Semi Annual
[GRAPHIC]
Report
June 30, 1997
Templeton American Trust Inc.
[FRANKLIN TEMPLETON LOGO]
<PAGE>
[FRANKLIN TEMPLETON "50" GRAPHIC]
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
This year marks 50 years of business for Franklin Templeton. Over these years,
we have experienced profound changes in technology, regulations and customer
expectations within the mutual fund industry. As one of the largest mutual fund
families, we're proud to be an innovative industry leader, providing people like
you with an opportunity to invest in companies and governments around the globe.
In addition, we want to stress that all securities markets move both up and
down. Mixed in with the good years can be some bad years. Accordingly, mutual
fund share prices also move up and down. Every investor should expect such
fluctuations, which can be wide. When markets are going down, as well as up, we
encourage investors to maintain a long-term perspective. We thank you for your
past support and look forward to serving your investment needs in the years
ahead.
[PHOTO OF PETER A. NORI APPEARS HERE]
/s/PETER A. NORI
PETER A. NORI
Portfolio Manager
Templeton American Trust, Inc.
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER LETTER
Your Fund's Objective: The Templeton American Trust seeks long-term total return
through a flexible policy of investing primarily in stocks and debt obligations
of U.S. companies. The Fund may, however, invest up to 35% of its assets in
securities in any foreign country, developed or developing.
Dear Shareholder,
We are pleased to bring you this semi-annual report for the Templeton American
Trust, which covers the six months ended June 30, 1997. During this period,
investors continued to pour money into the U.S. equity market, despite Alan
Greenspan's December 1996 warning about "irrational exuberance." Although a
0.25% increase in the federal funds rate enacted in March by the Federal Reserve
temporarily sent stocks skidding, other interest rates remained relatively
stable, inflation was low, corporate profits rose, and the market continued to
set record-breaking highs. Within this environment, the Templeton American Trust
Class II shares produced a six-month total return of 13.75%, as discussed in the
Performance Summary on page 7. The S&P 500(R) posted a return of 20.61% for the
same period.(1)
1. The Standard & Poor's(R) 500 Stock Index is an unmanaged index of 500 large-
capitalization U.S. stocks. The index is not managed according to any investment
strategy, includes no sales charges or management expenses, and does not contain
cash (the Fund generally carries a certain percentage of cash at any given
time). Of course, one cannot invest directly in an index, and the index is not
representative of the Fund's portfolio. Total return includes reinvested
dividends.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTENTS
<S> <C>
Shareholder Letter ................ 1
Performance Summaries
Class I .......................... 5
Class II ......................... 7
Financial Highlights .............. 10
Statement of Investments .......... 12
Financial Statements .............. 15
Notes to Financial
Statements ........................ 18
</TABLE>
[FUND CATEGORY GRAPH]
<PAGE>
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
Based on Total Net Assets
6/30/97
[PIE GRAPH]
The Fund's performance was affected by its lack of exposure to many of the
big-cap growth companies with high price-to-earnings ratios that dominate the
S&P 500. However, the sharp market correction between mid-March and mid-April
provided us with excellent buying opportunities. We reduced our cash position
and purchased stocks in software developer Intuit, networking company 3Com
Corp., and computer-maker Digital Equipment. We also bought shares of Birmingham
Steel Corporation, supply transporter Landstar System Inc., and Exide Corp., a
manufacturer of industrial components.
On the sell side, we liquidated our positions in foreign stocks that had
appreciated beyond what we considered fair value. These included the Australian
bank ANZ Group, Swedish pharmaceutical manufacturer Astra AB, and French
telecommunications equipment provider Alcatel Alsthom.
Fund holdings that performed well in the first half of the year included
beneficiaries of low interest rates and strong capital markets, such as Aetna
Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Discover; companies with improved earnings
outlooks, such as telecommunications equipment provider DSC Communications
Corp.; and shipper APL Limited, which was the object of a takeover by Neptune
Orient Lines Ltd.
Although the Fund focuses on U.S. companies, we exercised our option to invest
in foreign securities. At the end of the reporting period, overseas investments
comprised 10.5% of total net
2
<PAGE>
assets. As you know, investing in foreign securities involves special risks
related to market and currency volatility, economic, political, social and other
factors in the countries where the Fund is invested. Emerging markets involve
similar but heightened risks, in addition to those associated with their
relatively small size and lesser liquidity. These special risks and other
considerations are discussed in the Fund's prospectus.
Looking forward, we are optimistic about the long-term outlook for the U.S.
stock market, although short-term valuations are of some concern. We will
continue to look for out-of-favor securities trading at depressed levels
relative to long-term "normalized earnings." To us, normalized earnings
represent what a company could earn in the middle of a typical economic cycle,
and their calculation requires us to forecast earnings and cash flow for the
next five years. We believe that, over the long term, such an approach should
produce attractive returns. Of course, our philosophy could lead to periods of
underperformance, particularly in a momentum-oriented market.
