variable insurance contract for which the fund is an
investment option. If they had been included, performance would be lower.
ZERO COUPON FUND - 2000 CLASS 1
Calendar Year Total Returns 1
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years calendar years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the
fund's average annual total returns compare with those of a broad-based
index. Of course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
[Insert bar graph]
5.91% 20.19% 9.04% 16.15% -6.76% 20.67% 2.43% 7.11% 7.50%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q4 '90
9.51%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q1 '94
- -5.18%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (3/14/89)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ZERO COUPON - 2000 CLASS 1 1 7.50% 5.82% 9.21%
MERRILL LYNCH ZERO COUPON 1-YEAR
BOND TOTAL RETURN INDEX 2 6.22% 5.82% 6.81%
Merrill Lynch Zero Coupon 5-Year
BOND TOTAL RETURN INDEX 2 10.57% 6.88% 9.89%
ZERO COUPON FUND - 2005 CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[INSERT BAR GRAPH]
2.69% 20.37% 10.81% 22.21% -9.60% 31.76% -0.50% 11.37% 12.53%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q1 '89
13.10%
WORST
Quarter:
Q1 '94
- -8.15%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (3/14/89)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ZERO COUPON - 2005 CLASS 1 1 12.53% 8.24% 11.35%
MERRILL LYNCH ZERO COUPON 5-YEAR
BOND TOTAL RETURN INDEX 2 10.57% 6.88% 9.89%
MERRILL LYNCH ZERO COUPON 10-YEAR
BOND TOTAL RETURN INDEX 2 15.53% 9.52% 12.55%
Zero Coupon Fund - 2010 Class 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[INSERT BAR GRAPH]
0.57% 20.09% 10.31% 25.47% -10.97% 42.79% -2.69% 16.57% 14.45%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q2 '95
16.03%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q1 '90
- -10.43%
[End callout]
Average Annual Total Returns
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (3/14/89)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ZERO COUPON - 2010 CLASS 1 1 14.45% 10.54% 12.61%
MERRILL LYNCH ZERO COUPON 10-YEAR
BOND TOTAL RETURN INDEX 2 15.53% 9.52% 12.55%
MERRILL LYNCH ZERO COUPON 20-YEAR
BOND TOTAL RETURN INDEX 2 15.98% 12.80% 15.41%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged Merrill Lynch Zero
Coupon indices include zero coupon bonds that pay no interest and are issued
at a discount from redemption price. One cannot invest directly in an index,
nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the funds' investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the funds' management is:
DAVID CAPURRO
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Capurro has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1983.
JACK LEMEIN
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Lemein has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989. Mr.
Lemein has more than 30 years' experience in the securities industry.
T. ANTHONY COFFEY, CFA
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Coffey has been a manager of the fund since 1989, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1989.
Each fund pays the manager a fee for managing the fund's assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the funds. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998,
management fees, before any advance waiver, were 0.63% each for the 2000 and
2005 funds, and 0.62% for the 2010 fund, as a percentage of each fund's
average daily net assets. Under an agreement by the manager to limit its
fees, the 2000 and 2005 funds each paid 0.37%, and the 2010 fund paid 0.36%,
of average daily net assets to the manager in 1998. The manager ended its fee
waiver agreement beginning January 1, 1999.
Global Utilities Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOALS AND STRATEGIES
GOALS The fund's investment goals are capital appreciation and current
income.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies in the
public utilities industry. These companies are primarily engaged in the
ownership, operation or other services, or manufacture of facilities or
equipment used to provide:
o electricity
o natural gas
o telecommunications services (including telephone communications, cable and
internet, satellite and other pay television services, and wireless
telecommunications)
o water
[begin callout]
The fund concentrates in common stocks of U.S. and non-U.S. companies engaged
in the public utilities industry.
[end callout]
The manager expects to invest substantially in the electricity and
telecommunications sectors.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
The fund may buy public utilities companies anywhere in the world, including
emerging markets, but generally invests a greater percentage of its assets in
U.S. companies than any other single country.
The fund may also invest a significant portion of its assets in small-cap
companies which have market capitalization values (share price times the
number of common stock shares outstanding) of less than $1.5 billion.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined value-oriented strategy. Relying on a team of analysts
to provide in-depth industry expertise, the manager looks for companies that
will position the fund to benefit from potential future technological
advances and increasing worldwide demand in the public utilities sector. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the fund's
manager will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to
its evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. A company's historical value measures, including price/earnings
ratio, profit margins, and liquidation value, will also be considered.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goals.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
UTILITIES INDUSTRY By concentrating in a single industry sector, the fund
carries much greater risk of adverse developments in that sector than a fund
that invests in a wide variety of industries. Utility companies in the U.S.
and in non-U.S. countries have generally been subject to substantial
government regulation. Major changes in government policies, ranging from
increased regulation or expropriation to deregulation, privatization or
increased competition, may dramatically increase or reduce opportunities for
companies in these industries. For example, while certain companies may
develop more profitable opportunities, others may be forced to defend their
core businesses and may be less profitable.
In addition, electric utility companies have historically been subject to
price regulation; risks associated with high interest costs on borrowings or
reduced ability to borrow; restrictions on operations and increased costs due
to environmental and safety regulations; regulators disallowing these higher
costs in rate authorizations; difficulties in obtaining fuel for electric
generation at reasonable prices; risks associated with the operation of
nuclear power plants; and the effects of energy conservation and other
factors affecting the level of demand for services.
Gas transmission and distribution companies continue to undergo significant
changes as well. Many companies have diversified into oil and gas exploration
and development, making returns more sensitive to energy prices.
The wireless telecommunications industry is in its early developmental
stages, characterized by emerging, rapidly growing companies, and is subject
to the risk of rapidly changing technology. The water supply industry is
highly fragmented due to local ownership. Generally, these companies are more
mature and expect little or no per capita volume growth.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with global market
conditions, currencies, and interest rate movements, the value of your
investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you could lose money
over short or even extended periods.
[end callout]
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. Utility company
stocks often pay relatively high dividends, so they are particularly
sensitive to interest rate movements. Therefore, like bonds, their stock
prices may rise as interest rates fall or fall as interest rates rise.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S. involve risks that can increase the potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because the investment is
worth fewer dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund
has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund
owns that trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to foreign investments in foreign courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies, and to a lesser extent mid-size
companies, may offer greater opportunities for capital growth than larger,
more established companies, they also have more risk. Historically, smaller
company securities have been more volatile in price and have fluctuated
independently from larger company securities, especially over the
shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions, their growth prospects are less
certain, their securities are less liquid, and they can be considered
speculative. These companies may suffer significant losses, and technology
and biotechnology industry stocks, in particular, can be subject to abrupt or
erratic price movements.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
GLOBAL UTILITIES SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
1.84% 24.56% 9.69% 10.54% -11.56% 31.35% 7.07% 26.76% 11.19%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q4 '97
13.45%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q1 '94
- -10.27%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (01/24/89 )
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GLOBAL UTILITIES SECURITIES
Fund - Class 1 1 11.19% 11.88% 12.57%
S&P 500(R)Index 2 28.58% 24.06% 18.70%
FT/S&P Actuaries World
Utilities Index 2 36.67% 15.96% 12.95%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks covering a variety of industries. The
Financial Times/S&P Actuaries World Utilities Index includes electric
utilities, waterworks supply, natural gas and telephone companies. Indices
include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in
an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
IAN LINK, CFA
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Link has been a manager of the fund since 1995, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1989.
ALEX W. PETERS
PORTFOLIO MANAGER, ADVISERS
Mr. Peters has been a manager of the fund since 1999, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1992.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.47% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOALS AND STRATEGIES
GOALS The fund's principal investment goal is capital appreciation. Its
secondary goal is to provide current income.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in a broadly diversified portfolio of equity
securities that the manager believes have the potential to increase in value.
To help identify undervalued financially strong companies with attractive
long-term growth prospects, the manager uses a current relative yield
analysis. Dividend yield is a stock's annual per share dividends divided by
its per share market price. Following this strategy, the fund will invest
predominantly in common stocks that have dividend yields at least equal to
the yield of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. The fund seeks current income
through receipt of dividends from its investments. Equities represent
ownership interests in individual companies and give shareholders a claim in
the company's earnings and assets. They include common and preferred stocks,
and securities convertible into common stock.
The fund may also invest up to 30% of its total assets in foreign securities,
including Depositary Receipts and emerging markets, but currently intends to
limit such investments to 20%. The fund may also invest to a lesser extent in
equity real estate investment trusts (REITs). REITS are usually publicly
traded companies that manage a portfolio of real estate to earn profits and
tend to pay high yields since they must distribute most of their earnings.
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in common stocks offering above market current
dividend yields.
[end callout]
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined value-oriented strategy for this fund. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the manager
will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to its
evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential, with an emphasis on current dividend yield. The manager believes
that high relative dividend yield is frequently a good indicator of value.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances,
the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment goals.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with market conditions,
the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you
could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[end callout]
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Where the fund's investments are denominated in foreign currencies,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including devaluation of currency
by a country's government, will increase or decrease the fund's returns from
its foreign portfolio holdings. Currency markets generally are not as
regulated as securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund
has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund
owns that trade in that country. The political, economic, and social
structures of some countries the fund invests in may be less stable and more
volatile than those in the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries
include the possibility of currency devaluations, the imposition of exchange
controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation, restrictions on
removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of assets, punitive
taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. Non-U.S. companies are not
subject to the same disclosure, accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards and practices as U.S. companies and their securities may not be as
liquid as securities of similar U.S. companies, or may become illiquid.
Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally
have less government supervision and regulation than in the U.S.
Emerging market countries have additional risks due to a lack of established
legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities markets, and a
greater likelihood of currency devaluations. While short-term volatility in
these markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
REITS A REIT's performance depends on the types and locations of the
properties it owns and on how well it manages those properties. The value of
a REIT may also be affected by factors that affect the underlying properties,
the real estate industry, or local or general economic conditions.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
Growth and Income Fund - Class 1
Calendar Year Total Returns 1
[Insert bar graph]
-2.35% 23.63% 6.73% 10.32% -3.41% 32.83% 14.19% 27.74% 8.33%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q1 '91
10.93%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '90
- -12.63%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (01/24/89 )
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROWTH AND INCOME FUND -
CLASS 1 1 8.33% 15.51% 11.72%
S&P 500(R)INDEX 2 28.58% 24.06% 18.70%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks covering a variety of industries. Indices
include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in
an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
FRANK FELICELLI, CFA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Felicelli has been a manager of the fund since 1995, and has been with
the Franklin Templeton Group since 1986.
WILLIAM HAWES
PORTFOLIO MANAGER, ADVISERS
Mr. Hawes has been a manager of the fund since 1999, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1998.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.47% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Income Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is to maximize income while maintaining
prospects for capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
primarily in a diversified portfolio of debt and equity securities. A debt
security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan of
money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt securities
are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or unsecured bonds;
notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
The fund seeks income by selecting investments such as corporate, foreign,
and U.S. Treasury bonds. In its search for income-producing growth
opportunities, the fund invests in common stocks with attractive dividend
yields of companies from a variety of industries such as utilities, oil, gas,
real estate, and consumer goods. From time to time, the fund may invest
substantially in certain sectors, including utilities.
The fund may invest up to 100% of its total assets in debt securities that
are below investment grade, including up to 5% in defaulted debt, but it is
not currently expected that the fund will invest more than 50% of its assets
in these securities. Investment grade debt securities are rated in the top
four rating categories by independent rating agencies such as Standard &
Poor's Corporation (S&P) and Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's). The
fund generally invests in securities rated at least Caa by Moody's or CCC by
S&P or, if unrated, determined by the fund's manager to be comparable.
Generally, lower rated securities pay higher yields than more highly rated
securities to compensate investors for the higher risk. During 1998, about
30% of the fund's portfolio was invested in lower rated and comparable
quality unrated debt securities.
The fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in foreign securities, including
emerging markets. It ordinarily buys foreign securities that are traded in
the U.S or American Depositary Receipts, which are certificates issued by a
bank or trust company that give their holders the right to receive securities
issued by a foreign or domestic company. Many debt securities of non-U.S.
issuers, and especially emerging market issuers, are rated below investment
grade or are unrated so that their selection depends on the manager's
internal analysis.
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of high yield lower
rated bonds, and stocks.
[end callout]
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager searches for undervalued or out-of-favor
securities it believes offer opportunities for income today and growth
tomorrow. It performs independent analysis of the debt securities being
considered for the fund's portfolio, rather than relying principally on the
ratings assigned by rating agencies. In its analysis, the manager considers a
variety of factors, including:
o a security's relative value based on such factors as anticipated cash flow,
interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, and earnings prospects;
o the experience and managerial strength of the company;
o responsiveness to changes in interest rates and business conditions;
o debt maturity schedules and borrowing requirements; and
o the company's changing financial condition and market recognition of the
change.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
[begin callout]
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
[end callout]
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes. A sub-category
of interest rate risk is REINVESTMENT RISK, which is the risk that interest
rates will be lower when the funds seek to reinvest interest payments, or the
proceeds from a matured debt security, resulting in less income received by
the fund.
[begin callout]
Because the bonds and stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with interest
rate changes and market conditions, the value of your investment in the fund
will go up and down. This means you could lose money.
[end callout]
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the security's value and, thus, impact the value of fund
shares.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES. Securities rated below investment grade, sometimes
called "junk bonds," generally have more risk than higher-rated securities.
Companies issuing high yield debt securities are not as strong financially as
those with higher credit ratings. These companies are more likely to
encounter financial difficulties and are more vulnerable to changes in the
economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates,
that could prevent them from making interest and principal payments. If an
issuer stops paying interest and/or principal, payments may never resume. The
fund may lose its entire investment on bonds that may be, or are, in default.
The prices of high yield debt securities fluctuate more than higher quality
securities. Prices are especially sensitive to developments affecting the
company's business and to changes in the ratings assigned by ratings
agencies. Prices are often closely linked with the company's stock prices and
typically rise and fall in response to factors that affect stock prices. In
addition, the entire high yield securities market can experience sudden and
sharp price swings due to changes in economic conditions, stock market
activity, large sustained sales by major investors, a high-profile default,
or other factors. High yield securities are also generally less liquid than
higher-quality bonds. Many of these securities do not trade frequently, and
when they do trade their prices may be significantly higher or lower than
expected. At times, it may be difficult to sell these securities promptly at
an acceptable price, which may limit the fund's ability to sell securities in
response to specific economic events or to meet redemption requests.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further. Utility company
stocks pay relatively high dividends, so they are particularly sensitive to
interest rate movements: like bonds, when interest rates rise, their stock
prices tend to fall.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES The value of convertible securities may rise and fall
with the market value of the underlying stock or, like a debt security, vary
with changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer. Because
its value can be influenced by many different factors, a convertible security
is not as sensitive to interest rate changes as a similar non-convertible
debt security, and generally has less potential for gain or loss than the
underlying stock.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Where the fund's investments are denominated in foreign currencies,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including devaluation of currency
by a country's government, will increase or decrease the fund's returns from
its foreign portfolio holdings. Currency markets generally are not as
regulated as securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund
has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund
owns that trade in that country. The political, economic, and social
structures of some countries the fund invests in may be less stable and more
volatile than those in the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries
include the possibility of currency devaluations, the imposition of exchange
controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation, restrictions on
removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of assets, punitive
taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. Non-U.S. companies are not
subject to the same disclosure, accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards and practices as U.S. companies and their securities may not be as
liquid as securities of similar U.S. companies, or may become illiquid.
Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally
have less government supervision and regulation than in the U.S.
Emerging market countries have additional risks due to a lack of established
legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities markets, and a
greater likelihood of currency devaluations. While short-term volatility in
these markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, risks, and bond
ratings can be found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
INCOME SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
-7.42% 39.93% 13.20% 18.59% -6.27% 22.40%11.28% 17.09% 1.64%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q1 '91
16.48%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '90
- -8.42%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (01/24/89 )
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1 1 1.64% 8.73% 11.23%
LEHMAN BROTHERS GOVERNMENT/
CORPORATE BOND INDEX 2 9.47% 7.30% 9.29%
S&P 500(R)INDEX 2 28.58% 24.06% 18.70%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The Lehman Brothers
Government/Corporate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of fixed-rate U.S.
Government and foreign and domestic corporate bonds that are rated investment
grade or higher and have maturities of one year or more and at least $50
million outstanding. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged group of widely held
common stocks covering a variety of industries. Indices include reinvested
dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an
index representative of the fund's portfolio.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
CHARLES B. JOHNSON
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, ADVISERS
Mr. Johnson has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1957.
MATTHEW F. AVERY
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Avery has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989, and has
been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1987.
FREDERICK G. FROMM
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Fromm has been a manager of the fund since 1998, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1992.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.47% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Mutual Shares Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOALS AND STRATEGIES
GOALS The fund's principal goal is capital appreciation. Its secondary goal
is income.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies that the
manager believes are available at market prices less than their actual value
based on certain recognized or objective criteria (intrinsic value).
Following this value-oriented strategy, the fund will primarily invest in:
o UNDERVALUED STOCKS Stocks trading at a discount to asset value.
o REORGANIZING COMPANIES Securities of companies in the midst of change such
as mergers, consolidations, liquidations, reorganizations, financial
restructurings, or companies with takeover, tender or exchange offers or
likely to receive such offers (Reorganizing Companies). The fund may
participate in such transactions.
o DISTRESSED COMPANIES Securities of companies that are distressed or even
in bankruptcy.
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in common stocks of companies the manager believes
are significantly undervalued.
[end callout]
The fund invests primarily in companies with market capitalization values
(share price times the number of common stock shares outstanding) greater
than $1.5 billion, but may invest a small portion in small-cap companies,
which have more risk. Equities represent ownership interests in individual
companies and give shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets.
They include common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into
common stock.
While the fund generally purchases securities for investment purposes, the
manager may use the fund's ownership in a company to seek to influence or
control management, or invest in other companies that do so, when the manager
believes the fund may benefit.
The fund may invest in debt securities rated in any rating category
established by an independent rating agency, including high yield, lower
rated or defaulted debt securities ("junk bonds"), or if unrated, determined
by the manager to be comparable. A debt security obligates the issuer to the
bondholders, both to repay a loan of money at a future date and generally to
pay interest. Common debt securities are bonds, including bonds convertible
into common stock or unsecured bonds; notes; and short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents.
The fund typically invests in unrated and lower rated debt securities of
Reorganizing Companies or Distressed Companies. Such debt securities are
primarily secured or unsecured indebtedness or participations in the
indebtedness, including loan participations and trade claims. Indebtedness
represents a specific commercial loan or portion of a loan which has been
given to a company by a financial institution such as a bank or insurance
company. By purchasing direct indebtedness of companies, a fund steps into
the shoes of a financial institution. Participation interests in indebtedness
represent fractional interests in a company's indebtedness.
The fund currently intends to invest up to approximately 20% of its total
assets in foreign equity and debt securities, including American, European
and Global Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts are certificates
typically issued by a bank or trust company that give their holders the right
to receive securities issued by a foreign or domestic company. The fund
generally seeks to hedge (protect) against currency risks, largely using
forward foreign currency exchange contracts, where available, and in the
manager's opinion, it is economical to do so (Hedging Instruments).
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined value strategy. In choosing equity investments, the
manager focuses on the market price of a company's securities relative to its
evaluation of the company's asset value, including an analysis of book value,
cash flow potential, long-term earnings, and multiples of earnings of
comparable securities. Similarly, debt securities are generally selected
based on the manager's own analysis of the security's intrinsic value rather
than the coupon rate or rating. Thus, each security is examined separately
and there are no set criteria as to asset size, earnings or industry type.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goals.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
REORGANIZING ORDISTRESSED COMPANIES The fund's bargain-driven focus may
result in the fund choosing securities that are not widely followed by other
investors, including companies reporting poor earnings, companies whose share
prices have declined sharply, turnarounds, cyclical companies, or companies
emerging from bankruptcy, which may have higher risk. There can be no
assurance that any merger or other restructuring, or tender or exchange offer
proposed at the time the fund invests in a Reorganizing Company will be
completed on the terms contemplated and therefore, benefit the fund.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with market conditions,
the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you
could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[end callout]
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Where the fund's investments are denominated in foreign currencies,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including devaluation of currency
by a country's government, will increase or decrease the fund's returns from
its foreign portfolio holdings. Currency markets generally are not as
regulated as securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund
has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund
owns that trade in that country. The political, economic, and social
structures of some countries the fund invests in may be less stable and more
volatile than those in the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries
include the possibility of currency devaluations by a country's government or
banking authority, the imposition of exchange controls, foreign ownership
limitations, expropriation, restrictions on removal of currency or other
assets, nationalization of assets, punitive taxes and certain custody and
settlement risks. Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies, or may become illiquid. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading
systems, brokers, and companies generally have less government supervision
and regulation than in the U.S.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the security's value and, thus, impact the value of fund
shares.
INDEBTEDNESS AND PARTICIPATIONS The purchase of debt securities of
Reorganizing or Distressed Companies always involves a risk as to the
creditworthiness of the issuer and the possibility that the investment may be
lost. There are no established markets for indebtedness, making them less
liquid than other securities, and purchasers of participations, such as the
fund, must rely on the financial institution issuing the participation to
assert any rights against the borrower with respect to the underlying
indebtedness. In addition, the fund takes on the risk as to the
creditworthiness of the bank or other financial intermediary issuer, as well
as of the issuer of the underlying indebtedness.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES Junk bonds generally have more risk than higher-rated
securities, and can be considered speculative. Companies issuing high yield
debt securities are not as strong financially, and are more likely to
encounter financial difficulties and be more vulnerable to changes in the
economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates.
If an issuer stops paying interest and/or principal, payments may never
resume. The fund may lose its entire investment on bonds that may be, or are,
in default.
The prices of high yield debt securities fluctuate more than higher quality
securities. Prices are especially sensitive to developments affecting the
company's business and to rating changes, and typically rise and fall in
response to factors that affect the company's stock prices. In addition, the
entire high yield securities market can experience sudden and sharp price
swings due to changes in economic conditions, market activity, large
sustained sales, a high-profile default, or other factors. High yield
securities generally are less liquid than higher-quality bonds, and
infrequent trades can make accurate pricing more difficult. At times, it may
be difficult to sell these securities promptly at an acceptable price.
HEDGING INSTRUMENTS Hedging Instruments used by this fund are considered
derivative investments. Their successful use will depend on the manager's
ability to predict market movements, and losses from their use can be greater
than if they had not been used. Risks include potential loss to the fund due
to the imposition of controls by a government on the exchange of foreign
currencies, delivery failure, default by the other party, or inability to
close out a position because the trading market becomes illiquid.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES The fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities, which are securities with a limited trading market.
There is a possible risk that the securities cannot be readily sold or can
only be resold at a price significantly lower than their value.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
MUTUAL SHARES SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
17.73% 0.09%
97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q4 '98
12.94%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '98
- -17.65%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR (11/08/96)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MUTUAL SHARES SECURITIES
FUND - CLASS 1 1 0.09% 9.70%
S&P 500(R)INDEX 2 28.58% 30.66%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard and Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks covering a variety of industries. Indices
include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in
an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC (Franklin Mutual) is the fund's investment
manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team members primarily responsible for the fund's
management are:
LAWRENCE N. SONDIKE
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Sondike has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996.
Before joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research
analyst for Heine Securities Corporation, the predecessor of Franklin Mutual
(Heine).
DAVID E. MARCUS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Marcus has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996. Before
joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for
Heine.
Michael F. Price is Chairman of the Board of Directors which oversees the
management of Franklin Mutual. The managers listed above are part of a larger
team of investment professionals with management responsibility for all of
the funds managed by Franklin Mutual, including this fund. Peter A. Langerman
is Chief Executive Officer and Robert L. Friedman is Chief Investment Officer
of Franklin Mutual. Mr. Friedman has overall supervisory responsibility for
the day to day management of the funds managed by Franklin Mutual.
The team also includes:
PETER A. LANGERMAN
PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Langerman has been involved with the management of the fund since its
inception in 1996. Before joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he
was a research analyst for Heine.
ROBERT L. FRIEDMAN
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Friedman has been involved with the management of the fund since its
inception in 1996. Before joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he
was a research analyst for Heine.
JEFFREY A. ALTMAN
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Altman has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996. Before
joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for
Heine.
RAYMOND GAREA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Garea has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996. Before
joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for
Heine.
DAVID J. WINTERS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Winters has been a manager of the fund since 1998. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for Heine.
In addition, the following Franklin Mutual employees serve as Assistant
Portfolio Managers:
JIM AGAH
ASSISTANT PORTFOLIO MANAGER
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Agah has been a manager of the fund since 1998. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1997, he was vice president of equity sales at
Keefe, Bryette & Woods.
JEFF DIAMOND
ASSISTANT PORTFOLIO MANAGER
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Diamond has been a manager of the fund since 1998. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1998, he was a vice president and co-manager of
Prudential Conservative Stock Fund.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets and making its
investment decisions. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.60% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Real Estate Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOALS AND STRATEGIES
GOALS The fund's principal goal is capital appreciation. Its secondary goal
is to earn current income.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in securities of companies operating in the
real estate industry, primarily equity real estate investment trusts (REITs).
Real estate companies include:
o companies qualifying under federal tax law as REITs,
o real estate operating companies, real estate services companies,
homebuilders and developers that derive at least half of their assets or
revenues from the ownership, construction, management or other services, or
sale of residential, commercial or industrial real estate.
[begin callout]
The fund concentrates in securities of companies in the real estate industry,
primarily equity REITs.
[end callout]
REITs are real estate investment trust companies, usually publicly traded,
that manage a portfolio of income-producing real estate properties such as
apartments, hotels, office buildings, or shopping centers. Equity REITs take
ownership positions in real estate and shareholders receive income from the
rents received, and receive capital gains on the properties sold at a profit.
Other types, for example mortgage REITs, specialize in lending money to
developers and pass interest income on to shareholders. Still others are
hybrid REITs, having a mix of equity and debt investments. The fund generally
invests in medium-cap (less than $5 billion) to small-cap (less than $1.5
billion) REITs, because that is reflective of the industry itself. Market
capitalization is defined as share price times the number of common stock
shares outstanding.
In addition to its principal investments, the fund may invest in equity or
debt securities of issuers engaged in businesses whose products and services
are closely related to the real estate industry, and issuers whose principal
business is unrelated to the real estate industry but who have very
significant real estate holdings believed to be undervalued relative to the
company's securities. Equities represent ownership interests in individual
companies and give shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets.
A debt security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan
of money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt
securities are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or
unsecured bonds; notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash
equivalents.
The manager seeks to manage the risks of industry concentration by
diversifying into different types of real estate investments although such
risks cannot be eliminated. Historically, there has been a low correlation
between the real estate market and the broader equity market. While there is
no certainty those trends will continue in the future, investments in real
estate securities may be a useful way to diversify one's overall portfolio.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined value-oriented strategy for this fund. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the fund's
manager will focus on the market price of a company's security relative to
its evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value, and cash
flow potential. Using both qualitative and quantitative analysis and on-site
visits, the manager evaluates security characteristics, the strength and
quality of management, and underlying properties. In addition, the manager
may consider other factors, such as the supply and demand outlook for various
property types and regional markets.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents. Under these circumstances, the fund may
temporarily be unable to pursue its investment goals.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES By concentrating in a single industry sector, the
fund carries much greater risk of adverse developments in that sector than a
fund that invests in a wide variety of industries. Real estate values rise
and fall in response to a variety of factors, including local, regional and
national economic conditions and tax considerations, the strength of specific
industries renting properties, and other factors affecting the supply and
demand for properties. When economic growth is slowing, demand for property
decreases and prices may decline. Rising interest rates, which drive up
mortgage and financing costs, can restrain construction and buying and
selling activity and make other investments more attractive. Property values
could decrease because of overbuilding, increases in property taxes and
operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, environmental regulations or
hazards, uninsured casualty or condemnation losses, or a general decline in
neighborhood values.
REITS Equity REITs can be affected by any changes in the value of the
properties owned, while mortgage REITs can be affected by the quality of any
credit extended. A REIT's performance depends on the types and locations of
the properties it owns and on how well it manages those properties or loan
financings. A decline in rental income could occur because of extended
vacancies, increased competition from other properties, tenants' failure to
pay rent or poor management.
A REIT's performance also depends on the company's ability to finance
property purchases and renovations and manage its cash flows. Because REITs
are typically invested in a limited number of projects or in a particular
market segment, they are more susceptible to adverse developments affecting a
single project or market segment than more broadly diversified investments.
Loss of status as a qualified REIT or changes in the treatment of REITs under
the federal tax law, could adversely affect the value of a particular REIT or
the market for REITs as a whole.
[begin callout]
Because the securities the fund holds fluctuate in price with real estate
market conditions, the value of your investment in the fund will go up and
down. This means you could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[end callout]
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
SMALLER COMPANIES Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions, their growth prospects are less
certain, their securities are less liquid, and they can be considered
speculative. These companies may suffer significant losses. Small cap REITs
can be subject to greater risks than mid- or large-cap issuers due to greater
regional concentration and less diversification in terms of the regions,
clients and types of properties available for investment.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
-11.98% 33.47% 12.12% 19.01% 2.89% 17.53% 32.82% 20.70% -16.82%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q1 '91
20.13%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '90
- -14.14%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
1 YEAR 5 YEARS (01/24/89 )
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND -
CLASS 1 1 -16.82% 10.03% 10.30%
S&P 500(R)INDEX 2 28.58% 24.06% 18.70%
WILSHIRE REAL ESTATE
SECURITIES INDEX 2 -17.43% 9.36% 4.57%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks covering a variety of industries. The
Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index is a market-cap weighted index of
publicly traded real estate securities. Indices include reinvested dividends
and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an index
representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
MATTHEW F. AVERY
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Avery has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1989, and has
been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1987.
DOUGLAS BARTON, CFA
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Barton has been a manager of the fund since 1998, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1988.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.52% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Rising Dividends Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in the securities of companies that have:
o consistently increased dividends in at least 8 out of the last 10 years and
have not decreased dividends during that time;
o increased dividends substantially (at least 100%) over the past ten years;
o reinvested earnings, paying out less than 65% of current earnings in
dividends (except for utility companies);
o strong balance sheets, with long-term debt representing no more than 30% of
total capitalization (except for utility companies); and
o attractive prices, either in the lower half of the stock's price/earnings
ratio range for the past 10 years or less than the average current market
price/earnings ratio of the stocks comprising the Standard & Poor's(R) 500
Stock Index (this criterion applies only at the time of purchase).
[begin callout]
The fund will invest primarily in the common stocks of financially sound
companies that have paid consistently rising dividends.
[end callout]
The fund typically invests the rest of its assets in equity securities of
companies that pay dividends but do not meet all of these criteria. Following
these policies, the fund typically invests predominantly in equity securities
issued by large- and mid-cap U.S. companies, which generally have market
capitalization values (share price times the number of common stock shares
outstanding) greater than $1.5 billion. It may also invest substantially in
small-cap companies which generally have lower market capitalizations.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined value-oriented strategy. As a "bottom-up" investor
focusing primarily on individual securities, the manager will focus on the
market price of a company's securities relative to its evaluation of the
company's long-term earnings, and in particular a strong dividend record,
asset value, and cash flow potential. The manager seeks bargains among
companies with steadily rising dividends and strong balance sheets - out of
favor companies that offer, in the manager's opinion, excellent long-term
potential that might include companies that have stumbled recently, dropping
sharply in price, but with significant potential.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents. Under these circumstances, the fund may
temporarily be unable to pursue its investment goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager, or may decline further.
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with market conditions,
the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you
could lose money over short or even extended periods.
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies, and to a lesser extent mid-size
companies, may offer greater opportunities for capital growth than larger,
more established companies, they also have more risk. Historically, smaller
company securities have been more volatile in price and fluctuated
independently from larger company securities, especially over the
shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions, and their growth prospects are
less certain.
For example, smaller companies may lack depth of management or may have
limited financial resources for growth or development. They may have limited
product lines or market share. Smaller companies may be in new industries, or
their new products and services may not find an established market or may
become obsolete. Smaller companies may suffer significant losses, their
securities can be less liquid, and investments in these companies may be
speculative.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
RISING DIVIDENDS FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
-3.48% -4.08% 29.74% 24.18% 33.03% 6.92%
93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q4 '98
19.38%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '98
- -14.78%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (01/27/92 )
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RISING DIVIDENDS FUND - CLASS 1 1 6.92% 17.06% 12.98%
WILSHIRE MIDCAP COMPANY
GROWTH INDEX 2 -1.08% 13.83% 13.61%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The Wilshire MidCap Company Growth
Index is an unmanaged group of securities of companies selected based on
growth characteristics from among the middle capitalization universe of the
Wilshire 5000. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One
cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an index representative of the
fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisory Services, LLC (Advisory Services) is the fund's investment
manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
DONALD G. TAYLOR
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
ADVISORY SERVICES
Mr. Taylor has been a manager of the fund since 1996. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a Portfolio Manager for Fidelity
Management & Research Co.
WILLIAM J. LIPPMAN
PRESIDENT, ADVISORY SERVICES
Mr. Lippman has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1992. He
has more than 30 years' experience in the securities industry and joined the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1988.
BRUCE C. BAUGHMAN
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
ADVISORY SERVICES
Mr. Baughman has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1992, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1988.
MARGARET MCGEE
VICE PRESIDENT,
ADVISORY SERVICES
Ms. McGee has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1992, and has
been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1988.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.70% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is high total return.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
in equity securities of companies in any nation, debt securities of companies
and governments of any nation, and in money market instruments. The mix of
investments will be adjusted to capitalize on total return potential produced
by changing economic conditions throughout the world, including emerging
market countries. While there are no minimum or maximum percentage targets
for each asset class, historically stocks have been the predominant
investment.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into common stock, and
American, European and Global Depositary Receipts. Depositary Receipts are
certificates issued by a bank or trust company that give their holders the
right to receive securities issued by a foreign or domestic company. A debt
security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan of
money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt securities
are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or unsecured bonds;
notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents.
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in common stocks and bonds of U.S. and non-U.S.
countries.
[end callout]
The fund focuses on "investment grade" debt securities. These are issues
rated in the top four rating categories (AAA to BBB) by independent rating
agencies such as Standard & Poor's Corporation (S&P) or Moody's Investors
Services, Inc. (Moody's) or, if unrated, determined by the fund's manager to
be comparable. The fund may also invest up to 25% of its total assets in high
yield, medium and lower rated debt securities ("junk bonds"), or, if unrated,
determined by the fund's manager to be comparable. The fund will not invest
in defaulted securities. During 1998, about 10.2% of the fund's portfolio was
invested in lower rated and comparable quality unrated debt securities. Many
debt securities of non-U.S. issuers, and especially emerging market issuers,
are rated below investment grade or are unrated so that their selection
depends on the manager's internal analysis.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The Templeton investment philosophy is "bottom-up,"
value-oriented, and long-term. In choosing equity investments, the fund's
manager will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to
its evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. A company's historical value measures, including price/earnings
ratio, profit margins, and liquidation value, will also be considered. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the fund
may from time to time have significant investments in particular countries.
In choosing debt investments, the fund's manager allocates its assets among
issuers, geographic regions, and currencies based upon its assessment of
relative interest rates among currencies, the manager's outlook for changes
in interest rates, and credit risks. The manager intends to manage the fund's
exposure to various geographic regions and their currencies based on its
assessment of changing market and political conditions; with respect to debt
securities, the manager may also from time to time make use of forward
currency exchange contracts for hedging (protection) purposes (Hedging
Instruments).
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks and bonds the fund holds fluctuate in price with foreign
market conditions and currencies, the value of your investment in the fund
will go up and down. This means you could lose money over short or even
extended periods.
[end callout]
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because the investment is
worth fewer dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund
has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund
owns that trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to non-U.S. investments in non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the security's value and, thus, impact the value of fund
shares.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES Junk bonds generally have more risk than higher-rated
securities, and can be considered speculative. Companies issuing high yield
debt securities are not as strong financially, and are more likely to
encounter financial difficulties and be more vulnerable to changes in the
economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates.
If an issuer stops paying interest and/or principal, payments may never
resume. The fund may lose its entire investment on bonds that may be, or are,
in default.
The prices of high yield debt securities fluctuate more than higher quality
securities. Prices are especially sensitive to developments affecting the
company's business and to rating changes, and typically rise and fall in
response to factors that affect the company's stock prices. In addition, the
entire high yield securities market can experience sudden and sharp price
swings due to changes in economic conditions, market activity, large
sustained sales, a high-profile default, or other factors. High yield
securities generally are less liquid than higher-quality bonds, and
infrequent trades can make accurate pricing more difficult. At times, it may
be difficult to sell these securities promptly at an acceptable price.
HEDGING INSTRUMENTS Hedging Instruments used by this fund are considered
derivative investments. Their successful use will depend on the manager's
ability to predict market movements, and losses from their use can be greater
than if they had not been used.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, risks, and bond
ratings can be found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
TEMPLETON GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
19.84% 11.71% -0.04%
96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q4 '98
11.93%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '98
- -13.12%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR (05/01/95 )
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TEMPLETON GLOBAL ASSET
ALLOCATION FUND - CLASS 1 1 -0.04% 10.25%
MSCI WORLD INDEX(R) 2 24.80% 18.24%
JP MORGAN GLOBAL GOVERNMENT
BOND INDEX 2 15.31% 7.49%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged MSCI World Index(R)
tracks the performance of approximately 1500 securities in 23 countries and
is designed to measure world stock market performance. The unmanaged JP
Morgan Global Government Bond Index tracks the performance of government bond
markets in 13 countries. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or
interest. One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an index
representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Templeton Global Advisors Limited (TGAL) is the fund's investment manager.
Under an agreement with TGAL, Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. (TICI)
through its Templeton Global Bond Managers division (Global Bond Managers),
is the fund's sub-advisor.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for managing the equity portion of the
fund is:
DALE WINNER, CFA
PORTFOLIO MANAGER, TGAL
Mr. Winner has been a manager of the fund since 1997. Before joining Franklin
Templeton in 1995, he was a trust officer at J.P. Morgan.
JEFFREY A. EVERETT, CFA
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, TGAL
Mr. Everett has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1995, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1990.
MARK G. HOLOWESKO, CFA
PRESIDENT, TGAL
Mr. Holowesko has been a manager of the fund since 1999, and has been with
the Franklin Templeton Group since 1985.
A team from Global Bond Managers is responsible for managing the debt portion
of the fund's investments.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets and making its
investment decisions. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.65% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Value Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term total return.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies of various
sizes that the fund's manager believes are selling substantially below the
underlying value of their assets or their private market value (what a
sophisticated investor would pay for the entire company). Following this
strategy, the fund will invest in companies with, for example: low prices
relative to book value, cash flow, or earnings (of the market, of the
industry group or earnings growth); valuable intangibles not reflected in the
stock price such as franchises, trademarks, distribution channels or market
share for particular products or services; underused or understated assets or
cash; or strong balance sheets. Equities represent ownership interests in
individual companies and give shareholders a claim in the company's earnings
and assets. They include common and preferred stocks, and securities
convertible into common stock.
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in the common stocks of companies the manager
believes are significantly undervalued.
[end callout]
The fund may invest substantially in securities of small-cap companies, which
have market capitalization values (share price times the number of common
stock shares outstanding) of less than $1.5 billion, at the time of purchase.
The fund may also invest up to 25% of its total assets in foreign securities,
including Depositary Receipts and emerging markets, but has no current
intention of investing more than 15%.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined value-oriented strategy for this fund. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the manager
will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to its
evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. The manager seeks bargains among the "under researched and
unloved" - out of favor companies that offer, in the manager's opinion,
excellent long-term potential that might include former growth companies that
have stumbled recently, dropping sharply in price, but with significant
potential ("fallen angels") or companies that are a potential turnaround or
takeover target.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further. The fund's
bargain-driven focus may result in the fund choosing securities that are not
widely followed by other investors, including companies reporting poor
earnings, companies whose share prices have declined sharply, turnarounds,
cyclical companies, or companies emerging from bankruptcy, which may have
higher risk.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with market conditions,
the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you
could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[end callout]
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies, and to a lesser extent mid-size
companies, may offer greater opportunities for capital growth than larger,
more established companies, they also have more risk. Historically, smaller
company securities have been more volatile in price and fluctuated
independently from larger company securities, especially over the shorter
term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly sensitive to
changing economic conditions, and their growth prospects are less certain.
For example, smaller companies may lack depth of management, or may have
limited financial resources for growth or development. They may have limited
product lines or market share. Smaller companies may be in new industries, or
their new products or services may not find an established market or may
become quickly obsolete. Smaller companies may suffer significant losses,
their securities can be less liquid, and investments in these companies may
be speculative. Technology and biotechnology industry stocks, in particular,
can be subject to abrupt or erratic price movements.
DIVERSIFICATION The fund is non-diversified under federal securities laws.
As such, it may invest a greater portion of its assets in one issuer and have
a smaller number of issuers than a diversified fund. Therefore, the fund may
be more sensitive to economic, business, political or other changes affecting
similar issuers or securities. The fund will, however, meet tax
diversification requirements.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Where the fund's investments are denominated in foreign currencies,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including devaluation of currency
by a country's government, will increase or decrease the fund's returns from
its foreign portfolio holdings. Currency markets generally are not as
regulated as securities markets.
COUNTRY General foreign securities market movements in any country where the
fund has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the
fund owns that trade in that country. The political, economic, and social
structures of some countries the fund invests in may be less stable and more
volatile than those in the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries
include the possibility of currency devaluations, the imposition of exchange
controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation, restrictions on
removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of assets, punitive
taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. Non-U.S. companies are not
subject to the same disclosure, accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards and practices as U.S. companies and their securities may not be as
liquid as securities of similar U.S. companies, or may become illiquid.
Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally
have less government supervision and regulation than in the U.S.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PERFORMANCE
Because the fund started May 1, 1998, performance for a full calendar year is
not yet available.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] Management
Franklin Advisory Services, LLC (Advisory Services) is the fund's investment
manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
WILLIAM J. LIPPMAN
PRESIDENT, ADVISORY SERVICES
Mr. Lippman has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998. He
has more than 30 years' experience in the securities industry and joined the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1988.
BRUCE C. BAUGHMAN
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
ADVISORY SERVICES
Mr. Baughman has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1988.
GERARD P. SULLIVAN
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
ADVISORY SERVICES
Mr. Sullivan has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998.
Before joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1998, he was a portfolio
manager for SunAmerica Asset Management and for Texas Commerce Investment
Management & Co.
MARGARET MCGEE
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISORY SERVICES
Ms. McGee has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998 and has
been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1988.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing the fund's assets and making its
investment decisions. The fee is equal to an annual rate of 0.60% of the
average daily net assets up to an including $200 million; 0.50% of the
average daily net assets up to $1.3 billion; and 0.40% of the average daily
net assets over $1.3 billion.
Capital Growth Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies believed
to be globally competitive and to offer favorable opportunities for long-term
capital appreciation. Following this policy, the fund will typically invest
predominantly in established, large- to medium-cap companies with market
capitalization values (share price times the number of common stock shares
outstanding) greater than $1.5 billion. The fund may also invest, to a lesser
extent, in small-cap companies, and in new and emerging industries where
growth is expected to be above average. Equities represent ownership
interests in individual companies and give shareholders a claim in the
company's earnings and assets. They include common and preferred stocks, and
securities convertible into common stock.
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in the common stocks of established companies.
[end callout]
The fund generally invests less than 15% of its total assets in foreign
securities, including Depositary Receipts and emerging markets.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined long-term growth strategy. As a "bottom-up" investor
focusing primarily on individual securities, the manager chooses companies
that it believes are leaders in their industries, and are positioned for
rapid growth in revenues, earnings or assets. The manager relies on a team of
analysts to provide in-depth industry expertise, and uses both qualitative
and quantitative analysis to evaluate companies for historical and potential
growth in revenues and earnings, strength and quality of management, and
strategic positioning in its industry. The manager believes such factors
point to steady growth over time potential. The manager diversifies the
fund's assets across many industries, and from time to time may invest
substantially in certain sectors, including technology and biotechnology.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances,
the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] Main Risks
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Growth stock prices reflect
projections of future earnings or revenues, and can, therefore, fall
dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with market conditions,
the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you
could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[end callout]
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies, and to a lesser extent mid-size
companies, may offer greater opportunities for capital growth than larger,
more established companies, they also have more risk. Historically, smaller
company securities have been more volatile in price and have fluctuated
independently from larger company securities, especially over the
shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions, their growth prospects are less
certain, their securities are less liquid, and they can be considered
speculative. These companies may suffer significant losses, and technology
and biotechnology industry stocks, in particular, can be subject to abrupt or
erratic price movements.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Where the fund's investments are denominated in foreign currencies,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including devaluation of currency
by a country's government, will increase or decrease the fund's returns from
its foreign portfolio holdings. Currency markets generally are not as
regulated as securities markets.
COUNTRY General foreign securities market movements in any country where the
fund has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the
fund owns that trade in that country. The political, economic, and social
structures of some countries the fund invests in may be less stable and more
volatile than those in the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries
include the possibility of currency devaluations, the imposition of exchange
controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation, restrictions on
removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of assets, punitive
taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. Non-U.S. companies are not
subject to the same disclosure, accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards and practices as U.S. companies and their securities may not be as
liquid as securities of similar U.S. companies, or may become illiquid.
Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and companies generally
have less government supervision and regulation than in the U.S.
See "Important Recent Developments," in this prospectus for Year 2000 and
euro discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and
operations. More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks
can be found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
CAPITAL GROWTH FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
18.31% 20.29%
97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q4 '98
19.73%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '98
- -10.47%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR (05/01/96)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL GROWTH FUND - CLASS 1 1 20.29% 19.72%
S&P 500(R) 2 INDEX 28.58% 29.00%
RUSSELL 1000 INDEX(R) 2 27.02% 27.92%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks covering a variety of industries. The
Russell 1000 Index measures the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000
Index. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot
invest directly in an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's
investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
CONRAD B. HERRMANN, CFA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Herrmann has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1989.
VIVIAN J. PALMIERI
PORTFOLIO MANAGER, ADVISERS
Mr. Palmieri has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1965.
KENT SHEPHERD, CFA
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Shepherd has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1999, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1991.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.75% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Global Health Care Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 70% of its total assets in equity securities of companies in the
health care industry. These are companies whose principal assets or
activities are in research, development, production or distribution of
products and services in industries such as pharmaceutical; biotechnology;
health care facilities, information systems and personal products; medical
supplies, technology and services; and managed care companies. Equities
represent ownership interests in individual companies and give shareholders a
claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include common and preferred
stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
[begin callout]
The fund concentrates in common stocks of U.S. and non-U.S. companies in the
health care industry.
[end callout]
The fund may buy health care companies anywhere in the world, but generally
invests predominantly in U.S. companies. The fund may also invest a
substantial portion of its assets in small-cap companies which have market
capitalization values (share price times the number of common stock shares
outstanding) of less than $1.5 billion.
Depending upon current market conditions, the fund may invest a significant
portion of its assets in debt securities of U.S. or non-U.S. issuers. A debt
security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan of
money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt securities
are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or unsecured bonds;
notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
combining both growth and value strategies. As a "bottom-up" investor
focusing primarily on individual securities, the manager chooses companies
that fill particular health care niches and that it believes are positioned
for rapid growth in revenues, earnings or assets, and/or are selling at
reasonable prices using a company's historical value measures. The manager
relies on a team of analysts to provide in-depth industry expertise, and uses
both qualitative and quantitative analysis, to look for companies that will
position the fund to benefit from potential future technological advances and
increasing worldwide demand in the health care sector. In addition, the
manager evaluates companies on factors such as strength and quality of
management, strategic positioning in its industry and globally competitive
advantages.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
HEALTH CARE COMPANIES By concentrating in a single industry sector, the fund
carries much greater risk of adverse developments in that sector than a fund
that invests in a wide variety of industries. Government actions may affect
health care companies in many ways. For example, foreign, U.S. federal, or
state governments could discontinue subsidies of certain research or other
activities of some companies. Stocks held by the fund may also be affected by
government policies on health care reimbursements, regulatory approval for
new drugs and medical instruments, or legislative reform of a health care
system. Health care companies are also subject to the risks of product
liability lawsuits and the risk that their products and services may rapidly
become obsolete.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with global market
conditions, the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down.
