ANNUAL REPORT
Templeton China World Fund, Inc.
August 31, 1999
[FRANKLIN TEMPLETON LOGO]
PAGE
[FRANKLIN TEMPLETON SEAL]
[PHOTOOF J. MAKR MOBIUS APPEARS HERE]
J. MARK MOBIUS, Ph.D.
President
Templeton China World Fund, Inc.
Dr. Mobius has been living in emerging market countries since earning his Ph.D.
in economics and political science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in
1964. During his extensive travels, he has acquired a thorough knowledge of
business practices and customs unique to developing nations.
PAGE
SHAREHOLDER LETTER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOUR FUND'S GOAL: TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND SEEKS LONG-TERM CAPITAL
APPRECIATION. UNDER NORMAL MARKET CONDITIONS, THE FUND INVESTS PRIMARILY IN
EQUITY SECURITIES OF "CHINA COMPANIES."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to bring you this annual report for Templeton China World Fund,
which covers the 12-months ended August 31, 1999. We are also pleased to
announce that the Fund posted a one-year cumulative total return of +82.81% in
market-price terms, and +61.12% in net asset value terms, as shown in the
Performance Summary on page 6.
Sparked by interest-rate reductions in a number of countries and steady
improvement in Asia's economic conditions, many Asian stocks rallied throughout
the year under review. Despite signs of recovery in the rest of Asia, economic
conditions in mainland China deteriorated during this time, and while many Asian
stock markets rose quickly at the end of 1998, the mainland Shenzhen and
Shanghai "B" markets crumbled, reaching historical
CONTENTS
Shareholder Letter .......... 1
Performance Summary ......... 6
Important Notice
to Shareholders ............. 7
Year 2000 Readiness Update .. 10
Financial Highlights &
Statement of Investments .... 12
Financial Statements ........ 16
Notes to Financial Statements 19
Independent Auditors' Report 22
Change in Independent
Auditor ..................... 26
[PYRAMID GRAPHIC]
You will find a complete listing of the Fund's portfolio holdings, including
dollar value and number of shares or principal amount, beginning on page 13 of
this report.
PAGE
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
Based on Total Net Assets
8/31/99
[PIE CHART]
HONG KONG 62.6%
CHINA 20.6%
SINGAPORE 4.2%
PHILIPPINES 2.8%
TAIWAN 2.0%
THAILAND 1.3%
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
& OTHER NET ASSETS 6.5%
lows by February 1999. This was due in part to China's maintaining the value of
the renminbi against the U.S. dollar, which made Chinese products more expensive
in relation to regional peers in both domestic and export markets. To stimulate
the economy and ease the threat of unemployment, the Chinese government slowed
the reform of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) by investing vast amounts of money
in state infrastructure projects. In 1999, these measures began to affect
China's stock markets, sending them up 42.11% for the period from February 28
through April 30 and 46.84% for the period from May 31 to June 30.(1) However,
these advances were, in our opinion, artificial and for the most part we avoided
the mainland markets, while increasing our investments in Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index advanced 90.36% during the reporting period,
despite the lack of a price recovery in the property sector, which composes 19%
of the index's total market capitalization. To help stimulate property prices,
the government announced a number of changes to the city's mortgage laws. One of
the changes raised the ceiling on the maximum allowable mortgage from 70% to 85%
of the purchase price, making it easier to purchase flats. Another change
removed the limit on mortgage lending as part of a bank's loan portfolio,
theoretically making it easier to get the newly expanded mortgages. In our view,
these changes did contribute to price stability in the property market, but real
estate prices had not fully recovered as of the close of the reporting period.
However, in our opinion, improving economic
1. Source: Morgan Stanley Capital International(R) China Free Index. Total
Return is measured in U.S. dollar terms. Index is unmanaged and includes
reinvested dividends.
2
PAGE
conditions throughout Asia enhanced Hong Kong's reputation as a regional
financial and trade hub, and helped its economy.
During the fiscal year, we made a number of changes to the Fund's portfolio. At
the end of August 1998, short-term investments and other net assets represented
25.9% of the Fund's total net assets. By the close of the reporting period,
these investments represented 6.5% of the Fund's total net assets. The Fund's
return to near-full investment did not alter its country exposure, with holdings
in Hong Kong continuing to dominate the portfolio at 62.6%, followed by holdings
in China and Singapore representing 20.6% and 4.2%, respectively, as of August
31, 1999.
In terms of the Fund's industry exposure, the only major shift resulted from a
large increase in investments in the telecommunications sector.