This discussion reflects the strategies we employed for the Fund during the six
months under review, and includes our opinions as of the close of the period.
Since economic and market conditions are constantly changing, our strategies,
and our evaluations, conclusions and decisions may change as new circumstances
arise. All figures shown are as of June 30, 1997, and the level of the Fund's
holdings can be expected to change with market developments and management of
the portfolio.
TOP 10 HOLDINGS
6/30/97
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPANY, % OF TOTAL
INDUSTRY NET ASSETS
- -------- ----------
<S> <C>
American International
Group Inc.
Insurance 2.8%
American Stores Co.
Merchandising 2.3%
Landstar System Inc.
Transportation 2.3%
Windmere-Durable
Holdings Inc.
Health & Personal Care 2.2%
Goodyear Tire &
Rubber Co.
Industrial Components 2.2%
Intel Corp.
Electronic Components
& Instruments 2.2%
Georgia-Pacific Corp.
Forest Products & Paper 2.1%
DSC Communications Corp.
Electrical & Electronics 2.0%
Intuit Inc.
Data Processing
& Reproduction 1.9%
Gymboree Inc.
Merchandising 1.9%
</TABLE>
For a complete list of portfolio holdings, see page 12 of this report.
3
<PAGE>
TOP 10 INDUSTRIES
6/30/97
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
% OF TOTAL
INDUSTRY NET ASSETS
- -------- ----------
<S> <C>
Data Processing &
Reproduction 10.6%
Insurance 8.1%
Merchandising 7.3%
Industrial Components 6.6%
Health & Personal Care 5.2%
Transportation 5.1%
Forest Products & Paper 4.7%
Metals & Mining 4.6%
Electrical & Electronics 4.4%
Energy Sources 4.2%
</TABLE>
Although past performance of a specific investment or sector cannot guarantee
future performance, such information can be useful in analyzing securities we
purchase or sell for the Fund.
We appreciate your support, welcome your comments and look forward to serving
you in the future.
Sincerely,
/s/ Peter A. Nori
Peter A. Nori
Portfolio Manager
Templeton American Trust, Inc.
4
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
CLASS I
The Templeton American Trust Class I shares produced a cumulative total return
of 14.14% for the six-month period ended June 30, 1997. Cumulative total return
measures the change in value of an investment, assuming reinvestment of
dividends and capital gains, and does not include the initial sales charge. We
always maintain a long-term perspective when managing the Fund, and we encourage
shareholders to view their investments in a similar manner. As you can see from
the chart below, the Fund's Class I shares delivered a cumulative total return
of more than 50% since inception on May 1, 1995.
The price of the Fund's shares increased $1.93, from $16.02 on December 31,
1996, to $17.95 on June 30, 1997. During this time, shareholders received
distributions of 31.0 cents ($0.31) per share in long-term capital gains. Of
course, distributions will vary depending on income earned by the Fund and any
profits realized from the sale of securities in the Fund's portfolio, as well as
the level of the Fund's operating expenses.
Past performance is not predictive of future results.
5
<PAGE>
CLASS I
Periods ended 6/30/97
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SINCE
INCEPTION
1-YEAR (5/1/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Cumulative Total Return(1) 25.81% 50.26%
Average Annual Total Return(2) 18.60% 17.42%
Value of a $10,000 Investment(3) $11,860 $14,158
6/30/96 6/30/97
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
One-Year Total Return(4) 13.81% 25.81%
</TABLE>
1. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over
the indicated periods, and does not include the initial sales charge.
2. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of
an investment over the indicated periods, and includes the maximum 5.75% initial
sales charge.
3. These figures represent the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the
Fund over the indicated periods, and include the maximum 5.75% initial sales
charge.
4. One-year total return represents the change in value of an investment over
the one-year periods ended on the dates indicated and does not include the
initial sales charge. All calculations assume reinvestment of dividends and
capital gains. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market
conditions, currency volatility, and the economic, social and political climates
of the countries where investments are made. Emerging markets involve heightened
risks related to the same factors, in addition to those associated with the
relatively small size and lesser liquidity of these markets. You may have a gain
or loss when you sell your shares.
Past performance is not predictive of future results.
6
<PAGE>
CLASS II
The Templeton American Trust Class II shares produced a cumulative total return
of 13.75% for the six-month period ended June 30, 1997. Cumulative total return
measures the change in value of an investment, assuming reinvestment of
dividends and capital gains, and does not include sales charges. We always
maintain a long-term perspective when managing the Fund, and we encourage
shareholders to view their investments in a similar manner. As you can see from
the chart below, the Fund's Class II shares delivered a cumulative total return
of more than 129% since inception on February 27, 1991.
The price of the Fund's shares increased $1.87, from $16.04 on December 31,
1996, to $17.91 on June 30, 1997. During this time, shareholders received
distributions of 31.0 cents ($0.31) per share in long-term capital gains. Of
course, distributions will vary depending on income earned by the Fund and any
profits realized from the sale of securities in the Fund's portfolio, as well as
the level of the Fund's operating expenses.