This means you could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[end callout]
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further. Growth stock
prices reflect projections of future earnings or revenues, and can,
therefore, fall dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections.
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies, and to a lesser extent mid-size
companies, may offer greater opportunities for capital growth than larger,
more established companies, they also have more risk. Historically, smaller
company securities have been more volatile in price and fluctuated
independently from larger company securities, especially over the
shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions, and their growth prospects are
less certain.
For example, smaller companies may lack depth of management, or may have
limited financial resources for growth or development. They may have limited
product lines or market share. Smaller companies may be in new industries, or
their new products or services may not find an established market or may
become quickly obsolete. Smaller companies may suffer significant losses,
their securities can be less liquid, and investments in these companies may
be speculative. Technology and biotechnology industry stocks, in particular,
can be subject to abrupt or erratic price movements.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies located outside the U.S. involve
risks that can increase the potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because the investment is
worth fewer dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund
has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund
owns that trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to non-U.S. investments in non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
DIVERSIFICATION The fund is non-diversified under federal securities laws.
As such, it may invest a greater portion of its assets in one issuer and have
a smaller number of issuers than a diversified fund. Therefore, the fund may
be more sensitive to economic, business, political or other changes affecting
similar issuers or securities. The fund will, however, meet tax
diversification requirements.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PERFORMANCE
Because the fund started May 1, 1998, performance for a full calendar year is
not yet available.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
KURT VON EMSTER, CFA
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Von Emster has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998,
and has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1989.
EVAN MCCULLOCH, CFA
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. McCulloch has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1992.
RUPERT H. JOHNSON, JR.
PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Johnson has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1965.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing the fund's assets and making its
investment decisions. The fee is an amount equal to an annual rate of 0.60%
of the average daily net assets up to and including $200 million; 0.50% of
the average daily net assets up to $1.3 billion; and 0.40% of the average
daily net assets over $1.3 billion.
Mutual Discovery Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's principal goal is capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies of any
nation that the manager believes are available at market prices less than
their actual value based on certain recognized or objective criteria
(intrinsic value). Following this value-oriented strategy, the fund will
primarily invest in:
o UNDERVALUED STOCKS STOCKS trading at a discount to asset value.
o REORGANIZING COMPANIES Securities of companies in the midst of change such
as mergers, consolidations, liquidations, reorganizations, financial
restructurings, or companies with takeover, tender or exchange offers or
likely to receive such offers (Reorganizing Companies). The fund may
participate in such transactions.
o Distressed Companies Securities of companies that are distressed or even in
bankruptcy.
The fund invests primarily in common stocks of non-U.S. and U.S. companies
the manager believes are significantly undervalued.
The fund invests primarily in companies with market capitalization values
(share price times the number of common stock shares outstanding) greater
than $1.5 billion, but may invest a lesser amount in small-cap companies.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
While the fund generally purchases securities for investment purposes, the
manager may use the fund's ownership in a company to seek to influence or
control management, or invest in other companies that do so, when the manager
believes the fund may benefit.
The fund may invest 50% or more of its total assets in foreign equity and
debt securities, which may include sovereign debt and participation in
foreign government debt, and American, European and Global Depositary
Receipts. Depositary receipts are certificates issued by a bank or trust
company that give their holders the right to receive securities issued by a
foreign or domestic company. The fund generally seeks to hedge (protect)
against currency risks largely using forward foreign currency exchange
contracts, where available, and in the manager's opinion, it is economical to
do so (Hedging Instruments).
The fund may invest in debt securities rated in any rating category by an
independent rating agency, including high yield, lower rated or defaulted
debt securities ("junk bonds"), or in comparable unrated debt securities. A
debt security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan
of money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt
securities are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or
unsecured bonds; notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash
equivalents.
The fund typically invests in unrated and lower rated debt securities of
Reorganizing Companies or Distressed Companies. Such debt securities are
primarily secured or unsecured, indebtedness or participations in the
indebtedness, including loan participations and trade claims. Indebtedness
represents a specific commercial loan or portion of a loan which has been
given to a company by a financial institution such as a bank or insurance
company. By purchasing direct indebtedness of companies, a fund steps into
the shoes of a financial institution. Participation interests in indebtedness
represent fractional interests in a company's indebtedness.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined value strategy. In choosing equity investments, the
manager focuses on the market price of a company's securities relative to its
evaluation of the company's asset value, book value, cash flow potential,
long-term earnings, and multiples of earnings of comparable securities.
Similarly, debt securities are generally selected based on the manager's own
analysis of the security's intrinsic value rather than the coupon rate or
rating. Thus, each security is examined separately and there are no set
criteria as to asset size, earnings or industry type.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
REORGANIZING OR DISTRESSED COMPANIES The fund's bargain-driven focus may
result in the fund choosing securities that are not widely followed by other
investors, including companies reporting poor earnings, companies whose share
prices have declined sharply, turnarounds, cyclical companies, or companies
emerging from bankruptcy, which may have higher risk. There can be no
assurance that any merger or other restructuring, or tender or exchange offer
proposed at the time the fund invests in a Reorganizing Company will be
completed on the terms contemplated, and therefore, benefit the fund.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with global market
conditions, the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down.
This means you could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[end callout]
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because the investment is
worth fewer dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund
has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund
owns that trade in that country. The political, economic and social
structures of some countries the fund invests in may be less stable and more
volatile than those in the U.S. The risks of investing in these countries
include the possibility of currency devaluation by a country's government or
banking authority, the imposition of exchange controls, foreign ownership
limitations, expropriation, restrictions on removal of currency or other
assets, nationalization of assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and
settlement risks. In addition, political or economic conditions can cause
previously established securities markets to become limited trading markets,
potentially causing liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in
emerging market countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluation. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to non-U.S. investments in non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies, and to a lesser extent mid-size
companies, may offer greater opportunities for capital growth than larger,
more established companies, they also have more risk. Historically, smaller
company securities have been more volatile in price and fluctuated
independently from larger company securities, especially over the
shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions, and their growth prospects are
less certain.
For example, smaller companies may lack depth of management, or may have
limited financial resources for growth or development. They may have limited
product lines or market share. Smaller companies may be in new industries, or
their new products or services may not find an established market or may
become quickly obsolete. Smaller companies may suffer significant losses,
their securities can be less liquid, and investments in these companies may
be speculative. Technology and biotechnology industry stocks, in particular,
can be subject to abrupt or erratic price movements.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the security's value and, thus, impact the value of fund
shares.
INDEBTEDNESS AND PARTICIPATIONS The purchase of debt securities of
Reorganizing or Distressed Companies always involves a risk as to the
creditworthiness of the issuer and the possibility that the investment may be
lost. There are no established markets for indebtedness, making them less
liquid than other securities, and purchasers of participations, such as the
fund, must rely on the financial institution issuing the participation to
assert any rights against the borrower with respect to the underlying
indebtedness. In addition, the fund takes on the risk as to the
creditworthiness of the bank or other financial intermediary issuer, as well
as of the issuer of the underlying indebtedness.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES Junk bonds generally have more risk than higher-rated
securities, and can be considered speculative. Companies issuing high yield
debt securities are not as strong financially, and are more likely to
encounter financial difficulties and be more vulnerable to changes in the
economy, such as a recession or a sustained period of rising interest rates.
If an issuer stops paying interest and/or principal, payments may never
resume. The fund may lose its entire investment on bonds that may be, or are,
in default.
The prices of high yield debt securities fluctuate more than higher quality
securities. Prices are especially sensitive to developments affecting the
company's business and to rating changes, and typically rise and fall in
response to factors that affect the company's stock prices. In addition, the
entire high yield securities market can experience sudden and sharp price
swings due to changes in economic conditions, market activity, large
sustained sales, a high-profile default, or other factors. High yield
securities are also generally less liquid than higher-quality bonds, and
infrequent trades can make accurate pricing more difficult. At times, it may
be difficult to sell these securities promptly at an acceptable price.
HEDGING INSTRUMENTS Hedging Instruments used by this fund are considered
derivative investments. Their successful use will depend on the manager's
ability to predict market movements, and losses from their use can be greater
than if they had not been used. Risks include potential loss to the fund due
to the imposition of controls by a government on the exchange of foreign
currencies, delivery failure, default by the other party, or inability to
close out its position because the trading market becomes illiquid.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES The fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities, which are securities with a limited trading market.
Illiquid securities have the risk that the securities cannot be readily sold
or can only be resold at a price significantly lower than their value.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
MUTUAL DISCOVERY SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
19.25% -5.00%
97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q1 '98
10.85%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '98
- -20.97%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR (11/08/96)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MUTUAL DISCOVERY SECURITIES
FUND - CLASS 1 1 -5.00% 7.02%
S&P 500(R)INDEX 2 28.58% 30.66%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks covering a variety of industries. Indices
include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in
an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC (Franklin Mutual) is the fund's investment
manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team members primarily responsible for the fund's
management are:
ROBERT L. FRIEDMAN
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Friedman has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996.
Before joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research
analyst for Heine Securities Corporation, the predecessor of Franklin Mutual
(Heine).
DAVID E. MARCUS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Marcus has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996. Before
joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for
Heine.
Michael F. Price is Chairman of the Board of Directors which oversees the
management of Franklin Mutual. The managers listed above are part of a larger
team of investment professionals with management responsibility for all of
the funds managed by Franklin Mutual, including this fund. Peter A. Langerman
is Chief Executive Officer and Robert L. Friedman is Chief Investment Officer
of Franklin Mutual. Mr. Friedman has overall supervisory responsibility for
the day to day management of the funds managed by Franklin Mutual.
The team also includes:
PETER A. LANGERMAN
PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Langerman has been involved with the management of the fund since its
inception in 1996. Before joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he
was a research analyst for Heine.
LAWRENCE N. SONDIKE
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Sondike has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996.
Before joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research
analyst for Heine.
JEFFREY A. ALTMAN
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Altman has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1996. Before
joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for
Heine.
RAYMOND GAREA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Garea has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1998. Before
joining the Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for
Heine.
DAVID J. WINTERS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Winters has been a manager of the fund since 1996. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a research analyst for Heine.
In addition, the following Franklin Mutual employees serve as Assistant
Portfolio Managers:
JIM AGAH
ASSISTANT PORTFOLIO MANAGER
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Agah has been a manager of the fund since 1998. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1997, he was vice president of equity sales at
Keefe, Bryette & Woods.
JEFF DIAMOND
ASSISTANT PORTFOLIO MANAGER
FRANKLIN MUTUAL
Mr. Diamond has been a manager of the fund since 1998. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1998, he was a vice president and co-manager of
Prudential Conservative Stock Fund.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets and making its
investment decisions. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.80% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Natural Resources Securities Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOALS AND STRATEGIES
GOALS The fund's principal goal is capital appreciation. Its secondary goal
is to provide current income.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies
principally engaged in the natural resources sector. These are companies that
own, produce, refine, process or market natural resources. They may also
provide support services for natural resources companies, for example,
develop technologies or provide services, supplies or equipment related to
natural resources. The natural resources sector includes industries such as
integrated oil; oil and gas exploration and production; gold and precious
metals; steel, iron ore, and aluminum production; forest, farming, and paper
products; chemicals; building materials; energy services and technology; and
environmental services. The manager expects to invest substantially in the
energy industries, because of their larger weighting in the natural resources
sector itself.
The fund generally invests a substantial portion of its assets in mid-cap
companies with market capitalization values (share price times the number of
common stock shares outstanding) greater than $1.5 billion, but may invest
significantly in small-cap companies. Equities represent ownership interests
in individual companies and give shareholders a claim in the company's
earnings and assets. They include common and preferred stocks, and securities
convertible into common stock. The fund also invests in American, European,
and Global Depositary Receipts, which are certificates issued by a bank or
trust company that give their holders the right to receive securities issued
by a foreign or domestic company.
[begin callout]
The fund concentrates in common stocks of U.S. and non-U.S. companies in the
natural resources sector.
[end callout]
The fund may buy natural resource companies anywhere in the world, including
emerging markets, but generally invests a greater percentage of its assets in
U.S. companies than any other single country. In addition, the fund will be
exposed to emerging markets through developed market companies, which often
own or depend on natural resource assets in countries with emerging markets.
In addition to its principal investments, and depending upon market
conditions, the fund may invest significantly in equity securities outside
the natural resources sector or in debt securities, of U.S. or non-U.S.
issuers. A debt security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to
repay a loan of money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common
debt securities are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or
unsecured bonds; notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash
equivalents. The fund may invest up to 5% in commodities (including gold
bullion or gold coins) or futures on commodities related to the natural
resources sector as defined above.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined, "growth at a reasonable price" strategy. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the manager
looks for companies it believes are positioned for rapid growth in revenues,
earnings or assets, and are selling at reasonable prices. The manager relies
on a team of analysts to provide in-depth industry expertise and uses both
qualitative and quantitative analysis to choose companies it believes are
highly profitable with skilled management, and that have strong growth
profiles and solid financials, as well as companies with sustainable
competitive advantages either through strategic asset bases or technological
expertise. These are all factors the manager believes point to strong
long-term growth potential.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goals.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
NATURAL RESOURCES By concentrating in a single industry sector, the fund
carries much greater risk of adverse developments in that sector than a fund
that invests in a wide variety of industries. The securities of companies in
the natural resources sector may experience more price volatility than
securities of companies in other industries. For example, commodity prices
and the supply or demand for commodities change dramatically for reasons
beyond a company's control. In addition, supply and demand factors may
dictate the prices at which a company acquires raw materials or sells its
products or services. These factors can affect the profitability of companies
in the natural resources sector and, as a result, the value of their
securities.
In addition, the fund may from time to time invest significantly in a
particular industry or group of industries within the natural resources
sector; such a strategy may expose the fund to greater investment risk than a
more diversified strategy within the sector.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Growth stock prices reflect
projections of future earnings or revenues, and can, therefore, fall
dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with global market
conditions, the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down.
This means you could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[end callout]
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because the investment is
worth fewer dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund
has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund
owns that trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to foreign investments in foreign courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies, and to a lesser extent mid-size
companies, may offer greater opportunities for capital growth than larger,
more established companies, they also have more risk. Historically, smaller
company securities have been more volatile in price and have fluctuated
independently from larger company securities, especially over the
shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be particularly
sensitive to changing economic conditions, their growth prospects are less
certain, and their securities are less liquid. These companies may suffer
significant losses, and can be considered speculative.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
NATURAL RESOURCES SECURITIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
-13.97% 3.86% -10.13% 55.62% -2.01% 2.35% 4.00% -18.98% -25.38%
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q4 '93
21.92%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '98
- -19.12%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (01/24/89)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATURAL RESOURCES SECURITIES
FUND - CLASS 1 1 -25.38% -8.81% -0.25%
S&P 500(R)INDEX 2 28.58% 24.06% 18.70%
FT/S&P/ACTUARIES WORLD:
ENERGY 50%/BASIC INDUSTRIES 50%
COMPOSITE INDEX 2 -0.11% 8.56% 7.04%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks covering a variety of industries. The
Financial Times/S&P Actuaries World (Energy 50%/Basic Industries 50%)
Composite Index is a composite of companies of which 50% are in the energy
sector and 50% are in the basic industries sectors. Indices include
reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in an index,
nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
MICHAEL R. WARD
PORTFOLIO MANAGER, ADVISERS
Mr. Ward has been a manager of the fund since 1999, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1992.
STEVE LAND
PORTFOLIO MANAGER, ADVISERS
Mr. Land has been a manager of the fund since 1999, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1997.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.62% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Small Cap Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows]GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital growth.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in the equity securities of U.S. small
capitalization (small cap) growth companies. Small cap companies are
generally those with market cap values (share price times the number of
common stock shares outstanding) of less than $1.5 billion, at the time of
purchase. Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and
give shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in common stocks of small cap U.S. companies.
[end callout]
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The manager is a research driven, fundamental investor,
pursuing a disciplined "growth at a reasonable price" strategy. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the manager
chooses small cap companies that it believes are positioned for rapid growth
in revenues, earnings or assets, and are selling at reasonable prices. The
manager relies on a team of analysts to provide in-depth industry expertise
and uses both qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate companies for
distinct and sustainable competitive advantages. Such advantages as a
particular marketing or product niche, proven technology, and industry
leadership are all factors the manager believes point to strong long-term
growth potential. The manager diversifies the fund's assets across many
industries, and from time to time may invest substantially in certain
sectors, including technology and biotechnology.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents. Under these circumstances, the fund may
temporarily be unable to pursue its investment goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Growth stock prices reflect
projections of future earnings or revenues, and can, therefore, fall
dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections.
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies may offer greater opportunities
for capital growth than larger, more established companies, they also have
more risk. Historically, smaller company securities have been more volatile
in price and have fluctuated independently from larger company securities,
especially over the shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be
particularly sensitive to changing economic conditions, and their growth
prospects are less certain.
For example, smaller companies may lack depth of management or may have
limited financial resources for growth or development. They may have limited
product lines or market share. Smaller companies may be in new industries, or
their new products or services may not find an established market or may
become quickly obsolete. Smaller companies may also suffer significant
losses, their securities can be less liquid, and investments in these
companies may be speculative. Technology and biotechnology industry stocks,
in particular, can be subject to erratic or abrupt price movements.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with market conditions,
the value of your investment in the fund will go up and down. This means you
could lose money over short or even extended periods.
[end callout]
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
SMALL CAP FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[INSERT BAR GRAPH]
28.95% 17.42% -0.98%
96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q4 '98
24.39%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '98
- -24.40%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
Since Inception
Past 1 Year (11/01/95)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SMALL CAP FUND - CLASS 1 1 -0.98% 14.51%
S&P 500(R)INDEX 2 28.58% 29.09%
RUSSELL 2500(R)INDEX 2 0.38% 15.45%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The S&P 500(R) Index is an unmanaged
group of widely held common stocks, whereas the Russell 2500(R) Index is an
index of 2,500 companies with small market capitalizations, both covering a
variety of industries. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or interest.
One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an index representative of the
fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
EDWARD B. JAMIESON
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, ADVISERS
Mr. Jamieson has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1995, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1987.
AIDAN O'CONNELL
PORTFOLIO MANAGER, ADVISERS
Mr. O'Connell has been a manager of the fund since September 1998. Before
joining Franklin Templeton in May 1998, Mr. O'Connell was a research analyst
and a corporate financial analyst at Hambrecht & Quist.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.75% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in emerging markets equity securities.
Emerging market equity securities generally include equity securities that
trade in emerging markets or are issued by companies that have their
principal activities in emerging market countries.
Emerging market countries generally include those considered to be emerging
by the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the United Nations,
or the countries' authorities. These countries are typically located in the
Asia-Pacific region, Eastern Europe, Central and South America, and Africa.
Emerging market equity securities and emerging market countries are more
fully described in the SAI.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stock, and securities convertible into common stock. The
fund also invests in American, European and Global Depositary Receipts, which
are certificates issued by a bank or trust company that give their holders
the right to receive securities issued by a foreign or domestic company.
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in the common stocks of companies located in
emerging market countries.
[end callout]
In addition to its principal investments, the fund may invest significantly
in securities of issuers in developed market countries, and particularly
those developed market countries that are linked by tradition, economic
markets, geography or political events to emerging market countries.
Depending upon current market conditions, or for capital appreciation, the
fund may also invest a substantial portion of its assets in rated or unrated
debt securities of companies and governments located anywhere in the world. A
debt security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan
of money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt
securities are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or
unsecured bonds; notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash
equivalents. The fund may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in
securities of closed-end investment companies to facilitate foreign
investment.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The Templeton investment philosophy is "bottom-up,"
value-oriented, and long-term. In choosing investments, the fund's manager
will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to its
evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. A company's historical value measures, including price/earnings
ratio, profit margins and liquidation value, will also be considered. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual companies and
securities, the fund may from time to time have significant investments in
particular countries. The manager intends to manage the fund's exposure to
various geographic regions and their currencies based on its assessment of
changing market and political conditions.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
investments. Such investments may be medium-term (less than 5 years for this
fund) or short-term, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund. Emerging markets in particular can
experience significant price volatility in any given year, and even daily.
The fund should be thought of as a long-term investment for the aggressive
portion of a well diversified portfolio.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with emerging market
conditions and currencies, the value of your investment in the fund will go
up and down. This means you could lose money over short or even extended
periods.
[end callout]
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is
worth fewer U.S. dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund
has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund
owns that trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to non-U.S. investments in non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
TEMPLETON DEVELOPING MARKETS EQUITY FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[INSERT BAR GRAPH]
2.77% 21.59% -8.72% -21.61%
95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q4 '98
20.59%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q4 '97
- -23.44%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
1 YEAR (03/15/94)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TEMPLETON DEVELOPING MARKETS
EQUITY FUND - CLASS 1 1 -21.61% -3.22%
MSCI EMERGING MARKETS FREE INDEX 2 -25.34% -8.80%
IFC INVESTABLE COMPOSITE INDEX 2 -22.01% -9.24%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged MSCI Emerging Markets
Free Index measures the performance of securities located in 25 emerging
market countries such as Brazil, China, Korea and Poland. The International
Finance Corporation's Investable Composite Index is an emerging markets index
that includes 650 stocks from 18 countries including Mexico, South Korea,
Brazil, Jordan and Turkey. Indices include reinvested dividends and/or
interest. One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an index
representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Templeton Asset Management Ltd. (TAML) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
DR. J. MARK MOBIUS.
MANAGING DIRECTOR, TAML
Dr. Mobius has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1994, andhas
been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1987.
TOM WU
DIRECTOR, TAML
Mr. Wu has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1994, and has
been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1987.
H. ALLAN LAM
PORTFOLIO MANAGER, TAML
Mr. Lam has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1994, and has
been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1987.
EDDIE CHOW
PORTFOLIO MANAGER, TAML
Mr. Chow has been a manager of the fund since 1996, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1994.
DENNIS LIM
DIRECTOR, TAML
Mr. Lim has been a manager of the fund since 1996, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1990.
TEK-KHOAN ONG
PORTFOLIO MANAGER, TAML
Mr. Ong has been a manager if the fund since 1996, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1993.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions and providing certain administrative facilities and
services to the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 1.25% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Templeton Global Growth Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital growth.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in the equity securities of companies
located anywhere in the world, including in the U.S. and emerging markets.
While there are no set percentage targets, the fund generally invests in
large- to medium-cap companies with market capitalization values (share
price times the number of common stock shares outstanding) greater than $1.5
billion, but may invest a small portion in small-cap companies which have
more risk. Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and
give shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
The fund also invests in American, European, and Global Depositary Receipts,
which are certificates issued by a bank or trust company that give their
holders the right to receive securities issued by a foreign or domestic
company.
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of U.S. and non-U.S.
common stocks.
[end callout]
Depending upon current market conditions, the fund may invest a significant
portion of its assets in debt securities of companies and governments located
anywhere in the world. A debt security obligates the issuer to the
bondholders, to repay a loan of money at a future date and generally to pay
interest. Common debt securities are bonds, including bonds convertible into
common stocks or unsecured bonds; notes; and short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The Templeton investment philosophy is "bottom-up,"
value-oriented, and long-term. In choosing investments, the fund's manager
will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to its
evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. A company's historical value measures, including price/earnings
ratio, profit margins and liquidation value, will also be considered. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the fund
may from time to time have significant investments in particular countries.
The manager intends to manage the fund's exposure to various geographic
regions and their currencies based on its assessment of changing market and
political conditions.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with foreign market
conditions and currencies, the value of your investment in the fund will go
up and down. This means you could lose money over short or even extended
periods.
[end callout]
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is
worth fewer U.S. dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund
has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund
owns that trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to non-U.S. investments in non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
TEMPLETON GLOBAL GROWTH FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[INSERT BAR GRAPH]
12.72% 21.28% 13.50% 8.98%
95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q4 '98
16.30%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '98
- -13.78%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR (03/15/94)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TEMPLETON GLOBAL GROWTH FUND - CLASS 1 1 8.98% 12.30%
MSCI ALL COUNTRY WORLD FREE(R)INDEX 2 21.97% 14.79%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged MSCI All Country World
Free(R) Index measures the performance of securities located in 48 countries,
including emerging markets in Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe. Indices
include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in
an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Templeton Global Advisors Limited (TGAL) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
RICHARD SEAN FARRINGTON, CFA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, TGAL
Mr. Farrington has been a manager of the fund since 1995, and has been with
the Franklin Templeton Group since 1990.
JEFFREY A. EVERETT, CFA
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, TGAL
Mr. Everett has been a manager of the fund since its inception in 1994, and
has been with the Franklin Templeton Group since 1990.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions and providing certain administrative facilities and
services to the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.83% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Templeton International Equity Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital growth.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities that trade in non-U.S.
markets, including emerging markets, and that are issued by companies that
have their principal activities outside the U.S. While there are no set
percentage targets, the fund generally invests in large- to medium-cap
companies with market capitalization values (share price times the number of
common stock shares outstanding) greater than $1.5 billion, but may invest a
small portion in small-cap companies which have more risk. Equities represent
ownership interests in individual companies and give shareholders a claim in
the company's earnings and assets. They include common and preferred stocks,
and securities convertible into common stock. The fund also invests in
American, European, and Global Depositary Receipts, which are certificates
issued by a bank or trust company that give their holders the right to
receive securities issued by a foreign or domestic company.
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of non-U.S. common
stocks.
[end callout]
Depending upon current market conditions, the fund may invest a significant
portion of its assets in debt securities of companies and governments located
anywhere in the world. A debt security obligates the issuer to the
bondholders, both to repay a loan of money at a future date and generally to
pay interest. Common debt securities are bonds, including bonds convertible
into common stock or unsecured bonds; notes; and short-term investments,
including cash or cash equivalents.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The Templeton investment philosophy is "bottom-up,"
value-oriented, and long-term. In choosing equity investments, the fund's
manager will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to
its evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. A company's historical value measures, including price/earnings
ratio, profit margins and liquidation value, will also be considered. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the fund
may from time to time have significant investments in particular countries.
The manager intends to manage the fund's exposure to various geographic
regions and their currencies based on its assessment of changing market and
political conditions.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with foreign market
conditions and currencies, the value of your investment in the fund will go
up and down. This means you could lose money over short or even extended
periods.
[end callout]
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is
worth fewer U.S. dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund
has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund
owns that trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to non-U.S. investments in non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
TEMPLETON INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
28.56% 0.87% 10.59% 22.98% 11.69% 5.56%
93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q4 '93
13.64%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '98
- -16.86%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (01/27/92)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TEMPLETON INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
FUND - CLASS 1 1 5.56% 10.09% 10.75%
MSCI ALL COUNTRY WORLD
EX-U.S. FREE INDEX 2 14.46% 7.87% 8.64%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged MSCI All Country World
Ex-U.S. Free Index measures the performance of securities located in 48
countries, both developed and emerging markets, except the U.S. Indices
include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest directly in
an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
Under an agreement with Advisers, Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc., (TICI)
is the fund's sub-advisor. TICI provides Advisers with investment management
advice and assistance.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
HOWARD J. LEONARD CFA
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, TICI
Mr. Leonard has been a manager of the fund since 1997, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1989.
MARK R. BEVERIDGE CFA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, TICI
Mr. Beveridge has been a manager of the fund since 1994, and has been with
the Franklin Templeton Group since 1994
JUAN J. BENITO
VICE PRESIDENT, TICI
Mr. Benito has been a manager of the fund since 1999. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a management consultant and case
team leader with Monitor Company, a leading global strategy consulting firm.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.80% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Templeton International Smaller Companies Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in the equity securities of smaller
companies located outside the U.S., including in emerging markets. Smaller
companies generally are those with market capitalization values (share price
times the number of common stock shares outstanding) of less than $1.5
billion, at the time of purchase. Equities represent ownership interests in
individual companies and give shareholders a claim in the company's earnings
and assets. They include common and preferred stocks, and securities
convertible into common stock. The fund also invests in American, European,
and Global Depositary Receipts, which are certificates issued by a bank or
trust company that give their holders the right to receive securities issued
by a foreign or domestic company.
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in an internationally diversified portfolio of
smaller companies' common stocks.
[end callout]
In addition to its principal investments, the fund may invest significantly
in equity securities of larger capitalized companies located outside the
U.S., equity securities of U.S. companies (though currently not more than 5%
of its assets), and depending upon current market conditions, in debt
securities of companies and governments located anywhere in the world. A debt
security obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan of
money at a future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt securities
are bonds, including bonds convertible into common stock or unsecured bonds;
notes; and short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The Templeton investment philosophy is "bottom-up,"
value-oriented, and long-term. In choosing equity investments, the fund's
manager will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to
its evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. A company's historical value measures, including price/earnings
ratio, profit margins and liquidation value, will also be considered. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the fund
may from time to time have significant investments in particular countries.
The manager intends to manage the fund's exposure to various geographic
regions and their currencies based on its assessment of changing market and
political conditions.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
investments. Such investments may be medium-term (less than 5 years for this
fund) or short-term, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
SMALLER COMPANIES While smaller companies may offer greater opportunities
for capital growth than larger, more established companies, they also have
more risk. Historically, smaller company securities have been more volatile
in price and have fluctuated independently from larger company securities,
especially over the shorter-term. Smaller or relatively new companies can be
particularly sensitive to changing economic conditions, and their growth
prospects are less certain.
For example, smaller companies may lack depth of management or may have
limited financial resources for growth or development. They may have limited
product lines or market share. Smaller companies may be in new industries, or
their new products or services may not find an established market or may
become quickly obsolete. Smaller companies may suffer significant losses,
their securities can be less liquid, and investments in these companies can
be speculative. Technology and biotechnology industry stocks, in particular,
can be subject to abrupt or erratic price movements.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with foreign market
conditions and currencies, the value of your investment in the fund will go
up and down. This means you could lose money over short or even extended
periods.
[end callout]
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund.
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is
worth fewer U.S. dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund
has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund
owns that trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to non-U.S. investments in non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
TEMPLETON INTERNATIONAL SMALLER
COMPANIES FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[Insert bar graph]
-1.50% -12.27%
97 98
YEAR
[Begin callout]
BEST
QUARTER:
Q1 '98
10.34%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q3 '98
- -19.96%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR (05/01/96)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TEMPLETON INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES
FUND - CLASS 1 1 -12.27% -1.06%
SALOMON GLOBAL EX-U.S.
LESS THAN $1 BILLION INDEX 2 1.26% -6.86%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The Salomon Global Ex-U.S. Less Than
$1 Billion Index includes companies from developed and emerging markets,
excluding the U.S., with a market capitalization below U.S. $1 billion.
Indices include reinvested dividends and/or interest. One cannot invest
directly in an index, nor is an index representative of the fund's
investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. (TICI) is the fund's investment manager.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
SIMON RUDOLPH
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, TICI
Mr. Rudolph has been a manager of the fund since 1997. Before joining
theFranklin Templeton Group in 1997, he was an executive director with Morgan
Stanley.
PETER A. NORI, CFA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, TICI
Mr. Nori has been a manager of the fund since 1997, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1987.
JUAN J. BENITO
VICE PRESIDENT, TICI
Mr. Benito has been a manager of the fund since 1997. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a management consultant and case
team leader with Monitor Company, a leading global strategy consulting firm.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets and making its
investment decisions. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.85% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
Templeton Pacific Growth Fund
[Insert graphic of bullseye and arrows] GOAL AND STRATEGIES
GOAL The fund's investment goal is long-term capital growth.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities that trade in Pacific
Rim markets, including emerging markets, and are issued by companies that
have their principal activities in the Pacific Rim. Pacific Rim countries
include Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New
Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.
Equities represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. They include
common and preferred stocks, and securities convertible into common stock.
The fund also invests in American, European and Global Depositary Receipts,
which are certificates issued by a bank or trust company that give their
holders the right to receive securities issued by a foreign or domestic
company.
[begin callout]
The fund invests primarily in the common stocks of Pacific Rim companies.
[end callout]
In addition to the fund's principal investments, the fund may invest
significantly in securities of issuers domiciled outside the Pacific Rim,
including the U.S., and those that are linked by tradition, economic markets,
geography or political events to countries in the Pacific Rim. Depending upon
current market conditions, the fund may also invest in debt securities of
companies and governments located anywhere in the world. A debt security
obligates the issuer to the bondholders, both to repay a loan of money at a
future date and generally to pay interest. Common debt securities are bonds,
including bonds convertible into common stock and unsecured bonds; notes; and
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents.
PORTFOLIO SELECTION The Templeton investment philosophy is "bottom-up,"
value-oriented, and long-term. In choosing investments, the fund's manager
will focus on the market price of a company's securities relative to its
evaluation of the company's long-term earnings, asset value and cash flow
potential. A company's historical value measures, including price/earnings
ratio, profit margins and liquidation value, will also be considered. As a
"bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the fund
may from time to time have significant investments in particular countries.
While the manager intends to manage the fund's exposure to countries and
their currencies based on its assessment of changing market and political
conditions, it is limited to certain geographic regions.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes market or economic
conditions are unfavorable for investors, is unable to locate suitable
investment opportunities, or seeks to maintain liquidity, it may invest all
or substantially all of the fund's assets in U.S. or non-U.S. currency
short-term investments, including cash or cash equivalents. Under these
circumstances, the fund may temporarily be unable to pursue its investment
goal.
[Insert graphic of chart with line going up and down] MAIN RISKS
The fund's main risks can affect the fund's share price, its distributions or
income, and therefore, the fund's performance.
STOCKS While stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes over
the long term, they tend to go up and down more dramatically over the shorter
term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual
companies, industries, or securities markets. Value stock prices are
considered "cheap" relative to the company's perceived value and are often
out of favor with other investors. If other investors fail to recognize the
company's value and do not become buyers, or if they become sellers, or in
markets favoring faster-growing companies, value stocks may not increase in
value as anticipated by the manager or may decline further.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Securities of companies and governments located outside
the U.S., including Depositary Receipts, involve risks that can increase the
potential for losses in the fund. EMERGING MARKETS IN PARTICULAR CAN
EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT PRICE VOLATILITY IN ANY GIVEN YEAR, AND EVEN DAILY.
The fund should be thought of as a long-term investment for the aggressive
portion of a well diversified portfolio.
[begin callout]
Because the stocks the fund holds fluctuate in price with Pacific Rim market
conditions and currencies, the value of your investment in the fund will go
up and down. This means you could lose money over short or even extended
periods.
[end callout]
CURRENCY Many of the fund's investments are denominated in foreign
currencies. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign
currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is
worth fewer U.S. dollars. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as
securities markets.
COUNTRY General securities market movements in any country where the fund
has investments are likely to affect the value of the securities the fund
owns that trade in that country.
The political, economic and social structures of some countries the fund
invests in may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. The
risks of investing in these countries include the possibility of currency
devaluations by a country's government or banking authority, the imposition
of exchange controls, foreign ownership limitations, expropriation,
restrictions on removal of currency or other assets, nationalization of
assets, punitive taxes, and certain custody and settlement risks. In
addition, political or economic conditions can cause previously established
securities markets to become limited trading markets, potentially causing
liquid securities to become illiquid, particularly in emerging market
countries.
Emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign
investing generally, and have additional heightened risks due to a lack of
established legal, business, and social frameworks to support securities
markets, and a greater likelihood of currency devaluations. Non-U.S.
securities markets, particularly emerging markets, may have substantially
lower trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
volatility than experienced in the U.S. While short-term volatility in these
markets can be disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual.
REGION Because the fund invests a significant amount of its assets in
issuers located in a particular region of the world, and because the
correlation among the Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong markets is
very high, the fund is subject to much greater risks of adverse events,
including currency devaluations, and may experience greater volatility than a
fund that is more broadly diversified geographically.
COMPANY Non-U.S. companies are not subject to the same disclosure,
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S.
companies and their securities may not be as liquid as securities of similar
U.S. companies. Non-U.S. stock exchanges, trading systems, brokers, and
companies generally have less government supervision and regulation than in
the U.S. The fund may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies and obtaining judgments with
respect to non-U.S. investments in non-U.S. courts than with respect to U.S.
companies in U.S. courts.
INTEREST RATE Rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable. When interest
rates rise, debt securities can lose market value. Similarly, when interest
rates fall, debt securities can gain value. In general, securities with
longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
CREDIT This is the possibility that an issuer will be unable to make
interest payments or repay principal. Changes in an issuer's financial
strength may affect the debt security's value and, thus, impact the value of
fund shares.
See "Important Recent Developments" in this prospectus for Year 2000 and euro
discussion, and any potential impact on the fund's portfolio and operations.
More detailed information about the fund, its policies, and risks can be
found in the SAI.
[Insert graphic of bull and bear] PAST PERFORMANCE
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, the fund's
class 1 performance is shown.
This bar chart and table show the volatility of the fund's returns, which is
one indicator of the risks of investing in the fund. The bar chart shows
changes in the fund's returns for each full calendar year over the past ten
years or since the fund's inception. The table shows how the fund's average
annual total returns compare to those of a broad-based securities index. Of
course, past performance cannot predict or guarantee future results.
PERFORMANCE REFLECTS ALL FUND EXPENSES BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEES OR SALES
CHARGES IMPOSED BY THE VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FUND IS AN
INVESTMENT OPTION. IF THEY HAD BEEN INCLUDED, PERFORMANCE WOULD BE LOWER.
TEMPLETON PACIFIC GROWTH FUND - CLASS 1
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS 1
[INSERT BAR GRAPH]
47.87% -8.79% 7.97% 11.10% -35.95% -13.13%
93 94 95 96 97 98
YEAR
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BEST
QUARTER:
Q4 '98
34.11%
WORST
QUARTER:
Q4 '97
- -28.67%
[End callout]
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
For the periods ended December 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (01/27/92)
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TEMPLETON PACIFIC GROWTH
FUND - CLASS 1 1 -13.13% -9.45% -1.68%
MSCI PACIFIC INDEX 2 2.69% -3.95% -0.88%
1. All fund performance assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.
Because class 2 shares were not offered until January 6th, 1999, performance
shown represents class 1 shares, which are not offered in this prospectus.
Although invested in the same portfolio of securities as class 1, class 2
performance will differ because of class 2's higher annual fees and expenses
resulting from its rule 12b-1 plan. Current annual 12b-1 expenses are 0.30%.
2. Source: Standard & Poor's(R) Micropal. The unmanaged MSCI Pacific Index
tracks approximately 450 companies in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New
Zealand, and Singapore. This is a total return index in U.S. dollars, with
gross dividends reinvested. One cannot invest directly in an index, nor is an
index representative of the fund's investments.
[Insert graphic of briefcase] MANAGEMENT
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers) is the fund's investment manager.
Under an agreement with Advisers, Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc., (TICI)
is the fund's sub-advisor. TICI provides Advisers with investment management
advice and assistance.
MANAGEMENT TEAM The team responsible for the fund's management is:
WILLIAM T. HOWARD, JR., CFA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, TICI
Mr. Howard has been a manager of the fund since 1993, and has been with the
Franklin Templeton Group since 1993.
MARK R. BEVERIDGE, CFA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, TICI
Mr. Beveridge has been a manager of the fund since 1994, and has been with
the Franklin Templeton Group since 1985.
JUAN J. BENITO
VICE PRESIDENT, TICI
Mr. Benito has been a manager of the fund since 1999. Before joining the
Franklin Templeton Group in 1996, he was a management consultant and case
team leader with Monitor Company, a leading global strategy consulting firm.
The fund pays the manager a fee for managing its assets, making its
investment decisions, and providing certain administrative facilities and
services for the fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the fund
paid 0.99% of its average daily net assets to the manager.
[insert graphic of a star burst] IMPORTANT RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
o YEAR 2000 PROBLEM The funds' business operations depend on a worldwide
network of computer systems that contain date fields, including securities
trading systems, securities transfer agent operations and stock market
links. Many of the systems currently use a two digit date field to
represent the date, and unless these systems are changed or modified, they
may not be able to distinguish the Year 1900 from the Year 2000 (commonly
called the Year 2000 problem). In addition, the fact that the Year 2000 is
a leap year may create difficulties for some systems.
When the Year 2000 arrives, the funds' operations could be adversely
affected if the computer systems used by their managers, their service
providers and other third parties they do business with are not Year 2000
ready. For example, the funds' portfolio and operational areas could be
impacted, including securities trade processing, interest and dividend
payments, securities pricing, shareholder account services, reporting,
custody functions and others. The funds could experience difficulties in
effecting transactions if any of their foreign subcustodians, or if foreign
broker/dealers or foreign markets are not ready for Year 2000.
When evaluating current and potential portfolio positions, Year 2000 is one
of the factors that the funds' managers consider. The managers will rely
upon public filings and other statements made by companies regarding their
Year 2000 readiness. Issuers in countries outside of the U.S., particularly
in emerging markets, may be more susceptible to Year 2000 problems and may
not be required to make the same level of disclosure regarding Year 2000
readiness as is required in the U.S. The managers, of course, cannot audit
any company or their major suppliers to verify their Year 2000 readiness.
If a company in which any fund is invested is adversely affected by Year
2000 problems, it is likely that the price of its security will also be
adversely affected. A decrease in the value of one or more of a fund's
portfolio holdings will have similar impact on the fund's performance.
The funds' managers and their affiliated service providers are making a
concerted effort to take steps they believe are reasonably designed to
address their Year 2000 problems. Of course, the funds' ability to reduce
the effects of the Year 2000 problem is also very much dependent upon the
efforts of third parties over which the funds and their managers may have
no control.
o Euro On January 1, 1999, the European Monetary Union (EMU) introduced a new
single currency, the euro, which replaced the national currency for
participating member countries.
Because this change to a single currency is new and untested, it is not
possible to predict the impact of the euro on the business or financial
condition of European issuers which the funds may hold in their portfolios,
and their impact on fund performance. To the extent a fund holds non-U.S.
dollar (euro or other) denominated securities, it will still be exposed to
currency risk due to fluctuations in those currencies versus the U.S.
dollar.
[Insert graphic of dollar signs and stacks of coins] DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
INCOME AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS Each fund will declare as dividends
substantially all of its net investment income. Except for the Money Fund,
each fund typically pays dividends from net investment income and net capital
gains, if any, following the close of the calendar year. Dividends or
distributions by the funds will reduce the per share net asset value (NAV) by
the per share amount paid.
The Money Fund declares a dividend each day the fund's NAV is calculated,
equal to all of its daily net income, payable as of the close of business the
preceding day. The amount of dividend may fluctuate from day to day and may
be omitted on some days, depending on changes in the factors that comprise
the fund's net income.
Dividends paid by a fund will be automatically reinvested in additional
shares of that fund or, if requested, paid in cash to the insurance company
shareholder.
TAX CONSIDERATIONS The tax consequences for contract owners will depend on
the provisions of the variable annuity or variable life insurance contract
through which they are invested in the funds. For more information, please
consult the accompanying contract prospectus.
Fund Account Information
[Insert graphic of paper with lines and someone writing] BUYING SHARES
Shares of each fund are sold at net asset value (NAV) to insurance company
separate accounts to serve as investment options for variable annuity or
variable life insurance contracts. The funds' Board monitors this to be sure
there are no material conflicts of interest between the two different types
of contract owners. If there were, the Board would take corrective action.
Contract owners' payments will be allocated by the insurance company separate
account to purchase shares of each fund chosen by the contract owner, and are
subject to any limits or conditions in the contract. Requests to buy shares
are processed at the NAV next calculated after we receive the request in
proper form. The funds do not issue share certificates.
[Insert graphic of certificate] SELLING SHARES
Each insurance company shareholder sells shares of the applicable fund to
make benefit or surrender payments or to execute exchanges (transfers)
between investment options under the terms of its contracts. Requests to sell
shares are processed at the NAV next calculated after we receive the request
in proper form.
[Insert graphic of two arrows] EXCHANGING SHARES
Contract owners may exchange shares of any one class or fund for shares of
other classes or funds through a transfer between investment options
available under a variable insurance contract, subject to the terms and any
specific limitations on the exchange (or "transfer") privilege described in
the contract prospectus.
Frequent exchanges can interfere with fund management or operations and drive
up fund costs. To protect shareholders, there are limits on the number and
amount of fund exchanges that may be made (please see "Market Timers" below).
FUND ACCOUNT POLICIES
CALCULATING SHARE PRICE The funds calculate their NAV per share each
business day at the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally
1:00 p.m. Pacific time). Each class' NAV is calculated by dividing its net
assets by the number of its shares outstanding.
The funds' assets are generally valued at their market value, except that the
Money Fund's assets are generally valued at their amortized cost. If market
prices are unavailable, or if an event occurs after the close of the trading
market that materially affects the values, assets may be valued at their fair
value. If a fund holds securities listed primarily on a foreign exchange that
trades on days when the fund is not open for business, the value of the
shares may change on days that the insurance company shareholders cannot buy
or sell shares.
Requests to buy and sell shares are processed on any day the funds are open
for business at the NAV next calculated after we receive the request in
proper form.
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS Contract owners will receive confirmations and
account statements that show account transactions. Insurance company
shareholders will receive the fund's financial reports every six months. To
reduce fund expenses, if you need additional copies, please call
1-800/342-3863.
If there is a dealer or other investment representative of record on the
account, he or she will also receive confirmations, account statements and
other information about the contract owner's account directly from the
contract's administrator.
MARKET TIMERS The funds are not designed for market timers, large or
frequent transfers. The funds may restrict or refuse purchases or exchanges
by market timers. You will be considered a market timer if you have (i)
requested an exchange out of the fund within two weeks of an earlier exchange
request, or (ii) exchanged shares out of the fund more than twice in a
calendar quarter, or (iii) exchanged shares equal to at least $5 million, or
more than 1% of the fund's net assets, or (iv) otherwise seem
to follow a timing pattern. Accounts under common ownership or control are
combined for these limits.
ADDITIONAL POLICIES Please note that the funds maintain additional policies
and reserves certain rights, including:
o Each fund may refuse any order to buy shares.
o At any time, each fund may establish or change investment minimums.
o Each fund may modify or discontinue the exchange privilege on 60 days'
notice to insurance company shareholders.
o You may only buy shares of a fund eligible for sale in your state or
jurisdiction.
o In unusual circumstances, we may temporarily suspend redemptions, or
postpone the payment of proceeds, as allowed by federal securities laws.
o To permit investors to obtain the current price, insurance companies are
responsible for transmitting all orders to the fund promptly.
SHARE CLASSES Each fund has two classes of shares, class 1 and class 2. Each
class is identical except that class 2 has a distribution plan or "rule
12b-1" plan which is described below.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES Class 2 of each fund has a
distribution plan, sometimes known as a rule 12b-1 plan, that allows class 2
to pay distribution and other fees to those who sell and distribute class 2
shares, or contracts funded by class 2 shares or for services provided to
contract owners. Because these fees are paid out of class 2's assets on an
on-going basis, these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may
cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. While the maximum fee
is up to 0.35% per year, the Board of Trustees has set the current rate of
0.30% of a fund's class 2 average daily net assets.
[Insert graphic of question mark] QUESTIONS
More detailed information about the Trust and the funds' account policies can
be found in the funds' Statement of Additional Information (SAI). If you have
any questions about the funds, you can write to us at 777 Mariners Island
Blvd., P.O. Box 7777, San Mateo, CA 94403-7777. You can also call us at
1-800/342-3863 or the Valuemark Service Center at 1-800/624-0197. For your
protection and to help ensure we provide you with quality service, all calls
may be monitored or recorded.
For More Information
The funds of Franklin Valuemark Funds (the Trust) are only available as
investment options in variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts.
Please consult the accompanying contract prospectus for information about the
terms of an investment in a contract.
You can learn more about the funds in the following documents:
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL FUND REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
Includes a discussion of recent market conditions and investment strategies,
financial statements, detailed performance information, fund holdings, and
the auditor's report (Annual Report only).
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
Contains more information about the funds, their investments, policies, and
risks. It is incorporated by reference (is legally a part of this prospectus).
You may obtain these free reports by contacting your investment
representative or by calling us at the number below.
Franklin(R)Templeton(R)
1-800/342-3863
You can also obtain information about the funds by visiting the SEC's Public
Reference Room in Washington D.C. (phone 1-800/SEC-0330) or by sending your
request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section,
Washington, DC 20549-6009. You can also visit the SEC's Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov.
