N-CSRS 1 d591959dncsrs.htm FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSRS

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-00537

 

 

Franklin Custodian Funds

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

Craig S. Tyle, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 650 312-2000

Date of fiscal year end: 9/30

Date of reporting period: 3/31/18

 

 

 


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.


LOGO

     

Semiannual Report

and Shareholder Letter            

      March 31, 2018

 

 

Franklin Custodian Funds

 

 

 

 

Franklin DynaTech Fund

Franklin Growth Fund

Franklin Income Fund

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund

Franklin Utilities Fund

 

LOGO

Sign up for electronic delivery at franklintempleton.com/edelivery


 

Franklin Templeton Investments

Why choose Franklin Templeton Investments?

Successful investing begins with ambition. And achievement only comes when you reach for it. That’s why we continually strive to deliver better outcomes for investors. No matter what your goals are, our deep, global investment expertise allows us to offer solutions that can help.

During our more than 70 years of experience, we’ve managed through all kinds of markets—up, down and those in between. We’re always preparing for what may come next. It’s because of this, combined with our strength as one of the world’s largest asset managers that we’ve earned the trust of millions of investors around the world.

 

 

 

 

Dear Fellow Shareholder:

During the six months ended March 31, 2018, upbeat economic data, generally supportive monetary policies and better corporate earnings combined with the passage of the US tax reform bill aided investor sentiment. However, some investors expressed concerns about President Trump’s protectionist trade policies, as well as trade tensions between the US and China.

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) began reducing its balance sheet in October 2017 and raised its target for the federal funds rate 0.25% from a range of 1.00% to 1.25% to a range of 1.25%–1.50% in December. After the Fed left its target unchanged at its January 2018 meeting, in March the Fed raised it 0.25% from a range of 1.25% to 1.50% to a range of 1.50%–1.75% and maintained its forecast of three rate increases in 2018, while upgrading its economic forecasts for 2018 and 2019. The 10-year US Treasury yield began the period at 2.33% and ended the period at 2.74%. Within this environment, US stocks, as measured by the Standard & Poor’s 500® Index, generated a +5.84% total return for the six-month period.1 Investment-grade bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index, had a negative 1.08% total return.1

We are committed to our long-term perspective and disciplined investment approach as we conduct rigorous, fundamental analysis of securities with a regular emphasis on investment risk management.

We believe active, professional investment management serves investors well. We also recognize the important role of financial advisors in today’s markets and encourage investors

to continue to seek their advice. Amid changing markets and economic conditions, we are confident investors with a well-diversified portfolio and a patient, long-term outlook will be well positioned for the years ahead.

Franklin Custodian Funds’ semiannual report, covering Franklin DynaTech Fund, Franklin Growth Fund, Franklin Income Fund, Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund and Franklin Utilities Fund, includes more detail about prevailing conditions and a discussion about investment decisions during the period. Please remember all securities markets fluctuate, as do mutual fund share prices.

We thank you for investing with Franklin Templeton, welcome your questions and comments, and look forward to serving your future investment needs.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.

Chairman

Franklin Custodian Funds

This letter reflects our analysis and opinions as of March 31, 2018, unless otherwise indicated. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable.

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

See: www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

 

    

 

Not FDIC Insured  | May Lose Value   | No Bank Guarantee

 

franklintempleton.com  

Not part of the semiannual report      

      1


 

   

Contents

  
Semiannual Report  

Economic and Market Overview

     3  

Franklin DynaTech Fund

     4  

Franklin Growth Fund

     10  

Franklin Income Fund

     16  

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund

     24  

Franklin Utilities Fund

     29  

Financial Highlights and Statements of Investments

     34  

Financial Statements

     91  

Notes to Financial Statements

     100  

Special Meeting of Shareholders

     121  

Shareholder Information

     125  

 

    

 

   
Visit franklintempleton.com for fund updates, to access your account, or to find helpful financial planning tools.  
 

 

 

 

2       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


Semiannual Report

Economic and Market Overview

 

The US economy continued to grow during the six months under review. The economy expanded in 2017’s fourth quarter, though at a slower pace compared to the third quarter. Growth continued to moderate in 2018’s first quarter due to a slowdown in consumer spending, residential fixed investment, exports, and state and local government spending. The manufacturing and services sectors expanded during the period. The unemployment rate declined from 4.2% in September 2017 to 4.1% at period-end.1 Monthly retail sales grew early in the period but subsequently declined for three consecutive months, rebounding at period-end amid robust automobile sales. Annual inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, increased from 2.2% in September 2017 to 2.4% at period-end.1

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) began reducing its balance sheet in October 2017 and raised its target range for the federal funds rate 0.25% to 1.25%–1.50% in December. In February 2018, Jerome Powell succeeded Janet Yellen as Fed Chair and spoke before Congress for the first time. He indicated that the Fed saw signs of a continued strong labor market and economic growth. He reiterated the Fed’s intention to gradually raise interest rates in an effort to keep the economy from overheating as inflation increases toward the Fed’s 2% target. However, he noted that there was no evidence of the economy overheating and that he had yet to see a clear upward move in wages. At its March meeting, the Fed raised its target range for the federal funds rate 0.25% to 1.50%–1.75% and maintained its forecast of three rate increases in 2018. Additionally, the Fed upgraded its economic forecasts for 2018 and 2019, and its rate projections indicated the number of rate hikes would increase in 2019 and 2020.

US equity markets rose during the review period, benefiting from mostly upbeat economic data, better US corporate earnings and improving global economic growth. Markets were also supported by the US Fed Chair’s comments indicating optimism about the US economy and the likelihood of gradual rate hikes, as well as the passage of the US tax reform bill in December. However, concerns about political uncertainties in the US, tensions between the US and North Korea, and the progress of the US tax reform bill curbed market sentiment at times. After reaching new all-time highs in January 2018, US stocks declined in February amid concerns that strong economic growth and rising inflation would lead the Fed to

increase its target rate faster than expected. In March, stocks were pressured further by a broad sell-off in information technology stocks due to a potential for tighter regulation in the sector arising from concerns about consumer data privacy. The Trump administration’s protectionist policy and escalating trade tensions between the US and China further dampened investor sentiment near period-end. In this environment, the broad US stock market, as measured by the Standard & Poor’s® 500 Index, generated a +5.84% total return for the period.2

The foregoing information reflects our analysis and opinions as of March 31, 2018. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable.

 

 

 

1. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2. Source: Morningstar.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      3


Franklin DynaTech Fund

 

We are pleased to bring you Franklin DynaTech Fund’s semiannual report for the period ended March 31, 2018.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities of companies that emphasize innovation and new technologies, have superior management and that benefit from new industry conditions in the dynamically changing global economy.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares delivered a +12.73% cumulative total return for the six months under review. In comparison, the Russell 1000® Growth Index, which measures performance of the largest companies in the Russell 3000® Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values, generated a total return of +6.99%.1 Also for comparison, the broad US stock market as measured by the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500®), produced a +5.84% return.1 You can find the Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 7.

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

Investment Strategy

We use fundamental, bottom-up research to seek companies meeting our criteria of growth potential, quality and valuation. In seeking sustainable growth characteristics, we look for companies we believe can produce sustainable earnings and cash flow growth, evaluating the long-term market opportunity and competitive structure of an industry to target leaders and emerging leaders. We define quality companies as those with strong and improving competitive positions in attractive markets. We also believe important attributes of quality are

 

experienced and talented management teams as well as financial strength reflected in the capital structure, gross and operating margins, free cash flow generation and returns on capital employed. Our valuation analysis includes a range of potential outcomes based on an assessment of multiple scenarios. In assessing value, we consider whether security prices fully reflect the balance of the sustainable growth opportunities relative to business and financial risks.

We may invest in companies in any economic sector or of any market capitalization and may invest in companies both inside and outside of the US. Although we search for investments across a large number of sectors, we expect to have significant positions in particular sectors including, for example, technology and health care.

Manager’s Discussion

During the reporting period, most investment sectors contributed to absolute performance, notably consumer discretionary, information technology (IT) and industrials.2 In the consumer discretionary sector, online retail shopping services provider Amazon.com benefited results as it continued to experience revenue growth, driven by higher margin businesses such as fulfillment services, advertising revenue and subscriptions to its Prime service. We believe Prime subscribers could support retail growth, as the program appears to increase purchase frequency, loyalty and overall spending. Its Amazon Web Service, a leader in cloud computing, also drove profitability for the company. Netflix, an internet subscription service company, also boosted results.

In the IT sector, Mastercard, a technology company that provides payment services reported an increase in fourth-quarter 2017 revenue that was stronger than consensus. Management described its outlook for 2018 as slightly better than 2017. The company continued to benefit from the ongoing transition from cash toward card and electronic payments. The Fund’s position in digital marketing and media company Adobe Systems and China-based internet value-added services provider Tencent Holdings also benefited results.

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

The indexes are unmanaged and include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. One cannot invest directly in an index, and an index is not representative of the Fund’s portfolio.

Frank Russell Company is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company.

2. The consumer discretionary sector comprises diversified consumer services; internet and direct marketing retail; media; and textiles, apparel and luxury goods in the SOI. The IT sector comprises communications equipment; electronic equipment, instruments and components; internet software and services; IT services; semiconductors and semiconductor equipment; software; and technology hardware, storage and peripherals in the SOI. The industrials sector comprises aerospace and defense, air freight and logistics, electrical equipment, industrial conglomerates, machinery and professional services in the SOI.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI). The SOI begins on page 39.

 

4       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN DYNATECH FUND

 

 

In industrials, Boeing, which manufactures commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems, reported strong fourth-quarter 2017 revenue and earnings results that exceeded market expectations, aided by solid operating performance. Additionally, the company provided higher-than-expected fiscal-year 2018 guidance as it started 2018 with diversified demand across all commercial aviation markets and solid growth in its global services segment.

In contrast, the energy sector detracted from the Fund’s absolute performance during the period.3 Schlumberger, a company that provides project management solutions to the international oil and gas exploration and production industries, detracted from performance.

Individual holdings that detracted from the Fund’s performance included Celgene,4 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Incyte.4 Biopharmaceutical company Celgene reported disappointing third-quarter 2017 results as revenues for its psoriasis medication Otezla came in significantly below expectations due to increased competition and discounting, although the drug rebounded during the period. Additionally, its cancer drug Revlimid faced patent litigation. Protein engineering biopharmaceutical company Regeneron, detracted from results. Its shares declined after it discontinued phase 3 trials for its combination eye disease therapy due to unfavorable results. Further pressuring sales were investor concerns about encouraging developmental data from two direct competitors to its primary product Eylea, an engineered protein used in treating retinal disorders. Shares of biopharmaceutical company Incyte declined after a rumored buyout did not materialize.

Portfolio Composition

Based on Total Net Assets as of 3/31/18

 

LOGO

 

 

3. The energy sector comprises energy equipment and services in the SOI.

4. Not held at period-end.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      5


FRANKLIN DYNATECH FUND

 

Top 10 Holdings

3/31/18

 

Company

Sector/Industry

   % of Total
Net Assets

 

Amazon.com Inc.

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail

  

 

7.1%

 

Alphabet Inc.

Internet Software & Services

  

 

4.5%

 

Mastercard Inc.

IT Services

  

 

3.4%

 

Facebook Inc.

Internet Software & Services

  

 

3.1%

 

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

Internet Software & Services

  

 

2.6%

 

Visa Inc.

IT Services

  

 

2.3%

 

Salesforce.com Inc.

Software

  

 

2.3%

 

Adobe Systems Inc.

Software

  

 

2.1%

 

ServiceNow Inc.

Software

  

 

1.9%

 

Raytheon Co.

Aerospace & Defense

  

 

1.7%

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin DynaTech Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

 

LOGO

  

LOGO

 

Matthew J. Moberg, CPA

 

LOGO

 

  

LOGO

 

Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.

  
  

Portfolio Management Team

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of March 31, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

6       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN DYNATECH FUND

 

Performance Summary as of March 31, 2018

The performance table does not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses of each class. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 3/31/181

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.75% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.75% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class    Cumulative 
Total Return2
     Average Annual 
Total Return3

A

       

6-Month

   +12.73%       +6.25%

1-Year

   +31.36%       +23.82%

5-Year

   +125.49%       +16.28%

10-Year

   +229.64%       +12.01%

Advisor4

       

6-Month

   +12.89%       +12.89%

1-Year

   +31.69%       +31.69%

5-Year

   +128.34%       +17.96%

10-Year

   +237.85%       +12.95%

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

See page 8 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      7


FRANKLIN DYNATECH FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

 

Distributions (10/1/17–3/31/18)

 

Share Class    Long-Term
Capital Gain
 

A

     $1.1554  

C

     $1.1554  

R

     $1.1554  

R6

     $1.1554  

Advisor

     $1.1554  

Total Annual Operating Expenses5

 

Share Class    With Waiver      Without Waiver  

A

     0.89%         0.90%  

Advisor

     0.64%         0.65%  

Each class of shares is available to certain eligible investors and has different annual fees and expenses, as described in the prospectus.

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Stocks historically have outperformed other asset classes over the long term, but tend to fluctuate more dramatically over the short term. Investments in fast-growing industries, like the technology and health care sectors (which have historically been volatile) could result in increased price fluctuation, especially over the short term, due to the rapid pace of product change and development and changes in government regulation of companies emphasizing scientific or technological advancement or regulatory approval for new drugs and medical instruments. The Fund may also invest in small- and mid-capitalization companies, which can be particularly sensitive to changing economic conditions, and their prospects for growth are less certain than those of larger, more established companies. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

1. The Fund has a fee waiver associated with any investment it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other Franklin Templeton fund, contractually guaranteed through 1/31/19. Fund investment results reflect the fee waiver; without this waiver, the results would have been lower.

2. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.

3. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

4. Effective 5/15/08, the Fund began offering Advisor Class shares, which do not have sales charges or a Rule 12b-1 plan. Performance quotations for this class reflect the following methods of calculation: (a) For periods prior to 5/15/08, a restated figure is used based upon the Fund’s Class A performance, excluding the effect of Class A’s maximum initial sales charge, but reflecting the effect of the Class A Rule 12b-1 fees; and (b) for periods after 5/15/08, actual Advisor Class performance is used reflecting all charges and fees applicable to that class. Since 5/15/08 (commencement of sales), the cumulative and average annual total returns of Advisor Class shares were +198.90% and +11.72%.

5. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

 

8       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN DYNATECH FUND

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases and redemptions; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. All mutual funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other mutual funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps (of course, your account value and expenses will differ from those in this illustration): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

 

                 Actual
(actual return after expenses)    
          Hypothetical
(5% annual return before expenses)    
           
Share
Class
   Beginning
Account
Value 10/1/17
          Ending
Account
Value 3/31/18
     Expenses
Paid During
Period
10/1/17–3/31/181,2
          Ending
Account
Value 3/31/18
   Expenses
Paid During
Period
10/1/17–3/31/181,2
          Net
Annualized
Expense
Ratio2

A

     $ 1,000           $ 1,127.30        $ 4.61           $ 1,020.59      $ 4.38         0.87%

C

     $ 1,000           $ 1,123.50        $ 8.58           $ 1,016.85      $ 8.15         1.62%

R

     $ 1,000           $ 1,126.10        $ 5.94           $ 1,019.35      $ 5.64         1.12%

R6

     $ 1,000           $ 1,129.90        $ 2.60           $ 1,022.49      $ 2.47         0.49%

Advisor

     $ 1,000           $ 1,128.90        $ 3.29           $ 1,021.84      $ 3.13         0.62%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 182/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements. Does not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      9


Franklin Growth Fund

 

We are pleased to bring you Franklin Growth Fund’s semiannual report for the period ended March 31, 2018.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks capital appreciation by investing substantially in equity securities of companies that are leaders in their industries.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares delivered a +8.04% cumulative total return for the six months under review. In comparison, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500), which is a broad measure of U.S. stock performance, had a +5.84% total return.1 You can find the Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 13.

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return will fluctuate. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

Investment Strategy

We use fundamental, bottom-up research to seek companies meeting our criteria of growth potential, quality and valuation. In seeking sustainable growth characteristics, we look for companies we believe can produce sustainable earnings and cash flow growth, evaluating the long-term market opportunity and competitive structure of an industry to target leaders and emerging leaders. We define quality companies as those with strong and improving competitive positions in attractive markets. We also believe important attributes of quality are experienced and talented management teams as well as financial strength reflected in the capital structure, gross and operating margins, free cash flow generation and returns on capital employed. Our valuation analysis includes a range of potential outcomes based on an assessment of multiple scenarios. In assessing value, we consider whether security prices fully reflect the balance of the sustainable growth opportunities relative to business and financial risks.

Portfolio Composition

Based on Total Net Assets as of 3/31/18

LOGO

Manager’s Discussion

Franklin Growth Fund owned shares of 139 companies at period-end. We continue to invest in a broad array of companies of all sizes and in varied industries.

During the period under review, all sectors contributed to absolute performance, notably consumer discretionary,

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

The index is unmanaged and includes reinvestment of any income or distributions. It does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. One cannot invest directly in an index, and an index is not representative of the Fund’s portfolio.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI). The SOI begins on page 48.

 

10       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND

 

Top 10 Holdings

3/31/18

 

Company
Sector/Industry
   % of Total
Net Assets

Apple Inc.

Technology Hardware & Equipment

   4.6%

Amazon.com Inc.

Retailing

   3.4%

Northrop Grumman Corp.

Capital Goods

   2.6%

The Boeing Co.

Capital Goods

   2.4%

Alphabet Inc.

Software & Services

   2.3%

Microsoft Corp.

Software & Services

   2.1%

Union Pacific Corp.

Transportation

   1.8%

Mastercard Inc.

Software & Services

   1.7%

Mettler-Toledo International Inc.

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences

   1.7%

General Dynamics Corp.

Capital Goods

   1.5%

industrials and information technology (IT).2 In the consumer discretionary sector, online retail shopping services provider Amazon.com contributed to the Fund’s performance as it continued to experience revenue growth, driven by higher margin businesses such as fulfillment services, advertising revenue and subscriptions to its Prime service. We believe Prime subscribers could support retail growth, as the program appears to increase purchase frequency, loyalty and overall spending. Its Amazon Web Service, a leader in cloud computing, also drove profitability for the company.

In industrials, Boeing, which manufactures commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems, reported strong fourth-quarter 2017 revenue and earnings results that exceeded market expectations, aided by solid operating performance. Additionally, the company provided higher-than-expected fiscal-year 2018 guidance as it started 2018 with diversified demand across all commercial aviation markets and solid growth in its global services segment. Shares in global security company Northrop Grumman also benefited results.

In the IT sector, shares of software and equipment company Apple benefited from robust earnings, revenue and cash flow generation from a strong product cycle, with many customers pleased with the new iPhone’s features. The company’s high-margin services business also continued to grow, and we believe recent guidance to minimize its cash position could mean more cash for shareholders. In addition, shares of software and services company Microsoft contributed to performance.

Although the Fund had no sector detractors, some holdings detracted from absolute performance, including Celgene, General Electric (GE), Alaska Air Group, Albermarle3 and Mettler-Toledo International. Biopharmaceutical company Celgene reported disappointing third-quarter 2017 results as revenues for its psoriasis medication Otezla came in significantly below expectations due to increased competition and discounting, although the drug rebounded during the period. Additionally, its cancer drug Revlimid faced patent litigation.

Industrial conglomerate GE struggled with lower-than-expected cash flow, ultimately resulting in a reduction in its dividend distribution. Its oil segment and gas and power segment remain challenged, though we believe the company is taking steps to improve profitability, reduce costs, implement more accountability and sell non-core assets.

Air transportation services company Alaska Air Group, the holding company for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air Industries, continued to face a difficult competitive environment. The company reported revenues in line with expectations but lower-than-expected earnings for 2017’s third-quarter. The company lowered its earnings guidance for 2018, noting increased costs resulting from the new pilot’s contract; the reduced flight schedule for Horizon Airlines due to a pilot shortage; and customer service issues arising from the integration with Virgin America, which have caused disruptions and elevated costs.

 

 

2. The consumer discretionary sector comprises automobiles and components, consumer durables and apparel, consumer services, media and retailing in the SOI. The industrials sector comprises capital goods, commercial and professional services and transportation in the SOI. The IT sector comprises semiconductors and semiconductor equipment, software and services and technology hardware equipment in the SOI.

3. Not held at period-end.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      11


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND

 

 

Thank you for your participation in Franklin Growth Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

LOGO   

LOGO

 

   Serena Perin Vinton, CFA
   John Anderson
   Robert Rendler, CFA
   Portfolio Management Team

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of March 31, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

CFA® is a trademark owned by CFA Institute.

 

12       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND

 

Performance Summary as of March 31, 2018

The performance table does not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses of each class. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 3/31/181

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 5.75% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 5.75% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class      Cumulative
Total Return2
     Average Annual 
Total Return3

A

         

 

6-Month

     +8.04%       +1.83%

1-Year

     +19.39%       +12.52%

5-Year

     +96.59%       +13.13%

10-Year

     +174.57%       +9.98%

Advisor

         

 

6-Month

     +8.17%       +8.17%

1-Year

     +19.70%       +19.70%

5-Year

     +99.05%       +14.76%

10-Year

     +181.61%       +10.91%

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

See page 14 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      13


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

Distributions (10/1/17–3/31/18)

 

Share Class    Net Investment
Income
       Long-Term
Capital Gain
       Total  

A

     $0.3618          $2.2538          $2.6156  

C

     N/A          $2.2538          $2.2538  

R

     $0.1304          $2.2538          $2.3842  

R6

     $0.7359          $2.2538          $2.9897  

Advisor

     $0.5853          $2.2538          $2.8391  

Total Annual Operating Expenses4

 

Share Class    With Waiver      Without Waiver  

A

     0.87%        0.88%  

Advisor

     0.62%        0.63%  

Each class of shares is available to certain eligible investors and has different annual fees and expenses, as described in the prospectus.

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Historically, the Fund has focused on larger companies. The Fund may also invest in small, relatively new and/or unseasoned companies, which involves additional risks, as the price of these securities can be volatile, particularly over the short term. The Fund may focus on particular sectors of the market from time to time, which can carry greater risks of adverse developments in such sectors. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 40% of its net assets in stocks of foreign companies, which involve special risks, including currency fluctuations and economic as well as political uncertainty. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

1. The Fund has a fee waiver associated with any investment it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other Franklin Templeton fund, contractually guaranteed through 1/31/19. Fund investment results reflect the fee waiver; without this waiver, the results would have been lower.

2. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.

3. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

4. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

 

14       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases and redemptions; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. All mutual funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other mutual funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps (of course, your account value and expenses will differ from those in this illustration): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

 

              Actual
(actual return after expenses)
       Hypothetical
(5% annual return before expenses)
        
Share
Class
   Beginning
Account
Value 10/1/17
       Ending
Account
Value 3/31/18
   Expenses
Paid During
Period
10/1/17–3/31/181,2
       Ending
Account
Value 3/31/18
   Expenses
Paid During

Period
10/1/17–3/31/181,2
       Net
Annualized
Expense
Ratio2
A    $1,000      $1,080.40    $4.36      $1,020.74    $4.23      0.84%
C    $1,000      $1,076.40    $8.23      $1,017.00    $8.00      1.59%
R    $1,000      $1,079.10    $5.65      $1,019.50    $5.49      1.09%
R6    $1,000      $1,082.60    $2.44      $1,022.59    $2.37      0.47%
Advisor    $1,000      $1,081.70    $3.06      $1,021.99    $2.97      0.59%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 182/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements. Does not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      15


Franklin Income Fund

 

This semiannual report for Franklin Income Fund covers the period ended March 31, 2018.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks to maximize income, while maintaining prospects for capital appreciation by investing, under normal market conditions, in a diversified portfolio of debt and equity securities.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares had a cumulative total return of -1.73% for the six months under review. In comparison, the Fund’s equity benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500), which is a broad measure of US stock performance, returned +5.84%.1 The Fund’s fixed income benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index, which tracks the US investment-grade, taxable bond market, had a -1.08% total return.1 The Fund’s peers, as measured by the Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Moderate Funds Classification Average, which consists of funds chosen by Lipper that, by practice, maintain a mix of 40% to 60% equity securities, with the remainder in bonds and cash, had a -1.73% total return.2 You can find the Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 20.

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return will fluctuate. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

Investment Strategy

By generally performing independent analysis of debt, convertible and equity securities, we search for undervalued or out-of-favor securities we believe offer opportunities for income today and significant growth tomorrow. We consider such factors as a company’s experience and managerial strength; its cash flow potential and profitability; its competitive positioning and advantages; its responsiveness to changes in interest rates and business conditions; debt maturity schedules and borrowing requirements; a company’s changing financial condition and market recognition of the change; and a

Dividend Distributions*

10/1/17–3/31/18

 

  

 

Dividend per Share (cents)

 

Month

    
Class
A
 
 
    
Class
M**
 
 
     Class C        Class R       
Class
R6
 
 
    
Advisor
Class
 
 

October

     1.00               0.90        0.93        1.04        1.03  

November

     1.00               0.90        0.93        1.04        1.03  

December

     1.00               0.89        0.93        1.04        1.03  

January

     1.00               0.89        0.93        1.04        1.03  

February

     1.00        1.03        0.89        0.93        1.04        1.03  

March

     1.00        1.03        0.89        0.93        1.04        1.03  

Total

     6.00        2.06        5.36        5.58        6.24        6.18  

*The distribution amount is the sum of all estimated tax-basis net investment income distributions for the period shown. A portion or all of the distribution may be reclassified as return of capital or short-term or long-term capital gains once final tax designations are known. All Fund distributions will vary depending upon current market conditions, and past distributions are not indicative of future trends.

**Effective 1/25/18, the Fund began offering Class M shares. See the prospectus for details.

security’s relative value based on such factors as anticipated cash flow, interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage and earnings.

Manager’s Discussion

During the period under review, our equity weighting increased from 54.9% to 56.3%, and our fixed income weighting increased from 39.0% to 41.2%. The Fund’s cash position decreased from 6.1% to 2.5% of total net assets.

Although broad financial market volatility remained muted for the first three months of the period under review, particularly in the equity markets, 2018’s first quarter experienced a return of volatility, which has pressured prices across a range of asset classes. The return of volatility to the equity markets in 2018 has, in some cases, just returned many measures of market volatility back to longer term averages and we believe that these conditions are far more normal than the prior period of extraordinarily depressed volatility.

Our focus remains on trying to identify corporate fundamentals that will support our goal to generate attractive income and the potential for capital appreciation over time. Although the increase in volatility in the short term draws many investors’ attention, we believe the markets offer opportunity for those

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

2. Source: Lipper, a Thomson Reuters Company. For the six month period ended 3/31/18, this category consisted of 563 funds. Lipper calculations do not include sales charges or expense subsidization by a fund’s manager. The Fund’s performance relative to the average may have differed if these and other factors had been considered.

The indexes are unmanaged and include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. One cannot invest directly in an index, and an index is not representative of the Fund’s portfolio.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI). The SOI begins on page 59.

 

16       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN INCOME FUND

 

approaching their investment objective with a longer term, three- to- five-year investment horizon.

In general, it is our view that while high yield bonds remain attractive for our income-oriented approach, greater selectivity in issuer exposure remains critical given the backdrop of continued increases in interest rates and the reality that we are likely in the latter stages of the current economic expansion.

Within equities, the Fund saw the largest gains in holdings in the information technology (IT), energy and real estate sectors. Shares of IT companies continued to perform well with strong corporate spending on technology, a shift to cloud-based computing as well as increasing demand for mobile phones. Software firm Microsoft has been a strong performer for several years as demand for its suite of office and cloud-based products had led to improving results. The company is a beneficiary of healthy levels of corporate IT spending. Shares of semiconductor manufacturer Intel have been strong with personal computer demand rising and the company seeing traction from new initiatives that will broaden its business. Consumer electronics company Apple reported robust earnings and cash flow generation from a strong product cycle, with many customers pleased with the new iPhone features. Also, the company’s high-margin services business continued to grow.

Shares of our two larger energy holdings, Royal Dutch Shell and BP, were notable Fund contributors. Both benefited from rising energy prices and a focus on reducing costs to drive cash flow higher. The combination of declining capital spending and the rising cash flow has alleviated concerns that dividend payments would need to be reduced. Importantly, large integrated oil companies appear to be focused on cash flow and greater capital discipline going forward.

In other sectors, Target’s shares performed well as in-store traffic and sales at the retailer improved through the year. Financial stocks, and large banks, in particular, have been helped by a growing economy, increasing returns of excess capital to shareholders, less regulation and rising interest rates, which have helped net interest margins. Shares of large bank JPMorgan increased as an improving economy, higher net interest margins, additional loan and capital markets activity and a focus on expense reductions has led to higher earnings, while strong performances during government-mandated tests have allowed for greater buybacks and dividends. Shares of Rio Tinto, a mining and mineral processing firm, increased as commodity prices rose with stronger demand from an improving global economy. Rio has also worked to be the low cost producer.

Portfolio Composition

3/31/18

 

      
% of Total
Net Assets
 
 

Equity*

     56.3%  

Financials

     8.2%  

Health Care

     8.2%  

Energy

     7.3%  

Utilities

     6.8%  

Information Technology

     5.3%  

Consumer Discretionary

     5.3%  

Materials

     4.6%  

Industrials

     4.6%  

Consumer Staples

     3.9%  

Telecommunication Services

     1.3%  

Real Estate

     0.8%  

Fixed Income**

     41.2%  

Health Care

     11.4%  

Energy

     8.3%  

Consumer Discretionary

     6.7%  

Financials

     3.9%  

Utilities

     2.9%  

Telecommunication Services

     2.7%  

Materials

     1.6%  

Industrials

     1.2%  

Information Technology

     1.1%  

Consumer Staples

     0.8%  

Real Estate

     0.6%  

Short-Term Investments & Other Net Assets

     2.5%  

*Includes convertible bonds.

**Includes senior floating rate interests and index-linked notes.

In equities, detracting from performance were the industrial and utilities sectors as two specific holdings more than offset positive contributions from other sector holdings. In industrials, holdings of General Electric (GE) hampered Fund results as the company has struggled with lower cash flow generation than expected, ultimately resulting in a reduction in its dividend. Its oil and gas and power segments remain challenged though we believe the company is taking steps to improve profitability, reduce costs, implement more accountability and sell non-core assets. Utilities sector performance was weighed down by

 

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      17


FRANKLIN INCOME FUND

 

shares of PG&E,3 which were heavily impacted by the devastating fires that occurred in Northern California last year, which could be a potential liability. Dominion Energy has been negatively impacted by tax reform, regulatory changes effecting its master limited partnership business and greater uncertainty following a recent acquisition.

Top Five Equity Holdings*

3/31/18

 

Company

Sector/Industry

    
% of Total
Net Assets
 
 

Wells Fargo & Co.

Financials

     2.7%  

General Electric Co.

Industrials

     1.9%  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC

Energy

     1.8%  

Dominion Energy Inc.

Utilities

     1.7%  

The Southern Co.

Utilities

     1.7%  

*Includes convertible bonds.

Health care stocks also detracted from performance. Pharmaceutical giant Sanofi saw weaker stock performance as competing products received positive indications and their own results were weaker than expected. Generic drug maker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries3 has struggled with the loss of key patents, declining drug prices and a heavy debt burden as a result of buying Allergan’s3 generics segment. Allergan has similarly struggled with weaker volumes and prices than anticipated.

In other sectors, we believe Weatherford International, an oilfield services company, is in the process of turning its business around though it has struggled with less drilling activity, particularly off-shore, over the past year. New management has taken significant steps to improve profitability across its segments with new revenue opportunities and a sharp reduction in costs. Baker Hughes, also in oilfield services, similarly struggled with less off-shore and liquid natural gas production levels and earnings have been volatile and disappointing since combining with GE’s oil and gas assets.

In fixed income, we continue to be mindful of the impact of rising rates and look to focus on the shorter end of the curve, focusing on positions more sensitive to credit issues rather than interest rates. We have also taken larger positions in names in

Top Five Fixed Income Holdings*

3/31/18

 

Company

Sector/Industry

    
% of Total
Net Assets
 
 

CHS/Community Health Systems Inc.

Health Care

     3.7%  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

Energy

     2.8%  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

Health Care

     2.7%  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Financials

     1.5%  

Weatherford International Ltd.

Energy

     1.5%  

*Includes senior floating rate interests and index-linked notes.

which we have conviction, especially self-help situations where we believe management has a sound plan. We continue to deploy the strategy of moving up the capital structure when possible as companies refinance their debt. Within fixed income, the Fund benefited most from holdings in the electric utility and technology industries and in the energy sector.4 In electric utility, Dynegy bonds have performed well following the announcement that Vistra will be acquiring the business and that leverage ratios are expected to decline substantially. Holdings of InterGen have performed well as leverage has declined significantly, the business continues to show stable results and indicated asset sales are likely to lower leverage levels further.

Energy holdings have been helped by improving supply/ demand dynamics, which have led to higher oil prices. Companies have worked to lower their breakeven costs and the higher oil prices are leading to improved cash flow results. Independent oil producer Bill Barrett has been helped by an equity raise and an acquisition that positions the company to benefit from rising production and higher oil prices. Chesapeake Energy has materially improved its financial condition through a combination of asset sales, increased balance sheet flexibility, production growth and cost reductions. With the improved positioning, the company has guided to a significant increase in cash flow this year.

In other sectors, positions in Tenet Healthcare have risen as the company has made progress in improving its core operations,

 

 

3. Not held at period-end.

4. Electric utility holdings are in utilities in the fixed income section of the SOI. Technology holdings are in consumer discretionary, information technology and real estate in the fixed income section of the SOI.

 

18       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN INCOME FUND

 

focusing on care quality and streamlining operations. As a result, key cash flow and same-hospital volume metrics have been better than expected. Fixed income holdings of banks, including the Fund’s position in JPMorgan, have been helped by the same factors mentioned above for financials stocks.

Fund performance was hindered by fixed income holdings in the consumer non-cyclical and communications industries.5 In consumer non-cyclical, operating results at CHS/Community Health Systems have been impacted by weaker volume trends as well as unfortunate hurricane activity in Texas and in Florida where they operate numerous facilities. Combined with some near-term bond maturities, bond prices have been pressured. We believe the company continues to be successful in selling non-core assets, while they work to enhance patient services and improving core operations and base-line profitability. Pharmaceutical company Mallinckrodt was another notable detractor in consumer non-cyclical, and communications sector detractors included DISH and Sprint.

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin Income Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

LOGO   

LOGO

   Edward Perks, CFA
   Matthew Quinlan
   Richard S. Hsu, CFA
   Todd Brighton, CFA
   Portfolio Management Team

 

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of March 31, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

5. Consumer non-cyclical holdings are in consumer discretionary, consumer staples and health care in the fixed income section of the SOI. Communications holdings are in consumer discretionary and telecommunication services in the fixed income section of the SOI.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      19


FRANKLIN INCOME FUND

 

Performance Summary as of March 31, 2018

The performance tables do not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses of each class. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 3/31/181

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 4.25% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 4.25% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class    Cumulative 
Total Return2
       Average Annual 
Total Return3
 

A

       

6-Month

     -1.73%          -6.06%  

1-Year

     +2.09%          -2.06%  

5-Year

     +27.59%          +4.12%  

10-Year

     +76.60%          +5.38%  

Advisor

       

6-Month

     -1.67%          -1.67%  

1-Year

     +2.24%          +2.24%  

5-Year

     +28.75%          +5.18%  

10-Year

     +79.86%          +6.05%  

 

     Distribution     30-Day Standardized Yield5  
Share Class    Rate4     (with waiver)     (without waiver)  

A

     5.02%       3.72%       3.72%  

Advisor

     5.44%       4.04%       4.04%  

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

See page 22 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

20       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

Net Asset Value

 

Share Class (Symbol)     

3/31/18

    

1/25/18

    

9/30/17

    

Change

A (FKINX)     

$2.29

    

N/A

    

$2.39

    

-$0.10

M(FIFMX)     

$2.29

    

$2.43

    

N/A

    

-$0.14

C (FCISX)     

$2.32

    

N/A

    

$2.42

    

-$0.10

R (FISRX)     

$2.24

    

N/A

    

$2.35

    

-$0.11

R6 (FNCFX)     

$2.27

    

N/A

    

$2.37

    

-$0.10

Advisor (FRIAX)     

$2.27

    

N/A

    

$2.37

    

-$0.10

Distributions (10/1/17–3/31/18)

 

Share Class    Net Investment
Income
 
A      $0.0600  
M (1/25/18–3/31/18)      $0.0206  
C      $0.0536  
R      $0.0558  
R6      $0.0624  
Advisor      $0.0618  

Total Annual Operating Expenses6

 

Share Class      With Waiver        Without Waiver  
A      0.62%        0.63%  
Advisor      0.47%        0.48%  

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      21


FRANKLIN INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

Each class of shares is available to certain investors and has different annual fees and expenses, as described in the prospectus.

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. The Fund’s share price and yield will be affected by interest rate movements. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as prices of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Changes in the financial strength of a bond issuer or in a bond’s credit rating may affect its value. The Fund’s portfolio includes a substantial portion of higher yielding, lower rated corporate bonds because of the relatively higher yields they offer. Floating-rate loans are lower rated, higher yielding instruments, which are subject to increased risk of default and can potentially result in loss of principal. These securities carry a greater degree of credit risk relative to investment-grade securities. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

1. The Fund has a fee waiver associated with any investment it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other Franklin Templeton fund, contractually guaranteed through 1/31/19. Fund investment results reflect the fee waiver; without this waiver, the results would have been lower.

2. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.

3. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

4. Distribution rate is based on an annualization of the respective class’s March dividend and the maximum offering price (NAV for Advisor Class) per share on 3/31/18.

5. The Fund’s 30-day standardized yield is calculated over a trailing 30-day period using the yield to maturity on bonds and/or the dividends accrued on stocks. It may not equal the Fund’s actual income distribution rate, which reflects the Fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders.

6. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

 

22       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN INCOME FUND

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases and redemptions; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. All mutual funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other mutual funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps (of course, your account value and expenses will differ from those in this illustration): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

 

                 Actual
(actual return after expenses)
        Hypothetical
(5% annual return before expenses)
         
Share
Class
     Beginning
Account
Value1
        Ending
Account
Value 3/31/18
   Expenses
Paid During
Period2,3,4
       

Ending

Account
Value 3/31/18

   Expenses
Paid During
Period3,4
        Net
Annualized
Expense
Ratio4

A

     $1,000       $982.70    $2.97       $1,021.94    $3.02       0.60%

M

     $1,000       $946.50    $0.78       $1,022.69    $2.27       0.45%

C

     $1,000       $976.10    $5.42       $1,019.45    $5.54       1.10%

R

     $1,000       $976.30    $4.68       $1,020.19    $4.78       0.95%

R6

     $1,000       $983.50    $1.98       $1,022.94    $2.02       0.40%

Advisor

     $1,000       $983.30    $2.23       $1,022.69    $2.27       0.45%

1. For Classes A, C, R, R6 and Advisor, 10/1/17 for Actual and Hypothetical. For Class M, 1/25/18 for Actual and 10/1/17 for Hypothetical.

2. For Classes A, C, R, R6 and Advisor, 10/1/17–3/31/18. For Class M, 1/25/18–3/31/18.

3. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 182/365 to reflect the one-half year period. The multiplier is 65/365 for Actual Class M expenses to reflect the number of days since inception.

4. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements. Does not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      23


Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund

 

This semiannual report for Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund covers the period ended March 31, 2018.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks income by investing at least 80% of its net assets in US government securities. The Fund presently invests substantially all of its assets in Government National Mortgage Association obligations (Ginnie Maes).