Past performance is not predictive of future results.
7
<PAGE>
CLASS II
Periods ended 6/30/97
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SINCE
INCEPTION
1-YEAR 5-YEAR (2/27/91)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cumulative Total Return(1) 25.00% 97.00% 129.08%
Average Annual Total Return(2) 22.72% 14.29% 13.79%
Value of a $10,000 Investment(3) $12,272 $19,701 $22,681
6/30/93 6/30/94 6/30/95 6/30/96 6/30/97
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One-Year Total Return(4) 13.55% 7.25% 14.57% 13.02% 24.93%
</TABLE>
1. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over
the indicated periods, and does not include sales charges.
2. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of
an investment over the indicated periods and includes the 1.00% initial sales
charge and the 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge applicable to shares
redeemed within 18 months of purchase. See Note below.
3. These figures represent the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the
Fund over the indicated periods, and include all sales charges.
4. One-year total return represents the change in value of an investment over
the one-year periods ended on the dates indicated and does not include sales
charges.
Note: Prior to May 1, 1995, Class II shares were offered with no initial sales
charge and a higher but declining contingent deferred sales charge. Thus, actual
total returns for investors who paid this higher charge would have been
different than noted above. Past expense waivers by the Fund's Manager increased
the Fund's total returns to shareholders.
All calculations assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Investment
return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions, currency
volatility, and the economic, social and political climates of the countries
where investments are made. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to
the same factors, in addition to those associated with the relatively small size
and lesser liquidity of these markets. You may have a gain or loss when you sell
your shares.
Past performance is not predictive of future results.
8
<PAGE>
Many investors have asked us about the activities of Sir John Templeton, since
his retirement from the funds. We asked Professor Robert Herrmann to update us
on Sir John's current activities and his comments follow.
The New Career of
Sir John Templeton
[PHOTO OF PROFESSOR ROBERT HERRMANN]
By Professor
Robert Herrmann
In 1992, Sir John Templeton retired after a 50-year career of helping investors
manage their money. Currently, he devotes all of his time and efforts to the
John Templeton Foundation. A major portion of his assets remain invested in
Templeton funds, managed by many of the investment professionals he selected and
trained. For sentimental reasons, he allows his name to be associated with the
funds, although he knows no more about their management and holdings than any
other investor.
Sir John Templeton established the Templeton Foundation in 1987, to foster the
acquisition of spiritual information through scientific research. Working with
scientists, theologians and others, he strives toward a new science that uses
empirical and statistical scientific methods to discover and test spiritual
knowledge. A crucial ingredient in his research is what Sir John calls "humility
theology," an attitude of humility toward the Creator, combined with
receptiveness to the theological significance of current scientific discoveries.
Universal spiritual laws, or "laws of life," are among the areas of
investigation. In his recent book, Worldwide Laws of Life, Sir John compiles 200
laws and proverbs from nearly all religions, and deeply embedded in human
history. For example, the Golden Rule taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the
Mount, states "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you," and is
affirmed by all major religions as an acceptable, universal law of life. Other
books which Sir John has authored or co-authored during the past few years
include: The Humble Approach, Is God the Only Reality, Evidence of Purpose,
Who's Who in Theology and Science and The God Who Would Be Known.
With an annual budget of more than $30 million, the Templeton Foundation
sponsors 60 programs focusing on spiritual progress and the benefits of freedom.
Sir John's first sizable investment in the programs was the Templeton Prize for
Progress in Religion. A panel of nine judges gives the annual award which now
exceeds $1.2 million to individuals who have shown extraordinary originality in
furthering the world's understanding of God or spirituality.
Recipients of the prize include Professor Paul Davies, author of The Mind of
God; the Right Honorable Lord Jacobovits, former Chief Rabbi of Great Britain
and The Commonwealth; the Reverend Dr. Billy Graham, world-renowned preacher and
presidential inauguration speaker; Mr. Nikkyo Nimano, founder of the World
Conference on Religion and Peace; and Sir Sarepalli Radhakrishnan, former
President of India, and Oxford professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics.
To encourage young people's and their parents' appreciation of spiritual laws of
life, Sir John established an essay contest for teenagers in his home county of
Franklin, Tennessee. Students submit essays about the spiritual life principles
they plan to follow, and prizes are offered semiannually. In 1996, more than 800
youth participated. Twenty-six similar programs have been launched in various
locations, with the support of generous local donors.
The Foundation also sponsors a worldwide program that awards college-level
faculty who teach courses integrating science and religion. During the program's
first two years, more than 200 courses were created. The Foundation maintains an
extensive program of research and education on the health benefits of
spirituality, including prizes for medical schools providing courses on
spirituality in medicine. Lastly, the Foundation publishes a newsletter with
over 2,000 subscribers. Free subscriptions are available to Templeton
shareholders by writing to the Foundation.