Investment Company Act file #811-5583
FRANKLIN(R) VALUEMARK(R) FUNDS
Class 1 and Class 2
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
May 1, 1999
777 Mariners Island Blvd., P.O. Box 7777
San Mateo, CA 94403-7777 1-800/342-3863
Franklin Valuemark Funds ("Trust") has twenty-five separate series or funds
("funds") each of which is in effect a separate mutual fund. Each fund has two
classes of shares: class 1 and class 2. Shares of the funds are sold only to
insurance companies for use as investment options in variable annuity or
variable life insurance contracts.
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It contains
information in addition to the information in the Trust's prospectuses. The
Trust's prospectuses, dated May 1, 1999, which we may amend from time to time,
contain the basic information you should know before investing in the funds. You
should read this SAI together with the Trust's prospectuses.
The audited financial statements and auditor's report in the Trust's Annual
Report to Shareholders, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 are
incorporated by reference (are legally a part of this SAI).
For a free copy of a current prospectus or annual report call 1-800/342-3863.
Contents Page
Goals and Strategies, of Each Fund
Fund Seeking Capital Preservation And Income
Funds Seeking Income
Funds Seeking Growth and Income
Funds Seeking Capital Growth
Non-Fundamental Policies Affecting More Than One Fund
Securities and Investment Techniques, Generally
Risks
Fundamental Investment Restrictions
Officers and Trustees
Management and
Other Services
Portfolio Transactions
Distributions and Taxes
Organization, Voting Rights
and Principal Holders
Pricing Shares
The Underwriter
Performance
Miscellaneous Information
Description of Bond Ratings
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Mutual funds, annuities, and other investment products:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency of the U.S. Government;
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed by, any
bank;
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o are subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of principal.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goals and Strategies
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND SEEKING CAPITAL PRESERVATION AND INCOME
Money Market Fund (Money Fund)
The fund's investment goal is high current income, consistent with liquidity and
capital preservation. The fund also tries to maintain a stable share price of
$1.00.
The fund seeks to achieve its investment goal by investing in high-quality,
short-term money market securities of domestic and foreign issuers, including:
o U.S. Government securities with fixed, floating or variable interest
rates;
o repurchase agreements;
o obligations, with fixed, floating or variable interest rates, issued or
guaranteed by U.S. banks with assets of at least one billion dollars,
including certificates of deposit, bank notes, loan participation
interests, commercial paper, unsecured promissory notes, time deposits,
and bankers' acceptances;
o obligations of foreign branches of foreign banks, U.S. branches of foreign
banks ("Yankee Dollar Investments"), and foreign branches of U.S. banks
("Eurodollar Investments"), all of which include certificates of deposit,
bank notes, loan participation interests, commercial paper, unsecured
promissory notes, time deposits, and bankers' acceptances, where the
parent bank has more than five billion dollars in total assets at the time
of purchase;
o commercial paper;
o other short-term securities, with fixed, floating or variable interest
rates, issued or guaranteed by U.S. corporations, or securities issued by
foreign entities;
o taxable municipal securities, up to 10% of the fund's assets; and
o unrated notes, paper, securities or other instruments that the manager
determines to be of comparable high quality.
Because the fund limits its investments to high-quality securities, it will
generally earn lower yields than a portfolio with lower quality securities that
are subject to greater risk. Accordingly, the yield to shareholders in the fund
will likely be lower.
Bank obligations The fund may invest in obligations of U.S. branches of foreign
banks, which are considered domestic banks. The fund will only make these
investments if the branches have a federal or state charter to do business in
the U.S. and are subject to U.S. regulatory authorities. The fund may invest up
to 25% of its assets in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. or foreign
banks. The fund may also invest in time deposits, which are non-negotiable
deposits maintained in a banking institution for a specified period of time at a
stated interest rate. The fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in time
deposits with maturities in excess of seven calendar days.
Diversification With respect to diversification, the fund may not invest more
than 5% of its total assets in securities of a single issuer, other than U.S.
Government securities, although it may invest more than 5% of its total assets
in securities of a single issuer that are rated in the highest rating category
for a period of up to three business days after purchase. The fund also must not
invest more than (a) the greater of 1% of its total assets or $1 million in
securities issued by a single issuer that are rated in the second highest rating
category; and (b) 5% of its total assets in securities rated in the second
highest rating category.
Other investment policies The fund may also:
o buy U.S. Government securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis,
o lend portfolio securities, and
o enter into repurchase agreements.
FUNDS SEEKING INCOME
High Income Fund
The fund's principal investment goal is to earn a high level of current income.
Its secondary goal is capital appreciation.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in debt
securities. The fund may invest in debt securities in any rating category,
including high yield, lower-rated debt securities ("junk bonds"), or in unrated
debt securities, but does not intend to invest more than 5% in the lowest rating
categories, i.e., rated below Caa by Moody's or CCC by S&P; or, if unrated,
comparable securities in the view of the manager. The fund will not purchase
defaulted securities. The fund may also buy lower rated zero-coupon, deferred
interest and pay-in-kind securities.
Ratings assigned by the rating agencies are based largely on the issuer's
historical financial condition and the rating agencies' investment analysis at
the time of the rating. Credit quality in the high yield debt market, however,
can change suddenly and unexpectedly, and credit ratings may not reflect the
issuer's current financial condition. For these reasons, the manager does not
rely principally on the ratings assigned by rating agencies, but performs its
own independent investment analysis of securities being considered for the
fund's portfolio.
Foreign securities The fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in foreign
securities, including emerging markets. However, the fund will limit its
investments in emerging markets to 10% of its assets.
Other investment policies The fund is also permitted to:
o acquire loan participations;
o purchase debt securities on a "when-issued" basis;
o write covered call options;
o lend its portfolio securities;
o enter into repurchase agreements and forward currency exchange contracts,
participate in interest rate swaps, invest in restricted securities, and
invest in trade claims.
Templeton Global Income Securities Fund (Global Income Fund)
The fund's investment goal is high current income, consistent with preservation
of capital. Capital appreciation is a secondary consideration.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in the debt
securities of governments and their political subdivisions and agencies,
supranational organizations, and companies located anywhere in the world,
including emerging markets. The fund selects investments to provide a high
current yield and currency stability, or a combination of yield, capital
appreciation, and currency appreciation consistent with the fund's goal. As a
global fund, the fund may invest in securities issued in any currency and may
hold foreign currency.
The fund may invest in debt or equity securities of any type of issuer,
including domestic and foreign corporations, domestic and foreign banks (with
assets in excess of one billion dollars), other business organizations, and
domestic and foreign governments and their political subdivisions, including the
U.S. government, its agencies, and authorities or instrumentalities, and
supranational organizations.
A supranational entity is an entity designated or supported by the national
government of one or more countries to promote economic reconstruction or
development. Examples of supranational entities include, among others, the World
Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the Asian Development Bank. The fund is
further authorized to invest in "semi-governmental securities," which are debt
securities issued by entities owned by either a national, state, or equivalent
government or are securities of a government jurisdiction that are not backed by
its full faith and credit and general taxing powers.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will have at least 25% of its assets
invested in debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments. The
fund considers securities issued by central banks that are guaranteed by their
national governments to be government securities.
The fund may invest in long-term or short-term debt securities, such as bonds,
debentures, notes, convertible debt securities, and commercial paper. These debt
securities may involve equity features, such as conversion or exchange rights or
warrants for the acquisition of stock of the same or a different issuer;
participation based on revenues, sales or profits; or the purchase of common
stock in a unit transaction (where an issuer's debt securities and common stock
are offered as a unit).
Foreign securities Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the fund's assets
will be invested in issuers located in at least three countries, one of which
may be the U.S.
The fund normally invests its assets principally within Australia, Canada,
Japan, New Zealand, the U.S., and Western Europe, and in securities denominated
in the currencies of these countries or denominated in multinational currency
units such as the euro or European Currency Unit (ECU). The fund may also invest
a substantial portion of its assets in securities and currency in emerging
markets countries. The manager intends to manage the fund's exposure to various
currencies, and may from time to time use forward currency exchange contracts or
options on currencies for hedging purposes.
Maturity The fund may invest in debt securities with varying maturities. Under
current market conditions, it is expected that the dollar-weighted average
maturity of the fund's investments, i.e., the average life span of all of the
fund's investments, will not exceed 15 years. Generally, the portfolio's average
maturity will be shorter when the manager expects interests rates worldwide or
in a particular country to rise, and longer when the manager expects interest
rates to fall.
Other investment policies In order to hedge currency risk, the fund may, but is
not required to, use forward and futures contracts and interest rate swaps. The
fund may also:
o acquire loan participations;
o lend its portfolio securities;
o enter into repurchase, reverse repurchase, and "when-issued" transactions;
o invest in preferred stock;
o invest in structured notes;
o purchase and sell call and put options on U.S. or foreign securities; and
o enter into futures contracts for the purchase or sale of U.S. Treasury or
foreign securities or based upon financial indices.
U.S. Government Securities Fund (Government Fund)
The fund's investment goal is income.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest in a portfolio limited to
U.S. Government securities. These securities include U.S. Treasury bonds, notes
and bills, and securities issued by U.S. Government agencies.
Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") obligations ("Ginnie Maes")
Ginnie Maes differ from other bonds in that principal may be paid back on an
unscheduled basis rather than returned in a lump sum at maturity. GNMA's
guarantee of payment of principal and interest on Ginnie Maes is backed by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. GNMA may borrow U.S. Treasury
funds to the extent needed to make payments under its guarantee.
Payments to holders of Ginnie Maes consist of the monthly distributions of
interest and principal less GNMA's and issuers' fees. The fund will reinvest the
return of principal in securities that may have different interest rates than
the Ginnie Mae.
Principal payments are passed through to the Ginnie Mae holders, such as the
fund, when mortgages in the pool underlying a Ginnie Mae are prepaid by
borrowers or as a result of foreclosure. Accordingly, a Ginnie Mae's life is
likely to be substantially shorter than the stated maturity of the mortgages in
the underlying pool. Because of such variation in prepayment rates, it is not
possible to accurately predict the life of a particular Ginnie Mae.
Other mortgage securities The fund may also invest in fixed-rate mortgage backed
securities, adjustable-rate mortgage-backed securities ("ARMS"), or a hybrid of
the two. In addition to ARMS, the fund may also invest in adjustable rate U.S.
Government securities, which may include securities backed by other types of
assets, including business loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business
Administration ("SBA"), and obligations of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
Some government agency obligations or guarantees are supported by the full faith
and credit of the U.S. Government, while others are supported principally by the
issuing agency and may not permit recourse against the U.S. Treasury if the
issuing agency does not meet its commitments.
The ARMS in which the fund invests are issued primarily by GNMA, the Federal
National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation ("FHLMC"), and are actively traded in the secondary market. ARMS
issued by GNMA are collateralized by underlying mortgages that are fully
guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration or the Veterans Administration.
ARMS issued by the FNMA or the FHLMC are collateralized by conventional
residential mortgages conforming to standard underwriting size and maturity
constraints.
ARMS allow the fund to participate in increases in interest rates through
periodic adjustments in the coupon rates of the underlying mortgages, resulting
in both higher current yields and lower price fluctuations.
The fund will not, however, benefit from increases in interest rates to the
extent that interest rates rise to the point where the current coupon of
adjustable rate mortgages in the fund exceeds the maximum annual or lifetime
reset limits (or "cap rates"). Fluctuations in interest rates above these levels
could cause such ARMS to behave more like long-term, fixed-rate bonds. See
"Securities and Investment Techniques, Adjustable Rate Mortgage Securities" for
additional details.
Other investment policies The fund may invest in certain other types of
pass-through debt securities, issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies
or instrumentalities. The fund may also:
o enter into covered mortgage "dollar rolls,"
o lend portfolio securities, and
o engage in repurchase agreements.
Zero Coupon Funds:
Maturing in December of 2000, 2005, 2010
Each fund's investment goal is to provide as high an investment return as is
consistent with the preservation of capital.
Stripped securities Under normal market conditions, each fund will invest
primarily in "stripped securities," a term used collectively for Stripped
Treasury Securities, Stripped Government Securities, Stripped Corporate
Securities and Stripped Eurodollar Obligations, all described below. The
stripped securities in which each fund will invest consist of:
o Zero coupon securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, including treasury bills,
debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury which have been stripped of
their interest coupons or which were issued without interest coupons, and
interest coupons that have been stripped from debt securities issued by the
U.S. Treasury ("Stripped Treasury Securities"). The funds do not
anticipate that these securities will exceed 55% of a fund's assets.
o Other zero coupon securities issued by the U.S. Government and its agencies
and instrumentalities ("Stripped Government Securities").
o Debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars that are issued by foreign
issuers, often subsidiaries of domestic corporations ("Stripped Eurodollar
Obligations").
o To a lesser extent, zero coupon securities issued by domestic corporations
which consist of corporate debt securities without interest coupons, and, if
available, interest coupons that have been stripped from corporate debt
securities, and receipts and certificates for such stripped debt securities
and stripped coupons (collectively, "Stripped Corporate Securities");
Stripped securities, like other debt securities, are subject to certain risks,
including credit and market risks. To the extent the funds invest in stripped
securities other than Stripped Treasury Securities, these investments will be
rated at least A by nationally recognized statistical rating agencies, or
unrated securities that the manager determines are of comparable quality. Debt
securities rated A are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay principal
and interest but are vulnerable to adverse economic conditions and have some
speculative characteristics. The funds will also attempt to minimize the impact
of individual credit risks by diversifying their portfolio investments. The
availability of stripped securities, other than Stripped Treasury Securities,
may be limited at times; during such periods, because the funds must meet
annuity tax diversification rules, they may invest in other types of
fixed-income securities.
Because each fund will be primarily invested in zero coupon securities,
investors who hold shares to maturity will experience a return consisting
primarily of the amortization of discount on the underlying securities in the
fund. However, the net asset value of a fund's shares increases or decreases
with changes in the market value of that fund's investments.
Foreign securities Although each fund reserves the right to invest up to 10% of
its assets in foreign securities, each fund typically limits these investments
to less than 10% of its assets and to dollar denominated obligations.
Structured notes Although each fund reserves the right to invest up to 10%, each
fund currently does not intend to invest more than 5% of its assets in certain
structured notes, which are comparable to zero coupon bonds in terms of credit
quality, interest rate volatility, and yield.
Other investment policies To provide income for expenses, redemption payments,
and cash dividends, each fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in money market
instruments. The manager intends to have less than 20% of the funds' assets in
these instruments under normal circumstances. The funds may also lend portfolio
securities and enter into repurchase agreements.
Tax considerations Under the federal income tax law, a portion of the difference
between the purchase price of the zero coupon securities and their face value
("original issue discount") is considered to be income to the Zero Coupon Funds
each year, even though the funds will not receive cash payments representing the
discount from these securities. This original issue discount will comprise a
part of the net taxable investment income of the funds which must be
"distributed" to the insurance company, as shareholder each year, whether or not
such distributions are paid in cash. To the extent such distributions are paid
in cash, the fund may have to generate the required cash from interest earned on
non-zero coupon securities or possibly from the disposition of zero coupon
securities.
FUNDS SEEKING GROWTH AND INCOME
Global Utilities Securities Fund (Global Utilities Fund)
Before May 1, 1998, the fund's name was "Utility Equity Fund." The fund's
investment goals are capital appreciation and current income.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in companies in
the public utilities industry. The public utilities industry includes companies
which are, in the manager's opinion, engaged in the ownership or operation or
manufacture of facilities, equipment or components used to generate, transmit or
distribute electricity, communications, satellite communications, cable and
internet services, wireless telecommunications, gas or water. The fund will
normally invest in common stocks that the manager expects to pay dividends.
The fund may invest in stocks and debt securities of companies of any nation,
developed or emerging. The fund will normally invest at least 65% of its assets
in issuers located in at least three different countries, and generally expects
to invest a higher percentage of its assets in U.S. securities than issuers
located in any other single country.
Foreign securities As a non-fundamental policy, the fund will limit its
investments in securities of Russian issuers to 5% of assets.
Industry concentration Investing in a fund, like this fund, that concentrates
its investments in a limited group of related industries involves increased
risks.
Other investment policies The fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in debt
securities, including convertible bonds issued by public utility issuers. These
debt securities may be rated Ba or lower by Moody's or BB or lower by S&P, or
unrated securities that the manager determines to be of comparable quality. The
fund currently intends to invest no more than 5% of its assets in preferred
stocks or convertible preferred stocks issued by public utility issuers. Subject
to these limits, the fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in enhanced
convertible securities. The fund may also write covered call options, lend its
portfolio securities, and enter into repurchase transactions.
Growth and Income Fund
The fund's principal investment goal is capital appreciation. Its secondary goal
is to provide current income.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in equity
securities that the manager believes have the potential to increase in value.
The fund will normally invest in the U.S. stock market by investing in a broadly
diversified portfolio of common stocks which may be traded on a securities
exchange or over-the-counter, i.e., directly from the dealer.
The fund seeks current income through the receipt of dividends or interest from
its investments, and the payment of dividends may therefore be a consideration
in purchasing debt or equity securities. In pursuing its secondary goal of
current income, the fund may also purchase convertible securities, including
bonds or preferred stocks, enhanced convertible securities, debt securities, and
money market instruments.
Foreign securities The fund may invest up to 30% of its total assets in foreign
securities, including Depositary Receipts and emerging markets, but currently
intends to limit such investments to 20%.
REITs The fund currently intends to invest no more than 15% of its assets in
equity real estate investment trusts ("REITs").
Other investment policies The fund currently does not intend to invest more than
10% of its assets in convertible securities, which may carry special risks as
described below. In addition, the fund currently does not intend to invest more
than 5% of its assets in debt securities, including convertible debt securities,
rated Ba or lower by Moody's or BB or lower by S&P, or unrated securities
determined by the manager to be of comparable quality. The fund may also:
o write covered call and put options;
o purchase call and put options on securities and indices of securities,
including "forward conversion" transactions;
o lend its portfolio securities; and
o enter into repurchase transactions.
Income Securities Fund (Income Fund)
The fund's investment goal is to maximize income while maintaining prospects for
capital appreciation.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in a diversified
portfolio of debt and equity securities. The assets of the fund may be held in
cash or invested in securities traded on any national securities exchange, in
money market instruments, or in securities issued by a corporation, association
or similar legal entity having gross assets valued at not less than $1 million
as shown by its latest published annual report. These investments may include
zero coupon, deferred interest or pay-in-kind bonds, or preferred stocks. The
manager has the discretion to choose the percentage of assets that can be
invested in a particular type of security. As market conditions change, the
fund's portfolio may be entirely invested in debt securities or, conversely, in
common stocks. As a fundamental policy, however, the fund will not concentrate
its investments in a single industry in excess of 25% of its assets.
The fund may invest in debt securities rated in any rating category, including
high yield, lower-rated debt securities ("junk bonds"), or if unrated,
determined by the manager to be comparable. The fund may invest up to 5% of its
assets in defaulted debt securities. These securities are considered
speculative.
Foreign securities The fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in foreign
securities, including Depositary Receipts and emerging markets.
Other investment policies The fund currently does not intend to invest more than
5% of its assets in loan participations and other related direct or indirect
bank securities. The fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in trade claims.
Both loan participations and trade claims carry a high degree of risk. In
addition, the fund does not intend to invest more than 5% of its assets in
enhanced convertible securities. The fund may also:
o lend its portfolio securities;
o enter into repurchase transactions;
o purchase debt securities on a "when-issued" or "delayed-delivery" basis;
and
o write covered call options on securities.
Mutual Shares Securities Fund (Mutual Shares Fund)
The fund's principal goal is capital appreciation. Its secondary goal is income.
Under normal market conditions, the fund invests primarily in domestic equity
securities that the manager believes are significantly undervalued, as well as
debt securities of any quality. Debt includes notes, bonds, or debentures, as
well as distressed mortgage obligations and other debt secured by real property.
The manager does not establish percentage limits for the fund's investment in
equity securities, debt securities or money market instruments.
The fund may invest in securities that are traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges,
the NASDAQ national market or in the over-the-counter market. It may invest in
any industry sector, although it will not concentrate in any one industry. From
time to time, the fund may hold significant cash positions, consistent with its
policy on temporary investments, until suitable investment opportunities are
available.
Small companies The fund may invest in securities from any size issuer,
including smaller capitalization companies. It will tend to invest, however, in
securities of issuers with market capitalizations in excess of $500 million.
Reorganizing companies The fund also seeks to invest in securities of companies
involved in mergers, consolidations, liquidations and reorganizations or as to
which there exist tender or exchange offers. The fund may participate in such
transactions. The fund does not presently anticipate investing more than 50% of
its assets in such investments, but is not restricted to that amount.
Indebtedness The fund may also invest in other forms of secured or unsecured
indebtedness or participations ("indebtedness"). These include without
limitation loan participations and trade claims of debtor companies involved in
reorganization or financial restructuring. Some of the indebtedness may have
very long maturities or is illiquid.
Control The fund purchases securities for investment purposes and not for the
purpose of influencing or controlling management of the issuer. However, the
manager may seek to influence or control management if it perceives that the
fund may benefit. The fund may also invest in other entities that purchase
securities for the purpose of influencing or controlling management. These
entities may invest in a potential takeover or leveraged buyout or invest in
other entities engaged in such practices.
Lower rated securities The fund may invest in debt securities in any rating
category including lower rated debt securities ("junk bonds") or in unrated debt
securities. In general, the fund will invest in these instruments for the same
reasons as equity securities, i.e., the manager believes that the securities are
available at prices less than their intrinsic values. Consequently, the
manager's own analysis of a debt instrument exercises a greater influence over
the investment decision than the stated coupon rate or credit rating. The fund
expects to invest in debt securities issued by reorganizing or restructuring
companies, or companies that recently emerged from, or are facing the prospect
of a financial restructuring. It is under these circumstances, which usually
involve unrated or lower rated securities that are often in, or are about to,
default, that the manager seeks to identify securities which are sometimes
available at prices which it believes are less than their intrinsic values. The
fund may invest without limit in defaulted debt securities, subject to the
fund's restriction on investments in illiquid securities. Defaulted debt
securities may be considered speculative. The purchase of debt of a troubled
company always involves a risk that the investment may be lost. However, the
debt securities of reorganizing or restructuring companies typically rank senior
to the equity securities of such companies.
Foreign securities Although the fund reserves the right to purchase securities
in any foreign country without percentage limitation, the fund's current
investment strategy is to invest primarily in domestic securities, with
approximately 15-20% of its assets in foreign securities, including Depositary
Receipts. Depositary Receipts are discussed more fully under "Foreign
Securities, Depositary Receipts" below. The fund presently does not intend to
invest more than 5% of its assets in securities of emerging markets, including
Eastern European countries and Russia. Foreign investments may include both
voting and non-voting securities, sovereign debt and participation in foreign
government deals.
Currency hedging The fund may use the following currency hedging techniques:
investments in foreign currency futures contracts, options on foreign currencies
or currency futures, forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("forward
contracts") and currency swaps.
Closed-end investment companies While the fund may not purchase securities of
registered open-end investment companies or affiliated investment companies, it
may invest from time to time in other investment company securities. The fund
may not purchase more than 3% of the voting securities of another investment
company. In addition, the fund will not invest more than 5% of its assets in the
securities of any single investment company and will not invest more than 10% of
its assets in investment company securities. Investors should recognize that
they indirectly bear a proportionate share of the expenses of these investment
companies, including operating costs, and investment advisory and administrative
fees.
Short sales The fund may also sell short securities it does not own up to 5% of
its assets. The fund may also sell securities "short against the box" without
limit.
Other investment policies The fund may also:
o lend its portfolio securities;
o enter into repurchase transactions;
o purchase securities on a "when-issued" or "delayed delivery" basis;
o invest in restricted or illiquid securities; purchase and sell
exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities,
equity and fixed-income indices and other financial instruments; and
o purchase and sell financial futures contracts and related options.
Real Estate Securities Fund (Real Estate Fund)
The fund's principal goal is capital appreciation. Its secondary goal is current
income.
Under normal market conditions the fund will invest primarily in equity real
estate investment trusts ("REITs"). The fund will generally invest in real
estate securities of companies listed on a securities exchange or traded
over-the-counter. As used by the fund, "real estate securities" will include
equity, debt securities, and convertible securities of companies having the
following characteristics and limitations:
o Companies qualifying as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. In order to
qualify as a REIT, a company must derive at least 75% of its gross income
from real estate sources (rents, mortgage interest, gains form the sale of
real estate assets), and at least 95% from real estate sources, plus
dividends, interest and gains from the sale of securities. Real property,
mortgage loans, cash and certain securities must comprise 75% of a company's
assets. In order to qualify as a REIT, a company must also make distributions
to shareholders aggregating annually at least 95% of its REIT taxable
income.
o Companies that have at least 50% of their assets or revenues attributable to
the ownership, construction, management or other services, or sale of
residential, commercial or industrial real estate. These companies would
include real estate operating companies, real estate services and home
builders.
Small and mid-cap companies The fund will typically invest predominately in
securities issued by mid-cap or small-cap U.S. companies, which is reflective of
the industry itself. Mid-cap companies have market capitalizations of $5 billion
or less and small-cap companies, $1.5 billion or less. Small cap REITs can be
subject to different and greater risks than mid or larger cap issuers. Small cap
REITs may have greater regional concentration and less diversification in terms
of the regions, clients and types of properties available for investment.
Industry concentration The fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in
any sector of the real estate industry described above. The fund's policy of
concentrating in the securities of companies in the real estate industry and the
other investment policies referenced above are fundamental policies that cannot
be changed without shareholder approval. Because the fund concentrates its
investments in the real estate industry, adverse developments in that industry
will have a greater impact on the fund, and your investment, than a fund with
broader diversification.
The manager believes, however, that diversifying the fund's assets into
different types of real estate investments will help mitigate, although it
cannot eliminate, the inherent risks of such industry concentration. Moreover,
the real estate market historically has not correlated with the broader equity
market. While there can be no guarantee that historical trends will continue in
the future, investments in real estate securities may be a useful way of
diversifying one's overall portfolio.
In addition to fund's investments in real estate securities, it may also invest
a portion of its assets in debt or equity securities of issuers whose products
and services are closely related to the real estate industry, and publicly
traded on an exchange or in the over-the-counter market. These issuers may
include manufacturers and distributors of building supplies; financial
institutions that issue or service mortgages, such as savings and loan
associations or mortgage bankers. Also, the fund may invest in companies whose
principal business is unrelated to the real estate industry but who have at
least 50% of their assets in real estate holdings and the manager believes are
undervalued relative to the price of those companies' securities.
Lower rated securities As an operating policy, the fund will not invest more
than 10% of its net assets in convertible debt securities or debt securities
rated Ba or lower by Moody's or, if unrated, the manager determines are of
comparable quality. Generally, however, the fund will not acquire any
investments rated lower than B by Moody's or, if unrated, the manager determines
are of comparable quality.
Foreign securities The fund may invest up to 10% in foreign securities,
including emerging markets.
Other investment policies The fund may also:
o write covered call options;
o lend its portfolio securities;
o engage in repurchase transactions; and
o invest in enhanced convertible securities.
Rising Dividends Fund
The fund's investment goal is long-term capital appreciation. The fund will
attempt to attain current income incidental to capital appreciation.
Preservation of capital, while not a goal, is also an important consideration.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will, as a fundamental policy, invest
at least 65% of its net assets in financially sound companies that have paid
consistently rising dividends. The fund believes that the securities of such
companies, because of their dividend record, have a strong potential to increase
in value.
The remaining 35% of the fund's assets typically are invested in dividend-paying
equity securities with similar characteristics that may not meet all of the
specialized as defined in the fund's prospectus. The manager also considers
other factors, such as return on shareholder's equity, rate of earnings growth
and anticipated price/earnings ratios, in selecting investments for the fund.
Following these policies, the fund will invest predominantly in large- or
mid-cap companies with market capitalizations greater than $1.5 billion, and to
a lesser extent in small-cap companies.
Other investment policies The fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in
foreign securities, including emerging markets. The fund may also lend its
portfolio securities, enter into repurchase transactions, and write covered call
options.
Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund (Asset Allocation Fund)
The fund's investment goal is high total return.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest in equity securities of
companies in any nation, debt securities of companies and governments of any
nation, and money market instruments.
The fund will adjust its investments among these three market segments in an
attempt to capitalize on total return potential with changing economic
conditions throughout the world. The fund may invest in each of the market
segments without limitation. Except as noted below under "Investment
Restrictions", the manager has complete discretion in determining the amount of
equity securities, debt securities, or money market instruments in which the
fund may invest.
The fund will normally invest its assets in at least three countries, except
during defensive periods.
Equity securities Equity securities in which the fund may invest may include
common and preferred stocks, securities (bonds or preferred stock) convertible
into common stock ("convertible securities"), warrants, equity real estate
investment trusts ("REITs"), and Depositary Receipts. Depositary Receipts may
not be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities.
Debt securities Debt securities in which the fund may invest may include issues
of both domestic and foreign governments or companies, such as bonds,
debentures, notes, commercial paper, collateralized mortgage obligations
("CMOs") and securities issued or guaranteed by governments or government
agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government securities include, specifically,
Government National Mortgage Association mortgage-backed certificates ("Ginnie
Mae"). The fund may invest in preferred stocks and certain debt securities,
rated or unrated, such as convertible bonds and bonds selling at a discount.
Debt securities can provide the potential for capital appreciation based on
various factors such as changes in interest rates, economic and market
conditions, improvement in an issuer's ability to repay principal and pay
interest, and ratings upgrades.
The average maturity of debt security's in the fund's portfolio is medium-term
(about 5 to 15 years), but will fluctuate depending on the manager's outlook on
the country and future interest rate changes.
Lower-rated securities As an operating policy established by the Board, the fund
will not invest more than 25% of its assets in debt securities rated BBB or
lower by S&P or Baa or lower by Moody's or in unrated securities that the
manager determines to be comparable. This limit includes defaulted debt
securities. The Board may consider an increase 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.
Money market instruments The fund may invest in money market instruments. In
addition, the fund may hold cash and time deposits with banks in the currency of
any major nation and invest in certificates of deposit of federally insured
savings and loan associations having total assets in excess of $1 billion. The
fund may also invest in commercial paper rated Prime-1 or Prime-2 by Moody's or
A-1 or A-2 by S&P or, unrated commercial paper issued by companies having an
outstanding debt issue currently rated Aaa or Aa by Moody's or AAA or AA by S&P.
Currency hedging With respect to debt securities the fund may employ the
following currency hedging techniques: foreign currency futures contracts,
forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("forward contracts"), and options
on foreign currencies.
Other investment policies The fund has an unlimited ability to purchase exchange
listed securities in any foreign country, developed or emerging. The fund has a
limited ability to purchase unlisted foreign securities. However, as a
non-fundamental policy, the fund will limit its investments in securities of
Russian issuers to 5% of assets. The fund may also:
o invest in illiquid and restricted securities;
o purchase securities on a "when-issued" basis;
o enter into repurchase transactions; and
o lend its portfolio securities.
As non-fundamental investment policies, which may be changed by the Board
without shareholder approval, the fund will not invest more than 15% of its
total assets in securities of foreign issuers which are not listed on a
recognized United States or foreign securities exchange, or more than 10% of
their total assets in:
(a) securities with a limited trading market;
(b) securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions as to resale;
(c) repurchase agreements not terminable within seven days; and
(d) debt obligations rated Baa or lower by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or
BBB or lower by Standard & Poor's Corporation or, unrated securities that
the managers determine are of comparable investment quality.
Value Securities Fund (Value Fund)
The fund's investment goal is long-term total return. Income, though not a goal,
is a secondary consideration.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in companies that
the manager believes are selling substantially below the underlying value of
their assets or their private market value. The fund may invest in common and
preferred stocks, securities convertible into common stocks, warrants, secured
and unsecured debt securities, and notes. The fund may, from time to time, hold
significant money market instruments, up to 100% of its total assets, until
suitable investment opportunities meeting its value standards become available.
The fund may purchase securities based on information regarding company stock
buy-backs and company insiders' purchases and sales. The fund purchases
securities for investment purposes and not for the purpose of influencing or
controlling management of the issuer. In rare cases, however, when the manager
perceives that the fund may benefit, the manager may itself seek to influence or
control management.
Companies emerging from bankruptcy The fund may buy securities of companies
emerging from bankruptcy. These securities may have special risks. Companies
emerging from bankruptcy may have some difficulty retaining customers and
suppliers who prefer transacting with solvent organizations. If new management
is installed in a company emerging from bankruptcy, the management may be
considered untested; if the existing management is retained, the management may
be considered incompetent. Further, even when a company has emerged from
bankruptcy with a lower level of debt, it may still retain a relatively weak
balance sheet. During economic downturns these companies may not have sufficient
cash flow to pay their debt securities and may also have difficulty finding
additional financing. In addition, reduced liquidity in the secondary market may
make it difficult for the fund to sell the securities or to value them based on
actual trades.
As with all investments, there is always the possibility when investing in these
securities that the manager may be incorrect in its assessment of a particular
industry or company. Also, the manager may not buy these securities at their
lowest possible prices or sell them at their highest prices.
Foreign securities The fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in foreign
securities, including Depositary Receipts, but currently does not intend to
invest more than 15%. The fund presently does not intend to invest more than 5%
of its assets in emerging markets securities.
Convertible securities The fund may invest in convertible securities, enhanced
convertible securities and synthetic convertibles. The fund applies the same
rating criteria and investment policies to convertible debt securities as its
investments in debt securities. Convertible preferred stocks are equity
securities that generally carry a higher degree of market risk than debt
securities, and often may be regarded as speculative in nature. The fund's
investments in enhanced convertible securities may provide higher dividend
income but may carry additional risks, including reduced liquidity.
Lower rated securities The fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in debt
securities rated below BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's, or in unrated debt
securities that the manager determines to be comparable. Such securities,
sometimes called "junk bonds," are regarded as predominantly speculative with
respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
accordance with the terms of the obligation. Therefore, these securities involve
special risks. Debt securities rated D by S&P are in default and may be
considered speculative.
Other investment policies The fund may also sell short securities it does not
own up to 5% of its assets. The fund may also sell securities "short against the
box" without limit. The fund may also:
o lend its portfolio securities;
o invest in zero coupon securities, pay-in-kind bonds, structured notes,
mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities;
o purchase loan participations and trade claims both of which carry a high
degree of risk;
o purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call
options on securities and financial indices;
o purchase and sell futures contracts or related options with respect to
securities and indices; and
o invest in restricted or illiquid securities.
FUNDS SEEKING CAPITAL GROWTH
Capital Growth Fund (Growth Fund)
The fund's investment goal is capital appreciation. Current income is only a
secondary consideration in selecting portfolio securities.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in equity
securities, including common and preferred stocks, or securities convertible
into common stocks, which the manager believes offer favorable possibilities for
capital appreciation. Some of these securities may yield little or no current
income. The fund's assets may be invested in shares of common stock traded on
any national securities exchange or over-the-counter, and in convertible
securities. The fund may also keep a significant portion of its assets in cash
from time to time.
Small companies The fund will typically invest predominantly in equity
securities issued by large-cap or mid-cap U.S. companies, which have market
capitalizations greater than $1.5 billion. It may also invest to a lesser degree
in smaller companies, but currently does not intend to invest more than 20% of
its total assets.
Technology companies Consistent with its investment goals, the fund expects to
have a portion of its assets invested in securities of companies involved in
computing technologies or computing technology-related companies. The technology
sector as a whole has historically been volatile, and issues from this sector
tend to be subject to abrupt or erratic price movements.
Lower rated securities The fund does not intend to invest more than 5% of its
assets in debt securities, including convertible debt securities, rated Ba or
lower by Moody's or BB or lower by S&P, or unrated securities the manager
determines to be comparable.
Other investment policies The fund may invest in convertible preferred stocks,
which are equity securities. The fund may also:
o write covered call options;
o purchase put options on securities;
o lend its portfolio securities; enter into repurchase transactions; and
o invest in restricted or illiquid securities.
Global Health Care Securities Fund (Global Health Care Fund)
The fund's investment goal is capital appreciation.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in equity
securities of companies in the health care industry.
Health care companies derive at least 50% of their earnings or revenues from, or
have devoted at least 50% of their assets to, health care activities, based on
their most recently reported fiscal year. Health care activities include
research, development, production or distribution of products and services in
industries such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, health care facilities,
medical supplies, medical technology, medical services, managed care companies,
health care related information systems, and personal health care products.
Many major developments in health care come from foreign companies. Therefore,
in the opinion of the manager, a portfolio of global health care company
securities may provide greater potential for investment participation in present
and future opportunities than may be present in domestic health care related
industries. The manager also believes that the U.S. health care industry may be
subject to increasing regulation and government control. By investing in
foreign, as well as U.S., health care companies, the manager believes that the
fund will be able to minimize the impact of U.S. Government regulation on its
portfolio. By investing in multiple countries, the risk of a single government's
actions on the portfolio is also reduced.
Foreign securities The fund will mix its investments globally by investing at
least 70% of its assets in securities of issuers in at least three different
countries, which may include the U.S. These investments may include issuers
located in developed and emerging markets. The fund will not invest more than
40% of its net assets in any one country (other than the U.S.). From time to
time, the fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of
U.S. issuers, the prices of which may fluctuate independently from comparable
foreign securities. As a global fund, it may invest in securities issued in any
currency including multinational currency units such as the euro or European
Currency Unit, and may hold currency. The fund may buy Depositary Receipts. The
fund currently does not intend to invest more than 10% of its assets in
securities of emerging markets. As a non-fundamental policy, the fund will limit
its investments in securities of Russian issuers to 5% of its assets.
Industry concentration Investing in a fund that concentrates its investments in
a specialized market sector involves increased risks.
The fund may invest a substantial portion of its total assets in small
capitalization companies with market capitalizations less than $1.5 billion.
Debt securities The fund may invest up to 30% of its assets in debt securities
issued by domestic or foreign corporations or governments. To the extent the
fund invests in debt securities, changes in interest rates in any country where
the fund has investments will affect the value of the fund and its share price.
The fund will invest in debt securities rated B or above by Moody's or S&P, or
in unrated securities of similar quality. Securities rated below BBB are
considered to be below investment grade. The manager does not currently expect
investments in such lower rated debt securities to exceed 5% of the fund's
assets.
Other investment policies The fund may engage in short sale transactions, in
which the fund sells a security it does not own to a purchaser at a specified
price. The fund's equity securities holdings may include rights and warrants.
The fund may also:
o make temporary defensive investments;
o write covered put and call options on securities or financial indices;
o purchase put and call options on securities or financial indices;
o purchase and sell futures contracts or related options with respect to
securities, indices and currencies;
o invest in restricted or illiquid securities;
o lend portfolio securities;
o enter into repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements; enter into foreign
currency exchange contracts; and
o borrow money.
Mutual Discovery Securities Fund (Mutual Discovery Fund)
The fund's investment goal is capital appreciation.
Under normal market conditions, the fund invests in domestic and foreign equity
securities that the manager believes to be significantly undervalued, as well as
debt securities of any quality. Debt securities may include securities or
indebtedness issued by corporations or governments in any form. Debt includes
notes, bonds, or debentures, as well as distressed mortgage obligations and
other debt secured by real property. The manager does not establish percentage
limits for the fund's investment in equity securities, debt securities or money
market instruments.
Small companies The fund may invest in securities from any size issuer, and may
from time to time invest a substantial portion of its assets in securities of
smaller capitalization issuers. These securities have market capitalizations of
less than $1.5 billion.
The fund may invest in securities that are traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges,
the NASDAQ national market or in the over-the-counter market. It may invest in
any industry sector, although it will not concentrate in any one industry. From
time to time, the fund may hold significant cash positions, consistent with its
policy on temporary investments, until suitable investment opportunities are
available.
Reorganizing companies The fund also seeks to invest in securities of companies
involved in mergers, consolidations, liquidations and reorganizations or as to
which there exist tender or exchange offers. The fund may participate in such
transactions. The fund does not presently anticipate investing more than 50% of
its assets in such investments, but is not restricted to that amount.
Indebtedness The fund may also invest in other forms of secured or unsecured
indebtedness or participations ("indebtedness"). These include without
limitation loan participations and trade claims of debtor companies involved in
reorganization or financial restructuring. Some of the indebtedness may have
very long maturities or is illiquid.
Control The fund purchases securities for investment purposes and not for the
purpose of influencing or controlling management of the issuer. However, the
manager may seek to influence or control management if it perceives that the
fund may benefit. The fund may also invest in other entities that purchase
securities for the purpose of influencing or controlling management. These
entities may invest in a potential takeover or leveraged buyout or invest in
other entities engaged in such practices.
Foreign securities The fund presently expects to invest up to 50% of its total
assets in foreign securities, including Depositary Receipts, but does not intend
to invest more than 5% of its assets in securities of emerging market countries
including Eastern European countries and Russia. Foreign investments may include
both voting and non-voting securities, sovereign debt and participation in
foreign government deals.
Currency hedging To the extent that hedging is available, the fund may use the
following currency hedging techniques: foreign currency futures contracts,
options on foreign currencies or currency futures, forward foreign currency
exchange contracts and currency swaps.
Lower rated securities The fund may invest in debt securities in any rating
category including lower rated debt securities ("junk Bonds") or in unrated debt
securities. In general, the fund will invest in these instruments for the same
reasons as equity securities, i.e., the manager believes that the securities may
be acquired at prices less than their intrinsic values. Consequently, the
manager's own analysis of a debt instrument exercises a greater influence over
the investment decision than the stated coupon rate or credit rating. The fund
expects to invest in debt securities issued by reorganizing or restructuring
companies, or companies that recently emerged from, or are facing the prospect
of a financial restructuring. It is under these circumstances, which usually
involve unrated or low rated securities that are often in, or are about to,
default, that the manager seeks to identify securities which are sometimes
available at prices which it believes are less than their intrinsic values. The
fund may invest without limit in defaulted debt securities, subject to the
fund's restriction on investments in illiquid securities. Defaulted debt
securities may be considered speculative. The purchase of debt of a troubled
company always involves a risk that the investment may be lost. However, the
debt securities of reorganizing or restructuring companies typically rank senior
to the equity securities of such companies.
Closed-end investment companies While the fund may not purchase securities of
registered open-end investment companies or affiliated investment companies, it
may invest from time to time in other investment company securities. The fund
may not purchase more than 3% of the voting securities of another investment
company. In addition, the fund will not invest more than 5% of its assets in the
securities of any single investment company and will not invest more than 10% of
its assets in investment company securities. Investors should recognize that
they indirectly bear a proportionate share of the expenses of these investment
companies, including operating costs, and investment advisory and administrative
fees.
Short sales The fund may also sell short securities it does not own up to 5% of
its assets. The fund may also sell securities "short against the box" without
limit.
Other investment policies The fund may also:
o lend its portfolio securities;
o enter into repurchase transactions;
o purchase securities on a "when-issued" or "delayed delivery" basis;
o invest in restricted or illiquid securities;
o purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call
options on securities, equity and fixed-income indices and other financial
instruments; and
o purchase and sell futures contracts and related options.
Natural Resources Securities Fund (Natural Resources Fund)
Prior to May 1, 1997, the Natural Resources Fund was known as the Precious
Metals Fund and had different investment goals and policies. The fund's
investment goal is capital appreciation. Its secondary goal is current income.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in equity
securities of companies in or related ot the natural resources sector. Companies
in the natural resources sector may own, produce, refine process or market
natural resources, or provide support services for natural resources companies
(e.g., develop technologies or provide services, supplies or equipment related
to natural resources). The natural resources sector includes, but is not limited
to, the following industries: integrated oil; oil and gas exploration and
production; gold and precious metals; steel and iron ore production; aluminum
production; forest products; farming products; paper products; chemicals;
building materials; energy services and technology; environmental services; and
energy generation and distribution.
While the fund normally expects to invest primarily in equity securities, the
manager may vary the mixture of common stocks, preferred stocks and debt
securities depending on how each category will contribute to meeting the fund's
investment goal.
Natural resources risks. Because the fund concentrates its investments in the
natural resources sector, its shares may be subject to greater risk of adverse
developments in those industries than an investment in a portfolio with greater
industry diversification. In addition, at the manager's discretion, the fund may
from time to time invest up to 25% of its assets in any industry or group of
industries within the natural resources sector. This strategy may expose the
fund to greater investment risk than a more diversified strategy within the
sector.
Certain of the natural resources industries' commodities are subject to limited
pricing flexibility as a result of similar supply and demand factors. Other
commodities have broad price fluctuations, reflecting the volatility of certain
raw materials' prices and the instability of supplies of other resources. These
factors can affect the overall profitability of an individual company operating
within the natural resources sector. While the manager may strive to diversify
among the industries within the natural resources sector to reduce this
volatility, the value of an individual company's securities may prove more
volatile than the broader market. In addition, many of these companies operate
in areas of the world where they are subject to unstable political environments,
currency fluctuations and inflationary pressures.
Foreign securities While the fund will normally invest a greater percentage of
its assets in U.S. securities than in securities of issuers in any other single
country, the fund may invest 50% or more of its assets in foreign securities,
including emerging markets.
Small companies The fund may invest without limitation in small capitalization
companies ("small companies"), which have market capitalizations of $1.5 billion
or less at the time of purchase. These may include investments in small mining
or oil and gas exploration concerns the manager believes may have significant
potential for appreciation, but are subject to the risk that their exploration
efforts will not be successful. The fund will not invest more than 10% of its
assets in securities of companies with less than three years of continuous
operation.
REITs The fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in real estate
investment trusts (REITs), which may be in or outside the natural resources
sector.
DEBT SECURITIES The fund may invest in debt securities issued by domestic or
foreign corporations or governments.
The fund may invest, without percentage limitation, in debt securities rated as
"investment grade" by Moody's or S&P, or in unrated debt securities that the
manager determines are of similar quality. The fund may also invest up to 15% of
its assets in debt securities rated BB or lower by S&P or Ba or lower by
Moody's, so long as they are not rated lower than B by Moody's or S&P, or
unrated debt securities that the manager determines are of similar quality. The
manager does not currently expect investments in lower rated debt securities to
exceed 5% of the fund's assets.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES The fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in equity
or debt securities of foreign or domestic issuers outside the natural resources
sector. Some of these issuers may be in industries related to the natural
resources sector and, therefore, may be subject to similar risks. The fund may
also:
o make temporary defensive investments;
o purchase debt securities on a "when-issued" or "delayed delivery" basis;
o write covered call options;
o lend its portfolio securities;
o enter into repurchase transactions;
o borrow money; and
o invest in restricted or illiquid securities.
SMALL CAP FUND
The fund's investment objective is long-term capital growth.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in equity
securities of small capitalization grwoth companies, with market capitalizations
of less than $1.5 billion at the time of purchase. Investments in small
capitalization companies ("small companies") may involve greater risks and
greater volatility than investments in larger and more established companies.
The fund may not be appropriate for short-term investors, and an investment in
the portfolio should not be considered a complete investment program.
The securities of small companies are traded on U.S. and foreign stock exchanges
and in the over-the-counter market. As an operating policy the fund will not
invest more than 10% of its assets in securities issued by companies with less
than three years of continuous operation.
Equity securities of small companies may consist of common stock, preferred
stock, warrants for the purchase of common stock, and convertible securities.
The fund currently does not intend to invest more than 10% of its assets in
convertible securities.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Although the fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in
foreign securities, including those of emerging markets issuers and Depositary
Receipts, it does not intend to invest more than 10%. The fund presently does
not intend to invest more than 5% of its assets in emerging markets securities.
OTHER INVESTMENTS Although the fund's assets will be invested primarily in
equity securities of small companies, the fund may invest up to 35% of its
assets in other instruments, which may cause its performance to vary from that
of the small capitalization equity markets. The fund may invest in equity
securities of larger companies which the fund's manager believes have strong
growth potential, or in equity securities of relatively well-known, larger
companies in mature industries which the manager believes have the potential for
appreciation.
DEBT SECURITIES The fund may also invest in debt securities that the manager
believes have the potential for capital appreciation as a result of improvement
in the creditworthiness of the issuer. The receipt of income is incidental to
the fund's goal of capital growth. The fund may invest in debt securities rated
B or above by Moody's or S&P, or in unrated securities the manager determines
are of comparable quality. Currently, however, the fund does not intend to
invest more than 5% of its assets in debt securities (including convertible debt
securities) rated lower than BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's or in unrated
securities the manager determines to be of comparable quality.