Since 1983, the Fund has invested substantially in Ginnie Mae securities, which carry a guarantee backed by the full faith and credit of the US government as to the timely payment of interest and principal.1 Issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Ginnie Maes have been among the highest yielding US government obligations available.

Portfolio Composition

Based on Total Net Assets as of 3/31/18

 

        

GNMA

     96.6%  

US Government and Agency Securities

     1.6%  

Short-Term Investments & Other Net Assets

     1.8%  

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares had a -1.48% cumulative total return for the six months under review. In comparison, the Bloomberg Barclays US Government Index: Intermediate Component, the intermediate component of the Bloomberg Barclays US Government Index, had -1.10% total return.2 The Fund’s peers, as measured by the Lipper GNMA Funds Classification Average, which consists of funds chosen by Lipper that invest primarily in GNMAs, had a -1.30% total return for the same period.3 You can find the Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 26.

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures

shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

Investment Strategy

We currently invest the Fund’s assets substantially in GNMA obligations. We analyze securities using proprietary models to help us identify attractive investment opportunities.

Dividend Distributions*

10/1/17–3/31/18

     Dividend per Share (cents)  
Month    Class
A
     Class
M**
     Class C      Class R      Class
R6
     Advisor
Class
 

October

     1.40               1.13        1.21        1.55        1.46  

November

     1.52               1.27        1.34        1.66        1.60  

December

     1.51               1.25        1.33        1.65        1.59  

January

     1.52        1.66        1.26        1.34        1.66        1.60  

February

     1.54        1.61        1.31        1.38        1.67        1.61  

March

     1.51        1.59        1.25        1.34        1.65        1.58  

Total

     9.00        4.86        7.47        7.94        9.84        9.44  

*The distribution amount is the sum of all estimated tax-basis net investment income distributions for the period shown. A portion or all of the distribution may be reclassified as return of capital or short-term or long-term capital gains once final tax designations are known. All Fund distributions will vary depending upon current market conditions, and past distributions are not indicative of future trends.

**Effective 1/25/18, the Fund began offering Class M shares. See the prospectus for details.

Manager’s Discussion

US economic indicators were generally encouraging during the reporting period. Steady growth in the services sector created new jobs and boosted employment levels. Retail sales grew for most of the period. Low energy prices pulled inflation lower. In this environment, home sales which had slowed in the middle of the period due to low supply levels and rising prices, rose to their strongest pace in almost 11 years toward period-end. From a perspective of excess returns over Treasuries of similar duration, emerging markets bonds performed well. Other major fixed income sectors that delivered notable positive excess returns, as measured by Bloomberg Barclays indexes, included high yield and investment grade corporate credit and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS). In contrast,

 

 

1. Securities owned by the Fund, but not shares of the Fund, are guaranteed by the US government, its agencies or instrumentalities as to timely payment of principal and interest. The Fund’s yield and share price are not guaranteed and will vary with market conditions.

2. Source: Morningstar.

3. Source: Lipper, a Thomson Reuters Company. For the six month period ended 3/31/18, there were 59 funds in this category. Lipper calculations do not include sales charges or expense subsidization by a fund’s manager. The Fund’s performance relative to the average may have differed if these or other factors had been considered.

The indexes are unmanaged and include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. One cannot invest directly in an index, and an index is not representative of the Fund’s portfolio.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI).

The SOI begins on page 80.

 

24       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND

 

higher quality agency mortgage backed securities (MBS) underperformed Treasuries. Ginnie Mae MBS (GNMA) produced negative excess returns and underperformed Treasuries.

MBS conditions remain supportive and the prepayment outlook fairly benign. With this backdrop, despite tight overall valuations, we are constructive on MBS fundamentals. The continued wind down of the Federal Reserve’s System Open Market Account (SOMA) stands to be a key influence on the market as we move into the later part of the year. Despite relatively constant net supply, the Fed’s balance sheet runoff and an investor base that is mainly even-weight could pressure the sector.

Within the agency mortgage pass-through sector, GNMAs underperformed their Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae counterparts. On an excess return basis, GNMA II 5.0% and GNMA I and II 5.5% coupons were the best performers, while 3.5% coupons generally lagged.

The Fund maintains a conservative, disciplined investment strategy and invests primarily in GNMA mortgage pass-throughs, which remain the only MBS that are backed by the full faith and credit of the US government—the same guarantee applicable to US Treasuries.1 We believe our collateral-intensive research approach can allow us to uncover dislocations across the GNMA markets and associated misvaluation of prepayment risk. We continue to focus on specified pools where we believe our experience and continual investment in new technologies help us uncover these discrepancies.

During the period, we were more weighted toward GNMA IIs (pools of mortgages from multiple issuers) than GNMA Is (pools of mortgages from single issuers). Over the period, we added to GNMA II 3.0% and 4.0% coupons, while reducing exposure to 4.5% and 5.0% coupons. Our heaviest allocation was in 3.5%, 4.0% and 4.5% coupons at period-end. The Fund’s position in 3.0% and 4.0% coupon GNMA securities benefited performance, while our allocation to 5.0% coupon GNMAs detracted from performance.

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund. We welcome your comments and questions and look forward to serving your investment needs in the years ahead.

 

LOGO

 

  

 

LOGO

   Roger A. Bayston, CFA
  

LOGO

 

  

LOGO

 

Paul Varunok

  
   Portfolio Management Team

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of March 31, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      25


FRANKLIN U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND

 

Performance Summary as of March 31, 2018

The performance tables do not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses of each class. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 3/31/181

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 4.25% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 4.25% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class     
Cumulative
Total Return
 
2 
      
Average Annual  
Total Return3
 
 

A

       

6-Month

     -1.48%          -5.63%  

1-Year

     -0.45%          -4.63%  

5-Year

     +4.08%          -0.07%  

10-Year

     +30.77%          +2.28%  

Advisor

       

6-Month

     -1.40%          -1.40%  

1-Year

     -0.46%          -0.46%  

5-Year

     +4.84%          +0.95%  

10-Year

     +32.60%          +2.86%  

 

       Distribution               30-Day Standardized Yield5  
Share Class      Rate4                (with waiver)        (without waiver)  

A

       2.92%                 2.48%          2.47%  

Advisor

       3.18%                 2.75%          2.73%  

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

See page 27 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

26       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

Distributions (10/1/17–3/31/18)

 

Share Class    Net Investment
Income
 

A

     $0.0900  

M (1/25/18–3/31/18)

     $0.0486  

C

     $0.0747  

R

     $0.0794  

R6

     $0.0984  

Advisor

     $0.0944  

Total Annual Operating Expenses6

 

Share Class   With Waiver      Without Waiver  

A

    0.77%        0.77%  

Advisor

    0.62%        0.62%  

Each class of shares is available to certain eligible investors and has different annual fees and expenses, as described in the prospectus.

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. The Fund’s share price and yield will be affected by interest rate movements and mortgage prepayments. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as prices of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Changes in the financial strength of a bond issuer or in a bond’s credit rating may affect its value. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

1. The Fund has a fee waiver associated with any investment it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other Franklin Templeton fund, contractually guaranteed through 1/31/19. Fund investment results reflect the fee waiver; without this waiver, the results would have been lower.

2. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.

3. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

4. Distribution rate is based on an annualization of the respective class’s March dividend and the maximum offering price (NAV for Advisor Class) per share on 3/31/18.

5. The Fund’s 30-day standardized yield is calculated over a trailing 30-day period using the yield to maturity on bonds and/or the dividends accrued on stocks. It may not equal the Fund’s actual income distribution rate, which reflects the Fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders.

6. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      27


FRANKLIN U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases and redemptions; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. All mutual funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other mutual funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps (of course, your account value and expenses will differ from those in this illustration): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

 

                 Actual
(actual return after expenses)
        Hypothetical
(5% annual return before expenses)
         
Share
Class
     Beginning
Account
Value1
        Ending
Account
Value 3/31/18
   Expenses
Paid During
Period2,3,4
       

Ending
Account

Value 3/31/18

   Expenses
Paid During
Period3,4
        Net
Annualized
Expense
Ratio4

A

     $1,000       $985.20    $3.86       $1,021.04    $3.93       0.78%

M

     $1,000       $994.80    $1.12       $1,021.79    $3.18       0.63%

C

     $1,000       $984.30    $6.33       $1,018.55    $6.44       1.28%

R

     $1,000       $985.10    $5.54       $1,019.35    $5.64       1.12%

R6

     $1,000       $986.70    $2.48       $1,022.44    $2.52       0.50%

Advisor

     $1,000       $986.00    $3.12       $1,021.79    $3.18       0.63%

1. For Classes A, C, R, R6 and Advisor, 10/1/17 for Actual and Hypothetical. For Class M, 1/25/18 for Actual and 10/1/17 for Hypothetical.

2. For Classes A, C, R, R6 and Advisor, 10/1/17–3/31/18. For Class M, 1/25/18–3/31/18.

3. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 182/365 to reflect the one-half year period. The multiplier is 65/365 for Actual Class M expenses to reflect the number of days since inception.

4. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements. Does not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

28       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


Franklin Utilities Fund

 

This semiannual report for Franklin Utilities Fund covers the period ended March 31, 2018.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks both capital appreciation and current income by investing at least 80% of its net assets in public utility company securities.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A shares had a -3.99% cumulative total return for the six months under review. In comparison, the Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) Index, which is a broad measure of US stock performance, posted a +5.84% total return, and the S&P 500 Utilities Index, which measures the performance of all utilities stocks in the S&P 500 Index, had a -3.10% total return.1 You can find the Fund’s long-term performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 31.

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return will fluctuate. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

Investment Strategy

We search for the best return opportunities available in the global utilities arena with a specific focus on the US electricity and gas sector. Generally, we look for companies producing a high percentage of earnings from their regulated operations.

Manager’s Discussion

During the six months under review, key individual contributors to the Fund’s absolute performance included our investments in NextEra Energy, FirstEnergy and Exelon. A holding company with interests in generating and distributing electricity, NextEra Energy’s fourth quarter earnings rose, driven by solid contribution from both Florida Power Light Company and NextEra Energy Resources segments. NextEra Energy raised its earnings guidance as a result of the tax reform. Diversified energy company FirstEnergy made progress in transitioning to a fully regulated utility during the

Portfolio Composition

Based on Total Net Assets as of 3/31/18

 

LOGO

period and reaffirmed its earnings growth for the regulated business. It also provided an overall earnings growth guidance that was slightly better than consensus view. The company sold shares to raise capital, which it planned to use to reduce debt and supplement the pension fund. Shares of Exelon, a utility services holding company enjoyed substantial rallies that outpaced most of its industry peers. Exelon’s share price was also helped by strong cash flow support from merchant operations, higher-than-expected 2018 earnings guidance, healthy earnings growth and increased annual dividend growth.

In contrast, both sectors represented in the Fund’s portfolio, utilities and energy, detracted from the Fund’s absolute performance.2 In the utilities sector, PG&E and Edison International hampered Fund performance. Shares of PG&E were heavily impacted by the devastating fires that occurred in Northern California in 2017, which could be a potential liability for the company. Renewable energy company Edison International’s shares declined due to lawsuits arising out of the southern California wildfires and subsequent mudslides.

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar.

The indexes are unmanaged and include reinvested dividends. They do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. One cannot invest directly in an index, and an index is not representative of the Fund’s portfolio.

2. The utilities sector comprises electric utilities, gas utilities, multi-utilities and water utilities in the SOI. The energy sector comprises oil, gas and consumable fuels in the SOI. See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI).

The SOI begins on page 89.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      29


FRANKLIN UTILITIES FUND

 

Within the energy sector, energy infrastructure company Kinder Morgan reported a significant non-cash charge due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

Top 10 Holdings

3/31/18

 

Company

Sector/Industry

   % of Total
Net Assets
 

NextEra Energy Inc.

Electric Utilities

     8.2%  

Sempra Energy

Multi-Utilities

     5.1%  

Dominion Energy Inc.

Multi-Utilities

     4.9%  

American Electric Power Co. Inc.

Electric Utilities

     4.6%  

Exelon Corp.

Electric Utilities

     4.5%  

Duke Energy Corp.

Electric Utilities

     4.4%  

CMS Energy Corp.

Multi-Utilities

     4.0%  

Edison International

Electric Utilities

     4.0%  

Xcel Energy Inc.

Electric Utilities

     3.6%  

The Southern Co.

Electric Utilities

     3.5%  

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin Utilities Fund. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

 

LOGO

  

LOGO

 

   John C. Kohli, CFA

LOGO

  

LOGO

 

   J. Blair Schmicker, CFA
   Portfolio Management Team

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of March 31, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

30       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN UTILITIES FUND

 

Performance Summary as of March 31, 2018

The performance tables do not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses of each class. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 3/31/181

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 4.25% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 4.25% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class    Cumulative 
Total Return2
       Average Annual 
Total Return3
 

A

       

6-Month

     -3.99%          -8.07%  

1-Year

     +0.06%          -4.21%  

5-Year

     +47.46%          +7.14%  

10-Year

     +110.03%          +7.24%  

Advisor

       

6-Month

     -4.00%          -4.00%  

1-Year

     +0.15%          +0.15%  

5-Year

     +48.63%          +8.25%  

10-Year

     +113.20%          +7.86%  

 

     Distribution           30-Day Standardized Yield5  
Share Class    Rate4            (with waiver)     (without waiver)  

A

     2.58%               2.87%       2.87%  

Advisor

     2.82%               3.16%       3.15%  

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

See page 32 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      31


FRANKLIN UTILITIES FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

Net Asset Value

 

Share Class (Symbol)     

3/31/18

    

1/25/18

    

9/30/17

    

Change

A (FKUTX)     

$17.85

    

N/A

    

$19.18

    

-$1.33

M (FUFMX)     

$17.84

    

$18.14

    

N/A

    

-$0.30

C (FRUSX)     

$17.75

    

N/A

    

$19.09

    

-$1.34

R (FRURX)     

$17.78

    

N/A

    

$19.11

    

-$1.33

R6 (FUFRX)     

$17.98

    

N/A

    

$19.32

    

-$1.34

Advisor (FRUAX)     

$17.98

    

N/A

    

$19.32

    

-$1.34

Distributions (10/1/17–3/31/18)

 

Share Class    Net Investment
Income
     Long-Term
        Capital Gain
                 Total  
A      $0.2955        $0.3087        $0.6042  
M (1/25/18 –3/31/18)      $0.1267        N/A        $0.1267  
C      $0.2483        $0.3087        $0.5570  
R      $0.2624        $0.3087        $0.5711  
R6      $0.3189        $0.3087        $0.6276  

Advisor

     $0.3096        $0.3087        $0.6183  

Total Annual Operating Expenses6

 

Share Class      With Waiver                    Without Waiver  
A      0.73%        0.73%  
Advisor      0.58%        0.58%  

Each class of shares is available to certain eligible investors and has different annual fees and expenses, as described in the prospectus.

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Investing in a fund concentrating in the utilities sector involves special risks, including increased susceptibility to adverse economic and regulatory developments affecting the sector. Stocks historically have outperformed other asset classes over the long term, but tend to fluctuate more dramatically over the short term. Securities issued by utility companies have been historically sensitive to interestrate changes. When interest rates fall, utility securities prices, and thus a utilities fund’s share price, tend to rise; when interest rates rise, their prices generally fall. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

1. The Fund has a fee waiver associated with any investment it makes in a Franklin Templeton money fund and/or other Franklin Templeton fund, contractually guaranteed through 1/31/19. Fund investment results reflect the fee waiver; without this waiver, the results would have been lower.

2. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.

3. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

4. Distribution rate is based on an annualization of the respective class’s current quarterly dividend and the maximum offering price (NAV for Advisor Class) per share on 3/31/18.

5. The Fund’s 30-day standardized yield is calculated over a trailing 30-day period using the yield to maturity on bonds and/or the dividends accrued on stocks. It may not equal the Fund’s actual income distribution rate, which reflects the Fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders.

6. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

 

32       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN UTILITIES FUND

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases and redemptions; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. All mutual funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other mutual funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps (of course, your account value and expenses will differ from those in this illustration): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

 

              

Actual

(actual return after expenses)

       

Hypothetical

(5% annual return before expenses)

         
Share
Class
   Beginning
Account
Value1
        Ending
Account
Value 3/31/18
   Expenses
Paid During
Period2,3,4
       

Ending

Account

Value 3/31/18

   Expenses
Paid During
Period3,4
        Net
Annualized
Expense
Ratio4

A

   $1,000       $960.10    $3.52       $1,021.34    $3.63       0.72%

M

   $1,000       $990.70    $1.01       $1,022.09    $2.87       0.57%

C

   $1,000       $956.90    $5.95       $1,018.85    $6.14       1.22%

R

   $1,000       $958.20    $5.22       $1,019.60    $5.39       1.07%

R6

   $1,000       $961.00    $2.40       $1,022.49    $2.47       0.49%

Advisor

   $1,000       $960.00    $2.79       $1,022.09    $2.87       0.57%

1. For Classes A, C, R, R6 and Advisor, 10/1/17 for Actual and Hypothetical. For Class M, 1/25/18 for Actual and 10/1/17 for Hypothetical.

2. For Classes A, C, R, R6 and Advisor, 10/1/17–3/31/18. For Class M, 1/25/18–3/31/18.

3. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 182/365 to reflect the one-half year period. The multiplier is 65/365 for Actual Class M expenses to reflect the number of days since inception.

4. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements. Does not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      33


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin DynaTech Fund

 

      Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018
    Year Ended September 30,  
   (unaudited)     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Class A

            

Per share operating performance

            

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

            

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $63.10       $52.05       $46.04       $46.08       $42.13       $34.00  

Income from investment operationsa:

            

Net investment income (loss)b

     (0.12     (0.18     (0.14     (0.21     (0.18     (0.12

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     8.09       12.92       7.35       1.78       5.94       8.25  

Total from investment operations

     7.97       12.74       7.21       1.57       5.76       8.13  

Less distributions from net realized gains

     (1.16     (1.69     (1.20     (1.61     (1.81      

Net asset value, end of period

     $69.91       $63.10       $52.05       $46.04       $46.08       $42.13  

Total returnc

     12.73%       25.67%       15.73%       3.40%       13.98%       23.91%  

Ratios to average net assetsd

            

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.88%       0.92%       0.91%       0.89%       0.89%       0.94%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.87%e       0.91%e       0.90%       0.89%f       0.89%e,f       0.94%  

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.34)%       (0.33)%       (0.30)%       (0.44)%       (0.41)%       (0.34)%  

Supplemental data

            

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $2,915,885       $2,498,393       $2,123,082       $1,857,570       $1,504,338       $1,072,814  

Portfolio turnover rate

     9.07%       19.85%       22.42%       31.02%       26.43%       35.40%  

 

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable, and is not annualized for periods less than one year.

dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

34       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin DynaTech Fund (continued)

 

      Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018
    Year Ended September 30,  
   (unaudited)     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Class C

            

Per share operating performance

            

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

            

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $53.49       $44.71       $40.00       $40.53       $37.53       $30.52  

Income from investment operationsa:

            

Net investment income (loss)b

     (0.31     (0.50     (0.43     (0.50     (0.46     (0.35

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     6.83       10.97       6.34       1.58       5.27       7.36  

Total from investment operations

     6.52       10.47       5.91       1.08       4.81       7.01  

Less distributions from net realized gains

     (1.16     (1.69     (1.20     (1.61     (1.81      

Net asset value, end of period

     $58.85       $53.49       $44.71       $40.00       $40.53       $37.53  

Total returnc

     12.35%       24.72%       14.86%       2.63%       13.13%       22.97%  

Ratios to average net assetsd

            

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     1.63%       1.67%       1.66%       1.64%       1.64%       1.69%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     1.62%e       1.66%e       1.65%       1.64%f       1.64% e,f      1.69%  

Net investment income (loss)

     (1.09)%       (1.08)%       (1.05)%       (1.19)%       (1.16)%       (1.09)%  

Supplemental data

            

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $468,828       $374,502       $318,896       $270,961       $212,961       $176,556  

Portfolio turnover rate

     9.07%       19.85%       22.42%       31.02%       26.43%       35.40%  

 

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable, and is not annualized for periods less than one year.

dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               35  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin DynaTech Fund (continued)

 

      Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018
    Year Ended September 30,  
   (unaudited)     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Class R

            

Per share operating performance

            

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

            

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $61.51       $50.90       $45.16       $45.35       $41.58       $33.65  

Income from investment operationsa:

            

Net investment income (loss)b

     (0.19     (0.31     (0.26     (0.32     (0.29     (0.21

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     7.87       12.61       7.20       1.74       5.87       8.14  

Total from investment operations

     7.68       12.30       6.94       1.42       5.58       7.93  

Less distributions from net realized gains

     (1.16     (1.69     (1.20     (1.61     (1.81      

Net asset value, end of period

     $68.03       $61.51       $50.90       $45.16       $45.35       $41.58  

Total returnc

     12.61%       25.36%       15.43%       3.11%       13.72%       23.57%  

Ratios to average net assetsd

            

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     1.13%       1.17%       1.16%       1.14%       1.14%       1.19%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     1.12%e       1.16%e       1.15%       1.14%f       1.14%e,f       1.19%  

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.59)%       (0.58)%       (0.55)%       (0.69)%       (0.66)%       (0.59)%  

Supplemental data

            

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $64,439       $47,860       $38,862       $43,001       $45,230       $41,825  

Portfolio turnover rate

     9.07%       19.85%       22.42%       31.02%       26.43%       35.40%  

 

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

36       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin DynaTech Fund (continued)

 

      Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018
    Year Ended September 30,  
   (unaudited)     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013a  

Class R6

            

Per share operating performance

            

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

            

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $65.28       $53.56       $47.15       $46.97       $42.74       $36.56  

Income from investment operationsb:

            

Net investment income (loss)c

     0.02       0.06       0.06       (0.01     (0.01     0.01  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     8.36       13.35       7.55       1.80       6.05       6.17  

Total from investment operations

     8.38       13.41       7.61       1.79       6.04       6.18  

Less distributions from net realized gains

     (1.16     (1.69     (1.20     (1.61     (1.81      

Net asset value, end of period

     $72.50       $65.28       $53.56       $47.15       $46.97       $42.74  

Total returnd

     12.99%       26.17%       16.21%       3.81%       14.45%       16.90%  

Ratios to average net assetse

            

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.50%       0.49%       0.49%       0.48%       0.49%       0.52%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.49%f       0.48%f       0.48%       0.48%g       0.49% f,g      0.52%  

Net investment income (loss)

     0.04%       0.10%       0.12%       (0.03)%       (0.01)%       0.08%  

Supplemental data

            

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $1,242,880       $457,846       $359,505       $362,627       $342,466       $317,315  

Portfolio turnover rate

     9.07%       19.85%       22.42%       31.02%       26.43%       35.40%  

 

aFor the period May 1, 2013 (effective date) to September 30, 2013.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

gBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               37  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin DynaTech Fund (continued)

 

      Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018
    Year Ended September 30,  
   (unaudited)     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Advisor Class

            

Per share operating performance

            

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

            

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $64.78       $53.25       $46.96       $46.87       $42.71       $34.39  

Income from investment operationsa:

            

Net investment income (loss)b

     (0.04     (0.04     (0.03     (0.09     (0.07     (0.03

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     8.31       13.26       7.52       1.79       6.04       8.35  

Total from investment operations

     8.27       13.22       7.49       1.70       5.97       8.32  

Less distributions from net realized gains

     (1.16     (1.69     (1.20     (1.61     (1.81      

Net asset value, end of period

     $71.89       $64.78       $53.25       $46.96       $46.87       $42.71  

Total returnc

     12.89%       25.98%       16.02%       3.62%       14.29%       24.19%  

Ratios to average net assetsd

            

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.63%       0.67%       0.66%       0.64%       0.64%       0.69%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.62%e       0.66%e       0.65%       0.64%f       0.64% e,f      0.69%  

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.09)%       (0.08)%       (0.05)%       (0.19)%       (0.16)%       (0.09)%  

Supplemental data

            

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $425,166       $712,762       $203,443       $176,090       $159,180       $122,287  

Portfolio turnover rate

     9.07%       19.85%       22.42%       31.02%       26.43%       35.40%  

 

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

38       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

Statement of Investments, March 31, 2018 (unaudited)

Franklin DynaTech Fund

 

       Country        Shares       Value  

Common Stocks 96.9%

       

Aerospace & Defense 3.6%

       

The Boeing Co.

     United States        200,000     $ 65,576,000  

Heico Corp.

     United States        350,000       30,383,500  

Raytheon Co.

     United States        400,000       86,328,000  
          182,287,500  

Air Freight & Logistics 0.9%

       

FedEx Corp.

     United States        200,000       48,022,000  

Biotechnology 2.3%

       

a Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.

     United States        40,000       4,764,000  

Amgen Inc.

     United States        80,000       13,638,400  

a AveXis Inc.

     United States        100,000       12,358,000  

a Bluebird Bio Inc.

     United States        100,000       17,075,000  

a Foundation Medicine Inc.

     United States        100,000       7,875,000  

a Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.

     United States        300,000       24,879,000  

a Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.

     United States        100,000       34,436,000  

a Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc.

     United States        105,400       2,097,460  
          117,122,860  

Capital Markets 5.4%

       

CBOE Global Markets Inc.

     United States        350,000       39,935,000  

The Charles Schwab Corp.

     United States        1,300,000       67,886,000  

Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

     United States        750,000       54,390,000  

MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

     United States        100,000       21,744,000  

Moody’s Corp.

     United States        300,000       48,390,000  

MSCI Inc.

     United States        300,000       44,841,000  
          277,186,000  

Communications Equipment 0.4%

       

a Arista Networks Inc.

     United States        75,000       19,147,500  

Consumer Finance 0.0%

       

a Lexinfintech Holdings Ltd., ADR

     China        190,500       2,766,060  

Diversified Consumer Services 0.1%

       

a Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.

     United States        80,000       7,977,600  

Electrical Equipment 0.5%

       

Nidec Corp.

     Japan        20,000       3,084,740  

Rockwell Automation Inc.

     United States        140,000       24,388,000  
          27,472,740  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 2.2%

       

Amphenol Corp., A

     United States        500,000       43,065,000  

Cognex Corp.

     United States        500,000       25,995,000  

Keyence Corp.

     Japan        70,000       43,502,564  
          112,562,564  

Energy Equipment & Services 0.6%

       

Schlumberger Ltd.

     United States        500,000       32,390,000  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) 3.9%

       

American Tower Corp.

     United States        400,000       58,136,000  

Equinix Inc.

     United States        170,000       71,083,800  

a SBA Communications Corp., A.

     United States        400,000       68,368,000  
          197,587,800  

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      39


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

Franklin DynaTech Fund (continued)

 

       Country        Shares       Value  

Common Stocks (continued)

       

Health Care Equipment & Supplies 7.5%

       

Abbott Laboratories

     United States        750,000     $ 44,940,000  

a ABIOMED Inc.

     United States        115,000       33,463,850  

a Align Technology Inc.

     United States        50,000       12,556,500  

Becton, Dickinson and Co.

     United States        210,000       45,507,000  

Danaher Corp.

     United States        200,000       19,582,000  

a Edwards Lifesciences Corp.

     United States        300,000       41,856,000  

a IDEXX Laboratories Inc.

     United States        400,000       76,556,000  

a Intuitive Surgical Inc.

     United States        125,000       51,603,750  

a iRhythm Technologies Inc.

     United States        115,000       7,239,250  

a Nevro Corp.

     United States        100,000       8,667,000  

Stryker Corp.

     United States        250,000       40,230,000  
          382,201,350  

Health Care Providers & Services 1.5%

       

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

     United States        350,000       74,900,000  

Health Care Technology 0.9%

       

a Veeva Systems Inc.

     United States        600,000       43,812,000  

Industrial Conglomerates 0.1%

       

Roper Technologies Inc.

     United States        20,000       5,613,800  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail 9.7%

       

a Amazon.com Inc.

     United States        250,000       361,835,000  

a Booking Holdings Inc.

     United States        20,000       41,607,800  

a Despegar.com Corp.

     Argentina        100,000       3,125,000  

a Netflix Inc.

     United States        250,000       73,837,500  

Start Today Co. Ltd.

     Japan        650,000       17,383,899  
          497,789,199  

Internet Software & Services 15.2%

       

a 2U Inc.

     United States        400,000       33,612,000  

a Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., ADR

     China        400,000       73,416,000  

a Alphabet Inc., A

     United States        160,000       165,942,400  

a Alphabet Inc., C

     United States        62,170       64,146,384  

a Alteryx Inc.

     United States        20,000       682,800  

a Baidu Inc., ADR

     China        25,000       5,579,750  

a CarGurus Inc.

     United States        100,000       3,847,000  

a Delivery Hero AG

     Germany        200,000       9,683,913  

a Dropbox Inc., A

     United States        52,600       1,643,750  

a eBay Inc.

     United States        10,000       402,400  

a Etsy Inc.

     United States        100,000       2,806,000  

a Facebook Inc., A

     United States        1,000,000       159,790,000  

a GoDaddy Inc., A

     United States        40,000       2,456,800  

a GrubHub Inc.

     United States        160,000       16,235,200  

a Match Group Inc.

     United States        300,000       13,332,000  

MercadoLibre Inc.

     Argentina        100,000       35,639,000  

NetEase Inc., ADR

     China        50,000       14,019,500  

a Q2 Holdings Inc.

     United States        300,000       13,665,000  

a SendGrid Inc.

     United States        100,000       2,814,000  

a Shopify Inc., A

     Canada        100,000       12,430,316  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

     China        2,500,000       130,465,804  

a Weibo Corp., ADR

     China        110,000       13,149,400  
          775,759,417  

 

40       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

Franklin DynaTech Fund (continued)

 

       Country        Shares       Value  

Common Stocks (continued)

       

IT Services 8.5%

       

DXC Technology Co.

     United States        100,000     $ 10,053,000  

a Fiserv Inc.

     United States        500,000       35,655,000  

a InterXion Holding NV

     Netherlands        500,000       31,055,000  

Mastercard Inc., A

     United States        1,000,000       175,160,000  

a Pagseguro Digital Ltd.

     Brazil        350,000       13,412,000  

a PayPal Holdings Inc.

     United States        350,000       26,554,500  

a Square Inc., A

     United States        500,000       24,600,000  

Visa Inc., A

     United States        1,000,000       119,620,000  
          436,109,500  

Life Sciences Tools & Services 2.0%

       

a Illumina Inc.

     United States        165,000       39,009,300  

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

     United States        200,000       41,292,000  

a Waters Corp.

     United States        100,000       19,865,000  
          100,166,300  

Machinery 1.0%

       

FANUC Corp.

     Japan        40,000       10,148,215  

Fortive Corp.

     United States        500,000       38,760,000  

KUKA AG

     Germany        38,218       4,336,665  
          53,244,880  

Media 1.7%

       

a GCI Liberty Inc.

     United States        330,000       17,443,800  

a Liberty Broadband Corp., A

     United States        400,000       33,920,000  

a Liberty Broadband Corp., C

     United States        130,907       11,217,421  

Naspers Ltd., N

     South Africa        100,000       24,456,444  
          87,037,665  

Pharmaceuticals 0.2%

       

Merck KGaA

     Germany        100,000       9,597,669  

a Nektar Therapeutics

     United States        30,000       3,187,800  
          12,785,469  

Professional Services 0.9%

       

a CoStar Group Inc.

     United States        120,000       43,521,600  

en-japan Inc.

     Japan        25,000       1,451,560  
          44,973,160  

Real Estate Management & Development 0.0%

       

a Redfin Corp.

     United States        20,400       465,732  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 8.3%

       

Analog Devices Inc.

     United States        450,000       41,008,500  

Applied Materials Inc.

     United States        320,000       17,795,200  

ASML Holding NV, N.Y. shs

     Netherlands        200,000       39,712,000  

Broadcom Ltd.

     United States        250,000       58,912,500  

Intel Corp.

     United States        1,000,000       52,080,000  

KLA-Tencor Corp.

     United States        150,000       16,351,500  

Lam Research Corp.

     United States        350,000       71,106,000  

Monolithic Power Systems

     United States        200,000       23,154,000  

NVIDIA Corp.

     United States        350,000       81,056,500  

Teradyne Inc.

     United States        20,000       914,200  

Xilinx Inc.

     United States        325,000       23,478,000  
          425,568,400  

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      41


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

Franklin DynaTech Fund (continued)

 

       Country        Shares       Value  

Common Stocks (continued)

       

Software 17.9%

       

Activision Blizzard Inc.

     United States        550,000     $ 37,103,000  

a Adobe Systems Inc.

     United States        500,000       108,040,000  

a Altair Engineering Inc.

     United States        250,000       7,840,000  

a ANSYS Inc.

     United States        200,000       31,338,000  

a Aspen Technology Inc.

     United States        500,000       39,445,000  

a Atlassian Corp. PLC

     Australia        350,000       18,872,000  

a Autodesk Inc.

     United States        350,000       43,953,000  

a Blackline Inc.

     United States        200,200       7,849,842  

a Cadence Design Systems Inc.

     United States        500,000       18,385,000  

a Electronic Arts Inc.

     United States        500,000       60,620,000  

a Guidewire Software Inc.

     United States        350,000       28,290,500  

a Hubspot Inc.

     United States        250,000       27,075,000  

Intuit Inc.

     United States        250,000       43,337,500  

Microsoft Corp..

     United States        750,000       68,452,500  

NCsoft Corp.

     South Korea        5,000       1,978,416  

a Salesforce.com Inc.

     United States        1,000,000       116,300,000  

a Sea Ltd., ADR

     Singapore        100,000       1,127,000  

a ServiceNow Inc.

     United States        600,000       99,270,000  

a Splunk Inc.

     United States        400,000       39,356,000  

a Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.

     United States        10,000       977,800  

a Tyler Technologies Inc.

     United States        100,000       21,096,000  

a Ultimate Software Group Inc.

     United States        50,000       12,185,000  

a Workday Inc., A

     United States        500,000       63,555,000  

a Zendesk Inc.

     United States        300,000       14,361,000  

a Zscaler Inc.

     United States        200,000       5,614,000  
          916,421,558  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 1.3%

       

Apple Inc.

     United States        400,000       67,112,000  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 0.3%

       

NIKE Inc., B

     United States        200,000       13,288,000  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $2,528,296,034)

          4,961,771,054  

Short Term Investments (Cost $168,212,818) 3.3%

       

Money Market Funds 3.3%

       

b,c Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.24%

     United States        168,212,818       168,212,818  

Total Investments (Cost $2,696,508,852) 100.2%

          5,129,983,872  

Other Assets, less Liabilities (0.2)%

          (12,785,711

Net Assets 100.0%

        $ 5,117,198,161  

 

See Abbreviations on page 120.

Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

aNon-income producing.

bSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in affiliated management investment companies.

cThe rate shown is the annualized seven-day effective yield at period end.