Telecommunications holdings accounted for only 0.2% of the portfolio in August
1998. However, at the close of the reporting period, they accounted for 12.7%,
making the sector the third largest concentration of the portfolio's holdings. A
second change in exposure was the divestment of all recreation/consumer goods
holdings. These holdings had accounted for 4.7% of the portfolio a year earlier.
Looking forward, we are optimistic about the future of Templeton China World
Fund. Hong Kong's employment and consumption figures have begun to edge upward;
in our opinion, its reputation as one of the more developed markets in the
region carries weight with international investors, and its economy could
benefit if tourism and travel spending increase.
3
PAGE
TOP 10 HOLDINGS
8/31/99
COMPANY % OF TOTAL
INDUSTRY, COUNTRY* NET ASSETS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
China Telecommunications Ltd.
Telecommunications, China 10.5%
Dairy Farm International
Holdings Ltd.
Merchandising, Hong Kong 6.7%
Citic Pacific Ltd.
Multi-Industry, Hong Kong 6.3%
HSBC Holdings PLC
Banking, Hong Kong 6.2%
Cheung Kong Holdings Ltd.
Multi-Industry, Hong Kong 5.4%
Jardine Matheson
Holdings Ltd.
Multi-Industry, Hong Kong 4.9%
Hang Lung Development
Co. Ltd.
Real Estate, Hong Kong 4.6%
China Resources
Enterprises Ltd.
Multi-Industry, China 3.7%
Hong Kong & Shanghai
Hotels Ltd.
Leisure & Tourism, Hong Kong 3.1%
Beijing Datang Power
Generation Co. Ltd., H
Multi-Industry, China 2.9%
*Hong Kong reverted to the sovereignty of China on July 1, 1997.
Although we have concerns about restrictive investment regulations, currency
devaluation and the restructuring of SOEs in mainland China, we look forward to
a day when investor rights are better protected, and the country, with its vast
population and political clout, fulfills the overall potential we believe it has
for investment opportunities.
Of course, investing in emerging market securities means accepting a certain
amount of volatility and, in some cases, the consequences of severe market
corrections. For example, Hong Kong's equity market has increased 1,413% in the
last 15 years, but has suffered five quarterly declines of more than 20% during
that time.(2) Investing in "China companies" is no exception and entails special
considerations, including risks related to market and currency volatility,
adverse economic, social and political developments, and these markets'
relatively small size and lesser liquidity. While short-term volatility can be
disconcerting, declines in excess of 50% are not unusual in emerging markets.
Please remember, this discussion reflects our views, opinions and portfolio
holdings as of August 31, 1999, the end of the reporting period. However, market
and economic conditions
2. Source: Hang Seng Index. Based on quarterly percentage price change over 15
years ended June 30, 1999. Market return is measured in U.S. dollar terms and
does not include reinvested dividends.
4
PAGE
are changing constantly, which can be expected to affect our strategies and the
Fund's portfolio composition. Although past performance is not predictive of
future results, these insights may give you a better understanding of our
investment and management philosophy.
We thank you for your participation in Templeton China World Fund, and
welcome your comments and suggestions.
Sincerely,
/s/ J. MARK MOBIUS
J. Mark Mobius, Ph.D.
President
Templeton China World Fund, Inc.
5
PAGE
1. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over
the periods indicated.
2. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of
an investment over the periods indicated.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since markets can go down as well as up, investment return and principal value
will fluctuate with market conditions, currency volatility, and the economic,
social and political climates of countries where the Fund invests. Emerging
markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors, in addition to
those associated with their relatively small size and lesser liquidity. Also, as
a non-diversified investment company investing in "China companies," the Fund
may invest in a relatively small number of issuers and, as a result, be subject
to greater risk of loss with respect to its portfolio securities. You may have a
gain or loss when you sell your shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY AS OF 8/31/99
Distributions will vary based on earnings of the Fund's portfolio and any
profits realized from the sale of the portfolio's securities, as well as the
level of the Fund's operating expenses. Past distributions are not indicative of
future trends. All total returns include reinvested distributions according to
the terms specified in the Fund's dividend reinvestment and cash purchase plan
and do not reflect any sales charges paid at inception or brokerage commissions
paid on secondary market purchases.