REITS The fund currently does not intend to invest more than 10% of its assets
in real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), including small company REITs.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES The fund may also:
o write covered put and call options on securities or financial indices;
o purchase put and call options on securities or financial indices;
o purchase and sell futures contracts or related options with respect to
securities, indices and currencies;
o invest in restricted or illiquid securities;
o lend portfolio securities; borrow money; and
o enter into repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements.
TEMPLETON DEVELOPING MARKETS EQUITY FUND (DEVELOPING MARKETS FUND)
The fund's investment goal is long-term capital appreciation.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in emerging
market equity securities that are issued by emerging market companies. Emerging
market countries include: (i) countries that are generally considered low or
middle income countries by the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (commonly known as the World Bank) and the International Finance
Corporation; or (ii) countries that are classified by United Nations or
otherwise regarded by their authorities as emerging, or (iii) countries with a
market capitalization of less than 3% of the Morgan Stanley Capital World Index.
Emerging market companies are (i) companies whose principal securities trading
markets are in emerging market countries, or (ii) companies that derive a
significant share of their total revenue from either goods or services produced
or sales made in emerging market countries, or (iii) companies that have a
significant portion of their assets in emerging market countries, or (iv)
companies that are linked to currencies of emerging market countries, or (v)
companies that are organized under the laws of, or with principal offices in,
emerging market countries.
The manager will determine eligibility based on publicly available information
and inquiries to the companies. The fund will at all times, except during
defensive periods, maintain investments in at least three countries having
emerging markets. The fund has the ability to purchase securities in any foreign
country, developed or emerging. However, as a non-fundamental policy, the fund
will limit its investments in securities of Russian issuers to 5% of assets.
From time to time, the fund may hold significant cash positions until suitable
investment opportunities are available, consistent with its policy on temporary
investments.
The fund seeks to benefit from economic and other developments in emerging
markets. The investment goal of the fund reflects the belief that investment
opportunities may result from an evolving long-term international trend favoring
more market-oriented economies, a trend that may especially benefit certain
countries having emerging markets. This trend may be facilitated by local or
international political, economic or financial developments that could benefit
the capital markets of such countries. Certain countries, particularly the
emerging market countries in the process of developing more market-oriented
economies, may experience relatively high rates of economic growth. Other
countries, although having relatively mature emerging markets, may also be in a
position to benefit from local or international developments encouraging greater
market orientation and diminishing governmental intervention in economic
affairs.
DEBT SECURITIES For capital appreciation, the fund may invest up to 35% of its
assets in fixed-income debt securities which are rated at least C by Moody's or
S&P or unrated debt securities that the manager determines to be of comparable
quality. These securities include bonds, notes, debentures, commercial paper,
certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances. As a current
policy established by the Board, however, the fund will not invest more than 5%
of its assets in debt securities rated BBB or lower by S&P or Baa or lower by
Moody's (the lowest category of "investment grade" rating). The Board may
consider an increase in these percentages if economic conditions change such
that a higher level of investment in high risk, lower quality debt securities
would be in the interests of the fund and its shareholders.
Certain debt securities can provide the potential for capital appreciation based
on various factors such as changes in interest rates, economic and market
conditions, improvement in an issuer's ability to repay principal and pay
interest, and ratings upgrades. Additionally, convertible bonds offer the
potential for capital appreciation through the conversion feature, which enables
the holder of the bond to benefit from increases in the market price of the
securities into which they are convertible.
DEFAULTED DEBT SECURITIES As a fundamental policy, the fund may invest up to 10%
of its assets in defaulted debt securities, which may be considered speculative.
CURRENCY HEDGING With respect to debt securities the fund may employ the
following currency hedging techniques: foreign currency futures contracts,
forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("forward contracts"), and options
on foreign currencies. Further, the fund will not enter into forward contracts
if, as a result, the fund will have more than 20% of its assets committed to
these contracts.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES The fund may also:
o lend its portfolio securities;
o engage in repurchase transactions;
o borrow money for investment purposes;
o for hedging purposes only, enter into transactions in options on
securities and securities indices and futures contracts and related
options;
o purchase convertible securities and warrants; and
o invest in restricted or illiquid securities.
The fund may not commit more than 5% of its assets to initial margin deposits on
futures contracts and related options. The value of the underlying securities on
which futures contracts will be written at any one time will not exceed 25% of
the fund's assets. Presently, the fund cannot use these strategies to a
significant extent in the markets in which the fund will principally invest.
TEMPLETON GLOBAL GROWTH FUND (GLOBAL GROWTH FUND)
The fund's investment goal is long-term capital growth. Any income the fund
earns will be incidental.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in equity
securities of companies of any nation, including the U.S. and emerging markets.
As a non-fundamental policy, the fund will limit its investments in securities
of Russian issuers to 5% of assets. Although the fund generally invests in
common stock, it may also invest in preferred stocks and certain debt
securities, rated or unrated, such as convertible bonds and bonds selling at a
discount. The fund may, from time to time, hold significant cash positions until
suitable investment opportunities are available, consistent with its policy on
temporary investments.
Following these policies, the fund will typically invest predominantly in equity
securities issued by large-cap or mid-cap companies, with market capitalizations
greater than $1.5 billion. It may also invest to a lesser degree in smaller
companies, which are subject to different and greater risks.
DEBT SECURITIES For capital appreciation, the fund may invest in debt securities
(defined as bonds, notes, debentures, commercial paper, certificates of deposit,
time deposits and bankers' acceptances) which are rated at least C by Moody's or
S&P (the lowest rating category) or unrated debt securities the manager
determines to be of comparable quality. As a policy established by the Board,
however, the fund will not invest more than 5% of its assets in debt securities
rated BBB or lower by S&P or Baa or lower by Moody's. The Board may consider a
change if economic conditions change such that a higher level of investment in
high risk, lower quality debt securities would be consistent with the goal of
the fund.
These debt securities can provide the potential for capital appreciation based
on various factors such as changes in interest rates, economic and market
conditions, improvement in an issuer's ability to repay principal and pay
interest, and ratings upgrades. Additionally, convertible bonds offer the
potential for capital appreciation through the conversion feature, which enables
the holder of the bond to benefit from increases in the market price of the
securities into which they are convertible.
DEFAULTED DEBT SECURITIES As a fundamental policy, the fund may invest up to 10%
of its assets in defaulted debt securities, which may be considered speculative.
CURRENCY HEDGING With respect to debt securities, the fund may employ the
currency hedging techniques: foreign currency futures contracts, forward foreign
currency exchange contracts ("forward contracts"), and options on foreign
currencies.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES The fund may purchase and sell stock index futures
contracts up to in the aggregate 20% of its assets. It may not at any time
commit more than 5% of its assets to initial margin deposits on futures
contracts. 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.
The fund may also:
o invest up to 5% of its assets in securities issued by any one company or
foreign government (exclusive of U.S. Government securities)
o invest up to 5% of its assets in warrants (exclusive of warrants acquired
in units or attached to securities);
o invest up to 10% of its assets in securities with a limited trading
market, i.e.,"illiquid securities";
o enter into repurchase agreements;
o lend its portfolio securities; and
o invest in restricted securities.
TEMPLETON INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND (INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND)
The fund's investment goal is long-term capital growth.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in equity
securities of companies located outside the U.S., including emerging markets.
The funds investments include common and preferred stock, securities (bonds or
preferred stock) convertible into common stock, warrants, and Depositary
Receipts.
The fund will purchase equity securities that trade in non-U.S. markets, and be
issued by (i) companies domiciled in countries other than the U.S., or (ii)
companies that derive at least 50% of either their revenues or pre-tax income
from activities outside of the U.S. Thus, it is possible, although not
anticipated, that up to 35% of the fund's assets could be invested in U.S.
companies.
In selecting portfolio securities, the fund attempts to take advantage of the
difference between economic trends and the anticipated performance of securities
and their markets in various countries. The fund may, from time to time, hold
significant cash positions until suitable investment opportunities are
available, consistent with its policy on temporary investments. Following these
policies, the fund will typically invest predominantly in equity securities
issued by large-cap or mid-cap companies, with market capitalizations greater
than $1.5 billion. It may also invest to a lesser degree in smaller companies,
which are subject to different and greater risks.
Normally, the fund will invest at least 65% of its assets in securities traded
in at least three foreign countries. As a non-fundamental policy, the fund will
limit its investments in securities of Russian issuers to 5% of assets.
DEBT SECURITIES The fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in debt securities.
The fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in debt obligations rated Ba or
lower by Moody's or BB or lower by S&P, or unrated securities the manager
determines to be of comparable quality.
The fund may seek capital appreciation by investing in debt securities that
increase in value through changes in relative foreign currency exchange rates,
changes in relative interest rates or improvement in the creditworthiness of the
issuer. These debt securities may consist of U.S. and foreign government
securities and corporate debt obligations, including Yankee bonds, Eurobonds,
and Depositary Receipts.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES. The fund may:
o invest up to 10% of its net assets in illiquid securities;
o invest up to 10% of its net assets in warrants, including such warrants
that are not listed on an exchange;
o write covered call and put options on securities;
o purchase call and put options on securities;
o buy puts and write calls in "forward conversion" transactions;
o engage in "spread" and "straddle" transactions;
o purchase and write call and put options on stock indices;
o enter into contracts for the purchase or sale for future delivery of U.S.
Treasury or foreign securities or futures contracts based upon financial
indices;
o purchase and sell interest rate futures contracts and related options;
o purchase and sell stock index futures contracts and related options;
o lend its portfolio securities;
o engage in repurchase agreements; and
o invest in enhanced convertible securities.
TEMPLETON INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND (INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES
FUND)
The fund's investment goal is long-term capital appreciation.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in equity
securities of smaller companies located outside the U.S., including emerging
markets. Small-cap companies have market capitalizations of less than $1
billion. The manager believes that international small cap companies may provide
attractive investment opportunities, because these securities comprise a
majority of the world's equity securities. These companies also are frequently
overlooked by investors or undervalued in relation to their perceived earning
power. In addition, such securities may provide investors with the opportunity
to increase the diversification of their overall investment portfolios, because
these securities' market performance may differ from U.S. small cap stocks and
large-cap stocks of any nation. Equity securities of small cap companies may
include common stock, preferred stock, warrants for the purchase of common
stock, and convertible securities.
As an operating policy, the fund will not invest more than 10% of its assets in
securities of companies with less than three years of continuous operation.
As a non-fundamental policy, the fund will limit its investments in securities
of Russian issuers to 5% of assets.
The fund may, from time to time, hold significant cash positions until suitable
investment opportunities are available, consistent with its policy on temporary
investments.
DEBT SECURITIES The fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in:
o equity securities of larger issuers outside the U.S.;
o equity securities of larger or smaller issuers within the U.S., although
the fund does not expect these investments to exceed 5% of assets; or
o debt securities issued by companies or governments in any nation which are
rated at least C by Moody's or S&P or unrated debt securities the manager
determines are comparable.
As a current policy, however, the fund will not invest more than 5% of its
assets in debt securities rated lower than BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's. These
investments may cause the fund's performance to vary from those of international
smaller equity markets.
DEFAULTED DEBT SECURITIES. The fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in
defaulted debt obligations, which may be considered speculative.
CURRENCY HEDGING With respect to debt securities, the fund may employ the
following currency hedging techniques: foreign currency futures contracts,
forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("forward contracts"), and options
on foreign currencies. Further, the fund will not enter into forward contracts
if, as a result, the fund would have more that 20% of its assets committed to
these contracts.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES The fund may invest no more than 5% of its assets in
securities of any one issuer. This restriction does not include U.S. Government
securities. The fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in warrants, including
those not listed on an exchange.
For hedging purposes only, the fund may enter into:
o transactions in options on securities, securities indices, and foreign
currencies; and
o futures contracts and related options. The value of the underlying
securities on which futures contracts will be written at any one time will
not exceed 25% of the assets of the fund.
The fund may also enter into repurchase agreements, invest in illiquid
securities, and lend its portfolio securities.
As a non-fundamental investment policy, which may be changed by the Board
without shareholder approval, the fund may not invest more than 5% of its assets
in warrants, whether or not listed on the New York or American Exchange,
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.
TEMPLETON PACIFIC GROWTH FUND (PACIFIC GROWTH FUND)
The Templeton Pacific Growth Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital.
Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest primarily in equity
securities which trade on markets in the Pacific Rim, including emerging
markets, and which are (i) issued by companies domiciled in the Pacific Rim, or
(ii) issued by companies that derive at least 50% of either their revenues or
pre-tax income from activities in the Pacific Rim. Normally, the fund will
invest at least 65% of its assets in securities traded in at least three foreign
countries, including the listed countries. The fund may, from time to time, hold
significant cash positions until suitable investment opportunities are
available, consistent with its policy on temporary investments.
Although the fund will not invest more than 25% of its assets in any one
industry or the government of any one country, the fund may invest more than 25%
of its assets in the securities of issuers in any given country.
OTHER INVESTMENTS The fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in the securities
of issuers domiciled outside of the Pacific Rim or in investment grade debt
securities.
The fund may seek capital appreciation by investing in debt securities that
increase in value through changes in relative foreign currency exchange rates,
changes in relative interest rates or improvement in the creditworthiness of the
issuer. These debt obligations may consist of U.S. and foreign government
securities and corporate debt obligations, including Yankee bonds, Eurobonds,
and Depositary Receipts.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES The fund may:
o invest up to 10% of its net assets in illiquid securities;
o invest no more than 10% of its net assets in warrants, including those not
listed on an exchange (this is the fund's current intention and is not a
fundamental policy);
o write covered call and put options on securities;
o purchase call and put options on securities;
o buy puts and write calls in "forward conversion" transactions;
o engage in "spread" and "straddle" transactions;
o purchase and write call and put options on stock indices;
o enter into contracts for the purchase or sale for future delivery of U.S.
Treasury or foreign securities or futures contracts based upon financial
indices;
o purchase and sell interest rate futures contracts and related options;
o purchase and sell stock index futures contracts and related options;
o purchase convertible securities;
o lend its portfolio securities; and
o engage in repurchase agreements.
NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES AFFECTING MULTIPLE FUNDS
It is the present policy of each fund, except the Mutual Discovery Fund and
Mutual Shares Fund, (which may be changed without the approval of a majority of
its outstanding shares) not to pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets as
security for loans (except to the extent of allowable temporary loans), nor to
engage in joint or joint and several trading accounts in securities, except that
the funds (including the Mutual Discovery Fund and Mutual Shares Fund) may
participate with other investment companies in the Franklin Group of Funds(R) in
a joint account to engage in certain large repurchase transactions and may
combine orders to purchase or sell securities with orders from other persons to
obtain lower brokerage commissions. It is not any fund's policy to invest in
interests (other than publicly traded equity securities) in oil, gas or other
mineral exploration or development programs.
SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES, GENERALLY
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THIS SECTION DESCRIBES CERTAIN TYPES OF SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
THAT MAY BE USED BY A FUND, IF THE FUND IS AUTHORIZED TO DO SO IN THE DISCUSSION
IN ITS INDIVIDUAL FUND SECTION IN THIS SAI. IF THERE IS A CONFLICT BETWEEN THIS
SECTION AND THE INDIVIDUAL FUND SECTION WITH RESPECT TO INVESTMENTS, THE
INDIVIDUAL FUND SECTION CONTROLS AND SHOULD BE RELIED UPON.
All policies and percentage limitations are considered at the time of purchase
of an investment and refer to a fund's total assets, unless another purpose is
indicated. A fund will not necessarily use the strategies described to the full
extent permitted unless the managers believe that doing so will help a fund
reach its objectives. Further, not all instruments or strategies will be used at
all times.
In the event of a corporate restructuring or bankruptcy reorganization of a
company whose securities are owned by a fund, the fund may receive securities
different from those originally purchased. For example, a fund might receive
common stock that is not dividend paying, bonds with a lower coupon or more
junior status, convertible securities or even conceivably real estate. The fund
is not obligated to sell such investments immediately, if the manager believes,
based on its own analysis, that the longer term outlook is favorable and there
is the potential for a higher total return by holding such investments.
Each fund is also subject to investment restrictions that are described under
the heading "Investment Restrictions" in this SAI. The investment objective of
each fund and its listed investment restrictions are "fundamental policies" of
each fund, which means that they may not be changed without a majority vote of
shareholders of the fund. With the exception of a fund's investment objective
and those restrictions specifically identified as fundamental, all investment
policies and practices described in the prospectus and in this SAI are not
fundamental, which means that the Board of Trustees may change them without
shareholder approval.
BORROWING Most funds may borrow in excess of 5% only from banks for temporary or
emergency purposes. Certain funds may borrow up to 33 1/3% of their total net
assets to make investments or for other purposes. See "Investment Restrictions"
for more information about the funds' policies with respect to borrowing.
Under federal securities laws, a fund may borrow from banks only and is required
to maintain continuous asset coverage of 300% with respect to such borrowings
and to sell (within three days) sufficient portfolio holdings to restore such
coverage if it should decline to less than 300% due to market fluctuations or
otherwise, even if disadvantageous from an investment standpoint.
Leveraging by means of borrowing will exaggerate the effect of any increase or
decrease in the value of portfolio securities on a fund's net asset value, and
money borrowed will be subject to interest and other costs (which may include
commitment fees and/or the cost of maintaining minimum average balances) which
may or may not exceed the income received from the securities purchased with
borrowed funds.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES Certain funds may invest in convertible securities. A
convertible security is generally a debt obligation or preferred stock that may
be converted within a specified period of time into a certain amount of common
stock of the same or a different issuer. A convertible security provides a
fixed-income stream and, through its conversion feature, the potential for the
security to increase in value if there is an increase in the value of the
underlying common stock.
A convertible security tends to increase in market value when interest rates
decline and decrease in value when interest rates rise. The value of a
convertible security also tends to increase as the market value of the
underlying stock rises, and it tends to decrease as the market value of the
underlying stock declines. Because both interest rate and market movements can
influence its value, a convertible security is not as sensitive to interest
rates as a similar fixed-income security, nor is it as sensitive to changes in
share price as its underlying stock.
A convertible security is usually issued either by an operating company or by an
investment bank. A convertible security issued by an operating company is
generally senior to common stock, but subordinate to other types of fixed-income
securities issued by that company. When a convertible security issued by an
operating company is "converted," the operating company often issues new stock
to the holder of the convertible security. However, if the parity price of the
convertible security is less than the call price, the operating company may pay
out cash instead of common stock. The parity price is the price at which the
common stock underlying the convertible security may be obtained; the call price
is the price of the bond, including any premium related to the conversion
feature. A convertible security issued by an investment bank is an obligation of
and is convertible through the issuing investment bank.
The convertible debt securities in which the funds may invest are subject to the
same rating criteria and investment policies as the funds' investments in debt
securities.The issuer of a convertible security may be important in determining
the security's true value, because the holder of a convertible security will
have recourse only to the issuer. In addition, the issuer may redeem a
convertible security after a specified date and under circumstances established
at the time the security is issued.
A convertible preferred stock is treated like a preferred stock for the fund's
financial reporting, credit rating, and investment limitation purposes. A
preferred stock is subordinated to the issuer's debt obligations in the event of
insolvency. An issuer's failure to make a dividend payment is generally not an
event of default entitling a preferred shareholder to take action. A preferred
stock generally has no maturity date, so that its market value is dependent on
the issuer's business prospects for an indefinite period of time. In addition,
distributions from preferred stock are dividends, rather than interest payments,
and are usually treated that way for corporate tax purposes.
ENHANCED CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES In addition to "plain vanilla" convertibles a
number of different structures have been created to fit the characteristics of
specific investors and issuers.
Certain funds may invest in convertible preferred stocks that offer enhanced
yield features, such as Preferred Equity Redemption Cumulative Stocks ("PERCS"),
which provide an investor, such as a fund, with the opportunity to earn higher
dividend income than is available on a company's common stock. PERCS are
preferred stocks that generally feature a mandatory conversion date, as well as
a capital appreciation limit, which is usually expressed in terms of a stated
price. Most PERCS expire three years from the date they are issued, at which
time they are convertible into common stock of the issuer. PERCS are generally
not convertible into cash at maturity. Under a typical arrangement, after three
years PERCS convert into one share of the issuer's common stock if the issuer's
common stock is trading at a price below that set by the capital appreciation
limit, and into less than one full share if the issuer's common stock is trading
at a price above that set by the capital appreciation limit. The amount of that
fractional share of common stock is determined by dividing the price set by the
capital appreciation limit by the market price of the issuer's common stock.
PERCS can be called, i.e., required to be returned to the issuer, at any time
prior to maturity, and hence do not provide call protection. If called early,
however, the issuer must pay a call premium over the market price to the
investor. This call premium declines at a preset rate daily, up to the maturity
date.
Certain funds may also invest in other classes of enhanced convertible
securities. These include but are not limited to:
o ACES (Automatically Convertible Equity Securities),
o PEPS (Participating Equity Preferred Stock),
o PRIDES (Preferred Redeemable Increased Dividend Equity Securities),
o SAILS (Stock Appreciation Income Linked Securities),
o TECONS (Term Convertible Notes),
o QICS (Quarterly Income Cumulative Securities) and
o DECS (Dividend Enhanced Convertible Securities).
ACES, PEPS, PRIDES, SAILS, TECONS, QICS and DECS all have the following
features:
o they are issued by a company whose common stock will be received in the
event the convertible preferred stock is converted;
o unlike PERCS, they do not have a capital appreciation limit;
o they seek to provide the investor with high current income with some
prospect of future capital appreciation;
o they are typically issued with three or four-year maturities;
o they typically have some built-in call protection for the first two to
three years;
o investors have the right to convert them into shares of common stock at a
preset conversion ratio or hold them until maturity, and upon maturity
they will necessarily convert into either cash or a specified number of
shares of common stock.
Similarly, there may be enhanced convertible debt obligations issued by the
operating company that convert to its common stock or the shares of a different
issuer. Names such as ELKS (Equity Linked Securities) or similar names may
identify these securities. Typically they share most of the characteristics of
an enhanced convertible preferred stock but will be ranked as senior or
subordinated debt in the issuer's corporate structure according to the terms of
the debt indenture, which is the agreement that describes the security. A fund
may invest in additional types of convertible securities not specifically
described here, as long as such investments are consistent with its objectives
and policies.
SYNTHETIC CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES Certain funds may invest a portion of their
assets in "synthetic convertible" securities. A synthetic convertible is created
by combining distinct securities that together possess fixed income payments and
the right to acquire the underlying equity security. This combination is
achieved by investing in nonconvertible fixed-income securities and in warrants
or stock or stock index call options which grant the holder the right to
purchase a specified quantity of securities within a specified period of time at
a specified price or to receive cash in the case of stock index options.
Synthetic convertible securities are generally not considered to be "equity
securities" for purposes of each fund's investment policy regarding those
securities.
Synthetic convertible securities differ from a true convertible security in the
following respects:
o The value of a synthetic convertible is the sum of the values of its fixed
-income and convertibility components, which means that the values of a
synthetic convertible and a true convertible security will respond
differently to market fluctuations.
o Typically, the two components of a synthetic convertible represent one
issuer, butfund may combine components representing distinct issuers, or
to combine a fixed income security with a call option on a stock index,
when the manager determines that such a combination would better promote a
fund's investment objectives.
o The component parts of a synthetic convertible security may be purchased
simultaneously or separately.
o The holder of a synthetic convertible faces the risk that the price of the
stock, or the level of the market index underlying the convertibility
component will decline.
DEBT SECURITIES A debt security typically has a fixed payment schedule that
obligates the issuer to pay interest to the lender and to return the lender's
money over a certain time period. These securities include bonds, notes,
debentures, and commercial paper, which differ in the length of the issuer's
payment schedule, with bonds carrying the longest repayment schedule and
commercial paper the shortest.
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.
During periods of rising interest rates, the value of such securities generally
declines. These changes in market value of securities owned by the fund will be
reflected in the fund's net asset value per share.
RATINGS. Various investment services publish ratings of some of the debt
securities in which the funds may invest. Higher yields are ordinarily available
from securities in the lower rating categories, such as securities rated Ba or
lower by Moody's or BB or lower by S&P or from unrated securities deemed by a
fund's manager to be of comparable quality. These ratings represent the opinions
of the rating services with respect to the issuer's ability to pay interest and
repay principal. They do not purport to reflect other risk, such as the risk of
fluctuations in market value and are not absolute standards of quality. However,
lower rated securities typically are riskier than investment grade securities.
Bonds which are rated C by Moody's are the lowest rated class of bonds, and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing. Bonds rated C by S&P are obligations on
which no interest is being paid. Please see the appendix for a discussion of the
ratings.
If the rating on an issue held in a fund's portfolio is changed by the rating
service or the security goes into default, this event will be considered by the
fund in its evaluation of the overall investment merits of that security but
will not generally result in an automatic sale of the security.
Regardless of rating levels, all debt securities considered for purchase
(whether rated or unrated) will be carefully analyzed by the manager to assess
whether, at the time of purchase, the planned investment offers potential
returns which are reasonable in light of the risks involved.
BANK OBLIGATIONS, or instruments secured by bank obligations, include fixed,
floating or variable rate CDs, letters of credit, time deposits, bank notes and
bankers' acceptances. Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates issued
against funds deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and
earning a specified return. Bankers' acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills
of exchange normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific
merchandise and which are "accepted" by a bank, meaning, in effect, that the
bank unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument upon
maturity. For funds permitted to invest in bank obligations, such obligations
include dollar-denominated certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances of
foreign and domestic banks having total assets in excess of $1 billion,
certificates of deposit of federally insured savings and loan associations
having total assets in excess of $1 billion, or cash and time deposits with
banks in the currency of any major nation. Time deposits are non-negotiable
deposits that are held in a banking institution for a specified time at a stated
interest rate.
Certain funds may invest in obligations of U.S. banks, foreign branches of U.S.
banks, foreign branches of foreign banks, and U.S. branches of foreign banks
that have a federal or state charter to do business in the U.S. and are subject
to U.S. regulatory authorities.
COMMERCIAL PAPER typically refers to short-term obligations of banks,
corporations and other borrowers with maturities of up to 270 days. A fund may
invest in domestic or foreign commercial paper. Investments in commercial paper
are generally limited to obligations rated Prime-1 or Prime-2 by Moody's or A-1
or A-2 by S&P or if unrated, issued by companies having an outstanding debt
issue currently rated Aaa or Aa by Moody's or AAA or AA by S&P. See the Appendix
for a description of commercial paper ratings. Certain funds may also invest in
lower rated commercial paper to the extent permitted by their policies on lower
rated debt securities generally.
DEFERRED INTEREST AND PAY-IN-KIND BONDS Certain funds may buy bonds issued at a
discount that defer the payment of interest until maturity, or which pay
interest through the issuance of additional bonds, known as pay-in-kind bonds.
See "Risks, Lower rated securities" for more information about these bonds.
MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES
ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE SECURITIES ("ARMS"). Certain funds may invest in ARMS.
ARMS, like traditional mortgage securities, are interests in pools of mortgage
loans. The interest rates on the mortgages underlying ARMS are reset
periodically. The adjustable interest rate feature of the mortgages underlying
the mortgage securities in which the funds invest generally will act as a buffer
to reduce sharp changes in a fund's net asset value in response to normal
interest rate fluctuations. As the interest rates are reset, the yields of the
securities will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market rates so
that their market value will remain relatively stable compared to fixed-rate
securities. As a result, a fund's net asset value should fluctuate less
significantly than if the fund invested in more traditional long-term,
fixed-rate securities. During periods of extreme fluctuation in interest rates,
however, a fund's net asset value will fluctuate.
Because the interest rates on the mortgages underlying ARMS are reset
periodically, a fund may participate in increases in interest rates, resulting
in both higher current yields and lower price fluctuations. This differs from
fixed-rate mortgages, which generally decline in value during periods of rising
interest rates. A fund, however, will not benefit from increases in interest
rates to the extent that interest rates exceed the maximum allowable annual or
lifetime reset limits (or "cap rates") for a particular mortgage security. Since
most mortgage securities held by the funds will generally have annual reset
limits or caps of 100 to 200 basis points, short-term fluctuations in interest
rates above these levels could cause these mortgage securities to "cap out" and
behave more like long-term, fixed-rate debt securities. If prepayments of
principal are made on the underlying mortgages during periods of rising interest
rates, a fund generally will be able to reinvest these amounts in securities
with a higher current rate of return.
During periods of rising interest rates, changes in the interest rates on
mortgages underlying ARMS lag behind changes in the market rate. This may result
in a lower net asset value until the interest rate resets to market rates. Thus,
you could suffer some principal loss if you sell your shares of a fund before
the interest rates on the underlying mortgages in the underlying portfolio reset
to market rates. Also, a fund's net asset value could vary to the extent that
current yields on mortgage-backed securities are different from market yields
during interim periods between coupon reset dates. A portion of the ARMS in
which the funds may invest may not reset for up to five years.
During periods of declining interest rates, the interest rates may reset
downward, resulting in lower yields to a fund. As a result, the value of ARMS is
unlikely to rise during periods of declining interest rates to the same extent
as the value of fixed-rate securities. As with other mortgage-backed securities,
declining interest rates may result in accelerated prepayments of mortgages, and
a fund may have to reinvest the proceeds from the prepayments at the lower
prevailing interest rates.
For certain types of ARMS, the rate of amortization of principal, as well as
interest payments, change in accordance with movements in a pre-specified,
published interest rate index. The amount of interest due to an ARMS holder is
calculated by adding a specified additional amount, the "margin," to the index,
subject to limitations or "caps" on the maximum and minimum interest that is
charged to the mortgagor during the life of the mortgage or to maximum and
minimum changes to that interest rate during a given period.
Mortgage loan pools offering pass-through investments in addition to those
described above may be created in the future. The mortgages underlying these
securities may be alternative mortgage instruments, that is, mortgage
instruments whose principal or interest payments may vary or whose terms to
maturity may differ from customary long-term, fixed-rate mortgages. As new types
of mortgage securities are developed and offered to investors, a fund may invest
in them if they are consistent with the fund's goal, policies, and quality
standards.
ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES ("ARS"). Certain funds will invest in ARS. ARS are
debt securities with interest rates that are adjusted periodically pursuant to a
pre-set formula and interval. Movements in the relevant index on which
adjustments are based, as well as the applicable spread relating to the ARS,
will affect the interest paid on ARS and, therefore, the current income earned
by a fund by investing in ARS. (See "Resets.")
The interest rates on ARS are readjusted periodically to an amount above the
chosen interest rate index. These readjustments occur at intervals ranging from
one to sixty months. The degree of volatility in the market value of the
securities held by a fund and of the net asset value of the fund's shares will
be a function primarily of the length of the adjustment period and the degree of
volatility in the applicable indices. It will also be a function of the maximum
increase or decrease of the interest rate adjustment on any one adjustment date,
in any one year, and over the life of the securities. These maximum increases
and decreases are typically referred to as "caps" and "floors," respectively. A
fund does not seek to maintain an overall average cap or floor, although the
manager will consider caps or floors in selecting ARS for a fund.
While the funds investing in ARS do not attempt to maintain a stable net asset
value per share, during periods when short-term interest rates move within the
caps and floors of the securities held by a fund, the fluctuation in market
value of the ARS held by the fund is expected to be relatively limited, since
the interest rates on the ARS generally adjust to market rates within a short
period of time. In periods of substantial short-term volatility in interest
rates, the value of a fund's holdings may fluctuate more substantially because
the caps and floors of its ARS may not permit the interest rates to adjust to
the full extent of the movements in the market rates during any one adjustment
period. In the event of dramatic increases in interest rates, the lifetime caps
on the ARS may prevent the securities from adjusting to prevailing rates over
the term of the loan. In this case, the market value of the ARS may be
substantially reduced, with a corresponding decline in a fund's net asset value.
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS ("CMOS") Certain funds may invest in CMOs
issued and guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities and in
CMOs issued by certain financial institutions and other mortgage lenders.
CMOs are debt instruments issued by special purpose entities that are secured by
pools of mortgage loans or other mortgage-backed securities. Principal and
interest on the underlying collateral are paid to the issuer of the CMOs to make
required payments on these securities. In effect, CMO's "pass-through" the
monthly payments made by individual borrowers on their mortgage loans. Timely
payment of interest and principal (but not market value) of these pools is
supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees issued by U.S. Government
agencies, private issuers, and mortgage poolers; however, the obligations itself
is not guaranteed.
A CMO is a mortgage-backed security that separates mortgage pools into short-,
medium-, and long-term components. Each component pays a fixed rate of interest
to security holders at regular intervals. These components enable an investor,
such as a fund, to predict more accurately the pace at which principal is
returned.
CMOs purchased by a fund may be:
(1) collateralized by pools of mortgages in which each mortgage is guaranteed as
to payment of principal and interest by an agency or instrumentality of the U.S.
Government; or
(2) collateralized by pools of mortgages in which payment of principal and
interest are guaranteed by the issuer, an entity specifically created for this
purpose, and the guarantee is collateralized by U.S. Government securities.
If the collateral securing the obligations is insufficient to make payment on
the obligation, a holder could sustain a loss. In addition, a fund may buy CMOs
without insurance or guarantees if, in the opinion of the manager, the sponsor
is creditworthy. The ratings of the CMOs will be consistent with the ratings
criteria of the fund. Prepayments of the mortgages included in the mortgage pool
may influence the yield of the CMO. Prepayments usually increase when interest
rates are decreasing, thereby decreasing the life of the pool.
RESETS. The interest rates paid on ARMS, ARS, and CMOs generally are readjusted
at intervals of one year or less to an increment over some predetermined
interest rate index, although some securities in which the funds may invest may
have intervals as long as five years. There are three main categories of
indices: those based on LIBOR, those based on U.S. Treasury securities, and
those derived from a calculated measure such as a cost of funds index or a
moving average of mortgage rates. Commonly used indices include:
o the one-, three-, and five-year constant-maturity Treasury rates;
o the three-month Treasury bill rate;
o the 180-day Treasury bill rate;
o rates on longer-term Treasury securities;
o the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank Cost of Funds; the National
Median Cost of Funds;
o the one-, three-, six-month, or one-year LIBOR; the prime rate of a
specific bank; or
o commercial paper rates.
Some indices, such as the one-year constant-maturity Treasury rate, closely
mirror changes in market interest rate levels. Others, such as the 11th District
Federal Home Loan Bank Cost of Funds, tend to lag behind changes in market
interest rate levels and tend to be somewhat less volatile.
CAPS AND FLOORS. The underlying mortgages that collateralize ARMS and CMOs will
frequently have caps and floors that limit the maximum amount by which the loan
rate to the borrower may change up or down (a) per reset or adjustment interval
and (b) over the life of the loan. Some residential mortgage loans restrict
periodic adjustments by limiting changes in the borrower's monthly principal and
interest payments rather than limiting interest rate changes. These payment caps
may result in negative amortization.
STRIPPED MORTGAGE SECURITIES. Certain funds may invest in stripped mortgage
securities, which are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. The stripped
mortgage securities in which a fund may invest will only be issued or guaranteed
by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Stripped mortgage
securities have greater market volatility than other types of mortgage
securities in which a fund invests.
Stripped mortgage securities are usually structured with two classes, each
receiving different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a
pool of mortgage assets. A common type of stripped mortgage security has one
class that receives some of the interest and most of the principal from the
mortgage assets, while the other class receives most of the interest and the
remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class receives all of
the interest (the interest-only or "IO" class), while the other class receives
the entire principal (the principal-only or "PO" class). The yield to maturity
on an IO class is extremely sensitive not only to changes in prevailing interest
rates but also to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the
underlying mortgage assets. A rapid rate of principal payments may have a
material adverse effect on the yield to maturity of any IO class held by a fund.
If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated
prepayments of principal, the fund may fail to recoup its initial investment
fully, even if the securities are rated in the highest rating categories, AAA or
Aaa, by S&P or Moody's, respectively.
Stripped mortgage securities are purchased and sold by institutional investors,
such as a fund, through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or
dealers. These securities were only recently developed, and traditional trading
markets have not yet been established for all stripped mortgage securities.
Accordingly, some of these securities may be illiquid. The staff of the SEC has
indicated that only government-issued IO or PO securities that are backed by
fixed-rate mortgages may be deemed to be liquid, if procedures with respect to
determining liquidity are established by a fund's board. The Board may, in the
future, adopt procedures that would permit a fund to acquire, hold, and treat as
liquid government-issued IO and PO securities. At the present time, however, all
such securities will continue to be treated as illiquid and will, together with
any other illiquid investments, not exceed 10% of a fund's net assets. This
position may be changed in the future, without notice to shareholders, in
response to the SEC staff's continued reassessment of this matter, as well as to
changing market conditions.
INVERSE FLOATERS. Certain funds may invest in inverse floaters. Inverse floaters
are instruments with floating or variable interest rates that move in the
opposite direction, usually at an accelerated speed, to short-term interest
rates or interest rate indices.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. Certain funds may invest in asset-backed securities,
including adjustable-rate asset-backed securities that have interest rates that
reset at periodic intervals. Asset-backed securities are similar to
mortgage-backed securities. The underlying assets, however, may include
receivables on home equity and credit card loans, and automobile, mobile home,
and recreational vehicle loans and leases. Asset-backed securities are issued in
either a pass-through structure (similar to a mortgage pass-through structure)
or a pay-through structure (similar to a CMO structure). There may be other
types of asset-backed securities that are developed in the future in which a
fund may invest. In general, collateral supporting asset-backed securities has
shorter maturities than mortgage loans and historically has been less likely to
experience substantial prepayment.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES Certain funds may invest in "municipal securities." These
securities are issued by state and local governments, their agencies and
authorities, as well as by the District of Columbia and U.S. territories and
possessions, to borrow money for various public or private projects. The issuer
pays a fixed or variable rate of interest, and must repay the amount borrowed
(the "principal") at maturity. Municipal securities generally pay interest free
from federal income tax.
STRIPPED SECURITIES are the separate income and principal components of a debt
security. Once the securities have been stripped they are referred to as zero
coupon securities. Stripped securities do not make periodic payments of interest
prior to maturity and the stripping of the interest coupons causes them to be
offered at a discount from their face amount. This results in the security being
subject to greater fluctuations in response to changing interest rates than
interest-paying securities of similar maturities. Certain funds may purchase the
following stripped securities: U.S. Treasury STRIPS; Stripped Government
Securities; Stripped Obligations of the Financing Corporation ("FICO STRIPS");
Stripped Corporate Securities; and, Stripped Eurodollar Obligations
U.S. TREASURY STRIPS ("Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of
Securities") are considered U.S. Treasury securities for purposes of a fund's
investment policies. Their risks are similar to those of other U.S. Government
securities, although they may be more volatile. The U.S. Treasury has
facilitated transfers of ownership of zero coupon securities by accounting
separately for the beneficial ownership of particular interest coupon and
principal payments on Treasury securities through the Federal Reserve book-entry
record-keeping system.
Stripped Government Securities ARE ZERO COUPON SECURITIES ISSUED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT AND ITS AGENCIES AND INSTRUMENTALITIES, BY A VARIETY OF TAX-EXEMPT
ISSUERS SUCH AS STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND THEIR AGENCIES AND
INSTRUMENTALITIES AND BY "MIXED-OWNERSHIP GOVERNMENT CORPORATIONS."
FICO STRIPS represent interest in securities issued by the Financing Corporation
("FICO"), whose sole purpose is to function as a financing vehicle for
recapitalizing the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation ("FSLIC").
FICO STRIPS are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
but are generally treated as U.S. Government agency securities.
STRIPPED CORPORATE SECURITIES are zero coupon securities issued by domestic
corporations which consist of corporate debt obligations without interest
coupons, and, if available, interest coupons that have been stripped from
corporate debt obligations, and receipts and certificates for these stripped
debt obligations and stripped coupons.
STRIPPED EURODOLLAR OBLIGATIONS are stripped debt obligations denominated in
U.S. dollars that are issued by foreign issuers, often subsidiaries of domestic
corporations.
STRUCTURED NOTES are derivative instruments that entitle a holder to receive
some portion of the principal or interest payments that would be due on a
traditional debt obligation. A zero coupon bond, which is the right to receive
only the principal portion of a debt security, is a simple form of structured
note. A structured note's performance or value may be linked to a change in
return, interest rate, or value of the change in an identified or "linked"
equity security, currency, interest rate, index or other financial indicator.
The holder's right to receive principal or interest payments on a structured
note may also vary in timing or amount, depending upon changes in certain rates
of interest or other external events.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES Certain funds may invest in U.S. Government
securities including: (1) U.S. Treasury obligations with varying interest rates,
maturities and dates of issuance, such as U.S. Treasury bills (maturities of one
year or less), U.S. Treasury notes (original maturities of one to ten years) and
U.S. Treasury bonds (generally original maturities of greater than ten years);
and (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and
instrumentalities such as the Government National Mortgage Association, the
Export-Import Bank and the Farmers Home Administration. Some of the funds'
investments will include obligations that are supported by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Government. In the case of U.S. Government obligations that
are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government (e.g.,
obligations of the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) or a Federal
Home Loan Bank), the fund must look principally to the agency issuing or
guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert
a claim against the United States itself in the event the agency or
instrumentality does not meet its commitments.
GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION OBLIGATIONS ("GINNIE MAES") The
Government National Mortgage Association's guarantee of payment of principal and
interest on Ginnie Maes is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government. The Government National Mortgage Association may borrow U.S.
Treasury funds to the extent needed to make payments under its guarantee.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ("SBA") securities are pools of loans to small
businesses which are guaranteed as to principal and interest by the SBA, and
supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. SBA loans
generally have variable interest rates that are set at a premium above the prime
rate, and generally have no interest rate caps or floors. The terms on SBA loans
currently range from 7 to 25 years from the time they are issued.
ZERO COUPON BONDS Certain funds may invest in zero coupon bonds issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Zero
coupon bonds are debt obligations that are issued at a significant discount from
the value set forth on the face of the bond. The original discount approximates
the total amount of interest the bonds will accumulate and compounds over the
period until maturity or the first interest accumulation date at a rate of
interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. A
fund will be deemed to have received income on such investments for tax and
accounting purposes. That income is distributable to shareholders even though no
cash is received at the time of accrual, which may require the liquidation of
other portfolio securities to satisfy the fund's distribution obligations.
DERIVATIVE SECURITIES are those securities whose values are dependent upon the
performance of one or more securities or indices. Certain funds may invest in
the following "derivative securities":
o adjustable rate mortgage securities;
o adjustable rate securities;
o collateralized mortgage obligations;
o convertible securities with enhanced yield features such as PERCS, ACES,
DECS, and PEPS;
o forward contracts;
o futures contracts;
o inverse floaters ;
o mortgage pass-throughs, including multiclass pass-throughs, stripped
mortgage securities, and other asset-backed securities;
o options;
o spreads and straddles;
o swaps;
o synthetic convertible securities; and
o uncovered mortgage dollar rolls.
Derivatives are used for "hedging", which means that they help manage risks
relating to interest rates, currency fluctuations and other market factors. They
may also be used to increase liquidity or to invest in a particular stock or
bond in a more efficient or less expensive way.
CURRENCY RATE SWAPS Certain funds may participate in currency rate swaps. A
currency rate swap is the transfer between two counterparties of their
respective rights to receive payments in specified currencies.
CURRENCY TECHNIQUES AND HEDGING Certain funds may enter into forward currency
exchange contracts ("forward contracts") and currency futures contracts and
options on these futures contracts, although the fund has no present intention
of using any of these techniques except forward contracts. The funds typically
engage in these practices for hedging purposes, or in other words for the
purpose of protecting against declines in the value of a fund's portfolio
securities and the income on these securities. A fund will normally conduct its
foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at
the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through
entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies.
FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS. Certain funds may enter into forward
currency exchange contracts to attempt to minimize the risk to the fund from
adverse changes in the relationship between currencies or to enhance income. A
forward contract involves an obligation to buy or sell a specific currency at a
future date, that may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract
agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These
contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency
traders (usually large commercial banks).
A fund may either accept or make delivery of the currency specified at the
maturity of a forward contract or, prior to maturity, enter into a closing
transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract. Closing
transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually effected with the
currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract.
A fund may construct an investment position by combining a debt security
denominated in one currency with a forward contract calling for the exchange of
that currency for another currency. The investment position is not itself a
security but is a combined position (i.e., a debt security coupled with a
forward contract) that is intended to be similar in overall performance to a
debt security denominated in the currency purchased.
Certain funds may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one
currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in
a different currency, if the managers determine that there is a correlation
between the two currencies.
A fund may also enter into a forward contract, for example, when it enters into
a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign
currency in order to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of that security.
Additionally, for example, when a fund believes that a foreign currency may
suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a
forward contract to sell an amount of that foreign currency approximating the
value of some or all of the fund's portfolio securities denominated in such
foreign currency. Similarly, when a fund believes that the U.S. dollar may
suffer a substantial decline against a foreign currency, it may enter into a
forward contract to buy that foreign currency for a fixed dollar amount.
A fund sets aside or segregates sufficient cash, cash equivalents, or readily
marketable debt securities held by its custodian bank as deposits for
commitments created by open forward contracts. The fund will cover any
commitments under these contracts to sell currency by owning or acquiring the
underlying currency (or an absolute right to acquire such currency). The
segregated account will be marked-to-market daily. The ability of a fund to
enter into forward contracts is limited only to the extent forward contracts
would, in the opinion of the manager, impede portfolio management or the ability
of the fund to honor redemption requests.
Forward contracts may limit potential gain from a positive change in the
relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies or between foreign
currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency exchange rates also may result in
poorer overall performance for the fund than if it had not entered into such
contracts.
The funds generally will not enter into a forward contract with a term of
greater than one year.
CURRENCY FUTURES CONTRACTS. Certain funds may enter into currency futures
contracts traded on regulated commodity exchanges, including non-U.S. exchanges.
A currency futures contract is a standardized contract for the future delivery
of a specified amount of currency at a future date at a price set at the time of
the contract. A fund may use currency futures contracts to hedge against
anticipated future changes in exchange rates which otherwise might adversely
affect the value of the fund's portfolio securities or adversely affect the
prices of securities that a fund intends to purchase at a later date.
A fund may either accept or make delivery of the currency specified at the
maturity of a currency futures contract or, prior to maturity, enter into a
closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract.
Closing transactions with respect to currency futures contracts are effected on
the exchange on which the contract was entered into (or on a linked exchange).
OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES. Certain funds may buy and write put and call
options on foreign currencies (traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or
over-the-counter) for hedging purposes to protect against declines in the U.S.
dollar value of foreign portfolio securities and against increases in the U.S.
dollar cost of foreign securities or other assets to be acquired. As in the case
of other kinds of options, however, the writing of an option on foreign currency
will constitute only a partial hedge, up to the amount of the premium received.
A fund could be required to buy or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous
exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The purchase of an option on foreign
currency may constitute an effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange
rates although, in the event of rate movements adverse to a fund's position, the
fund may loose the entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs.
INTEREST RATE SWAPS Certain funds may participate in interest rate swaps. A swap
is an agreement between two parties to exchange sets of cash flows over a period
in the future. Most corporate and government bonds pay fixed coupons, and are
exposed to the risk of rising interest rates. Swapping fixed payments for
floating payments, an interest rate swap is a vehicle to hedge interest rate
risk.
An example of an interest rate swap might be where one obligation has an
interest rate fixed to maturity while the other has an interest rate that
changes with changes in a designated benchmark, such as the London Interbank
Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), prime, commercial paper, or other benchmarks. The
obligations to make repayment of principal on the underlying securities are not
transferred. Similarly, the right to receive such payments is not transferred.
These transactions generally require the participation of an intermediary,
frequently a bank. The entity holding the fixed rate obligation will transfer
the obligation to the intermediary, and the entity will then be obligated to pay
to the intermediary a floating rate of interest, generally including a
fractional percentage as a commission for the intermediary. The intermediary
also makes arrangements with a second entity that has a floating-rate obligation
that substantially mirrors the obligation desired by the first entity. In return
for assuming a fixed obligation, the second entity will pay the intermediary all
sums that the intermediary pays on behalf of the first entity, plus an
arrangement fee and other agreed upon fees.