 

42       Semiannual Report   |   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these  financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin Growth Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018
     Year Ended September 30,  
       (unaudited      2017       2016       2015       2014       2013  

Class A

             

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

             

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $91.61        $78.54       $72.40       $70.51       $59.49       $50.13  

Income from investment operationsa:

             

Net investment incomeb

     0.19        0.40       0.47 c      0.29       0.26       0.26  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     7.10        15.56       8.51       1.79       11.06       9.24  

Total from investment operations

     7.29        15.96       8.98       2.08       11.32       9.50  

Less distributions from:

             

Net investment income

     (0.36      (0.39     (0.47     (0.19     (0.30     (0.14

Net realized gains

     (2.25      (2.50     (2.37                  

Total distributions

     (2.61      (2.89     (2.84     (0.19     (0.30     (0.14

Net asset value, end of period

     $96.29        $91.61       $78.54       $72.40       $70.51       $59.49  

Total returnd

     8.04%        21.12%       12.57%       2.94%       19.08%       19.01%  

Ratios to average net assetse

             

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.85%        0.88%       0.88%       0.88%       0.90%       0.91%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesf

     0.84%        0.87%       0.86%       0.88% g      0.90% g      0.91%  

Net investment income

     0.40%        0.47%       0.63% c      0.38%       0.40%       0.49%  

Supplemental data

             

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $8,336,492        $8,051,641       $7,628,523       $7,185,665       $6,611,073       $5,305,031  

Portfolio turnover rate

     3.02%        5.60%       7.53%       5.05%       1.50%       0.83%  

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cNet investment income per share includes approximately $0.10 per share related to income received in the form of special dividends in connection with certain Fund holdings. Excluding this amount, the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have been 0.50%.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable, and is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

gBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               43  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Franklin Growth Fund (continued)

 

     Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018
     Year Ended September 30,  
       (unaudited      2017       2016       2015       2014       2013  

Class C

             

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

             

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $84.25        $72.60       $67.17       $65.75       $55.64       $47.10  

Income from investment operationsa:

             

Net investment income (loss)b

     (0.16      (0.21     (0.08 )c      (0.26     (0.22     (0.13

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     6.54        14.36       7.88       1.68       10.33       8.67  

Total from investment operations

     6.38        14.15       7.80       1.42       10.11       8.54  

Less distributions from net realized gains

     (2.25      (2.50     (2.37                  

Net asset value, end of period

     $88.38        $84.25       $72.60       $67.17       $65.75       $55.64  

Total returnd

     7.64      20.21     11.74     2.16     18.17     18.13

Ratios to average net assetse

             

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     1.60      1.63     1.63     1.63     1.65     1.66

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesf

     1.59      1.62     1.61     1.63 %g      1.65 %g      1.66

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.35 )%       (0.28 )%      (0.12 )%c      (0.37 )%      (0.35 )%      (0.26 )% 

Supplemental data

             

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $994,443        $930,751       $846,965       $777,570       $662,548       $546,505  

Portfolio turnover rate

     3.02      5.60     7.53     5.05     1.50     0.83

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cNet investment income per share includes approximately $0.10 per share related to income received in the form of special dividends in connection with certain Fund holdings. Excluding this amount, the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have been (0.25)%.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable, and is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

gBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

44       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Growth Fund (continued)

 

     Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018
     Year Ended September 30,  
       (unaudited      2017       2016       2015       2014       2013  

Class R

             

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

             

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $91.13        $78.14       $71.93       $70.05       $59.07       $49.82  

Income from investment operationsa:

             

Net investment incomeb

     0.07        0.19       0.29 c      0.10       0.10       0.13  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     7.06        15.51       8.45       1.78       10.98       9.18  

Total from investment operations

     7.13        15.70       8.74       1.88       11.08       9.31  

Less distributions from:

             

Net investment income

     (0.13      (0.21     (0.16           (0.10     (0.06

Net realized gains

     (2.25      (2.50     (2.37                  

Total distributions

     (2.38      (2.71     (2.53           (0.10     (0.06

Net asset value, end of period

     $95.88        $91.13       $78.14       $71.93       $70.05       $59.07  

Total returnd

     7.91%        20.81%       12.29%       2.68%       18.77%       18.71%  

Ratios to average net assetse

             

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     1.10%        1.13%       1.13%       1.13%       1.15%       1.16%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesf

     1.09%        1.12%       1.11%       1.13% g      1.15% g      1.16%  

Net investment income

     0.15%        0.22%       0.38% c      0.13%       0.15%       0.24%  

Supplemental data

             

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $507,133        $510,317       $477,221       $501,813       $565,634       $552,391  

Portfolio turnover rate

     3.02%        5.60%       7.53%       5.05%       1.50%       0.83%  

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cNet investment income per share includes approximately $0.10 per share related to income received in the form of special dividends in connection with certain Fund holdings. Excluding this amount, the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have been 0.25%.

dTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

gBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               45  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Franklin Growth Fund (continued)

 

     Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018
     Year Ended September 30,  
       (unaudited      2017       2016       2015       2014       2013 a 

Class R6

             

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

             

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $91.90        $78.79       $72.69       $70.76       $59.71       $54.58  

Income from investment operationsb:

             

Net investment incomec

     0.37        0.74       0.78 d      0.61       0.55       0.24  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     7.12        15.59       8.56       1.79       11.08       4.89  

Total from investment operations

     7.49        16.33       9.34       2.40       11.63       5.13  

Less distributions from:

             

Net investment income

     (0.74      (0.72     (0.87     (0.47     (0.58      

Net realized gains

     (2.25      (2.50     (2.37                  

Total distributions

     (2.99      (3.22     (3.24     (0.47     (0.58      

Net asset value, end of period

     $96.40        $91.90       $78.79       $72.69       $70.76       $59.71  

Total returne

     8.26%        21.61%       13.05%       3.37%       19.59%       9.40%  

Ratios to average net assetsf

             

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.48%        0.46%       0.46%       0.46%       0.47%       0.48%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesg

     0.47%        0.45%       0.44%       0.46% h      0.47% h      0.48%  

Net investment income

     0.77%        0.89%       1.05% d      0.80%       0.83%       0.92%  

Supplemental data

             

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $2,264,312        $1,700,993       $1,247,825       $1,163,362       $1,107,887       $871,260  

Portfolio turnover rate

     3.02%        5.60%       7.53%       5.05%       1.50%       0.83%  

aFor the period May 1, 2013 (effective date) to September 30, 2013.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dNet investment income per share includes approximately $0.10 per share related to income received in the form of special dividends in connection with certain Fund holdings. Excluding this amount, the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have been 0.92%.

eTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

fRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

gBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

hBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

46       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Franklin Growth Fund (continued)

 

     Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018
     Year Ended September 30,  
       (unaudited      2017       2016       2015       2014       2013  

Advisor Class

             

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

             

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $91.90        $78.80       $72.67       $70.75       $59.66       $50.24  

Income from investment operationsa:

             

Net investment incomeb

     0.31        0.60       0.65 c      0.48       0.43       0.39  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     7.12        15.61       8.56       1.79       11.08       9.26  

Total from investment operations

     7.43        16.21       9.21       2.27       11.51       9.65  

Less distributions from:

             

Net investment income

     (0.59      (0.61     (0.71     (0.35     (0.42     (0.23

Net realized gains

     (2.25      (2.50     (2.37                  

Total distributions

     (2.84      (3.11     (3.08     (0.35     (0.42     (0.23

Net asset value, end of period

     $96.49        $91.90       $78.80       $72.67       $70.75       $59.66  

Total returnd

     8.17%        21.43%       12.85%       3.20%       19.37%       19.29%  

Ratios to average net assetse

             

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.60%        0.63%       0.63%       0.63%       0.65%       0.66%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesf

     0.59%        0.62%       0.61%       0.63% g      0.65% g      0.66%  

Net investment income

     0.65%        0.72%       0.88% c      0.63%       0.65%       0.74%  

Supplemental data

             

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $2,697,170        $2,801,153       $1,998,483       $1,514,492       $1,414,980       $1,080,811  

Portfolio turnover rate

     3.02%        5.60%       7.53%       5.05%       1.50%       0.83%  

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cNet investment income per share includes approximately $0.10 per share related to income received in the form of special dividends in connection with certain Fund holdings. Excluding this amount, the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have been 0.75%.

dTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

gBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               47  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

Statement of Investments, March 31, 2018 (unaudited)

Franklin Growth Fund

 

           Country        Shares        Value  
  Common Stocks 97.6%         
  Automobiles & Components 0.6%         
  BorgWarner Inc.      United States        1,650,000      $ 82,879,500  
          

 

 

 
  Banks 0.3%         
  Wells Fargo & Co.      United States        750,000        39,307,500  
          

 

 

 
  Capital Goods 19.2%         
  3M Co.      United States        855,000        187,689,600  
  Allegion PLC      United States        700,000        59,703,000  
  AMETEK Inc.      United States        700,000        53,179,000  
  The Boeing Co.      United States        1,100,000        360,668,000  
  BWX Technologies Inc.      United States        1,200,000        76,236,000  
  Caterpillar Inc.      United States        550,000        81,059,000  
  Deere & Co.      United States        500,000        77,660,000  
  Emerson Electric Co.      United States        1,100,000        75,130,000  
  Fortive Corp.      United States        525,000        40,698,000  
  General Dynamics Corp.      United States        1,000,000        220,900,000  
  General Electric Co.      United States        5,000,000        67,400,000  
  Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc.      United States        300,000        77,328,000  
  Illinois Tool Works Inc.      United States        1,000,000        156,660,000  
  Ingersoll-Rand PLC      United States        1,100,000        94,061,000  
  Lockheed Martin Corp.      United States        500,000        168,965,000  
  Northrop Grumman Corp.      United States        1,100,000        384,032,000  
  Raytheon Co.      United States        600,000        129,492,000  
  Rockwell Collins Inc.      United States        350,000        47,197,500  

a

  Sensata Technologies Holding PLC      United States        3,200,000        165,856,000  
  Stanley Black & Decker Inc.      United States        650,000        99,580,000  
  Textron Inc.      United States        1,600,000        94,352,000  
  United Technologies Corp.      United States        930,000        117,012,600  
          

 

 

 
             2,834,858,700  
          

 

 

 
  Commercial & Professional Services 2.6%         
  Equifax Inc.      United States        550,000        64,795,500  

a

  IHS Markit Ltd.      United States        3,556,600        171,570,384  

a

  Verisk Analytics Inc.      United States        1,500,000        156,000,000  
          

 

 

 
             392,365,884  
          

 

 

 
  Consumer Durables & Apparel 0.8%         
  NIKE Inc., B      United States        1,880,000        124,907,200  
          

 

 

 
  Consumer Services 1.4%         
  Carnival Corp.      United States        1,200,000        78,696,000  
  Graham Holdings Co., B      United States        80,000        48,180,000  
  Marriott International Inc., A      United States        200,000        27,196,000  
  Starbucks Corp.      United States        900,000        52,101,000  
          

 

 

 
             206,173,000  
          

 

 

 
  Diversified Financials 4.0%         
  American Express Co.      United States        600,000        55,968,000  

a

  Berkshire Hathaway Inc., A      United States        184        55,034,400  
  BlackRock Inc.      United States        225,000        121,887,000  
  The Charles Schwab Corp.      United States        3,000,000        156,660,000  
  Intercontinental Exchange Inc.      United States        1,400,000        101,528,000  
  T. Rowe Price Group Inc.      United States        900,000        97,173,000  
          

 

 

 
             588,250,400  
          

 

 

 

 

48       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Growth Fund (continued)

 

 

           Country        Shares        Value  
 

Common Stocks (continued)

        
  Energy 1.5%         
  Anadarko Petroleum Corp.      United States        1,250,000      $ 75,512,500  
  Cabot Oil & Gas Corp., A      United States        1,700,000        40,766,000  
  Halliburton Co.      United States        850,000        39,899,000  
  Royal Dutch Shell PLC, A, ADR      United Kingdom        345,000        22,014,450  
  Schlumberger Ltd.      United States        573,700        37,164,286  
          

 

 

 
             215,356,236  
          

 

 

 
  Food & Staples Retailing 0.3%         
  CVS Health Corp.      United States        656,000        40,809,760  
          

 

 

 
  Food, Beverage & Tobacco 3.4%         
  Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, ADR      Belgium        350,000        38,479,000  
  Brown-Forman Corp., B      United States        1,625,000        88,400,000  
  Constellation Brands Inc., A      United States        400,000        91,168,000  
  Mondelez International Inc., A      United States        1,500,000        62,595,000  

a

  Monster Beverage Corp.      United States        2,700,000        154,467,000  
  PepsiCo Inc.      United States        650,000        70,947,500  
          

 

 

 
             506,056,500  
          

 

 

 
  Health Care Equipment & Services 7.5%         
  Abbott Laboratories      United States        1,350,000        80,892,000  

a

  ABIOMED Inc.      United States        200,000        58,198,000  
  Aetna Inc.      United States        650,000        109,850,000  
  Baxter International Inc.      United States        400,000        26,016,000  
  Becton, Dickinson and Co.      United States        77,700        16,837,590  
  Danaher Corp.      United States        1,050,000        102,805,500  

a

  Edwards Lifesciences Corp.      United States        400,000        55,808,000  

a

  Haemonetics Corp.      United States        1,000,000        73,160,000  

a

  Intuitive Surgical Inc.      United States        450,000        185,773,500  

a

  Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings      United States        500,000        80,875,000  
  Quest Diagnostics Inc.      United States        900,000        90,270,000  
  Stryker Corp.      United States        400,000        64,368,000  
  Teleflex Inc.      United States        500,000        127,490,000  

a

  Varian Medical Systems Inc.      United States        300,000        36,795,000  
          

 

 

 
             1,109,138,590  
          

 

 

 
  Insurance 0.4%         
  Aflac Inc.      United States        1,200,000        52,512,000  
          

 

 

 
  Materials 4.4%         
  Air Products and Chemicals Inc.      United States        500,000        79,515,000  
  Albemarle Corp.      United States        550,000        51,007,000  

a

  Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.      United States        3,400,000        102,646,000  
  Celanese Corp., A      United States        1,250,000        125,262,500  
  Ecolab Inc.      United States        920,000        126,104,400  
  Martin Marietta Materials Inc.      United States        400,000        82,920,000  
  Praxair Inc.      United States        575,000        82,972,500  
          

 

 

 
             650,427,400  
          

 

 

 
  Media 1.6%         
  Cable One Inc.      United States        80,000        54,968,800  
  Comcast Corp., A      United States        110,000        3,758,700  
  The Walt Disney Co.      United States        1,724,290        173,187,688  
          

 

 

 
             231,915,188  
          

 

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      49


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Growth Fund (continued)

 

           Country        Shares        Value  
 

Common Stocks (continued)

        
  Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences 12.0%         
  AbbVie Inc.      United States        460,000      $ 43,539,000  
  Agilent Technologies Inc.      United States        1,300,000        86,970,000  
  Allergan PLC      United States        200,000        33,658,000  
  Amgen Inc.      United States        1,000,000        170,480,000  

a

  Biogen Inc.      United States        500,000        136,910,000  

a

  Catalent Inc.      United States        3,400,000        139,604,000  

a

  Celgene Corp.      United States        1,300,000        115,973,000  
  Eli Lilly & Co.      United States        1,450,000        112,186,500  
  Gilead Sciences Inc.      United States        650,000        49,003,500  

a

  Illumina Inc.      United States        525,000        124,120,500  
  Johnson & Johnson      United States        1,200,100        153,792,815  
  Merck & Co. Inc.      United States        1,000,000        54,470,000  

a

  Mettler-Toledo International Inc.      United States        425,000        244,387,750  

a

  Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.      United States        500,000        41,465,000  
  Pfizer Inc.      United States        2,761,000        97,987,890  
  Roche Holding AG, ADR      Switzerland        1,700,000        48,662,500  

a

  Waters Corp.      United States        625,000        124,156,250  
          

 

 

 
             1,777,366,705  
          

 

 

 
  Real Estate 1.7%         
  American Tower Corp.      United States        900,000        130,806,000  
  Equinix Inc.      United States        300,000        125,442,000  
          

 

 

 
             256,248,000  
          

 

 

 
  Retailing 3.7%         

a

  Amazon.com Inc.      United States        350,000        506,569,000  
  Expedia Group Inc.      United States        350,000        38,643,500  
  Lowe’s Cos. Inc.      United States        60,000        5,265,000  
          

 

 

 
             550,477,500  
          

 

 

 
  Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 2.5%         
  ASML Holding NV, N.Y. shs      Netherlands        650,000        129,064,000  
  Intel Corp.      United States        1,100,000        57,288,000  
  Lam Research Corp.      United States        30,000        6,094,800  
  Monolithic Power Systems      United States        200,000        23,154,000  
  Texas Instruments Inc.      United States        1,400,000        145,446,000  
  Versum Materials Inc.      United States        250,000        9,407,500  
          

 

 

 
             370,454,300  
          

 

 

 
  Software & Services 15.2%         

a

  Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., ADR      China        480,400        88,172,616  

a

  Alphabet Inc., A      United States        165,000        171,128,100  

a

  Alphabet Inc., C      United States        158,432        163,468,553  

a

  Autodesk Inc.      United States        800,000        100,464,000  
  Automatic Data Processing Inc.      United States        700,000        79,436,000  
  CDK Global LLC      United States        233,333        14,779,312  
  CSRA Inc.      United States        2,300,000        94,829,000  
  DXC Technology Co.      United States        1,400,000        140,742,000  

a

  Electronic Arts Inc.      United States        300,000        36,372,000  

a

  Facebook Inc., A      United States        750,000        119,842,500  

a

  IAC/InterActiveCorp.      United States        300,000        46,914,000  
  Intuit Inc.      United States        1,000,000        173,350,000  
  Mastercard Inc., A      United States        1,400,000        245,224,000  
  Microsoft Corp.      United States        3,400,000        310,318,000  

 

50       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Growth Fund (continued)

 

 

           Country        Shares        Value  
  Common Stocks (continued)         
  Software & Services (continued)         
  Oracle Corp.      United States        1,400,000      $ 64,050,000  

a

  Salesforce.com Inc.      United States        300,000        34,890,000  

a

  ServiceNow Inc.      United States        1,000,000        165,450,000  

a

  Tyler Technologies Inc.      United States        175,000        36,918,000  
  Visa Inc., A      United States        1,400,000        167,468,000  
          

 

 

 
             2,253,816,081  
          

 

 

 
  Technology Hardware & Equipment 8.0%         
  Apple Inc.      United States        4,086,000        685,549,080  
  Cisco Systems Inc.      United States        2,945,000        126,311,050  
  Cognex Corp.      United States        650,000        33,793,500  

a

  Keysight Technologies Inc.      United States        650,000        34,053,500  
  TE Connectivity Ltd.      United States        1,650,000        164,835,000  

a

  Trimble Inc.      United States        2,700,000        96,876,000  

a

  ViaSat Inc.      United States        700,000        46,004,000  
          

 

 

 
             1,187,422,130  
          

 

 

 
  Transportation 5.6%         
  Alaska Air Group Inc.      United States        3,200,000        198,272,000  
  Allegiant Travel Co.      United States        200,000        34,510,000  
  Canadian National Railway Co.      Canada        1,000,000        73,130,000  
  Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.      Canada        500,000        88,250,000  
  J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.      United States        500,000        58,575,000  
  Kansas City Southern      United States        750,000        82,387,500  

a

  Ryanair Holdings PLC, ADR      Ireland        233,220        28,651,077  
  Union Pacific Corp.      United States        2,030,000        272,892,900  
          

 

 

 
             836,668,477  
          

 

 

 
  Utilities 0.9%         
  American Water Works Co. Inc.      United States        700,000        57,491,000  
  NextEra Energy Inc.      United States        500,000        81,665,000  
          

 

 

 
             139,156,000  
          

 

 

 
  Total Common Stocks (Cost $5,327,057,694)            14,446,567,051  
          

 

 

 
  Management Investment Companies (Cost $10,148,164) 0.9%         
  Diversified Financials 0.9%         

a

  Altaba Inc.      United States        1,700,000        125,868,000  
          

 

 

 
  Total Investments before Short Term Investments
  (Cost $5,337,205,858)
           14,572,435,051  
          

 

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      51


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Growth Fund (continued)

 

           Country        Shares        Value  
  Short Term Investments (Cost $252,178,231) 1.7%         
  Money Market Funds 1.7%         

b,c

  Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.24%      United States        252,178,231      $ 252,178,231  
          

 

 

 
  Total Investments (Cost $5,589,384,089) 100.2%            14,824,613,282  
  Other Assets, less Liabilities (0.2)%            (25,062,653
          

 

 

 
  Net Assets 100.0%          $ 14,799,550,629  
          

 

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 120.

aNon-income producing.

bSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in affiliated management investment companies.

cThe rate shown is the annualized seven-day effective yield at period end.

 

52       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

Financial Highlights

Franklin Income Fund

 

     Six Months Ended            
     March 31, 2018     Year Ended September 30,  
       (unaudited)       2017       2016       2015       2014       2013  

Class A

            

Per share operating performance

            

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

            

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $ 2.39       $ 2.25       $ 2.10       $ 2.48       $ 2.33       $ 2.23  

Income from investment operationsa:

            

Net investment incomeb

     0.05       0.10       0.10       0.10       0.11       0.11  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.09     0.16       0.17       (0.36     0.16       0.12  

Total from investment operations

     (0.04     0.26       0.27       (0.26     0.27       0.23  

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.06     (0.12     (0.12     (0.12     (0.12     (0.13

Net asset value, end of period

     $ 2.29       $ 2.39       $ 2.25       $ 2.10       $ 2.48       $ 2.33  

Total returnc

     (1.73)%       11.86%       13.31%       (10.93)%       11.86%       10.72%  

Ratios to average net assetsd

            

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.60%       0.62%       0.61%       0.61%       0.61%       0.62%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     0.60% f      0.61%       0.61% f      0.61% f      0.61% f      0.62%  

Net investment income

     3.90%       4.22%       4.57%       4.43%       4.28%       4.98%  

Supplemental data

            

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $43,544,927       $46,505,632       $45,515,127       $44,886,127       $53,823,921       $48,320,611  

Portfolio turnover rate

     25.78%       34.12%       61.26%       44.81%       36.03%       37.60%  

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable, and is not annualized for periods less than one year. dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               53  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

      Period Ended
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)a
 

 

Class M

  

Per share operating performance

  

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

  

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $2.43  

Income from investment operationsb:

  

Net investment incomec

     0.01  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.13)  

Total from investment operations

     (0.12)  

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.02)  

Net asset value, end of period

     $2.29  

Total returnd

     (5.35)%  

Ratios to average net assetse

  

 

Expensesf

     0.45%  

 

Net investment income

     4.05%  

Supplemental data

  

 

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $5  

 

Portfolio turnover rate

     25.78%  

 

aFor the period January 25, 2018 (effective date) to March 31, 2018.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable, and is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates and expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

54       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

     Six Months Ended        
     March 31, 2018     Year Ended September 30,  
       (unaudited)       2017       2016       2015       2014       2013  

 

Class C

            

Per share operating performance

            

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

            

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $2.42       $2.27       $2.13       $2.50       $2.35       $2.25  

Income from investment operationsa:

            

Net investment incomeb

     0.04       0.09       0.09       0.09       0.09       0.10  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.09     0.17       0.16       (0.35     0.17       0.12  

Total from investment operations

     (0.05     0.26       0.25       (0.26     0.26       0.22  

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.05     (0.11     (0.11     (0.11     (0.11     (0.12

Net asset value, end of period

     $2.32       $2.42       $2.27       $2.13       $2.50       $2.35  

Total returnc

     (2.39)%       11.63%       12.07%       (10.89)%       11.19%       10.07%  

Ratios to average net assetsd

            

 

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     1.10%       1.12%       1.11%       1.11%       1.11%       1.12%  

 

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

     1.10% f      1.11%       1.11% f      1.11% f      1.11% f      1.12%  

 

Net investment income

     3.40%       3.72%       4.07%       3.93%       3.78%       4.48%  

Supplemental data

            

 

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $20,981,302       $23,036,875       $23,841,466       $24,091,638       $28,802,209       $24,016,797  

 

Portfolio turnover rate

     25.78%       34.12%       61.26%       44.81%       36.03%       37.60%  

 

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable, and is not annualized for periods less than one year.

dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               55  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

   

Six Months Ended

March 31, 2018

    Year Ended September 30,  
     (unaudited)     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Class R

           

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

           

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 2.35       $ 2.21       $ 2.07       $ 2.44       $ 2.29       $ 2.20  

Income from investment operationsa:

           

Net investment incomeb

    0.04       0.09       0.09       0.10       0.10       0.11  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

    (0.09     0.16       0.16       (0.36     0.16       0.10  

Total from investment operations

    (0.05     0.25       0.25       (0.26     0.26       0.21  

Less distributions from net investment income

    (0.06     (0.11     (0.11     (0.11     (0.11     (0.12

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 2.24       $ 2.35       $ 2.21       $ 2.07       $ 2.44       $ 2.29  

Total returnc

    (2.37)%       11.67%       12.62%       (10.99)%       11.66%       10.03%  

Ratios to average net assetsd

           

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.95%       0.97%       0.96%       0.96%       0.96%       0.97%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

    0.95% f      0.96%       0.96% f      0.96% f      0.96% f      0.97%  

Net investment income

    3.55%       3.87%       4.22%       4.08%       3.93%       4.63%  

Supplemental data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

    $308,864       $361,603       $396,107       $416,653       $514,892       $446,463  

Portfolio turnover rate

    25.78%       34.12%       61.26%       44.81%       36.03%       37.60%  

 

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

56       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

   

Six Months Ended

March 31, 2018

    Year Ended September 30,  
     (unaudited)     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013a  

Class R6

           

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

           

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 2.37       $ 2.23       $ 2.09       $ 2.46       $ 2.31       $ 2.33  

Income from investment operationsb:

           

Net investment incomec

    0.05       0.11       0.10       0.11       0.11       0.04  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

    (0.09     0.15       0.16       (0.35     0.17       (0.02

Total from investment operations

    (0.04     0.26       0.26       (0.24     0.28       0.02  

Less distributions from net investment income

    (0.06     (0.12     (0.12     (0.13     (0.13     (0.04

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 2.27       $ 2.37       $ 2.23       $ 2.09       $ 2.46       $ 2.31  

Total returnd

    (1.65)%       12.15%       13.15%       (10.39)%       12.19%       1.06%  

Ratios to average net assetse

           

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.40%       0.39%       0.38%       0.38%       0.38%       0.39%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesf

    0.40% g      0.38%       0.38% g      0.38% g      0.38% g      0.39%  

Net investment income

    4.10%       4.45%       4.80%       4.66%       4.50%       5.21%  

Supplemental data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

    $2,099,137       $1,815,977       $1,737,577       $1,744,718       $2,108,076       $1,921,084  

Portfolio turnover rate

    25.78%       34.12%       61.26%       44.81%       36.03%       37.60%  

 

aFor the period May 1, 2013 (effective date) to September 30, 2013.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

gBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               57  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

   

Six Months Ended

March 31, 2018

    Year Ended September 30,  
     (unaudited)     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Advisor Class

           

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

           

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 2.37       $ 2.23       $ 2.09       $ 2.46       $ 2.31       $ 2.22  

Income from investment operationsa:

           

Net investment incomeb

    0.05       0.10       0.10       0.11       0.11       0.12  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

    (0.09     0.16       0.16       (0.36     0.17       0.11  

Total from investment operations

    (0.04     0.26       0.26       (0.25     0.28       0.23  

Less distributions from net investment income

    (0.06     (0.12     (0.12     (0.12     (0.13     (0.14

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 2.27       $ 2.37       $ 2.23       $ 2.09       $ 2.46       $ 2.31  

Total returnc

    (1.67)%       12.09%       13.06%       (10.46)%       12.12%       10.49%  

Ratios to average net assetsd

           

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.45%       0.47%       0.46%       0.46%       0.46%       0.47%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatese

    0.45% f      0.46%       0.46% f      0.46% f      0.46% f      0.47%  

Net investment income

    4.05%       4.37%       4.72%       4.58%       4.43%       5.13%  

Supplemental data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

    $10,984,006       $11,671,173       $8,143,479       $7,754,475       $9,096,269       $5,903,701  

Portfolio turnover rate

    25.78%       34.12%       61.26%       44.81%       36.03%       37.60%  

 

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

58       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

Statement of Investments, March 31, 2018 (unaudited)

Franklin Income Fund

 

       Country        Shares                Value  

 

 
  Common Stocks 39.5%         
  Consumer Discretionary 2.3%         
  Comcast Corp., A      United States        1,000,000              $ 34,170,000  
  Daimler AG      Germany        8,000,000                679,795,884  

a

  Ford Motor Co.      United States        39,738,498                440,302,558  
  General Motors Co.      United States        10,780,000                391,745,200  
  Target Corp.      United States        4,000,000                277,720,000  
          

 

 

 
             1,823,733,642  
          

 

 

 
  Consumer Staples 3.6%         
  Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, ADR      Belgium        3,500,000                384,790,000  
  The Coca-Cola Co.      United States        12,000,000                521,160,000  
  Nestle SA      Switzerland        5,000,000                396,455,908  
  PepsiCo Inc.      United States        5,500,000                600,325,000  
  Philip Morris International Inc.      United States        5,500,000                546,700,000  
  The Procter & Gamble Co.      United States        4,000,000                317,120,000  
          

 

 

 
             2,766,550,908  
          

 

 

 
  Energy 5.2%         

a

  Anadarko Petroleum Corp.      United States        3,000,000                181,230,000  
  Baker Hughes a GE Co., A      United States        9,500,000                263,815,000  

a

  BP PLC, ADR      United Kingdom        9,000,000                364,860,000  

a

  Chevron Corp.      United States        5,000,000                570,200,000  
  Exxon Mobil Corp.      United States        5,000,000                373,050,000  

b

  Halcon Resources Corp.      United States        5,341,485                26,013,032  

b

  HighPoint Resources Corp.      United States        6,540,000                33,223,200  
  Occidental Petroleum Corp.      United States        4,000,000                259,840,000  

b

  PetroQuest Energy Inc.      United States        1,000,000                580,700  
  Royal Dutch Shell PLC, A, ADR      United Kingdom        22,189,194                1,415,892,469  

b,c

  Stone Energy Corp.      United States        6,151,402                228,217,014  
  TransCanada Corp.      Canada        2,500,000                103,275,000  

b

  Weatherford International PLC      United States        41,450,000                94,920,500  
  The Williams Cos. Inc.      United States        5,000,000                124,300,000  
          

 

 

 
             4,039,416,915  
          

 

 

 
  Financials 6.2%         
  AXA SA      France        22,000,000                585,470,139  
  Bank of America Corp.      United States        15,000,000                449,850,000  
  HSBC Holdings PLC      United Kingdom        45,000,000                420,130,219  
  JPMorgan Chase & Co.      United States        6,000,000                659,820,000  
  MetLife Inc.      United States        12,500,000                573,625,000  
  U.S. Bancorp      United States        8,200,000                414,100,000  

a

  Wells Fargo & Co.      United States        33,520,000                1,756,783,200  
          

 

 

 
             4,859,778,558  
          

 

 

 
  Health Care 6.3%         
  AstraZeneca PLC      United Kingdom        12,000,000                824,265,098  
  Eli Lilly & Co.      United States        7,380,703                571,044,991  
  Medtronic PLC      United States        3,843,098                308,293,322  
  Merck & Co. Inc.      United States        20,000,000                1,089,400,000  
  Pfizer Inc.      United States        25,000,000                887,250,000  
  Roche Holding AG      Switzerland        2,297,022                527,710,517  
  Sanofi, ADR      France        18,000,000                721,440,000  
          

 

 

 
             4,929,403,928  
          

 

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report          

      59


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

       Country        Shares                Value  

 

 
  Common Stocks (continued)         
  Industrials 2.5%         

b,c

  CEVA Holdings LLC      United States        81,371              $ 49,636,347  
  Cummins Inc.      United States        1,760,706                285,392,835  
  General Electric Co.      United States        106,714,131                1,438,506,486  
  Republic Services Inc.      United States        2,000,000                132,460,000  
          

 

 

 
             1,905,995,668  
          

 

 

 
  Information Technology 1.6%         
  Analog Devices Inc.      United States        2,500,000                227,825,000  
  Apple Inc.      United States        808,000                135,566,240  

a

  Intel Corp.      United States        1,000,000                52,080,000  

a

  Microsoft Corp.      United States        6,142,000                560,580,340  
  Texas Instruments Inc.      United States        2,500,000                259,725,000  
          

 

 

 
             1,235,776,580  
          

 

 

 
  Materials 3.2%         
  BASF SE      Germany        12,000,000                1,219,285,919  
  DowDuPont Inc.      United States        12,500,000                796,375,000  
  Rio Tinto PLC, ADR      United Kingdom        8,910,000                459,132,300  
          

 

 

 
             2,474,793,219  
          

 

 

 
  Real Estate 0.8%         
  Equity Residential      United States        1,600,000                98,592,000  
  Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.      United States        30,000,000                559,200,000  
          

 

 

 
             657,792,000  
          

 

 

 
  Telecommunication Services 1.3%         
  BCE Inc.      Canada        6,000,000                257,910,448  
  Verizon Communications Inc.      United States        16,000,000                765,120,000  
          

 

 

 
             1,023,030,448  
          

 

 

 
  Utilities 6.5%         
  Dominion Energy Inc.      United States        20,000,000                1,348,600,000  
  Duke Energy Corp.      United States        9,000,000                697,230,000  
  Great Plains Energy Inc.      United States        4,000,000                127,160,000  
  Sempra Energy      United States        11,000,000                1,223,420,000  
  The Southern Co.      United States        30,000,000                1,339,800,000  
  Xcel Energy Inc.      United States        6,500,000                295,620,000  
          

 

 

 
             5,031,830,000  
          

 

 

 
  Total Common Stocks (Cost $28,295,658,833)            30,748,101,866  
          

 

 

 

d

  Equity-Linked Securities 13.8%         
  Consumer Discretionary 3.0%         

e

  Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. into Ford Motor Co., 9.00%, 144A      United States        17,100,000                195,428,325  

e

  Credit Suisse AG London into Comcast Corp., 7.00%, 144A      United States        6,204,000                220,729,486  

e

  Credit Suisse AG London into General Motors Co., 8.00%, 144A      United States        5,680,000                218,251,171  

e

  Credit Suisse AG London into Newell Brands Inc., 7.00%, 144A      United States        3,940,000                106,666,840  

e

  Goldman Sachs International into Target Corp., 8.00%, 144A      United States        4,650,000                282,807,215  

e

  JP Morgan Chase Financial Co. LLC into Ford Motor Co., 10.00%, 144A      United States        28,170,000                313,350,094  

e

  Merrill Lynch International & Co. CV into Ford Motor Co., 9.00%, 144A      United States        26,270,000                293,888,374  

e

  Morgan Stanley BV into Target Corp., 8.00%, 144A      United States        3,379,000                238,948,617  

e

  UBS AG London into General Motors Co., 8.00%, 144A      United States        6,793,000                248,611,240  

e

  Wells Fargo Bank National Assn. into Target Corp., 8.00%, 144A      United States        2,536,000                182,777,694  
          

 

 

 
             2,301,459,056  
          

 

 

 

 

60       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

 

       Country        Shares                Value  

 

 

d

  Equity-Linked Securities (continued)         
  Consumer Staples 0.3%         

e

  Royal Bank of Canada into Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc., 6.50%, 144A      Belgium        2,100,000              $ 233,502,196  
          

 

 

 
  Energy 1.6%         

e

  Barclays Bank PLC into Halliburton Co., 7.00%, 144A      United States        5,680,000                260,771,362  

e

  BNP Paribas Arbitrage Issuance BV into Anadarko Petroleum Corp., 8.50%, 144A      United States        4,464,000                239,499,814  

e

  Deutsche Bank AG/London into Schlumberger Ltd., 6.00%, 144A      United States        3,032,000                197,142,402  

e

  Morgan Stanley into Halliburton Co., 6.50%, 144A      United States        6,305,000                271,373,246  

e

  Royal Bank of Canada into Anadarko Petroleum Corp., 8.50%, 144A      United States        4,450,000                242,595,524  

e

  UBS AG London into Halliburton Co., 7.00%, 144A      United States        1,400,000                67,713,216  
          

 

 

 
             1,279,095,564  
          

 

 

 
  Financials 0.5%         

e

  Deutsche Bank AG/London into Wells Fargo & Co., 7.00%, 144A      United States        3,785,000                209,598,599  

e

  Royal Bank of Canada into U.S. Bancorp, 6.00%, 144A      United States        3,680,000                189,126,582  
          

 

 

 
             398,725,181  
          

 

 

 
  Health Care 1.3%         

e

  Deutsche Bank AG/London into Medtronic PLC, 6.00%, 144A      United States        1,858,000                148,730,447  

e

  Goldman Sachs International into Mylan NV, 7.50%, 144A      United States        5,400,000                215,477,966  

e

  Merrill Lynch International & Co. CV into Merck & Co. Inc., 6.50%, 144A      United States        4,125,000                232,026,502  

e

  UBS AG London into Medtronic PLC, 6.00%, 144A      United States        2,442,000                197,962,291  

e

  Wells Fargo Bank National Assn. into Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., 7.00%, 144A      United States        3,200,000                202,040,291  
          

 

 

 
             996,237,497  
          

 

 

 
  Industrials 2.0%         

e

  Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. into Union Pacific Corp., 6.50%, 144A      United States        2,284,000                276,121,017  

e

  Goldman Sachs International into Union Pacific Corp., 6.00%, 144A      United States        1,450,000                165,903,364  

e

  Merrill Lynch International & Co. CV into Deere & Co., 7.00%, 144A      United States        1,848,000                260,084,929  

e

  Merrill Lynch International & Co. CV into General Electric Co., 6.00%, 144A      United States        8,932,000                123,846,565  

e

  Morgan Stanley BV into Cummins Inc., 7.50%, 144A      United States        1,265,000                202,524,929  

e

  UBS AG London into Union Pacific Corp., 7.50%, 144A      United States        2,130,000                292,008,143  

e

  Wells Fargo Bank National Assn. into General Electric Co., 8.00%, 144A      United States        17,300,000                238,565,564  
          

 

 

 
             1,559,054,511  
          

 

 

 
  Information Technology 3.7%         

e

  Barclays Bank PLC into Alphabet Inc., 7.00%, 144A      United States        182,000                192,393,297  

e

  Deutsche Bank AG/London into Applied Materials Inc., 8.00%, 144A      United States        3,252,000                182,457,040  

e

  Deutsche Bank AG/London into Intel Corp., 7.00%, 144A      United States        10,750,000                515,933,533  

e

  Goldman Sachs International into Apple Inc., 6.50%, 144A      United States        2,883,000                487,817,092  

e

  Goldman Sachs International into Mylan NV, 6.00%, 144A      United States        2,530,000                101,775,932  

e

  Merrill Lynch International & Co. CV into Cisco Systems Inc., 6.50%, 144A      United States        11,110,000                385,720,346  

e

  Societe Generale SA into Intel Corp., 8.00%, 144A      United States        4,322,000                220,445,590  

e

  UBS AG London into Broadcom Ltd., 8.00%, 144A      United States        757,000                182,198,701  

e

  UBS AG London into Oracle Corp., 5.50%, 144A      United States        3,799,000                176,909,298  

e

  Wells Fargo Bank National Assn. into Microsoft Corp., 7.00%, 144A      United States        3,118,000                287,465,410  

e

  Wells Fargo Bank National Assn. into Oracle Corp., 6.00%, 144A      United States        3,925,000                181,632,676  
          

 

 

 
             2,914,748,915  
          

 

 

 
  Materials 1.4%         

e

  Barclays Bank PLC into Rio Tinto PLC, 10.00%, 144A      United Kingdom        4,752,000                247,010,267  

e

  The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. into Rio Tinto PLC, 11.00%, 144A      United Kingdom        4,900,000                241,440,758  

e

  Royal Bank of Canada into Barrick Gold Corp., 7.50%, 144A      Canada        7,936,000                100,795,572  

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      61


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

 

       Country        Shares           Value  

 

 

d

  Equity-Linked Securities (continued)            
  Materials (continued)            

e

  UBS AG London into DowDuPont Inc., 6.00%, 144A      United States        4,360,000         $ 284,245,012  

e

  Wells Fargo Bank National Assn. into Rio Tinto PLC, 9.00%, 144A      United Kingdom        4,238,000           212,149,855  
             

 

 

 
                1,085,641,464  
             

 

 

 
  Total Equity-Linked Securities (Cost $11,010,297,650)               10,768,464,384  
             

 

 

 
  Convertible Preferred Stocks 2.1%            
  Energy 0.1%            
  Chesapeake Energy Corp., 5.75%, cvt. pfd.      United States        95,150           54,711,250  
             

 

 

 
  Financials 1.4%            
  Bank of America Corp., 7.25%, cvt. pfd., L      United States        570,218           735,267,600  

b

  FNMA, 5.375%, cvt. pfd.      United States        4,250           76,500,000  
  Wells Fargo & Co., 7.50%, cvt. pfd., A      United States        235,097           303,275,130  
             

 

 

 
                1,115,042,730  
             

 

 

 
  Health Care 0.2%            
  Becton Dickinson and Co., 6.125%, cvt. pfd., A      United States        3,000,000           175,290,000  
             

 

 

 
  Industrials 0.1%            

b,c

  CEVA Holdings LLC, cvt. pfd., A-1      United States        2,897           2,607,525  

b,c

  CEVA Holdings LLC, cvt. pfd., A-2      United States        110,565           67,444,699  
             

 

 

 
                70,052,224  
             

 

 

 
  Real Estate 0.0%            
  RLJ Lodging Trust, 1.95%, cvt. pfd.      United States        95,293           2,418,536  
             

 

 

 
  Utilities 0.3%            
  NextEra Energy Inc., 6.371%, cvt. pfd.      United States        3,650,000           265,811,250  
             

 

 

 
  Total Convertible Preferred Stocks (Cost $1,544,200,270)               1,683,325,990  
             

 

 

 
  Preferred Stocks 0.1%            
  Financials 0.1%            

b

  FHLMC, 8.375%, pfd., Z      United States        8,132,009           46,759,052  

b

  FNMA, 8.25%, pfd., S      United States        6,000,000           34,500,000  
  Morgan Stanley, 6.375%, pfd., I      United States        60,000           1,627,200  
             

 

 

 
  Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $342,567,732)               82,886,252  
             

 

 

 
                            Units                

f

  Index-Linked Notes (Cost $100,005,322) 0.1%            
  Financials 0.1%            

e,g

  Morgan Stanley Finance LLC, senior note, 144A, 2.00%, 10/03/19      United States        755,000           99,214,550  
             

 

 

 
                            Principal
                 Amount*
               
  Convertible Bonds 0.8%            
  Energy 0.4%            
  Chesapeake Energy Corp., cvt., senior note, 5.50%, 9/15/26      United States        140,000,000           120,873,340  
  Weatherford International Ltd., cvt., senior note, 5.875%, 7/01/21      United States        238,500,000           214,396,474  
             

 

 

 
                335,269,814  
             

 

 

 

 

62       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

       Country       
Principal
Amount
 
       Value  

 

 
  Convertible Bonds (continued)           
  Health Care 0.4%           

e

  Bayer Capital Corp BV, cvt., junior sub. note, 144A, 5.625%, 11/22/19      Germany        180,000,000       EUR          $      227,051,530  
  Impax Laboratories Inc., cvt., senior note, 2.00%, 6/15/22      United States        60,000,000          59,719,980  
            

 

 

 
               286,771,510  
            

 

 

 
  Total Convertible Bonds (Cost $624,206,200)              622,041,324  
            

 

 

 
  Corporate Bonds 37.1%           
  Consumer Discretionary 4.7%           

e

  24 Hour Holdings III LLC, senior note, 144A, 8.00%, 6/01/22      United States        110,000,000          110,539,000  

e

  Altice Financing SA, secured bond, 144A, 7.50%, 5/15/26      Luxembourg        50,000,000          49,125,000  

e

  Altice Luxembourg SA, senior secured note, 144A, 7.75%, 5/15/22      Luxembourg        50,000,000          46,562,500  
  AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc.,           
 

  senior sub. bond, 5.75%, 6/15/25

     United States        43,325,000          42,837,594  
 

  senior sub. note, 5.875%, 11/15/26

     United States        64,900,000          63,926,500  
  CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.,           
 

  senior bond, 5.125%, 2/15/23.