PRICE AND DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHANGE 8/31/99 8/31/98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value +$3.53 $9.83 $6.30
Market Price (NYSE) +$3.3125 $7.6250 $4.3125
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTIONS (9/1/98 - 8/31/99)
<S> <C>
Dividend Income $0.2100
Long-Term Capital Gain $0.0050
Short-Term Capital Gain $0.0100
TOTAL $0.2250
</TABLE>
PERFORMANCE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INCEPTION
1-YEAR 5-YEAR (9/9/93)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cumulative Total Return(1)
Based on change in
net asset value +61.12% - 10.70% - 5.18%
Based on change in
market price +82.81% - 36.87% - 30.84%
Average Annual Total Return(2)
Based on change in
net asset value +61.12% - 2.24% - 0.89%
Based on change in
market price +82.81% - 8.78% - 5.98%
</TABLE>
Templeton China World Fund paid distributions derived from long-term capital
gains of 0.5 cents ($0.0050) per share in October 1998. The Fund hereby
designates such distributions as capital gain dividends per Internal Revenue
Code Section 852 (b)(3).
Past performance is not predictive of future results.
6
PAGE
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS
ADOPTION OF DEFINITIONS OF "EMERGING MARKET" AND "EMERGING MARKET COMPANY." On
July 21, 1999, the Fund's Board of Directors adopted non-fundamental definitions
of "emerging market" and "emerging market company" to reflect the dynamic nature
of what constitutes an "emerging market" or an "emerging market company." The
following definitions generally will be used in managing the Fund's portfolio:
"Emerging market" countries are (i) countries that are generally considered low
or middle income countries by the International Bank of Reconstruction and
Development (commonly known as the World Bank) and the International Finance
Corporation; or (ii) countries that are classified by the United Nations or
otherwise regarded by their authorities as developing or (iii) countries with a
stock market capitalization of less than 3% of the Morgan Stanley Capital
International(R) 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.
YEAR 2000 ISSUE. Like all investment companies, the Fund's business operations
depend on a worldwide network of computer systems that contain date fields. Many
of the systems currently use a two digit date field to represent the date, and
these systems must be changed or modified to
7
PAGE
enable them to distinguish the Year 1900 from the Year 2000 (commonly referred
to as the Year 2000 problem).
When the Year 2000 arrives, the Fund's operations could be adversely affected if
the computer systems used by any of the parties who service the Fund or with
which it does business are not Year 2000 ready. The Fund could experience
difficulties in effecting transactions if any of its 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 the Fund's investment manager considers. The investment manager will
rely upon public filings and other statements made by companies about their Year
2000 readiness. Issuers in countries outside the U.S., particularly in emerging
markets, may be more susceptible to Year 2000 risks and there may be less public
disclosure of these factors. The investment manager, of course, cannot audit
each company and its major suppliers to verify their Year 2000 readiness. The
Fund's ability to reduce the effects of the Year 2000 problem is also very much
dependent upon the efforts of third parties over which the Fund and its
investment manager may have no control.
If a company in which the Fund is invested is adversely affected by Year 2000
problems, it is likely that the price of its securities also will be adversely
affected. A decrease in the value of one or more of the Fund's portfolio
holdings may have an impact on the Fund's performance.
Franklin Resources, Inc. (Resources) established a Year 2000 Project Team in
1996. This team has already made most of the changes necessary to make the
computer systems that service the Fund and its shareholders Year 2000 compliant
and continues to seek reasonable assurances from all
8
PAGE
suppliers that they will be Year 2000 compliant on a timely basis. Resources is
refining a contingency plan of procedures to follow (where feasible) in the
event of the failure of any mission critical systems. 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.
REPURCHASE PROGRAM. On October 18, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Fund
authorized management to implement an open-market share repurchase program
pursuant to which the Fund, from time to time, at the discretion of management
may purchase up to an aggregate of 2 million shares of the Fund's Common Stock
(approximately 10% of the shares outstanding on October 17, 1997) in open-market
transactions. This authorization remains in effect.
9
PAGE
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON
IS READY FOR YEAR 2000
Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure as of 9/30/99
WE ARE READY!
WE'VE DONE A LOT TO PREPARE!
The enormous scope of this project encompassed practically every
computer-dependent record and process within the company. Naturally, our Y2K
plan focused first on readying "mission-critical" systems -- those that are
necessary for our core business functions. As of September 30, 1999, all our
mission-critical systems that could affect our shareholders were certified as
Y2K compliant.
Our business operations rely greatly on a complex, worldwide network of computer
systems owned and managed by third parties. We continue to work with these
outside companies and your Fund's transfer agent to determine their preparedness
for Year 2000.
WE HAVE CONTINGENCY PLANS.
Our company recognizes that even our extensive testing cannot guarantee the
absence of difficulties associated with the Y2K transition. Therefore, we are
developing and integrating worldwide contingency plans.
10
PAGE
Franklin Templeton is confident it is well-positioned to meet the challenges of
Y2K.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These statements should be considered Year 2000 Readiness Disclosures, as such
term is understood under the "Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure
Act." This information is not intended as a representation or warranty and does
not create a legal obligation on the part of Franklin Resources, Inc. or its
affiliates to the recipient.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW DOES YEAR 2000 AFFECT OUR PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' INVESTMENT STRATEGIES?