The funds intend to participate in interest rate swaps involving obligations
held in a fund's portfolio on which it is receiving payments of principal and
interest. A fund might do this, for example, in order to gain or reduce its
exposure to fixed interest rate payments under certain market conditions. To the
extent, however, a fund does not own the underlying obligation, the fund will
maintain, in a segregated account with its custodian bank, cash or marketable
securities with an aggregate value equal to the amount of the fund's outstanding
swap obligation.
Interest rate swaps permit the party seeking a floating rate obligation the
opportunity to acquire the obligation at a lower rate than is directly available
in the credit market, while permitting the party desiring a fixed rate
obligation the opportunity to acquire a fixed rate obligation, also frequently
at a price lower than is available in the capital markets. The success of the
transaction depends in large part on the availability of fixed rate obligations
at a low enough coupon rate to cover the cost involved.
OPTIONS, FUTURES AND OPTIONS ON FINANCIAL FUTURES Although the funds have no
present intention of investing in options, futures and options on financial
futures, certain funds have the authority to enter into these transactions.
Certain funds may write (sell) covered put and call options and buy put and call
options on securities listed on a national securities exchange and in the
over-the-counter ("OTC") market. Additionally, a fund may "close out" options it
has entered into.
A call option gives the option holder the right to buy the underlying security
from the option writer at the option exercise price at any time prior to the
expiration of the option. A put option gives the option holder the right to sell
the underlying security to the option writer at the option exercise price at any
time prior to the expiration of the option. The OTC market is the
dealer-to-dealer market in securities, in this case, option securities in which
the fund may buy or sell.
WRITING COVERED CALL AND PUT OPTIONS ON SECURITIES. Certain funds may write
options to generate additional income and to hedge their portfolios against
market or exchange rate movements. The writer of covered calls gives up the
potential for capital appreciation above the exercise price of the option should
the underlying stock rise in value. If the value of the underlying stock rises
above the exercise price of the call option, the security may be "called away"
and a fund required to sell shares of the stock at the exercise price. A fund
will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security depending
on whether the exercise price is greater or less than the purchase price of the
stock. Any gain will be increased by the amount of the premium received from the
sale of the call; any loss will be decreased by the amount of the premium
received. If a covered call option expires unexercised, a fund will realize a
gain in the amount of the premium received. If, however, the stock price
decreases, the hedging benefit of the covered call option is limited to the
amount of the premium received.
A call option written by a fund is "covered" if:
o the fund owns the underlying security that is subject to the call; or
o the fund has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security
without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash
consideration held in a segregated account by its custodian bank) upon
conversion or exchange of other securities held in its portfolio.
A call option is also covered if a fund holds a call on the same security and in
the same principal amount as the call written where the exercise price of the
call held:
(a) is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written; or
(b) is greater than the exercise price of the call written if the difference
in exercise prices is maintained by a fund in cash and marketable
securities in a segregated account with its custodian bank.
Certain funds may write options in connection with "buy-and-write" transactions;
that is, a fund may purchase a security and then write a call option against
that security. The exercise price of the call will depend upon the expected
price movement of the underlying security. The exercise price of a call option
may be below ("in-the-money"), equal to ("at-the-money"), or above
("out-of-the-money") the current value of the underlying security at the time
the option is written.
The writer of covered puts retains the risk of loss should the underlying
security decline in value. If the value of the underlying stock declines below
the exercise price of the put option, the security may be "put to" a fund and
the fund required to buy the stock at the exercise price. A fund will incur an
unrealized loss to the extent that the current market value of the underlying
security is less than the exercise price of the put option. However, the loss
will be offset at least in part by the premium received from the sale of the
put. If a put option written by a fund expires unexercised, the fund will
realize a gain in the amount of the premium received.
A put option written by the fund is "covered" if the fund maintains cash and
marketable securities with a value equal to the exercise price in a segregated
account with its custodian bank, or else holds a put on the same security and in
the same principal amount as the put written where the exercise price of the put
held is equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written.
The writer of an option may have no control over when the underlying securities
must be sold, in the case of a call option, or purchased, in the case of a put
option, since the writer may be assigned an exercise notice at any time prior to
the termination of the obligation. Whether or not an option expires unexercised,
the writer retains the amount of the premium. This amount may, in the case of a
covered call option, be offset by a decline in the market value of the
underlying security during the option period. If a call option is exercised, the
writer experiences a profit or loss from the sale of the underlying security. If
a put option is exercised, the writer must fulfill the obligation to buy the
underlying security at the exercise price, which will usually exceed the market
value of the underlying security at that time.
If the writer of an option wants to terminate its obligation, the writer may
effect a "closing purchase transaction" by buying an option of the same series
as the option previously written. The effect of the purchase is that the
clearing corporation will cancel the writer's position. However, a writer may
not effect a closing purchase transaction after being notified of the exercise
of an option. Likewise, the holder of an option may liquidate its position by
effecting a "closing sale transaction" by selling an option of the same series
as the option previously purchased. There is no guarantee that either a closing
purchase or a closing sale transaction may be made at the time desired by a
fund. Effecting a closing transaction allows the cash or proceeds from the sale
of any securities subject to the option to be used for other fund investments.
A fund will realize a profit from a closing transaction if the cost of the
transaction is less than the premium received from writing the option or is more
than the premium paid to purchase the option. A fund will realize a loss from a
closing transaction if the cost of the transaction is more than the premium
received from writing the option. Because increases in the market price of a
call option will generally reflect increases in the market price of the
underlying security, any loss resulting from the closing transaction of a
written call option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation
of the underlying security owned by the fund.
BUYING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS ON SECURITIES. The premium paid by the buyer of an
option will reflect, among other things, the relationship of the exercise price
to the market price and the volatility of the underlying security, the remaining
term of the option, supply and demand and interest rates.
A fund may buy call options on securities that it intends to buy in order to
limit the risk of a substantial increase in the market price of the security
before the purchase is effected. A fund may also buy call options on securities
held in its portfolio and on which it has written call options.
Certain funds may buy put options. As the holder of a put option, a fund has the
right to sell the underlying security at the exercise price at any time during
the option period. A fund may enter into closing sale transactions with respect
to such options, exercise them or permit them to expire.
A fund may buy a put option on an underlying security ("a protective put") owned
by the fund as a hedging technique in order to protect against an anticipated
decline in the value of the security. Such hedge protection is provided only
during the life of the put option when a fund, as the holder of the put option,
is able to sell the underlying security at the put exercise price, regardless of
any decline in the underlying security's market price or currency's exchange
value. For example, a put option may be purchased in order to protect unrealized
appreciation of a security when the manager finds it desirable to continue to
hold the security because of tax considerations. The premium paid for the put
option and any transaction costs would reduce any short-term capital gain that
may be available for distribution when the security is eventually sold.
Certain funds may also buy put options at a time when they do not own the
underlying security. If a fund buys a put option on a security it does not own,
the fund seeks to benefit from a decline in the market price of the underlying
security. If the put option is not sold when it has remaining value, and if the
market price of the underlying security remains equal to or greater than the
exercise price during the life of the put option, the fund will lose its entire
investment in the put option. In order for the purchase of a put option to be
profitable, the market price of the underlying security must decline
sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction
costs, unless the put option is sold in a closing sale transaction.
OVER-THE-COUNTER ("OTC") OPTIONS. Certain funds may write covered put and call
options and buy put and call options that trade in the OTC market to the same
extent that they may engage in exchange traded options. OTC options differ from
exchange traded options in certain material respects.
OTC options are arranged directly with dealers and not with a clearing
corporation. Thus, there is a risk of non-performance by the dealer. Because
there is no exchange, pricing is typically done based on information from market
makers. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities and in a
wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices, however, than exchange
traded options and the writer of an OTC option is paid the premium in advance by
the dealer.
There can be no assurance that a continuous liquid secondary market will exist
for any particular OTC option at any specific time. A fund may be able to
realize the value of an OTC option it has purchased only by exercising it or
entering into a closing sale transaction with the dealer that issued it. A fund
may suffer a loss if it is not able to exercise or sell its position on a timely
basis. When a fund writes an OTC option, it generally can close out that option
prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase transaction
with the dealer with which the fund originally wrote the option. If a fund as a
covered call option writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in
a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until
the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise.
The funds understand the current position of the staff of the SEC to be that
purchased OTC options are illiquid securities and that the assets used to cover
the sale of an OTC option are considered illiquid. The funds and the manager
disagree with this position. Nevertheless, pending a change in the staff's
position, the funds will treat OTC options and "cover" assets as subject to a
fund's limitation on illiquid securities.
OPTIONS ON STOCK INDICES. Certain funds may also buy and sell both call and put
options on stock indices in order to hedge against the risk of market or
industry-wide stock price fluctuations or to increase income to the funds. Call
and put options on stock indices are similar to options on securities except
that, rather than the right to buy or sell stock at a specified price, options
on a stock index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the
option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying stock index is
greater (or less, in the case of puts) than the exercise price of the option.
This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the
index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars multiplied by a
specified number. Thus, unlike stock options, all settlements are in cash, and
gain or loss depends on the price movements of the underlying index rather than
the price movements of an individual stock.
When a fund writes an option on a stock index, the fund may cover the option by
owning securities whose price changes, in the opinion of the manager, are
expected to be similar to those of the index, or in such other manner as may be
in accordance with the rules of the exchange on which the option is traded and
applicable laws and regulations. The funds may also cover by establishing a
segregated account containing cash or marketable securities with its custodian
bank in an amount at least equal to the market value of the underlying stock
index. The fund will maintain the account while the option is open or it will
otherwise cover the transaction.
FORWARD CONVERSIONS. In a forward conversion, a fund buys securities and writes
call options and buys put options on such securities. By purchasing puts, a fund
protects the underlying security from depreciation in value. By selling calls on
the same security, a fund receives premiums which may offset part or all of the
cost of purchasing the puts while foregoing the opportunity for appreciation in
the value of the underlying security. A fund will not exercise a put it has
purchased while a call option on the same security is outstanding.
Although it is generally intended that the exercise price of put and call
options would be identical, situations might occur in which some option
positions are acquired with different exercise prices. Therefore, a fund's
return may depend in part on movements in the price of the underlying security.
SPREAD AND STRADDLE OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS. In "spread" transactions, a fund buys
and writes a put or buys and writes a call on the same underlying security with
the options having different exercise prices and/or expiration dates. In
"straddles," a fund purchases or writes combinations of put and call options on
the same security. When a fund engages in spread and straddle transactions, it
seeks to profit from differences in the option premiums paid and received and in
the market prices of the related options positions when they are closed out or
sold. Because these transactions require a fund to buy and/or write more than
one option simultaneously, the fund's ability to enter into such transactions
and to liquidate its positions when necessary or deemed advisable may be more
limited than if the fund was to buy or sell a single option. Similarly, costs
incurred by a fund in connection with these transactions will in many cases be
greater than if the fund was to buy or sell a single option.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. Certain funds may enter into contracts to buy or sell futures
contracts based upon financial instruments ("financial futures"). Financial
futures contracts are commodity contracts that obligate the purchase or seller
to take or make delivery of a specified quantity of a financial instrument, such
as a security, or the cash value of a securities index during a specified future
period at a specified price. A "sale" of a futures contract means the
acquisition of a contractual obligation to deliver the securities called for by
the contract at a specified price on a specified date. A "purchase" of a futures
contract means the acquisition of a contractual obligation to acquire the
securities called for by the contract at a specified price on a specified date.
Futures contracts have been designed by exchanges that have been designated
"contracts markets" by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and must be
executed through a futures commission merchant, or brokerage firm, that is a
member of the relevant contract market. Existing contract markets for futures
contracts on debt securities include the Chicago Board of Trade, the New York
Cotton Exchange, the Mid-America Commodity Exchange (the "MCE"), and
International Money Market of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (the "IMM").
Existing contract markets for futures contracts on currency include the MCE, the
IMM and the London International Financial Futures Exchange. The exchanges
guarantee performance of the contracts as between the clearing members of the
exchange.
A fund may enter into futures contracts on foreign currencies, interest rates,
or on debt securities that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government, such as long-term U.S. Treasury bonds, Treasury notes, Government
National Mortgage Association modified pass-through mortgage-backed securities,
and three-month U.S. Treasury bills. A fund may also enter into futures
contracts on corporate securities and non-U.S. Government debt securities, but
such futures contracts are not currently available.
At the same time a futures contract is purchased or sold, the fund must allocate
cash or securities as a deposit payment ("initial deposit"). Daily thereafter,
the futures contract is valued and the payment of "variation margin" may be
required since each day the fund would provide or receive cash that reflects any
decline or increase in the contract's value.
At the time of delivery of securities on the settlement date of a contract,
adjustments are made to recognize differences in value arising from the delivery
of securities with a different interest rate from that specified in the
contract. In some (but not many) cases, securities called for by a futures
contract may not have been issued when the contract was written.
Although financial futures contracts by their terms call for the actual delivery
or acquisition of securities, or the cash value of the index, in most cases the
contractual obligation is fulfilled before the date of the contract without
having to make or take delivery of the securities or cash. The obligation to
make or take delivery is ended by buying (or selling, as the case may be) on an
exchange an identical financial futures contract calling for delivery in the
same month. All transactions in the futures market are made, offset or fulfilled
through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the contracts are
traded. The fund will incur brokerage fees when it buys or sells financial
futures.
A fund will not engage in transactions in futures contracts for speculation.
Futures contracts will be used as a hedge against changes resulting from market
conditions in the values of its securities or securities that it intends to buy
or to attempt to protect a fund from fluctuations in price of portfolio
securities without actually buying or selling the underlying security. When a
fund buys futures contracts or related call options, marketable instruments
equal to the difference between the fluctuating market value of such futures
contract and the aggregate value of the initial and variation margin payments
made by the fund will be deposited in a segregated account with the custodian
bank to collateralize such long positions.
OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. Certain funds are permitted to purchase and write
options on futures contracts for hedging purposes only. The purchase of a call
option on a futures contract is similar in some respects to the purchase of a
call option on an individual security or currency. Depending on the price of the
option compared to either the price of the futures contract upon which it is
based or the price of the underlying securities or currency, the option may be
less risky than direct ownership of the futures contract or the underlying
securities or currency. As with the purchase of futures contracts, when a fund
is not fully invested, it may purchase a call option on a futures contract to
hedge against a market advance due to declining interest rates or appreciation
in the value of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar.
If a fund writes a call option on a futures contract and the futures price at
expiration of the option is below the exercise price, the fund will retain the
full amount of the option premium, which may provide a partial hedge against any
decline that may have occurred in the value of the fund's holdings. If the
futures price at expiration of the option is higher than the exercise price, the
fund will retain the full amount of the option premium, which may provide a
partial hedge against any increase in the price of securities that the fund
intends to purchase. If a put or call option a fund has written is exercised,
the fund will incur a loss that will be reduced by the amount of the premium it
received. Depending on the degree of correlation between changes in the value of
its portfolio securities and changes in the value of its futures positions, a
fund's losses from existing options on futures may be affected by changes in the
value of its portfolio securities.
STOCK INDEX FUTURES AND OPTIONS ON THESE FUTURES
Certain funds may buy and sell stock index futures contracts and options on
stock index futures contracts.
STOCK INDEX FUTURES. A stock index futures contract obligates the seller to
deliver (and the buyer to take) an amount of cash equal to a specific dollar
amount times the difference between the value of a specific stock index at the
close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the
agreement is made. No physical delivery of the underlying stocks in the index is
made.
A fund may sell stock index futures contracts in anticipation of or during a
market decline to attempt to offset a possible decrease in market value of its
equity securities. When a fund is not fully invested in stocks and anticipates a
significant market advance, it may buy stock index futures in order to gain
rapid market exposure that may in part or entirely offset increases in the cost
of common stocks that it intends to buy.
OPTIONS ON STOCK INDEX FUTURES. Certain funds may buy and sell call and put
options on stock index futures to hedge against risks of market price
fluctuations. The need to hedge against these risks will depend on the extent of
diversification of the fund's common stock portfolio and the sensitivity of such
investments to factors influencing the stock market as a whole.
Call and put options on stock index futures are similar to options on securities
except that, rather than the right to buy or sell stock at a specified price,
options on stock index futures give the holder the right to receive cash. Upon
exercise of the option, the writer of the option will deliver to the holder of
the option the accumulated balance in the writer's futures margin account
representing the amount that the market price of the futures contract, at
exercise, exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put,
the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. If an option is
exercised on the last trading day before the expiration date of the option, the
settlement will be made entirely in cash equal to the difference between the
exercise price of the option and the closing price of the futures contract on
the expiration date.
INTEREST RATE FUTURES AND RELATED OPTIONS. Certain funds may buy and sell
interest rate futures contracts and options on these futures contracts. A fund
will enter into interest rate futures contracts in order to protect its
portfolio securities from fluctuations in interest rates without necessarily
buying or selling the underlying fixed-income securities.
Certain funds may also buy and write put and call options on interest rate
futures and enter into closing transactions with respect to such options.
DIVERSIFICATION Each fund, except the Global Health Care Fund, Global Income
Fund, and the Value Fund will operate as a diversified fund under federal
securities law. Each diversified fund may not, with respect to 75% of its total
assets, purchase the securities of any one issuer (except U.S. Government
securities) if more than 5% of the value of the fund's assets would be invested
in such issuer.
In addition, each fund intends to diversify its investments to meet the
requirements under federal tax laws relating to regulated investment companies
and variable contracts issued by insurance companies. In order to comply with
the diversification requirements related to regulated investment companies, each
fund will limit its investments so that, at the close of each quarter of the
taxable year:
(i) With respect to 50% of the market value of its assets, not more than 5%
of the market value of its assets will be invested in the securities of a
single issuer and each fund will not own more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of a single issuer, and
(ii) Not more than 25% of the market value of each fund's assets will be
invested in the securities of a single issuer.
A fund's investments in U.S. Government securities are not subject to these
limitations.
In order to comply with the diversification requirements related to
variable contracts issued by insurance companies, each fund will diversify
its investments such that:
(i) No more than 55% of the fund's assets are represented by any one
investment;
(ii) No more than 70% of the fund's assets are represented by any two
investments;
(iii) No more than 80% of the fund's assets are represented by any three
investments; and
(iv) No more than 90% of the fund's assets are represented by any four
investments.
In the case of funds investing in obligations of U.S. Government agencies or
instrumentalities, each agency or instrumentality is treated as a separate
issuer for purposes of the above rules.
EQUITY SECURITIES represent ownership interests in individual companies and give
shareholders a claim in the company's earnings and assets. Equity securities
generally take the form of common stock or preferred stock, as well as
securities convertible into common stocks. Equity securities may also include
warrants, or rights. Warrants or rights give the holder the right to buy a
common stock at a given time for a specified price.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Certain funds may invest in foreign securities, if the
investments are consistent with their objectives and comply with their
concentration and diversification policies. The funds may buy the securities of
foreign issuers directly in foreign markets, both in developed and developing
countries. The securities of foreign issuers may be denominated in foreign
currency. The funds may also buy foreign securities that are traded in the U.S.
Investments in foreign securities may offer potential benefits not available
from investments solely in securities of domestic issuers or dollar denominated
securities. These benefits may include the opportunity to invest in foreign
issuers that appear, in the opinion of the manager, to offer:
o A better outlook for long-term capital appreciation or current earnings
than investments in domestic issuers;
o An opportunity to invest in foreign nations whose economic policies or
business cycles are different from those of the U.S.; and,
o The opportunity to reduce fluctuations in portfolio value by taking
advantage of foreign securities markets that do not necessarily move in a
manner parallel to U.S. markets.
Investments in foreign securities where delivery takes place outside the U.S.
will be made in compliance with any applicable U.S. and foreign currency
restrictions and tax and other laws limiting the amount and types of foreign
investments. A fund could experience investment losses if there are changes of:
o governmental administrations;
o economic or monetary policies in the U.S. or abroad;
o circumstances in dealings between nations; or,
o currency convertibility or exchange rates.
The funds do not consider securities that they acquire outside of the U.S. and
that are publicly traded in the U.S. or on a foreign securities market to be
illiquid assets if (a) the fund reasonably believes it can readily dispose of
the securities for cash in the U.S. or foreign market, or (b) current market
quotations are readily available.
Certain funds may invest in debt securities issued by foreign corporations,
governments and their instrumentalities, and by supranational entities. A
supranational entity is an entity designated or supported by the national
government of one or more countries to promote economic reconstruction or
development. Examples of supranational entities include the World Bank, the
European Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
Many debt obligations of foreign issuers, and especially developing markets
issuers, are either (i) rated below investment grade or (ii) not rated by U.S.
rating agencies so that their selection depends on the manager's individual
analysis.
Certain funds may invest in countries that do not permit direct investment. For
example, some countries, such as South Korea, Chile and India, have authorized
the formation of closed-end investment companies to facilitate indirect foreign
investment in their capital markets. In order to gain investment access to these
countries, a fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in shares of such
closed-end investment companies and up to 5% of its assets in any one closed-end
investment company as long as the investment does not represent more than 3% of
the voting stock of the acquired investment company. If a fund acquires shares
of closed-end investment companies, shareholders would bear both their share of
expenses of the fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly,
the expenses of such closed-end investment companies.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS. Certain funds may invest in Depositary Receipts. American
Depositary Receipts (ADRs) are typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company
and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation.
European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) are
typically issued by foreign banks or trust companies, although they may be
issued by U.S. banks or trust companies, and evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by either a foreign or a U.S. corporation. Generally,
depositary receipts in registered form are designed for use in the U.S.
securities market and depositary receipts in bearer form are designed for use in
securities markets outside the U.S. Depositary Receipts may not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they
may be converted.
Depositary Receipts may be issued by sponsored or unsponsored programs. In
sponsored programs, an issuer has made arrangements to have its securities
traded in the form of depositary receipts. In unsponsored programs, the issuer
may not be directly involved in the creation of the program. Although regulatory
requirements with respect to sponsored and unsponsored programs are generally
similar, in some cases it may be easier to obtain financial information from an
issuer that has participated in the creation of a sponsored program.
Accordingly, there may be less information available regarding issuers of
securities underlying unsponsored programs, and there may not be a correlation
between the availability of such information and the market value of the
Depositary Receipts.
Depositary Receipts also involve the same risks as direct investments in foreign
securities, as discussed below. For purposes of a fund's investment policies,
the fund will consider its investments in depositary receipts to be investments
in the underlying securities.
EMERGING MARKETS. Emerging market countries include: (i) countries that are
generally considered low or middle income countries by the International Bank
for Reconstruction and Development (commonly known as the World Bank) and the
International Finance Corporation; or (ii) countries that are classified by
United Nations or otherwise regarded by their authorities as emerging, or (iii)
countries with a stock market capitalization of less than 3% of the Morgan
Stanley Capital World Index.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES Each fund may invest in securities that cannot be offered to
the public for sale without first being registered under the Securities Act of
1933 ("restricted securities"), or in other securities which, in the opinion of
the Board, may be illiquid.
Illiquid securities are generally securities that cannot be sold within seven
days in the normal course of business at approximately the amount at which a
fund has valued them. Subject to the funds' percentage limitations on illiquid
securities, the Board has authorized each fund to invest in restricted
securities where such investment is consistent with each fund's investment
objective. The Board has authorized these securities to be considered liquid to
the extent the investment manager determines on a daily basis that there is a
liquid institutional or other market for such securities - for example,
restricted securities which may be freely transferred among qualified
institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and for which a liquid institutional market has developed. In spite of
the managers' determinations in this regard, the Board will remain responsible
for such determinations and will consider appropriate action, consistent with a
fund's objectives and policies, if the security should become illiquid after
purchase. In determining whether a restricted security is properly considered a
liquid security, the investment manager and the Board will take into account the
following factors: (i) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (ii)
the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of
other potential purchasers; (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market in the
security; and (iv) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace
trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of
soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer). To the extent a fund invests
in restricted securities that are deemed liquid, the general level of
illiquidity in the fund may be increased if qualified institutional buyers
become uninterested in purchasing these securities or the market for these
securities contracts.
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS Certain funds may invest in loan participations and other
related direct or indirect bank obligations. These instruments are interests in
floating or variable rate senior loans to U.S. corporations, partnerships and
other entities. Generally, these instruments are sold without a guarantee by the
lending institution, and are subject to the credit risks of both the borrower
and the lending institution. While loan participations generally trade at par
value, a fund will also be able to acquire loan participations that sell at a
discount because of the borrower's credit problems. To the extent the borrower's
credit problems are resolved, such loan participations may appreciate in value.
The manager may acquire loan participations for a fund when it believes that
over the long term appreciation will occur. Most loan participations in which
the funds intend to invest are illiquid and, to that extent, will be included in
a fund's limitation on illiquid investments described under "Illiquid
securities." An investment in these securities carries substantially the same
risks as those for defaulted debt securities. Interest payments on these
securities may be reduced, deferred, suspended or eliminated and principal
payments may likewise be reduced, deferred, suspended or canceled, causing the
loss of the entire amount of the investment.
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES Consistent with procedures approved by the Board
and subject to the following conditions, each fund may lend its portfolio
securities to qualified securities dealers or other institutional investors.
These loans must be secured by collateral (consisting of any combination of
cash, U.S. Government securities or irrevocable letters of credit) in an amount
equal (on a daily marked-to-market basis) to the current market value of the
securities loaned. The funds retain all or a portion of the interest received on
the investment of the cash collateral or receive a fee from the borrower. The
funds will continue to receive any interest or dividends paid on any 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 the collateral should the borrower
fail.
MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS Certain funds may enter into mortgage "dollar rolls" in
which a fund sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month
and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (name, type,
coupon, and maturity) securities on a specified future date. During the period
between the sale and repurchase (the "roll period"), the fund forgoes principal
and interest paid on the mortgage-backed securities. The fund is compensated by
the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for
the future purchase (often referred to as the "drop"), as well as by the
interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. A "covered roll" is a
specific type of mortgage dollar roll for which there is an offsetting cash
position or a cash equivalent security position which matures on or before the
forward settlement date of the dollar roll transaction and is maintained in a
segregated account. A fund will not enter into any dollar rolls that are not
covered rolls. The fund could suffer a loss if the contracting party fails to
perform the future transaction, with the result that the fund may not be able to
buy back the mortgage-backed securities it initially sold. The funds intend to
enter into mortgage dollar rolls only with government securities dealers
recognized by the Federal Reserve Board or with member banks of the Federal
Reserve System.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER Because the investment outlook of the type of securities in
which each fund may purchase may change as a result of unexpected developments
in national or international securities markets, or in economic, monetary or
political relationships, a manager will consider the economic effects of
portfolio turnover but generally not treat portfolio turnover as a limiting
factor in making investment decisions. Investment decisions affecting turnover
may include changes in investment policies, including changes in management
personnel, as well as individual portfolio transactions.
Moreover, turnover may be increased by certain factors wholly outside the
control of the managers. For example, during periods of rapidly declining
interest rates, such as the U.S. experienced in 1991 through 1993, the rate of
mortgage prepayments may increase rapidly, resulting in the return of principal
to funds which invest in mortgage securities, thus increasing "sales" of
portfolio securities. Similarly, the rate of bond calls by issuers of fixed
income securities may increase as interest rates decline, thereby forcing the
"sale" of called bonds by funds which invest in fixed-income securities and
subsequent purchase of replacement investments. In other periods, increased
merger and acquisition activity, or increased rates of bankruptcy or default,
may create involuntary transactions for portfolios which hold affected stocks
and bonds, especially high-yield bonds. Global or international fixed income
securities funds may have higher turnover rates because of maturing debt
securities, rebalancing of the portfolio to keep interest rate risk and country
allocations at desired levels; if the Manager's allocation target changes,
additional turnover may result.
In addition, redemptions or exchanges by investors may require the liquidation
of portfolio securities. Changes in particular portfolio holdings may be made
whenever it is considered that a security is no longer the most appropriate
investment for a fund, or that another security appears to have a relatively
greater opportunity, and will be made without regard to the length of time a
security has been held.
The portfolio turnover rates for each fund are disclosed in the section entitled
"Financial Highlights" of the fund's prospectus. Portfolio turnover is a measure
of how frequently a portfolio's securities are bought and sold. As required by
the SEC, annual portfolio turnover is calculated generally as the dollar value
of the lesser of a portfolio's purchases or sales of portfolio securities during
a given year, divided by the monthly average value of the portfolio's securities
during that year (excluding securities whose maturity or expiration at the time
of acquisition were less than one year). For example, a portfolio reporting a
100% portfolio turnover rate would have purchased and sold securities worth as
much as the monthly average value of its portfolio securities during the year.
Except for certain funds noted in the prospectus, the funds generally do not
expect their annual turnover rates to exceed 100%. Because so many variable
factors are beyond the control of the managers, it is not possible to estimate
future turnover rates with complete accuracy. Higher portfolio turnover rates
generally increase transaction costs, which are portfolio expenses, but would
not create taxable capital gains for investors because of the tax-deferred
status of variable annuity and life insurance investments.
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS ("REITS") typically invest directly in real estate
and/or in mortgages and loans collateralized by real estate. Certain funds may
invest in "Equity" or "Mortgage" REITs. " Equity" REITs are real estate
companies that own and manage income-producing properties such as apartments,
hotels, shopping centers or office buildings. The income, primarily rent from
these properties, is generally passed on to investors in the form of dividends.
These companies provide experienced property management and generally
concentrate on a specific geographic region or property type. "Mortgage" REITs
make loans to commercial real estate developers and earn income from interest
payments.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS In a repurchase agreement, a fund buys U.S. Government
securities from a bank or broker-dealer at one price and agrees to sell them
back to the bank or broker-dealer at a higher price on a specified date. A
custodian bank approved by the funds' Board holds the securities subject to
resale on behalf of a fund. The bank or broker-dealer must transfer to the
custodian securities with an initial market value of at least 102% of the
repurchase price to help secure the obligation to repurchase the securities at a
later date. The securities are then marked to market daily, that is, their value
is adjusted daily to equal their market value, to maintain coverage of at least
100%. If the bank or broker-dealer does not repurchase the securities as agreed,
a fund may experience a loss or delay in the liquidation of the securities
underlying the repurchase agreement and may also incur liquidation costs. The
funds, however, intend to enter into repurchase agreements only with banks or
broker-dealers that are considered creditworthy (I.E., banks or broker-dealers
that have been determined by each fund's manager to present no serious risk of
becoming involved in bankruptcy proceedings within the time frame contemplated
by the repurchase transaction).
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Certain funds may also enter into reverse
repurchase agreements, which are the opposite of repurchase agreements but
involve similar mechanics and risks. A fund sells securities to a bank or dealer
and agrees to repurchase them at a mutually agreed price and date. Cash or
liquid high-grade debt securities having an initial market value, including
accrued interest, equal to at least 102% of the dollar amount sold by the fund
are segregated, i.e., set aside, as collateral and marked-to-market daily to
maintain coverage of at least 100%. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the
risk that the market value of the securities retained by a fund may decline
below the price of the securities the fund has sold but is obligated to
repurchase under the agreement. A default by the purchaser might cause the fund
to experience a loss or delay in the liquidation costs. The funds intend to
enter into reverse repurchase agreements with domestic or foreign banks or
securities dealers. The manager will evaluate the creditworthiness of these
entities prior to engaging in such transactions and it will conduct these
activities under the general supervision of the Board.
SHORT SALES Certain funds may make short sales of securities. In a short sale a
fund does not immediately deliver the securities sold and does not immediately
receive the proceeds from the sale. To fulfill its obligation to deliver the
securities sold short, the fund must borrow the security sold short and deliver
it to the broker through which it made the sale. A fund's obligation to replace
the borrowed security will be secured by collateral, usually cash, U.S.
Government securities or other marketable securities. A fund may make a short
sale when the manager believes the price of the stock may decline and when, for
tax or other reasons, the manager does not currently want to sell the stock or
convertible security it owns. In this case, any decline in the value of a fund's
portfolio securities would be reduced by a gain in the short sale transaction.
Conversely, any increase in the value of a fund's portfolio securities would be
reduced by a loss in the short sale transaction.
Certain funds may also make short sales "against the box" without limitation. In
this type of short sale, a fund owns an equal amount of the securities subject
to the short sale or owns securities that are convertible or exchangeable,
without payment of further consideration, into an equal amount of such security.
SMALL COMPANIES Certain funds may invest in the securities of companies with a
market capitalization of $1.5 billion or less. Small companies are often
overlooked by investors or undervalued in relation to their earnings power.
Because small companies generally are not as well known to the investing public
and have less of an investor following than larger companies, they may provide
greater opportunities for long-term capital growth as a result of relative
inefficiencies in the marketplace. These companies may be undervalued because
they are part of an industry that is out of favor with investors, although the
individual companies may have high rates of earnings growth and be financially
sound.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS When the manager believes that the securities trading
markets or the economy are experiencing excessive volatility, that is, sharp
price movements over relatively short time periods, or a prolonged general
decline, or other adverse conditions exist, it may invest the funds' portfolios
in a temporary defensive manner. Under such circumstances, the funds (other than
the Money Market Fund) may invest up to 100% of their assets in high quality
money market instruments. These include government securities, bank obligations,
the highest quality commercial paper and repurchase agreements.
In addition, certain funds may also invest in short-term (less than twelve
months to maturity) fixed-income securities, non-U.S. currency, short-term
instruments denominated in non-U.S. currencies, or medium-term (not more than
five years to maturity) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government
or the governments of foreign countries, their agencies or instrumentalities.
Partly because the managers act independently of each other, the cash positions
of the funds may vary significantly. When a fund's investments in cash or cash
equivalents increase, it may not participate in market advances or declines to
the same extent as it would if the fund were fully invested in stocks or bonds.
Any decision to make a substantial withdrawal for a sustained period of time
from a fund's investment goals will be reviewed by the Board.
TRADE CLAIMS Certain funds may invest a portion of their assets in trade claims.
Trade claims are purchased from creditors of companies in financial difficulty.
For buyers, such as a fund, trade claims offer the potential for profits since
they are often purchased at a significantly discounted value and, consequently,
may generate capital appreciation if the value of the claim increases as the
debtor's financial position improves. If the debtor is able to pay the full
obligation on the face of the claim as a result of a restructuring or an
improvement in the debtor's financial condition, trade claims offer the
potential for higher income due to the difference in the face value of the claim
as compared to the discounted purchase price.
An investment in trade claims is speculative and carries a high degree of risk.
There can be no guarantee that the debtor will ever be able to satisfy the
obligation on the trade claim. Trade claims are not regulated by federal
securities laws or the SEC. Currently, trade claims are regulated primarily by
bankruptcy laws. Because trade claims are unsecured, holders of trade claims may
have a lower priority in terms of payment than most other creditors in a
bankruptcy proceeding.
U.S. TREASURY ROLLS Certain funds may enter into "U.S. Treasury rolls" in which
the fund sells outstanding U.S. Treasury securities and buys back "when-issued"
U.S. Treasury securities of slightly longer maturity for simultaneous settlement
on the settlement date of the "when-issued" U.S. Treasury security. Two
potential advantages of this strategy are (1) the fund can regularly and
incrementally adjust its weighted average maturity of its portfolio securities
(which otherwise would constantly diminish with the passage of time); and (2) in
a normal yield curve environment (in which shorter maturities yield less than
longer maturities), a gain in yield to maturity can be obtained along with the
desired extension.
During the period before the settlement date, the fund continues to earn
interest on the securities it is selling. It does not earn interest on the
securities that it is purchasing until after the settlement date. The fund could
suffer an opportunity loss if the counterparty to the roll failed to perform its
obligations on the settlement date, and if market conditions changed adversely.
The fund intends, however, to enter into U.S. Treasury rolls only with
government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Board or with
member banks of the Federal Reserve System.
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED DELIVERY AND TO-BE-ANNOUNCED ("TBA") TRANSACTIONS Certain
funds may purchase securities on a "when-issued," "delayed delivery" or "TBA"
basis. These transactions are arrangements under which a fund may purchase
securities with payment and delivery scheduled for a future time, generally
within 30 to 60 days. These transactions are subject to market fluctuation and
are subject to the risk that the value or yields at delivery may be more or less
than the purchase price or yields available when the transaction was entered
into. Although the funds will generally purchase these securities on a
when-issued or TBA basis with the intention of acquiring such securities, they
may sell such securities before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable.
When a fund is the buyer in such a transaction, it will maintain, in a
segregated account with its custodian bank, cash or marketable securities having
an aggregate value equal to the amount of such purchase commitments until
payment is made. The creation and maintenance of these accounts have the effect
of limiting the extent to which a fund may engage in these transactions. To the
extent a fund engages in when-issued, delayed delivery or TBA transactions, it
will do so only for the purpose of acquiring portfolio securities consistent
with the fund's investment objectives and policies, and not for the purpose of
investment leverage. In when-issued, delayed delivery and TBA transactions, a
fund relies on the seller to complete the transaction. The other party's failure
to do so may cause a fund to miss a price or yield considered advantageous.
Securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed delivery or TBA basis do not
generally earn interest until their scheduled delivery date. The funds are not
subject to any percentage limit on the amount of their assets that may be
invested in when-issued, delayed delivery or TBA purchase obligations.
RISKS
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The value of your shares will increase as the value of the securities owned by a
fund increases and will decrease as the value of the fund's investments
decrease. In this way, you participate in any change in the value of the
securities owned by the fund. In addition to the factors that affect the value
of any particular security that the fund owns, the value of fund shares may also
change with movements in the stock and bond markets as a whole.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES have risk characteristics of both equity and debt
securities. Its value may rise and fall with the market value of the underlying
stock or, like a debt security, vary with changes in interest rates and the
credit quality of the issuer. A convertible security tends to perform more like
a stock when the underlying stock price is high (because it is assumed it will
be converted) and more like a debt security when the underlying stock price is
low (because it is assumed it will not be converted). Because its value can be
influenced by many different factors, a convertible security is not as sensitive
to interest rate changes as a similar non-convertible debt security, and
generally has less potential for gain or loss than the underlying stock.
A fund may have difficulty disposing of such securities because there may be a
thin trading market for a particular security at any given time. Reduced
liquidity may have an adverse impact on market price and a fund's ability to
dispose of particular securities, when necessary, to meet a fund's liquidity
needs or in response to a specific economic event, such as the deterioration in
the creditworthiness of an issuer. Reduced liquidity in the secondary market for
certain securities may also make it more difficult for a fund to obtain market
quotations based on actual trades for purposes of valuing a fund's portfolio.
The funds, however, intend to acquire liquid securities, though there can be no
assurances that this will be achieved.
DEBT SECURITIES
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES have risks similar to mortgage-backed securities.
However, these securities present certain additional risks that are not
presented by mortgage-backed securities because asset-backed securities
generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral, i.e., a
lien on the item purchased by the consumer, that is comparable to mortgage
assets. There is the possibility that, in some cases, recoveries on repossessed
collateral may not be available to support payments on these securities.
GINNIE MAE YIELDS (interest income as a percentage of price) have historically
exceeded the current yields on other types of U.S. Government securities with
comparable maturities. The effects of interest rate fluctuations and
unpredictable prepayments of principal, however, can greatly change realized
yields. As with most bonds, in a period of rising interest rates, the value of a
Ginnie Mae will generally decline. In a period of declining interest rates, it
is more likely that mortgages contained in Ginnie Mae pools will be prepaid,
thus reducing the effective yield. This potential for prepayment during periods
of declining interest rates may reduce the general upward price increases of
Ginnie Maes as compared to the increases experienced by noncallable debt
securities over the same periods. In addition, any premium paid on the purchase
of a Ginnie Mae will be lost if the obligation is prepaid. Of course, price
changes of Ginnie Maes and other securities held by the funds will have a direct
impact on the net asset value per share of the funds.
INTEREST RATE To the extent a fund invests in debt securities, changes in
interest rates in any country where the fund is invested will affect the value
of the fund's portfolio and its share price. Rising interest rates, which often
occur during times of inflation or a growing economy, are likely to have a
negative effect on the value of the fund's shares. Of course, interest rates
throughout the world have increased and decreased, sometimes very dramatically,
in the past. These changes are likely to occur again in the future at
unpredictable times.
LOWER-RATED SECURITIES Certain funds may invest in non-investment grade
securities, including such securities issued by foreign companies and
governments. Because these funds may invest in securities below investment
grade, an investment in any of these funds is subject to a higher degree of risk
than an investment in a fund that invests primarily in higher-quality
securities. You should consider the increased risk of loss to principal that is
present with an investment in higher risk securities, such as those in which
certain funds invest. Accordingly, an investment in any fund should not be
considered a complete investment program and should be carefully evaluated for
its appropriateness in light of your overall investment needs and goals.
The market value of high yield, lower-quality fixed-income securities, commonly
known as junk bonds, tends to reflect individual developments affecting the
issuer to a greater degree than the market value of higher-quality securities,
which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates.
Lower-quality securities also tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions
than higher-quality securities.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental
analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of lower-rated debt securities,
especially in a thinly traded market. Analysis of the creditworthiness of
issuers of lower-rated debt securities may be more complex than for issuers of
higher rated securities, and the ability of a fund to achieve its investment
goal may, to the extent of investment in lower-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.
Issuers of high yield, fixed-income securities are often highly leveraged and
may not have more traditional methods of financing available to them. Therefore,
the risk associated with buying the securities of these issuers is generally
greater than the risk associated with higher-quality securities. For example,
during an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates,
issuers of lower-quality securities may experience financial stress and may not
have sufficient cash flow to make interest payments. The issuer's ability to
make timely interest and principal payments may also be adversely affected by
specific developments affecting the issuer, including the issuer's inability to
meet specific projected business forecasts or the unavailability of additional
financing.
The risk of loss due to default may also be considerably greater with
lower-quality securities because they are generally unsecured and are often
subordinated to other creditors of the issuer. If the issuer of a security in a
fund's portfolio defaults, the fund may have unrealized losses on the security,
which may lower the fund's net asset value. Defaulted securities tend to lose
much of their value before they default. Thus, a fund's net asset value may be
adversely affected before an issuer defaults. In addition, a fund may incur
additional expenses if it must try to recover principal or interest payments on
a defaulted security.
High yield, fixed-income securities frequently have call or buy-back features
that allow an issuer to redeem the securities from a fund. Although these
securities are typically not callable for a period of time, usually for three to
five years from the date of issue, if an issuer calls its securities during
periods of declining interest rates, the manager may find it necessary to
replace the securities with lower-yielding securities, which could result in
less net investment income for a fund. The premature disposition of a high yield
security due to a call or buy-back feature, the deterioration of an issuer's
creditworthiness, or a default by an issuer may make it more difficult for a
fund to manage the timing of its income. To generate cash for distributions, a
fund may have to sell portfolio securities that it otherwise may have continued
to hold or use cash flows from other sources, such as the sale of fund shares.
Lower-quality, fixed-income securities may not be as liquid as higher-quality
securities. Reduced liquidity in the secondary market may have an adverse impact
on market price of a security and on a fund's ability to sell a security in
response to a specific economic event, such as a deterioration in the
creditworthiness of the issuer, or if necessary to meet the fund's liquidity
needs. Reduced liquidity may also make it more difficult to obtain market
quotations based on actual trades for purposes of valuing a fund's portfolio.
Certain funds may buy high yield, fixed-income securities that are sold without
registration under the federal securities laws and therefore carry restrictions
on resale. While many high yielding securities have been sold with registration
rights, covenants and penalty provisions for delayed registration, if a fund is
required to sell restricted securities before the securities have been
registered, it may be deemed an underwriter of the securities under the
Securities Act of 1933, which entails special responsibilities and liabilities.
A fund may also incur special costs in disposing of restricted securities,
although the fund will generally not incur any costs when the issuer is
responsible for registering the securities.
Certain funds may buy high yield, fixed-income securities during an initial
underwriting. These securities involve special risks because they are new
issues. The manager will carefully review their credit and other
characteristics. The funds have no arrangement with its underwriter or any other
person concerning the acquisition of these securities.
The high yield securities market is relatively new and much of its growth before
1990 paralleled a long economic expansion. The recession that began in 1990
disrupted the market for high yield securities and adversely affected the value
of outstanding securities, as well as the ability of issuers of high yield
securities to make timely principal and interest payments. Although the economy
has improved and high yield securities have performed more consistently since
that time, the adverse effects previously experienced may reoccur. For example,
the highly publicized defaults on some high yield securities during 1989 and
1990 and concerns about a sluggish economy that continued into 1993 depressed
the prices of many of these securities. While market prices may be temporarily
depressed due to factors such as these, the ultimate price of any security
generally reflects the true operating results of the issuer. Factors adversely
impacting the market value of high yield securities may lower a fund's net asset
value. A fund relies on the manager's judgment, analysis and experience in
evaluating the creditworthiness of an issuer. In this evaluation, the manager
takes into consideration, among other things, the issuer's financial resources,
its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, its operating history, the
quality of the issuer's management and regulatory matters.
The credit risk factors above also apply to lower-quality zero coupon, deferred
interest and pay-in-kind securities. These securities have an additional risk,
however, because unlike securities that pay interest throughout the time until
maturity, a fund will not receive any cash until the cash payment date. If the
issuer defaults, a fund may not obtain any return on its investment.
Zero coupon or deferred interest securities are debt obligations that make no
periodic interest payments before maturity or a specified date when the
securities begin paying current interest (the "cash payment date"), and
therefore are generally issued and traded at a discount from their face amount
or par value. The discount varies depending on the time remaining until maturity
or the cash payment date, as well as prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the
security, and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. The discount, in the
absence of financial difficulties of the issuer, typically decreases as the
final maturity or cash payment date approaches.
The value of zero coupon securities is generally more volatile than the value of
other fixed-income securities that pay interest periodically. Zero-coupon
securities are also likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater
degree than other fixed-income securities having similar maturities and credit
quality.
Certain of the high yielding, fixed-income securities in which the funds may
invest may be purchased at a discount. When held to maturity or retired, these
securities may include an element of capital gain. Capital losses may be
realized when securities purchased at a premium, that is, in excess of their
stated or par value, are held to maturity or are called or redeemed at a price
lower than their purchase price. Capital gains or losses also may be realized
upon the sale of securities.
The tables below show the percentage of the Global Income, Asset Allocation,
High Income and Income Securities Funds' assets invested in securities rated by
S&P or Moody's in the rating categories shown. A credit rating by a rating
agency evaluates the safety of principal and interest based on an evaluation of
the security's credit quality, but does not consider the market risk or the risk
of fluctuation in the price of the security. The information shown is based on a
dollar-weighted average of each fund's portfolio composition based on month-end
assets for each of the 12 months in the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.
INCOME
MOODY'S SECURITIES
RATINGS FUND (%)
Aaa 11.1
Aa .0
A .1
Baa 3.8
Ba 8.9
B 20.4
Caa(1) 4.9
Ca .0
C .0
(1) 2.63%of these securities, which are unrated by Moody's, have been included
in the Caa rating category.
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GLOBAL GLOBAL HIGH
S&P RATINGS INCOME ASSET INCOME
FUND(1) (%)ALLOCATION FUND(3) (%)
FUND(2) (%)
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
AAA 79.9 29.5 .0
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AA .0 .0 .0
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A .0 .0 .0
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BBB .0 .0 2.4
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BB 14.7 5.6 15.9
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B 5.5 4.6 72.7
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CCC .0 .0 7.7
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
CC .0 .0 .9
------------------------------------------------
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C .0 .0 .4
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(1).9% of these securities, which are unrated by S&P, have been included in the
BB category.
(2). 1.0% of these securities, which are unrated by S&P have been included in
the B category.
(3) 5.2% of the securities are unrated by S&P. Of this amount, .3% has been
included in BBB, .9% in BB and 4.0% in B.
DEFAULTED DEBT Certain funds may buy debt securities of issuers that are not
currently paying interest, as well as issuers who are in default, and may keep
an issue that has defaulted. A fund will buy defaulted debt securities if, in
the opinion of the manager, they may present an opportunity for later price
recovery, the issuer may resume interest payments, or other advantageous
developments appear likely in the near future. In general, securities that
default lose much of their value before the actual default so that the security,
and thus the fund's net asset value, would be impacted before the default.
Defaulted debt securities may be illiquid and, as such, will be part of the
percentage limits discussed under "Investment Restrictions."
MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES differ from conventional bonds in that the principal
is paid back over the life of the certificate rather than at maturity. As a
result, funds invested in these securities will receive monthly scheduled
payments of principal and interest on its investment in these securities, and
may receive unscheduled principal payments representing prepayments on the
underlying mortgages. When a fund reinvests the payments and any unscheduled
prepayments of principal it receives, it may receive a rate of interest that is
lower than the rate on the existing security. For this reason, mortgage-backed
securities may be less effective than other types of U.S. Government securities
as a means of "locking in" long-term interest rates.
The market value of mortgage-backed securities, like other U.S. Government
securities in the funds, will generally vary inversely with changes in market
interest rates, declining when interest rates rise and rising when interest
rates decline. However, mortgage-backed securities, while having comparable risk
of decline in value during periods of rising rates, may have less potential for
capital appreciation than other investments of comparable maturities due to the
likelihood of increased prepayments of mortgages as interest rates decline. To
the extent these securities are purchased at a premium, mortgage foreclosures
and unscheduled principal prepayments may result in some loss of a fund's
principal investment to the extent of the premium paid.
SBA As with mortgage-backed securities such as GNMAs, prepayments can greatly
change realized yields. While the prepayment rate of mortgage-backed securities
has generally been a function of market interest rates, the prepayment rate of
SBA securities has historically depended more on the purpose and term of the
loan and the rate of borrower default. Shorter-term SBA loans have had the
highest prepayment rates, particularly if the loans were for working capital;
long-term, real-estate backed SBA loans prepay much more slowly. SBA securities
are sometimes offered at a premium above their principal amount, which increases
the risks posed by prepayment.
STRUCTURED NOTES may be much more volatile than the underlying instruments
themselves, depending on the direction of interest rates, and may present many
of the same risks as investing in futures and options. Certain structured notes
without leverage characteristics may still be considered risky and an investor
could lose an amount equal to the amount invested. As with any debt instruments,
structured notes pose credit risk, i.e., the issuer may be unable to make the
required payments. Finally, some structured notes may be illiquid, that is, the
securities may not be sold as readily as other securities, because few investors
or dealers trade in such securities or because the notes are complex and
difficult to price. Such potential illiquidity may be especially pronounced
during severe bond market corrections, i.e., a change or a reversal in the
direction of the market. The Board of Trustees will monitor the liquidity of
structured notes. Notes determined to be illiquid will be subject to a fund's
percentage limits on illiquid securities.
DERIVATIVE SECURITIES
FORWARD CONTRACTS, CURRENCY FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES
Successful use of forward contracts, currency futures contracts and options on
foreign currencies depends on the manager's ability to properly predict
movements in the foreign currency markets. There may be an imperfect correlation
between movements in the foreign currency on which a forward contract, currency
futures contract, or option on a foreign currency is based and movements in the
foreign currency.
Forward contracts are not traded on contract markets regulated by the CFTC or by
the SEC. The ability of a fund to use forward contracts could be restricted to
the extent that Congress authorizes the CFTC or the SEC to regulate such
transactions. Forward contracts are traded through financial institutions acting
as market makers. Also, a hedging strategy may not be successful if the fund is
unable to sell its forward contract, currency futures contract, or option on a
foreign currency with the market maker from which it bought the security.
If a fund retains a portfolio security and enters into a closing transaction,
the fund will have a gain or a loss to the extent that the forward contract
prices have increased or decreased. If a fund enters into a closing transaction,
it may subsequently enter into a new forward contract to sell the foreign
currency. If forward prices decline between the date that a fund enters into a
forward contract for the sale of a foreign currency and the date it enters into
an offsetting contract for the purchase of the foreign currency, the fund will
realize a gain. If forward prices increase, a fund will suffer a loss.
The purchase and sale of exchange-traded foreign currency options are subject to
the risks of the availability of a liquid secondary market, as well as the risks
of adverse market movements, possible intervention by governmental authorities,
and the effects of other political and economic events.
Futures contracts on currencies and options on foreign currencies may be traded
on foreign exchanges. These transactions are subject to the risk of governmental
actions affecting trading in or the prices of foreign currencies. The value of
such positions could also be adversely affected by (i) other foreign political
and economic factors, (ii) less available data than in the U.S. on which to base
trading decisions, (iii) delays in a fund's ability to act upon economic events
occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the U.S., (iv) the
imposition of exercise and settlement terms and procedures, and margin
requirements different from those in the U.S., and (v) lesser trading volume.
FUTURES CONTRACTS A purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses
in excess of the amount invested. A fund may not be able to properly hedge its
securities where a liquid secondary market is unavailable for the futures
contract the fund wishes to close. In addition, there may be an imperfect
correlation between movements in the securities or foreign currency on which the
futures or options contract is based and movements in the securities or currency
held by the fund. Although the manager believes that the use of futures
contracts will benefit certain funds, if the manager's investment judgment about
the general direction of interest or currency exchange rates is incorrect, a
fund's overall performance would be poorer than if it had not entered into any
such contract. For example, if a fund has hedged against the possibility of an
increase in interest rates that would adversely affect the price of bonds held
in its portfolio and interest rates decrease instead, the fund will lose part or
all of the benefit of the increased value of the bonds which it has hedged
because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. Similarly, if a
fund sells a foreign currency futures contract and the U.S. dollar value of the
currency unexpectedly increases, the fund will lose the beneficial effect of the
increase on the value of the security denominated in that currency. In addition,
in such situations, if a fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell bonds
from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements. Sales of bonds
may be, but are not necessarily, at increased prices that reflect the rising
market. A fund may have to sell securities at a time when it may be
disadvantageous to do so.
The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets, due to
differences in the nature of those markets, are subject to distortions. First,
all participants in the futures market are subject to initial deposit and
variation margin requirements. Rather than meeting additional variation margin
requirements, investors may close futures contracts through offsetting
transactions that could distort the normal relationship between the cash and
futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures market depends on
participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking
delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity
in the futures market could be reduced, thus producing distortion. Third, from
the point of view of speculators, the margin deposit requirements in the futures
market are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market.
Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the futures market may
cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of distortion, a
correct forecast of general interest rate trends by the manager may still not
result in a successful transaction.
Futures exchanges may limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in certain
futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes
the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or
down from the previous day's settlement price. Once the daily limit has been
reached in a futures contract subject to the limit, no more trades may be made
on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price
movements during a particular trading day and, therefore, does not limit
potential losses because the limit may work to prevent the liquidation of
unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices have occasionally moved to
the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading,
thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders
of futures contracts to substantial losses.
The funds which are authorized to engage in futures transactions intend 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. In addition, many of the futures contracts available may be
relatively new instruments without a significant trading history. As a result,
there can be no assurance that an active secondary market will develop or
continue to exist. A fund may not be able to achieve a perfect correlation
between its futures positions and portfolio positions in corporate fixed-income
securities because futures contracts based on these securities are not currently
available.
Futures contracts that are purchased on foreign exchanges may not be as liquid
as those purchased on CTFC-designated contract markets. In addition, foreign
futures contracts may be subject to varied regulatory oversight.
INTEREST RATE AND CURRENCY SWAPS A fund will only enter into interest rate swaps
on a net basis, which means that the fund will receive or pay, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. Interest rate swaps do not involve
the delivery of securities, other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, a
fund's risk of loss with respect to interest rate swaps is limited to the net
amount of interest payments that the fund must make. If the other party to an
interest rate swap defaults, a fund's risk of loss consists of the net amount of
interest payments that the fund is entitled to receive.
In contrast, currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal
value of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency.
Therefore, a fund could lose the entire principal value of a currency swap if
the other party defaults.
The use of interest rate and currency swaps is a highly specialized activity
that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated
with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the managers are incorrect
in their forecasts of market values, interest rates and currency exchange rates,
the investment performance of a fund would be less favorable than it would have
been if this investment technique were not used.
OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS The amount of risk a fund assumes when it purchases
an option on a futures contract is the premium paid for the option plus related
transaction costs. In writing options on futures, a fund's loss is potentially
unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received. Also, a fund may
not be able to properly hedge its securities where a liquid secondary market is
unavailable for the option the fund wishes to close. In addition to the
correlation risks discussed above, the purchase of an option also entails the
risk that changes in the value of the underlying futures contract will not be
fully reflected in the value of the option purchased. A fund will purchase a put
option on a futures contract only to hedge the fund's portfolio against the risk
of rising interest rates or the decline in the value of securities denominated
in a foreign currency.
OPTIONS ON SECURITIES The fund's options investments involve certain risks. The
effectiveness of an options strategy depends on the degree to which price
movements in the underlying securities correlate with price movements in the
relevant portion of the fund's portfolio. In addition, the fund bears the risk
that the prices of its portfolio securities will not move in the same amount as
the option it has purchased, or that there may be a negative correlation that
would result in a loss on both the securities and the option. If the manager is
not successful in using options in managing a fund's investments, the fund's
performance will be worse than if the manager did not employ such strategies.
When trading options on foreign exchanges or in the over-the-counter market,
many of the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be available.
For example, there are no daily price fluctuation limits, and adverse market
movements could therefore continue to an unlimited extent over a period of time.
The purchaser of an option can lose the amount of the premium plus related
transaction costs. Moreover, a fund as an option writer could lose amounts
substantially in excess of its initial investment, due to the margin and
collateral requirements associated with option writing.
Options on securities traded on national securities exchanges are within the
jurisdiction of the SEC, as are other securities traded on such exchanges. As a
result, many of the protections provided to traders on organized exchanges will
be available with respect to such transactions. In particular, all option
positions entered into on a national securities exchange are cleared and
guaranteed by the Options Clearing Corporation, thereby reducing the risk of
counterparty default. Further, a liquid secondary market in options traded on a
national securities exchange may be more readily available than in the
over-the-counter market, potentially permitting a fund to liquidate open
positions at a profit prior to exercise or expiration, or to limit losses in the
event of adverse market movements.
Although a fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which
there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a
liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or
at any particular time. For some options, no secondary market on an exchange may
exist and a fund may have difficulty effecting closing transactions in
particular options. Therefore, the fund would have to exercise its options in
order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the sale of
underlying securities where a buyer exercises put or call options. If a fund as
a covered call option writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction
in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until
the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise. There
is no assurance that higher than anticipated trading activity or other
unforeseen events might not, at times, render certain of the facilities of the
Options Clearing Corporation inadequate, and thereby result in the institution
by an exchange of special procedures which may interfere with the timely
execution of customers' orders.
OPTIONS ON STOCK INDICES A fund's ability to hedge effectively all or a portion
of its securities through transactions in options on stock indexes depends on
the degree to which price movements in the underlying index or underlying
securities correlate with price movements in the relevant portion of the fund's
portfolio. Inasmuch as these securities will not duplicate the components of any
index, the correlation will not be perfect. Consequently, a fund bears the risk
that the prices of the securities being hedged will not move in the same amount
as the hedging instrument. It is also possible that there may be a negative
correlation between the index and the hedged securities that would result in a
loss on both the securities and the hedging instrument. Accordingly, successful
use by a fund of options on stock indexes, will be subject to the manager's
ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the securities
markets generally or of a particular segment. This requires different skills and
techniques than predicting changes in the price of individual stocks.
Positions in stock index options may be closed out only on an exchange that
provides a secondary market. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary
market will exist for any particular stock index option at any specific time.
Thus, it may not be possible to close an option position. The inability to close
options positions could have an adverse impact on the fund's ability to
effectively hedge its securities.
FOREIGN SECURITIES Certain funds have an unlimited ability to purchase
securities in any foreign country, developed or developing, if they are listed
on a stock exchange, as well as a limited ability to purchase such securities if
they are unlisted. While foreign securities may offer significant opportunities
for gain, they also involve additional risks that can increase the potential for
losses in the fund. These risks can be significantly greater for investments in
emerging markets. Investments in depositary receipts also involve some or all of
the risks described below.
There may be less publicly available information about foreign companies
compared 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. A fund, therefore, may
encounter difficulty in obtaining market quotations for purposes of valuing its
portfolio and calculating its net asset value.
Certain countries' financial markets and services are less developed than those
in the U.S. or other major economies. In many foreign countries there is less
government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges, brokers, custodians
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. Foreign
markets have substantially less volume than the New York Stock Exchange and
securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than
securities of comparable U.S. companies. Commission rates in foreign countries,
which are generally fixed rather than subject to negotiation as in the U.S., are
likely to be higher. Custodial services, and other costs relating to investment
in foreign markets, including developing markets, are generally higher than in
the U.S. Settlement practices may be cumbersome and result in delays that may
affect portfolio liquidity, that is, it may affect a fund's ability to sell its
securities. The funds may have greater difficulty voting proxies, exercising
shareholder rights, pursuing legal remedies, and obtaining judgments with
respect to foreign investments in foreign courts than with respect to domestic
issuers in U.S. courts.
A fund's investments in foreign securities may increase the risks with respect
to the liquidity of the fund's portfolio. This could inhibit the fund's ability
to meet a large number of shareholder redemption requests in the event of
economic or political turmoil in a country in which the fund has a substantial
portion of its assets invested or deterioration in relations between the U.S.
and the foreign country.
Many debt obligations of foreign issuers, and especially emerging market
issuers, are not rated by U.S. rating agencies and their selection depends on
the manager's internal analysis.
EMERGING MARKETS. Investments in companies domiciled in developing countries may
be subject to potentially higher risks, making these investments more volatile,
than investments in developed countries. These risks include (i) less social,
political and economic stability; (ii) the risk that the small size of the
markets for such securities and the low or nonexistent volume of trading may
result in a lack of liquidity and in greater price volatility; (iii) the
existence of certain national policies which may restrict each 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 many developing countries, of a capital market structure or
market-oriented economy; and (vii) the possibility that recent favorable
economic developments in some developing countries may be slowed or reversed by
unanticipated political or social events in such countries.
In addition, many countries in which the funds 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 developing countries may involve risks of nationalization,
expropriation and confiscatory taxation. For example, 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 expropriation, each fund could lose a substantial portion of any
investments it has made in the affected countries. Further, no accounting
standards exist in certain developing countries. Finally, even though the
currencies of some developing countries, such as certain Eastern European
countries may be convertible into U.S. dollars, the conversion rates may be
artificial to the actual market values and may be adverse to a funds'
shareholders.
Repatriation, that is, the return to an investor's homeland, of investment
income, capital and proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require
governmental registration or approval in some developing countries. Delays in or
a refusal to grant any required governmental registration or approval for such
repatriation could adversely affect the funds. 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.
RUSSIAN SECURITIES. 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, together with Russia's continuing political and economic instability
and the slow-paced development of its market economy, the following:
(a) delays in settling portfolio transactions and the 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) the pervasiveness of corruption, insider-trading, and crime in the Russian
economic system;
(d) currency exchange rate volatility and the lack of available currency
hedging instruments such as the techniques discussed under "Currency
techniques and hedging" in this SAI;
(e) higher rates of inflation (including the risk of 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;
(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, a return
to the centrally planned economy that existed prior to the dissolution of
the Soviet Union, or the nationalization of privatized enterprises;
(h) the risks of investing in securities with substantially less liquidity and
in issuers having significantly smaller market capitalizations, when
compared to securities and
issuers in more developed markets;
(i) the difficulties associated in obtaining accurate market valuations of
many Russian securities, based partly on the limited amount of publicly
available information;
(j) the financial condition of Russian companies, including large amounts of
inter-company debt which may create a payments crisis on a national scale;
(k) dependency on exports and the corresponding importance of international
trade;
(l) the risk that the Russian tax system will not be reformed to prevent
inconsistent, retroactive and/or exorbitant taxation or, in the
alternative, the risk that a reformed tax system may result in the
inconsistent and unpredictable enforcement of the new tax laws;
(m) possible difficulty in identifying a purchaser of securities held by the
funds due to the underdeveloped nature of the securities markets;
(n) the possibility that pending legislation could restrict the levels of
foreign investment in certain industries, thereby limiting the number of
investment opportunities in Russia;
(o) the risk that pending legislation would confer to Russian courts the
exclusive jurisdiction to resolve disputes between foreign investors and
the Russian government, instead of bringing such disputes before an
internationally-accepted third-country arbitrator; and
(p) the difficulty in obtaining information about the financial condition of
Russian issuers, in light of the different disclosure and accounting
standards applicable to Russian companies.
There is little long-term historical data on Russian securities markets because
they are relatively new and a substantial proportion of securities transactions
in Russia is 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 nor are they licensed with any
governmental entity and it is possible for the funds to lose their registration
through fraud, negligence or even mere oversight. While each fund will endeavor
to ensure that its interest continues to be appropriately recorded by 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 funds of their ownership
rights or improperly dilute their interests. In addition, while applicable
Russian regulations impose liability on registrars for losses resulting from
their errors, it may be difficult for the funds to enforce any rights they 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 500 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. In addition, so-called "financial-industrial groups" have emerged in
recent years that seek to deter outside investors from interfering in the
management of companies they control. These practices may prevent the funds from
investing in the securities of certain Russian companies deemed suitable by the
manager. Further, this also could cause a delay in the sale of Russian company
securities by a fund if a potential purchaser is deemed unsuitable, which may
expose the fund to potential loss on the investment.
CURRENCY Many of the investments in certain funds are denominated in foreign
currencies. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of
what certain funds own, and those funds' share price. In addition, changes in
foreign currency exchange rates will affect a fund's income and distributions to
shareholders. To the extent that the manager intends to hedge currency risk in
certain funds, the funds endeavor to buy and sell foreign currencies on as
favorable a basis as practicable. Some price spread in currency exchange (to
cover service charges) may be incurred, particularly when a fund changes
investments from one country to another or when proceeds of the sale of shares
in U.S. dollars are used for the purchase of securities in foreign countries.
Some countries may adopt policies that would prevent the funds from transferring
cash out of the country or withhold portions of interest and dividends at the
source.
The funds 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 funds may invest may also have fixed
or managed currencies that are not free-floating against the U.S. dollar.
Certain currencies may not be internationally traded.
Certain currencies have experienced a steady devaluation relative to the U.S.
dollar. Any devaluations in the currencies in which a fund's portfolio
securities are denominated may have a detrimental impact on the fund. Where the
exchange rate for a currency declines materially after a fund's income has been
accrued and translated into U.S. dollars, a fund may need to redeem portfolio
securities to make required distributions. Similarly, if an exchange rate
declines between the time a fund incurs expenses in U.S. dollars and the time
such expenses are paid, the fund will have to convert a greater amount of the
currency into U.S. dollars in order to pay the expenses.
Through the funds' 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 funds' investments.
The exercise of this flexible policy may include decisions to purchase
securities with substantial risk characteristics and other decisions such as
changing the emphasis on investments from one nation to another and from one
type of security to another. Some of these decisions may later prove profitable
and others may not. No assurance can be given that profits, if any, will exceed
losses.
The board of trustees considers the degree of risk involved through the holding
of portfolio securities in domestic and foreign securities depositories.
However, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence
on the part of the funds' manager, any losses resulting from the holding of the
funds' portfolio securities in foreign countries and/or with securities
depositories will be at the risk of the shareholders. No assurance can be given
that the board of trustees' appraisal of the risks will always be correct or
that such exchange control restrictions or political acts of foreign governments
might not occur.
EURO On January 1, 1999, the European Monetary Union (EMU) introduced a new
single currency, the euro, which will replace the national currency for
participating member countries. The transition and the elimination of currency
risk among EMU countries may change the economic environment and behavior of
investors, particularly in European markets.
Franklin Resources, Inc. has created an interdepartmental team to handle all
euro-related changes to enable the Franklin Templeton Funds to process
transactions accurately and completely with minimal disruption to business
activities. While the implementation of the euro could have a negative effect on
a fund, the fund's manager and its affiliated services providers are taking
steps they believe are reasonably designed to address the euro issue.
DIVERSIFICATION Because certain funds are non-diversified, there is no
restriction under the Investment Company Act of 1940 on the percentage of their
assets that they may invest at any time in the securities of any issuer.
Nevertheless, these funds' non-diversified status may expose them to greater
risk or volatility than diversified funds with otherwise similar investment
policies, since the funds may invest a larger portion of its assets in
securities of a small number of issuers.
REAL ESTATE Because certain funds invest in the real estate industry, a fund
could own real estate directly as a result of a default on debt securities it
may own. Receipt of rental income or income from the disposition of real
property by a fund may adversely affect its ability to retain its tax status as
a regulated investment company.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks.
For example, if the other party to the agreement defaults on its obligation to
repurchase the underlying security at a time when the value of the security has
declined, a fund may incur a loss upon disposition of the security. If the other
party to the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or
reorganization under the bankruptcy code or other laws, a court may determine
that the underlying security is collateral for a loan by a fund not within the
control of a fund, and therefore the realization by the fund on the collateral
may be automatically stayed. Finally, it is possible that the fund may not be
able to substantiate its interest in the underlying security and may be deemed
an unsecured creditor of the other party to the agreement. While the manager
acknowledges these risks, it is expected that if repurchase agreements are
otherwise deemed useful to a fund, these risks can be controlled through careful
monitoring procedures.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS are considered borrowings by the funds and as such
are subject to the investment limitations discussed under "Fundamental
Investment Restrictions." These transactions may increase the volatility of a
fund's income or net asset value. The fund carries the risk that any securities
purchased with the proceeds of the transaction will depreciate or not generate
enough income to cover the fund's obligations under the reverse repurchase
transaction. These transactions also increase the interest and operating
expenses of a fund.
SMALLER COMPANIES Historically, small company stocks have been more volatile in
price than larger company stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price
volatility of these securities are the less certain growth prospects of smaller
firms, the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such stocks, and the
greater sensitivity of small companies to changing economic conditions. Besides
exhibiting greater volatility, small company stocks may, to a degree, fluctuate
independently of larger company stocks. Small company stocks may decline in
price as large company stocks rise, or rise in price as large company stocks
decline. Investors should therefore expect that the net asset value of a fund
that invests a substantial portion of its net assets in small company stocks may
be more volatile than the shares of a fund that invests solely in larger company
stocks.
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
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Each fund has adopted the following restrictions as fundamental policies. This
means they may only be changed if the change is approved by (i) more than 50% of
the fund's outstanding shares or (ii) 67% or more of the fund's shares present
at a shareholder meeting if more than 50% of the fund's outstanding shares are
represented at the meeting in person or by proxy, whichever is less.
Each fund may not:
1. with respect to 75% of its total assets, except for the Global Income, Global
Health Care and Value Funds, purchase the securities of any one issuer (other
than cash, cash items and obligations of the U.S. Government) if immediately
thereafter, and as a result of the purchase, the fund would (a) have more than
5% of the value of its total assets invested in the securities of such issuer or
(b) hold more than 10% of any or all classes of the securities of any one
issuer;
2. borrow money in an amount in excess of 5% of the value of its total assets,
except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes, and not for direct
investment in securities (except the Asset Allocation, Developing Markets,
Global Health Care, International Smaller Companies, Mutual Discovery, Mutual
Shares, Small Cap and Value Funds). The Asset Allocation, Developing Markets,
Global Health Care, International Smaller Companies, Mutual Discovery, Mutual
Shares, Small Cap and Value Funds may borrow money from banks in an amount not
exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets including the amount
borrowed. Each of these funds may also pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its
assets to secure borrowings to an extent not greater than 15% of the fund's
total assets. Arrangements with respect to margin for futures contracts, forward
contracts and related options are not deemed to be a pledge of assets.
3. lend its assets, except through the purchase or acquisition of bonds,
debentures or other debt securities of any type customarily purchased by
institutional investors, or through loans of portfolio securities, or to the
extent the entry into a repurchase agreement may be deemed a loan;
4. underwrite securities of other issuers, except as noted in number 6 below and
except insofar as a fund may be technically deemed an underwriter under the
federal securities laws in connection with the disposition of portfolio
securities;
5. purchase illiquid securities, including illiquid securities which, at the
time of acquisition, could be disposed of publicly by the funds only after
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, if as a result more than 10% of
their net assets would be invested in such illiquid securities (not applicable
to the Global Health Care, International Smaller Companies, Mutual Discovery,
Mutual Shares or Value Funds);
6. invest in securities for the purpose of exercising management or control of
the issuer (not applicable to the Mutual Discovery, Mutual Shares or Value
Funds);
7. invest more than 25% of its assets (measured at the time of the most recent
investment) in any single industry (not applicable to the Global Health Care
Fund, Global Utilities Fund, Natural Resources Fund, or the Real Estate
Securities Fund);
8. invest in companies which have a record of less than three years of
continuous operation, including the operations of any predecessor companies,
except that the Real Estate Fund, the Capital Growth Fund, the Growth and Income
Fund, the Global Income Fund, the International Equity Fund, the Pacific Fund,
the Global Growth Fund, and the Developing Markets Fund may invest up to 5% of
their respective assets in such companies, the Natural Resources Fund may invest
up to 10% of its assets in such companies, and such limitation shall not apply
to the Asset Allocation Fund, Global Health Care Fund, International Smaller
Companies Fund, Mutual Discovery Fund, Mutual Shares Fund, Small Cap Fund or the
Value Fund;
9. maintain a margin account with a securities dealer or effect short sales,
with the exceptions that (i) the Growth and Income Fund and the Income
Securities Fund may effect short sales if the fund owns securities equivalent in
kind and amount to those sold, (ii) Mutual Discovery, Mutual Shares, Global
Health Care and Value Funds may engage in short sales to the extent described in
the prospectus and SAI, and (iii) the Natural Resources Fund, the Global Health
Care Fund, the Global Income Fund, the Global Growth Fund, the Developing
Markets Fund, the Asset Allocation Fund, the International Equity Fund, the
International Smaller Companies Fund, the Pacific Fund, the Mutual Discovery
Fund, the Mutual Shares Fund, the Value Fund and the Small Cap Fund may make
initial deposits and pay variation margin in connection with futures contracts;
10. invest in commodities or commodity pools, except that (i) certain funds may
purchase and sell Forward Contracts in amounts necessary to effect transactions
in foreign securities, (ii) the Global Health Care Fund, the Global Income Fund,
the International Equity Fund, the International Smaller Companies Fund, the
Pacific Growth Fund, the Global Growth Fund, the Developing Markets Fund, the
Asset Allocation Fund, the Mutual Discovery Fund, the Mutual Shares Fund, the
Value Fund and the Small Cap Fund may enter into Futures Contracts and may
invest in foreign currency and (iii) the Natural Resources Fund may invest in
commodities and commodity futures contracts with respect to commodities related
to the natural resources sector as defined in the prospectus. Securities or
other instruments backed by commodities are not considered commodities or
commodity contracts for the purpose of this restriction;
11. invest directly in real estate, although certain funds may invest in real
estate investment trusts or other publicly traded securities engaged in the real
estate industry. First mortgage loans or other direct obligations secured by
real estate are not considered real estate for purposes of this restriction;
12. invest in the securities of other open-end investment companies (except that
securities of another open-end investment company may be acquired pursuant to a
plan of reorganization, merger, consolidation or acquisition). This restriction
is not applicable to the Capital Growth Fund, the Global Health Care Fund, the
International Equity Fund, the International Smaller Companies Fund, the Mutual
Discovery Fund, the Mutual Shares Fund, the Pacific Fund, the Asset Allocation
Fund, the Value Fund or the Developing Markets Fund;
13. invest in assessable securities or securities involving unlimited liability
on the part of the fund;
14. invest an aggregate of more than 10% of its assets in securities with legal
or contractual restrictions on resale, securities which are not readily
marketable (including over-the-counter options and assets used to cover such
options), and repurchase agreements with more than seven days to maturity (this
restriction does not apply to the Asset Allocation, Global Health Care, Value,
Mutual Discovery or Mutual Shares Funds);
15. purchase or retain any security if any officer, director or security holder
of the issuer is at the same time an officer, trustee or employee of the Trust
or of the fund's Manager and such person owns beneficially more than one-half of
1% of the securities and all such persons owning more than one-half of 1% own
more than 5% of the outstanding securities of the issuer; or
16. invest its assets in a manner which does not comply with the investment
diversification requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code.
17. invest more than 10% of its assets in illiquid securities (including
illiquid equity securities, repurchase agreements of more than seven days
duration, over-the-counter options and assets used to cover such options, and
other securities which are not readily marketable), as more fully described in
the prospectus and SAI. This policy shall not apply to the Global Health Care,
International Smaller Companies, Mutual Discovery, Mutual Shares or Value Funds.
18. The Global Growth and Developing Markets Funds may not invest more than 5%
of their respective assets in warrants, whether or not listed on the New York or
American Exchange, including no more than 2% of their respective total assets
which may be invested in warrants that are not listed on those exchanges.
Warrants acquired by the funds in units or attached to securities are not
included in this restriction.
19. The Global Growth Fund and Developing Markets Fund will not invest more than
15% of their respective assets in securities of foreign issuers that are not
listed on a recognized U.S. or foreign securities exchange, including no more
than 10% in illiquid investments.
If a percentage restriction is met at the time of investment, a later increase
or decrease in the percentage due to a change in the value or liquidity of
portfolio securities or the amount of assets will not be considered a violation
of any of the foregoing restrictions.
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
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The trust has a board of trustees. The board is responsible for the overall
management of the trust, including general supervision and review of each fund's
investment activities. The board, in turn, elects the officers of the trust who
are responsible for administering the trust's day-to-day operations. The board
also monitors each fund to ensure no material conflicts exist among share
classes, among different insurance companies or between owners of variable
annuity and variable life insurance contracts. While none is expected, the board
will act appropriately to resolve any material conflict that may arise.
The name, age and address of the officers and board members, as well as their
affiliations, positions held with the trust, and principal occupations during
the past five years are shown below.
Frank H. Abbott, III (78)
1045 Sansome Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
Trustee
President and Director, Abbott Corporation (an investment company); director or
trustee, as the case may be, of 27 of the investment companies in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds; and FORMERLY, Director, MotherLode Gold Mines
Consolidated (gold mining) and Vacu-Dry Co. (food processing).
Harris J. Ashton (66)
191 Clapboard Ridge Road
Greenwich, CT 06830
Trustee
Director, RBC Holdings, Inc. (bank holding company) and Bar-S Foods (meat
packing company); director or trustee, as the case may be, of 49 of the
investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds; and FORMERLY,
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, General Host
Corporation (nursery and craft centers).
Edward J. Bonach (45)
Allianz Life Insurance Company
1750 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403-2195
Trustee
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Allianz Life Insurance
Company of North America; President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian
American Financial Corporation; and Director, Preferred Life Insurance Company
of New York and Life USA Holding, Inc.
Robert F. Carlson (71)
2120 Lambeth Way
Carmichael, CA 95608
Trustee
Member and past President, Board of Administration, California Public Employees
Retirement Systems (CALPERS); director or trustee, as the case may be, of nine
of the investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds; and
FORMERLY, member and Chairman of the Board, Sutter Community Hospitals, member,
Corporate Board, Blue Shield of California, and Chief Counsel, California
Department of Transportation.
S. Joseph Fortunato (66)
Park Avenue at Morris County
P.O. Box 1945
Morristown, NJ 07962-1945
Trustee
Member of the law firm of Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch; director or trustee, as
the case may be, of 51 of the investment companies in the Franklin Templeton
Group of Funds.
*Charles B. Johnson (66)
777 Mariners Island Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404
Chairman of the Board and Trustee
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.;
Chairman of the Board and Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc., Franklin Investment
Advisory Services, Inc. and Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.; Director,
Franklin/Templeton Investor Services, Inc. and Franklin Templeton Services,
Inc.; officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of most of the
other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 50 of the investment
companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
*Charles E. Johnson (42)
500 East Broward Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091
President and Trustee
Senior Vice President and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Senior Vice
President, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.; President and Director,
Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; Chairman and Director, Templeton Investment Counsel,
Inc.; Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; officer and/or director of some
of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer and/or
director or trustee, as the case may be, of 34 of the investment companies in
the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
*Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. (58)
777 Mariners Island Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404
Vice President and Trustee
Executive Vice President and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc. and Franklin
Templeton Distributors, Inc.; President and Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc.
and Franklin Investment Advisory Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Franklin
Advisory Services, LLC; Director, Franklin/Templeton Investor Services, Inc.;
and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of most of the other
subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 53 of the investment companies
in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
Frank W.T. LaHaye (70)
20833 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Suite 102
Cupertino, CA 95014
Trustee
General Partner, Miller & LaHaye, which is the General Partner of Peregrine
Ventures II (venture capital firm); director or trustee, as the case may be, of
27 of the investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds; and
FORMERLY, Director, Fischer Imaging Corporation (medical imaging systems),
Digital Transmission Systems, Inc. (wireless communications) and Director,
Quarterdeck Corporation (software firm); and General Partner, Peregrine
Associates, which was the General Partner of Peregrine Ventures (venture capital
firm).
Gordon S. Macklin (70)
8212 Burning Tree Road
Bethesda, MD 20817
Trustee
Director, Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc. (holding company), Martek
Biosciences Corporation, MCI WorldCom (information services), MedImmune, Inc.
(biotechnology), Spacehab, Inc. (aerospace services) and Real 3D (software);
director or trustee, as the case may be, of 49 of the investment companies in
the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds; and FORMERLY, Chairman, White River
Corporation (financial services) and Hambrecht and Quist Group (investment
banking), and President, National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Harmon E. Burns (54)
777 Mariners Island Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404
Vice President
Executive Vice President and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc., Franklin
Templeton Distributors, Inc. and Franklin Templeton Services, Inc.; Executive
Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Director, Franklin Investment Advisory
Services, Inc. and Franklin/Templeton Investor Services, Inc.; and officer
and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of most of the other
subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 53 of the investment companies
in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
Martin L. Flanagan (38)
777 Mariners Island Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Franklin Resources, Inc.,
Franklin/Templeton Investor Services, Inc. and Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC,
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director, Templeton
Worldwide, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Director,
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc.; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer, Franklin Advisory
Services, LLC and Franklin Investment Advisory Services, Inc.; President and
Director, Franklin Templeton Services, Inc.; officer and/or director of some of
the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer and/or director
or trustee, as the case may be, of 53 of the investment companies in the
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
Deborah R. Gatzek (50)
777 Mariners Island Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404
Vice President and Secretary
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Senior Vice
President, Franklin Templeton Services, Inc. and Franklin Templeton
Distributors, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Vice
President, Franklin Advisory Services, LLC. and Franklin Mutual Advisers,LLC;
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Franklin
Investment Advisory Services, Inc.; and officer of 54 of the investment
companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
Diomedes Loo-Tam (60)
777 Mariners Island Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404
Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer
Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, Inc.; and officer of 32 of
the investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
Edward V. McVey (61)
777 Mariners Island Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404
Vice President
Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager, Franklin Templeton
Distributors, Inc.; and officer of 28 of the investment companies in the
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
*This board member is considered an "interested person" under federal securities
laws.
Note: Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. are brothers and the father
and uncle, respectively, of Charles E. Johnson.
The trust pays noninterested board members $675 per month plus $550 per meeting
attended. Board members who serve on the audit committee of the trust and other
funds in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds receive a flat fee of $2,000 per
committee meeting attended, a portion of which is allocated to the trust.
Members of a committee are not compensated for any committee meeting held on the
day of a board meeting. Noninterested board members may also serve as directors
or trustees of other funds in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds and may
receive fees from these funds for their services. The fees payable to
noninterested board members by the trust are subject to reductions resulting
from fee caps limiting the amount of fees payable to board members who serve on
other boards within the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds. The following table
provides the total fees paid to noninterested board members by the trust and by
the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds.
TOTAL FEES RECEIVED NUMBER OF BOARDS IN
TOTAL FEES FROM THE FRANKLIN THE FRANKLIN
NAME RECEIVED FROM TEMPLETON GROUP OF TEMPLETON GROUP OF
THE TRUST1 ($) FUNDS2 ($) FUNDS ON WHICH EACH
SERVES3
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Frank H. Abbott 9,573 159,051 27
Harris Ashton 10,004 361,157 49
Robert F. Carlson 11,142 78,052 9
S. Joseph Fortunato 9,551 367,835 51
Frank W.T. LaHaye 10,123 163,753 27
Gordon Macklin 10,004 361,157 49
1For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998. During the period from January 1,
1998 through May 31, 1998, fees at the rate of $550 per month and $182 per board
meeting attended were in effect.
2. For the calendar year ended December 31, 1998.
3. We base the number of boards on the number of registered investment companies
in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds. This number does not include the total
number of series or funds within each investment company for which the board
members are responsible. The Franklin Templeton Group of Funds currently
includes 54 registered investment companies, with approximately 163 U.S. based
funds or series.
Noninterested board members are reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection
with attending board meetings, paid pro rata by each fund in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds for which they serve as director or trustee. No officer
or board member received any other compensation, including pension or retirement
benefits, directly or indirectly from the fund or other funds in the Franklin
Templeton Group of Funds. Certain officers or board members who are shareholders
of Franklin Resources, Inc. may be deemed to receive indirect remuneration by
virtue of their participation, if any, in the fees paid to its subsidiaries.
Board members historically have followed a policy of having substantial
investments in one or more of the funds in the Franklin Templeton Group of
Funds, as is consistent with their individual financial goals. In February 1998,
this policy was formalized through adoption of a requirement that each board
member invest one-third of fees received for serving as a director or trustee of
a Templeton fund in shares of one or more Templeton funds and one-third of fees
received for serving as a director or trustee of a Franklin fund in shares of
one or more Franklin funds until the value of such investments equals or exceeds
five times the annual fees paid such board member. Investments in the name of
family members or entities controlled by a board member constitute fund holdings
of such board member for purposes of this policy, and a three year phase-in
period applies to such investment requirements for newly elected board members.
In implementing such policy, a board member's fund holdings existing on February
27, 1998, are valued as of such date with subsequent investments valued at cost.
MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES
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MANAGERS AND SERVICES PROVIDED Franklin Advisers, Inc. is the manager of each
fund, except Asset Allocation Fund, Global Growth Fund, International Smaller
Companies Fund, Developing Markets Fund, Mutual Discovery Fund, Mutual Shares
Fund, Rising Dividends Fund and Value Fund. The manager for Rising Dividends
Fund and Value Securities Fund is Franklin Advisory Services, LLC. The manager
for Mutual Discovery Fund and Mutual Shares Fund is Franklin Mutual Advisers,
LLC. The manager of the International Smaller Companies Fund is Templeton
Investment Counsel, Inc. The manager for the Asset Allocation Fund and Global
Growth Fund is Templeton Global Advisors Limited. The manager for the Developing
Markets Fund is Templeton Asset Management Ltd. The managers are directly or
indirectly wholly owned by Franklin Resources, Inc. (Resources), a publicly
owned company engaged in the financial services industry through its
subsidiaries. Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. are the principal
shareholders of Resources.
The managers provide investment research and portfolio management services, and
select the securities for the funds to buy, hold or sell. The managers also
select the brokers who execute the funds' portfolio transactions. The managers
provide periodic reports to the board, which reviews and supervises the
managers' investment activities. To protect the funds, the managers and their
officers, directors and employees are covered by fidelity insurance. Templeton
Asset Management Ltd. and Templeton Global Advisors Limited render their
services to the funds from outside the U.S.
The Templeton organization has been investing globally since 1940. It has
offices in Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Brazil, the British Virgin
Islands, Canada, China, Cyprus, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan,
Korea, Luxembourg, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South
Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the U.S.
The managers and their affiliates manage numerous other investment companies and
accounts. The managers may give advice and take action with respect to any of
the other funds they manage, or for their own account, that may differ from
action taken by a manager on behalf of a fund. Similarly, with respect to the
funds, the managers are not obligated to recommend, buy or sell, or to refrain
from recommending, buying or selling any security that the managers and access
persons, as defined by applicable federal securities laws, may buy or sell for
their own account or for the accounts of any other fund. The managers are not
obligated to refrain from investing in securities held by the funds or other
funds they manage. Of course, any transactions for the accounts of the managers
and other access persons will be made in compliance with the trust's code of
ethics.
Under the trust's code of ethics, employees of the Franklin Templeton Group who
are access persons may 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 by the close
of the business day following the day clearance is granted; (ii) copies of all
brokerage confirmations and statements must be sent to a compliance officer;
(iii) all brokerage accounts must be disclosed on an annual basis; and (iv)
access persons involved in preparing and making investment decisions must, in
addition to (i), (ii) and (iii) 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.
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. is the sub-advisor to the Asset Allocation
Fund, the Global Income Fund, the International Equity Fund and the Pacific
Fund. The sub-advisor has agreements with the managers and provides the managers
with investment management advice and assistance. The sub-advisor's activities
are subject to the board's review and control, as well as the managers'
instructions and supervision.
MANAGEMENT FEES Each Fund pays the manager a fee equal to an annual rate as
follows:
Money Market Fund, Growth and Income Fund, Natural Resources Securities Fund,
Real Estate Securities Fund, Global Utilities Securities Fund, High Income Fund,
Templeton Global Income Securities Fund, Income Securities Fund, U.S. Government
Securities Fund, Zero Coupon Fund - 2000, Zero Coupon Fund - 2005 and Zero
Coupon Fund - 2010:
o 0.625% of the value of net assets up to an including $100 million;
o 0.50% of the value of net assets over $100 million up to and including
$250 million;
o 0.45% of the value of net assets over $250 million up to and including
$10 billion;
o 0.44% of the value of net assets over $10 billion up to and including
$12.5 billion;
plus
o 0.42% of the value of net assets over $12.5 billion up to and including
$15 billion;
plus
o 0.40% of the value of net assets over $15 billion.
RISING DIVIDENDS FUND, SMALL CAP FUND, CAPITAL GROWTH FUND:
o 0.75% of the value of net assets up to $500 million;
o 0.625% of the value of net assets over $500 million up to and including
$1 billion; and
o 0.50% of the value of net assets in excess of $1 billion.
TEMPLETON PACIFIC GROWTH FUND, TEMPLETON INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND, TEMPLETON
GLOBAL GROWTH FUND:
o 1.00% of the value of net assets up to $100 million;
o 0.90% of the value of net assets over $100 million up to and including
$250 million;
o 0.80% of the value of net assets over $250 million up to and including
$500 million; and
o 0.75% of the value of net assets over $500 million.
TEMPLETON DEVELOPING MARKETS EQUITY FUND:
o 1.25% of the value of net assets.
TEMPLETON GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION FUND:
o 0.65% of the value of net assets up to and including $200 million;
o 0.585% of the value of net assets over $200 million up to and including
$1.3 billion;
o 0.52% of the value of net assets over $1.3 billion.
TEMPLETON INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND:
o 0.85% of the value of the fund's net assets up to and including $200
million;
o 0.765% of the value of the fund's net assets over $200 million up to and
including $1.3 billion;
o 0.68% of the value of the fund's net assets over $1.3 billion.
GLOBAL HEALTH CARE SECURITIES FUND AND VALUE SECURITIES FUND:
o 0.60% of the value of net assets up to an including $200 million;
o 0.50% of the value of net assets up to and including $1.3 billion; and
o 0.40% of value of net assets over $1.3 billion.
MUTUAL DISCOVERY SECURITIES FUND:
o 0.80% of the value of the fund's net assets.
MUTUAL SHARES SECURITIES FUND:
o 0.60% of the value of the fund's net assets.
The fees are computed daily according to the terms of the management agreements.
Each class of a fund's shares pays its proportionate share of the fee.
For the last three fiscal years ended December 31, the funds paid the following
management fees:
MANAGEMENT FEES PAID ($)
1998 1997 1996
Money Fund(1) 1,671,303 1,740,190 1,781,802
Global Income Fund 959,858 1,133,609 1,262,055
High Income Fund 2,439,509 2,305,480 1,985,566
Government Fund 3,530,641 3,775,626 3,162,073
Zero Coupon Fund - 2000(1) 377,990 442,683 494,949
Zero Coupon Fund - 2005(1) 292,474 290,964 299,714
Zero Coupon Fund - 2010(1) 326,495 293,620 291,798
Income Fund 6,133,729 6,348,820 6,130,804
Rising Dividends Fund 5,508,829 4,942,390 3,785,807
Global Utilities Fund 4,965,295 5,139,011 6,097,507
Growth and Income Fund 6,301,582 5,667,415 4,643,546
Natural Resources Fund 388,527 584,675 754,383
Real Estate Fund 1,911,113 1,988,023 1,335,653
Small Cap Fund 2,365,309 1,878,273 694,975
International Equity Fund 8,900,761 9,676,740 7,945,053
Pacific Fund 1,142,027 2,608,312 3,343,850
Asset Allocation Fund 585,747 526,125 272,732
Developing Markets Fund 2,633,409 4,277,977 2,887,400
Global Growth Fund 6,409,332 5,894,743 4,016,061
International Smaller 259,908 239,272
Companies Fund 56,389(2)
Growth Fund 1,140,016 558,503 86,028(2)
Mutual Discovery Fund 1,904,631 930,954 11,033(3)
Mutual Shares Fund 2,841,641 1,265,341 11,822(3)
Global Health Care Fund 18,1194 - -
Value Fund 17,9684 - -
(1)Under an agreement by the manager to limit its management fees, the fund's
fees before any advance waiver were ($):
1998 1997 1996
Money Fund 1,986,485 2,072,982 2,225,389
Zero Coupon Fund - 2000 639,490 724,202 790,492
Zero Coupon Fund - 2005 498,204 485,690 503,611
Zero Coupon Fund - 2010 552,900 491,457 490,108
(2)For the period from May 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996.
(3)For the period from November 6, 1996 to December 31, 1996.
4For the period from May 1, 1998 to December 31, 1998.
The managers pay the sub-advisors fees equal to an annual rate of:
TEMPLETON INVESTMENT COUNSEL FOR ITS SERVICES TO GLOBAL INCOME FUND,
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND AND PACIFIC GROWTH FUND:
o 0.35% of the value of the net assets up to and including $100 million;
o 0.25% of the value of net assets over $100 million up to and including
$250 million; and
o 0.20% of the value of net assets over $250 million.
TEMPLETON INVESTMENT COUNSEL FOR ITS SERVICES TO ASSET ALLOCATION FUND:
o 0.25% of the value of the fund's net assets up to and including
$200 million;
o 0.225%of the value of the fund's net assets over $200 million up to and
including $1.3 billion;
o 0.20% of the value of the fund's net assets over $1.3 billion.
The managers pay the above fees from the management fees they receive from the
funds. For the last three fiscal years, the managers paid the following
sub-advisory fees:
SUB-ADVISORY FEES PAID ($)
1998 1997 1996
Asset Allocation Fund 175,133 202,084 85,148
Global Income Fund 517,646 646,108 847,462
International Equity Fund 3,367,480 3,558,654 3,798,617
Pacific Growth Fund 561,199 1,184,097 1,807,040
ADMINISTRATOR AND SERVICES PROVIDED Franklin Templeton Services, Inc. (FT
Services) provides certain administrative services and facilities for each fund.
FT Services has direct agreements with Asset Allocation Fund, Global Health Care
Fund, International Smaller Companies Fund, Mutual Discovery Fund, Mutual Shares
Fund and Value Securities Fund. FT Services has subcontracts with the managers
of all other funds. FT Services is wholly owned by Resources and is an affiliate
of the funds' managers and principal underwriter.
The administrative services FT Services provides include preparing and
maintaining books, records, and tax and financial reports, and monitoring
compliance with regulatory requirements.
ADMINISTRATION FEES The funds, in the case of the Asset Allocation Fund, Global
Health Care Fund, International Smaller Companies Fund, Mutual Discovery Fund,
Mutual Shares Fund and Value Securities Fund, and the managers for all other
funds, pay FT Services a monthly fee for each fund equal to an annual rate of:
o 0.15% of the fund's average daily net assets up to $200 million;
o 0.135% of average daily net assets over $200 million up to $700 million;
o 0.10% of average daily net assets over $700 million up to $1.2 billion;
and
o 0.075% of average daily net assets over $1.2 billion.