     United States        105,000,000          105,945,000  
 

  senior bond, 5.75%, 9/01/23

     United States        67,000,000          68,172,500  
 

  senior bond, 5.75%, 1/15/24

     United States        105,000,000          106,837,500  
 

e senior bond, 144A, 5.50%, 5/01/26

     United States        50,000,000          49,062,500  
 

e senior bond, 144A, 5.125%, 5/01/27

     United States        50,000,000          47,595,000  
 

e senior bond, 144A, 5.00%, 2/01/28

     United States        65,500,000          61,733,750  

e,h

  Cequel Communications Holdings I LLC/Cequel Capital Corp., senior note,
  144A, 7.50%, 4/01/28
     United States        50,000,000          51,375,000  
  Cinemark USA Inc., senior note, 5.125%, 12/15/22      United States        50,000,000          51,125,000  

e

  CSC Holdings LLC, senior note, 144A, 10.125%, 1/15/23      United States        75,000,000          83,250,000  
  DISH DBS Corp.,           
 

  senior bond, 5.00%, 3/15/23

     United States        300,000,000          271,875,000  
 

  senior note, 6.75%, 6/01/21

     United States        100,000,000          101,250,000  
 

  senior note, 5.875%, 7/15/22

     United States        347,500,000          333,165,625  
 

  senior note, 5.875%, 11/15/24

     United States        128,200,000          114,739,000  
  Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, senior note, 5.25%, 4/15/23      United Kingdom        55,400,000          56,814,085  
  Ford Motor Co., senior note, 4.346%, 12/08/26      United States        50,000,000          49,456,892  
  Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, senior note, 4.134%, 8/04/25      United States        19,000,000          18,700,741  
  General Motors Co., senior bond, 5.15%, 4/01/38      United States        50,000,000          49,929,904  

e

  Golden Nugget Inc., senior note, 144A, 6.75%, 10/15/24      United States        50,000,000          50,500,000  

i

  iHeartCommunications Inc., senior secured note, first lien, 9.00%, 12/15/19      United States        284,000,000          226,845,000  
  KB Home,           
 

  senior bond, 7.50%, 9/15/22

     United States        50,000,000          55,125,000  
 

  senior note, 7.00%, 12/15/21

     United States        50,000,000          53,812,500  

e

  PetSmart Inc.,           
 

  senior note, 144A, 7.125%, 3/15/23

     United States        104,600,000          59,883,500  
 

  senior secured note, first lien, 144A, 5.875%, 6/01/25

     United States        127,700,000          92,901,750  
  Quebecor Media Inc., senior bond, 5.75%, 1/15/23      Canada        33,800,000          34,814,000  

e

  Shea Homes LP/Shea Homes Funding Corp.,           
 

  senior bond, 144A, 6.125%, 4/01/25

     United States        90,000,000          91,462,500  
 

  senior note, 144A, 5.875%, 4/01/23

     United States        80,000,000          81,400,000  

e

  Sirius XM Radio Inc.,           
 

  senior bond, 144A, 6.00%, 7/15/24

     United States        50,000,000          51,625,000  
 

  senior note, 144A, 4.625%, 5/15/23

     United States        88,400,000          87,211,020  

e,j

  Tesla Inc., senior note, 144A, 5.30%, 8/15/25      United States        220,000,000          192,775,000  

e

  Univision Communications Inc.,           
 

  senior secured note, first lien, 144A, 5.125%, 5/15/23

     United States        137,000,000          130,848,700  
 

  senior secured note, first lien, 144A, 5.125%, 2/15/25

     United States        120,020,000          112,218,700  

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      63


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

       Country       
Principal        
Amount*      
 
 
     Value  

 

 
  Corporate Bonds (continued)         
  Consumer Discretionary (continued)         

e

  Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC, senior secured bond, first lien, 144A, 5.50%, 1/15/25      United Kingdom        80,000,000              $ 79,300,000  

e

  Wynn Las Vegas LLC/Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp.,         
 

   senior bond, 144A, 4.25%, 5/30/23

     United States        84,000,000                82,635,000  
 

   senior bond, 144A, 5.50%, 3/01/25

     United States        111,000,000                111,832,500  
 

   senior bond, 144A, 5.25%, 5/15/27

     United States        84,577,000                83,096,902  

e

  Wynn Macau Ltd., senior bond, 144A, 5.50%, 10/01/27      Macau        47,200,000                46,374,000  

e

  Ziggo Secured Finance BV, secured bond, 144A, 5.50%, 1/15/27      Netherlands        35,000,000                32,943,750  
          

 

 

 
               3,691,622,913  
          

 

 

 
  Consumer Staples 0.7%         
  CVS Health Corp.,         
 

   senior bond, 4.30%, 3/25/28

     United States        115,000,000                115,938,630  
 

   senior bond, 5.05%, 3/25/48

     United States        50,200,000                52,898,920  
 

   senior note, 4.10%, 3/25/25

     United States        65,200,000                65,702,260  

e

  JBS USA LLC/Finance Inc.,         
 

   senior bond, 144A, 5.875%, 7/15/24

     United States        101,180,000                99,060,279  
 

   senior note, 144A, 7.25%, 6/01/21

     United States        98,500,000                99,854,375  
 

   senior note, 144A, 5.75%, 6/15/25

     United States        55,000,000                51,562,500  

e

  Post Holdings Inc.,         
 

   senior bond, 144A, 5.00%, 8/15/26

     United States        29,500,000                28,098,750  
 

   senior bond, 144A, 5.625%, 1/15/28

     United States        65,000,000                62,318,750  
          

 

 

 
             575,434,464  
          

 

 

 
  Energy 8.0%         

e

  Ascent Resources Utica Holdings LLC/ARU Finance Corp., senior note, 144A, 10.00%, 4/01/22      United States        225,000,000                244,125,000  
  Bill Barrett Corp.,         
 

   senior bond, 7.00%, 10/15/22

     United States        200,890,000                202,898,900  
 

   senior note, 8.75%, 6/15/25

     United States        142,000,000                154,070,000  
  Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP/Calumet Finance Corp.,         
 

   senior note, 6.50%, 4/15/21

     United States        309,348,000                301,614,300  
 

   senior note, 7.625%, 1/15/22

     United States        90,552,000                90,099,240  
 

   senior note, 7.75%, 4/15/23

     United States        62,000,000                61,535,000  
 

 e senior note, 144A, 11.50%, 1/15/21

     United States        32,200,000                36,003,625  
  Chesapeake Energy Corp.,         
 

 e secured note, second lien, 144A, 8.00%, 12/15/22

     United States        506,386,000                536,136,177  
 

   senior bond, 6.875%, 11/15/20

     United States        95,000,000                98,562,500  
 

   senior bond, 6.125%, 2/15/21

     United States        226,000,000                228,260,000  
 

    e,j senior bond, 144A, 8.00%, 6/15/27

     United States        306,000,000                293,760,000  
 

   senior note, 6.625%, 8/15/20

     United States        192,500,000                199,237,500  
 

   senior note, 5.375%, 6/15/21

     United States        97,000,000                94,817,500  
 

   senior note, 4.875%, 4/15/22

     United States        107,710,000                100,170,300  
 

   senior note, 5.75%, 3/15/23

     United States        96,700,000                87,634,375  
 

    e,j senior note, 144A, 8.00%, 1/15/25

     United States        430,000,000                417,100,000  
 

 k senior note, FRN, 4.97%, (3-month USD LIBOR + 3.25%), 4/15/19

     United States        148,000,000                147,630,000  
  Energy Transfer Equity LP, senior secured bond, first lien, 5.50%, 6/01/27      United States        95,300,000                96,014,750  
  Ensco PLC,         
 

   senior bond, 5.75%, 10/01/44

     United States        50,000,000                34,375,000  
 

   senior note, 7.75%, 2/01/26

     United States        60,000,000                55,200,000  

 

64       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

       Country       
Principal        
Amount*      
 
 
     Value  

 

 
  Corporate Bonds (continued)         
  Energy (continued)         
  Ferrellgas LP/Ferrellgas Finance Corp.,         
 

   senior note, 6.50%, 5/01/21

     United States        79,295,000              $ 76,321,438  
 

   senior note, 6.75%, 1/15/22

     United States        107,500,000                102,393,750  
 

   senior note, 6.75%, 6/15/23

     United States        80,900,000                74,023,500  
  Gulfport Energy Corp.,         
 

   senior note, 6.375%, 5/15/25

     United States        50,000,000                48,312,500  
 

   senior note, 6.375%, 1/15/26

     United States        50,000,000                47,625,000  
  Halcon Resources Corp., senior note, 6.75%, 2/15/25      United States        65,000,000                64,187,500  
  Kinder Morgan Inc.,         
 

   senior bond, 7.75%, 1/15/32

     United States        118,000,000                151,168,137  
 

 e senior secured bond, first lien, 144A, 5.625%, 11/15/23

     United States        91,200,000                97,713,144  

e

  McDermott International Inc., secured note, second lien, 144A, 8.00%, 5/01/21      United States        145,270,000                149,083,338  
  Petroquest Energy Inc.,         
 

   secured note, second lien, 10.00%, 2/15/21

     United States        7,343,000                5,901,936  
 

  l secured note, second lien, PIK, 10.00%, 2/15/21

     United States        56,811,246                45,733,053  
  Rex Energy Corp., second lien, 8.00%, 10/01/20      United States        109,000,000                31,610,000  
  Sanchez Energy Corp., senior note, 7.75%, 6/15/21      United States        199,790,000                184,805,750  

e

  Sesi LLC, senior note, 144A, 7.75%, 9/15/24      United States        50,000,000                51,875,000  

c

  Stone Energy Corp., senior note, 7.50%, 5/31/22      United States        72,845,556                74,484,581  

e

  Sunoco LP/Sunoco Finance Corp., senior note, 144A, 5.50%, 2/15/26      United States        50,000,000                48,375,000  
          

 

 

 
  W&T Offshore Inc.,         
 

e,l secured note, second lien, 144A, PIK, 9.00%, 5/15/20

     United States        79,711,396                76,722,219  
 

    senior note, 8.50%, 6/15/19

     United States        96,921,000                93,044,160  
 

e,l senior secured note, third lien, 144A, PIK, 10.00%, 6/15/21

     United States        71,081,877                57,655,726  

e

  Weatherford International LLC, senior note, 144A, 9.875%, 3/01/25      United States        100,000,000                90,470,000  
  Weatherford International Ltd.,         
 

   senior note, 5.125%, 9/15/20

     United States        91,000,000                87,360,000  
 

   senior note, 7.75%, 6/15/21

     United States        384,500,000                359,988,125  
 

  j senior note, 4.50%, 4/15/22

     United States        317,600,000                265,196,000  
 

   senior note, 8.25%, 6/15/23

     United States        293,100,000                255,729,750  
 

   senior note, 9.875%, 2/15/24

     United States        230,000,000                211,025,000  
  The Williams Cos. Inc., senior note, 4.55%, 6/24/24      United States        24,000,000                24,287,280  
          

 

 

 
             6,254,336,054  
          

 

 

 
  Financials 3.7%         

m

  Bank of America Corp.,         
 

    junior sub. bond, AA, 6.10% to 3/17/25, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        80,000,000                84,300,000  
 

    junior sub. bond, U, 5.20% to 6/01/23, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        80,000,000                79,700,000  
 

    junior sub. bond, X, 6.25% to 9/05/24, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        85,000,000                90,214,750  
  Capital One Financial Corp., senior sub. note, 4.20%, 10/29/25      United States        40,000,000                39,675,707  
  Citigroup Inc.,         
 

 m junior sub. bond, 5.35% to 5/15/23, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        179,195,000                178,299,025  
 

 m junior sub. bond, 5.90% to 2/15/23, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        33,000,000                34,113,750  
 

 m junior sub. bond, 5.95% to 1/30/23, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        230,000,000                236,900,000  
 

 m junior sub. bond, M, 6.30% to 5/15/24, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        250,000,000                261,250,000  
 

 m junior sub. bond, O, 5.875% to 3/27/20, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        160,000,000                165,400,000  
 

 m junior sub. bond, Q, 5.95% to 8/15/20, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        120,000,000                124,576,200  
 

    sub. bond, 4.125%, 7/25/28

     United States        50,000,000                49,437,263  

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      65


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

       Country       
Principal        
Amount*      
 
 
     Value  

 

 
  Corporate Bonds (continued)         
  Financials (continued)         

m

  Fifth Third Bancorp, junior sub. bond, 5.10% to 6/30/23, FRN thereafter, Perpetual      United States        54,000,000              $ 53,325,000  
  The Goldman Sachs Group Inc.,         
 

m junior sub. note, 5.70% to 5/10/19, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        13,400,000                13,668,000  
 

 k senior note, FRN, 3.272%, (3-month USD LIBOR + 1.201%), 9/29/25

     United States        50,000,000                48,149,164  

m

  JPMorgan Chase & Co.,         
 

   junior sub. bond, 6.125% to 4/30/24, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        60,000,000                62,925,000  
 

   junior sub. bond, 6.75% to 2/01/24, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        100,000,000                109,225,000  
 

   junior sub. bond, I, 7.90% to 4/30/19, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        585,000,000                588,714,750  
 

   junior sub. bond, Q, 5.15% to 5/01/23, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        100,000,000                100,160,000  
 

   junior sub. bond, R, 6.00% to 8/01/23, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        105,000,000                108,543,750  
 

   junior sub. bond, V, 5.00% to 7/30/19, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        200,000,000                202,030,000  
 

   junior sub. bond, X, 6.10% to 10/01/24, FRN thereafter, Perpetual

     United States        80,000,000                84,100,000  

m

  Morgan Stanley, junior sub. bond, 5.55% to 7/15/20, FRN thereafter, Perpetual      United States        58,000,000                59,871,660  

m

  Wells Fargo & Co., junior sub. bond, S, 5.90% to 6/15/24, FRN thereafter, Perpetual      United States        98,700,000                101,794,245  
          

 

 

 
             2,876,373,264  
          

 

 

 
  Health Care 11.0%         

e

  AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc., senior note, 144A, 7.875%, 9/01/23      United States        55,600,000                55,183,000  

e

  Avantor Inc., senior note, 144A, 9.00%, 10/01/25      United States        75,000,000                73,640,625  
  CHS/Community Health Systems Inc.,         
 

   senior note, 8.00%, 11/15/19

     United States        1,171,245,000                1,059,976,725  
 

   senior note, 7.125%, 7/15/20

     United States        575,000,000                470,781,250  
 

   senior note, 6.875%, 2/01/22

     United States        1,433,900,000                833,454,375  
 

   senior secured note, 5.125%, 8/01/21

     United States        132,000,000                123,420,000  
 

   senior secured note, first lien, 6.25%, 3/31/23

     United States        351,000,000                325,113,750  
  DaVita Inc.,         
 

   senior bond, 5.125%, 7/15/24

     United States        122,000,000                119,331,250  
 

   senior bond, 5.00%, 5/01/25

     United States        110,000,000                106,595,500  

e

  Endo DAC/Endo Finance LLC/Endo Finco Inc.,         
 

   senior bond, 144A, 6.00%, 2/01/25

     United States        108,700,000                78,535,750  
 

   senior note, 144A, 6.00%, 7/15/23

     United States        218,025,000                165,699,000  

e

  Endo Finance LLC, senior note, 144A, 5.75%, 1/15/22      United States        126,000,000                103,950,000  

e

  Endo Finance LLC/Endo Finco Inc., senior note, 144A, 5.375%, 1/15/23      United States        35,000,000                26,512,500  
  HCA Inc.,         
 

   senior bond, 5.875%, 5/01/23

     United States        120,000,000                124,500,000  
 

   senior note, 7.50%, 2/15/22

     United States        100,000,000                110,125,000  
 

   senior secured note, first lien, 5.00%, 3/15/24

     United States        134,800,000                136,485,000  
  Horizon Pharma Inc., senior note, 6.625%, 5/01/23      United States        105,012,000                105,012,000  

e

  Horizon Pharma Inc./Horizon Pharma USA Inc., senior note, 144A, 8.75%, 11/01/24      United States        33,303,000                35,634,210  

e

  Jaguar Holding Co. II/Pharmaceutical Product Development LLC, senior note, 144A, 6.375%, 8/01/23      United States        54,265,000                55,011,144  
  Kindred Healthcare Inc., senior note, 8.00%, 1/15/20      United States        28,845,000                30,683,869  

j

  Mallinckrodt International Finance SA, senior bond, 4.75%, 4/15/23      United States        66,000,000                50,820,000  

e

  Mallinckrodt International Finance SA/Mallinckrodt CB LLC,         
 

 j senior note, 144A, 4.875%, 4/15/20

     United States        258,127,000                246,511,285  
 

   senior note, 144A, 5.75%, 8/01/22

     United States        337,775,000                290,486,500  
 

   senior note, 144A, 5.625%, 10/15/23

     United States        285,350,000                229,706,750  
 

   senior note, 144A, 5.50%, 4/15/25

     United States        137,500,000                107,421,875  

 

66       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

       Country       
Principal        
Amount*      
 
 
     Value  

 

 
  Corporate Bonds (continued)         
  Health Care (continued)         
  Tenet Healthcare Corp.,         
 

 e secured note, second lien, 144A, 5.125%, 5/01/25

     United States        128,300,000              $ 123,809,500  
 

   senior note, 5.50%, 3/01/19

     United States        45,000,000                45,675,000  
 

   senior note, 8.125%, 4/01/22

     United States        876,400,000                916,933,500  
 

 j senior note, 6.75%, 6/15/23

     United States        570,000,000                560,025,000  
 

   senior note, 6.875%, 11/15/31

     United States        24,400,000                22,326,000  
 

 e senior note, 144A, 7.00%, 8/01/25

     United States        140,000,000                138,250,000  
 

   senior secured note, first lien, 4.375%, 10/01/21

     United States        140,000,000                138,250,000  
 

 e senior secured note, first lien, 144A, 4.625%, 7/15/24

     United States        25,200,000                24,318,000  
 

 e senior secured note, second lien, 144A, 7.50%, 1/01/22

     United States        66,700,000                70,535,250  

e

  Valeant Pharmaceuticals International,         
 

   senior note, 144A, 6.375%, 10/15/20

     United States        209,900,000                212,261,375  
 

   senior note, 144A, 9.25%, 4/01/26

     United States        200,000,000                199,750,000  

e

  Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc.,         
 

   senior bond, 144A, 6.125%, 4/15/25

     United States        122,400,000                106,090,200  
 

   senior note, 144A, 5.375%, 3/15/20

     United States        356,991,000                360,221,768  
 

   senior note, 144A, 7.50%, 7/15/21

     United States        205,000,000                207,306,250  
 

   senior note, 144A, 5.875%, 5/15/23

     United States        183,500,000                163,544,375  
 

   senior note, 144A, 9.00%, 12/15/25

     United States        85,000,000                84,787,500  
 

   senior note, first lien, 144A, 7.00%, 3/15/24

     United States        77,300,000                80,875,125  
 

   senior secured note, first lien, 144A, 6.50%, 3/15/22

     United States        50,500,000                52,330,625  
 

   senior secured note, first lien, 144A, 5.50%, 11/01/25

     United States        25,000,000                24,431,250  
          

 

 

 
             8,596,312,076  
          

 

 

 
  Industrials 0.8%         

l,n

  CEVA Group PLC, senior secured note, first lien, 144A, PIK, 9.00%, 9/01/20      United Kingdom        165,515,180                168,784,616  

e

  Cloud Crane LLC, secured note, second lien, 144A, 10.125%, 8/01/24      United States        29,500,000                32,745,000  
  TransDigm Inc., senior sub. note, 6.00%, 7/15/22      United States        17,900,000                18,302,750  
  United Rentals North America Inc., senior bond, 5.75%, 11/15/24      United States        70,400,000                73,553,920  

e

  West Corp., senior note, 144A, 8.50%, 10/15/25      United States        50,000,000                48,625,000  

e

  XPO Logistics Inc., senior note, 144A, 6.50%, 6/15/22      United States        240,000,000                248,400,000  
          

 

 

 
             590,411,286  
          

 

 

 
  Information Technology 0.9%         

e

  BMC Software Finance Inc., senior note, 144A, 8.125%, 7/15/21      United States        110,805,000                111,220,519  

e

  CommScope Inc., senior bond, 144A, 5.50%, 6/15/24      United States        100,000,000                102,500,000  

e

  CommScope Technologies LLC, senior bond, 144A, 6.00%, 6/15/25      United States        74,200,000                77,576,100  

e

  Dell International LLC/EMC Corp., senior secured note, first lien, 144A, 5.45%, 6/15/23      United States        69,750,000                73,993,057  

e

  First Data Corp.,         
 

   secured note, second lien, 144A, 5.75%, 1/15/24

     United States        35,000,000                35,350,000  
 

   senior note, 144A, 7.00%, 12/01/23

     United States        175,000,000                184,406,250  
  NCR Corp.,         
 

   senior note, 5.00%, 7/15/22

     United States        40,000,000                40,200,000  
 

   senior note, 6.375%, 12/15/23

     United States        35,000,000                36,400,000  
          

 

 

 
             661,645,926  
          

 

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      67


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

           Country       
Principal        
Amount*        
 
 
     Value  
  Corporate Bonds (continued)         
  Materials 1.6%         

e

  Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC/Ardagh MP Holdings USA Inc., senior note, 144A, 7.25%, 5/15/24      Luxembourg        27,300,000              $ 29,176,875  
  Ball Corp., senior bond, 4.00%, 11/15/23      United States        100,000,000                97,875,000  

e

  BWAY Holding Co.,         
 

   secured note, 144A, 5.50%, 4/15/24

     United States        75,000,000                75,656,250  
 

   senior note, 144A, 7.25%, 4/15/25

     United States        175,000,000                178,937,500  

e

  Cemex Finance LLC, senior secured note, first lien, 144A, 6.00%, 4/01/24      Mexico        88,400,000                91,716,326  

e

  Cemex SAB de CV,         
 

   senior secured bond, 144A, 7.75%, 4/16/26

     Mexico        55,100,000                60,886,878  
 

   senior secured bond, first lien, 144A, 5.70%, 1/11/25

     Mexico        70,000,000                71,990,450  
  Crown Americas LLC/Crown Americas Capital Corp. IV, senior bond, 4.50%, 1/15/23      United States        105,000,000                104,475,000  

e

  FMG Resources (August 2006) Pty. Ltd.,         
 

   senior note, 144A, 5.125%, 5/15/24

     Australia        44,400,000                44,178,000  
     senior secured note, 144A, 9.75%, 3/01/22      Australia        425,000,000                469,625,000  
             1,224,517,279  
  Real Estate 0.6%         
  Equinix Inc., senior bond, 5.375%, 5/15/27      United States        140,000,000                142,450,000  
  Iron Mountain Inc.,         
 

e  senior note, 144A, 4.875%, 9/15/27

     United States        91,500,000                85,323,750  
 

   senior sub. bond, 5.75%, 8/15/24

     United States        122,254,000                119,044,832  
  iStar Inc., senior note, 5.00%, 7/01/19      United States        95,900,000                96,263,941  
             443,082,523  
  Telecommunication Services 2.5%         
  AT&T Inc., senior bond, 4.125%, 2/17/26      United States        50,000,000                50,173,968  
  Consolidated Communications Inc., senior note, 6.50%, 10/01/22      United States        64,200,000                57,670,860  

e

  Digicel Ltd., senior note, 144A, 6.75%, 3/01/23      Bermuda        68,300,000                61,875,702  

e

  SFR Group SA,         
 

   secured bond, 144A, 7.375%, 5/01/26

     France        50,000,000                47,875,000  
 

   senior note, first lien, 144A, 6.00%, 5/15/22

     France        60,000,000                58,725,000  
  Sprint Capital Corp., senior note, 6.90%, 5/01/19      United States        200,000,000                206,500,000  
  Sprint Communications Inc.,         
 

   senior bond, 11.50%, 11/15/21

     United States        200,000,000                233,000,000  
 

   senior note, 7.00%, 8/15/20

     United States        102,500,000                106,856,250  
 

   senior note, 6.00%, 11/15/22

     United States        362,700,000                356,806,125  
  Sprint Corp.,         
 

   senior bond, 7.875%, 9/15/23

     United States        187,350,000                191,799,562  
 

   senior bond, 7.125%, 6/15/24

     United States        190,650,000                186,360,375  
 

   senior note, 7.625%, 3/01/26

     United States        100,000,000                97,875,000  

e

  Sprint Spectrum Co. LLC, first lien, senior secured note, 144A, 5.152%, 9/20/29      United States        220,000,000                221,375,000  
  Zayo Group LLC/Zayo Capital Inc., senior note, 6.00%, 4/01/23      United States        77,000,000                79,502,500  
             1,956,395,342  
  Utilities 2.6%         
  The AES Corp., senior bond, 4.875%, 5/15/23      United States        75,000,000                76,687,500  
  Calpine Corp.,         
 

   senior bond, 5.75%, 1/15/25

     United States        227,000,000                208,272,500  
 

   senior note, 5.375%, 1/15/23

     United States        340,000,000                326,757,000  
 

   senior note, 5.50%, 2/01/24

     United States        186,500,000                170,414,375  

 

68       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

           Country       
Principal        
Amount*        
 
 
              Value  
  Corporate Bonds (continued)            
  Utilities (continued)            
  Dynegy Inc.,            
 

   senior bond, 8.034%, 2/02/24

     United States        81,983,928                 $ 86,083,124  
 

   senior note, 6.75%, 11/01/19

     United States        324,002,000                   330,482,040  
 

   senior note, 7.375%, 11/01/22

     United States        351,500,000                   371,271,875  
 

   senior note, 5.875%, 6/01/23

     United States        130,000,000                   133,926,000  
 

 e senior note, 144A, 8.00%, 1/15/25

     United States        58,300,000                   63,692,750  
  Ferrellgas Partners LP/Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., senior note, 8.625%, 6/15/20      United States        49,900,000                   45,908,000  

e

  InterGen NV,            
 

   secured bond, 144A, 7.00%, 6/30/23

     Netherlands        143,700,000                   143,697,845  
 

   secured note, 144A, 7.50%, 6/30/21

     Netherlands        35,800,000                GBP        50,419,344  

e

  Talen Energy Supply LLC, senior note, 144A, 10.50%, 1/15/26      United States        50,000,000                   43,187,500  
                2,050,799,853  
  Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $28,982,113,018)               28,920,930,980  

k,o

  Senior Floating Rate Interests 4.0%            
  Consumer Discretionary 2.0%            
  24 Hour Fitness Worldwide Inc., Term Loan, 6.052%, (LIBOR + 3.75%), 5/28/21      United States        54,529,366                   54,836,093  
  Academy Ltd., Initial Term Loan, 5.887% - 6.017%, (LIBOR + 4.00%), 7/02/22      United States        111,471,778                   89,363,246  
  Belk Inc., Closing Date Term Loan, 6.458%, (LIBOR + 4.75%), 12/12/22      United States        244,755,330                   213,068,326  
  BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc.,            
 

   Second Lien Initial Term Loans, 9.191%, (LIBOR + 7.50%), 3/24/25

     United States        38,817,949                   39,048,450  
 

   Tranche B Term Loans, 5.191%, (LIBOR + 3.50%), 3/27/24

     United States        24,824,937                   24,836,233  
  Global Eagle Entertainment Inc., Initial Term Loans, 9.358%, (LIBOR + 7.50%), 1/06/23      United States        105,251,250                   109,987,556  

i

  iHeartCommunications Inc.,            
 

   Tranche D Term Loan, 8.443%, (LIBOR + 6.75%), 1/30/19

     United States        908,185,547                   720,150,270  
 

   Tranche E Term Loan, 9.193%, (LIBOR + 7.50%), 7/30/19

     United States        241,744,256                   191,170,149  
  Neiman Marcus Group Ltd. Inc., Term Loan, 4.941%, (LIBOR + 3.25%), 10/25/20      United States        50,351,145                   43,632,389  
  PetSmart Inc., Tranche B-2 Loans, 4.89%, (LIBOR + 3.00%), 3/11/22      United States        29,923,077                   24,088,077  

p

  Stars Group Holdings BV, Term B Loan, TBD, 3/29/25      United States        50,000,000                   49,875,000  

p,q

  Univision Communications Inc., Term Loan, TBD, 3/15/24      United States        30,000,000                   29,573,430  
                1,589,629,219  
  Consumer Staples 0.1%            
  Almonde Inc.,            
 

   2nd Lien Dollar Term Loan, 9.234%, (LIBOR + 7.25%), 6/13/25

     United States        15,000,000                   14,898,435  
 

   Dollar Term Loan, 5.484%, (LIBOR + 3.50%), 6/13/24

     United States        59,700,000                   59,720,716  
                74,619,151  
  Energy 0.3%            

r

  PetroQuest Energy Inc., Multidraw Term Loan Facility, 10.00%, 10/17/20      United States        30,000,000                   29,721,300  
  W&T Offshore Inc.,            
 

   Second Lien Term Loan, 9.00%, 5/15/20

     United States        161,850,000                   156,362,314  
 

   Senior Secured 1.5 Lien Term Loan, 11.00%, 11/15/19

     United States        75,000,000                   77,250,000  
                263,333,614  
  Financials 0.1%            
  Russell Investments U.S. Institutional Holdco Inc., Term Loan B, 4.943%,
(LIBOR + 3.25%), 6/01/23
     United States        64,099,246                   64,566,850  

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      69


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

           Country       
Principal        
Amount*        
 
 
     Value  

k,o

  Senior Floating Rate Interests (continued)         
  Health Care 0.4%         
  Air Medical Group Holdings Inc., 2018 Term Loans, 4.936%, (LIBOR + 3.25%), 4/28/22      United States        14,673,613              $ 14,752,719  

p,q

  Amneal Holdings LLC, Term B Loan, TBD, 3/23/25      United States        60,000,000                60,112,500  
  Community Health Systems Inc., 2021 Term H Loans, 4.984%, (LIBOR + 3.00%), 1/15/21      United States        38,797,057                37,371,808  
  Endo Luxembourg Finance Co. I S.A.R.L. and Endo LLC, Initial Term Loans, 6.188%,
(LIBOR + 4.25%), 4/29/24
     United States        79,400,000                79,489,325  
  Horizon Pharma Inc., Third Amendment Refinancing Term Loan, 5.125%, (LIBOR + 3.25%), 3/29/24      United States        32,642,777                32,880,807  
  Lannett Co. Inc., Initial Tranche B Term Loans, 7.252%, (LIBOR + 5.375%), 11/25/22      United States        56,157,222                56,087,026  
  Mallinckrodt International Finance SA, 2018 Incremental Term Loans, 4.82%, (LIBOR + 3.00%), 2/24/25      Luxembourg        50,000,000                50,140,600  
             330,834,785  
  Industrials 0.4%         
  CEVA Group PLC, Pre-Funded L/C, 6.50%, (LIBOR + 5.50%), 3/19/21      United Kingdom        18,246,603                17,967,248  
  CEVA Intercompany BV, Dutch BV Term Loan, 7.272%, (LIBOR + 5.50%), 3/19/21      United Kingdom        18,520,302                18,236,756  
  CEVA Logistics Canada ULC, Canadian Term Loan, 7.272%, (LIBOR + 5.50%), 3/19/21      Canada        3,193,156                3,144,269  
  CEVA Logistics U.S. Holdings Inc., U.S. Term Loan, 7.272%, (LIBOR + 5.50%), 3/19/21      United Kingdom        25,545,245                25,154,147  
  Commercial Barge Line Co., Initial Term Loan, 10.627%, (LIBOR + 8.75%), 11/12/20      United States        126,000,000                75,521,250  
  Vertiv Group Corp., Term B Loans, 5.887%, (LIBOR + 4.00%), 11/30/23      United States        104,327,586                105,172,640  
  West Corp., Term B Loans, 5.877%, (LIBOR + 4.00%), 10/10/24      United States        61,577,512                62,129,123  
             307,325,433  
  Information Technology 0.2%         
  Digicert Inc.,         
 

First Lien Term Loan, 6.522%, (LIBOR + 4.75%), 10/31/24

     United States        45,000,000                45,579,375  
 

Second Lien Initial Loan, 9.772%, (LIBOR + 8.00%), 9/18/25

     United States        10,000,000                10,100,000  
  MH Sub I LLC and Micro Holding Corp.,         
 

Amendment No. 2 Initial Term Loan, 5.527%, (LIBOR + 3.75%), 9/15/24

     United States        39,800,000                39,858,028  
 

Second Lien Initial Term Loan, 9.277%, (LIBOR + 7.50%), 9/15/25

     United States        30,000,000                30,431,250  
             125,968,653  
  Telecommunication Services 0.2%         
  Digicel International Finance Ltd., Initial Term B Loans, 5.02%, (LIBOR + 3.25%), 5/25/24      United States        69,516,548                69,299,308  
  Securus Technologies Holdings Inc.,         
 

Second Lien Initial Loan, 10.127%, (LIBOR + 8.25%), 11/01/25

     United States        30,000,000                30,412,500  
 

Term Loan B, 6.377%, (LIBOR + 4.50%), 11/01/24

     United States        44,887,500                45,431,761  
             145,143,569  

 

70       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

       Country       
Principal         
Amount*        
 
 
     Value  

 

 

k,o

  Senior Floating Rate Interests (continued)         
  Utilities 0.3%         
  Intergen NV, Term Advance, 6.24%, (LIBOR + 4.50%), 6/13/20      Netherlands        66,549,146              $ 66,923,485  
  Talen Energy Supply LLC,         
 

Term B-1 Loans, 5.877%, (LIBOR + 4.00%), 7/15/23

     United States        64,213,875                63,411,202  
 

Tranche B-2 Term Loan, 5.877%, (LIBOR + 4.00%), 4/13/24

     United States        59,280,000                58,390,800  
             188,725,487  
 

Total Senior Floating Rate Interests
(Cost $3,331,446,090)

           3,090,146,761  
                              Shares                 
  Escrows and Litigation Trusts 0.0%         

b,s

  Impax Laboratories Inc., Escrow Account      United States        60,000,000                 

b,s

  Motors Liquidation Co., Escrow Account      United States        400,000,000                 

b,s

  Motors Liquidation Co., Escrow Account, cvt. pfd., C      United States        11,000,000                 
 

Total Escrows and Litigation Trusts
(Cost $2,416,248)

            
 

Total Investments before Short Term Investments
(Cost $74,232,911,363)

           76,015,112,107  
  Short Term Investments 0.3%         
  Money Market Funds (Cost $108,191,396) 0.2%         

t,u

  Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.24%      United States        108,191,396                108,191,396  

v

 

Investments from Cash Collateral Received for Loaned Securities 0.1%

        
  Money Market Funds (Cost $84,739,000) 0.1%         

t,u

  Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.24%      United States        84,739,000                84,739,000  
                            Principal         
             Amount*        
        
  Repurchase Agreement (Cost $17,011,579) 0.0%         

w

  Joint Repurchase Agreement, 1.80%, 4/02/18 (Maturity Value $17,014,981)         
 

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

        
 

Collateralized by xU.S. Treasury Bill, 6/14/18; U.S. Treasury Bond, 8.13%
  - 9.13%, 5/15/18 - 8/15/19; U.S. Treasury Note, 1.50%, 7/15/20; kU.S.
  Treasury Note, FRN, 1.79%, 4/30/19 (valued at $17,351,871)

     United States        17,011,579                17,011,579  
 

Total Investments from Cash Collateral Received for Loaned Securities (Cost $101,750,579)

           101,750,579  
 

Total Investments (Cost $74,442,853,338) 97.8%.

           76,225,054,082  
 

Options Written (0.0)%

           (22,440,000
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities 2.2%

           1,715,627,717  
 

Net Assets 100.0%

         $ 77,918,241,799  

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      71


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

          
Number of
Contracts
 
 
    
Notional         
Amount*        
 
 
     Value  

y

  Options Written (0.0)%         
  Calls - Exchange-Traded         
  Anadarko Petroleum Corp., April Strike Price $62.50, Expires 4/20/18      10,000        1,000,000              $ (960,000
  Anadarko Petroleum Corp., April Strike Price $65, Expires 4/20/18      10,000        1,000,000                (340,000
  BP PLC, April Strike Price $41, Expires 4/20/18      40,000        4,000,000                (2,440,000
  Chevron Corp., April Strike Price $120, Expires 4/20/18      20,000        2,000,000                (780,000
  Ford Motor Co., April Strike Price $11.50, Expires 4/27/18      10,000        1,000,000                (130,000
  Ford Motor Co., June Strike Price $11.87, Expires 6/15/18      35,000        3,500,000                (630,000
  Intel Corp., April Strike Price $52.50, Expires 4/20/18      10,000        1,000,000                (1,320,000
  Microsoft Corp., April Strike Price $97.50, Expires 4/20/18      10,000        1,000,000                (510,000
  Wells Fargo & Co., April Strike Price $65, Expires 4/20/18      20,000        2,000,000                (60,000
             (7,170,000
  Puts - Exchange-Traded         
  Alphabet Inc., April Strike Price $1,000, Expires 4/20/18      1,000        100,000                (1,500,000
  Caterpillar Inc., April Strike Price $140, Expires 4/20/18      10,000        1,000,000                (1,910,000
  Comcast Corp., April Strike Price $35, Expires 4/20/18      20,000        2,000,000                (2,900,000
  Microsoft Corp., April Strike Price $85, Expires 4/20/18      10,000        1,000,000                (610,000
  Target Corp., April Strike Price $65, Expires 4/20/18      10,000        1,000,000                (620,000
  Texas Instruments Inc., April Strike Price $100, Expires 4/20/18      5,000        500,000                (630,000
  Texas Instruments Inc., April Strike Price $105, Expires 4/20/18      20,000        2,000,000                (6,140,000
  Walmart Inc., April Strike Price $85, Expires 4/20/18      20,000        2,000,000                (960,000
             (15,270,000
  Total Options Written (Premiums received $19,982,836)          $     (22,440,000

 

72       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

See Abbreviations on page 120.

Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

*The principal/notional amount is stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

aA portion or all of the security is held in connection with written option contracts open at period end.

bNon-income producing.

cSee Note 11 regarding holdings of 5% voting securities.

dSee Note 1(g) regarding equity-linked securities.

eSecurity was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be sold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers or in a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities have been deemed liquid under guidelines approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. At March 31, 2018, the aggregate value of these securities was $21,450,854,372, representing 27.5% of net assets.

fSee Note 1(f) regarding index-linked notes.

gSecurity pays a fixed 2.00% coupon rate and a variable coupon based on the distribution of the Morgan Stanley Custom Enhanced SPX B DT Index 20 Delta. The coupon rate shown represents the combined rate at period end. Cash payment at maturity or upon early redemption is based on the performance of the Morgan Stanley Custom Enhanced SPX B Index 20 Delta.

hSecurity purchased on a when-issued basis. See Note 1(d).

iSee Note 7 regarding defaulted securities.

jA portion or all of the security is on loan at March 31, 2018. See Note 1(h).

kThe coupon rate shown represents the rate at period end.

lIncome may be received in additional securities and/or cash.

mPerpetual security with no stated maturity date.

nSee Note 8 regarding restricted securities.

oSee Note 1(j) regarding senior floating rate interests.

pA portion or all of the security represents an unsettled loan commitment. The coupon rate is to-be determined (TBD) at the time of settlement and will be based upon a reference index/floor plus a spread.

qSecurity purchased on a delayed delivery basis. See Note 1(d).

rSee Note 9 regarding unfunded loan commitments.

sFair valued using significant unobservable inputs. See Note 13 regarding fair value measurements.

tSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in affiliated management investment companies.

uThe rate shown is the annualized seven-day effective yield at period end.

vSee Note 1(h) regarding securities on loan.

wSee Note 1(c) regarding joint repurchase agreement.

xThe security was issued on a discount basis with no stated coupon rate.

ySee Note 1(e) regarding written options.