To contact Sir John Templeton or receive the free newsletter subscription,
please write to:
The John Templeton Foundation
2 Radnor Corporate Center #320
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
9
<PAGE>
TEMPLETON AMERICAN TRUST, INC.
Financial Highlights
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS FOR THE PERIOD
ENDED MAY 31, 1995+
JUNE 30, 1997 YEAR ENDED THROUGH
(UNAUDITED) DECEMBER 31, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1995
-------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE - CLASS I
(FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD)
Net asset value, beginning of period.......................... $16.02 $14.23 $13.37
----------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income........................................ .07 .20 .11
Net realized and unrealized gain............................. 2.17 2.60 1.21
----------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations.............................. 2.24 2.80 1.32
----------------------------------------------
Distributions:
Dividends from net investment income......................... -- (.26) (.20)
Distributions from net realized gains........................ (.31) (.75) (.26)
----------------------------------------------
Total distributions........................................... (.31) (1.01) (.46)
----------------------------------------------
Change in net asset value..................................... 1.93 1.79 .86
----------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period................................
$17.95 $16.02 $14.23
==============================================
TOTAL RETURN*................................................. 14.14% 19.90% 9.94%
RATIOS /SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000)............................... $3,208 $2,053 $881
Ratio of expenses to average net assets....................... 1.61%** 1.57% 1.81%**
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets.......... .73%** 1.53% 1.31%**
Portfolio turnover rate....................................... 20.86% 15.93% 4.44%
Average commission rate paid (per share)...................... $.0513 $.0410
</TABLE>
*Total return does not reflect sales commissions or the contingent deferred
sales charge. Not annualized for periods of less than one year.
**Annualized.
+Commencement of sales.
10
<PAGE>
TEMPLETON AMERICAN TRUST, INC.
Financial Highlights
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
JUNE 30, 1997 ---------------------------------------------------------
(UNAUDITED) 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE - CLASS II
(FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE
PERIOD)
Net asset value, beginning of period....... $16.04 $14.25 $12.49 $13.39 $11.77 $11.20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income..................... .01 .14 .14 .04 .04 .10
Net realized and unrealized gain.......... 2.17 2.54 2.04 .17 1.82 .83
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations........... 2.18 2.68 2.18 .21 1.86 .93
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions:
Dividends from net investment income...... -- (.14) (.14) (.05) (.03) (.11)
Distributions from net realized gains..... (.31) (.75) (.28) (1.06) (.21) (.09)
Distributions in excess of realized
gains................................... -- -- -- -- -- (.16)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions........................ (.31) (.89) (.42) (1.11) (.24) (.36)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in net asset value.................. 1.87 1.79 1.76 (.90) 1.62 .57
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period............. $17.91 $16.04 $14.25 $12.49 $13.39 $11.77
========================================================================
TOTAL RETURN*.............................. 13.75% 18.91% 17.55% 1.63% 15.82% 8.33%
RATIOS /SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000)............ $48,839 $44,648 $44,183 $37,959 $34,418 $27,485
Ratio of expenses to average net assets.... 2.27%** 2.26% 2.40% 2.47% 2.53% 3.17%
Ratio of expenses, net of reimbursement, to
average net assets....................... 2.27%** 2.26% 2.40% 2.47% 2.53% 2.25%
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets............................... .07%** .85% .95% .34% .31% 1.13%
Portfolio turnover rate.................... 20.86% 15.93% 4.44% 31.92% 14.10% 27.91%
Average commission rate paid (per share)... $.0513 $.0410 -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
*Total return does not reflect sales commissions. Not annualized for periods of
less than one year.
**Annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
11
<PAGE>
TEMPLETON AMERICAN TRUST, INC.