During the last two fiscal years ended December 31, the funds or the managers,
as applicable, paid FT services the following administration fees:
Administration fees paid ($)
1998 1997 1996(1)
Money Fund 550,742 577,131 152,857
Global Income Fund 250,588 301,966 82,850
High Income Fund 687,089 646,500 148,800
Government Fund 1,004,140 1,058,686 261,201
Zero Coupon Fund - 2000 152,304 179,811 49,454
Zero Coupon Fund - 2005 119,555 116,587 31,111
Zero Coupon Fund - 2010 132,677 117,989 30,053
Income Fund 1,555,839 1,591,448 394,864
Rising Dividends Fund 1,054,751 952,330 198,779
Global Utilities Fund 1,323,099 1,361,793 373,517
Growth and Income Fund 1,583,739 1,468,417 333,729
Natural Resources Fund 93,364 140,730 42,587
Real Estate Fund 528,864 551,077 103,035
Small Cap Fund 455,754 367,289 56,349
International Equity Fund 1,379,045 1,475,635 334,867
Pacific Fund 174,507 410,919 131,691
Asset Allocation Fund 135,172 121,436 18,668
Developing Markets Fund 307,396 517,561 93,551
Global Growth Fund 1,048,256 912,622 85,979
International Smaller 45,867 42,916 5,014
Companies Fund
Growth Fund 227,544 111,486 12,231
Mutual Discovery Fund 351,377 174,554 1,720
Mutual Shares Fund 669,378 314,146 2,971
Global Health Care Fund 4,471(3) - -
Value Fund 4,433(3) - -
1For the period from October 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996.
2For the period from November 6, 1996 to December 31, 1996.
3For the period from May 1, 1998 to December 31, 1998.
DEFENSIVE DISTRIBUTION PLANS Each fund's management agreement includes a
distribution or "Rule 12b-1" plan (the "Defensive Plan"). No payments are to be
made by the funds, however, as a result of the Defensive Plan. A fund does not
make any payments other than those required under its management agreement, the
Class 2 "Rule 12b-1" plan (see "Distribution and service (12b-1) fees" under the
section "Underwriter") or as incurred in the ordinary course of business. To the
extent payments are still deemed indirectly to be for the financing of any
activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares within the context
of Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, then such
payments shall be deemed to have been made pursuant to the Defensive Plan. In
connection with their approval of the applicable management agreements, the
Board, including a majority of the non-interested trustees, determined that, in
the exercise of their reasonable business judgment and in light of their
fiduciary duties, there is a reasonable likelihood that the implementation of
the respective Defensive Plans will benefit each fund and the Contract Owners
whose purchase payments have indirectly been invested in each fund.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AND TRANSFER AGENT Franklin/Templeton Investor Services,
Inc. (Investor Services) is the fund's shareholder servicing agent and acts as
the fund's transfer agent and dividend-paying agent. Investor Services is
located at 777 Mariners Island Blvd., P.O. Box 7777, San Mateo, CA 94403-7777.
CUSTODIANS Bank of New York, Mutual Funds Division, 90 Washington Street, New
York, NY 10286, acts as custodian of the funds' securities and other assets. In
addition, 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 assets of Global Income Fund, Developing
Markets Fund, Global Growth Fund, Asset Allocation Fund, International Equity
Fund and Pacific Growth Fund. As foreign custody manager, the bank selects and
monitors foreign sub-custodian banks, selects and evaluates non-compulsory
foreign depositories, and furnishes information relevant to the selection of
compulsory depositories.
AUDITOR PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 333 Market Street, San Francisco CA 94105,
is the trust's independent auditor. The auditor gives an opinion on the
financial statements included in the trust's Annual Report to Shareholders and
reviews the trust's registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC).
RESEARCH SERVICES The managers may receive services from various affiliates. The
services may include information, analytical reports, computer screening
studies, statistical data, and factual resumes pertaining to securities eligible
for purchase by the funds. Such supplemental research, when utilized, is subject
to analysis by the managers before being incorporated into the investment
advisory process.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
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The managers select brokers and dealers to execute the funds' portfolio
transactions in accordance with criteria set forth in the management agreements
and any directions that the board may give.
When placing a portfolio transaction, the managers seek to obtain prompt
execution of orders at the most favorable net price. For portfolio transactions
on a securities exchange, the amount of commission paid is negotiated between
the managers and the broker executing the transaction. The determination and
evaluation of the reasonableness of the brokerage commissions paid are based to
a large degree on the professional opinions of the persons responsible for
placement and review of the transactions. These opinions are based on the
experience of these individuals in the securities industry and information
available to them about the level of commissions being paid by other
institutional investors of comparable size. The managers will ordinarily place
orders to buy and sell over-the-counter securities on a principal rather than
agency basis with a principal market maker unless, in the opinion of the
managers, 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 managers may pay certain brokers commissions that are higher than those
another broker may charge, if the managers determine in good faith that the
amount paid is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research
services they receive. This may be viewed in terms of either the particular
transaction or the manager's overall responsibilities to client accounts over
which they exercise investment discretion. The services that brokers may provide
to the managers include, among others, supplying information about particular
companies, markets, countries, or local, regional, national or transnational
economies, statistical data, quotations and other securities pricing
information, and other information that provides lawful and appropriate
assistance to the managers in carrying out their investment advisory
responsibilities. These services may not always directly benefit the funds. They
must, however, be of value to the managers in carrying out their overall
responsibilities to their clients.
To the extent a fund invests in bonds or participates in other principal
transactions at net prices, the fund incurs little or no brokerage costs. The
fund deals directly with the selling or buying principal or market maker without
incurring charges for the services of a broker on its behalf, unless it is
determined that a better price or execution may be obtained by using the
services of a broker.
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 prices. The funds seek to obtain
prompt execution of orders at the most favorable net price. Transactions may be
directed to dealers in return for research and statistical information, as well
as for special services provided by the dealers in the execution of orders.
It is not possible to place a dollar value on the special executions or on the
research services the managers receive from dealers effecting transactions in
portfolio securities. The allocation of transactions in order to obtain
additional research services allows the managers to supplement their own
research and analysis activities and to receive the views and information of
individuals and research staffs of other securities firms. As long as it is
lawful and appropriate to do so, the managers and their affiliates may use this
research and data in their investment advisory capacities with other clients. If
the trust's officers are satisfied that the best execution is obtained, the sale
of trust 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 a fund's portfolio transactions.
Because Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) is a member of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., it may sometimes receive
certain fees when the fund tenders portfolio securities pursuant to a
tender-offer solicitation. To recapture brokerage for the benefit of the fund,
any portfolio securities tendered by the fund will be tendered through
Distributors if it is legally permissible to do so. In turn, the next management
fee payable to the manager will be reduced by the amount of any fees received by
Distributors in cash, less any costs and expenses incurred in connection with
the tender.
If purchases or sales of securities of a fund and one or more other investment
companies or clients supervised by the manager are considered at or about the
same time, transactions in these securities will be allocated among the several
investment companies and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all by the
manager, taking into account the respective 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 may improve execution and reduce transaction costs to the
fund.
During the last three fiscal years ended December 31, the funds paid the
following brokerage commissions:
Brokerage Commissions ($)
1998 1997 1996
Money Fund 0 0 0
Global Income Fund 0 0 0
High Income Fund 0 0 0
Government Fund 0 0 0
Zero Coupon Fund - 2000 0 0 0
Zero Coupon Fund - 2005 0 0 0
Zero Coupon Fund - 2010 0 0 0
Income Fund 135,052 130,787 211,977
Rising Dividends Fund 687,070 615,127 485,120
Global Utilities Fund 1,260,209 987,011 1,277,007
Growth and Income Fund 978,165 1,277,652 848,162
Natural Resources Fund 221,927 347,537 149,263
Real Estate Fund 360,482 213,815 89,985
Small Cap Fund 205,822 242,801 183,601
International Equity Fund 247,053 1,842,559 1,015,004
Pacific Fund 267,116 487,776 487,464
Asset Allocation Fund 102,075 131,597 62,209
Developing Markets Fund 622,952 1,147,089 604,200
Global Growth Fund 965,410 860,436 0
International Smaller 26,352 109,554 10,847
Companies Fund
Growth Fund 97,932 57,736 44,722
Mutual Discovery Fund 752,153 247,576 20,812
Mutual Shares Fund 856,291 310,461 31,174
Global Health Care Fund 7,679 - -
Value Fund 23,936 - -
Because the funds may, from time to time, invest in broker-dealers, it is
possible that a fund will own more than 5% of the voting securities of one or
more broker-dealers through whom such fund places portfolio brokerage
transactions. In such circumstances, the broker-dealer would be considered an
affiliated person of the fund. To the extent that the fund places brokerage
transactions through such a broker-dealer at a time when the broker-dealer is
considered to be an affiliate of the fund, the fund will be required to adhere
to certain rules relating to the payment of commissions to an affiliated
broker-dealer. These rules require the fund to adhere to procedures adopted by
the board relating to ensuring that the commissions paid to such broker-dealers
do not exceed what would otherwise be the usual and customary broker's
commissions for similar transactions.
The following table identifies each fund which held securities of its regular
brokers or dealers during 1998, the names of each such broker or dealer, and the
value, if any, of such securities as of December 31, 1998.
FUND NAME REGULAR BROKER OR DEALER DECEMBER 31, 1998
VALUE ($)
Money Market Fund Bank of America NT & 5,000,000
SA
Swiss Bank Corp., New 4,999,381
York Branch
J.P. Morgan & Co. Inc. 4,975,822
Merrill Lynch & Co., 4,930,017
Inc.
UBS AG, New York Branch 10,000,000
Growth & Income J.P. Morgan & Co., Inc. 12,702,056
Templeton Global Growth Morgan Stanley Dean 7,320,100
Fund Witter & Co.
Mutual Discovery BankAmerica Corp. 645,622
Securities Fund
Lehman Brothers 1,855,031
Holdings, Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean 734,563
Witter & Co.
Mutual Shares Securities BankAmerica Corp. 1,471,740
Fund
Lehman Brothers 4,027,312
Holdings Co.
Morgan Stanley Dean 9,485,600
Witter & Co.
The Mutual Discovery Fund and the Mutual Shares Fund may receive research
services from persons who act as brokers or dealers for the funds. The
discussion below relates in general to these brokers or dealers who, pursuant to
various arrangements, pay for certain computer hardware and software and other
research and brokerage services to the manager and/or the funds for transactions
effected by it for the fund. Commission soft dollars may be used only for
brokerage and research services provided by brokers to whom commissions are paid
and under no circumstances will cash payments be made by any such broker to the
funds' manager. To the extent that commission soft dollars do not result in the
provision of any "brokerage and research services" by brokers to whom such
commissions are paid, the commissions, nevertheless, are the property of such
broker. Although, potentially, the manager could be influenced to place fund
brokerage transactions with a broker in order to generate soft dollars for the
manager's benefit, the manager believes that the requirement that it achieve
best execution on fund portfolio transactions, and the fund's negotiated
commission structure with brokers, mitigate these concerns as the cost of
transactions effected through brokers, before consideration of any soft dollar
benefits that may be received, generally will be comparable to that available
elsewhere. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the funds did not pay
any brokerage commissions to brokers who provided research services.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
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EFFECT OF FOREIGN INVESTMENTS ON DISTRIBUTIONS Most foreign exchange gains
realized on the sale of debt securities are treated as ordinary income by a
fund. Similarly, foreign exchange losses realized by a fund on the sale of debt
securities are generally treated as ordinary losses by a fund. These gains when
distributed will be treated as ordinary dividends, and any losses will reduce a
fund's ordinary income otherwise available for distribution. This treatment
could increase or reduce a fund's ordinary income distributions, and may cause
some or all of a fund's previously distributed income to be classified as a
return of capital.
A fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes on income from certain of its
foreign securities.
ELECTION TO BE TAXED AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY Each fund has elected to
be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code, has qualified as such for its most recent fiscal year, and intends
to so qualify during the current fiscal year. As regulated investment companies,
the funds generally pay no federal income tax on the income and gains they
distribute. To ensure that individuals holding the Contracts whose assets are
invested in a fund will not be subject to federal income tax on distributions
made by the fund prior to receipt of payments under the Contracts, each fund
intends to comply with the additional requirements of Section 817(h) of the
Internal Revenue Code relating to diversification of its assets. The board
reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of a fund as a regulated
investment company if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to
shareholders. In such case, the fund will be subject to federal, and possibly
state, corporate taxes on its taxable income and gains.
EXCISE TAX DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS To avoid federal excise taxes, the Internal
Revenue Code requires a fund to make certain minimum distributions by December
31 of each year. Federal excise taxes will not apply to a fund in a given
calendar year, however, if all of its shareholders at all times during the
calendar year are segregated asset accounts of life insurance companies where
the shares are held in connection with variable products.
INVESTMENT IN COMPLEX SECURITIES A fund may invest in complex securities. These
investments may be subject to numerous special and complex tax rules. These
rules could affect whether gains and losses recognized by a fund are treated as
ordinary income or capital gain, accelerate the recognition of income to a fund
and/or defer a fund's ability to recognize losses, and, in limited cases,
subject a fund to U.S. federal income tax on income from certain of its foreign
securities. In turn, these rules may affect the amount, timing or character of
the income distributed by a fund.
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ORGANIZATION, VOTING RIGHTS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS
The Trust is an open-end management investment company, commonly called a mutual
fund. The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on April 26,
1988 and is registered with the SEC. Each fund, except the Templeton Global
Health Care Fund, Templeton Global Income Securities Fund and the Value
Securities Fund, is a diversified series of the Trust.
The shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust could, under certain
circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for its obligations. The
Agreement and Declaration of Trust, however, contains an express disclaimer of
shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the trust. The Declaration of
Trust also provides for indemnification and reimbursement of expenses out of
each series' (fund's) assets for any shareholder held personally liable for
obligations of that fund or the trust. The Declaration of Trust provides that
the trust shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any
shareholder for any act or obligation of a fund or the trust and shall satisfy
any judgment thereon. All such rights are limited to the assets of the fund. The
Declaration of Trust further provides that the trust may maintain appropriate
insurance (for example, fidelity bonding and errors and omissions insurance) for
the protection of the trust, its shareholders, trustees, officers, employees and
agents to cover possible tort and other liabilities. Furthermore, the activities
of the fund as an investment company, as distinguished from an operating
company, would not likely give rise to liabilities in excess of the fund's total
assets. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
shareholder liability is limited to the unlikely circumstance in which both
inadequate insurance exists and the fund itself is unable to meet its
obligations.
The trust currently offers two classes of shares for each series, Class 1 and
Class 2. All shares purchased before the initial offering of Class 2 shares on
December 28, 1998 are considered Class 1 shares. After that date, all shares are
designated either Class 1 or Class 2. Additional classes of shares may be
offered in the future. The full title of each series and class is:
Money Market Fund - Class 1
Money Market Fund - Class 2
Growth and Income Fund - Class 1
(Equity Growth Fund until 05/01/95)
Growth and Income Fund - Class 2
Natural Resources Securities Fund - Class 1
(Precious Metals Fund until 05/01/97)
Natural Resources Securities Fund - Class 2
Real Estate Securities Fund - Class 1
Real Estate Securities Fund - Class 2
Global Utilities Securities Fund - Class 1
(Utility Equity Fund until 05/01/98)
Global Utilities Securities Fund - Class 2
High Income Fund - Class 1
High Income Fund - Class 2
Templeton Global Income Securities Fund Class 1
(Global Income Fund until 05/01/96)
Templeton Global Income Securities Fund Class 2
Income Securities Fund Class 1
Income Securities Fund Class 2
U.S. Government Securities Fund - Class 1
U.S. Government Securities Fund - Class 2
Zero Coupon Fund - 2000 - Class 1
Zero Coupon Fund - 2000 - Class 2
Zero Coupon Fund - 2005 - Class 1
Zero Coupon Fund - 2005 - Class 2
Zero Coupon Fund - 2010 - Class 1
Zero Coupon Fund - 2010 - Class 2
Rising Dividend Fund - Class 1
Rising Dividend Fund - Class 2
Templeton Pacific Growth Fund - Class 1
Templeton Pacific Growth Fund - Class 2
Templeton International Equity Fund - Class 1
Templeton International Equity Fund - Class 2
Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund - Class 1
Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund - Class 2
Templeton Global Growth Fund - Class 1
Templeton Global Growth Fund - Class 2
Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund - Class 1
Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund - Class 2
Small Cap Fund - Class 1
Small Cap Fund - Class 2
Capital Growth Fund - Class 1
Capital Growth Fund - Class 2
Templeton International Smaller Companies Fund - Class 1
Templeton International Smaller Companies Fund - Class 2
Mutual Discovery Securities Fund - Class 1
Mutual Discovery Securities Fund - Class 2
Mutual Shares Securities Fund - Class 1
Mutual Shares Securities Fund - Class 2
Global Health Care Securities Fund - Class 1
Global Health Care Securities Fund - Class 2
Value Securities Fund - Class 1
Value Securities Fund - Class 2
Shares of each class represent proportionate interests in a fund's assets and
are identical except that each fund's class 2 shares will bear the expenses of
the Class 2 distribution plan. (See "The Underwriter" below for a description of
these plans. On matters that affect a fund as a whole, each class has the same
voting and other rights and preferences as any other class. On matters that
affect only one class, only shareholders of that class may vote. Each class
votes separately on matters affecting only that class, or expressly required to
be voted on separately by state or federal law. Shares of each class of a series
have the same voting and other rights and preferences as the other classes and
series of the trust for matters that affect the trust as a whole. Additional
series may be offered in the future.
The trust has noncumulative voting rights. For board member elections, this
gives holders of more than 50% of the shares voting the ability to elect all of
the members of the board. If this happens, holders of the remaining shares
voting will not be able to elect anyone to the board.
The trust does not intend to hold annual shareholder meetings. The trust or a
series of the trust may hold special meetings, however, for matters requiring
shareholder approval. A meeting may also be called by the board to consider the
removal of a board member if requested in writing by shareholders holding at
least 10% of the outstanding shares. In certain circumstances, we are required
to help shareholders communicate with other shareholders about the removal of a
board member. A special meeting may also be called by the board in its
discretion. For information regarding voting privileges of Contract Owners, see
the insurance company separate account SAI.
As of April 1, 1999, Allianz Life Variable Account A, Allianz Life Variable
Account B and Preferred Life Variable Account C owned, 0.33%, 92.32% and 7.35%,
respectively, of the issued and outstanding shares of the Trust.
As of April 1, 1999, Board members and officers, as a group, owned less than
1%, of record or beneficially, of the outstanding shares of trust.
PRICING SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When they buy and sell shares, the trust's insurance company shareholders pay
and receive the net asset value per share. 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. Each fund follows the
procedures described below.
The fund calculates the NAV per share of each class each business day at the
close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 1:00 p.m. pacific
time). The fund does not calculate the NAV on days the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) is closed for trading, which include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King
Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
FUNDS OTHER THAN MONEY FUND When determining its NAV, a fund values cash and
receivables at their realizable amounts, and records interest as accrued and
dividends on the ex-dividend date. If market quotations are readily available
for portfolio securities listed on a securities exchange or on the NASDAQ
National Market System, the fund values those securities at the last quoted sale
price of the day or, if there is no reported sale, within the range of the most
recent quoted bid and ask prices. The fund values over-the-counter portfolio
securities within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. If
portfolio securities trade both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock
exchange, the fund values them according to the broadest and most representative
market as determined by the manager.
The fund values portfolio securities underlying actively traded call options at
their market price as determined above. The current market value of any option
the fund holds is its last sale price on the relevant exchange before the fund
values its assets. If there are no sales that day or if the last sale price is
outside the bid and ask prices, the fund values options within the range of the
current closing bid and ask prices if the fund believes the valuation fairly
reflects the contract's market value.
The fund determines the value of a foreign security as of the close of trading
on the foreign exchange on which the security is traded or as of the close of
trading on the NYSE, if that is earlier. The value is then converted into its
U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at noon, New York
time, on the day the value of the foreign security is determined. If no sale is
reported at that time, the foreign security is valued within the range of the
most recent quoted bid and ask prices.
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 fund's NAV is not calculated. Thus, the calculation of the fund's NAV
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 close of the NYSE. The value of these securities used in computing the NAV
is determined as of such times. Occasionally, events affecting the values of
these securities may occur between the times at which they are determined and
the close of the NYSE that will not be reflected in the computation of the NAV.
If events materially affecting the values of these securities occur during this
period, the securities will be valued at their fair value as determined in good
faith by the board.
Other securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at
the current market price, which may be obtained from a pricing service, based on
a variety of factors including recent trades, institutional size trading in
similar types of securities (considering yield, risk and maturity) and/or
developments related to specific issues. Securities and other assets for which
market prices are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined
following procedures approved by the board. With the approval of the board, the
fund may use a pricing service, bank or securities dealer to perform any of the
above described functions.
MONEY FUND The valuation of the fund's securities (including any securities held
in the segregated account maintained for when-issued securities) is based upon
their amortized cost, which does not take into account unrealized capital gains
or losses. This involves valuing an instrument at its cost and thereafter
assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or premium,
regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market value of
the instrument. While this method provides certainty in calculation, it may
result in periods during which value, as determined by amortized cost, is higher
or lower than the price the fund would receive if it sold the instrument. During
periods of declining interest rates, the daily yield on fund shares may tend to
be higher than the same computation made by a fund with identical investments
utilizing a method of valuation based upon market prices and estimates of market
prices for all of its portfolio instruments. The fund's use of amortized cost
may result in a lower aggregate value on a particular day, a prospective
investor in the fund would be able to obtain a somewhat higher yield than would
result from an investment in a fund using only market values, and existing
shareholders would receive less investment income. The opposite would apply in a
period of rising interest rates.
The fund's use of amortized cost which helps it to maintain its net asset value
per share of $1 is allowed by an SEC rule. Under the rule the fund must:
o maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less;
o only purchase instruments having remaining maturities of 397 calendar days
or less; and
o invest only in those U.S. dollar-denominated instruments that the board
determines present minimal credit risks and that are, as required by the
federal securities laws,
o rated in one of the two highest rating categories as determined by
nationally recognized statistical rating agencies,
o instruments deemed comparable in quality to such rated instruments, or
o instruments, the issuers of which, with respect to an outstanding issue of
short-term debt that is comparable in priority and protection, have
received a rating within the two highest categories of nationally
recognized statistical rating agencies.
Securities subject to floating or variable interest rates with demand features
in compliance with SEC rules may have stated maturities of more than 397 days.
The board has established procedures designed to stabilize, to the extent
reasonably possible, the fund's price per share as computed for the purpose of
sales and redemptions at $1. These procedures include review of the fund's
holdings by the board, at such intervals as it may deem appropriate. This will
be done in to determine whether the fund's NAV calculated by using available
market quotations deviates from $1 per share based on amortized cost. The extent
of any deviation will be examined by the board. If the deviation exceeds 1/2 of
1%, the board will consider what action needs to be initiated. If the board
determine that a deviation exists which may result in material dilution or other
unfair results to investors or existing shareholders, it will take such
corrective action that it may regard as necessary and appropriate. This action
may include,
o selling portfolio instruments before maturity to realize capital gains or
losses or to shorten average portfolio maturity,
o withholding dividends,
o redeeming shares in kind, or
o establishing a net asset value per share by using available market
quotations.
THE UNDERWRITER
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors) acts as the principal
underwriter in the continuous public offering of the trust's shares.
DISTRIBUTORS is located at 777 Mariners Island Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94404.
Distributors pays the expenses of the distribution of fund shares, except to the
extent these expenses are borne by the Insurance Companies. These expenses
include advertising expenses and the costs of printing sales material and
prospectuses used to offer shares to the public. The trust 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 may be entitled to receive payment under the Class 2 Rule 12b-1
plans, as discussed below. Except as noted below, Distributors receives no other
compensation from the trust for acting as underwriter.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE (12B-1) FEES Each fund's Class 2 has a separate
distribution or "Rule 12b-1" plan. Under each fund's plan, the fund may pay up
to a maximum of .35% per year of the average daily net assets attributable to
its Class 2 shares. The board, however, has set the current rate at .30% per
year. These fees may be used to compensate Distributors, the Insurance Companies
or others for distribution and related services and as a servicing fee.
The terms and provisions of the plans, including terms and provisions relating
to required reports, term, and approval, are consistent with Rule 12b-1.
In no event shall the aggregate asset-based sales charges, which include
payments made under each plan, plus any other payments deemed to be made
pursuant to a plan, exceed the amount permitted to be paid under the rules of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Each plan has been approved in accordance with the provisions of Rule 12b-1. The
plans are renewable annually by a vote of the board, including a majority vote
of the board members who are not interested persons of the trust and who have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the plans, cast in
person at a meeting called for that purpose. It is also required that the
selection and nomination of such board members be done by the non-interested
members of the board. The Class 2 plans and any related agreement may be
terminated at any time, without penalty, by vote of a majority of the
non-interested board members on not more than 60 days' written notice, by
Distributors on not more than 60 days' written notice, by any act that
constitutes an assignment of a management agreement with a manager, or by vote
of a majority of the outstanding shares of the class. Distributors, the
Insurance Companies or others may also terminate their respective distribution
or service agreement at any time upon written notice.
The Class 2 plans and any related agreements may not be amended to increase
materially the amount to be spent for distribution expenses without approval by
a majority of the outstanding shares of the fund's class, and all material
amendments to the plans or any related agreements shall be approved by a vote of
the non-interested members of the board, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on any such amendment.
Distributors is required to report in writing to the board at least quarterly on
the amounts and purpose of any payment made under the plans and any related
agreements, as well as to furnish the board with such other information as may
reasonably be requested in order to enable the board to make an informed
determination of whether the plans should be continued.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the funds did not pay any fees
pursuant to the plans.
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 a fund be accompanied by
certain standardized performance information computed as required by the SEC.
Average annual total return and current yield quotations used by a 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 follows.
Because the trust only offers its shares to Insurance Company separate accounts
(Insurance Companies) for use in variable annuity and variable life insurance
contracts, to the extent required by SEC rules, the advertised performance of
the funds will be displayed no more prominently than standardized performance of
the applicable insurance company separate accounts/contracts. For information
about how an Insurance Company may advertise such performance, please consult
the contract prospectus which accompanies the trust prospectus.
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.
The total return performance for each fund's Class 2 shares for the periods
prior January 6, 1999, when the trust's Class 2 shares commenced operations,
will represent the historical results of Class 1 Shares. Performance of Class 2
shares for the periods after January 6, 1999 will reflect Class 2's higher
annual fees and expenses resulting from its Rule 12b-1 plan. Historical
performance data for Class 2 shares, based on Class 1 performance, will
generally not be restated to include 12b-1 fees, although each fund may restate
these figures consistent with SEC rules.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN is determined by finding the average annual rates of
return over the periods indicated below that would equate an initial
hypothetical $1,000 investment to its ending redeemable value. The calculation
assumes income dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested at net
asset value. The quotation assumes the account was completely redeemed at the
end of each period and the deduction of all applicable fund charges and fees. It
does NOT, however, include any fees or sales charges imposed by the variable
insurance contract for which the fund is an investment option. If they had been
included, performance would be lower. The average annual total returns for each
fund for the periods ended December 31, 1998, are reflected in the Trust's
Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, which
is incorporated herein by reference.
The following SEC formula was used to calculate the figures:
P(1+T)n = ERV
where:
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the
beginning of each period at the end of each period
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN Like average annual total return, the calculation for
cumulative total return assumes income dividends and capital gain distributions
are reinvested at net asset value. It does NOT include any fees or sales charges
imposed by the variable insurance contract for which the fund is an investment
option. Cumulative total return, however, is based on the actual return for a
specified period rather than on the average return over the periods indicated in
the annual report. The cumulative total returns for the indicated periods ended
December 31. 1998, were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
From
Inception Date One Year (%) Five Year Inception (%)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(%)
Money Fund 01/24/89 5.22 27.89 64.90
Global Income Fund 01/24/89 7.08 31.09 105.45
High Income Fund 01/24/89 .99 50.10 143.04
Government Fund 03/14/89 7.44 38.75 118.18
Zero Coupon Fund - 2000 03/14/89 7.50 32.71 137.06
Zero Coupon Fund - 2005 03/14/89 12.53 48.57 186.74
Zero Coupon Fund - 2010 03/14/89 14.45 65.04 220.28
Income Fund 01/24/89 1.64 51.93 187.98
Rising Dividends Fund 01/27/92 6.92 119.82 132.97
Global Utilities Fund 01/24/89 11.19 75.31 224.36
Growth and Income Fund 01/24/89 8.33 105.67 200.84
Natural Resources Fund 01/24/89 -25.38 -36.93 -2.42
Real Estate Fund 01/24/89 -16.82 61.26 164.91
Small Cap Fund 11/01/95 -.98 - 53.53
International Equity Fund 01/27/92 5.56 61.74 102.94
Pacific Fund 01/27/92 -13.13 -39.12 -11.06
Asset Allocation Fund 05/01/95 -.04 - 43.05
Developing Markets Fund 03/15/94 -21.61 - -14.52
Global Growth Fund 03/15/94 8.98 - 74.42
International Smaller 05/01/96 -12.27 - -2.79
Companies Fund
Growth Fund 05/01/96 20.29 - 61.67
Mutual Discovery Fund 11/08/96 -5.00 - 15.67
Mutual Shares Fund 11/08/96 .09 - 21.96
Global Health Care Fund 05/01/98 - - 7.10
Value Fund 05/01/98 - - -22.10
</TABLE>
YIELD, MONEY FUND
CURRENT YIELD Current yield shows the income per share earned by the fund. It is
calculated by determining the net change, excluding capital changes, in the
value of a hypothetical pre-existing account having a balance of one share at
the beginning of the period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting
deductions from shareholder accounts, and dividing the difference by the value
of the account at the beginning of the base period to obtain the base period
return. The result is then annualized by multiplying the base period return by
(365/7). It does NOT include any fees or sales charges imposed by the variable
insurance contract for which the fund is an investment option. The fund's
current yield for the seven day period ended December 31, 1998, was 4.78%
EFFECTIVE YIELD. The fund's effective yield is calculated in the same manner as
its current yield, except the annualization of the return for the seven day
period reflects the results of compounding. The fund's effective yield for the
seven day period ended December 31, 1998, was 4.90%
This figure was obtained using the following SEC formula:
Effective Yield = [(Base Period Return + 1)365/7] - 1
YIELD, OTHER THAN MONEY FUND From time to time, the current yields of the funds
may be published in advertisements and communications to Contract Owners. The
current yield for each fund will be calculated by dividing the annualization of
the income earned by the fund during a recent 30-day period by the net asset
value per share at the end of such period. In addition, aggregate, cumulative
and average total return information for each fund over different periods of
time may also be advertised. Except as stated above, each fund will use the same
methods for calculating its performance.
A distribution rate for each fund may also be published in communications
preceded or accompanied by a copy of the trust's current prospectus. The fund's
current distribution rate will be calculated by dividing the annualization of
the total distributions made by that fund during the most recent preceding
fiscal quarter by the net asset value per share at the end of such period. The
current distribution rate may differ from current yield because the distribution
rate will be for a different period of time and may contain items of capital
gain and other items of income, while current yield reflects only earned income.
Uniformly computed yield and total return figures for each fund will also be
published along with publication of its distribution rate.
Hypothetical performance information may also be prepared for sales literature
or advertisements. See the appropriate insurance company separate account
prospectus and SAI.
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.
COMPARISONS To help you better evaluate how an investment in the fund may
satisfy your investment goal, advertisements and other materials about the fund
may discuss certain measures of fund performance as reported by various
financial publications. Materials may also compare performance (as calculated
above) to performance as reported by other investments, indices, and averages.
These comparisons may include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
o CONSUMER PRICE INDEX - Measure of the average change in prices for a fixed
basket of goods and services regularly bought by consumers in the United States,
published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
o CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON HIGH YIELD (CSFB HY) INDEX - The index is an
unmanaged, trader-priced portfolio constructed to mirror the high yield debt
market. The index has several modules representing different sectors of the high
yield market including a cash paying module, a zerofix module, a pay-in-kind
module, and a defaulted module. The modular nature of the index allows
customization of data to meet client needs. The index is divided into other
categories including industry, rating, seniority, liquidity, market value,
security price range, yield range and other sector divisions. The CSFB HY Index
follows a total of 250 sectors. CS First Boston has maintained the index since
January 1986. While the index is priced and run weekly, monthly returns are
typically used for performance attribution.
o FINANCIAL TIMES/ S&P ACTUARIES WORLD (ENERGY 50%/BASIC INDUSTRIES 50%)
COMPOSITE Index - Franklin Templeton customizes this index using 50% of the
Financial Times/S&P Actuaries World Energy Index and 50% of the Financial
Times/S&P Actuaries World Basic Industries Index. Both indices are compiled by
the Financial Times, Goldman Sachs & Co. and Wood Mackenzie & Co., Ltd. in
conjunction with the Institute of Actuaries and the Faculty of Actuaries. The
index includes electric utilities, waterworks supply and telephone utilities.
The indices are weighted arithmetic averages of the market prices of the
elements that make them up. They also adjust for the intervening price changes
of these elements.
o FINANCIAL TIMES/ S&P ACTUARIES WORLD UTILITIES INDEX - This index is compiled
by the Financial Times, Goldman Sachs & Co. and Wood Mackenzie & Co., Ltd. in
conjunction with the Institute of Actuaries and the Faculty of Actuaries. The
utilities sector includes electric utilities, waterworks supply, natural gas
utilities and telephone companies. The indices are weighted arithmetic averages
of the market prices of the elements that make them up. They also adjust for the
intervening price changes of these elements. This is a total return index in
$U.S.
o INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION'S (IFC) INVESTABLE COMPOSITE INDEX - The
index tracks the emerging stock markets of three world regions based on market
capitalization weighting. Those regions are Latin America, Asia and
Europe/Mideast/Africa. As of the end of 12/31/98, the regional weights of the
IFC Composite Index were distributed accordingly: Asia, 28%; Latin America, 34%;
and Europe/Mideast/Africa, 38%.
o JP MORGAN GLOBAL GOVERNMENT BOND INDEX (UNHEDGED) - The index comprises 13
markets, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy,
Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the U.K. and the U.S. Each country's weight
is determined by the total market capitalization in $U.S. of all the bonds in
that country's traded index. The J.P. Morgan Global Government Bond Total Return
Index includes only actively traded, fixed-rate bonds with a remaining maturity
of one year or longer. The index is unhedged and expressed in terms of $U.S.
o LEHMAN BROTHERS GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE BOND INDEX - The index includes
securities in the Lehman Brothers Government and Corporate indices. These
securities must have at least $100 million par amount outstanding and must be
rated investment grade (Baa3 or better) by Moody's Investors Service. If a
Moody's rating is not available, the Standard & Poor's or Fitch rating is used.
These must be fixed-rate securities, although they can carry a coupon that steps
up or changes according to a predetermined schedule, and they must be
dollar-denominated and non-convertible.
o LEHMAN BROTHERS INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT BOND INDEX - This index includes
securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies with maturities from
one up to, but not including, 10 years. These securities must have at least $100
million par amount outstanding and must be rated investment grade (Baa3 or
better) by Moody's Investors Service. If a Moody's rating is not available, the
Standard & Poor's or Fitch rating is used. These must be fixed-rate securities,
although they can carry a coupon that steps up or changes according to a
predetermined schedule, and they must be dollar-denominated and non-convertible.
o LIPPER GROWTH & INCOME FUNDS OBJECTIVE AVERAGE - This is an equally weighted
average calculation of performance figures for all funds within the Lipper
Growth and Income Funds Objective Category, which is defined as all mutual funds
that combine a growth of earnings orientation and an income requirement for
level and/or rising dividends. As of 9/23/98, there were 30 funds in this
category.
o LIPPER INCOME FUNDS OBJECTIVE AVERAGE - This is an equally weighted average
calculation of performance figures for all funds within the Lipper Income Funds
Objective Category, which is defined as all mutual funds that normally seek a
high level of current income through investing in income-producing stocks, bonds
and money market instruments. As of 12/31/98, there were 99 funds in this
category.
o MERRILL LYNCH TREASURY ZERO COUPON 1-, 5-, 10-, 20-YEAR BOND TOTAL RETURN
INDICES - The indices include zero coupon bonds that pay no interest and are
issued at a discount from redemption price.
o MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL (MSCI) ALL COUNTRY WORLD FREE INDEX - The
index represents both developed and emerging markets around the world. "Free" in
the title reflects the actual buying opportunities for global investors by
taking into account local market restrictions on share ownership by foreigners.
The MSCI indices define the local market for each country by constructing a
matrix of all listed securities, sorting the matrix by industry, and seeking to
capture 60% of the market capitalization for each group by selecting the most
investable stocks in each industry. The index applies full market capitalization
weights to each included stock.
o MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL (MSCI) ALL COUNTRIES-WORLD EX-U.S. FREE
INDEX - The index comprises 48 countries around the world, both developed and
emerging markets, except the U.S. "Free" in the title reflects the actual buying
opportunities for global investors by taking into account local market
restrictions on share ownership by foreigners. The MSCI indices define the local
market for each country by constructing a matrix of all listed securities,
sorting the matrix by industry, and seeking to capture 60% of the market
capitalization for each group by selecting the most investable stocks in each
industry. The index applies full market capitalization weights to each included
stock.
o MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL (MSCI) EMERGING MARKETS FREE INDEX - This
is a market capitalization-weighted equity index comprising 26 of the 48
countries in the MSCI universe. "Free" denotes investment opportunities in the
developing world available to foreign investors. EMF performance data is
calculated in $US and local currency. The MSCI indices define the local market
for each country by constructing a matrix of all listed securities, sorting the
matrix by industry, and seeking to capture 60% of the market cap for each group
by selecting the most investable stocks in each industry. The index applies full
market cap weights to each included stock.
o MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL (MSCI) PACIFIC INDEX - The index
comprises five developed market countries or regions in the Pacific: Australia,
Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore. The MSCI indices define the local
market for each country by constructing a matrix of all listed securities,
sorting the matrix by industry, and seeking to capture 60% of the market
capitalization for each group by selecting the most investable stocks in each
industry. The index applies full market capitalization weights to each included
stock.
o MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL (MSCI) WORLD INDEX - The index comprises
the developed markets of 23 countries around the world. The MSCI indices define
the local market for each country by constructing a matrix of all listed
securities, sorting the matrix by industry, and seeking to capture 60% of the
market cap for each group by selecting the most investable stocks in each
industry. The index applies full market cap weights to each included stock.
o RUSSELL 1000 INDEX - Published by Frank Russell Company, the index measures
the performance of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000 Index,
representing 89% of the market capitalization of the Russell 3000. The Russell
3000 contains the 3,000 largest companies incorporated in the U.S. and its
territories. As of the latest reconstitution, the average market capitalization
of the companies in the Russell 1000 was approximately $9.9 billion; the median
market capitalization was approximately $3.7 billion. The smallest company in
the index had an approximate market capitalization of $1,404.7 million.
o RUSSELL 2500 INDEX - Published by Frank Russell Company, the index measures
the performance of the 2,500 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index,
representing approximately 22% of the total market capitalization of the
companies in the Russell 3000. The Russell 3000 contains the 3,000 largest
companies incorporated in the U.S. and its territories. As of the latest
reconstitution, the average market capitalization of the Russell 2500 was
approximately $931 million; the median market capitalization was approximately
$630 million. The largest company in the index had an approximate market
capitalization of $3.7 billion.
o SALOMON GLOBAL EX-U.S. LESS THAN $1 BILLION INDEX - This is a
total-capitalization weighted index that includes all developed and emerging
countries, except the U.S., and includes companies with a total market
capitalization below U.S. $1 billion.
o SALOMON WORLD EX-U.S. EXTENDED MARKET INDEX (EMI) - This is a comprehensive
float-weighted equity index consisting of every company with an investable
market capitalization of over $100 million in 22 countries, except the U.S. The
broad market index (BMI) is segregated into the primary market index (PMI) and
extended market index (EMI), consisting of large and small capitalization
issues, respectively.
o STANDARD & POOR'S 500 (S&P 500) - The S&P 500 consists of 500 widely held
domestic common stocks, consisting of four broad sectors: industrials,
utilities, financials and transportation. It is a market value-weighted index,
where the stock price is multiplied by the number of shares outstanding, with
each stock affecting the index in proportion to its market value. This index,
calculated by Standard & Poor's, is a total return index with dividends
reinvested.
o STANDARD & POOR'S HEALTH CARE COMPOSITE INDEX - This is a
capitalization-weighted index of all of the stocks in the Standard & Poor's 500
that are involved in the business of health care related products or services.
The index was developed with a base level of 100 as of January 14, 1987.
o WILSHIRE MID CAP COMPANY GROWTH INDEX - This index overlaps the top 750 and
the next 1,750 of Wilshire Asset Management's Wilshire 2500 universe (the top
2,500 companies and 99% of the market capitalization of the Wilshire 5000).
Wilshire includes companies that have market capitalizations ranging from $300
million to $1.3 billion. The portfolio contains from 125-500 securities.
o WILSHIRE REAL ESTATE SECURITIES INDEX - This is a market
capitalization-weighted index of publicly traded real estate securities, such as
real estate investment trusts (REITs), Real Estate Operating Companies (REOCs)
and partnerships. The index is composed of companies whose charter is the equity
ownership and operation of commercial real estate. The index rebalances monthly
and returns are calculated on a buy-and-hold basis.
o WILSHIRE SMALL COMPANY VALUE INDEX - The index is created by screening the
bottom 1,750 large companies of Wilshire Asset Management's Wilshire 2500
universe (the top companies and 99% of the market capitalization of the Wilshire
5000). These companies have market capitalizations of at least $70 million.
Wilshire excludes companies with high price/earnings ratios, low yields, or high
price/book ratios. The portfolio contains from 125-500 securities.
o DOW JONES(R) COMPOSITE AVERAgE AND ITS COMPONENT AVERAGes - This is a
price-weighted average of 65 stocks that trade on the New York Stock Exchange.
The average is a combination of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (30 blue-chip
stocks that are generally leaders in their industry), the Dow Jones
Transportation Average (20 transportation stocks), and the Dow Jones Utilities
Average (15 utility stocks involved in the production of electrical energy).
o THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE COMPOSITE OR COMPONENT INDICES - This is an
unmanaged index of all industrial, utilities, transportation, and finance stocks
listed on the NYSE.
o WILSHIRE 5000 EQUITY INDEX - This represents the return on the market value of
all common equity securities for which daily pricing is available. Comparisons
of performance assume reinvestment of dividends.
o LIPPER - MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS - This measures total return and
average current yield for the mutual fund industry and rank individual mutual
fund performance over specified time periods, assuming reinvestment of all
distributions, exclusive of any applicable sales charges.
o CDA MUTUAL FUND REPORT, published by CDA Investment Technologies, Inc. - This
analyzes price, current yield, risk, total return, and average rate of return
(average annual compounded growth rate) over specified time periods for the
mutual fund industry.
o MUTUAL FUND SOURCE BOOK, published by Morningstar, Inc. - This analyzes price,
yield, risk, and total return for mutual funds.
o Financial publications: The WALL STREET JOURNAL, and BUSINESS WEEK, CHANGING
TIMES, FINANCIAL WORLD, FORBES, FORTUNE, and MONEY magazines - provide
performance statistics over specified time periods.
o STOCKS, BONDS, BILLS, AND INFLATION, published by Ibbotson Associates -
historical measure of yield, price, and total return for common and small
company stock, long-term government bonds, Treasury bills, and inflation.
o SAVINGS AND LOAN HISTORICAL INTEREST RATES - as published in the U.S. Savings
& Loan League Fact Book.
o Historical data supplied by the research departments of CS First Boston
Corporation, the J. P. Morgan companies, Salomon Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Lehman
Brothers and Bloomberg L.P.
o MORNINGSTAR - information published by Morningstar, Inc., including
Morningstar proprietary mutual fund ratings. The ratings reflect Morningstar's
assessment of the historical risk-adjusted performance of a fund over specified
time periods relative to other funds within its category.
o SALOMON BROTHERS BROAD BOND INDEX OR ITS COMPONENT INDICES - This measures
yield, price and total return for Treasury, agency, corporate and mortgage
bonds.
o LEHMAN BROTHERS AGGREGATE BOND INDEX OR ITS COMPONENT INDICES - This measures
yield, price and total return for Treasury, agency, corporate, mortgage and
Yankee bonds.
o SALOMON BROTHERS COMPOSITE HIGH YIELD INDEX OR ITS COMPONENT INDICES - This
measures yield, price and total return for the Long-Term High-Yield Index,
Intermediate-Term High-Yield Index, and Long-Term Utility High-Yield Index.
o The manager's and its affiliates' market share of international equities
managed in mutual funds prepared or published by Strategic Insight or a similar
statistical organization.
o 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.
o Rankings by DALBAR Surveys, Inc. with respect to mutual fund shareholder
services.
o Allegorical stories illustrating the importance of persistent long-term
investing.
o 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.
o Comparison of the characteristics of various emerging markets, including
population, financial and economic conditions.
o Quotations from the Templeton organization's founder, Sir John Templeton,*
advocating the virtues of diversification and long-term investing.
* Sir John Templeton sold the Templeton organization to Franklin Resources, Inc.
in October 1992 and resigned from the board on April 16, 1995. He is no longer
involved with the investment management process.
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 the fund's performance to the
return on certificates of deposit (CDs) or other investments. You should be
aware, however, that an investment in the fund involves the risk of fluctuation
of principal value, a risk generally not present in an investment in a CD issued
by a bank. For example, as the general level of interest rates rise, the value
of the fund's fixed-income investments, if any, as well as the value of its
shares that are based upon the value of such portfolio investments, can be
expected to 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.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Information Services & Technology division of Resources established a Year
2000 Project Team in 1996. This team has already begun making necessary software
changes to help the computer systems that service the fund and its shareholders
to be Year 2000 compliant. After completing these modifications, comprehensive
tests are conducted in one of Resources' U.S. test labs to verify their
effectiveness. Resources continues to seek reasonable assurances from all major
hardware, software or data-services suppliers that they will be Year 2000
compliant on a timely basis. Resources is also beginning to develop a
contingency plan, including identification of those mission critical systems for
which it is practical to develop a contingency plan. However, in an operation as
complex and geographically distributed as Resources' business, the alternatives
to use of normal systems, especially mission critical systems, or supplies of
electricity or long distance voice and data lines are limited.
FUND SIMILARITY The investment objectives and policies of certain funds are
similar but not identical to those of certain public Franklin Templeton Funds
indicated in the table below. Because of differences in portfolio size, the
investments held, the timing of purchases of similar investments, cash flows,
minor differences in certain investment policies, insurance product related tax
diversification requirements, state insurance regulations, and additional
administrative and insurance costs associated with insurance company separate
accounts, the investment performance of the funds will differ from the
performance of the corresponding Franklin Templeton Funds:
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS FRANKLIN TEMPLETON FUNDS
FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS, INC.:
Capital Growth Fund - Growth Series
FRANKLIN STRATEGIC SERIES:
Global Health Care Securities - Franklin Global Health Care
Fund Fund
FRANKLIN STRATEGIC SERIES:
Global Utilities Securities Fund - Franklin Global Utilities Fund
FRANKLIN INVESTORS SECURITIES
TRUST
Growth and Income Fund Franklin Equity Income Fund
FRANKLIN HIGH INCOME TRUST
High Income Fund AGE High Income Fund
FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS, INC.:
Income Securities Fund - Income Series
Money Market Fund Franklin Money Fund
FRANKLIN MUTUAL SERIES FUND
INC.:
Mutual Shares Securities Fund Mutual Shares Fund
Mutual Discovery Securities Fund Mutual Discovery Fund
FRANKLIN STRATEGIC SERIES:
Natural Resources Securities Fund - Franklin Natural Resources
Fund
FRANKLIN REAL ESTATE SECURITIES
TRUST:
Real Estate Securities Fund - Franklin Real Estate
Securities Fund
FRANKLIN MANAGED TRUST:
Rising Dividends Fund - Franklin Rising Dividends Fund
FRANKLIN STRATEGIC SERIES:
Small Cap Fund - Franklin Small Cap Growth Fund
Templeton Developing Markets Templeton Developing Markets
Equity Fund Trust
TEMPLETON VARIABLE PRODUCTS
SERIES FUND
Templeton Global Asset - Templeton Asset Allocation
Allocation Fund Fund
Templeton Global Growth Fund Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
FRANKLIN INVESTORS SECURITIES
TRUST:
Templeton Global Income - Franklin Global Government
Securities Fund Income Fund
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON
INTERNATIONAL TRUST:
Templeton Pacific Growth Fund - Templeton Pacific Growth Fund
FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS, INC.:
U.S. Government Securities Fund U.S. Government Securities
Series
FRANKLIN VALUE INVESTORS TRUST
Value Securities Fund - Franklin Value Fund
DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS
CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. (MOODY'S)
Aaa - Bonds rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the
smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt-edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or exceptionally stable
margin, and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair
the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa - Bonds rated Aa are judged to be high quality by all standards. Together
with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds.