 

franklintempleton.com  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report      

      73


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

Financial Highlights

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund

 

   

Six Months Ended

March 31, 2018

    Year Ended September 30,  
     (unaudited)     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Class A

           

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

           

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $ 6.13       $ 6.35       $ 6.40       $ 6.48       $ 6.53       $ 6.91  

Income from investment operationsa:

           

Net investment incomeb

    0.07       0.13       0.14       0.15       0.17       0.15  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

    (0.16     (0.16     0.01       (0.02     0.01       (0.29

Total from investment operations

    (0.09     (0.03     0.15       0.13       0.18       (0.14

Less distributions from net investment income

    (0.09     (0.19     (0.20     (0.21     (0.23     (0.24

Net asset value, end of period

    $ 5.95       $ 6.13       $ 6.35       $ 6.40       $ 6.48       $ 6.53  

Total returnc

    (1.48)%       (0.45)%       2.35%       2.07%       2.80%       (2.03)%  

Ratios to average net assetsd

           

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.79%       0.79%       0.76%       0.76%       0.75%       0.73%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.78% e      0.79% e,f      0.76% e,f      0.76% e,f      0.75% e,f      0.73%  

Net investment income

    2.44%       2.17%       2.21%       2.28%       2.62%       2.17%  

Supplemental data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

    $3,416,942       $3,581,769       $4,235,819       $4,167,639       $4,323,990       $5,138,613  

Portfolio turnover rate

    32.61%       86.72%       92.18%       69.10%       69.73%       46.16%  

Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar rollsg

    32.61%       86.72%       92.18%       58.70%       38.79%       40.83%  

 

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable and is not annualized for periods less than one year.

dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

gSee Note 1(i) regarding mortgage dollar rolls.

 

74       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund (continued)

 

     Period Ended
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)a
 

 

 

Class M

  

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

  

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $6.03  
  

 

 

 

Income from investment operationsb:

  

Net investment incomec

     0.03  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.06
  

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (0.03
  

 

 

 

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.05
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

     $5.95  
  

 

 

 

Total returnd

     (0.52)%  

Ratios to average net assetse

  

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.64%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliatesf

     0.63%  

Net investment income

     2.59%  

Supplemental data

  

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $5  

Portfolio turnover rate

     32.61%  

Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar rollsg

     32.61%  

 

aFor the period January 25, 2018 (effective date) to March 31, 2018.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable and is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

gSee Note 1(i) regarding mortgage dollar rolls.

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               75  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund (continued)

 

     Six Months Ended                                   
     March 31, 2018        Year Ended September 30,  
      (unaudited)        2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Class C

             

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

             

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $  6.08          $  6.30        $  6.36       $  6.44       $  6.49       $  6.86  

Income from investment operationsa:

             

Net investment incomeb

     0.06          0.10        0.11       0.11       0.14       0.11  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.16)         (0.16)        c      (0.01)       0.01       (0.28)  

Total from investment operations

     (0.10)         (0.06)        0.11       0.10       0.15       (0.17)  

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.07)         (0.16)        (0.17)        (0.18)       (0.20)       (0.20)  

Net asset value, end of period

     $  5.91          $  6.08         $  6.30       $  6.36       $  6.44       $  6.49  

Total returnd

     (1.57)%          (0.96)%       1.70%       1.57%       2.30%       (2.45)%  

Ratios to average net assetse

             

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     1.29%          1.29%       1.26%       1.26%       1.25%       1.23%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     1.28%f          1.29% f,g      1.26% f,g      1.26% f,g      1.25% f,g      1.23%  

Net investment income

     1.94%          1.67%       1.71%       1.78%       2.12%       1.67%  

Supplemental data

             

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $667,400          $797,394        $1,034,410       $1,040,294       $1,190,720       $1,640,787  

Portfolio turnover rate

     32.61%          86.72%       92.18%       69.10%       69.73%       46.16%  

Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar rollsh

     32.61%          86.72%       92.18%       58.70%       38.79%       40.83%  

 

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cAmount rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable and is not annualized for periods less than one year. eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

gBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

hSee Note 1(i) regarding mortgage dollar rolls.

 

76       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund (continued)

 

     Six Months Ended                                       
     March 31, 2018        Year Ended September 30,  
      (unaudited)        2017         2016         2015         2014         2013    

Class R

                 

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $  6.12          $  6.34           $  6.40           $  6.48           $  6.53           $  6.90    

Income from investment operationsa:

                 

Net investment incomeb

     0.06          0.11           0.12           0.13           0.15           0.12    

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.15)         (0.16)          c          (0.02)          0.01           (0.27)   

Total from investment operations

     (0.09)         (0.05)          0.12           0.11           0.16           (0.15)   

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.08)         (0.17)         (0.18)          (0.19)          (0.21)          (0.22)   

Net asset value, end of period

     $  5.95          $  6.12           $  6.34           $  6.40           $  6.48           $  6.53    

Total returnd

     (1.49)%          (0.81)%           1.84%           1.71%           2.44%           (2.27)%    

Ratios to average net assetse

                 

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     1.13%          1.13%           1.11%           1.11%           1.10%           1.08%    

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     1.12%f          1.13%f,g        1.11%f,g        1.11%f,g        1.10%f,g        1.08%    

Net investment income

     2.10%          1.83%          1.86%           1.93%           2.27%           1.82%    

Supplemental data

                 

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $33,832          $38,363           $59,785           $64,689           $74,442           $94,110    

Portfolio turnover rate

     32.61%          86.72%           92.18%           69.10%           69.73%           46.16%    

Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar rollsh

     32.61%          86.72%           92.18%           58.70%           38.79%           40.83%    

 

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cAmount rounds to less than $0.01 per share.

dTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

gBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

hSee Note 1(i) regarding mortgage dollar rolls.

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               77  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund (continued)

 

     Six Months Ended                                       
     March 31, 2018        Year Ended September 30,  
      (unaudited)        2017         2016         2015         2014         2013a    

Class R6

                 

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $6.15          $6.37           $6.42           $6.50           $6.55           $6.76    

Income from investment operationsb:

                 

Net investment incomec

     0.08          0.15           0.16           0.17           0.19           0.07    

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.16)         (0.16)          0.01           (0.02)          0.01           (0.17)   

Total from investment operations

     (0.08)         (0.01)          0.17           0.15           0.20           (0.10)   

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.10)         (0.21)          (0.22)          (0.23)          (0.25)          (0.11)   

Net asset value, end of period

     $5.97          $6.15           $6.37           $6.42           $6.50           $6.55    

Total returnd

     (1.33)%          (0.16)%           2.63%           2.35%           3.08%           (1.53)%    

Ratios to average net assetse

                 

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.51%          0.48%           0.48%           0.47%           0.47%           0.46%    

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.50%f          0.48%f,g        0.48%f,g        0.47%f,g        0.47%f,g        0.46%    

Net investment income

     2.72%          2.48%           2.49%           2.57%           2.90%           2.44%    

Supplemental data

                 

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $607,967          $446,174          $624,619           $375,644           $497,246           $480,590    

Portfolio turnover rate

     32.61%          86.72%           92.18%           69.10%           69.73%           46.16%    

Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar rollsh

     32.61%          86.72%           92.18%           58.70%           38.79%           40.83%    

 

aFor the period May 1, 2013 (effective date) to September 30, 2013.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

gBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

hSee Note 1(i) regarding mortgage dollar rolls.

 

78       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund (continued)

 

     Six Months Ended                                       
     March 31, 2018        Year Ended September 30,  
      (unaudited)        2017          2016         2015         2014         2013    

Advisor Class

                 

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $  6.15          $  6.37           $  6.42           $  6.50           $  6.55           $  6.93    

Income from investment operationsa:

                 

Net investment incomeb

     0.08          0.15           0.15           0.16           0.18           0.16    

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.17)         (0.17)          0.01           (0.02)          0.01           (0.29)   

Total from investment operations

     (0.09)         (0.02)          0.16           0.14           0.19           (0.13)   

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.09)         (0.20)          (0.21)          (0.22)          (0.24)          (0.25)   

Net asset value, end of period

     $  5.97          $  6.15           $  6.37           $  6.42           $  6.50           $  6.55    

Total returnc

     (1.40)%          (0.30)%           2.49%           2.21%           2.94%           (1.86)%    

Ratios to average net assetsd

                 

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.64%          0.64%           0.61%           0.61%           0.60%           0.58%    

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.63%e        0.64%e,f        0.61%e,f        0.61%e,f        0.60%e,f        0.58%    

Net investment income

     2.59%          2.32%           2.36%           2.43%           2.77%           2.32%    

Supplemental data

                 

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $716,203          $854,640           $718,975           $622,339           $652,737           $949,085    

Portfolio turnover rate

     32.61%          86.72%           92.18%           69.10%           69.73%           46.16%    

Portfolio turnover rate excluding mortgage dollar rollsg

     32.61%          86.72%           92.18%           58.70%           38.79%           40.83%    

 

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

gSee Note 1(i) regarding mortgage dollar rolls.

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               79  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

Statement of Investments, March 31, 2018 (unaudited)

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund

 

          
Principal
Amount
 
 
     Value  
  Mortgage-Backed Securities 96.6%      
  Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) Fixed Rate 96.6%      
  GNMA I SF 15 Year, 6.50%, 5/15/18      $                5        $                5  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 3.50%, 4/15/43 - 5/15/43      29,737,755        30,188,840  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 4.00%, 10/15/40 - 1/15/45      48,494,081        50,248,897  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 4.00%, 8/15/44      18,312,175        18,970,556  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 4.00%, 1/15/45 - 8/15/46      51,483,815        53,333,184  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 2/15/39 - 12/15/39      51,317,769        54,312,881  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 3/15/39      17,982,335        19,017,903  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 1/15/40 - 6/15/40      49,863,121        52,752,161  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 6/15/40      14,579,923        15,423,468  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 6/15/40 - 8/15/40      46,175,452        48,754,867  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 7/15/40      14,945,739        15,794,916  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 8/15/40 - 6/15/41      38,941,103        41,236,267  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 2/15/33 - 10/15/33      50,335,545        53,970,092  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 10/15/33 - 6/15/39      48,939,816        52,483,707  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 6/15/39 - 10/15/39      46,667,195        50,070,401  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 8/15/39      21,374,422        22,975,408  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 10/15/39      14,662,779        15,764,437  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 10/15/39      20,047,418        21,545,067  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 10/15/39 - 2/15/40      42,234,832        45,319,931  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 11/15/39      26,137,592        28,092,280  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 2/15/40      14,083,346        15,134,475  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 2/15/40 - 6/15/40      48,273,328        51,746,068  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 3/15/40      17,456,733        18,764,039  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 6/15/40      23,173,141        24,888,247  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 9/15/40      22,473,953        24,158,862  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.50%, 5/15/28 - 6/15/33      49,469,116        54,394,673  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.50%, 6/15/33 - 5/15/36      49,170,685        54,097,518  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.50%, 6/15/36 - 7/15/39      49,429,008        54,313,359  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 5.50%, 8/15/39 - 2/15/40      15,550,306        17,121,941  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 6.00%, 10/15/23 - 10/15/33      48,105,234        53,886,477  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 6.00%, 10/15/33 - 6/15/37      47,911,093        53,935,912  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 6.00%, 6/15/37 - 12/15/39      48,086,273        53,829,861  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 6.50%, 5/15/23 - 8/15/37      45,644,904        51,246,280  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 7.00%, 3/15/22 - 9/15/32      31,714,196        34,510,705  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 7.25%, 12/15/25 - 1/15/26      86,130        87,631  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 7.50%, 6/15/21 - 8/15/33      8,860,101        9,504,694  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 7.70%, 1/15/21 - 10/15/21      41,448        41,546  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 8.00%, 2/15/20 - 9/15/30      3,365,889        3,467,696  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 8.50%, 9/15/19 - 5/15/25      607,706        625,115  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 9.00%, 5/15/18 - 7/15/23      508,828        519,986  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 9.50%, 6/15/18 - 8/15/22      490,523        495,079  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 10.00%, 6/15/18 - 3/15/25      207,872        209,442  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 10.50%, 5/15/18 - 10/15/21      87,411        87,942  
  GNMA I SF 30 Year, 11.00%, 9/15/18 - 5/15/21      8,163        8,196  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.00%, 2/20/45      9,466,503        9,380,731  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.00%, 7/20/47      256,384,030        252,478,725  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.00%, 9/20/47      58,792,726        57,874,082  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.00%, 10/20/47      25,367,090        24,970,728  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.00%, 11/20/47      93,903,311        92,412,370  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.50%, 10/20/40 - 5/20/43      36,284,438        36,796,637  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.50%, 7/20/42      55,265,789        56,099,657  

 

80       Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund (continued)

 

          
Principal
Amount
 
 
     Value  
  Mortgage-Backed Securities (continued)      
  Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) Fixed Rate (continued)      
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.50%, 8/20/42    $ 19,094,655      $ 19,382,764  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.50%, 9/20/42      126,547,178        128,456,606  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.50%, 10/20/42      26,116,792        26,510,865  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.50%, 11/20/42      21,756,444        22,084,728  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.50%, 4/20/43      26,688,827        27,091,558  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.50%, 5/20/43      36,139,327        36,684,666  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.50%, 6/20/43      41,744,128        42,374,050  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.50%, 8/20/43      29,915,473        30,366,919  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.50%, 9/20/47      798,489,325        806,802,724  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.50%, 11/20/47      734,981,747        742,645,909  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 3.50%, 2/20/48      304,093,806        307,258,927  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.00%, 5/20/40 - 2/20/44      23,710,273        24,663,449  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.00%, 11/20/40      36,435,807        38,096,838  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.00%, 12/20/40      21,447,372        22,424,207  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.00%, 1/20/41      23,506,411        24,578,337  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.00%, 7/20/41      29,263,744        30,596,498  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.00%, 9/20/41      34,447,467        36,015,141  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.00%, 10/20/41      42,612,775        44,553,989  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.00%, 11/20/41      38,912,646        40,684,479  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.00%, 2/20/44      24,133,959        24,966,690  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.00%, 10/20/47      236,094,305        242,957,450  
  a GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.00%, 4/01/48      75,000,000        77,070,759  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 5/20/33 - 7/20/40      45,062,880        47,381,792  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 12/20/39      24,532,881        25,795,593  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 5/20/41      32,057,855        33,714,584  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 6/20/41 - 8/20/42      16,872,784        17,752,097  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 6/20/41      38,871,666        40,896,321  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 7/20/41      42,209,630        44,419,375  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 9/20/41      56,480,872        59,446,196  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 10/20/41      42,105,835        44,316,000  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 4.50%, 2/20/44      22,917,003        24,153,161  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 7/20/33 - 4/20/40      43,420,015        46,777,222  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 9/20/33      23,598,815        25,644,312  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 7/20/39      13,901,889        14,978,976  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 5/20/40 - 9/20/41      9,614,841        10,334,056  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 5.00%, 6/20/40      16,640,265        18,086,140  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 5.50%, 6/20/34 - 6/20/35      47,075,734        51,879,890  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 5.50%, 12/20/34      15,352,558        16,920,180  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 5.50%, 7/20/35 - 4/20/40      28,176,902        30,701,595  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 6.00%, 10/20/23 - 5/20/37      47,304,943        53,421,668  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 6.00%, 8/20/37 - 7/20/39      20,131,129        22,651,577  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 6.50%, 6/20/24 - 1/20/39      22,895,028        25,861,870  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 7.00%, 2/20/28 - 7/20/33      5,609,603        6,481,013  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 7.50%, 10/20/22 - 4/20/32      1,174,463        1,308,921  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 8.00%, 5/20/24 - 6/20/30      567,152        648,107  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 8.50%, 5/20/19 - 6/20/25      118,321        123,308  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 9.00%, 6/20/18 - 11/20/21      27,958        29,446  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 9.50%, 8/20/18 - 4/20/25      47,346        48,203  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 10.00%, 4/20/19 - 3/20/21      40,562        42,237  
  GNMA II SF 30 Year, 10.50%, 8/20/18 - 1/20/21      33,656        33,821  

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      81


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund (continued)

 

              
Principal
Amount
 
 
     Value  
    Mortgage-Backed Securities (continued)      
    Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) Fixed Rate (continued)      
    GNMA II SF 30 Year, 11.00%, 1/20/19 - 1/20/21    $ 4,247      $ 4,262  
         

 

 

 
    Total Mortgage-Backed Securities (Cost $5,285,784,244)         5,257,463,418  
         

 

 

 
    U.S. Government and Agency Securities (Cost $90,459,572) 1.6%      
    U.S. Treasury Bond, 4.75%, 2/15/37      67,500,000        86,299,658  
         

 

 

 
   

Total Investments before Short Term Investments
(Cost $5,376,243,816)

        5,343,763,076  
         Shares     
    Short Term Investments (Cost $175,163,520) 3.2%      
         

 

 

 
    Money Market Funds 3.2%      
  b,c   Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.24%      175,163,520        175,163,520  
         

 

 

 
    Total Investments (Cost $5,551,407,336) 101.4%         5,518,926,596  
    Other Assets, less Liabilities (1.4)%         (76,577,343
         

 

 

 
    Net Assets 100.0%       $ 5,442,349,253  
         

 

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 120.

aSecurity purchased on a to-be-announced (TBA) basis. See Note 1(d).

bSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in affiliated management investment companies.

cThe rate shown is the annualized seven-day effective yield at period end.

 

82       Semiannual Report | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin Utilities Fund

 

    

Six Months Ended  
March 31, 2018  

(unaudited)  

     Year Ended September 30,  
        2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  
                                                   

Class A

             
Per share operating performance
(for a share outstanding throughout the period)
             

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $19.18          $17.85       $16.08       $16.58       $14.62       $14.04  

Income from investment operationsa:

             

Net investment incomeb

     0.24           0.53       0.48       0.49       0.49       0.49  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.96)          1.30       2.31       (0.09     2.00       0.60  

Total from investment operations

     (0.72)          1.83       2.79       0.40       2.49       1.09  

Less distributions from:

             

Net investment income.

     (0.30)          (0.49     (0.50     (0.48     (0.49     (0.51

Net realized gains

     (0.31)          (0.01     (0.52     (0.42     (0.04      

Total distributions

     (0.61)          (0.50     (1.02     (0.90     (0.53     (0.51

Net asset value, end of period

     $17.85           $19.18       $17.85       $16.08       $16.58       $14.62  

Total returnc

     (3.99)%           10.38%       18.23%       2.19%       17.24%       7.92%  

Ratios to average net assetsd

             

Expenses

     0.72%e,f        0.75% e,f      0.73% e,f      0.73% f      0.75% e,f      0.75% e 

Net investment income

     2.63%           2.86%       2.81%       2.88%       3.05%       3.34%  

Supplemental data

             

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

             $3,729,894           $4,182,780       $4,180,124       $3,524,835       $3,717,397       $3,275,129  

Portfolio turnover rate

     2.60%           0.89%       7.17%       9.55%       8.10%       4.57%  

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable, and is not annualized for periods less than one year.

dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               83  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin Utilities Fund (continued)

 

      Period Ended
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)a
 

Class M

  
Per share operating performance
(for a share outstanding throughout the period)
  

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $18.14  
  

 

 

 

Income from investment operationsb:

  

Net investment incomec

     0.13  
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.30
  

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (0.17
  

 

 

 

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.13
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

     $17.84  
  

 

 

 

Total returnd

     (0.93)%  

Ratios to average net assetse

  

Expensesf

     0.57%  

Net investment income

     2.78%  

Supplemental data

  

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $5  

Portfolio turnover rate

     2.60%  

aFor the period January 25, 2018 (effective date) to March 31, 2018.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable, and is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates and expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

84       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin Utilities Fund (continued)

 

    

Six Months Ended  
March 31, 2018  

(unaudited)  

     Year Ended September 30,  
        2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  
                                                   

Class C

             
Per share operating performance
(for a share outstanding throughout the period)
             

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $19.09         $17.76       $16.01       $16.50       $14.56       $13.98  

Income from investment operationsa:

             

Net investment incomeb

     0.20         0.43       0.39       0.40       0.41       0.41  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.98)        1.30       2.30       (0.08     1.98       0.61  

Total from investment operations

     (0.78)        1.73       2.69       0.32       2.39       1.02  

Less distributions from:

             

Net investment income.

     (0.25)        (0.39     (0.42     (0.39     (0.41     (0.44

Net realized gains

     (0.31)        (0.01     (0.52     (0.42     (0.04      

Total distributions

     (0.56)        (0.40     (0.94     (0.81     (0.45     (0.44

Net asset value, end of period

             $17.75          $19.09       $17.76       $16.01       $16.50       $14.56  

Total returnc

     (4.31)%          9.88%       17.59%       1.74%       16.61%       7.40%  

Ratios to average net assetsd

             

Expenses.

     1.22%e,f        1.25% e,f      1.23% e,f      1.23% f      1.25% e,f      1.25% e 

Net investment income

     2.13%          2.36%       2.31%       2.38%       2.55%       2.84%  

Supplemental data

             

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $867,860         $ 981,515     $ 1,064,065     $ 931,800     $ 986,318     $ 845,173  

Portfolio turnover rate

     2.60%          0.89%       7.17%       9.55%       8.10%       4.57%  

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable, and is not annualized for periods less than one year.

dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               85  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin Utilities Fund (continued)

 

    

Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018

(unaudited)

     Year Ended September 30,  
        2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  
                                                   

Class R

             
Per share operating performance
(for a share outstanding throughout the period)
             

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $19.11        $17.78       $16.02       $16.52       $14.58       $14.00  
  

 

 

 

Income from investment operationsa:

             

Net investment incomeb

     0.21        0.46       0.42       0.42       0.43       0.44  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.97)        1.30       2.30       (0.09     1.99       0.60  
  

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (0.76)        1.76       2.72       0.33       2.42       1.04  
  

 

 

 

Less distributions from:

             

Net investment income.

     (0.26)        (0.42     (0.44     (0.41     (0.44     (0.46

Net realized gains

     (0.31)        (0.01     (0.52     (0.42     (0.04      
  

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.57)        (0.43     (0.96     (0.83     (0.48     (0.46
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

             $17.78        $19.11       $17.78       $16.02       $16.52       $14.58  
  

 

 

 

Total returnc

     (4.18)%          10.04%       17.81%       1.83%       16.75%       7.56%  

Ratios to average net assetsd

             

Expenses.

     1.07%e,f        1.10% e,f      1.08% e,f      1.08% f      1.10% e,f      1.10% e 

Net investment income

     2.28%          2.51%       2.46%       2.53%       2.70%       2.99%  

Supplemental data

             

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $76,897      $ 94,465     $ 103,247     $ 83,271       $95,498     $ 86,216  

Portfolio turnover rate

     2.60%        0.89%       7.17%       9.55%       8.10%       4.57%  

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

86       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin Utilities Fund (continued)

 

     Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018
   

Year Ended September 30,

 
      (unaudited)     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013a  

Class R6

            
Per share operating performance
(for a share outstanding throughout the period)
            

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $19.32       $17.97       $16.18       $16.68       $14.71       $15.88  
Income from investment operationsb:             

Net investment incomec

     0.27       0.58       0.53       0.53       0.53       0.25  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.98     1.31       2.32       (0.09     2.01       (1.17

Total from investment operations

     (0.71     1.89       2.85       0.44       2.54       (0.92
Less distributions from:             

Net investment income

     (0.32     (0.53     (0.54     (0.52     (0.53     (0.25

Net realized gains

     (0.31     (0.01     (0.52     (0.42     (0.04      

Total distributions

     (0.63     (0.54     (1.06     (0.94     (0.57     (0.25

Net asset value, end of period

     $17.98       $19.32       $17.97       $16.18       $16.68       $14.71  

Total returnd

     (3.90)%       10.70%       18.55%       2.45%       17.51%       (5.79)%  

Ratios to average net assetse

            

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.52%       0.48%       0.47%       0.47%       0.48%       0.48%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.49%f       0.48% f,g      0.47% f,g      0.47% g      0.48% f,g      0.48%f  

Net investment income

     2.86%       3.13%       3.07%       3.14%       3.32%       3.61%  

Supplemental data

            

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

             $221,503     $ 241,455     $ 219,587     $ 201,225     $ 236,437     $ 218,746  

Portfolio turnover rate

     2.60%       0.89%       7.17%       9.55%       8.10%       4.57%  

aFor the period May 1, 2013 (effective date) to September 30, 2013.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

gBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               87  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin Utilities Fund (continued)

 

     Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018
   

Year Ended September 30,

 
      (unaudited)     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Advisor Class

            
Per share operating performance
(for a share outstanding throughout the period)
            

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $19.32       $17.97       $16.19       $16.68       $14.71       $14.12  
Income from investment operationsa:             

Net investment incomeb

     0.26       0.57       0.51       0.52       0.52       0.50  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.98     1.30       2.32       (0.09     2.00       0.62  

Total from investment operations

     (0.72     1.87       2.83       0.43       2.52       1.12  
Less distributions from:             

Net investment income

     (0.31     (0.51     (0.53     (0.50     (0.51     (0.53

Net realized gains

     (0.31     (0.01     (0.52     (0.42     (0.04      

Total distributions

     (0.62     (0.52     (1.05     (0.92     (0.55     (0.53

Net asset value, end of period

     $17.98       $19.32       $17.97       $16.19       $16.68       $14.71  

Total returnc

     (4.00)%       10.64%       18.34%       2.40%       17.37%       8.11%  

Ratios to average net assetsd

            

Expenses.

     0.57% e,f      0.60% e,f      0.58% e,f      0.58% f      0.60% e,f      0.60% e 

Net investment income

     2.78%       3.01%       2.96%       3.03%       3.20%       3.49%  

Supplemental data

            

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

             $884,092     $ 963,228     $ 755,484     $ 549,371     $ 562,202     $ 343,082  

Portfolio turnover rate

     2.60%       0.89%       7.17%       9.55%       8.10%       4.57%  

aThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

bBased on average daily shares outstanding.

cTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

dRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

eBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

fBenefit of waiver and payments by affiliates rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

88       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

Statement of Investments, March 31, 2018 (unaudited)

Franklin Utilities Fund

 

 

        Country      Shares      Value  
 

Common Stocks 99.3%

        
 

Electric Utilities 57.8%

        
 

ALLETE Inc.

     United States        397,290      $ 28,704,202  
 

Alliant Energy Corp.

     United States        3,800,000        155,268,000  
 

American Electric Power Co. Inc.

     United States        3,900,000        267,501,000  
 

Duke Energy Corp.

     United States        3,250,000        251,777,500  
 

Edison International

     United States        3,600,000        229,176,000  
 

Emera Inc.

     Canada        2,000,000        63,206,048  
 

Entergy Corp.

     United States        1,500,000        118,170,000  
 

Eversource Energy

     United States        2,300,000        135,516,000  
 

Exelon Corp.

     United States        6,700,000        261,367,000  
 

FirstEnergy Corp.

     United States        4,800,000        163,248,000  
 

Great Plains Energy Inc.

     United States        5,100,000        162,129,000  

a

 

Hydro One Ltd., 144A

     Canada        1,000,000        16,220,198  
 

NextEra Energy Inc.

     United States        2,900,000        473,657,000  
 

OGE Energy Corp.

     United States        1,800,000        58,986,000  
 

PG&E Corp.

     United States        2,800,000        123,004,000  
 

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

     United States        1,500,000        119,700,000  
 

PNM Resources Inc.

     United States        2,500,000        95,625,000  
 

Portland General Electric Co.

     United States        570,928        23,128,293  
 

PPL Corp.

     United States        2,750,000        77,797,500  
 

The Southern Co.

     United States        4,500,000        200,970,000  
 

Westar Energy Inc.

     United States        2,000,000        105,180,000  
  Xcel Energy Inc.      United States        4,600,000        209,208,000  
             3,339,538,741  
 

Gas Utilities 1.6%

        
 

Atmos Energy Corp.

     United States        200,000        16,848,000  
 

ONE Gas Inc.

     United States        38,181        2,520,710  
  Spire Inc.      United States        1,000,000        72,300,000  
             91,668,710  
 

Multi-Utilities 32.2%

        
 

Ameren Corp.

     United States        900,000        50,967,000  
 

Black Hills Corp.

     United States        800,000        43,440,000  
 

CenterPoint Energy Inc.

     United States        5,000,000        137,000,000  
 

CMS Energy Corp.

     United States        5,100,000        230,979,000  
 

Consolidated Edison Inc.

     United States        1,250,000        97,425,000  
 

Dominion Energy Inc.

     United States        4,200,000        283,206,000  
 

DTE Energy Co.

     United States        1,683,000        175,705,200  
 

National Grid PLC

     United Kingdom        10,083,333        113,494,647  
 

NiSource Inc.

     United States        2,500,000        59,775,000  
 

NorthWestern Corp.

     United States        596,800        32,107,840  
 

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

     United States        2,900,000        145,696,000  
 

Sempra Energy

     United States        2,650,000        294,733,000  
 

Vectren Corp.

     United States        1,000,000        63,920,000  
  WEC Energy Group Inc.      United States        2,150,792        134,854,658  
             1,863,303,345  
 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 4.4%

        
 

Enbridge Inc. (CAD Traded)

     Canada        847,200        26,616,433  
 

Enbridge Inc. (USD Traded)

     Canada        984,000        30,966,480  
 

Kinder Morgan Inc.

     United States        5,000,000        75,300,000  
 

ONEOK Inc.

     United States        568,200        32,341,944  
 

TransCanada Corp.

     Canada        1,000,000        41,310,331  

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

      89


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Franklin Utilities Fund (continued)

 

           Country      Shares      Value  
 

Common Stocks (continued)

        
  Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)         
  The Williams Cos. Inc.      United States        1,800,000      $ 44,748,000  
             251,283,188  
 

Water Utilities 3.3%

        
 

American Water Works Co. Inc.

     United States        1,500,000        123,195,000  
 

United Utilities Group PLC

     United Kingdom        6,700,000        67,253,107  
                       190,448,107  
 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $3,332,316,762)

           5,736,242,091  
                Principal
Amount
        
 

Corporate Bonds 0.2%

        
 

Electric Utilities 0.1%

        
 

Northeast Generation Co., senior secured note, B-1, 8.812%, 10/15/26

     United States      $  5,613,281        6,234,430  
 

Multi-Utilities 0.1%

        
 

Aquila Inc., senior note, 8.27%, 11/15/21

     United States        6,100,000        7,001,436  
 

Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $11,799,234)

           13,235,866  
 

Total Investments before Short Term Investments
(Cost $3,344,115,996)

           5,749,477,957  
          Shares     
 

Short Term Investments (Cost $8,879,870) 0.1%

        
 

Money Market Funds 0.1%

        

b,c

 

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.24%

     United States        8,879,870        8,879,870  
 

Total Investments (Cost $3,352,995,866) 99.6%

           5,758,357,827  
 

Other Assets, less Liabilities 0.4%

           21,893,662  
 

Net Assets 100.0%

         $ 5,780,251,489  

See Abbreviations on page 120.

aSecurity was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be sold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers or in a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933. This security has been deemed liquid under guidelines approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. At March 31, 2018, the value of this security was $16,220,198, representing 0.3% of net assets.

bSee Note 3(f) regarding investments in affiliated management investment companies.

cThe rate shown is the annualized seven-day effective yield at period end.

 

90       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

Financial Statements

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

March 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

      Franklin
DynaTech Fund
     Franklin
Growth Fund
     Franklin
Income Fund
 

Assets:

        

+Investments in securities:

        

Cost - Unaffiliated issuers

     $2,528,296,034      $ 5,337,205,858      $ 73,617,605,594  

Cost - Controlled affiliates (Note 3f and 11)

                   299,161,226  

Cost - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f and 11)

     168,212,818        252,178,231        509,074,939  

Cost - Unaffiliated repurchase agreements

                   17,011,579  

Value - Unaffiliated issuers

     $4,961,771,054      $ 14,572,435,051      $ 75,592,721,941  

Value - Controlled affiliates (Note 3f and 11)

                   302,701,595  

Value - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f and 11)

     168,212,818        252,178,231        312,618,967  

Value - Unaffiliated repurchase agreements

                   17,011,579  

Cash

     151,200        3,285,730        25,233,853  

Receivables:

        

Investment securities sold

     27,434,624               462,502,299  

Capital shares sold

     40,697,663        11,590,221        61,719,078  

Dividends and interest

     1,165,636        10,672,410        743,697,397  

Deposits with brokers for:

        

Exchange traded options written

                   890,000,000  

Other assets

     4,614        14,127        76,063  

Total assets

     5,199,437,609        14,850,175,770        78,408,282,772  

Liabilities:

        

Payables:

        

Investment securities purchased

     60,271,323               189,087,500  

Capital shares redeemed

     16,656,380        34,591,326        103,846,539  

Management fees

     1,903,262        5,395,306        23,895,317  

Distribution fees

     1,986,531        5,502,249        33,641,335  

Transfer agent fees

     1,272,650        4,428,244        10,758,150  

Options written, at value (premiums received $—, $— and $19,982,836, respectively)

                   22,440,000  

Payable upon return of securities loaned

                   101,750,579  

Unrealized depreciation on unfunded loan commitments (Note 9)

                   185,800  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     149,302        708,016        4,435,753  

Total liabilities

     82,239,448        50,625,141        490,040,973  

Net assets, at value

     $5,117,198,161      $ 14,799,550,629      $ 77,918,241,799  

Net assets consist of:

        

Paid-in capital

     $2,611,147,992      $ 5,429,732,859      $ 81,285,315,302  

Accumulated net investment loss

     (15,595,995)                

Undistributed net investment income

            4,983,177         

Distributions in excess of net investment income

                   (557,606,440

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     2,433,438,884        9,235,229,164        1,780,591,730  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     88,207,280        129,605,429        (4,590,058,793

Net assets, at value

     $5,117,198,161      $ 14,799,550,629      $ 77,918,241,799  

+Includes securities loaned

     $                    —      $      $ 97,991,090  

 

franklintempleton.com  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report      

      91


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

March 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

      Franklin
DynaTech Fund
     Franklin
Growth Fund
     Franklin
Income Fund
 
Class A:                     

Net assets, at value

     $2,915,885,158        $8,336,492,282        $43,544,926,764  

Shares outstanding.

     41,711,070        86,579,296        19,055,990,161  

Net asset value per sharea

     $69.91        $96.29        $2.29  

Maximum offering price per share (net asset value per share ÷ 94.25%, 94.25% and 95.75%, respectively)

     $74.18        $102.16        $2.39  
Class M:                     

Net assets, at value

           $                4,702  

Shares outstanding.

           2,058  

Net asset value per sharea,b

           $2.29  

Maximum offering price per share (net asset value per share ÷ 95.75%)

           $2.39  
Class C:                     

Net assets, at value

     $   468,828,325        $   994,442,847        $20,981,302,105  

Shares outstanding.

     7,966,368        11,252,188        9,062,261,038  

Net asset value and maximum offering price per sharea

     $58.85        $88.38        $2.32  
Class R:                     

Net assets, at value

     $64,438,760        $   507,133,236        $     308,864,427  

Shares outstanding.

     947,228        5,288,974        137,676,454  

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $68.03        $95.88        $2.24  
Class R6:                     

Net assets, at value

     $1,242,879,666        $2,264,311,803        $  2,099,137,411  

Shares outstanding.

     17,143,019        23,488,134        925,884,777  

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $72.50        $96.40        $2.27  
Advisor Class:                     

Net assets, at value

     $   425,166,252        $2,697,170,461        $10,984,006,390  

Shares outstanding.

     5,914,499        27,951,918        4,846,825,889  

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $71.89        $96.49        $2.27  

 

aRedemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

bNet asset value and maximum offering price may not recalculate due to rounding of net assets and/or shares outstanding.

 

92       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

March 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

     

Franklin

U.S. Government
Securities Fund

   

Franklin

Utilities Fund

 

Assets:

    

Investments in securities:

    

Cost - Unaffiliated issuers

     $5,376,243,816       $3,344,115,996  

Cost - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f and 11)

     175,163,520       8,879,870  

Value - Unaffiliated issuers

     $5,343,763,076       $5,749,477,957  

Value - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f and 11)

     175,163,520       8,879,870  

Cash

           2,466,500  

Receivables:

    

Investment securities sold

           16,244,543  

Capital shares sold

     2,711,239       7,237,785  

Dividends and interest

     16,946,615       11,407,836  

Other assets

     4,978       5,644  

Total assets.

     5,538,589,428       5,795,720,135  

Liabilities:

    

Payables:

    

Investment securities purchased

     77,048,437        

Capital shares redeemed

     11,060,211       9,965,954  

Management fees

     2,019,776       2,188,324  

Distribution fees.

     1,554,901       1,862,435  

Transfer agent fees

     1,992,111       1,103,730  

Distributions to shareholders

     1,754,907        

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     809,832       348,203  

Total liabilities

     96,240,175       15,468,646  

Net assets, at value

     $5,442,349,253       $5,780,251,489  

Net assets consist of:

    

Paid-in capital

     $6,024,919,036       $3,283,063,304  

Undistributed net investment income

           3,574,625  

Distributions in excess of net investment income

     (16,209,048      

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (32,480,740     2,405,374,786  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     (533,879,995     88,238,774  

Net assets, at value

     $5,442,349,253       $5,780,251,489  

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               93  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

March 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

     

Franklin

U.S. Government
Securities Fund

    

Franklin

Utilities Fund

 

Class A:

     

Net assets, at value

     $3,416,941,883        $3,729,893,930  

Shares outstanding

     574,367,234        209,013,105  

Net asset value per sharea

     $5.95        $17.85  

Maximum offering price per share (net asset value per share ÷ 95.75%)

     $6.21        $18.64  

Class M:

     

Net assets, at value

     $4,931        $4,918  

Shares outstanding

     829        276  

Net asset value per sharea

     $5.95        $17.84b  

Maximum offering price per share (net asset value per share ÷ 95.75%)

     $6.21        $18.63  

Class C:

     

Net assets, at value

     $667,399,837        $867,860,093  

Shares outstanding

     112,986,967        48,882,950  

Net asset value and maximum offering price per sharea

     $5.91        $17.75  

Class R:

     

Net assets, at value

     $33,832,267        $76,897,321  

Shares outstanding

     5,690,329        4,325,455  

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $5.95        $17.78  

Class R6:

     

Net assets, at value

     $607,967,316        $221,503,265  

Shares outstanding

     101,860,668        12,321,043  

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $5.97        $17.98  

Advisor Class:

     

Net assets, at value

     $716,203,019        $884,091,962  

Shares outstanding

     119,976,177        49,170,103  

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $5.97        $17.98  

 

 

aRedemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

bNet asset value and maximum offering price may not recalculate due to rounding of net assets and/or shares outstanding.

 

94       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Statements of Operations

for the six months ended March 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

      Franklin
DynaTech Fund
    Franklin
Growth Fund
    Franklin
Income Fund
 

Investment income:

      

Dividends: (net of foreign taxes)*

      

Unaffiliated issuers.

     $  11,781,844       $90,274,304       $570,103,269  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f and 11)

     573,368       1,092,627       6,942,930  

Interest:

      

Unaffiliated issuers.