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO, JUNE 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDUSTRY ISSUE COUNTRY SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCKS 91.0%
AEROSPACE & MILITARY TECHNICAL SYSTEMS 1.4%
Boeing Co. ....................................... U.S. 14,000 $ 742,875
-----------
AUTOMOBILES 1.7%
Ford Motor Co. ................................... U.S. 23,000 868,250
-----------
BANKING 3.1%
Chase Manhattan Corp., new........................ U.S. 6,000 582,375
Credicorp, Ltd. .................................. Per. 14,400 316,800
NationsBank Corp. ................................ U.S. 11,000 709,500
-----------
1,608,675
-----------
BUILDING MATERIALS & COMPONENTS 1.3%
Pioneer International Ltd. ....................... Aus. 175,000 676,522
-----------
BUSINESS & PUBLIC SERVICES 1.3%
Wheelabrator Technologies Inc. ................... U.S. 44,000 679,250
-----------
CHEMICALS 1.1%
Great Lakes Chemical Corp. ....................... U.S. 11,000 576,125
-----------
DATA PROCESSING & REPRODUCTION 10.6%
* 3com Corp. ....................................... U.S. 21,000 945,000
* Bay Networks Inc. ................................ U.S. 35,000 929,687
* Digital Equipment Corp. .......................... U.S. 24,200 857,587
* Intuit Inc. ...................................... U.S. 44,200 1,013,838
* NCR Corp. ........................................ U.S. 18,021 536,124
* ODS Networks Inc. ................................ U.S. 32,000 380,000
* Quantum Corp. .................................... U.S. 42,000 855,750
-----------
5,517,986
-----------
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS 4.5%
Ametek Inc. ...................................... U.S. 27,000 634,500
* DSC Communications Corp. ......................... U.S. 46,000 1,023,500
Motorola Inc. .................................... U.S. 9,000 684,000
-----------
2,342,000
-----------
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS & INSTRUMENTS 2.2%
Intel Corp. ...................................... U.S. 8,000 1,134,500
-----------
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES 1.8%
Sun Co. Inc. ..................................... U.S. 30,000 930,000
-----------
ENERGY SOURCES 4.2%
Norsk Hydro AS, ADR............................... Nor. 8,800 476,850
Societe Elf Aquitaine SA.......................... Fr. 4,000 431,535
Total SA, B....................................... Fr. 7,000 707,540
YPF Sociedad Anonima, ADR......................... Arg. 18,000 553,500
-----------
2,169,425
-----------
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
TEMPLETON AMERICAN TRUST, INC.
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO, JUNE 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED) (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDUSTRY ISSUE COUNTRY SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCKS (CONT.)
FINANCIAL SERVICES 3.1%
Federal National Mortgage Association ............ U.S. 16,000 $ 698,000
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Discover & Co. ........ U.S. 21,644 932,045
-----------
1,630,045
-----------
FOOD & HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS 1.3%
IBP Inc. ......................................... U.S. 30,000 697,500
-----------
FOREST PRODUCTS & PAPER 4.7%
Boise Cascade Corp. .............................. U.S. 20,300 716,844
Georgia-Pacific Corp. ............................ U.S. 13,000 1,109,875
James River Corp. ................................ U.S. 17,100 632,700
-----------
2,459,419
-----------
HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE 5.2%
Aetna Inc. ....................................... U.S. 8,500 870,188
Pharmacia & Upjohn................................ U.S. 20,000 695,000
Windmere-Durable Holdings Inc. ................... U.S. 70,000 1,146,250
-----------
2,711,438
-----------
INDUSTRIAL COMPONENTS 6.6%
BW/IP Inc. ....................................... U.S. 30,000 609,375
Exide Corp. ...................................... U.S. 43,000 943,313
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. ....................... U.S. 18,000 1,139,625
Walbro Corp. ..................................... U.S. 37,800 765,450
-----------
3,457,763
-----------
INSURANCE 8.1%
American General Corp. ........................... U.S. 17,000 811,750
American International Group Inc. ................ U.S. 9,750 1,456,406
Presidential Life Corp. .......................... U.S. 47,100 912,563
Progressive Corp. Ohio............................ U.S. 2,700 234,900
Travelers Inc. ................................... U.S. 12,865 811,320
-----------
4,226,939
-----------
MERCHANDISING 7.3%
American Stores Co. .............................. U.S. 24,444 1,206,923
Dayton-Hudson Corp. .............................. U.S. 18,000 957,375
* Gymboree Inc. .................................... U.S. 40,600 974,400
Limited Inc. ..................................... U.S. 25,010 506,453
Strawbridge & Clothier, A......................... U.S. 8,487 137,914
-----------
3,783,065
-----------
METALS & MINING 4.6%
Birmingham Steel Corp. ........................... U.S. 56,800 880,400
Oregon Steel Mills Inc. .......................... U.S. 36,600 729,713
Reynolds Metals Co. .............................. U.S. 11,000 783,750
-----------
2,393,863
-----------
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
TEMPLETON AMERICAN TRUST, INC.
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO, JUNE 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED) (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDUSTRY ISSUE COUNTRY SHARES VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCKS (CONT.)