All our portfolio managers recognize the importance of Year 2000 and its
potential to impact the issuers and industries in which we invest, as well as
the U.S. and world economy as a whole. As long-term investors, we seek to make
and hold investments in companies we believe are well-managed, with good
prospects for the future. In our experience, such companies are more likely to
have sufficient Y2K programs in place.
Technological changes are ever-present in our industry, and we believe we have
the experience and skills necessary to realize and to react to any challenges
that may arise due to this transition. Once again, Franklin Templeton is ready
for Year 2000, and we look forward to moving into the new millennium with you.
For additional information on Franklin Templeton's Y2K efforts, check our Web
site at www.franklintempleton.com.
11
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
Financial Highlights
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1999+ 1998 1997 1996 1995
--------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
(For a share outstanding throughout the year)
Net asset value, beginning of year......................... $6.30 $17.32 $13.39 $12.07 $14.92
--------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income..................................... .10 .30 .24 .27 .33
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)................ 3.65 (10.37) 4.27 1.39 (1.91)
--------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations........................... 3.75 (10.07) 4.51 1.66 (1.58)
--------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from:
Net investment income..................................... (.21) (.26) (.28) (.33) (.20)
Net realized gains........................................ (.01) (.69) (.30) (.01) (1.07)
--------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions........................................ (.22) (.95) (.58) (.34) (1.27)
--------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of year............................... $9.83 $6.30 $17.32 $13.39 $12.07
========================================================
Total Return
Based on market value per share........................... 82.81% (61.83)% 14.97% 11.75% (29.58)%
Based on net asset value per share........................ 61.12% (59.73)% 35.33% 14.44% (11.13)%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of year (000's)............................ $189,994 $121,697 $353,049 $272,996 $245,982
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses.................................................. 1.69% 1.68% 1.65% 1.65% 1.65%
Net investment income..................................... 1.20% 2.88% 1.55% 2.14% 2.77%
Portfolio turnover rate.................................... 83.88% 34.75% 19.51% 14.47% 3.01%
</TABLE>
+Based on average weighted shares outstanding.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, AUGUST 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COUNTRY SHARES VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCKS 92.8%
APPLIANCES & HOUSEHOLD DURABLES .3%
Konka Group Co. Ltd., B..................................... China 1,001,320 $ 671,832
------------
BANKING 8.9%
*Bangkok Bank Public Co. Ltd., fgn. ........................ Thailand 26,000 66,093
HSBC Holdings PLC........................................... Hong Kong 946,513 11,732,146
Overseas Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd., fgn. .................. Singapore 238,000 1,667,399
*Philippine National Bank................................... Philippines 373,000 1,231,582
*Thai Farmers Bank Public Co. Ltd., fgn. ................... Thailand 392,500 562,834
*Thai Farmers Bank Public Co. Ltd., rts., 9/17/99........... Thailand 392,500 358,167
United Overseas Bank Ltd., fgn. ............................ Singapore 177,000 1,313,602
------------
16,931,823
------------
BEVERAGES & TOBACCO 2.1%
Asia Pacific Breweries Ltd. ................................ Singapore 94,900 264,816
Fraser and Neave Ltd. ...................................... Singapore 463,000 1,759,307
*Tsingtao Brewey Co. Ltd., H................................ China 5,833,000 1,915,501
------------
3,939,624
------------
BUILDING MATERIALS & COMPONENTS .1%
*Siam Cement Public Co. Ltd., fgn. ......................... Thailand 4,000 103,455
------------
CONSTRUCTION & HOUSING .8%
Hopewell Holdings Ltd. ..................................... Hong Kong 2,307,000 1,604,322
------------
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS 1.2%
*D-Link Corp. .............................................. Taiwan 853,000 1,727,832
GP Batteries International Ltd. ............................ Singapore 37,000 64,365
*Silicon Integrated Systems Corp. .......................... Taiwan 112,000 480,113
------------
2,272,310
------------
ENERGY SOURCES 1.5%
*CNPC Hong Kong Ltd. ....................................... Hong Kong 18,340,000 2,857,820
------------
FINANCIAL SERVICES 1.0%
HKCB Bank Holding Company Ltd. ............................. Hong Kong 4,819,000 1,799,721
------------
FOOD & HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS .6%
Shanghai New Asia Group Co. Ltd., B......................... China 332,296 61,807
UNI-President Enterprises Corp. ............................ Taiwan 1,563,000 1,089,695
------------
1,151,502
------------
LEISURE & TOURISM 5.5%
CDL Hotels International Ltd. .............................. Hong Kong 1,053,820 379,992
Hong Kong & Shanghai Hotels Ltd. ........................... Hong Kong 7,400,000 5,860,801
*Shangri-La Asia Ltd. ...................................... Hong Kong 3,777,000 4,280,355
------------
10,521,148
------------
</TABLE>
13
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, AUGUST 31, 1999 (CONT.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COUNTRY SHARES VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCKS (CONT.)