                 1,219,066,961  

Controlled affiliates (Note 11)

                 2,746,885  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 11)

                 30,864,897  

Income from securities loaned (net of fees and rebates)

                 886,608  

Total investment income

     12,355,212       91,366,931       1,830,611,550  

Expenses:

      

Management fees (Note 3a)

     10,791,606       32,842,942       151,030,270  

Distribution fees: (Note 3c)

      

Class A

     3,437,272       10,495,467       34,129,922  

Class C

     2,127,044       4,916,993       72,109,149  

Class R

     136,529       1,305,745       842,224  

Transfer agent fees: (Note 3e)

      

Class A

     2,020,528       6,003,055       17,051,463  

Class M

                 1  

Class C

     312,575       703,075       8,313,542  

Class R

     40,286       375,148       127,381  

Class R6

     119,096       244,240       217,901  

Advisor Class

     315,825       1,923,149       4,250,306  

Custodian fees (Note 4)

     36,856       61,908       544,240  

Reports to shareholders

     170,136       481,253       2,224,712  

Registration and filing fees

     139,068       176,313       548,864  

Professional fees

     34,863       78,952       1,266,353  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     6,140       24,529       161,538  

Other

     33,321       114,762       957,696  

Total expenses

     19,721,145       59,747,531       293,775,562  

Expense reductions (Note 4)

     (25     (235     (104,142

Expenses waived/paid by affiliates (Note 3f and 3g)

     (247,006     (478,233     (3,121,642

Net expenses

     19,474,114       59,269,063       290,549,778  

Net investment income (loss)

     (7,118,902     32,097,868       1,540,061,772  

Realized and unrealized gains (losses):

      

Net realized gain (loss) from:

      

Investments:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     95,334,341       220,978,669       1,387,929,211  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f and 11)

                 (367,030,218

Written options

                 51,908,601  

Foreign currency transactions

     (94,948     13,138       (158,972

Net realized gain (loss)

     95,239,393       220,991,807       1,072,648,622  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

      

Investments:

      

Unaffiliated issuers

     443,304,096       872,974,910       (4,552,134,319

Controlled affiliates (Note 3f and 11)

                 53,570,976  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f and 11)

                 252,746,144  

Translation of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies

     (39,350           (17,074

Written options

                 662,521  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     443,264,746       872,974,910       (4,245,171,752

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     538,504,139       1,093,966,717       (3,172,523,130

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     $531,385,237       $1,126,064,585       $(1,632,461,358

*Foreign taxes withheld on dividends

     $24,765       $          572,839       $      13,610,200  

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               95  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Statements of Operations (continued)

for the six months ended March 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

     

Franklin

U.S. Government
Securities Fund

    Franklin
Utilities Fund
 

Investment income:

    

Dividends: (net of foreign taxes)*

    

Unaffiliated issuers

     $                 —       $102,721,294  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3f and 11)

     566,442       159,746  

Interest:

    

Unaffiliated issuers:

    

Paydown gain (loss)

     (15,826,313      

Paid in cash

     104,970,037       1,015,251  

Income from securities loaned (net of fees and rebates)

           11  

Total investment income

     89,710,166       103,896,302  

Expenses:

    

Management fees (Note 3a)

     12,660,117       14,087,787  

Distribution fees: (Note 3c)

    

Class A

     2,571,084       2,994,117  

Class C

     2,359,268       3,050,947  

Class R

     88,273       217,030  

Transfer agent fees: (Note 3e)

    

Class A

     2,572,433       2,095,406  

Class M

     1       1  

Class C

     534,190       492,704  

Class R

     26,334       45,821  

Class R6

     65,448       56,844  

Advisor Class

     552,332       496,301  

Custodian fees (Note 4)

     23,891       42,451  

Reports to shareholders

     225,692       233,186  

Registration and filing fees

     94,333       90,915  

Professional fees

     48,911       48,336  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     11,879       12,321  

Other

     514,339       55,561  

Total expenses

     22,348,525       24,019,728  

Expense reductions (Note 4)

     (39     (958

Expenses waived/paid by affiliates (Note 3f and 3g)

     (226,865     (106,191

Net expenses

     22,121,621       23,912,579  

Net investment income

     67,588,545       79,983,723  

Realized and unrealized gains (losses):

    

Net realized gain (loss) from:

    

Investments:

    

Unaffiliated issuers

     (9,044,695     114,622,749  

Foreign currency transactions.

           83,970  

Net realized gain (loss)

     (9,044,695     114,706,719  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

    

Investments:

    

Unaffiliated issuers

     (139,665,584     (452,919,658

Translation of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies

           13,012  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (139,665,584     (452,906,646

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     (148,710,279     (338,199,927

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     $  (81,121,734     $(258,216,204

*Foreign taxes withheld on dividends

     $                  —       $787,004  

 

96       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Franklin DynaTech Fund     Franklin Growth Fund  
     Six Months Ended           Six Months Ended        
      March 31, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
September 30, 2017
    March 31, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
September 30, 2017
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

        

Operations:

        

Net investment income (loss)

     $     (7,118,902     $    (10,773,451     $       32,097,868       $         65,365,826  

Net realized gain (loss)

     95,239,393       110,351,134       220,991,807       281,282,680  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     443,264,746       687,873,992       872,974,910       2,130,737,126  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     531,385,237       787,451,675       1,126,064,585       2,477,385,632  

Distributions to shareholders from:

        

Net investment income:

        

Class A

                 (31,386,194     (36,895,906

Class R

                 (717,885     (1,230,882

Class R6

                 (16,406,737     (11,177,576

Advisor Class

                 (15,847,658     (15,699,120

Net realized gains:

        

Class A

     (46,020,811     (67,256,053     (195,463,740     (234,479,371

Class C

     (8,263,869     (11,758,906     (24,691,047     (28,670,653

Class R

     (916,851     (1,284,067     (12,407,706     (14,987,347

Class R6

     (16,654,639     (11,046,724     (50,248,000     (38,880,082

Advisor Class

     (5,793,931     (7,824,210     (61,022,144     (64,547,148

Total distributions to shareholders

     (77,650,101     (99,169,960     (408,191,111     (446,568,085

Capital share transactions: (Note 2)

        

Class A

     145,712,737       (58,619,051     (131,157,188     (775,062,897

Class C

     56,075,988       (5,464,905     17,878,065       (50,580,939

Class R

     11,887,480       1,319,443       (30,195,848     (43,562,140

Class R6

     690,870,713       11,234,886       469,075,500       215,211,021  

Advisor Class

     (332,447,190     410,822,596       (238,778,470     419,014,663  

Total capital share transactions

     572,099,728       359,292,969       86,822,059       (234,980,292

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     1,025,834,864       1,047,574,684       804,695,533       1,795,837,255  

Net assets:

        

Beginning of period

     4,091,363,297       3,043,788,613       13,994,855,096       12,199,017,841  

End of period

     $5,117,198,161       $4,091,363,297       $14,799,550,629       $13,994,855,096  

Undistributed net investment income included in net assets:

        

End of period

     $                    —       $                    —       $         4,983,177       $       37,243,783  

Accumulated net investment loss included in net assets:

        

End of period

     $    (15,595,995     $      (8,477,093     $                     —       $                      —  

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               97  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

     Franklin Income Fund     Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund  
     Six Months Ended           Six Months Ended        
      March 31, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
September 30, 2017
    March 31, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
September 30, 2017
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

        

Operations:

        

Net investment income

   $ 1,540,061,772     $ 3,350,660,766       $    67,588,545       $   130,407,046  

Net realized gain (loss)

     1,072,648,622       1,860,395,900       (9,044,695     (63,379,288

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (4,245,171,752     3,978,607,766       (139,665,584     (107,534,558

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     (1,632,461,358     9,189,664,432       (81,121,734     (40,506,800

Distributions to shareholders from:

        

Net investment income:

        

Class A

     (1,159,404,745     (2,378,392,172     (52,191,790     (117,543,709

Class M

     (43           (40      

Class C

     (499,574,183     (1,087,030,360     (8,937,772     (23,194,188

Class R

     (8,214,731     (18,864,554     (469,071     (1,294,613

Class R6

     (56,154,357     (95,303,179     (9,662,040     (16,694,015

Advisor Class

     (299,448,723     (524,726,253     (11,450,389     (25,402,172

Total distributions to shareholders

     (2,022,796,782     (4,104,316,518     (82,711,102     (184,128,697

Capital share transactions: (Note 2)

        

Class A

     (914,067,921     (1,869,610,539     (62,259,646     (511,968,136

Class M

     5,000             5,000        

Class C

     (1,073,804,823     (2,293,654,717     (108,723,438     (202,855,335

Class R

     (37,926,923     (58,209,535     (3,481,480     (19,433,072

Class R6

     380,242,631       (32,346,017     178,797,605       (159,062,673

Advisor Class

     (172,208,492     2,925,976,903       (116,495,126     162,685,038  

Total capital share transactions

     (1,817,760,528     (1,327,843,905     (112,157,085     (730,634,178

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (5,473,018,668     3,757,504,009       (275,989,921     (955,269,675

Net assets:

        

Beginning of period

     83,391,260,467       79,633,756,458       5,718,339,174       6,673,608,849  

End of period

   $ 77,918,241,799     $ 83,391,260,467       $5,442,349,253       $5,718,339,174  

Distributions in excess of net investment income included in net assets:

        

End of period

   $ (557,606,440   $ (74,871,430     $   (16,209,048     $      (1,086,491

 

98       Semiannual Report  |  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

     Franklin Utilities Fund  
     Six Months Ended        
      March 31, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
September 30, 2017
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

    

Operations:

    

Net investment income

   $ 79,983,723     $ 177,423,281  

Net realized gain (loss)

     114,706,719       88,486,105  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (452,906,646     349,739,100  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     (258,216,204     615,648,486  

Distributions to shareholders from:

    

Net investment income:

    

Class A

     (62,985,661     (108,430,003

Class M

     (35      

Class C

     (12,510,837     (21,699,670

Class R

     (1,223,463     (2,242,163

Class R6

     (3,938,812     (6,694,467

Advisor Class

     (15,586,734     (23,372,926

Net realized gains:

    

Class A

     (66,128,695     (2,346,125

Class C

     (15,697,484     (595,960

Class R

     (1,496,735     (58,199

Class R6

     (3,834,374     (124,605

Advisor Class

     (15,623,915     (418,502

Total distributions to shareholders

     (199,026,745     (165,982,620

Capital share transactions: (Note 2)

    

Class A

     (160,019,833     (289,671,581

Class M

     5,000        

Class C

     (44,039,208     (156,252,743

Class R

     (11,156,134     (15,638,722

Class R6

     (2,810,947     4,295,848  

Advisor Class

     (7,926,561     148,535,428  

Total capital share transactions

     (225,947,683     (308,731,770

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (683,190,632     140,934,096  

Net assets:

    

Beginning of period

     6,463,442,121       6,322,508,025  

End of period

   $ 5,780,251,489     $ 6,463,442,121  

Undistributed net investment income included in net assets:

    

End of period

   $ 3,574,625     $ 19,836,444  

 

franklintempleton.com   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report               99  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Franklin Custodian Funds (Trust) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) as an open-end management investment company, consisting of six separate funds, five of which are included in this report (Funds) and applies the specialized accounting and reporting guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). The classes of shares offered within each of the Funds are indicated below. Each class of shares may differ by its initial sales load, contingent deferred sales charges, voting rights on matters affecting a single class, its exchange privilege and fees due to differing arrangements for distribution and transfer agent fees. Effective January 25, 2018, Franklin Income Fund, Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund and Franklin Utilities Fund began offering a new class of shares, Class M.

 

Class A, Class C, Class R, Class R6 & Advisor Class

Franklin DynaTech Fund

Franklin Growth Fund

 

Class A, Class M, Class C, Class R, Class R6 & Advisor Class

Franklin Income Fund

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund

Franklin Utilities Fund

The following summarizes the Funds’ significant accounting policies.

a.  Financial Instrument Valuation

The Funds’ investments in financial instruments are carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Funds calculate the net asset value (NAV) per share as of 4 p.m. Eastern time each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading. Under compliance policies and procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the Board), the Funds’ administrator has responsibility for oversight of valuation, including leading the cross-functional Valuation Committee (VC). The VC provides administration and oversight of the Funds’ valuation policies and procedures, which are approved annually by the Board. Among other things, these procedures allow the Funds to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value.

Equity securities and derivative financial instruments listed on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last quoted sale price or the official closing price of the day, respectively. Foreign equity securities are valued as of the close of trading on the foreign stock exchange on which the security is primarily traded, or as of 4 p.m. Eastern time. The value is then converted into its U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at 4 p.m. Eastern time on the day that the value of the security is determined. Over-the-counter (OTC) securities are valued within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. Securities that trade in multiple markets or on multiple exchanges are valued according to the broadest and most representative market. Certain equity securities are valued based upon fundamental characteristics or relationships to similar securities.

Debt securities generally trade in the OTC market rather than on a securities exchange. The Funds’ pricing services use multiple valuation techniques to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity exists, the pricing services may utilize a market-based approach through which quotes from market makers are used to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity may not exist or is limited, the pricing services also utilize proprietary valuation models which may consider market characteristics such as benchmark yield curves, credit spreads, estimated default rates, anticipated market interest rate volatility, coupon rates, anticipated timing of principal repayments, underlying collateral, and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows, which are then discounted to calculate the fair value. Securities denominated in a foreign currency are converted into their U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at 4 p.m. Eastern time on the date that the values of the foreign debt securities are determined.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV. Investments in repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.

The Funds have procedures to determine the fair value of financial instruments for which market prices are not reliable or readily available. Under these procedures, the VC convenes on a regular basis to review such financial instruments and considers a number of factors, including significant unobservable valuation inputs, when arriving at fair value. The VC primarily employs a market-based approach which may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values, and other relevant information

 

 

 

100         Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

for the investment to determine the fair value of the investment. An income-based valuation approach may also be used in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value. Discounts may also be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the investments. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations of such investments, the fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had an active market existed. The VC employs various methods for calibrating these valuation approaches including a regular review of key inputs and assumptions, transactional back-testing or disposition analysis, and reviews of any related market activity.

Trading in securities on foreign securities stock exchanges and OTC markets may be completed before 4 p.m. Eastern time. In addition, trading in certain foreign markets may not take place on every Funds’ business day. Occasionally, events occur between the time at which trading in a foreign security is completed and 4 p.m. Eastern time that might call into question the reliability of the value of a portfolio security held by the Fund. As a result, differences may arise between the value of the Funds’ portfolio securities as determined at the foreign market close and the latest indications of value at 4 p.m. Eastern time. In order to minimize the potential for these differences, the VC monitors price movements following the close of trading in foreign stock markets through a series of country specific market proxies (such as baskets of American Depositary Receipts, futures contracts and exchange traded funds). These price movements are measured against established trigger thresholds for each specific market proxy to assist in determining if an event has occurred that may call into question the reliability of the values of the foreign securities held by the Funds. If such an event occurs, the securities may be valued using fair value procedures, which may include the use of independent pricing services.

When the last day of the reporting period is a non-business day, certain foreign markets may be open on those days that the Funds’ NAV is not calculated, which could result in differences between the value of the Funds’ portfolio securities on the last business day and the last calendar day of the reporting period. Any significant security valuation changes due to an open foreign market are adjusted and reflected by the Funds for financial reporting purposes.

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. The Funds may enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of securities, income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the transaction date. Portfolio securities and assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies contain risks that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Occasionally, events may impact the availability or reliability of foreign exchange rates used to convert the U.S. dollar equivalent value. If such an event occurs, the foreign exchange rate will be valued at fair value using procedures established and approved by the Board.

The Funds do 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 in the Statements of Operations.

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 denominated assets and liabilities other than investments in securities held at the end of the reporting period.

c.  Joint Repurchase Agreement

Certain or all Funds enter into a joint repurchase agreement whereby their uninvested cash balance is deposited into a joint cash account with other funds managed by the investment manager or an affiliate of the investment manager and is used to invest in one or more repurchase agreements. The value and face amount of the joint repurchase agreement are allocated to the funds based on their pro-rata interest. A repurchase agreement is accounted for as a loan by the Fund to the seller, collateralized by securities which are delivered to the Funds’ custodian. The fair value, including accrued interest, of the initial collateralization is required to be at least 102% of the dollar amount invested by the funds, with the value of the

 

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

   101


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting

Policies (continued)

c.  Joint Repurchase Agreement (continued)

underlying securities marked to market daily to maintain coverage of at least 100%. Repurchase agreements are subject to the terms of Master Repurchase Agreements (MRAs) with approved counterparties (sellers). The MRAs contain various provisions, including but not limited to events of default and maintenance of collateral for repurchase agreements. In the event of default by either the seller or the Funds, certain MRAs may permit the non-defaulting party to net and close-out all transactions, if any, traded under such agreements. The Funds may sell securities it holds as collateral and apply the proceeds towards the repurchase price and any other amounts owed by the seller to the Funds in the event of default by the seller. This could involve costs or delays in addition to a loss on the securities if their value falls below the repurchase price owed by the seller. The joint repurchase agreement held by the Funds at period end, as indicated in the Statements of Investments, had been entered into on March 29, 2018.

d.  Securities Purchased on a When-Issued or Delayed Delivery and TBA Basis

Certain or all Funds purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery and to-be-announced (TBA) basis, with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and are subject to the risk that the value at delivery may be more or less than the trade date purchase price. Although the Funds will generally purchase these securities with the intention of holding the securities, they may sell the securities before the settlement date. Sufficient assets have been segregated for these securities.

e.  Derivative Financial Instruments

Certain or all Funds invested in derivative financial instruments in order to manage risk or gain exposure to various other investments or markets. Derivatives are financial contracts based on an underlying or notional amount, require no initial investment or an initial net investment that is smaller than would normally be required to have a similar response to changes in market factors, and require or permit net settlement. Derivatives contain various risks including the potential inability of the counterparty to fulfill their obligations under the terms of the contract, the potential for an illiquid secondary market, and/or the potential for market movements which expose the Fund to gains or losses in excess of the amounts

shown in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Realized gain and loss and unrealized appreciation and depreciation on these contracts for the period are included in the Statements of Operations.

Collateral requirements differ by type of derivative. Collateral or initial margin requirements are set by the broker or exchange clearing house for exchange traded and centrally cleared derivatives. Initial margin deposited is held at the exchange and can be in the form of cash and/or securities.

Certain or all Funds purchased or wrote exchange traded option contracts primarily to manage exposure to equity price risk. An option is a contract entitling the holder to purchase or sell a specific amount of shares or units of an asset or notional amount of a swap (swaption), at a specified price. When an option is purchased or written, an amount equal to the premium paid or received is recorded as an asset or liability, respectively. Upon exercise of an option, the acquisition cost or sales proceeds of the underlying investment is adjusted by any premium received or paid. Upon expiration of an option, any premium received or paid is recorded as a realized gain or loss. Upon closing an option other than through expiration or exercise, the difference between the premium received or paid and the cost to close the position is recorded as a realized gain or loss.

See Note 10 regarding other derivative information.

f.  Index-Linked Notes

Certain or all Funds invest in index-linked notes. Index-linked notes are senior, unsecured, subordinated debt securities issued by a financial institution, and the value is based on the price movements of the underlying index. Index-linked notes are designed to provide investors access to the returns of various market benchmarks and intended to replicate the economic effects that would apply had the Fund directly purchased the underlying referenced asset or basket of assets. The risks of investing in index-linked notes include unfavorable price movements in the underlying index and the credit risk of the issuing financial institution. There may be no guarantee of a return of principal with index-linked notes and the appreciation potential may be limited. Index-linked notes may be more volatile and less liquid than other investments held by the Funds.

 

 

102         Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

g.  Equity-Linked Securities

Certain or all Funds invest in equity-linked securities. Equity-linked securities are hybrid financial instruments that generally combine both debt and equity characteristics into a single note form. Income received from equity-linked securities is recorded as realized gains in the Statements of Operations and may be based on the performance of an underlying equity security, an equity index, or an option position. The risks of investing in equity-linked securities include unfavorable price movements in the underlying security and the credit risk of the issuing financial institution. There may be no guarantee of a return of principal with equity-linked securities and the appreciation potential may be limited. Equity-linked securities may be more volatile and less liquid than other investments held by the Funds.

h.  Securities Lending

Certain or all Funds participate in an agency based securities lending program to earn additional income. The Fund receives cash collateral against the loaned securities in an amount equal to at least 102% of the fair value of the loaned securities. Collateral is maintained over the life of the loan in an amount not less than 100% of the fair value of loaned securities, as determined at the close of Fund business each day; any additional collateral required due to changes in security values is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. The collateral is deposited into a joint cash account with other funds and is used to invest in a money market fund managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc., an affiliate of the Funds, and/or a joint repurchase agreement. The Fund may receive income from the investment of cash collateral, in addition to lending fees and rebates paid by the borrower. Income from securities loaned, net of fees paid to the securities lending agent and/or third-party vendor, is reported separately in the Statements of Operations. The Fund bears the market risk with respect to the collateral investment, securities loaned, and the risk that the agent may default on its obligations to the Fund. If the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities loaned, the Fund has the right to repurchase the securities in the open market using the collateral received. The securities lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Fund in the event of default by a third party borrower. At March 31, 2018, the Franklin Utilities Fund had no securities on loan.

i.  Mortgage Dollar Rolls

Certain or all Funds enter into mortgage dollar rolls, typically on a TBA basis. Mortgage dollar rolls are agreements between the Fund and a financial institution where the Fund sells (or buys) mortgage-backed securities for delivery on a specified date and simultaneously contracts to repurchase (or sell) substantially similar (same type, coupon, and maturity) securities at a future date and at a predetermined price. Gains or losses are realized on the initial sale, and the difference between the repurchase price and the sale price is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss to the Fund upon entering into the mortgage dollar roll. In addition, the Fund may invest the cash proceeds that are received from the initial sale. During the period between the sale and repurchase, the Fund is not entitled to principal and interest paid on the mortgage backed securities. Transactions in mortgage dollar rolls are accounted for as purchases and sales and may result in an increase to the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate. The risks of mortgage dollar roll transactions include the potential inability of the counterparty to fulfill its obligations.

j.  Senior Floating Rate Interests

Certain or all Funds invest in senior secured corporate loans that pay interest at rates which are periodically reset by reference to a base lending rate plus a spread. These base lending rates are generally the prime rate offered by a designated U.S. bank or the London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR). Senior secured corporate loans often require prepayment of principal from excess cash flows or at the discretion of the borrower. As a result, actual maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturity. Senior secured corporate loans in which the Funds invest are generally readily marketable, but may be subject to certain restrictions on resale.

k.  Income and Deferred Taxes

It is each Fund’s policy to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code. Each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its taxable income and net realized gains to relieve it from federal income and excise taxes. As a result, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes is required.

The Funds may be subject to foreign taxation related to income received, capital gains on the sale of securities and certain foreign currency transactions in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Funds invest. Foreign taxes, if any, are recorded

 

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

   103


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting

Policies (continued)

k.  Income and Deferred Taxes (continued)

based on the tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which the Funds invest. When a capital gain tax is determined to apply, certain or all Funds record an estimated deferred tax liability in an amount that would be payable if the securities were disposed of on the valuation date.

As a result of several court cases, in certain countries across the European Union, certain or all Funds filed additional tax reclaims for previously withheld taxes on dividends earned in those countries (EU reclaims). These additional filings are subject to various administrative proceedings by the local jurisdictions’ tax authorities within the European Union, as well as a number of related judicial proceedings. Income recognized, if any, for EU reclaims is reflected as other income in the Statements of Operations and any related receivable, if any, is reflected as European Union tax reclaims in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. When uncertainty exists as to the ultimate resolution of these proceedings, the likelihood of receipt of these EU reclaims, and the potential timing of payment, no amounts are reflected in the financial statements. For U.S. income tax purposes, EU reclaims received by the Funds, if any, reduce the amounts of foreign taxes Fund shareholders can use as tax credits in their individual income tax returns.

Each Fund may recognize an income tax liability related to its uncertain tax positions under U.S. GAAP when the uncertain tax position has a less than 50% probability that it will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based on its technical merits. As of March 31, 2018, each Fund has determined that no tax liability is required in its financial statements related to uncertain tax positions for any open tax years (or expected to be taken in future tax years). Open tax years are those that remain subject to examination and are based on the statute of limitations in each jurisdiction in which the Fund invests.

l.  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. Interest income and estimated expenses are accrued daily. Amortization of premium and

 

accretion of discount on debt securities are included in interest income. Paydown gains and losses are recorded separately on the Statements of Operations. Facility fees are recognized as income over the expected term of the loan. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except for certain dividends from securities where the dividend rate is not available. In such cases, the dividend is recorded as soon as the information is received by the Funds. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributable earnings are determined according to income tax regulations (tax basis) and may differ from earnings recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts to reflect their tax character. These reclassifications have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. Temporary differences are not reclassified, as they may reverse in subsequent periods.

Common expenses incurred by the Trust are allocated among the Funds based on the ratio of net assets of each Fund to the combined net assets of the Trust. Fund specific expenses are charged directly to the Fund that incurred the expense.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income, excluding class specific expenses, are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class. Differences in per share distributions by class are generally due to differences in class specific expenses.

m.  Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP 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 expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

n.  Guarantees and Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees are indemnified by the Trust against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as

 

 

104         Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. Currently, the Trust expects the risk of loss to be remote.

2.  Shares of Beneficial Interest

At March 31, 2018, there were an unlimited number of shares authorized (without par value). Transactions in the Funds’ shares were as follows:

 

     Franklin     Franklin  
     DynaTech Fund     Growth Fund  
      Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Class A Shares:

        

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     6,367,837     $ 435,926,940       6,250,804     $ 599,985,557  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     649,395       42,411,985       2,241,541       209,291,769  

Shares redeemed

     (4,900,449     (332,626,188     (9,802,762     (940,434,514
       

Net increase (decrease)

     2,116,783     $ 145,712,737       (1,310,417   $ (131,157,188

Year ended September 30, 2017

        

Shares sold

     9,362,267     $ 523,007,968       14,162,348     $ 1,174,286,495  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions.

     1,325,934       62,305,651       3,311,489       249,918,049  

Shares redeemed

     (11,882,951     (643,932,670     (26,713,031     (2,199,267,441
       

Net increase (decrease)

     (1,194,750   $ (58,619,051     (9,239,194   $ (775,062,897

Class C Shares:

        

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     1,670,401     $ 96,756,708       1,081,685     $ 95,826,220  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions.

     145,521       8,019,677       273,481       23,494,774  

Shares redeemed

     (850,950     (48,700,397     (1,149,972     (101,442,929
       

Net increase (decrease)

     964,972     $ 56,075,988       205,194     $ 17,878,065  

Year ended September 30, 2017

        

Shares sold

     1,608,949     $ 76,923,384       2,061,309     $ 157,211,473  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions.

     278,097       11,146,149       378,292       26,423,730  

Shares redeemed

     (2,017,425     (93,534,438     (3,058,986     (234,216,142
       

Net increase (decrease)

     (130,379   $ (5,464,905     (619,385   $ (50,580,939

Class R Shares:

        

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     320,570     $ 21,830,372       396,478     $ 37,940,573  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions.

     14,081       895,541       137,301       12,777,240  

Shares redeemed

     (165,519     (10,838,433     (844,755     (80,913,661
       

Net increase (decrease)

     169,132     $ 11,887,480       (310,976   $ (30,195,848

Year ended September 30, 2017

        

Shares sold

     267,584     $ 14,852,690       912,197     $ 76,231,533  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions.

     27,272       1,251,781       210,204       15,813,630  

Shares redeemed

     (280,176     (14,785,028     (1,629,437     (135,607,303
       

Net increase (decrease)

     14,680     $ 1,319,443       (507,036   $ (43,562,140

 

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

   105


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

2.  Shares of Beneficial Interest (continued)

 

     Franklin     Franklin  
     DynaTech Fund     Growth Fund  
      Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Class R6 Shares:

        

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     11,454,430       $  786,224,285       7,319,293     $ 697,242,997  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions.

     246,188       16,654,639       664,502       62,044,590  

Shares redeemed

     (1,571,471     (112,008,211     (3,004,157     (290,212,087
       

Net increase (decrease)

     10,129,147       $690,870,713       4,979,638     $ 469,075,500  

Year ended September 30, 2017

        

Shares sold

     1,671,232       $    92,675,376       6,556,890     $ 547,502,376  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions.

     228,050       11,046,724       613,371       46,278,808  

Shares redeemed

     (1,597,410     (92,487,214     (4,499,648     (378,570,163
       

Net increase (decrease)

     301,872       $    11,234,886       2,670,613     $ 215,211,021  

Advisor Class Shares:

        

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     2,283,325       $  159,045,222       3,434,597     $ 331,619,297  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions.

     79,332       5,323,142       772,474       72,226,322  

Shares redeemed

     (7,451,449     (496,815,554     (6,735,376     (642,624,089
       

Net increase (decrease)

     (5,088,792     $(332,447,190     (2,528,305   $ (238,778,470

Year ended September 30, 2017

        

Shares sold

     9,006,379       $  514,535,401       11,853,956     $ 980,377,887  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions.

     155,933       7,506,593       998,990       75,473,718  

Shares redeemed

     (1,979,331     (111,219,398     (7,733,627     (636,836,942
       

Net increase (decrease)

     7,182,981       $  410,822,596       5,119,319     $ 419,014,663  
           Franklin  
     Franklin     U.S. Government  
     Income Fund     Securities Fund  
      Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Class A Shares:

        

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     926,579,698     $ 2,191,310,521       67,521,749     $ 409,200,577  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     447,378,662       1,060,113,076       7,198,044       43,312,583  

Shares redeemed

     (1,763,973,175     (4,165,491,518     (85,037,731     (514,772,806
       

Net increase (decrease)

     (390,014,815   $ (914,067,921     (10,317,938   $ (62,259,646

Year ended September 30, 2017

        

Shares sold

     2,326,579,530     $ 5,409,263,110       88,315,020     $ 547,846,708  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     942,817,065       2,180,859,371       16,155,083       99,906,202  

Shares redeemed

     (4,077,035,296     (9,459,733,020     (187,133,417     (1,159,721,046
       

Net increase (decrease)

     (807,638,701   $ (1,869,610,539     (82,663,314   $ (511,968,136

Class M Shares:

        

Six Months ended March 31, 2018a

        

Shares sold

     2,058     $ 5,000       829     $ 5,000  

 

106         Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

           Franklin  
     Franklin     U.S. Government  
     Income Fund     Securities Fund  
      Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Class C Shares:

        

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     334,478,242     $ 801,284,726       4,935,332     $ 29,614,557  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     190,839,487       458,277,686       1,362,701       8,144,318  

Shares redeemed

     (975,038,808     (2,333,367,235     (24,396,769     (146,482,313
       

Net increase (decrease)

     (449,721,079   $ (1,073,804,823     (18,098,736   $ (108,723,438

Year ended September 30, 2017

        

Shares sold

     911,767,616     $ 2,142,426,105       14,550,091     $ 89,797,342  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     413,154,940       967,759,461       3,401,372       20,890,746  

Shares redeemed

     (2,297,260,192     (5,403,840,283     (50,952,421     (313,543,423
       

Net increase (decrease)

     (972,337,636   $ (2,293,654,717     (33,000,958   $ (202,855,335

Class R Shares:

        

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     12,851,921     $ 29,831,404       757,077     $ 4,565,740  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     3,320,608       7,725,627       73,484       441,918  

Shares redeemed

     (32,444,558     (75,483,954     (1,406,528     (8,489,138
       

Net increase (decrease)

     (16,272,029   $ (37,926,923     (575,967   $ (3,481,480

Year ended September 30, 2017

        

Shares sold

     29,390,834     $ 67,078,836       2,216,203     $ 13,791,777  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     7,822,410       17,773,811       199,172       1,231,596  

Shares redeemed

     (62,623,063     (143,062,182     (5,574,593     (34,456,445
       

Net increase (decrease)

     (25,409,819   $ (58,209,535     (3,159,218   $ (19,433,072

Class R6 Shares:

        

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     204,936,724     $ 482,815,039       36,428,526     $ 222,031,620  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     22,742,764       53,419,508       1,600,842       9,660,713  

Shares redeemed

     (66,880,921     (155,991,916     (8,766,105     (52,894,728
       

Net increase (decrease)

     160,798,567     $ 380,242,631       29,263,263     $ 178,797,605  

Year ended September 30, 2017

        

Shares sold

     45,238,070     $ 104,748,463       7,989,421     $ 49,592,166  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     39,448,905       90,547,964       2,685,559       16,667,699  

Shares redeemed

     (98,936,238     (227,642,444     (36,176,783     (225,322,538
       

Net increase (decrease)

     (14,249,263   $ (32,346,017     (25,501,803   $ (159,062,673

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

     107  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

2.  Shares of Beneficial Interest (continued)

 

                 Franklin  
     Franklin     U.S. Government  
     Income Fund     Securities Fund  
      Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  

Advisor Class Shares:

        

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

        

Shares sold

     589,149,896     $ 1,380,111,790       22,114,042     $ 134,147,350  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     111,821,111       262,732,211       1,714,653       10,349,609  

Shares redeemed

     (773,915,021     (1,815,052,493     (42,890,333     (260,992,085
       

Net increase (decrease)

     (72,944,014   $ (172,208,492     (19,061,638   $ (116,495,126

Year ended September 30, 2017

        

Shares sold

     2,163,722,071     $ 4,992,265,330       63,438,736     $ 394,713,677  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     201,275,423       462,952,027       3,720,638       23,067,829  

Shares redeemed

     (1,099,054,643     (2,529,240,454     (41,027,662     (255,096,468
       

Net increase (decrease)

     1,265,942,851     $ 2,925,976,903       26,131,712     $ 162,685,038  

aFor the period January 25, 2018 (effective date) to March 31, 2018.

 

     Franklin  
     Utilities Fund  
      Shares     Amount  

Class A Shares:

    

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

    

Shares sold

     15,388,836     $ 285,230,695  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     6,152,157       118,374,673  

Shares redeemed

     (30,561,917     (563,625,201
   

Net increase (decrease)

     (9,020,924   $ (160,019,833

Year ended September 30, 2017

    

Shares sold

     33,746,244     $ 620,365,753  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     5,477,068       100,790,068  

Shares redeemed

     (55,404,028     (1,010,827,402
   

Net increase (decrease)

     (16,180,716   $ (289,671,581

Class M Shares:

    

Six Months ended March 31, 2018a

    

Shares sold

     276     $ 5,000  

Class C Shares:

    

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

    

Shares sold

     2,278,088     $ 42,669,956  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     1,371,834       26,359,077  

Shares redeemed

     (6,187,912     (113,068,241
   

Net increase (decrease)

     (2,537,990   $ (44,039,208

Year ended September 30, 2017

    

Shares sold

     5,503,753     $ 100,721,777  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     1,083,738       19,834,562  

Shares redeemed

     (15,075,669     (276,809,082
   

Net increase (decrease)

     (8,488,178   $ (156,252,743

 

108  

      Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

     Franklin  
     Utilities Fund  
      Shares     Amount  

Class R Shares:

    

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

    

Shares sold

     547,137     $ 10,063,175  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     136,901       2,634,569  

Shares redeemed

     (1,301,035     (23,853,878
   

Net increase (decrease)

     (616,997   $ (11,156,134

Year ended September 30, 2017

    

Shares sold

     1,609,833     $ 29,215,041  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     121,708       2,225,505  

Shares redeemed

     (2,594,910     (47,079,268
   

Net increase (decrease)

     (863,369   $ (15,638,722

Class R6 Shares:

    

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

    

Shares sold

     1,352,066     $ 25,257,656  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     401,753       7,773,186  

Shares redeemed

     (1,928,417     (35,841,789
   

Net increase (decrease)

     (174,598   $ (2,810,947

Year ended September 30, 2017

    

Shares sold

     3,378,291     $ 61,987,731  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     367,045       6,819,073  

Shares redeemed

     (3,469,190     (64,510,956
   

Net increase (decrease)

     276,146     $ 4,295,848  

Advisor Class Shares:

    

Six Months ended March 31, 2018

    

Shares sold

     7,949,121     $ 149,301,424  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     1,484,912       28,746,338  

Shares redeemed

     (10,108,294     (185,974,323
   

Net increase (decrease)

     (674,261   $ (7,926,561

Year ended September 30, 2017

    

Shares sold

     21,268,414     $ 394,510,240  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     1,182,297       22,042,770  

Shares redeemed

     (14,639,265     (268,017,582
   

Net increase (decrease)

     7,811,446     $ 148,535,428  

aFor the period January 25, 2018 (effective date) to March 31, 2018.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

   109


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

3. Transactions with Affiliates

Franklin Resources, Inc. is the holding company for various subsidiaries that together are referred to as Franklin Templeton Investments. Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers and/or directors of the following subsidiaries:

 

Subsidiary    Affiliation
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers)   

Investment manager

Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (FT Services)   

Administrative manager    

Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors)   

Principal underwriter

Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC (Investor Services)   

Transfer agent

a.  Management Fees

Franklin Income Fund and Franklin Utilities Fund pay an investment management fee to Advisers based on the month-end net assets of each of the Funds as follows:

 

Annualized Fee Rate   Net Assets

0.625%

 

Up to and including $100 million

0.500%

 

Over $100 million, up to and including $250 million

0.450%

 

Over $250 million, up to and including $7.5 billion

0.440%

 

Over $7.5 billion, up to and including $10 billion

0.430%

 

Over $10 billion, up to and including $12.5 billion

0.420%

 

Over $12.5 billion, up to and including $15 billion

0.400%

 

Over $15 billion, up to and including $17.5 billion

0.380%

 

Over $17.5 billion, up to and including $20 billion

0.360%

 

Over $20 billion, up to and including $35 billion

0.355%

 

Over $35 billion, up to and including $50 billion

0.350%

 

Over $50 billion, up to and including $65 billion

0.345%

 

Over $65 billion, up to and including $80 billion

0.340%

 

In excess of $80 billion

Franklin DynaTech Fund, Franklin Growth Fund and Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund pay an investment management fee to Advisers based on the month-end net assets of each of the Funds as follows:

 

Annualized Fee Rate    Net Assets

0.625%

  

Up to and including $100 million

0.500%

  

Over $100 million, up to and including $250 million

0.450%

  

Over $250 million, up to and including $7.5 billion

0.440%

  

Over $7.5 billion, up to and including $10 billion

0.430%

  

Over $10 billion, up to and including $12.5 billion

0.420%

  

Over $12.5 billion, up to and including $15 billion

0.400%

  

Over $15 billion, up to and including $17.5 billion

0.380%

  

Over $17.5 billion, up to and including $20 billion

0.360%

  

Over $20 billion, up to and including $35 billion

0.355%

  

Over $35 billion, up to and including $50 billion

0.350%

  

In excess of $50 billion

 

110         Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

For the period ended March 31, 2018, each Fund’s annualized gross effective investment management fee rate based on average daily net assets was as follows:

 

Franklin

DynaTech Fund

 

  

Franklin

Growth Fund

 

  

Franklin

Income Fund

 

  

Franklin

U.S. Government Securities Fund

 

  

Franklin

Utilities Fund

 

0.463%    0.445%    0.371%    0.454%    0.455%

b.  Administrative Fees

Under an agreement with Advisers, FT Services provides administrative services to the Funds. The fee is paid by Advisers based on each of the Funds’ average daily net assets, and is not an additional expense of the Funds.

c.  Distribution Fees

The Board has adopted distribution plans for each share class, with the exception of Class R6 and Advisor Class shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Funds’ Class A and M reimbursement distribution plans, the Funds reimburse Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of each Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate for each class. Under the Class A and M reimbursement distribution plans, costs exceeding the maximum for the current plan year cannot be reimbursed in subsequent periods. In addition, under the Funds’ Class C and R compensation distribution plans, the Funds pay Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of each Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate for each class. The plan year, for purposes of monitoring compliance with the maximum annual plan rates, is February 1 through January 31 for each Fund.