MULTI-INDUSTRY 1.7%
Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. ........................... H.K. 100,000 $ 864,817
-----------
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 3.0%
AT&T Corp. ....................................... U.S. 21,150 741,572
U.S. West Communications Group.................... U.S. 21,200 798,975
-----------
1,540,547
-----------
TEXTILES & APPAREL 2.3%
* Fruit of the Loom Inc., A......................... U.S. 23,000 713,000
Shaw Industries Inc. ............................. U.S. 45,000 478,125
-----------
1,191,125
-----------
TRANSPORTATION 5.1%
A.S.A. Holdings Inc. ............................. U.S. 9,200 263,350
Caliber Systems Inc. ............................. U.S. 18,000 670,500
* Fritz Companies................................... U.S. 53,700 520,219
* Landstar System Inc. ............................. U.S. 42,400 1,192,500
-----------
2,646,569
-----------
UTILITIES ELECTRICAL & GAS 4.1%
Iberdrola SA...................................... Sp. 50,000 631,150
Midamerican Energy Holdings Co. .................. U.S. 40,425 699,858
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. ...................... U.S. 27,500 826,719
-----------
2,157,727
-----------
WHOLESALE & INTERNATIONAL TRADE 0.7%
Brierley Investments Ltd. ........................ N.Z. 370,000 361,905
-----------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (COST $32,066,493)............ 47,368,330
===========
BOND (COST $21,406) 0.1%
Brierley Investments Ltd., 9.00%, conv.,
6/30/98.......................................... N.Z. 46,250 42,090
===========
PRINCIPAL IN
LOCAL CURRENCY**
---------------
SHORT TERM OBLIGATIONS (COST $5,013,516) 9.6%
U.S. Treasury Bill, 4.725% to 5.080% with
maturities to 9/25/97............................ U.S. 5,047,000 5,013,480
-----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $37,101,415) 100.7%...... 52,423,900
OTHER ASSETS, LESS LIABILITIES (0.7%)............ (377,263)
-----------
TOTAL NET ASSETS 100.0%.......................... $52,046,637
===========
</TABLE>
*Non-income producing.
**Currency of countries indicated.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
14
<PAGE>
TEMPLETON AMERICAN TRUST, INC.
Financial Statements
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
JUNE 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Assets:
Investments in securities, at value (identified cost $37,101,415).................... $52,423,900
Receivables:
Investment securities sold.......................................................... 359,735
Capital shares sold................................................................. 52,728
Dividends and interest.............................................................. 62,440
-----------
Total assets..................................................................... 52,898,803
-----------
Liabilities:
Payables:
Investment securities purchased..................................................... 631,945
Capital shares redeemed............................................................. 19,137
Accrued expenses..................................................................... 201,084
-----------
Total liabilities................................................................ 852,166
-----------
Net assets, at value.................................................................. $52,046,637
===========
Net assets consist of:
Undistributed net investment income.................................................. $ 24,356
Net unrealized appreciation.......................................................... 15,322,486
Accumulated net realized gain........................................................ 4,132,846
Net capital paid in on shares of capital stock....................................... 32,566,949
-----------
Net assets, at value.................................................................. $52,046,637
===========
Class I
Net asset value per share ($3,208,038 / 178,726 shares outstanding)....................... $17.95
======
Maximum offering price ($17.95 / 94.25%).................................................. $19.05
======
Class II
Net asset value per share ($48,838,599 / 2,727,200 shares outstanding).................... $17.91
======
Maximum offering price ($17.91 / 99.00%).................................................. $18.09
======
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
15
<PAGE>
TEMPLETON AMERICAN TRUST, INC.
Financial Statements (continued)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Investment income:
(net of $9,064 foreign taxes withheld)
Dividends................................................................... $ 400,383
Interest.................................................................... 155,603
----------
Total income............................................................ $ 555,986
Expenses:
Management fees (Note 3).................................................... 175,486
Administrative fees (Note 3)................................................ 36,606
Distribution fees (Note 3)
Class I................................................................ 3,995
Class II............................................................... 224,274
Transfer agent fees (Note 3)................................................ 31,500
Custodian fees.............................................................. 2,500
Reports to shareholders..................................................... 23,000
Audit fees.................................................................. 5,800
Legal fees (Note 3)......................................................... 2,500
Registration and filing fees................................................ 25,069
Trustees fees and expenses.................................................. 500
Other....................................................................... 400
----------
Total expenses.......................................................... 531,630
----------
Net investment income................................................... 24,356
Realized and unrealized gain (loss):
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investments................................................................ 4,119,625
Foreign currency transactions.............................................. (3,823)
----------
4,115,802
Net unrealized appreciation on investments.................................. 2,099,533
----------
Net realized and unrealized gain............................................. 6,215,335
----------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations......................... $6,239,691
==========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
16
<PAGE>
TEMPLETON AMERICAN TRUST, INC.
Financial Statements (continued)
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 1997 YEAR ENDED
(UNAUDITED) DECEMBER 31, 1996
----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Increase (decrease) in net assets:
Operations:
Net investment income....................................... $ 24,356 $ 388,090
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency
transactions.............................................. 4,115,802 2,956,343
Net unrealized appreciation................................. 2,099,533 4,503,472
--------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations...... 6,239,691 7,847,905
Distributions to shareholders:
From net investment income
Class I..................................................... -- (31,751)
Class II.................................................... -- (360,732)
From net realized gain
Class I..................................................... (42,173) (89,244)
Class II.................................................... (852,962) (1,967,862)
Capital share transactions (Note 2)
Class I..................................................... 858,853 997,883
Class II.................................................... (858,244) (4,758,459)
--------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets................................ 5,345,165 1,637,740
Net assets:
Beginning of period.......................................... 46,701,472 45,063,732
--------------------------------------
End of period................................................ $ 52,046,637 $46,701,472
======================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
17
<PAGE>
TEMPLETON AMERICAN TRUST, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Templeton American Trust, Inc. (the Fund) is registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end investment company. The Fund
seeks long-term total return through a flexible policy of investing primarily in
stocks and debt obligations of U.S. companies. The Fund may, however, invest up
to 35% of its assets in securities in any foreign country, developed or
underdeveloped. The following summarizes the Fund's significant accounting
policies.