MERCHANDISING 6.7%
Dairy Farm International Holdings Ltd. ..................... Hong Kong 12,879,594 $ 12,815,196
------------
METALS .3%
China Steel Corporation..................................... Taiwan 653,000 508,578
------------
MULTI-INDUSTRY 31.3%
Beijing Datang Power Generation Co. Ltd., H................. China 20,822,000 5,564,046
Cheung Kong Holdings Ltd. .................................. Hong Kong 1,177,000 10,231,290
Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. ................... Hong Kong 1,864,000 3,756,734
China Resources Enterprises Ltd. ........................... China 4,264,000 7,001,281
Citic Pacific Ltd. ......................................... Hong Kong 3,847,000 11,964,360
Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. ..................................... Hong Kong 310,000 3,024,088
Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd. ............................. Hong Kong 1,927,975 9,215,721
Jardine Strategic Holdings Ltd. ............................ Hong Kong 2,366,000 5,441,800
Sembcorp Industries Ltd. ................................... Singapore 216,534 287,975
Wheelock and Company Ltd. .................................. Hong Kong 2,341,140 3,045,081
------------
59,532,376
------------
REAL ESTATE 15.6%
China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd. ...................... Hong Kong 44,711,000 5,354,852
China Vanke Co. Ltd., B..................................... China 366,530 165,207
Hang Lung Development Co. Ltd. ............................. Hong Kong 7,575,000 8,730,836
Henderson China Holdings Limited............................ Hong Kong 5,007,500 2,676,204
Hong Kong Land Holdings Ltd. ............................... Hong Kong 3,046,000 4,508,080
New World Development Co. Ltd. ............................. Hong Kong 1,838,898 4,428,426
Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. ............................... Hong Kong 373,465 3,198,318
United Industrial Corporation Ltd. ......................... Singapore 253,000 144,953
United Overseas Land Ltd. .................................. Singapore 410,000 382,177
*United Overseas Land Ltd., wts., 7/31/04................... Singapore 103,000 38,526
------------
29,627,579
------------
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 12.7%
*China Telecommunications Ltd. ............................. China 6,392,000 19,879,436
Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., ADR................. Philippines 176,200 4,173,737
------------
24,053,173
------------
TRANSPORTATION 2.7%
Cross Harbour Tunnel Co. Ltd. .............................. Hong Kong 1,341,000 1,139,785
Guangshen Railway Co. Ltd., H............................... China 9,772,000 1,258,443
Keppel Corp., Ltd. ......................................... Singapore 613,000 1,983,524
*Shanghai Dazhong Taxi Shareholding Co. Ltd., B............. China 1,629,750 661,679
------------
5,043,431
------------
</TABLE>
14
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS, AUGUST 31, 1999 (CONT.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COUNTRY SHARES VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCKS (CONT.)
UTILITIES ELECTRICAL & GAS 1.5%
Hong Kong Electric Holdings Ltd. ........................... Hong Kong 295,955 $ 973,793
Shandong Huaneng Power Development Co. Ltd., ADR............ China 437,800 1,915,375
------------
2,889,168
------------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (COST $155,770,793)..................... 176,323,058
------------
PREFERRED STOCKS (COST $1,373,544) .7%
Siam Commercial Bank, 5.25%, cvt. pfd., 144A, fgn. ......... Thailand 1,216,000 1,379,116
------------
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT**
--------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $7,189,379) 3.8%
U.S. Treasury Bills, 4.48% to 4.87% with maturities to
2/24/00................................................... United States $ 7,288,000 7,189,637
------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $164,333,716) 97.3%................. 184,891,811
OTHER ASSETS, LESS LIABILITIES 2.7%......................... 5,101,760
------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS 100.0%..................................... $189,993,571
============
</TABLE>
*Non-income producing.