The maximum annual plan rates, based on the average daily net assets, for each class, are as follows:

 

     

Franklin
DynaTech Fund

 

  

Franklin
Growth Fund

 

  

Franklin
Income Fund

 

  

Franklin

U.S. Government
Securities Fund

 

  

Franklin

Utilities Fund

 

Reimbursement Plans:

              

Class A

   0.25%    0.25%    0.15%    0.15%    0.15%

Class M

         0.25%    0.25%    0.25%

Compensation Plans:

              

Class C

   1.00%    1.00%    0.65%    0.65%    0.65%

Class R

   0.50%    0.50%    0.50%    0.50%    0.50%

d. Sales Charges/Underwriting Agreements

Front-end sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) do not represent expenses of the Funds. These charges are deducted from the proceeds of sales of fund shares prior to investment or from redemption proceeds prior to remittance, as applicable. Distributors has advised the Funds of the following commission transactions related to the sales and redemptions of the Funds’ shares for the period:

 

     

Franklin
DynaTech Fund

 

  

Franklin

Growth Fund

 

  

Franklin

Income Fund

 

  

Franklin

U.S. Government
Securities Fund

 

  

Franklin

Utilities Fund

 

Sales charges retained net of commissions paid to unaffiliated brokers/dealers

   $803,178    $1,017,788    $5,600,292    $206,865    $267,408

CDSC retained

   $  35,698    $     36,102    $   520,977    $  26,216    $  43,227

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

   111


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

3. Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

e.  Transfer Agent Fees

Each class of shares pays transfer agent fees to Investor Services for its performance of shareholder servicing obligations. Effective November 1, 2017, the fees are based on an annualized asset based fee of 0.02% plus a transaction based fee. Prior to November 1, 2017, the fees were account based fees that varied based on fund or account type. In addition, each class reimburses Investor Services for out of pocket expenses incurred and, except for Class R6, reimburses shareholder servicing fees paid to third parties. These fees are allocated daily based upon their relative proportion of such classes’ aggregate net assets. Class R6 pays Investor Services transfer agent fees specific to that class.

For the period ended March 31, 2018, the Funds paid transfer agent fees as noted in the Statements of Operations of which the following amounts were retained by Investor Services:

 

        Franklin
DynaTech Fund
       Franklin
Growth Fund
       Franklin
Income Fund
       Franklin
U.S. Government
Securities Fund
       Franklin
Utilities Fund
 

Transfer agent fees

       $573,609          $1,814,197          $8,280,379          $763,543          $724,611  

f.  Investments in Affiliated Management Investment Companies

Certain or all Funds invest in one or more affiliated management investment companies for purposes other than exercising a controlling influence over the management or policies. Management fees paid by the Funds are waived on assets invested in the affiliated management investment companies, as noted in the Statements of Operations, in an amount not to exceed the management and administrative fees paid directly or indirectly by each affiliate. Prior to October 1, 2013, the waiver was accounted for as a reduction to management fees. During the period ended March 31, 2018, investments in affiliated management investment companies were as follows:

 

    

Number of
Shares Held

at Beginning
of Period

    Gross
Additions
    Gross
Reductions
   

Number of
Shares

Held at End
of Period

   

Value

at End

of Period

    Dividend
Income
    Realized
Gain
(Loss)
    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Franklin DynaTech Fund

               

Non-Controlled Affiliates

               

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.24%

    90,584,258       555,149,373       (477,520,813     168,212,818       $168,212,818       $   573,368       $  —       $  —  

Franklin Growth Fund

               

Non-Controlled Affiliates

               

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.24%

    331,780,723       482,526,928       (562,129,420     252,178,231       $252,178,231       $1,092,627       $  —       $  —  

Franklin Income Fund

               

Non-Controlled Affiliates

               

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.24%

    4,208,455,331       9,946,152,061       (13,961,676,996     192,930,396       $192,930,396       $6,942,930       $  —       $  —  

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund

               

Non-Controlled Affiliates

               

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.24%

    90,681,295       585,575,893       (501,093,668     175,163,520       $175,163,520       $   566,442       $  —       $  —  

Franklin Utilities Fund

               

Non-Controlled Affiliates

               

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.24%

    21,127,106       368,150,323       (380,397,559     8,879,870       $    8,879,870       $   159,746       $  —       $  —  

 

112         Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

g.  Waiver and Expense Reimbursements

For Franklin Income Fund, Investor Services has contractually agreed in advance to waive or limit its fees so that the Class R6 transfer agent fees do not exceed 0.01% until January 31, 2019. For Franklin DynaTech Fund, Franklin Growth Fund, Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund and Franklin Utilities Fund, Investor Services has voluntarily agreed in advance to waive or limit its fees so that the Class R6 transfer agent fees do not exceed 0.02%. Investor Services may discontinue this waiver in the future.

h. Other Affiliated Transactions

At March 31, 2018, one or more of the funds in Franklin Fund Allocator Series owned a percentage of the following Funds’ outstanding shares:

 

Franklin

DynaTech Fund

  

Franklin

Growth Fund

  

Franklin

Income Fund

  

Franklin

U.S. Government
Securities Fund

  

Franklin

Utilities Fund

7.9%

   6.0%    2.0%    6.5%    2.3%

i.  Interfund Transactions

Franklin Income Fund engaged in purchases and sales of investments with funds or other accounts that have common investment managers (or affiliated investment managers), directors, trustees or officers. During the period ended March 31, 2018, these purchase and sale transactions aggregated $11,130,000 and $0, respectively.

4.  Expense Offset Arrangement

The Funds have entered into an arrangement with their custodian whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Funds’ custodian expenses. During the period ended March 31, 2018, the custodian fees were reduced as noted in the Statements of Operations.

5.  Income Taxes

For tax purposes, capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains. Capital loss carryforwards with no expiration, if any, must be fully utilized before those losses with expiration dates.

At September 30, 2017, the capital loss carryforwards were as follows:

 

      
Franklin
Income Fund
 
 
    


Franklin

U.S. Government
Securities Fund

 

 
 

Capital loss carryforwards subject to expiration:

     

2018

   $ 2,298,838,256        $  16,923,310  

2019

            4,445,156  

Capital loss carryforwards not subject to expiration:

     

Short term

     1,089,373,631        204,034,009  

Long term

     2,047,701,218        299,432,828  
  

 

 

 

    Total capital loss carryforwards

   $ 5,435,913,105        $524,835,303  
  

 

 

 

For tax purposes, the Funds may elect to defer any portion of a late-year ordinary loss to the first day of the following fiscal year. At September 30, 2017, Franklin DynaTech Fund deferred late-year ordinary losses of $8,477,090.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

   113


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

5.  Income Taxes (continued)

At March 31, 2018, the cost of investments and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for income tax purposes were as follows:

 

      Franklin
DynaTech Fund
    Franklin
Growth Fund
    Franklin
Income Fund
 

Cost of investments

     $2,697,378,323     $ 5,600,984,688     $ 74,724,917,945  

Unrealized appreciation

     $2,440,943,446     $ 9,351,653,075     $ 6,272,662,132  

Unrealized depreciation

     (8,337,897     (128,024,481     (4,794,965,995

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     $2,432,605,549     $ 9,223,628,594     $ 1,477,696,137  
     

Franklin

U.S. Government
Securities Fund

    Franklin
Utilities Fund
       

Cost of investments

     $5,551,665,733     $ 3,351,963,961    

Unrealized appreciation

     $     82,192,719     $ 2,480,689,095    

Unrealized depreciation

     (114,931,856     (74,295,229  

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     $    (32,739,137   $ 2,406,393,866    

Differences between income and/or capital gains as determined on a book basis and a tax basis are primarily due to differing treatments of paydown losses, bond discounts and premiums, corporate actions, equity-linked securities and wash sales.

6.  Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investments (excluding short term securities) for the period ended March 31, 2018, were as follows:

 

      Franklin
DynaTech Fund
     Franklin
Growth Fund
     Franklin
Income Fund
     Franklin
U.S. Government
Securities Fund
     Franklin
Utilities Fund
 

Purchases

     $837,496,609        $437,636,754        $21,089,284,044        $1,781,846,189        $160,912,802  

Sales

     $409,838,338        $626,960,176        $20,089,254,881        $1,919,082,603        $509,042,511  

At March 31, 2018, in connection with securities lending transactions, Franklin Income Fund loaned corporate bonds and notes and received $101,750,579 of cash collateral. The gross amount of recognized liability for such transactions is included in payable upon return of securities loaned in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The agreements can be terminated at any time.

7.  Credit Risk and Defaulted Securities

At March 31, 2018, Franklin Income Fund had 38.3% of its portfolio invested in high yield securities, senior secured floating rate notes, or other securities rated below investment grade and unrated securities, if any. These securities may be more sensitive to economic conditions causing greater price volatility and are potentially subject to a greater risk of loss due to default than higher rated securities.

Franklin Income Fund held defaulted securities and/or other securities for which the income has been deemed uncollectible. At March 31, 2018, the aggregate value of these securities was $1,138,165,419, representing 1.5% of the Fund’s net assets. The Fund discontinues accruing income on securities for which income has been deemed uncollectible and provides an estimate for losses on interest receivable. The securities have been identified in the accompanying Statement of Investments.

 

114         Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

8.  Restricted Securities

Certain or all Funds invest in securities that are restricted under the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act). Restricted securities are often purchased in private placement transactions, and cannot be sold without prior registration unless the sale is pursuant to an exemption under the 1933 Act. Disposal of these securities may require greater effort and expense, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. The Funds may have registration rights for restricted securities. The issuer generally incurs all registration costs.

At March 31, 2018, investments in restricted securities, excluding securities exempt from registration under the 1933 Act deemed to be liquid, were as follows:

 

Principal 
Amount
   Issuer   

Acquisition

Date

     Cost      Value  

Franklin Income Fund

        
165,515,180    a CEVA Group PLC, senior secured note, first lien, 144A, PIK,
    9.00%, 9/01/20 (Value is 0.2% of Net Assets)
     4/07/17 - 11/01/17      $ 152,236,933      $ 168,784,616  

aThe Fund also invests in unrestricted securities of the issuer, valued at $17,967,248 as of March 31, 2018.

9.  Unfunded Loan Commitments

Certain or all Funds enter into certain credit agreements, all or a portion of which may be unfunded. The Funds are obligated to fund these loan commitments at the borrowers’ discretion. Unfunded loan commitments and funded portions of credit agreements are marked to market daily and any unrealized appreciation or depreciation is included in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and the Statements of Operations. Funded portions of credit agreements are presented in the Statements of Investments.

At March 31, 2018, unfunded commitments were as follows:

 

Borrower    Unfunded
Commitment
 

Franklin Income Fund

  

PetroQuest Energy Inc., Mutlidraw Term Loan Facility

     $20,000,000  

10.  Other Derivative Information

At March 31, 2018, Franklin Income Fund’s investments in derivative contracts are reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as follows:

 

     Asset Derivatives              Liability Derivatives       

Derivative Contracts

Not Accounted for as

Hedging Instruments

  

Statement of

Assets and Liabilities

Location

   Fair Value       

Statement of

Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Equity contracts

   Investments in securities, at value      $—          Options written, at value     $22,440,000  

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

   115


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

10.  Other Derivative Information (continued)

For the period ended March 31, 2018, the effect of derivative contracts in the Franklin Income Fund’s Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

Derivative Contracts

Not Accounted for as

Hedging Instruments

  

Statement of

Operations Location

  Net Realized
Gain (Loss) for
the Period
    

Statement of

Operations Location

  Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
for the Period
 
   Net realized gain (loss) from:      Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:  

Equity contracts

   Investments     $  4,614,303 a     Investments     $6,245,230 a 
  

Written options

    51,908,601      Written options     662,521  

Totals

       $56,522,904          $6,907,751  

aPurchased option contracts are included in net realized gain (loss) from investments and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments in the Statements of Operations.

For the period ended March 31, 2018, the average month end notional amount of options represented $48,146,286.

See Note 1(e) regarding derivative financial instruments.

11.  Holdings of 5% Voting Securities of Portfolio Companies

The 1940 Act defines “affiliated companies” to include investments in portfolio companies in which a fund owns 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities. During the period ended March 31, 2018, investments in “affiliated companies” were as follows:

 

Name of Issuer   Number of
Shares/
Principal
Amount Held
at Beginning
of Period
    Gross
Additions
    Gross
Reductions
   

Number of
Shares/
Principal
Amount Held

at End

of Period

   

Value

at End

of Period

    Investment
Income
    Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Franklin Income Fund

 

             

Controlled Affiliatesa

 

             
              Dividends      

Stone Energy Corp.

    6,151,402                   6,151,402     $ 228,217,014     $       $ —       $49,457,272  
              Interest      

Stone Energy Corp., senior note, 7.50%, 5/31/22

    72,845,556                   72,845,556       74,484,581       2,746,885             4,113,704  

Total Controlled Affiliates

 

      $ 302,701,595     $ 2,746,885       $ —       $53,570,976  

 

116         Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Name of Issuer   Number of
Shares/
Principal
Amount
Held at
Beginning
of Period
    Gross
Additions
    Gross
Reductions
   

Number of
Shares/
Principal
Amount Held
at End

of Period

   

Value

at End

of Period

    Investment
Income
   

Realized

Gain (Loss)

    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Franklin Income Fund (continued)

 

             

Non-Controlled Affiliates

 

             
              Dividends      

CEVA Holdings LLC.

    81,371                   81,371     $ 49,636,347     $     $     $ 13,019,370  

CEVA Holdings LLC, cvt

               

pfd., A-1, 2/20/49

    2,897                   2,897       2,607,525                   811,230  

CEVA Holdings LLC, cvt

               

pfd., A-2, 2/20/49

    110,565                   110,565       67,444,699                   17,690,413  

Energy XXI Gulf Coast Inc.

    7,000,000             (7,000,000                       (276,683,474     244,184,332  

Goodrich Petroleum Corp.

    2,260,859             (2,260,859                       4,645,755       (1,960,199

Halcon Resources Corp.

    22,500,000             (17,158,515     5,341,485       b            (112,264,327     b 

W&T Offshore Inc.

    10,000,000             (10,000,000                       15,002,537       (14,382,287
      $ 119,688,571     $     $ (369,299,509   $ 259,362,859  
              Interest      

Halcon Resources Corp., senior note, 144A, 6.75%, 2/15/25

    108,000,000             (108,000,000 )c                  90,147       2,269,291       (6,616,715

W&T Offshore Inc., Second Lien Term Loan, 9.00%, 5/15/20

    161,850,000                   161,850,000       b      7,263,296             b 

W&T Offshore Inc., secured note, second lien, 144A, PIK, 9.00%, 5/15/20

    75,645,453       4,065,943 c            79,711,396       b      6,375,224 d            b 

W&T Offshore Inc., senior note, 8.50%, 6/15/19

    15,568,000       81,353,000             96,921,000       b      8,786,252             b 

W&T Offshore Inc., Senior Secured 1.5 Lien Term Loan, 11.00%, 11/15/19

    75,000,000                   75,000,000       b      4,113,699             b 

W&T Offshore Inc., senior secured note, third lien, 144A, PIK, 10.00%, 6/15/21

    67,697,026       3,384,851 c            71,081,877       b      4,236,279 d            b 
          $     $ 30,864,897     $ 2,269,291     $ (6,616,715

Total Non-Controlled Affiliates

 

      $ 119,688,571     $ 30,864,897     $ (367,030,218   $ 252,746,144  

Total Affiliated Securities (Value is 0.5% of Net Assets)

 

      $ 422,390,166     $ 33,611,782     $ (367,030,218   $ 306,317,120  

aIssuer in which the Fund owns 25% or more of the outstanding voting securities.

bAs of March 31, 2018, no longer an affiliate.

cGross addition/reduction was the result of various corporate actions.

dIncludes non-cash dividend/interest received.

12.  Credit Facility

The Funds, together with other U.S. registered and foreign investment funds (collectively, Borrowers), managed by Franklin Templeton Investments, are borrowers in a joint syndicated senior unsecured credit facility totaling $2 billion (Global Credit Facility) which matures on February 8, 2019. This Global Credit Facility provides a source of funds to the Borrowers for temporary and emergency purposes, including the ability to meet future unanticipated or unusually large redemption requests.

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

   117


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

12.  Credit Facility (continued)

Under the terms of the Global Credit Facility, the Funds shall, in addition to interest charged on any borrowings made by the Funds and other costs incurred by the Funds, pay their share of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the implementation and maintenance of the Global Credit Facility, based upon their relative share of the aggregate net assets of all of the Borrowers, including an annual commitment fee of 0.15% based upon the unused portion of the Global Credit Facility. These fees are reflected in other expenses in the Statements of Operations. During the period ended March 31, 2018, the Funds did not use the Global Credit Facility.

13.  Fair Value Measurements

The Funds follow a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Funds’ own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ financial instruments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:

 

    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments

 

    Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar financial instruments, interest rates, prepayment speed, credit risk, etc.)

 

    Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of financial instruments)

The input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with financial instruments at that level.

For movements between the levels within the fair value hierarchy, the Funds have adopted a policy of recognizing the transfers as of the date of the underlying event which caused the movement.

A summary of inputs used as of March 31, 2018, in valuing the Funds’ assets and liabilities carried at fair value, is as follows:

 

      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Franklin DynaTech Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Equity Investments

   $ 4,961,771,054      $      $             —      $ 4,961,771,054  

Short Term Investments

     168,212,818                      168,212,818  

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 5,129,983,872      $      $      $ 5,129,983,872  

Franklin Growth Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Equity Investmentsb

   $ 14,572,435,051      $             —      $      $ 14,572,435,051  

Short Term Investments

     252,178,231                      252,178,231  

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 14,824,613,282      $      $      $ 14,824,613,282  

 

 

118         Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3     Total  

Franklin Income Fund

          

Assets:

          

Investments in Securities:a

          

Equity Investments:b

          

Financials

   $ 5,981,207,540      $ 76,500,000      $             —     $ 6,057,707,540  

Industrials

     1,856,359,321        119,688,571              1,976,047,892  

All Other Equity Investments.

     24,480,558,676                     24,480,558,676  

Equity-Linked Securities

            10,768,464,384              10,768,464,384  

Index-Linked Notes

            99,214,550              99,214,550  

Convertible Bonds

            622,041,324              622,041,324  

Corporate Bonds

            28,920,930,980              28,920,930,980  

Senior Floating Rate Interests

            3,090,146,761              3,090,146,761  

Escrows and Litigation Trusts

                   c       

Short Term Investments

     192,930,396        17,011,579              209,941,975  

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 32,511,055,933      $ 43,713,998,149      $     $ 76,225,054,082  

Liabilities:

          

Other Financial Instruments:

          

Options Written

   $ 22,440,000      $      $     $ 22,440,000  

Unfunded Loan Commitments.

            185,800              185,800  

Total Other Financial Instruments

   $ 22,440,000      $ 185,800      $     $ 22,625,800  

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund

          

Assets:

          

Investments in Securities:a

          

Mortgage-Backed Securities

   $      $ 5,257,463,418      $     $ 5,257,463,418  

U.S. Government and Agency Securities

            86,299,658              86,299,658  

Short Term Investments

     175,163,520                     175,163,520  

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 175,163,520      $ 5,343,763,076      $     $ 5,518,926,596  

Franklin Utilities Fund

          

Assets:

          

Investments in Securities:a

          

Equity Investments

   $ 5,736,242,091      $      $     $ 5,736,242,091  

Corporate Bonds

            13,235,866              13,235,866  

Short Term Investments

     8,879,870                     8,879,870  

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 5,745,121,961      $ 13,235,866      $     $ 5,758,357,827  

aFor detailed categories, see the accompanying Statement of Investments.

bIncludes common, preferred and convertible preferred stocks and management investment companies.

cIncludes securities determined to have no value at March 31, 2018.

A reconciliation of assets in which Level 3 inputs are used in determining fair value is presented when there are significant Level 3 financial instruments at the beginning and/or end of the period.

14.  New Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in the ASU shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities acquired at a premium, to be amortized to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require an accounting change for securities acquired at a discount, which continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Management has reviewed the requirements and believes the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

   119


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

15.  Subsequent Events

The Funds have evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the financial statements and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure.

Abbreviations

 

Currency    Selected Portfolio     
CAD    Canadian Dollar    ADR    American Depositary Receipt   
EUR    Euro    FHLMC    Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.   
GBP    British Pound    FNMA    Federal National Mortgage Association   
USD    United States Dollar    FRN    Floating Rate Note   
      L/C    Letter of Credit   
      LIBOR    London InterBank Offered Rate   
      PIK    Payment-In-Kind   
      SF    Single Family   
      SPX B    S&P 500 Index Buy-Write   
      SPX B DT    S&P 500 Index Buy-Write Distribution   

 

 

 

 

 

120         Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

 

Special Meeting of Shareholders

MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS: OCTOBER 30, 2017 AND RECONVENED ON DECEMBER 15, 2017 AND DECEMBER 29, 2017

(UNAUDITED)

A Special Meeting of Shareholders of Franklin Custodian Funds was held at the offices of Franklin Templeton Investments, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California on October 30, 2017 and reconvened on December 15, 2017 and December 29, 2017. The purpose of the meeting was to elect Trustees of Franklin Custodian Funds and to vote on the following proposals: for each Fund to approve the use of a “manager of managers” structure whereby the Fund’s investment manager would be able to hire and replace subadvisers without shareholder approval; for each Fund, to approve an amended fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in commodities; and for Franklin Income Fund, to consider a shareholder proposal. At the meeting, (i) the following persons were elected by the shareholders to serve as Trustees of Franklin Custodian Funds: Harris J. Ashton, Terrence J. Checki, Mary C. Choksi, Edith E. Holiday, Gregory E. Johnson, Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., J. Michael Luttig, Larry D. Thompson, and John B. Wilson; (ii) the proposals to use a “manager of managers” structure to approve the amended fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in commodities were approved by shareholders of each Fund; and (iii) sufficient votes were not received to pass the shareholder proposal for Franklin Income Fund. No other business was transacted at the meeting.

In connection with the meeting, management is aware that some shareholders received from the proxy solicitor numerous calls and mailings that may have been distracting. Management is taking steps to ensure that, in the future, for any new shareholder meeting solicitations that occur, such activity is not repeated. Management apologizes for any inconvenience that may have been caused as a result of such calls and mailings.

The results of the voting at the meeting are as follows:

Proposal 1.     To elect a Board of Trustees:

 

Name    For            Withheld
Harris J. Ashton    20,620,255,266            682,475,910
Terrence J. Checki    20,622,617,162            680,114,004
Mary C. Choksi    20,641,972,272            660,758,903
Edith E. Holiday    20,643,191,970            659,539,208
Gregory E. Johnson    20,640,028,777            662,702,399
Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.    20,623,629,983            679,101,196
J. Michael Luttig    20,638,743,410            663,987,768
Larry D. Thompson    20,634,644,439            668,086,738
John B. Wilson    20,638,176,920            661,053,794

Total Trust Shares Outstanding*: 36,447,693,102

 

* As of the record date.

 

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

   121


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

Proposal 2. To approve the use of a “manager of managers” structure whereby the Fund’s investment manager would be able to hire and replace subadvisers without shareholder approval:

Franklin DynaTech Fund

 

     Shares  

 

 

For

     26,120,033  

Against

     1,611,032  

Abstain

     1,036,224  

Broker Non-Votes

     7,606,644  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     36,373,925  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     64,259,298  
  
Franklin Growth Fund   
     Shares  

 

 

For

     62,525,115  

Against

     3,841,242  

Abstain

     2,289,625  

Broker Non-Votes

     17,966,153  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     86,622,134  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     153,895,391  
  
Franklin Income Fund   
     Shares  

 

 

For

     13,745,941,125  

Against

     1,083,743,995  

Abstain

     700,822,344  

Broker Non-Votes

     4,857,894,126  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     20,388,081,146  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     34,952,846,556  
  
Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund   
  
     Shares  

 

 

For

     428,222,393  

Against

     29,263,682  

Abstain

     20,078,313  

Broker Non-Votes

     103,560,080  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     581,124,647  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     940,312,857  
  
Franklin Utilities Fund   
     Shares  

 

 

For

     143,130,068  

Against

     10,836,309  

Abstain

     7,518,358  

Broker Non-Votes

     48,794,594  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     210,279,325  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     336,129,000  

 

122  

      Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

 

Proposal 3. To approve an amended fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in commodities:

Franklin DynaTech Fund

 

     Shares  

 

 

For

     26,263,004  

Against

     1,160,563  

Abstain

     1,343,715  

Broker Non-Votes

     7,606,644  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     36,373,925  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     64,259,298  
  
Franklin Growth Fund   
     Shares  

 

 

For

     62,908,596  

Against

     2,906,472  

Abstain

     2,840,914  

Broker Non-Votes

     17,966,153  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     86,622,134  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     153,895,391  
  
Franklin Income Fund   
     Shares  

 

 

For

     13,861,058,200  

Against

     776,938,721  

Abstain

     892,190,099  

Broker Non-Votes

     4,857,894,126  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     20,388,081,146  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     34,952,846,556  
  
Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund   
     Shares  

 

 

For

     428,632,998  

Against

     23,699,554  

Abstain

     25,232,014  

Broker Non-Votes

     103,560,080  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     581,124,647  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     940,312,857  
  
Franklin Utilities Fund   
     Shares  

 

 

For

     143,792,779  

Against

     8,193,703  

Abstain

     9,498,250  

Broker Non-Votes

     48,794,594  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     210,279,325  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     336,129,000  

 

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

     123  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

Proposal 4. Shareholder proposal requesting that Franklin Income Fund’s Board institute procedures to prevent holding investments in companies that, in the judgment of the Board, substantially contribute to genocide or crimes against humanity:

 

     Shares  

 

 

For

     3,258,164,390  

Against

     11,233,489,698  

Abstain

     1,038,532,927  

Broker Non-Votes

     4,857,894,126  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     20,388,081,146  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     34,952,846,556  

 

 

 

 

 

 

124  

      Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

Shareholder Information

 

Board Approval of Investment Management Agreements

FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

Franklin Dynatech Fund

Franklin Growth Fund

Franklin Income Fund

Franklin U.S. Government Securities

Fund Franklin Utilities Fund

(each a Fund)

At an in-person meeting held on February 27, 2018 (Meeting), the Board of Trustees (Board) of Franklin Custodian Funds (Trust), including a majority of the trustees who are not “interested persons” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (Independent Trustees), reviewed and approved the continuance of the investment management agreement between Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Manager) and the Trust, on behalf of each Fund (each a Management Agreement) for an additional one-year period. The Independent Trustees received advice from and met separately with Independent Trustee counsel in considering whether to approve the continuation of each Management Agreement. Although the Management Agreements for the Funds were considered at the same Board meeting, the Board considered the information provided to it about the Funds together and with respect to each Fund separately as the Board deemed appropriate.

In considering the continuation of each Management Agreement, the Board reviewed and considered information provided by the Manager at the Meeting and throughout the year at meetings of the Board and its committees. The Board also reviewed and considered information provided in response to a detailed set of requests for information submitted to the Manager by Independent Trustee counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees in connection with the annual contract renewal process. In addition, prior to the Meeting, the Independent Trustees held a telephonic contract renewal meeting at which the Independent Trustees conferred amongst themselves and Independent Trustee counsel about contract renewal matters. The Board reviewed and considered all of the factors it deemed relevant in approving the continuance of each Management Agreement, including, but not limited to: (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Manager; (ii) the investment performance of each Fund; (iii) the costs of the services provided and profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates from the relationship with each Fund; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale are realized as each

Fund grows; and (v) whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund investors.

In approving the continuance of each Management Agreement, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, determined that the terms of the Management Agreement are fair and reasonable and that the continuance of such Management Agreement is in the interests of the applicable Fund and its shareholders. While attention was given to all information furnished, the following discusses some primary factors relevant to the Board’s determination.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services

The Board reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of investment management services provided by the Manager and its affiliates to the Funds and their shareholders. This information included, among other things, the qualifications, background and experience of the senior management and investment personnel of the Manager; the structure of investment personnel compensation; oversight of third-party service providers; investment performance reports and related financial information for each Fund; reports on expenses, shareholder services, marketing support payments made to financial intermediaries and third party servicing arrangements; legal and compliance matters; risk controls; pricing and other services provided by the Manager and its affiliates; and management fees charged by the Manager and its affiliates to U.S. funds and other accounts, including management’s explanation of differences among accounts where relevant. The Board also reviewed and considered an annual report on payments made by Franklin Templeton Investments (FTI) or the Funds to financial intermediaries, as well as a memorandum relating to third-party servicing arrangements in response to a guidance update in 2016 from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) relating to mutual fund distribution and sub-accounting fees. The Board noted management’s continuing efforts and expenditures in establishing effective business continuity plans and developing strategies to address areas of heightened concern in the mutual fund industry, such as cybersecurity and liquidity risk management. The Board also recognized management’s commitment to facilitating Board oversight of particular areas, including derivatives and payments to intermediaries, by enhanced reporting.

The Board also reviewed and considered the benefits provided to Fund shareholders of investing in a fund that is part of the Franklin Templeton family of funds. The Board noted the financial position of Franklin Resources, Inc. (FRI), the

 

 

franklintempleton.com   Semiannual Report            125  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Manager’s parent, and its commitment to the mutual fund business as evidenced by its continued introduction of new funds, reassessment of the fund offerings in response to the market environment and project initiatives and capital investments relating to the services provided to the Funds by the FTI organization.

Following consideration of such information, the Board was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Manager and its affiliates to the Funds and their shareholders.

Fund Performance

The Board reviewed and considered the performance results of each Fund over various time periods ended December 31, 2017. The Board considered the performance returns for each Fund in comparison to the performance returns of mutual funds deemed comparable to the Fund included in a universe (Performance Universe) selected by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (Broadridge), an independent provider of investment company data. The Board received a description of the methodology used by Broadridge to select the mutual funds included in a Performance Universe. The Board also reviewed and considered Fund performance reports provided and discussions that occurred with portfolio managers at Board meetings throughout the year. A summary of each Fund’s performance results is below.

Franklin DynaTech Fund - The Performance Universe for this Fund included the Fund and all retail and institutional multi-cap growth funds. The Board noted that the Fund’s annualized total return for the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods was above the median of its Performance Universe. The Board concluded that the Fund’s performance was satisfactory.

Franklin Growth Fund - The Performance Universe for this Fund included the Fund and all retail and institutional multi-cap growth funds. The Board noted that the Fund’s annualized total return for the one-year period was below the median of its Performance Universe, but for the three-, five- and 10-year periods was above the median of its Performance Universe. The Board concluded that the Fund’s performance was satisfactory. In doing so, the Board noted that the Fund’s annualized total return for the one-year period exceeded 26%.

Franklin Income Fund - The Performance Universe for this Fund included the Fund and all retail and institutional mixed-asset target allocation moderate funds. The Board noted that the Fund’s annualized income return for the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods was above the median of its

Performance Universe. The Board also noted that the Fund’s annualized total return for the one-, three- and five-year periods was below the median of its Performance Universe, but for the 10-year period was above the median of its Performance Universe. Given the Fund’s income-oriented investment objective, the Board concluded that the Fund’s performance was satisfactory.

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund - The Performance Universe for this Fund included the Fund and all retail and institutional Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) funds. The Board noted that the Fund’s annualized income return for the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods was above the median of its Performance Universe. The Board also noted that the Fund’s annualized total return for the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods was below the median of its Performance Universe. Given the Fund’s income-oriented investment objective and conservative policy of investing substantially all of its assets in Ginnie Mae obligations, the Board concluded that the Fund’s performance was satisfactory.

Franklin Utilities Fund - The Performance Universe for this Fund included the Fund and all retail and institutional utility funds. The Board noted that the Fund’s annualized income return for the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods was above the median of its Performance Universe. The Board also noted that the Fund’s annualized total return for the one-year period was below the median of its Performance Universe, but for the three-, five- and 10-year periods was above the median of its Performance Universe. The Board concluded that the Fund’s performance was satisfactory.

Comparative Fees and Expenses

The Board reviewed and considered information regarding each Fund’s actual total expense ratio and its various components, including, as applicable, management fees; transfer agent expenses; underlying fund expenses; Rule 12b-1 and non-Rule 12b-1 service fees; and other non-management fees. The Board also noted the quarterly and annual reports it receives on all marketing support payments made by FTI to financial intermediaries. The Board considered the actual total expense ratio and, separately, the contractual management fee rate, without the effect of fee waivers (Management Rate), if any, of each Fund in comparison to the median expense ratio and median Management Rate, respectively, of other mutual funds deemed comparable to and with a similar expense structure as the Fund selected by Broadridge (Expense Group). Broadridge fee and expense data is based upon information taken from each fund’s most recent annual report, which

 

 

126         Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

reflects historical asset levels that may be quite different from those currently existing, particularly in a period of market volatility. While recognizing such inherent limitation and the fact that expense ratios and Management Rates generally increase as assets decline and decrease as assets grow, the Board believed the independent analysis conducted by Broadridge to be an appropriate measure of comparative fees and expenses. The Broadridge Management Rate includes administrative charges, and the actual total expense ratio, for comparative consistency, was shown for Class A shares for funds with multiple classes of shares. The Board received a description of the methodology used by Broadridge to select the mutual funds included in an Expense Group.

Franklin DynaTech Fund, Franklin Growth Fund, Franklin Income Fund and Franklin Utilities Fund - The Expense Group for the Franklin DynaTech Fund included the Fund and 11 other multi-cap growth funds. The Expense Group for the Franklin Growth Fund included the Fund and eight other multi-cap growth funds. The Expense Group for the Franklin Income Fund included the Fund and seven other mixed-asset target allocation moderate funds. The Expense Group for the Franklin Utilities Fund included the Fund and six other utility funds. The Board noted that the Management Rates and actual total expense ratios for these Funds were below the medians of their respective Expense Groups. The Board concluded that the Management Rates charged to these Funds are reasonable.

Franklin U.S. Government Securities Fund - The Expense Group for the Fund included the Fund, six other GNMA funds and six U.S. mortgage funds. The Board noted that the Management Rate for the Fund was equal to the median of its Expense Group, but its actual total expense ratio was below the median of its Expense Group. The Board concluded that the Management Rate charged to the Fund is reasonable.

Profitability

The Board reviewed and considered information regarding the profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates in connection with the operation of each Fund. In this respect, the Board considered the Fund profitability analysis provided by the Manager that addresses the overall profitability of FTI’s U.S. fund business, as well as its profits in providing investment management and other services to each of the individual funds during the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017, being the most recent fiscal year-end for FRI. The Board noted that although management continually makes refinements to its methodologies used in calculating profitability in response to organizational and product-related changes, the overall

methodology has remained consistent with that used in the Funds’ profitability report presentations from prior years. Additionally, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, auditor to Franklin Resources, Inc. and certain Franklin Templeton funds, has been engaged by the Manager to periodically review and assess the allocation methodologies to be used solely by the Funds’ Board with respect to the profitability analysis.

The Board noted management’s belief that costs incurred in establishing the infrastructure necessary for the type of mutual fund operations conducted by the Manager and its affiliates may not be fully reflected in the expenses allocated to each Fund in determining its profitability, as well as the fact that the level of profits, to a certain extent, reflected operational cost savings and efficiencies initiated by management. The Board also noted management’s expenditures in improving shareholder services provided to the Funds, as well as the need to implement systems and meet additional regulatory and compliance requirements resulting from recent SEC and other regulatory requirements.

The Board also considered the extent to which the Manager and its affiliates might derive ancillary benefits from fund operations, including revenues generated from transfer agent services, potential benefits resulting from personnel and systems enhancements necessitated by fund growth, as well as increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Based upon its consideration of all these factors, the Board concluded that the level of profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates from providing services to each Fund was not excessive in view of the nature, extent and quality of services provided to each Fund.

Economies of Scale

The Board reviewed and considered the extent to which the Manager may realize economies of scale, if any, as each Fund grows larger and whether the Fund’s management fee structure reflects any economies of scale for the benefit of shareholders. With respect to possible economies of scale, the Board noted the existence of management fee breakpoints, which operate generally to share any economies of scale with a Fund’s shareholders by reducing the Fund’s effective management fees as the Fund grows in size. The Board considered the Manager’s view that any analyses of potential economies of scale in managing a particular fund are inherently limited in light of the joint and common costs and investments the Manager incurs across the Franklin Templeton family of funds as a whole. The Board noted that the Franklin Income Fund had experienced a decrease in assets over the past three years and would not be

 

 

franklintempleton.com  

Semiannual Report      

   127


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

expected to demonstrate additional economies of scale in the near term, but concluded that to the extent economies of scale may be realized by the Manager and its affiliates, each Fund’s management fee structure provided a sharing of benefits with the Fund and its shareholders as the Fund grows.

Conclusion

Based on its review, consideration and evaluation of all factors it believed relevant, including the above-described factors and conclusions, the Board unanimously approved the continuation of each Management Agreement for an additional one-year period.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

The Trust’s investment manager has established Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. Shareholders may view the Trust’s complete Policies online at franklintempleton.com. Alternatively, shareholders may request copies of the Policies free of charge by calling the Proxy Group collect at (954) 527-7678 or by sending a written request to: Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC, 300 S.E. 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, Attention: Proxy Group. Copies of the Trust’s proxy voting records are also made available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov and reflect the most recent 12-month period ended June 30.

Quarterly Statement of Investments

The Trust files a complete statement of investments with the US Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-Q by visiting the Commission’s website at sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.

 

 

128         Semiannual Report    franklintempleton.com


 

 

 

 

 

 

LOGO

    

 

Semiannual Report and Shareholder Letter

Franklin Custodian Funds

 

Investment Manager

Franklin Advisers, Inc.

 

Distributor

Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.

(800) DIAL BEN® / 342-5236

franklintempleton.com

 

Shareholder Services

(800) 632-2301

 

  
       

 

 

Authorized for distribution only when accompanied or preceded by a summary prospectus and/or prospectus. Investors should carefully consider a fund’s investment goals, risks, charges and expenses before investing. A prospectus contains this and other information; please read it carefully before investing.

To help ensure we provide you with quality service, all calls to and from our service areas are monitored and/or recorded.

 

© 2018 Franklin Templeton Investments. All rights reserved.    FCF S 05/18


    

 

 

    

 

 

     
1           Semiannual Report   


Semiannual Report

Franklin Focused Growth Fund

 

We are pleased to bring you Franklin Focused Growth Fund’s semiannual report for the period ended March 31, 2018.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks capital appreciation by investing in a focused portfolio of approximately 20–50 stocks that the investment manager believes have favorable growth, quality and valuation characteristics.

Performance Overview

For the period under review, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares delivered a +11.68% cumulative total return. In comparison, the Russell 1000® Growth Index, which measures performance of those Russell 1000® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values, generated a +9.39% total return.1 You can find more of the Fund’s performance data in the Performance Summary beginning on page 5.

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown.

Economic and Market Overview

The US economy continued to grow during the six months under review. The economy expanded in 2017’s fourth quarter, though at a slower pace compared to the third quarter. Growth continued to moderate in 2018’s first quarter due to a slowdown in consumer spending, residential fixed investment, exports, and state and local government spending. The manufacturing and services sectors expanded during the period. The unemployment rate declined from 4.2% in September 2017 to 4.1% at period-end.2 Monthly retail sales grew early in the period but subsequently declined for three consecutive months, rebounding at period-end amid robust automobile sales. Annual

 

Portfolio Composition

Based on Total Net Assets as of 3/31/18

 

LOGO

inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, increased from 2.2% in September 2017 to 2.4% at period-end.2

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar. Frank Russell Company is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company.

The index is unmanaged and includes reinvestment of any income or distributions. It does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. One cannot invest directly in an index, and an index is not representative of the Fund’s portfolio.

2. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI). The SOI begins on page 9.

 

     
 

Semiannual Report    

       2


FRANKLIN FOCUSED GROWTH FUND

 

 

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) began reducing its balance sheet in October 2017 and raised its target range for the federal funds rate 0.25% to 1.25%–1.50% in December. In February 2018, Jerome Powell succeeded Janet Yellen as Fed Chair and spoke before Congress for the first time. He indicated that the Fed saw signs of a continued strong labor market and economic growth. He reiterated the Fed’s intention to gradually raise interest rates in an effort to keep the economy from overheating as inflation increases toward the Fed’s 2% target. However, he noted that there was no evidence of the economy overheating and that he had yet to see a clear upward move in wages. At its March meeting, the Fed raised its target range for the federal funds rate 0.25% to 1.50%–1.75% and maintained its forecast of three rate increases in 2018. Additionally, the Fed upgraded its economic forecasts for 2018 and 2019, and its rate projections indicated the number of rate hikes would increase in 2019 and 2020.