a. SECURITIES VALUATION:
Securities listed or traded on a recognized national exchange or NASDAQ are
valued at the latest reported sales price. Over-the-counter securities and
listed securities for which no sale is reported are valued within the range of
the latest quoted bid and asked prices. Securities for which market quotations
are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined by management
in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors.
b. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION:
Portfolio securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the exchange rate of such
currencies against U.S. dollars on the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of
securities and income items denominated in foreign currencies are translated
into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the transaction date.
The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange
rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are
included in net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.
Realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign
currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement
dates on securities transactions, the differences between the recorded amounts
of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes, and the U.S. dollar
equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign
exchange gains and losses arise from changes in foreign exchange rates on
foreign denominated assets and liabilities other than investments in securities
held at the end of the reporting period.
c. INCOME TAXES:
No provision has been made for income taxes because the Fund's policy is to
qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code and
distribute substantially all of its taxable income.
d. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME, EXPENSES AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses
on security transactions are determined on a specific identification basis.
Certain income from foreign securities is recorded as soon as information is
available to the Fund. Interest income and estimated expenses are accrued daily.
Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the
ex-dividend date.
Realized and unrealized gains and losses on security transactions and net
investment income, other than class specific expenses, are allocated daily to
each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each
class.
18
<PAGE>
TEMPLETON AMERICAN TRUST, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
e. ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES:
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the amounts of income and expense during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. CAPITAL STOCK
The Fund offers two classes of shares: Class I and Class II. The shares have the
same rights except for their initial sales load, distribution fees, voting
rights on matters affecting a single class and the exchange privilege of each
class.
At June 30, 1997, there were, 200 million shares authorized ($1.00 par value) of
which 100 million have been designated as Class I shares and 100 million have
been designated as Class II shares. Transactions in the Fund's shares were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS I
-------------------------------------------------------
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED
JUNE 30, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
-------------------------------------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
-------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shares sold..................................................... 67,058 $ 1,130,007 96,004 $ 1,454,259
Shares issued on reinvestment of distributions.................. 2,267 37,544 6,973 108,639
Shares redeemed................................................. (18,740) (308,698) (36,706) (565,015)
-------------------------------------------------------
Net increase.................................................... 50,585 $ 858,853 66,271 $ 997,883
=======================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS II
-------------------------------------------------------
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED
JUNE 30, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996
-------------------------------------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
-------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shares sold..................................................... 137,546 $ 2,337,586 207,954 $ 3,182,096
Shares issued on reinvestment of distributions.................. 45,607 755,295 130,716 2,042,358
Shares redeemed................................................. (238,952) (3,951,125) (657,146) (9,982,913)
-------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease.................................................... (55,799) $ (858,244) (318,476) $(4,758,459)
=======================================================
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE>
TEMPLETON AMERICAN TRUST, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
3. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND RELATED PARTIES
Certain officers of the Fund are also directors or officers of Templeton
Investment Counsel, Inc. (TICI), Franklin Templeton Services, Inc. (FTSI),
Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (FTD) and Franklin Templeton Investor
Services, Inc. (FTIS), the Fund's investment manager, administrative manager,
principal underwriter, and transfer agent, respectively.
The Fund pays an investment management fee to TICI of 0.70% per year of the
average daily net assets of the fund. The Fund pays an administrative fee to
FTSI based on the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets as follows: 0.15%
per annum of the first $200 million, 0.135% of the next $500 million, 0.10% of
the next $500 million, and 0.075% in excess of $1.2 billion.
The Fund reimburses FTD up to 0.35% and 1.00% per year of the average daily net
assets of Class I and Class II, respectively, for costs incurred in marketing
the Funds shares. Under the Class I distribution plan, costs exceeding the
maximum may be reimbursed in subsequent periods. At June 30 1997, unreimbursed
costs were $424.
FTD received net commissions from sales of fund shares, and received contingent
deferred sales charges for the period of $921 and $1,175, respectively.
During the period ended June 30, 1997 legal fees of $2,500 were paid to a law
firm in which an officer of the Fund is a partner.
4. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term securities) for the
period ended June 30, 1997 aggregated $13,789,159 and $8,825,360, respectively.
5. INCOME TAXES
At June 30, 1997, the net unrealized appreciation based on cost of investments
for income tax purposes of $37,101,414 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Unrealized appreciation........................................ $15,889,751
Unrealized depreciation........................................ (567,265)
--------------
Net unrealized appreciation.................................... $15,322,486
==============
</TABLE>
20
<PAGE>
LITERATURE REQUEST
For a free brochure and prospectus, which contain more complete information,
including charges and expenses, call Franklin Fund Information, toll free, at
1-800/DIAL BEN (1-800/342-5236). Please read the prospectus carefully before you
invest or send money. To ensure the highest quality of service, telephone calls
to or from our service departments may be monitored, recorded and accessed.