**Securities denominated in U.S. dollars.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
15
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
Financial Statements
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AUGUST 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Assets:
Investments in securities, at value (cost $164,333,716).... $ 184,891,811
Cash....................................................... 2,979,995
Receivables:
Investment securities sold................................ 2,631,543
Dividends and interest.................................... 77,075
-------------
Total assets.......................................... 190,580,424
-------------
Liabilities:
Payables:
Investment securities purchased........................... 233,606
To affiliates............................................. 233,376
Accrued expenses........................................... 119,871
-------------
Total liabilities..................................... 586,853
-------------
Net assets, at value........................................ $ 189,993,571
=============
Net assets consist of:
Undistributed net investment income........................ $ 1,225,801
Net unrealized appreciation................................ 20,559,276
Accumulated net realized loss.............................. (109,564,902)
Capital shares............................................. 277,773,396
-------------
Net assets, at value........................................ $ 189,993,571
=============
Net asset value per share ($189,993,571 / 19,319,572 shares
outstanding).............................................. $9.83
=============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
16
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
Financial Statements (continued)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Investment Income:
(net of foreign taxes of $4,459)
Dividends.................................................. $ 3,869,690
Interest................................................... 867,947
------------
Total investment income............................... $ 4,737,637
Expenses:
Management fees (Note 3)................................... 2,049,999
Administrative fees (Note 3)............................... 409,999
Transfer agent fees........................................ 71,850
Custodian fees............................................. 51,810
Reports to shareholders.................................... 61,642
Registration and filing fees............................... 26,233
Professional fees.......................................... 61,611
Directors' fees and expenses............................... 29,703
Other...................................................... 10,040
------------
Total expenses........................................ 2,772,887
------------
Net investment income........................... 1,964,750
------------
Realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Net realized loss from:
Investments............................................... (57,535,026)
Foreign currency transactions (net of foreign taxes of
$56,421)................................................ (78,963)
------------
Net realized loss..................................... (57,613,989)
Net unrealized appreciation on:
Investments............................................... 128,291,050
Translation of assets and liabilities denominated in
foreign currencies...................................... 1,193
------------
Net unrealized appreciation........................... 128,292,243
------------
Net realized and unrealized gain............................ 70,678,254
------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations........ $ 72,643,004
============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
17
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
Financial Statements (continued)
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1999 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
--------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Increase (decrease) in net assets:
Operations:
Net investment income..................................... $ 1,964,750 $ 5,962,208
Net realized loss from investments and foreign currency
transactions............................................. (57,613,989) (50,553,425)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
and translation
of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies............................................... 128,292,243 (159,455,789)
--------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
operations............................................ 72,643,004 (204,047,006)
Distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income..................................... (4,057,110) (5,299,780)
Net realized gains........................................ (289,794) (14,064,803)
Capital share transactions (Note 2)........................ -- (7,940,335)
--------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets................... 68,296,100 (231,351,924)
Net assets:
Beginning of year.......................................... 121,697,471 353,049,395
--------------------------------
End of year................................................ $189,993,571 $ 121,697,471
================================
Undistributed net investment income included in net assets:
End of year................................................ $ 1,225,801 $ 3,776,668
================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
18
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Templeton China World Fund, Inc. (the Fund) is registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 as a closed-end, non-diversified investment company. The
Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation. Under normal market
conditions, the Fund invests primarily in equity securities of "China
companies." The following summarizes the Fund's significant accounting policies.
a. SECURITY 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. When
the Fund purchases or sells foreign securities it will customarily enter into a
foreign exchange contract to minimize foreign exchange risk from the trade date
to the settlement date of such transactions.
The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange
rates from changes in market prices on 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, and the difference 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 currency denominated assets and liabilities other than investments in
securities held at the end of the reporting period.
Certain countries in which the Fund invests have imposed restrictions on the
repatriation of their currencies. Other countries have previously instituted
currency exchange controls in the past during periods of serious imbalance in
their balance of payments or upon the occurrence of other destabilizing events.
Exchange control regulations may restrict the Fund's ability to convert
investment income, capital, or the proceeds of securities into U.S. dollars. As
of August 31, 1999, the Fund has cash with a value of approximately $1.3 million
in countries with restrictions on the repatriation of their currencies or formal
exchange controls currently in place.
19
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
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 to
distribute 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.
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
On October 18, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Fund authorized management to
implement an open-market share repurchase program pursuant to which the Fund
from time to time at the discretion of management may purchase up to an
aggregate of 2 million shares of the Fund's Common Stock.
At August 31, 1999, there were 100 million shares authorized ($0.01 par value).
During the year ended August 31, 1999 there were no capital share transactions;
all reinvested distributions were satisfied with previously issued shares
purchased in the open market. For the year ended August 31, 1998 1,064,199
shares were repurchased for $7,940,335 from reinvested distributions. Total
shares repurchased under the repurchase program are 1,064,199 for $7,940,335,
which were all repurchased during the year ended August 31, 1998.
3. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND RELATED PARTIES
Certain officers of the Fund are also officers or directors of Templeton Asset
Management, Ltd. (TAML) and Franklin Templeton Services, Inc. (FT Services), the
Fund's investment manager and administrative manager, respectively.
The Fund pays an investment management fee to TAML of 1.25% per year of the
average weekly net assets of the Fund. The Fund pays an administrative fee to FT
Services of 0.25% per year of the average weekly net assets of the Fund, of
which 0.20% is paid to Princeton Administrators, L.P., for sub-administrative
services.
20
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
4. INCOME TAXES
At August 31, 1999, the net unrealized appreciation based on the cost of
investments for income tax purposes of $164,868,110 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Unrealized appreciation..................................... $ 34,222,825
Unrealized depreciation..................................... (14,199,124)
------------
Net unrealized appreciation................................. $ 20,023,701
============
</TABLE>
Net realized capital losses differ for financial statement and tax purposes
primarily due to differing treatments
of wash sales and losses realized subsequent to October 31 on the sale of
securities.
At August 31, 1999, the Fund had tax basis capital losses of $68,000,000 which
may be carried over to offset future capital gains. Such losses expire August
31, 2007.
At August 31, 1999, the Fund had deferred capital losses occurring subsequent to
October 31, 1998 of $41,000,000. For tax purposes, such losses will be reflected
in the year ending August 31, 2000.
5. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term securities) for the year
ended August 31, 1999 aggregated $138,687,982 and $121,930,216, respectively.
21
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the statement of investments, and the related statements of operations and
changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Templeton China World Fund,
Inc. (the "Fund") at August 31, 1999, the results of its operations, the changes
in its net assets and the financial highlights for the year then ended, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial
statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial
statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management; our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We
conducted our audit of these financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit, which included confirmation of securities at August 31, 1999 by
correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provides a reasonable basis for
the opinion expressed above. The financial statements for the year ended August
31, 1998, including financial highlights for each of the four years in the
period then ended, were audited by other independent accountants whose report
dated September 29, 1998 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial
statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
September 30, 1999
22
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
Annual Meeting of Shareholders, February 16, 1999
An Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund was held at the Fund's offices,
500 E. Broward Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on February 16, 1999. The purpose
of the meeting was to elect six Directors of the Fund; to ratify the selection
of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, as the Fund's independent auditors for the fiscal
year ending August 31, 1999; and in their discretion, to authorize the
proxyholders to vote upon such other matters that may legally come before the
meeting or any adjournment of the meeting. At the meeting, the following persons
were elected by the shareholders to serve as Directors of the Fund: Harris J.
Ashton, Nicholas F. Brady, Frank J. Crothers, S. Joseph Fortunato, Edith E.
Holiday and Constantine D. Tseretopoulos.* Shareholders ratified the selection
of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, to serve as the Fund's independent auditors for the
fiscal year ending August 31, 1999. No other business was transacted at the
meeting.
The results of the voting at the Annual Meeting are as follows:
1. The election of six (6) Directors:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
% OF % OF
OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING
TERM EXPIRING 2001: FOR SHARES WITHHELD SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Constantine D. Tseretopoulos................................ 13,830,555 71.59% 393,308 2.03%
TERM EXPIRING 2002:
- --------------
Harris J. Ashton............................................ 13,843,569 71.65% 380,294 1.97%
Nicholas F. Brady........................................... 13,859,572 71.74% 364,291 1.88%
Frank J. Crothers........................................... 13,838,415 71.63% 385,448 1.99%
S. Joseph Fortunato......................................... 13,841,763 71.64% 382,100 1.98%
Edith E. Holiday............................................ 13,845,336 71.66% 378,527 1.96%
</TABLE>
2. The ratification of the selection of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, as independent
auditors of the Fund for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
% OF % OF % OF % OF
OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING BROKER OUTSTANDING
FOR SHARES AGAINST SHARES ABSTAIN SHARES NON-VOTES SHARES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
13,812,570.. 71.49% 141,556 0.73% 269,734 1.40% 3 0.00%
</TABLE>
*John Wm. Galbraith, Andrew H. Hines, Jr., Charles B. Johnson, Charles E.
Johnson, Betty P. Krahmer, Gordon S. Macklin and Fred R. Millsaps are Directors
of the Fund who are currently serving and whose terms of office continued after
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
23
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan
The Fund offers a Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the "Plan") with
the following features:
Shareholders must affirmatively elect to participate in the Plan; Stock
dividends and capital gains distributions will be reinvested automatically;
ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, Investor Services, P.O. Box 3338, South
Hackensack, NJ 07606-1938, will provide additional Plan information upon
request.