They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not
be as large, fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude, or
there may be other elements present that make the long-term risks appear
somewhat larger.
A - Bonds rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
considered upper medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal
and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present that suggest a
susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa - Bonds rated Baa are considered medium-grade obligations. They are neither
highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security
appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking
or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. These
bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and, in fact, have speculative
characteristics as well.
Ba - Bonds rated Ba are judged to have predominantly speculative elements and
their future cannot be considered well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments is very moderate and, thereby, not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B - Bonds rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment.
Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of
the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa - Bonds rated Caa are of poor standing. These issues may be in default or
there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca - Bonds rated Ca represent obligations that are speculative to a high degree.
These issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C - Bonds rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and can be regarded as
having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond ratings. The modifier 1
indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating
category; modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and modifier 3 indicates
that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION (S&P)
AAA - This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation and
indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and interest.
AA - Bonds rated AA also qualify as high-quality debt obligations. Capacity to
pay principal and interest is very strong and, in the majority of instances,
differ from AAA issues only in a small degree.
A - Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay principal and interest, although
they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions.
BBB - Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
principal and interest. Whereas they normally exhibit protection parameters,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity to pay principal and interest for bonds in this category
than for bonds in the A category.
BB, B, CCC, CC - Bonds rated BB, B, CCC and CC 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 obligations. BB
indicates the lowest degree of speculation and CC the highest degree of
speculation. While these bonds will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, they are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposures to adverse conditions.
C - Bonds rated C are typically subordinated debt to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied CCC- rating. The C rating may also reflect the
filing of a bankruptcy petition under circumstances where debt service payments
are continuing. The C1 rating is reserved for income bonds on which no interest
is being paid.
D - Debt rated D is in default and payment of interest and/or repayment of
principal is in arrears.
Plus (+) or minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
MOODY'S
Moody's commercial paper ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay
punctually their promissory obligations not having an original maturity in
excess of nine months. Moody's employs the following designations, all judged to
be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment capacity of rated
issuers:
P-1 (Prime-1): Superior capacity for repayment.
P-2 (Prime-2): Strong capacity for repayment.
S&P
S&P's ratings are a current assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of
debt having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. Ratings are graded
into four categories, ranging from "A" for the highest quality obligations to
"D" for the lowest. Issues within the "A" category are delineated with the
numbers 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the relative degree of safety, as follows:
A-1: This designation indicates the degree of safety regarding timely payment is
very strong. A "plus" (+) designation indicates an even stronger likelihood of
timely payment.
A-2: Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong. The
relative degree of safety, however, is not as overwhelming as for issues
designated A-1.
A-3: Issues carrying this designation have a satisfactory capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS
File Nos. 33-23493 & 811-5583
FORM N-1A
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 23. EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are incorporated by reference, except Exhibits j(i)
and n (Exhibit 27) (i-vvi) which are included..
(a) ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION.
(i) Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated April 20, 1988
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration
Statement on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(ii) Certificate of Amendment of Agreement and Declaration of Trust
dated October 21, 1988
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration
Statement on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(iii) Certificate of Amendment of Agreement and Declaration of Trust
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No.26
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: November 30, 1998
(b) BY-LAWS.
(i) By-Laws
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration
Statement on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(ii) Certificate of Amendment of By-Laws dated May 16, 1995
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to
Registration Statement on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(c) INSTRUMENTS DEFINING RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not Applicable
(d) INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACTS.
(i) Management Agreement between the Fund and Franklin Advisers,
Inc. dated January 24, 1989
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(ii) Addendum to Investment Management Agreement dated March 14,
1989
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(iii) Management Agreement between the Fund, on Behalf of
International Equity Fund and Pacific Growth Fund, and
Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated January 22, 1992
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(iv) Subadvisory Agreement between Franklin Advisers, Inc. and
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. dated January 1, 1993
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(v) Management Agreement between the Fund on Behalf of Franklin
Rising Dividends Fund, and Franklin Advisory Services, Inc.
dated July 1, 1996
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 30, 1996
(vi) Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of
the Templeton Global Global Growth, and Templeton, Galbraith
Hansberger Ltd. dated March 15, 1994
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to
Registration Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(vii) Subadvisory Agreement between Franklin Advisers, Inc. and
Templeton Investment Counsel, on behalf of Global Income Fund
dated August 1, 1994
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(viii) Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of
Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund, and Templeton
Galbraith & Hansberger, Ltd. dated April 19, 1995
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(ix) Subadvisory Agreement between Templeton Galbraith &
Hansberger, Ltd. and Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc., on
behalf of Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund dated April
19, 1995
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(x) Fund Administration Agreement between the Fund on behalf of
Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund, and Franklin Templeton
Services, Inc. dated October 1, 1996
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: February 28, 1997
(xi) Management Agreement between the Fund, on Behalf of Small Cap
Fund dated October 11, 1995
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to Registration
Statement of the
Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 30, 1996
(xii) Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of
Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund, dated October 1,
1995
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: October 27, 1995
(xiii) Fund Administration Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of
International Smaller Companies Fund, and Franklin Templeton
Services, Inc., dated October 1, 1996
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: February 28, 1997
(xiv) Investment Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of
International Companies Fund and Templeton Investment Counsel,
Inc. dated January 18, 1996
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: February 14, 1996
(xv) Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Capital
Growth Fund and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated January 18, 1996
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: February 14, 1996
(xvi) Amendment to Management Agreement between the Fund and
Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated August 1, 1995
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 30, 1996
(xvii) Management Agreement between the Fund, on Behalf of Mutual
Discovery Securities Fund and Mutual Shares Securities Fund,
and Franklin Mutual Advisers, Inc. dated October 18, 1996
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: February 28, 1997
(xviii) Fund Administration Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of
Mutual Discovery Securities Fund and Mutual Shares Securities
Fund, and Franklin Templeton Services, Inc., dated October 18,
1996
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: February 28, 1997
(xix) Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Global
Health Care Securities Fund dated December 9, 1997
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: February 28, 1998
(xx) Management Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Value
Securities Fund dated December 9, 1997
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registration
Statement of Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: February 28, 1998
(xxi) Fund Administration Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of
Value Securities Fund Dated December 9, 1997
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: February 28, 1998
(xxii) Fund Administration Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of
Global Health Care Securities Fund dated December 9, 1997
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: February 28, 1998
(xxiii) Amendment to Investment Management Agreement between the Fund,
on behalf of Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund, and
Templeton Asset Management Ltd. dated October 1, 1995
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No.23 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: February 12, 1998
(xxiv) Addendum to Investment Management Agreement between the Fund,
on behalf of Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund, and
Templeton Asset Management Ltd. dated December 9, 1997
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No.24 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: April 30, 1998
(e) UNDERWRITING CONTRACTS.
(i) Distribution Agreement between the Fund and
Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc.
Filing: Post Effective Amendment No.26
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: November 30, 1998
(f) BONUS OR PROFIT SHARING CONTRACTS.
Not Applicable
(g) CUSTODIAN AGREEMENTS.
(i) Foreign Exchange Netting Agreement between Franklin Valuemark
Funds, on behalf of the International Equity Fund, and Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, dated March 19, 1992
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
Foreign Exchange Netting Agreement between Franklin Valuemark
Funds, on behalf of the Pacific Growth Fund, and Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, dated March 19, 1992
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(ii) Custody Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of the Templeton
Developing Markets Equity Fund and the Templeton Global Growth
Fund, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. dated March 15, 1994
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(iii) Master Custody Agreement between the Fund and the Bank of
New York, dated February 16, 1996
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: April 24, 1996
(iv) Terminal Link Agreement between the Fund and Bank of New York
dated February 16, 1996.
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: April 24, 1996
(v) Amendment to Global Custody Agreement between the Fund and The
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. dated April 1, 1996
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: April 29, 1997
(vi) Amendment to Master Custody Agreement between the Fund and the
Bank of New York, dated April 1, 1996
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: April 29, 1997
(vii) Letter Agreement between the Fund and the Bank of New York,
dated April 22, 1996
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: April 24, 1996
(viii) Custody Agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Mutual
Discovery Securities Fund and Mutual Shares Securities Fund,
and the State Street Bank and Trust Company dated November 8,
1996
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: April 29, 1997
(h) OTHER MATERIAL CONTRACTS.
Not Applicable
(i) LEGAL OPINION.
(i) Legal Opinion, Securities Act of 1933, dated February 5, 1999
Filing: Post Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: February 25, 1999
(j) OTHER OPINIONS.
(i) Consent of independent auditors
(k) OMITTED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
Not Applicable
(l) INITIAL CAPITAL AGREEMENT.
(i) Letter of Understanding dated April 11, 1995
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: August 19, 1995
(ii) Letter of Understanding dated September 12, 1995
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: October 27, 1996
(iii) Letter of Understanding dated April 4, 1996
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: April 24, 1996
(iv) Letter of Understanding dated October 21, 1996
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: October 31, 1996
(v) Letter of Understanding dated April 23, 1998
Filing: Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: April 30, 1998
(m) RULE 12B-1 PLAN.
(i) Class 2 Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1
Filing: Post Effective Amendment No.26
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date November 30, 1998
(o) RULE 18F-3PLAN.
(i) Multiple Class Plan for all series of the Fund
Filing: Post Effective Amendment No.26
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date November 30, 1998
(p) POWER OF ATTORNEY.
(i) Power of Attorney
Filing: Post Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: February 25, 1999
(ii) Certificate of Secretary
Filing: Post Effective Amendment No. 27 to Registration
Statement of the Fund on Form N-1A
File No. 33-23493
Filing Date: February 25, 1999
(n) EXHIBIT 27 - FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULES.
(i) Financial Data Schedule for Money Market Fund - Class 1
(ii) Financial Data Schedule for Growth and Income Fund - Class 1
(iii) Financial Data Schedule for Natural Resources Securities Fund
- Class 1
(iv) Financial Data Schedule for Real Estate Securities Fund -
Class 1
(v) Financial Data Schedule for Global Utilities Securities Fund
- Class 1
(vi) Financial Data Schedule for High Income Fund - Class 1
(vii) Financial Data Schedule for Templeton Global Income Securities
Fund Class 1
(viii)Financial Data Schedule for Income Securities Fund Class 1
(ix) Financial Data Schedule for U.S. Government Securities Fund -
Class 1
(x) Financial Data Schedule for Zero Coupon Fund - 2000 - Class 1
(xi) Financial Data Schedule for Zero Coupon Fund - 2005 - Class 1
(xii) Financial Data Schedule for Zero Coupon Fund - 2010 - Class 1
(xiii)Financial Data Schedule for Rising Dividend Fund - Class 1
(xiv) Financial Data Schedule for Templeton Pacific Growth Fund -
Class 1
(xv) Financial Data Schedule for Templeton International Equity
Fund - Class 1
(xvi) Financial Data Schedule for Templeton Developing Markets
Equity Fund -
Class 1
(xvii)Financial Data Schedule for Templeton Global Growth Fund -
Class 1
(xviii)Financial Data Schedule for Templeton Global Asset Allocation
Fund - Class 1
(xiv) Financial Data Schedule for Small Cap Fund - Class 1
(xx) Financial Data Schedule for Capital Growth Fund - Class 1
(xxi) Financial Data Schedule for Templeton International Smaller
Companies Fund - Class 1
(xxii)Financial Data Schedule for Mutual Discovery Securities Fund -
Class 1
(xxiii)Financial Data Schedule for Mutual Shares Securities Fund -
Class 1
(xxiv) Financial Data Schedule for Global Health Care Securities
Fund - Class 1
(xxv) Financial Data Schedule for Value Securities Fund - Class 1
Item 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE FUND
None
Item 25. INDEMNIFICATION
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to Trustees, officers and controlling persons of the
Fund pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Fund has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Fund of expenses incurred or
paid by a Trustee, officer or controlling person of the Fund in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such Trustee, officer
or controlling person in connection with securities being registered, the Fund
will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court or appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER
(i) The officers and directors of the Fund's investment advisers also serve
as officers and/or directors or trustees for (1) the corporate parent of
Franklin Advisers, Inc., (" Advisers" ) the investment manager of 17 of the
Fund's series, Franklin Resources, Inc. (" Resources" ), and/or (2) other
investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds. For additional
information, please see Part B and Schedules A and D of Form ADV of Advisers
(SEC File 801-26292), incorporated herein by reference, which sets forth the
officers and directors of Advisers and information as to any business,
profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by those
officers and directors during the past two years.
(ii) Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc.
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. (" TICI" ), an indirect, wholly owned
subsidiary of Resources, serves as adviser to the International Smaller
Companies Fund and as sub-adviser to certain of the Funds, furnishing to
Advisers and to Templeton Global Advisers Limited in that capacity portfolio
management services and investment research. For additional information please
see Part B and Schedules A and D of Form ADV of TICI (SEC File 801-15125),
incorporated herein by reference, which set forth the officers and directors of
TICI and information as to any business, profession, vocation of employment of a
substantial nature engaged in by those officers and directors during the past
two years.
(iii) Templeton Global Advisers Limited, formerly known as Templeton
Galbraith and Hansberger Ltd.
Templeton Global Advisers Limited (" Templeton Nassau" ), an indirect, wholly
owned subsidiary of Resources, serves as investment manager to Templeton Global
Growth Fund and Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund. For additional
information please see Part B and Schedules A and D of Form ADV of Templeton
Nassau (SEC File 801-42343), incorporated herein by reference, which set forth
the officers and directors of Templeton Nassau and information as to any
business, profession, vocation of employment of a substantial nature engages in
by those officers and directors during the past two years.
(iv) Templeton Asset Management Ltd., formerly known as Templeton
Investment Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
Templeton Asset Management (" Templeton Singapore" ), an indirect, wholly owned
subsidiary of Resources, serves as investment manager to Templeton Developing
Markets Equity Fund. For information please see Part B and Schedules A and D of
Form ADV of Templeton Singapore (SEC File 801-46997), incorporated herein by
reference, which set forth the officers and directors of Templeton Singapore and
information as to any business, profession, vocation of employment of a
substantial nature engaged in by those officers and directors during the past
two years.
(v) Franklin Advisory Services, Inc.
Franklin Advisory Services, Inc. (" Franklin New Jersey" ), an indirect, wholly
owned subsidiary of Resources, serves as investment manager to the Rising
Dividends Fund and Value Securities Fund. For information please see Part B and
Schedules A and D of Form ADV of Franklin New Jersey (SEC File 801-51967),
incorporated herein by reference, which set forth the officers and directors of
Franklin New Jersey and information as to any business, profession, vocation of
employment of a substantial nature engaged in by those officers and directors
during the past two years.
(vi) Franklin Mutual Advisers, Inc.
Franklin Mutual Advisers, Inc. (" Mutual Advisers" ), an indirect, wholly owned
subsidiary of Resources, will serve as investment manager to the Mutual
Discovery Growth Fund and the Mutual Series Securities Fund. For information
please see Part B and Schedules A and D of Form ADV of Mutual Advisers (SEC File
801-53068), incorporated herein by reference, which set forth the officers and
directors of Mutual Advisers and information as to any business, profession,
vocation of employment of a substantial nature engaged in by those officers and
directors during the past two years.
ITEM 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
a) Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc., ("Distributors") also acts as
principal underwriter of shares of:
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 Floating Rate Trust
Franklin Gold Fund
Franklin High Income Trust
Franklin Investors Securities Trust
Franklin Managed Trust
Franklin Money Fund
Franklin Mutual Series Fund Inc.
Franklin Municipal Securities Trust
Franklin New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Franklin New York Tax-Free Trust
Franklin Real Estate Securities Trust
Franklin Strategic Mortgage Portfolio
Franklin Strategic Series
Franklin Tax-Exempt Money Fund
Franklin Tax-Free Trust
Franklin Templeton Fund Allocator Series
Franklin Templeton Global Trust
Franklin Templeton International Trust
Franklin Templeton Money Fund Trust
Franklin Value Investors Trust
Institutional Fiduciary Trust
Templeton Capital Accumulator Fund, Inc.
Templeton Developing Markets Trust
Templeton Funds, Inc.
Templeton Global Investment Trust
Templeton Global Opportunities Trust
Templeton Global Real Estate Fund
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund, Inc.
Templeton Growth Fund, Inc.
Templeton Income Trust
Templeton Institutional Funds, Inc.
Templeton Variable Products Series Fund
(b) The information required by this Item 27 with respect to each director and
officer of Distributors is incorporated by reference to Part B of this N-1A and
schedule A of Form BD filed by Distributors with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1934 (SEC File No. 8-5889).
ITEM 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
The accounts, books or other documents required to be maintained by Section
31(a) [15 U.S.C. 80a-30(a)] are kept by the Fund or its shareholder services
agent, Franklin Templeton Investors Services, Inc., both of whose address is 777
Mariners Island Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94404.
ITEM 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Not Applicable
ITEM 30. UNDERTAKINGS
Not Applicable
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company
Act of 1940, the Fund certifies that it meets all of the requirements for
effectiveness of this registration statement under Rule 485(b) under the
Securities Act and has duly caused this Amendment to its Registration Statement
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of
San Mateo and the State of California, on the 29th day of April 1999.
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS
(Fund)
By: CHARLES E. JOHNSON*
Charles E. Johnson, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and
on the dates indicated:
CHARLES E. JOHNSON* Principal Executive Officer
Charles E. Johnson and Trustee
Dated: April 30, 1999
MARTIN L. FLANAGAN* Principal Financial Officer
Martin L. Flanagan Dated: April 30, 1999
DIOMEDES LOO-TAM* Principal Accounting Officer
Diomedes Loo-Tam Dated: April 30, 1999
FRANK H. ABBOTT III* Trustee
- ------------------------
Frank H. Abbott III Dated: April 30, 1999
HARRIS J. ASHTON* Trustee
Harris J. Ashton Dated: April 30, 1999
EDWARD J. BONACH* Trustee
Edward J. Bonach Dated: April 30, 1999
S. JOSEPH FORTUNATO* Trustee
S. Joseph Fortunato Dated: April 30, 1999
ROBERT F. CARLSON* Trustee
Robert F. Carlson Dated: April 30, 1999
CHARLES B. JOHNSON* Trustee
Charles B. Johnson Dated: April 30, 1999
RUPERT H. JOHNSON, JR.* Trustee
- ------------------------
Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. Dated: April 30, 1999
FRANK W.T. LAHAYE* Trustee
Frank W.T. LaHaye Dated: April 30, 1999
GORDON S. MACKLIN* Trustee
Gordon S. Macklin Dated: April 30, 1999
*BY /S/ KAREN L. SKIDMORE, ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
(Pursuant to Power of Attorney previously filed)
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
EXHIBITS INDEX
EXHIBIT NO DESCRIPTION LOCATION
EX-99.a (i) Agreement and Declaration of Trust *
EX-99.a (ii)Certificate of Amendment of Agreement and Declaration of Trust *
dated October 21, 1988
EX-99.a (iii)Certificate of Amendment of Agreement and Declaration of Trust *
EX-99.b (i) By-Laws *
EX-99.b (ii) Certificate of Amendment of By-Laws dated May 16, 1995 *
EX-99.d (i) Management Agreement between Registrant and Franklin Advisers, Inc.
dated January 24, 1989 *
EX-99.d (ii) Addendum to Investment Management Agreement dated March 14, 1989 *
EX-99.d (iii)Management Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of
International Equity and Pacific Growth Fund, and Franklin
Advisers, Inc. dated January 22, 1992 *
EX-99.d (iv) Subadvisory Agreement between Franklin Advisers, Inc. and Templeton
Investment Counsel, Inc. dated January 1, 1993. *
EX-99.d (v) Management Agreement between Registrant on behalf of Franklin Rising
Dividends Fund, and Franklin Advisory Services, Inc. dated July 1,
1996 *
EX-99.d (vi)Investment Management Agreement between Registrant, on behalf
of the Templeton Global Growth Fund, and Templeton, Galbraith &
Hansberger Ltd., dated March 15, 1994 *
EX-99.d (vii)Subadvisory Agreement between Franklin Advisers, Inc. and Templeton
Investment Counsel, on behalf of Global Income Fund dated August 1,
1994 *
EX-99.d (viii)Investment Management Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of
Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund and Templeton, Galbraith &
Hansberger Ltd. dated April 19, 1995 *
EX-99.d (ix) Subadvisory Agreement between Templeton, Galbraith & Hansberger
Ltd and Templeton Investment Counsel, on behalf of Templeton
Global Asset Allocation Fund dated April 19, 1995 *
EX-99.d (x) Fund Administration Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of *
Templeton Global Asset Allocation Fund, and Franklin Templeton
Services, dated October 1, 1996
EX-99.d (xi) Management Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of Small Cap
Fund, and Franklin Advisers, Inc., dated October 11, 1995 *
EX-99.d (xii)Investment Management Agreement between Registrant, on behalf
of Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund, and Templeton,
Galbriath & Hansberger, dated October 1, 1995 *
EX-99.d (xiii)Fund Administration Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of *
International Smaller Companies Fund, and Franklin Templeton
Services, Inc., dated October 1, 1996
EX-99.d (xiv)Investment Management Agreement between Registrant, on behalf *
of International Smaller Companies Fund and Templeton Investment
Counsel, Inc., dated January 18, 1996
EX-99.d (xv) Management Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of Capital *
Growth Fund, and Franklin Advisers, Inc., dated January 18, 1996
EX-99.d (xvi)Amendment to Management Agreement between Registrant and *
Franklin Advisers, Inc., Dated August 1, 1995
EX-99.d (xvii)Management Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of Mutual *
Discovery Securities Fund and Mutual Shares Securities Fund, and
Franklin Mutual Advisers, Inc., dated October 18, 1996
EX-.d (xviii) Fund Administration Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of *
Mutual Discovery Securities Fund and Mutual Shares Securities
Fund, and Franklin Templeton Services, Inc., dated October 18,
1996
EX-99.d (xix) Management Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of Global *
Health Care Securities Fund dated December 9, 1997
EX-99.d (xx) Management Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of Value *
Securities Fund dated December 9, 1997
EX-99.d (xxi)Fund Administration Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of *
Value Securities Fund dated December 9, 1997
EX-99.d (xxii)Fund Administration Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of *
Global Health Care Securities Fund dated December 9, 1997
EX-99.d (xxiii)Amendment to Investment Management Agreement between Registrant *
and Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund dated October 1,
1995
EX-99.d (xxiv)Addendum to Management Agreement between Registrant, on behalf *
of Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund, and Templeton Asset
Management Ltd. dated December 9, 1997
EX-99.g (i) Distribution Agreement between Registrant and Franklin/Templeton *
Distributors, Inc.
EX-99.g (i) Foreign Exchange Netting Agreement between *
Franklin Valuemark Funds, on behalf of the International Equity
Fund, and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, dated March
19, 1992
EX-99.g (ii)Foreign Exchange Netting Agreement between *
Franklin Valuemark Funds, on behalf of the Pacific Growth
Fund, and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, dated
March 19, 1992
EX-99.g (iii)Custody Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the *
Templeton Developing Markets Equity Fund and the Templeton Global
Growth Fund, and the Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. dated March 15,
1994
EX-99.g (iv) Master Custody Agreement between the Registrant and the Bank *
of New York, dated February 16, 1996
EX-99.g (v) Terminal Link Agreement between Registrant and Bank of New York, *
dated February 16, 1996
EX-99.g (vi)Amendment to Global Custody Agreement between Franklin Valuemark *
Funds and the Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. dated April 1, 1996
EX-99.g (vii)Amendment to Master Custody Agreement between Franklin Valuemark *
Funds and the Bank of New York, dated April 1, 1996
EX-99.g (viii)Letter Agreement between Franklin Valuemark Funds and the Bank *
of New York, dated April 22, 1996
EX-99.g (ix) Custody Agreement between Registrant, on behalf of Mutual *
Discovery investments Fund and Mutual Shares Investments Fund,
and the State Street Bank and Trust Company dated November 8, 1996
EX-99.g (x) Amendment to Master Custody Agreement *
between Registrant and the Bank of New York dated as of
February 16, 1996
EX-99.i (i) Legal Opinion Securities Act of 1933, dated February 5, 1999 *
EX-99.j (i) Consent of Independent Accountants Attached
EX-99.l (i) Letter of Understanding dated April 11, 1995 *
EX-99.l (ii)Letter of Understanding dated September 12, 1995 *
EX-99.l (iii)Letter of Understanding dated April 4, 1996 *
EX-99.l (iv)Letter of Understanding dated October 21, 1996 *
EX-99.l (v) Letter of Understanding dated April 23, 1998 *
EX-99.m (i) Class 2 Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 *
EX-99.n See Exhibits 27 (i-xxv)
EX-99.o (i) Multiple Class Plan for all series of Registrant *
EX-99.p (i) Power of Attorney from Officers and Directors of the Registrant *
EX-99.97(ii)Certificate of Secretary *
EX-27 (i) Financial Data Schedule for Money Market Fund - Class 1 Attached
EX-27 (ii) Financial Data Schedule for Growth and Income Fund - Attached
Class 1
EX-27 (iii) Financial Data Schedule for Natural Resources Securities Attached
Fund - Class 1
EX-27 (iv) Financial Data Schedule for Real Estate Securities Fund - Attached
Class 1
EX-27 (v) Financial Data Schedule for Global Utilities Securities Attached
Fund - Class 1
EX-27 (vi) Financial Data Schedule for High Income Fund - Class 1 Attached
EX-27 (vii) Financial Data Schedule for Templeton Global Income
Securities Fund Class 1 Attached
EX-27 (viii)Financial Data Schedule for Income Securities Fund Class 1 Attached
EX-27 (ix) Financial Data Schedule for U.S. Government Securities Attached
Fund - Class 1
EX-27 (x) Financial Data Schedule for Zero Coupon Fund - 2000 - Attached
Class 1
EX-27 (xi) Financial Data Schedule for Zero Coupon Fund - 2005 - Attached
Class 1
EX-27 (xii) Financial Data Schedule for Zero Coupon Fund - 2010 - Attached
Class 1
EX-27 (xiii)Financial Data Schedule for Rising Dividend Fund - Class 1 Attached
EX-27 (xiv) Financial Data Schedule for Templeton Pacific Growth Fund - Attached
Class 1
EX-27 (xv) Financial Data Schedule for Templeton International Equity Attached
Class 1
EX-27 (xvi) Financial Data Schedule for Templeton Developing Markets Attached
Equity Fund - Class 1
EX-27 (xvii)Financial Data Schedule for Templeton Global Growth Fund - Attached
Class 1
EX-27 (xviii)Financial Data Schedule for Templeton Global Asset Attached
Allocation Fund - Class 1
EX-27 (xiv) Financial Data Schedule for Small Cap Fund - Class 1 Attached
EX-27 (xx) Financial Data Schedule for Capital Growth Fund - Class 1 Attached
EX-27 (xxi) Financial Data Schedule for Templeton International Smaller Attached
Companies Fund - Class 1
EX-27 (xxii)Financial Data Schedule for Mutual Discovery Securities Attached
Fund - Class 1
EX-27 (xxiii)Financial Data Schedule for Mutual Shares Securities Fund Attached
- Class 1
EX-27 (xxiv)Financial Data Schedule for Global Health Care Securities Attached
Fund - Class 1
EX-27 (xxv) Financial Data Schedule for Value Securities Fund - Class 1 Attached
* Incorporated by reference to previous filings
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendment No.28
to the Registration Statement of Franklin Valuemark Funds on Form N-1A (File No.
33-23493) of our report dated February 4, 1999 on our audit of the financial
statements and financial highlights of Franklin Valuemark Funds, which report is
included in the Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31,
1998 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to section 30(d)
of the Investment Company Act of 1940, which is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the
captions "Financial Highlights" and "Auditor."
/S/PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Francisco, California
April 29, 1999
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
THE FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 01
<NAME> MONEY MARKET FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 393,230,633
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 393,230,633
<RECEIVABLES> 22,450,940
<ASSETS-OTHER> 323
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 415,681,896
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,341,138
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,341,138
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 414,340,758
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 414,340,758
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 367,449,139
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 0
<NET-ASSETS> 414,340,758
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 21,340,606
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,736,719)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 19,603,887
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (371)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 19,603,516
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (19,603,516)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 748,602,052
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (721,314,062)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 19,603,629
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 46,891,619
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,986,485)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,051,901)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 385,871,787
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 1.000
<PER-SHARE-NII> .050
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .000
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.050)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 1.000
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .450 <F1>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
<FN>
<F1> EXPENSE RATIO EXCLUDING WAIVER .53%
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 02
<NAME> FVF-GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,015,815,938
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,260,729,291
<RECEIVABLES> 63,334,652
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,324,063,943
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 3,781,601
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,539,069
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 5,320,670
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 911,478,110
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 64,782,428
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 63,702,777
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 43,273,575
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 119,084,055
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 244,907,533
<NET-ASSETS> 1,318,743,273
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 46,208,572
<INTEREST-INCOME> 4,365,468
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (6,564,237)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 44,009,803
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 119,155,296
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (59,404,856)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 103,760,243
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (43,569,458)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (102,500,145)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 9,617,417
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (15,929,952)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 7,392,186
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (19,732,853)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 42,883,458
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 102,378,676
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (6,301,582)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (6,564,237)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 1,344,873,092
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 21.010
<PER-SHARE-NII> .690
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .990
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.690)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (1.640)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 20.360
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .490
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
THE FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 03
<NAME> FVF-NATURAL RESOURCES SECURITIES FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 52,749,663
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 42,557,132
<RECEIVABLES> 3,544,296
<ASSETS-OTHER> 14,658
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 46,116,086
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 159,484
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 29,556
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 189,040
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 78,798,998
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 5,476,199
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 6,564,617
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 727,057
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (23,406,478)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (10,192,531)
<NET-ASSETS> 45,927,046
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 805,210
<INTEREST-INCOME> 346,769
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (400,817)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 751,162
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (16,988,914)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (1,662,177)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (17,899,929)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (946,913)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 3,505,454
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (4,685,716)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 91,844
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (28,997,264)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 940,017
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (6,434,773)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (388,527)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (400,817)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 62,166,993
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.410
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.150
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (3.020)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.150)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 8.390
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .640
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
<FN>
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 04
<NAME> FVF-REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 257,934,343
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 274,003,947
<RECEIVABLES> 8,500,443
<ASSETS-OTHER> 166,718
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 282,671,108
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 380,701
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 380,701
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 222,814,957
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 14,164,554
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 17,207,897
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 18,909,704
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 24,496,142
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 16,069,604
<NET-ASSETS> 282,290,407
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 21,149,114
<INTEREST-INCOME> 911,621
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,976,304)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 20,084,431
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 24,686,332
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (114,230,527)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (69,459,764)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (15,362,062)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (9,509,537)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,938,333
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (6,098,998)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1,117,322
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (158,263,856)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 14,187,335
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 9,319,347
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,911,113)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,976,304)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 369,115,183
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 25.600
<PER-SHARE-NII> 1.450
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (5.600)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.940)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.580)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 19.930
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .540
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 05
<NAME> FVF-GLOBAL UTILITIES SECURITIES FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 748,493,181
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 946,201,152
<RECEIVABLES> 47,805,634
<ASSETS-OTHER> 1,128
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 994,007,914
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 5,063,024
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,189,694
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 7,252,718
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 676,131,605
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 48,260,709
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 55,569,232
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 32,999,590
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 79,916,030
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 197,707,971
<NET-ASSETS> 986,755,196
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 37,119,920
<INTEREST-INCOME> 1,161,718
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (5,242,000)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 33,039,638
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 80,008,445
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (5,715,083)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 107,333,000
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (42,481,848)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (61,944,426)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 2,621,862
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (15,318,738)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 5,388,353
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (143,148,905)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 42,429,889
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 61,863,922
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (4,965,295)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (5,242,000)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 1,047,937,631
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 20.330
<PER-SHARE-NII> .760
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 1.410
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.830)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (1.220)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 20.450
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .500
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 06
<NAME> FVF-HIGH INCOME FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 457,417,080
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 425,050,056
<RECEIVABLES> 22,234,569
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 447,284,625
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 676,120
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 676,120
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 418,759,743
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 33,620,945
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 34,324,418
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 48,138,649
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 12,077,601
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (32,367,488)
<NET-ASSETS> 446,608,505
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 244,920
<INTEREST-INCOME> 50,773,641
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2,554,617)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 48,463,944
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 11,863,739
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (53,325,986)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 7,001,697
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (44,113,847)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (2,617,950)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 12,350,296
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (16,477,344)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 3,423,575
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (49,427,327)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 44,013,099
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 2,607,265
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (2,439,509)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,554,617)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 486,582,922
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 14.450
<PER-SHARE-NII> 1.430
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (1.250)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (1.270)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.080)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 13.280
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .530
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 007
<NAME> FVF-GLOBAL INCOME SECURITIES FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 141,515,105
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 144,317,858
<RECEIVABLES> 6,867,323
<ASSETS-OTHER> 12,586
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 151,197,767
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 257,030
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 257,030
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 146,643,290
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 11,725,182
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 14,265,198
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 4,943,426
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (3,498,798)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 2,852,819
<NET-ASSETS> 150,940,737
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 243
<INTEREST-INCOME> 12,503,384
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,054,755)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 11,448,872
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (5,620,478)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 5,419,749
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 11,248,143
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (12,370,027)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 884,521
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (4,428,598)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1,004,061
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (34,075,437)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 11,163,308
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (3,177,047)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (959,858)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,054,755)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 166,971,646
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 12.970
<PER-SHARE-NII> 1.070
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (0.190)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.980)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.870
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.630
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 09
<NAME> FVF-INCOME SECURITIES FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,081,875,650
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,154,588,474
<RECEIVABLES> 28,547,744
<ASSETS-OTHER> 3,298,193
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,186,434,411
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 35,056
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 559,468
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 594,524
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,001,451,620
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 70,073,792
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 76,595,043
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 82,921,968
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 28,754,109
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 72,712,190
<NET-ASSETS> 1,185,839,887
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 31,421,627
<INTEREST-INCOME> 65,763,832
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (6,463,873)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 90,721,586
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 21,750,117
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (93,203,950)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 19,267,753
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (102,762,930)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (24,268,308)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 5,561,398
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (19,594,845)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 7,512,196
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (220,946,732)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 102,009,670
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 24,225,942
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 6,133,729
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 6,463,873
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 1,307,553,842
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 18.370
<PER-SHARE-NII> 1.37
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (1.07)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (1.420)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.330)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 16.920
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .490
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 10
<NAME> U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 674,193,318
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 703,382,469
<RECEIVABLES> 20,849,033
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 724,231,502
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 12,745,746
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 653,833
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 13,399,579
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 649,317,117
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 51,193,736
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 54,949,206
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 45,248,069
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (12,922,414)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 29,189,151
<NET-ASSETS> 710,831,923
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 49,026,676
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (3,677,417)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 45,349,259
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 2,808,941
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 3,506,133
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 51,664,333
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (50,958,932)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 10,470,243
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (18,034,303)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 3,808,590
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (54,252,518)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 50,857,742
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (15,731,355)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (3,530,641)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (3,677,417)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 729,025,655
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 13.920
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.990
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.010
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (1.030)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 13.890
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.500<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
<FN>
<F1>ANNUALIZED
<FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31,1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 12
<NAME> FVF-ZERO COUPON FUND - 2000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 87,962,406
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 92,942,991
<RECEIVABLES> 645,274
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 93,588,265
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 45,439
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 45,439
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 80,093,447
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 6,315,319
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 7,375,291
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 6,716,921
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1,751,873
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 4,980,585
<NET-ASSETS> 93,542,826
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 7,174,486
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (407,229)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 6,767,257
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,752,805
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (1,138,823)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 7,381,239
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (7,809,331)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (1,249,416)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 646,397
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (2,343,411)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 637,042
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (18,107,625)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 7,759,277
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 1,248,202
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (639,490)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (668,729)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 101,488,056
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 15.140
<PER-SHARE-NII> 1.220
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (.150)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (1.210)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.190)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 14.810
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .400 <F1>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
<FN>
<F1> EXPENSE RATIO EXCLUDING WAIVER .66%
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
THE FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 13
<NAME> FVF-ZERO COUPON FUND - 2005
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 70,821,491
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 84,211,842
<RECEIVABLES> 397,499
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 84,609,341
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 121,956
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 121,956
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 66,008,092
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 4,761,895
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 4,533,896
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 4,635,667
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 453,275
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 13,390,351
<NET-ASSETS> 84,487,385
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 4,958,805
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (317,925)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 4,640,880
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 454,474
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 4,293,862
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 9,389,216
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (4,795,119)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (1,109,296)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 977,903
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1,107,098)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 357,194
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 7,191,874
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 4,789,906
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 1,108,097
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (498,204)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (523,655)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 79,711,438
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 17.050
<PER-SHARE-NII> 1.010
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 1.030
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (1.100)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.250)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 17.740
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .400<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
<FN>
<F1>EXPENSE RATIO EXCLUDING WAIVER 0.66%
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 14
<NAME> FVF-ZERO COUPON FUND - 2010
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 73,310,421
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 93,593,821
<RECEIVABLES> 96,928
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 93,690,749
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 175,614
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 175,614
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 66,099,065
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 4,908,874
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 4,797,365
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 4,906,277
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 2,226,393
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 20,283,400
<NET-ASSETS> 93,515,135
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 5,265,740
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (354,133)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 4,911,607
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 2,320,295
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 4,482,254
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 11,714,156
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (4,888,749)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (676,395)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 2,622,702
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (2,825,253)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 314,060
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 8,000,409
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 4,883,419
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 582,493
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (552,900)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (580,538)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 88,464,237
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 17.830
<PER-SHARE-NII> 1.090
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 1.390
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (1.110)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.150)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 19.050
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.400<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
<FN>
<F1>EXPENSE RATIO EXCLUDING WAIVER 0.66%.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 16
<NAME> FVF-RISING DIVIDENDS FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 562,238,731
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 734,636,200
<RECEIVABLES> 20,256,954
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 754,893,154
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,917,039
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,107,119
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 3,024,158
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 476,747,598
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 41,526,463
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 39,640,221
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 9,359,456
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 93,364,473
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 172,397,469
<NET-ASSETS> 751,868,996
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 14,098,193
<INTEREST-INCOME> 907,840
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (5,641,383)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 9,364,650
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 93,670,542
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (58,097,205)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 44,937,987
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (8,600,227)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (105,391,578)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 10,051,992
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (14,609,606)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 6,443,856
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (28,428,788)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 8,595,033
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 105,085,509
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (5,508,829)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (5,641,383)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 781,461,047
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 19.680
<PER-SHARE-NII> .230
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 1.070
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.220)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (2.650)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 18.110
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .720
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
<FN>
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 017
<NAME> FVF-PACIFIC GROWTH FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 173,769,693
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 100,069,876
<RECEIVABLES> 1,283,514
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 101,353,390
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,584,005
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2,584,005
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 197,065,844
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 13,152,815
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 17,827,473
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (24,677,894)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (73,618,565)
<NET-ASSETS> 98,769,385
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 4,230,810
<INTEREST-INCOME> 52,701
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,271,591)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 3,011,920
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (24,149,643)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (1,803,583)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (22,941,306)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (5,322,439)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (1,619,542)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 12,315,500
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (18,106,232)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1,116,074
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (66,634,430)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 1,603,896
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 1,235,091
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,142,027)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,271,591)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 115,780,809
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 9.280
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.210
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (1.520)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.350)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.110)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 7.510
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.100
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 018
<NAME> FVF-INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 687,390,373
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 849,885,524
<RECEIVABLES> 112,485,257
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 962,370,781
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 3,696,126
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,774,553
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 6,470,679
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 739,071,907
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 61,584,184
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 72,046,407
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 30,263,329
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 24,069,715
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 162,495,151
<NET-ASSETS> 955,900,102
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 31,699,971
<INTEREST-INCOME> 10,196,096
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (9,776,950)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 32,119,117
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 24,006,171
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 3,813,638
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 59,938,926
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (34,702,026)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (69,708,108)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 6,071,020
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (22,907,488)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 6,374,245
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (205,529,447)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 33,171,270
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 69,446,620
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (8,900,761)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (9,776,950)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 1,106,768,060
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 16.120
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.560
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.420
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.530)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (1.050)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 15.520
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.880
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 019
<NAME> FVF-DEVELOPING MARKETS EQUITY FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 228,078,693
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 161,884,954
<RECEIVABLES> 1,209,238
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 163,094,192
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 660,905
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 660,905
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 262,154,666
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 23,505,375
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 27,183,878
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 3,107,117
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (36,634,757)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (66,193,739)
<NET-ASSETS> 162,433,287
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 6,153,898
<INTEREST-INCOME> 1,121,539
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2,969,326)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 4,306,111
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (27,689,978)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (32,987,790)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (56,371,657)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (7,007,398)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (22,786,132)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 6,171,249
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (13,892,294)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 4,042,542
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (117,246,764)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 4,921,147
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 14,728,610
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (2,633,409)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,969,326)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 210,672,688
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.290
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.200
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (2.350)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.290)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.940)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 6.910
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.410
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 020
<NAME> FVF-GLOBAL GROWTH FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 655,019,443
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 700,579,123
<RECEIVABLES> 48,114,456
<ASSETS-OTHER> 9,339
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 748,702,918
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 417,525
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 1,205,039
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,622,564
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 610,980,332
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 50,584,398
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 49,430,801
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 14,679,029
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 75,861,313
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 45,559,680
<NET-ASSETS> 747,080,354
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 19,581,841
<INTEREST-INCOME> 4,859,793
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (6,821,514)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 17,620,120
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 76,153,893
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (33,429,013)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 60,345,000
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (20,206,508)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (73,600,973)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 6,659,421
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (12,002,187)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 6,496,363
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (11,364,221)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 17,068,595
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 73,505,215
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (6,409,332)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (6,821,514)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 774,577,648
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 15.340
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.350
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.980
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.410)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (1.490)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 14.770
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.880
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 021
<NAME> FVF-GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 77,076,589
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 75,890,946
<RECEIVABLES> 5,908,076
<ASSETS-OTHER> 10,714
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 81,809,736
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 140,118
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 140,118
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 76,594,186
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 6,446,500
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 6,808,249
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 2,772,913
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 3,482,850
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (1,180,331)
<NET-ASSETS> 81,669,618
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 2,000,965
<INTEREST-INCOME> 2,647,941
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (758,673)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 3,890,233
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 2,718,229
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (7,345,527)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (737,065)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (3,274,568)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (3,894,373)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,163,365
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (2,081,709)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 556,595
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (11,732,204)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 2,954,949
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 3,861,293
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (585,747)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (758,873)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 90,114,852
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 13.720
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.610
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (0.590)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.490)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.580)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 12.670
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.840
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 22
<NAME> FVF-SMALL CAP FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 278,870,540
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 295,130,887
<RECEIVABLES> 29,142,867
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 324,273,754
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 8,813,896
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 8,813,896
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 298,001,840
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 22,999,329
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 20,826,160
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 1,532,535
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (334,864)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 16,260,347
<NET-ASSETS> 315,459,858
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 2,319,218
<INTEREST-INCOME> 1,708,834
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2,424,640)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 1,603,412
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (229,426)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (8,381,265)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (7,007,279)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (201,399)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (25,854,889)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 10,354,452
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (10,047,779)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1,866,496
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 1,998,319
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 160,082
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 25,718,276
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (2,365,309)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,424,640)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 315,241,423
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 15.050
<PER-SHARE-NII> .070
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (.200)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.010)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (1.190)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 13.720
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .770
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
THE FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
[NUMBER] 23
<NAME> FVF-CAPITAL GROWTH FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 142,185,516
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 187,095,726
<RECEIVABLES> 34,132,722
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 221,228,448
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 276,810
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 276,810
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 178,051,699
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 13,740,476
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 8,150,036
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 1,509,991
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (3,520,262)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 44,910,210
<NET-ASSETS> 220,951,638
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 1,068,089 <F1>
<INTEREST-INCOME> 1,612,127
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (1,165,683)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 1,514,533
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (3,325,719)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 31,691,954
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 29,880,768
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (539,187)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 9,664,745
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (4,111,363)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 37,058
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 111,596,651
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 534,645
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> (194,543)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,140,016)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (1,165,683)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 152,021,936
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 13.42
<PER-SHARE-NII> .100
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 2.620
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.060)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 16.080
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .770
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
<FN>
<F1> NET OF FOREIGN TAXES OF $13,205
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 024
<NAME> FVF-INTERNATIONAL SMALLER COMPANIES FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 27,037,946
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 23,513,325
<RECEIVABLES> 1,539,891
<ASSETS-OTHER> 7,190
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 25,060,406
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 6,555
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 54,407
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 60,962
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 30,447,075
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 2,718,508
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 2,922,545
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 620,960
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (2,543,970)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (3,524,621)
<NET-ASSETS> 24,999,444
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 933,588
<INTEREST-INCOME> 95,262
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (337,764)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 691,086
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (2,334,096)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (2,224,314)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (3,867,324)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (741,651)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (858,571)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,335,385
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1,687,180)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 147,758
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (7,201,261)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 716,993
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 603,229
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (259,908)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (337,764)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 30,579,068
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 11.020
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.250
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (1.520)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.250)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.300)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 9.200
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.100
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 025
<NAME> FVF-MUTUAL DISCOVERY SECURITIES FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 213,660,535
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 213,213,658
<RECEIVABLES> 5,986,940
<ASSETS-OTHER> 16,128,075
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 237,328,673
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 687,510
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 11,984,986
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 12,672,496
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 233,209,714
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 19,904,649
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 16,326,424
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 4,105,301
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (11,697,678)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (961,160)
<NET-ASSETS> 224,656,177
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 4,294,930
<INTEREST-INCOME> 2,702,240
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (2,376,966)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 4,620,204
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (11,326,928)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (12,566,983)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (19,273,707)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (3,306,778)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (3,076,305)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 7,041,503
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (3,946,113)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 482,835
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 26,003,415
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 2,888,764
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 2,608,666
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (1,904,631)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (2,376,966)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 238,166,003
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 12.170
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.200
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (0.760)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.170)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.150)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.290
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.000
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FRANKLIN VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 026
<NAME> FVF-MUTUAL SHARES SECURITIES FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 461,651,206
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 480,791,143
<RECEIVABLES> 6,903,191
<ASSETS-OTHER> 17,169,425
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 504,863,759
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 2,925,780
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 19,494,292
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 22,420,072
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 463,931,743
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 40,335,247
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 31,841,450
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 11,568,707
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (9,697,437)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 16,640,674
<NET-ASSETS> 482,443,687
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 8,857,531
<INTEREST-INCOME> 7,107,398
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (3,626,930)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 12,337,999
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (9,502,532)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (8,967,243)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (6,131,776)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (5,124,853)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (4,478,333)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 12,012,852
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (4,280,005)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 760,950
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 94,656,355
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 4,591,164
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 4,047,825
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (2,841,641)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (3,626,930)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 473,887,460
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 12.180
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.280
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (0.250)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.130)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.120)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 11.960
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.770
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 27
<NAME> FVF-GLOBAL HEALTH CARE SECURITIES FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 6,550,381
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 7,426,374
<RECEIVABLES> 1,769,464
<ASSETS-OTHER> 24,221
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 9,220,059
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 222,739
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 6,995
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 229,734
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 8,350,695
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 839,490
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 25,087
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> (261,450)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 875,993
<NET-ASSETS> 8,990,325
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 5,185
<INTEREST-INCOME> 45,137
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (25,235)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 25,087
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (261,450)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 875,993
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 639,630
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,315,108
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (475,618)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 8,990,325
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (18,119)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> (25,235)
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 4,470,870
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.000
<PER-SHARE-NII> .030
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .680
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> .000
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> .000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> .000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.710
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .840<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> .000
<FN>
<F1>ANNUALIZED
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FRANKLIN
VALUEMARK FUNDS DECEMBER 31, 1998 ANNUAL REPORT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 28
<NAME> VALUE SECURITIES FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 8,367,867
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 9,217,405
<RECEIVABLES> 161,128
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 9,378,533
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 358,183
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 6,879
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 365,062
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 9,013,471
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 1,156,792
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 28,176
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (402,388)
<NET-ASSETS> 9,013,471
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 26,282
<INTEREST-INCOME> 26,594
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 24,700
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 28,176
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (90,040)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (402,388)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (464,252)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,367,931
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (211,139)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 9,013,471
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 17,968
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 24,700
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 4,431,192
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.00
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.020
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (2.230)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0.000
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.000
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 7.790
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.950<F1>
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0.000
<FN>
<F1>ANNUALIZED
</FN>
</TABLE>