These calls can be determined by the presence of a regular beeping tone.
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON GROUP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
GLOBAL GROWTH Franklin Templeton High Income Fund Allocator Series FRANKLIN STATE-SPECIFIC
Franklin Global Health Care Fund Currency Fund Franklin Templeton Conservative FUNDS SEEKING
Franklin Templeton Japan Fund Templeton Americas Government Target Fund TAX-FREE INCOME
Templeton Developing Securities Fund Franklin Templeton Moderate Alabama
Markets Trust Target Fund Arizona*
Templeton Foreign Fund GROWTH Franklin Templeton Growth Arkansas**
Templeton Foreign Smaller Franklin Blue Chip Fund Target Fund California*
Companies Fund Franklin California Growth Fund Colorado
Templeton Global Franklin DynaTech Fund INCOME Connecticut
Infrastructure Fund Franklin Equity Fund Franklin Adjustable Rate Florida*
Templeton Global Franklin Gold Fund Securities Fund Georgia
Opportunities Trust Franklin Growth Fund Franklin Adjustable U.S. Hawaii**
Templeton Global Franklin MidCap Growth Fund Government Securities Fund Indiana
Real Estate Fund Franklin Small Cap Franklin's AGE High Income Fund Kentucky
Templeton Global Growth Fund Franklin Investment Grade Louisiana
Smaller Companies Fund Mutual Discovery Fund Income Fund Maryland
Templeton Greater European Fund Franklin Short-Intermediate Massachusetts***
Templeton Growth Fund GROWTH AND INCOME U.S. Government Securities Fund Michigan*
Templeton Latin America Fund Franklin Asset Allocation Fund Franklin U.S. Government Minnesota***
Templeton Pacific Growth Fund Franklin Balance Sheet Securities Fund Missouri
Templeton World Fund Investment Fund Franklin Money Fund New Jersey
Franklin Convertible Franklin Federal Money Fund New York*
GLOBAL GROWTH AND INCOME Securities Fund North Carolina
Franklin Global Utilities Fund Franklin Equity Income Fund For Corporations Ohio***
Franklin Templeton German Franklin Income Fund Franklin Corporate Qualified Oregon
Government Bond Fund Franklin MicroCap Value Fund Dividend Fund Pennsylvania
Franklin Templeton Global Franklin Natural Resources Fund Tennessee**
Currency Fund Franklin Real Estate FRANKLIN FUNDS SEEKING Texas
Mutual European Fund Securities Fund TAX-FREE INCOME Virginia
Templeton Global Bond Fund Franklin Rising Dividends Fund Federal Intermediate-Term Washington**
Templeton Growth and Franklin Strategic Income Fund Tax-Free Income Fund
Income Fund Franklin Utilities Fund Federal Tax-Free Income Fund VARIABLE ANNUITIES
Franklin Value Fund High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Valuemark(R)
GLOBAL INCOME Mutual Beacon Fund Insured Tax-Free Income Fund Franklin Templeton
Franklin Global Government Mutual Qualified Fund Puerto Rico Tax-Free Valuemark Income Plus
Income Fund Mutual Shares Fund Income Fund (an immediate annuity)
Franklin Templeton Hard Templeton American Trust, Inc. Tax-Exempt Money Fund
Currency Fund
</TABLE>
*Two or more fund options available: long-term portfolio, intermediate-term
portfolio, a portfolio of insured municipal securities, and/or a high yield
portfolio (CA) and a money market portfolio (CA and NY).
**The fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in bonds that pay interest
subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.
***Portfolio of insured municipal securities.
Franklin Valuemark and Franklin Templeton Valuemark Income Plus are issued by
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America or by its wholly owned
subsidiary, Preferred Life Insurance Company of New York, and distributed by
NALAC Financial Plans, LLC.
02/97.1
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
Franklin/Templeton Distributors, Inc.
700 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-3628
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
1-800-632-2301
FUND INFORMATION
1-800-342-5236
This report must be preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus of the
Templeton American Trust, Inc., which contains more complete information
including risk factors, charges and expenses. Like any investment in securities,
the Fund's portfolio will be subject to the risk of loss from market, currency,
economic, political and other factors, as well as investment decisions by the
Investment Manager, which will not always be profitable or wise. The Fund and
its investors are not protected from such losses by the Investment Manager.
Therefore, investors who cannot accept the risk of such losses should not invest
in shares of the Fund.
To ensure the highest quality of service, telephone calls to or from our service
departments may be monitored, recorded and accessed. These calls can be
determined by the presence of a regular beeping tone.
100 S97 08/97
TL100 S97
Printed on recycled paper
<PAGE>