Whenever the Fund declares dividends in either cash or common stock of the Fund,
if the market price is equal to or exceeds net asset value at the valuation
date, the participant will receive the dividends entirely in stock at a price
equal to the net asset value, but not less than 95% of the then current market
price of the Fund's shares. If the market price is lower than net asset value or
if dividends and/or capital gains distributions are payable only in cash, the
participant will receive shares purchased on the New York Stock Exchange or
otherwise on the open market.
A participant has the option of submitting additional payments to Mellon
Securities Trust Company (the "Plan Agent"), in any amounts of at least $100, up
to a maximum of $5,000 per month, for the purchase of Fund shares for his or her
account. These payments shall be made by check or money order payable to "Mellon
Securities Trust Co." and sent to ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, Investor
Services, P.O. Box 382009, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-8009, Attn: Templeton China
World Fund, Inc. The Plan Agent shall apply such payments (less a $5.00 service
charge and less a pro rata share of trading fees) to purchases of Fund shares in
the open market.
The automatic reinvestment of dividends and/or capital gains does not relieve
the participant of any income tax that may be payable on dividends or
distributions.
The participant may withdraw from the Plan without penalty at any time by
written notice to the Plan Agent sent to ChaseMellon Shareholder Services,
Investor Services, P.O. Box 3338, South Hackensack, NJ 07606-1938. Upon
withdrawal, the participant will receive, without charge, stock certificates
issued in the participant's name for all full shares held by the Plan Agent; or,
if the participant wishes, the Plan Agent will sell the participant's shares and
send the proceeds, less a service charge of $5.00 and less trading fees.
Whenever shares are purchased on the New York Stock Exchange or otherwise on the
open market, each participant will pay a pro rata portion of trading fees.
Trading fees will be deducted from amounts to be invested.
24
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
Shares of Templeton China World Fund, Inc. are traded daily on the New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol "TCH." Information about the net asset value and
the market price is published each Monday in the Wall Street Journal, weekly in
Barron's and each Saturday in The New York Times and other newspapers. Daily
market prices for the Fund's shares are published in the New York Stock Exchange
Composite Transactions section of newspapers.
For current information about dividends and shareholder accounts, call
1-800/416-5585.
The daily closing net asset value may be obtained when available on a one
business day delay basis by calling Franklin Templeton Fund Information after 7
a.m. pacific time any business day at 1-800/DIAL BEN(R) (1-800/342-5236). The
Fund's net asset value and dividends are also listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market,
Inc.'s Mutual Fund Quotation Service ("NASDAQ MFQS") on a one business day delay
basis.
Shareholders not receiving copies of the Reports to Shareholders because their
shares are registered in the name of a broker or a custodian can request that
they be added to the Fund's mailing list, by writing Templeton China World Fund,
Inc., 100 Fountain Parkway, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8030.
25
PAGE
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
CHANGE IN INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
On August 13, 1999, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP (McGladrey) resigned as independent
auditors of the Fund. McGladrey resigned pursuant to their agreement to sell
their investment company practice to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). The
McGladrey partners and professionals previously serving the Fund, have joined
PwC and performed the August 31, 1999 audit.
None of the reports of McGladrey on the financial statements of the Fund,
including those of the past two fiscal years have ever contained an adverse
opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, or was qualified or modified as to
uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
During the period McGladrey served the Fund, including the two most recent
fiscal years and subsequent interim period, there were no disagreements with
McGladrey on any matter of accounting principle or practices, financial
statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if
not resolved to the satisfaction of McGladrey would have caused it to make
reference to the subject matter of disagreement in connection with its report.
On August 31, 1999, the Fund, with the approval of its Board of Directors and
its Audit Committee, engaged PwC as its independent auditors.
26
PAGE
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PAGE
ANNUAL REPORT
TEMPLETON CHINA WORLD FUND, INC.
100 Fountain Parkway
P.O. Box 33030
St. Petersburg, Florida 33733-8030
TRANSFER AGENT
ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
85 Challenger Road
Overpeck Centre
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
1-800/416-5585
www.chasemellon.com
FUND INFORMATION
1-800/342-5236
Investors should be aware that the value of investments made for the Fund may go
down as well as up. Like any investment in securities, the value of the Fund's
portfolio will be subject to the risk of loss from market, currency, economic,
political and other factors. The Fund and its investors are not protected from
such losses by the Investment Manager. Therefore, investors who cannot accept
this risk 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.
TLTCH A99 10/99 [LOGO] Printed on recycled paper