US equity markets rose during the review period, benefiting from mostly upbeat economic data, better US corporate earnings and improving global economic growth. Markets were also supported by the US Fed Chair’s comments indicating optimism about the US economy and the likelihood of gradual rate hikes, as well as the passage of the US tax reform bill in December. However, concerns about political uncertainties in the US, tensions between the US and North Korea, and the progress of the US tax reform bill curbed market sentiment at times. After reaching new all-time highs in January 2018, US stocks declined in February amid concerns that strong economic growth and rising inflation would lead the Fed to increase its target rate faster than expected. In March, stocks were pressured further by a broad sell-off in information technology stocks due to a potential for tighter regulation in the sector arising from concerns about consumer data privacy. The Trump administration’s protectionist policy and escalating trade tensions between the US and China further dampened investor sentiment near period-end. In this environment, the broad US stock market, as measured by the Standard & Poor’s® 500 Index, generated a +5.84% total return for the period.3

Investment Strategy

We are research-driven, bottom-up, fundamental investors. Under normal market conditions, we will invest predominantly in equity securities of companies that we believe offer compelling growth opportunities. The equity securities in

Top 10 Holdings

3/31/18

 

Company

Sector/Industry

   % of Total
Net Assets
 

 

 

 

Amazon.com Inc.

     8.5%  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail

 

  

 

 

 

Visa Inc.

     6.4%  

IT Services

 

  

 

 

 

Alphabet Inc.

     5.6%  

Internet Software & Services

 

  

 

 

 

Facebook Inc.

     5.1%  

Internet Software & Services

 

  

 

 

 

Microsoft Corp.

     4.9%  

Software

 

  

 

 

 

Adobe Systems Inc.

     4.6%  

Software

  

 

 

 

Salesforce.com Inc.

     3.7%  

Software

 

  

 

 

 

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

     3.5%  

Internet Software & Services

 

  

 

 

 

Raytheon Co.

     3.5%  

Aerospace & Defense

 

  

 

 

 

ServiceNow Inc.

     2.9%  

Software

 

  

 

 

which we will invest are predominantly common stock. We may invest in companies of any size, including small and medium capitalization companies. In addition to our main investments, we may invest a portion (up to 25%) of net assets in foreign securities. We will generally seek to maintain a portfolio consisting of securities of approximately 20–50 companies. Although we seek investments across a number of sectors, from time to time, based on economic conditions, we may have significant positions in particular sectors.

Manager’s Discussion

During the period under review, most sectors contributed to the Fund’s absolute performance, including information technology (IT), consumer discretionary and industrials.4 In IT, the Fund’s position in digital marketing and media solutions provider Adobe Systems helped results. The company delivered solid fourth-quarter 2017 corporate results, driven by better-than-expected revenue and earnings. Operating margins exceeded market expectations, and Adobe left the 2018 outlook it provided in October 2017 largely unchanged. Robust growth from its high margin creative cloud business continued to offset

 

 

 

3. Source: Morningstar.

4. The IT sector comprises internet software and services, IT services, semiconductors and semiconductor equipment, and software in the SOI. The consumer discretionary sector comprises hotels, restaurants and leisure; internet and direct marketing retail; media; multiline retail; and textiles, apparel and luxury goods in the SOI. The industrials sector comprises aerospace and defense, electrical equipment, industrial conglomerates, machinery and professional services in the SOI.

 

     
3           Semiannual Report   


FRANKLIN FOCUSED GROWTH FUND

 

 

the more muted growth in its experience cloud business. Software and IT services company Microsoft benefited performance due to demand for its suite of office and cloud-based products. The company is a beneficiary of healthy levels of corporate spending for the IT industry. Payments technology company Visa also contributed to the Fund’s returns.

In consumer discretionary, online retail shopping services provider Amazon.com contributed to the Fund’s performance as it continued to experience revenue growth, driven by higher margin businesses such as fulfillment services, advertising revenue and subscriptions to its Prime service. We believe Prime subscribers could support retail growth, as the program appears to increase purchase frequency, loyalty and overall spending. Its Amazon Web Service, a leader in cloud computing, also drove profitability for the company. Netflix, an internet subscription service company, also boosted results.

In industrials, defense and security solutions company Raytheon benefited the Fund’s performance.

In contrast, the health care and materials sectors detracted from the Fund’s absolute performance during the reporting period.5 In health care, biopharmaceutical company Celgene detracted from results.6 The company reported disappointing third quarter results as revenues for its psoriasis medication Otezla came in significantly below expectations due to increased competition and discounting, although the drug rebounded during the period. Additionally, its cancer drug Revlimid faced patent litigation. Alexion Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes therapeutic products, also hindered the Fund’s performance.6

In materials, Albemarle hindered the Fund’s results.6 The company engages in developing, manufacturing and marketing chemicals for various products and services.

Elsewhere, broadband communications services provider Charter Communications detracted from results as upfront costs for launching its wireless service have hindered its earnings growth. Social media company Facebook also hampered the Fund’s performances following criticism around potential abuse of the platform and the spread of fake news. The company also faced general concerns about the user

experience. Nevertheless, Facebook experienced fourth quarter revenue growth.

 

LOGO  

LOGO

 

Matthew J. Moberg, CPA

Portfolio Manager

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of March 31, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, country, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

 

5. The health care sector comprises health care equipment and supplies, health care providers and services, and life sciences tools and services in the SOI.

6. No longer held at period-end.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

 

     
 

Semiannual Report    

       4


FRANKLIN FOCUSED GROWTH FUND

 

Performance Summary as of March 31, 2018

The performance table does not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 3/31/181

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. Advisor Class shares are offered without sales charges.

 

Share Class   

Cumulative

Total Return2

      

Average Annual

Total Return3

 

Advisor

       

6-Month

 

    

 

+11.68%

 

 

 

      

 

+11.68%

 

 

 

1-Year

 

    

 

+28.18%

 

 

 

      

 

+28.18%

 

 

 

Since Inception (4/12/16)

 

    

 

+49.73%

 

 

 

      

 

+22.78%

 

 

 

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown.

See page 6 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

     
5           Semiannual Report   


FRANKLIN FOCUSED GROWTH FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

 

Total Annual Operating Expenses4

 

Share Class    With Waiver      Without Waiver  

Advisor

 

    

 

1.00%

 

 

 

    

 

2.56%

 

 

 

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. The market values of securities or other investments owned by the Fund will go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Growth stock prices reflect projections of future earnings or revenues, and can, therefore, fall dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections. To the extent the Fund focuses on particular countries, regions, industries, sectors or types of investment from time to time, it may be subject to greater risks of adverse developments in such areas of focus than a fund that invests in a wider variety of countries, regions, industries, sectors or investments. Investments in fast-growing industries such as the information technology and health care sectors (which have historically been volatile) could result in increased price fluctuation, especially over the short term, due to the rapid pace of product change and development and changes in government regulation of companies emphasizing scientific or technological advancement or regulatory approval for new drugs and medical instruments. The Fund may also invest in small- and mid-capitalization companies, which can be particularly sensitive to changing economic conditions, and their prospects for growth are less certain than those of larger, more established companies. Foreign securities involve special risks, including currency fluctuations and economic and political uncertainties. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction contractually guaranteed through 1/31/19. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction; without this reduction the results would have been lower.

2. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.

3. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

4. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

 

     
 

Semiannual Report    

       6


FRANKLIN FOCUSED GROWTH FUND

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases and redemptions; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. All mutual funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other mutual funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value.” You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps (of course, your account value and expenses will differ from those in this illustration): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

 

              

Actual

(actual return after expenses)

       

Hypothetical

(5% annual return before expenses)

         
Share
Class
   Beginning
Account
Value
        Ending
Account
Value 3/31/18
  

Expenses

Paid During

Period
10/1/17-3/31/181,2 

        Ending
Account
Value 3/31/18
  

Expenses

Paid During

Period

10/1/17–3/31/181,2

        Net
Annualized
Expense
Ratio2

Advisor

   $1,000       $1,116.80    $5.28       $1,019.95    $5.04       1.00%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 182/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements. Does not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

     
7           Semiannual Report   


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin Focused Growth Fund

 

      Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018
    Year Ended September 30,  
   (unaudited)     2017     2016a  

Advisor Class

      

Per share operating performance

      

(for a share outstanding throughout the period)

      

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $13.36       $10.93       $10.00  

Income from investment operationsb:

      

Net investment income (loss)c

     (0.03     (0.02     (0.01

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     1.59       2.49       0.94  

Total from investment operations

     1.56       2.47       0.93  

Less distributions from:

                        

Net investment income

           (0.01      

Net realized gains

           (0.03      

Total distributions

           (0.04      

Net asset value, end of period

     $14.92       $13.36       $10.93  

Total returnd

     11.68     22.78     9.30

Ratios to average net assetse

      

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     2.25%       2.31%       4.76%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     1.00%f       1.00%f       1.00%  

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.36)%       (0.20)%       (0.18)%  

Supplemental data

      

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

     $3,730       $3,341       $2,732  

Portfolio turnover rate

     7.44%       28.48%       7.46%  

 

aFor the period April 12, 2016 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2016.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year, except for non-recurring expenses, if any.

fBenefit of expense reduction rounds to less than 0.01%.

 

   

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report      

     8  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

Statement of Investments, March 31, 2018 (unaudited)

Franklin Focused Growth Fund

 

       Country        Shares       Value  

Common Stocks 97.2%

       

Aerospace & Defense 5.2%

       

The Boeing Co.

     United States        200     $ 65,576  

Raytheon Co.

     United States        600               129,492  
          195,068  

Beverages 2.4%

       

Constellation Brands Inc., A

     United States        400       91,168  

Capital Markets 5.2%

       

BlackRock Inc.

     United States        100       54,172  

CBOE Global Markets Inc.

     United States        300       34,230  

The Charles Schwab Corp.

     United States        2,000       104,440  
          192,842  

Electrical Equipment 0.9%

       

Rockwell Automation Inc.

     United States        200       34,840  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) 4.2%

       

American Tower Corp.

     United States        500       72,670  

Equinix Inc.

     United States        200       83,628  
          156,298  

Food & Staples Retailing 1.8%

       

Costco Wholesale Corp.

     United States        350       65,951  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies 3.6%

       

Danaher Corp.

     United States        700       68,537  

a IDEXX Laboratories Inc.

     United States        350       66,986  
          135,523  

Health Care Providers & Services 2.3%

       

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

     United States        400       85,600  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 0.9%

       

Vail Resorts Inc.

     United States        150       33,255  

Industrial Conglomerates 1.8%

       

3M Co.

     United States        300       65,856  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail 12.0%

       

a Amazon.com Inc.

     United States        220       318,415  

a Booking Holdings Inc.

     United States        20       41,608  

a Netflix Inc.

     United States        300       88,605  
          448,628  

Internet Software & Services 15.8%

       

a Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., ADR

     China        300       55,062  

a Alphabet Inc., A

     United States        200       207,428  

a Dropbox Inc., A

     United States        100       3,125  

a Facebook Inc., A

     United States        1,200       191,748  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

     China        2,500       130,466  
          587,829  

IT Services 6.4%

       

Visa Inc., A

     United States        2,000       239,240  

Life Sciences Tools & Services 2.3%

       

a Mettler-Toledo International Inc.

     United States        150       86,254  

Machinery 2.1%

       

Fortive Corp.

     United States        1,000       77,520  

 

 

9      

 

    Semiannual Report

    


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Franklin Focused Growth Fund (continued)

       Country        Shares       Value  

Common Stocks (continued)

       

Media 1.7%

       

a Charter Communications Inc., A

     United States        200     $ 62,244  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 1.2%

       

a Concho Resources Inc.

     United States        300       45,099  

Personal Products 1.3%

       

Estee Lauder Cos. Inc., A

     United States        330       49,408  

Professional Services 1.0%

       

a Verisk Analytics Inc.

     United States        350       36,400  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 5.8%

       

Analog Devices Inc.

     United States        800       72,904  

NVIDIA Corp.

     United States        300       69,477  

Xilinx Inc.

     United States        1,000       72,240  
          214,621  

Software 18.4%

       

Activision Blizzard Inc.

     United States        1,200       80,952  

a Adobe Systems Inc.

     United States        800       172,864  

Microsoft Corp.

     United States        2,000       182,540  

a Salesforce.com Inc.

     United States        1,200       139,560  

a ServiceNow Inc.

     United States        650       107,542  

a Zscaler Inc.

     United States        100       2,807  
          686,265  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 0.9%

       

NIKE Inc., B

     United States        500       33,220  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $2,340,487)

          3,623,129  

Short Term Investments (Cost $119,997) 3.2%

       

Money Market Funds 3.2%

       

b,c Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.24%

     United States        119,997       119,997  

Total Investments (Cost $2,460,484) 100.4%

          3,743,126  

Other Assets, less Liabilities (0.4)%

          (13,271

Net Assets 100.0%

        $ 3,729,855  

See Abbreviations on page 19.

aNon-income producing.

bSee Note 3(e) regarding investments in affiliated management investment companies.

cThe rate shown is the annualized seven-day effective yield at period end.

 

 

     
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  |   Semiannual Report            10  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

Financial Statements

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

March 31, 2018 (unaudited)

Franklin Focused Growth Fund

 

Assets:

 

Investments in securities:

 

Cost - Unaffiliated issuers

    $2,340,487  

Cost - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3e)

    119,997  

Value - Unaffiliated issuers

    $3,623,129  

Value - Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3e)

    119,997  

Receivables:

 

Investment securities sold

    4,789  

Dividends

    840  

Affiliates

    7,138  

Other assets

    3  

Total assets

    3,755,896  

Liabilities:

 

Payables:

 

Investment securities purchased

    5,400  

Reports to shareholders.

    2,229  

Professional fees

    16,439  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    1,973  

Total liabilities

    26,041  

Net assets, at value

    $3,729,855  

Net assets consist of:

 

Paid-in capital

    $2,495,234  

Distributions in excess of net investment income

    (12,534

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    1,282,642  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

    (35,487

Net assets, at value

    $3,729,855  

Shares outstanding

    250,000  

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

    $14.92  

 

     
11           Semiannual Report    | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Statement of Operations

for the six months ended March 31, 2018 (unaudited)

Franklin Focused Growth Fund

 

Investment income:

  

Dividends:

  

Unaffiliated issuers

       $ 11,174  

Non-controlled affiliates (Note 3e)

     384  
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     11,558  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

  

Management fees (Note 3a)

     15,367  

Transfer agent fees (Note 3d)

     304  

Custodian fees (Note 4)

     28  

Reports to shareholders

     3,842  

Professional fees

     18,822  

Other

     2,316  

Total expenses

     40,679  
  

 

 

 

Expense reductions (Note 4)

     (8

Expenses waived/paid by affiliates (Note 3f)

     (22,587
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     18,084  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

     (6,526
  

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses):

  

Net realized gain (loss) from:

  

Investments:

  

Unaffiliated issuers

     (19,971
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

  

Investments:

  

Unaffiliated issuers

     415,827  
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     395,856  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

       $     389,330  
  

 

 

 

 

   

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.   |   Semiannual Report      

     12  


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

Franklin Focused Growth Fund

 

      Six Months Ended
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)
            Year Ended
September 30, 2017
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

                                             

Operations:

           

Net investment income (loss)

     $ (6,526        $ (6,004

Net realized gain (loss)

       (19,971          (15,522

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

             415,827                        639,454  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

             389,330                        617,928  

Distributions to shareholders from:

           

Net investment income

                  (2,575

Net realized gains

                                    (6,900

Total distributions to shareholders

                                    (9,475

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

       389,330            608,453  

Net assets:

           

Beginning of period

             3,340,525                        2,732,072  

End of period

           $ 3,729,855                      $ 3,340,525  

Distributions in excess of net investment income included in net assets:

           

End of period

           $ (12,534                    $ (6,008

 

 

13           Semiannual Report        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)

Franklin Focused Growth Fund

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Franklin Custodian Funds (Trust) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) as an open-end management investment company, consisting of six separate funds and applies the specialized accounting and reporting guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). Franklin Focused Growth Fund (Fund) is included in this report. The Fund has five classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class R, Class R6 and Advisor Class. Each class of shares may differ by its initial sales load, contingent deferred sales charges, voting rights on matters affecting a single class, its exchange privilege and fees due to differing arrangements for distribution and transfer agent fees.

The Fund currently operates with one class of shares, Advisor Class.

The following summarizes the Fund’s significant accounting policies.

a.  Financial Instrument Valuation

The Fund’s investments in financial instruments are carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Fund calculates the net asset value (NAV) per share as of 4 p.m. Eastern time each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading. Under compliance policies and procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the Board), the Fund’s administrator has responsibility for oversight of valuation, including leading the cross-functional Valuation Committee (VC). The VC provides administration and oversight of the Fund’s valuation policies and procedures, which are approved annually by the Board. Among other things, these procedures allow the Fund to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value.

Equity securities listed on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last quoted sale price or the official closing price of the day, respectively. Foreign equity securities are valued as of the close of trading on the foreign stock exchange on which the security is primarily traded, or as of 4 p.m. Eastern time. The value is then converted into its U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in

effect at 4 p.m. Eastern time on the day that the value of the security is determined. Over-the-counter (OTC) securities are valued within the range of the most recent quoted bid and ask prices. Securities that trade in multiple markets or on multiple exchanges are valued according to the broadest and most representative market. Certain equity securities are valued based upon fundamental characteristics or relationships to similar securities.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV.

The Fund has procedures to determine the fair value of financial instruments for which market prices are not reliable or readily available. Under these procedures, the VC convenes on a regular basis to review such financial instruments and considers a number of factors, including significant unobservable valuation inputs, when arriving at fair value. The VC primarily employs a market-based approach which may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values, and other relevant information for the investment to determine the fair value of the investment. An income-based valuation approach may also be used in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value. Discounts may also be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the investments. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations of such investments, the fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had an active market existed. The VC employs various methods for calibrating these valuation approaches including a regular review of key inputs and assumptions, transactional back-testing or disposition analysis, and reviews of any related market activity.

Trading in securities on foreign securities stock exchanges and OTC markets may be completed before 4 p.m. Eastern time. In addition, trading in certain foreign markets may not take place on every Fund’s business day. Occasionally, events occur between the time at which trading in a foreign security is completed and 4 p.m. Eastern time that might call into question the reliability of the value of a portfolio security held by the Fund. As a result, differences may arise between the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities as determined at the foreign market close and the latest indications of value at 4 p.m. Eastern time. In order to minimize the potential for these differences, the VC monitors price movements following the close of trading in foreign stock markets through a series of country specific market proxies (such as baskets of American

 

 

   

 

Semiannual Report      

   14


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Franklin Focused Growth Fund (continued)

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting

Policies (continued)

a.  Financial Instrument Valuation (continued)

Depositary Receipts, futures contracts and exchange traded funds). These price movements are measured against established trigger thresholds for each specific market proxy to assist in determining if an event has occurred that may call into question the reliability of the values of the foreign securities held by the Fund. If such an event occurs, the securities may be valued using fair value procedures, which may include the use of independent pricing services.

When the last day of the reporting period is a non-business day, certain foreign markets may be open on those days that the Fund’s NAV is not calculated, which could result in differences between the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities on the last business day and the last calendar day of the reporting period. Any significant security valuation changes due to an open foreign market are adjusted and reflected by the Fund for financial reporting purposes.

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. The Fund may enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of securities, income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the transaction date. Portfolio securities and assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies contain risks that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Occasionally, events may impact the availability or reliability of foreign exchange rates used to convert the U.S. dollar equivalent value. If such an event occurs, the foreign exchange rate will be valued at fair value using procedures established and approved by the Board.

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 in the Statement of Operations.

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 denominated assets and liabilities other than investments in securities held at the end of the reporting period.

c.  Income and Deferred Taxes

It is the Fund’s policy to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund intends to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its taxable income and net realized gains to relieve it from federal income and excise taxes. As a result, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes is required.

The Fund may be subject to foreign taxation related to income received, capital gains on the sale of securities and certain foreign currency transactions in the foreign jurisdictions in which it invests. Foreign taxes, if any, are recorded based on the tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which the Fund invests. When a capital gain tax is determined to apply, the Fund records an estimated deferred tax liability in an amount that would be payable if the securities were disposed of on the valuation date.

The Fund may recognize an income tax liability related to its uncertain tax positions under U.S. GAAP when the uncertain tax position has a less than 50% probability that it will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based on its technical merits. As of March 31, 2018, the Fund has determined that no tax liability is required in its financial statements related to uncertain tax positions for any open tax years (or expected to be taken in future tax years). Open tax years are those that remain subject to examination and are based on the statute of limitations in each jurisdiction in which the Fund invests.

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. Estimated expenses are accrued daily. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except for certain dividends from securities where the dividend rate is not available. In such cases, the dividend is recorded as soon as the information is received by the Fund. Distributions to

 

 

15      

 

    Semiannual Report

    


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Franklin Focused Growth Fund (continued)

 

shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributable earnings are determined according to income tax regulations (tax basis) and may differ from earnings recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts to reflect their tax character. These reclassifications have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. Temporary differences are not reclassified, as they may reverse in subsequent periods.

Common expenses incurred by the Trust are allocated among the Funds based on the ratio of net assets of each Fund to the combined net assets of the Trust. Fund specific expenses are charged directly to the Fund that incurred the expense.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income, excluding class specific expenses, are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class. Differences in per share distributions by class are generally due to differences in class specific expenses.

e.  Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP 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 expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

f.  Guarantees and Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees are indemnified by the Trust against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. Currently, the Trust expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

 

2.  Shares of Beneficial Interest

At March 31, 2018, there were an unlimited number of shares authorized (without par value). During the period ended March 31, 2018 and year ended September 30, 2017, there were no transactions of the Fund’s shares.

3. Transactions with Affiliates

Franklin Resources, Inc. is the holding company for various subsidiaries that together are referred to as Franklin Templeton Investments. Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers and/or directors of the following subsidiaries:

 

Subsidiary    Affiliation
Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers)   

Investment manager

Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (FT Services)   

Administrative manager

Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors)   

Principal underwriter

Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC (Investor Services)   

Transfer agent

 

 

   

 

Semiannual Report      

   16


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Franklin Focused Growth Fund (continued)

3.  Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

a.  Management Fees

The Fund pays an investment management fee to Advisers based on the average daily net assets of the Fund as follows:

 

Annualized Fee Rate    Net Assets

0.850%

  

Up to and including $500 million

0.800%

  

Over $500 million, up to and including $1 billion

0.750%

  

Over $1 billion, up to and including $3 billion

0.730%

  

Over $3 billion, up to and including $5 billion

0.700%

  

In excess of $5 billion

For the period ended March 31, 2018, the annualized gross effective investment management fee rate was 0.850% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

b.  Administrative Fees

Under an agreement with Advisers, FT Services provides administrative services to the Fund. The fee is paid by Advisers based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, and is not an additional expense of the Fund.

c.  Distribution Fees

The Board has adopted distribution plans for each share class, with the exception of Class R6 and Advisor Class shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Fund’s Class A reimbursement distribution plan, the Fund reimburses Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of the Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate. Under the Class A reimbursement distribution plan, costs exceeding the maximum for the current plan year cannot be reimbursed in subsequent periods. In addition, under the Fund’s Class C and R compensation distribution plans, the Fund pays Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of the Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate for each class. The plan year, for purposes of monitoring compliance with the maximum annual plan rates, is February 1 through January 31.

The maximum annual plan rates, based on the average daily net assets, for each class, are as follows:

 

  Class A

   0.25%

  Class C

   1.00%

  Class R

   0.50%

d.  Transfer Agent Fees

Each class of shares pays transfer agent fees to Investor Services for its performance of shareholder servicing obligations. Effective November 1, 2017, the fees are based on an annualized asset based fee of 0.02% plus a transaction based fee. Prior to November 1, 2017, the fees were account based fees that varied based on fund or account type. In addition, each class reimburses Investor Services for out of pocket expenses incurred and, except for Class R6, reimburses shareholder servicing fees paid to third parties. These fees are allocated daily based upon their relative proportion of such classes’ aggregate net assets. Class R6 pays Investor Services transfer agent fees specific to that class.

For the period ended March 31, 2018, the Fund paid transfer agent fees of $304, which were retained by Investor Services.

 

 

     
17           Semiannual Report   


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Franklin Focused Growth Fund (continued)

e.  Investments in Affiliated Management Investment Companies

The Fund invests in one or more affiliated management investment companies for purposes other than exercising a controlling influence over the management or policies. Management fees paid by the Fund are waived on assets invested in the affiliated management investment companies, as noted in the Statement of Operations, in an amount not to exceed the management and administrative fees paid directly or indirectly by each affiliate. During the period ended March 31, 2018, the Fund held investments in affiliated management investment companies as follows:

 

      Number of
Shares Held
at Beginning
of Period
     Gross
Additions
     Gross
Reductions
    Number of
Shares
Held at End
of Period
    

Value

at End

of
Period

     Dividend
Income
   Realized
Gain
(Loss)
  

Net Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

Non-Controlled Affiliates

                      

Institutional Fiduciary Trust Money Market Portfolio, 1.24%

     25,993        258,053        (164,049     119,997      $ 119,997      $384    $  —    $  —

f.  Waiver and Expense Reimbursements

Advisers has contractually agreed in advance to waive or limit its fees and to assume as its own expense certain expenses otherwise payable by the Fund so that the expenses (excluding distribution fees, and acquired fund fees and expenses) for each class of the Fund do not exceed 1.00% based on the average net assets of each class (other than certain non-routine expenses or costs, including those relating to litigation, indemnification, reorganizations, and liquidations) until January 31, 2019. Total expenses waived or paid are not subject to recapture subsequent to the Fund’s fiscal year end.

g.  Other Affiliated Transactions

At March 31, 2018, Franklin Resources Inc. owned 100% of the Fund’s outstanding shares. Investment activities of this shareholder could have a material impact on the Fund.

4.  Expense Offset Arrangement

The Fund has entered into an arrangement with its custodian whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Fund’s custodian expenses. During the period ended March 31, 2018, the custodian fees were reduced as noted in the Statement of Operations.

5.  Income Taxes

For tax purposes, capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. At September 30, 2017, the Fund had short-term capital loss carryforwards of $15,516.

For tax purposes, the Fund may elect to defer any portion of a late-year ordinary loss to the first day of the following fiscal year. At September 30, 2017, the Fund deferred late-year ordinary losses of $6,009.

At March 31, 2018, the cost of investments and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for income tax purposes were as follows:

 

Cost of investments

   $ 2,460,484  

Unrealized appreciation

   $ 1,287,929  

Unrealized depreciation

     (5,287

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

   $ 1,282,642  

Differences between income and/or capital gains as determined on a book basis and a tax basis are primarily due to differing treatment of foreign currency transactions.

 

     
 

Semiannual Report      

   18


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Franklin Focused Growth Fund (continued)

6.  Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investments (excluding short term securities) for the period ended March 31, 2018, aggregated $261,785 and $369,037, respectively.

7.  Credit Facility

The Fund, together with other U.S. registered and foreign investment funds (collectively, Borrowers), managed by Franklin Templeton Investments, are borrowers in a joint syndicated senior unsecured credit facility totaling $2 billion (Global Credit Facility) which matures on February 8, 2019. This Global Credit Facility provides a source of funds to the Borrowers for temporary and emergency purposes, including the ability to meet future unanticipated or unusually large redemption requests.

Under the terms of the Global Credit Facility, the Fund shall, in addition to interest charged on any borrowings made by the Fund and other costs incurred by the Fund, pay its share of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the implementation and maintenance of the Global Credit Facility, based upon its relative share of the aggregate net assets of all of the Borrowers, including an annual commitment fee of 0.15% based upon the unused portion of the Global Credit Facility. These fees are reflected in other expenses in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended March 31, 2018, the Fund did not use the Global Credit Facility.

8.  Fair Value Measurements

The Fund follows a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Fund’s own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s financial instruments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:

 

    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments

 

    Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar financial instruments, interest rates, prepayment speed, credit risk, etc.)

 

    Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of financial instruments)

The input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with financial instruments at that level.

For movements between the levels within the fair value hierarchy, the Fund has adopted a policy of recognizing the transfers as of the date of the underlying event which caused the movement.

At March 31, 2018, all of the Fund’s investments in financial instruments carried at fair value were valued using Level 1 inputs. For detailed categories, see the accompanying Statement of Investments.

9.  Subsequent Events

The Fund has evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the financial statements and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure.

Abbreviations

 

Selected Portfolio          
ADR    American Depository Receipt         

 

 

19    

 

 

    Semiannual Report

    


FRANKLIN FOCUSED GROWTH FUND

 

 

Special Meeting of Shareholders

MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS: OCTOBER 30, 2017 AND RECONVENED ON DECEMBER 15, 2017 AND DECEMBER 29, 2017

(UNAUDITED)

A Special Meeting of Shareholders of Franklin Custodian Funds was held at the offices of Franklin Templeton Investments, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California on October 30, 2017 and reconvened on December 15, 2017 and December 29, 2017. The purpose of the meeting was to elect Trustees of Franklin Custodian Funds and to vote to approve an amended fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in commodities for the Fund. At the meeting, (i) the following persons were elected by the shareholders to serve as Trustees of Franklin Custodian Funds: Harris J. Ashton, Terrence J. Checki, Mary C. Choksi, Edith E. Holiday, Gregory E. Johnson, Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., J. Michael Luttig, Larry D. Thompson, and John B. Wilson; and (ii) the proposal to approve the amended fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in commodities was approved by shareholders of the Fund. No other business was transacted at the meeting.

In connection with the meeting, management is aware that some shareholders received from the proxy solicitor numerous calls and mailings that may have been distracting. Management is taking steps to ensure that, in the future, for any new shareholder meeting solicitations that occur, such activity is not repeated. Management apologizes for any inconvenience that may have been caused as a result of such calls and mailings.

The results of the voting at the meeting are as follows:

Proposal 1.     To elect a Board of Trustees:

 

Name    For            Withheld
Harris J. Ashton    20,620,255,266.00            682,475,910.00
Terrence J. Checki    20,622,617,162.00            680,114,004.00
Mary C. Choksi    20,641,972,272.00            660,758,903.00
Edith E. Holiday    20,643,191,970.00            659,539,208.00
Gregory E. Johnson    20,640,028,777.00            662,702,399.00
Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.    20,623,629,983.00            679,101,196.00
J. Michael Luttig    20,638,743,410.00            663,987,768.00
Larry D. Thompson    20,634,644,439.00            668,086,738.00
John B. Wilson    20,638,176,920.00            661,053,794.00

Total Trust Shares Outstanding*: 36,447,693,102

* As of the record date.

 

 

   

Semiannual Report      

   20


FRANKLIN FOCUSED GROWTH FUND

SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

Proposal 2. To approve an amended fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in commodities:

 

     Shares  

 

 

For

     250,000  

Against

     0  

Abstain

     0  

Broker Non-Votes

     0  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     250,000  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     250,000  

 

21           Semiannual Report     


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FRANKLIN FOCUSED GROWTH FUND

 

Shareholder Information

 

Board Approval of Investment Management Agreements

FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

Franklin Focused Growth Fund

(Fund)

At an in-person meeting held on February 27, 2018 (Meeting), the Board of Trustees (Board) of Franklin Custodian Funds (Trust), including a majority of the trustees who are not “interested persons” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (Independent Trustees), reviewed and approved the continuance of the investment management agreement between Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Manager) and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (Management Agreement) for an additional one-year period. The Independent Trustees received advice from and met separately with Independent Trustee counsel in considering whether to approve the continuation of the Management Agreement.

In considering the continuation of the Management Agreement, the Board reviewed and considered information provided by the Manager at the Meeting and throughout the year at meetings of the Board and its committees. The Board also reviewed and considered information provided in response to a detailed set of requests for information submitted to the Manager by Independent Trustee counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees in connection with the annual contract renewal process. In addition, prior to the Meeting, the Independent Trustees held a telephonic contract renewal meeting at which the Independent Trustees conferred amongst themselves and Independent Trustee counsel about contract renewal matters. The Board reviewed and considered all of the factors it deemed relevant in approving the continuance of the Management Agreement, including, but not limited to: (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Manager; (ii) the investment performance of the Fund; (iii) the costs of the services provided and profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates from the relationship with the Fund; and (iv) the extent to which economies of scale may be realized as the Fund grows. The Board noted that the Fund commenced operations on April 12, 2016, but is not currently available for public sale. The Board also noted that Franklin Resources, Inc. (FRI) owns 100% of the Fund’s outstanding shares.

In approving the continuance of the Management Agreement, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, determined that the terms of the Management Agreement are fair and reasonable and that the continuance of such Management Agreement is in the interests of the Fund and its

shareholder(s). While attention was given to all information furnished, the following discusses some primary factors relevant to the Board’s determination.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services

The Board reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of investment management services provided by the Manager and its affiliates to the Fund and its shareholder(s). This information included, among other things, the qualifications, background and experience of the senior management and investment personnel of the Manager; the structure of investment personnel compensation; oversight of third-party service providers; investment performance reports and related financial information for the Fund; reports on expenses, shareholder services, and third party servicing arrangements; legal and compliance matters; risk controls; pricing and other services provided by the Manager and its affiliates; and management fees charged by the Manager and its affiliates to U.S. funds and other accounts, including management’s explanation of differences among accounts where relevant. The Board noted management’s continuing efforts and expenditures in establishing effective business continuity plans and developing strategies to address areas of heightened concern in the mutual fund industry, such as cybersecurity and liquidity risk management. The Board also recognized management’s commitment to facilitating Board oversight of particular areas, including derivatives and payments to intermediaries, by enhanced reporting.

The Board also reviewed and considered the benefits provided to Fund shareholder(s) of investing in a fund that is part of the Franklin Templeton family of funds. The Board noted the financial position of FRI, the Manager’s parent, and its commitment to the mutual fund business as evidenced by its continued introduction of new funds, reassessment of the fund offerings in response to the market environment and project initiatives and capital investments relating to the services provided to the Fund by the FTI organization.

Following consideration of such information, the Board was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Manager and its affiliates to the Fund and its shareholder(s).

Fund Performance

The Board reviewed and considered the performance results of the Fund over various time periods ended December 31, 2017. The Board considered the performance returns for the Fund in comparison to the performance returns of mutual funds deemed comparable to the Fund included in a universe (Performance

 

 

   

Semiannual Report      

   22


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FRANKLIN FOCUSED GROWTH FUND

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

 

Universe) selected by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (Broadridge), an independent provider of investment company data. The Board received a description of the methodology used by Broadridge to select the mutual funds included in a Performance Universe. The Board also reviewed and considered Fund performance reports provided and discussions that occurred with portfolio managers at Board meetings throughout the year. A summary of the Fund’s performance results is below.

The Performance Universe for the Fund included the Fund and all retail and institutional multi-cap growth funds. The Board noted that the Fund’s annualized total return for the one-year period was above the median of its Performance Universe. The Board concluded that the Fund’s performance was satisfactory.

Comparative Fees and Expenses

The Board reviewed and considered information regarding the Fund’s actual total expense ratio and its various components, including, as applicable, management fees; transfer agent expenses; underlying fund expenses; Rule 12b-1 and non-Rule 12b-1 service fees; and other non-management fees. The Board also noted the quarterly and annual reports it receives on all marketing support payments made by FTI to financial intermediaries. The Board considered the actual total expense ratio and, separately, the contractual management fee rate, without the effect of fee waivers (Management Rate), if any, of the Fund in comparison to the median expense ratio and median Management Rate, respectively, of other mutual funds deemed comparable to and with a similar expense structure as the Fund selected by Broadridge (Expense Group). Broadridge fee and expense data is based upon information taken from each fund’s most recent annual report, which reflects historical asset levels that may be quite different from those currently existing, particularly in a period of market volatility. While recognizing such inherent limitation and the fact that expense ratios and Management Rates generally increase as assets decline and decrease as assets grow, the Board believed the independent analysis conducted by Broadridge to be an appropriate measure of comparative fees and expenses. The Broadridge Management Rate includes administrative charges, and the actual total expense ratio, for comparative consistency, was shown for Advisor Class shares for the Fund and for Institutional Class, Class I and Class S shares for the other funds in the Expense Group. The Board received a description of the methodology used by Broadridge to select the mutual funds included in an Expense Group.

The Expense Group for the Fund included the Fund and ten other multi-cap growth funds. The Board noted that the Management Rate for the Fund was above the median of its Expense Group, but its actual total expense ratio was below the median of its Expense Group. The Board concluded that the Management Rate charged to the Fund is reasonable. In doing so, the Board noted that the Fund has a cap on operating expenses.

Profitability

The Board reviewed and considered information regarding the profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates in connection with the operation of the Fund, noting that the Fund incepted on April 12, 2016, but is not currently available for public sale. In this respect, the Board considered the Fund profitability analysis provided by the Manager that addresses the overall profitability of FTI’s U.S. fund business, as well as its profits in providing investment management and other services to each of the individual funds during the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017, being the most recent fiscal year-end for FRI. The Board noted that although management continually makes refinements to its methodologies used in calculating profitability in response to organizational and product related changes, the overall methodology has remained consistent with that used in the Fund’s profitability report presentations from prior years. Additionally, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, auditor to Franklin Resources, Inc. and certain Franklin Templeton funds, has been engaged by the Manager to periodically review and assess the allocation methodologies to be used solely by the Fund’s Board with respect to the profitability analysis.

The Board noted management’s belief that costs incurred in establishing the infrastructure necessary for the type of mutual fund operations conducted by the Manager and its affiliates may not be fully reflected in the expenses allocated to the Fund in determining its profitability, as well as the fact that the level of profits, to a certain extent, reflected operational cost savings and efficiencies initiated by management. The Board also noted management’s need to implement systems and meet additional regulatory and compliance requirements resulting from recent SEC and other regulatory requirements.

The Board also considered the extent to which the Manager and its affiliates might derive ancillary benefits from fund operations, including revenues generated from transfer agent services, potential benefits resulting from personnel and systems enhancements necessitated by fund growth, as well as increased leverage with service providers and counterparties.

 

 

23           Semiannual Report     


FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

FRANKLIN FOCUSED GROWTH FUND

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

 

Based upon its consideration of all these factors, the Board concluded that the level of profits realized/expected to be realized by the Manager and its affiliates from providing services to the Fund was not excessive in view of the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund.

Economies of Scale

The Board reviewed and considered the extent to which the Manager may realize economies of scale, if any, as the Fund grows larger and whether the Fund’s management fee structure reflects any economies of scale for the benefit of shareholder(s). With respect to possible economies of scale, the Board noted the existence of management fee breakpoints, which operate generally to share any economies of scale with a Fund’s shareholder(s) by reducing the Fund’s effective management fees as the Fund grows in size. The Board considered the Manager’s view that any analyses of potential economies of scale in managing a particular fund are inherently limited in light of the joint and common costs and investments the Manager incurs across the Franklin Templeton family of funds as a whole. The Board concluded that, to the extent economies of scale may be realized by the Manager and its affiliates, the Fund’s management fee structure provided a sharing of benefits with the Fund and its shareholder(s) as the Fund grows.

Conclusion

Based on its review, consideration and evaluation of all factors it believed relevant, including the above-described factors and conclusions, the Board unanimously approved the continuation of the Management Agreement for an additional one-year period.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

The Fund’s investment manager has established Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. Shareholders may view the Fund’s complete Policies online at franklintempleton.com. Alternatively, shareholders may request copies of the Policies free of charge by calling the Proxy Group collect at (954) 527-7678 or by sending a written request to: Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC, 300 S.E. 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, Attention: Proxy Group. Copies of the Fund’s proxy voting records are also made available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov and reflect the most recent 12-month period ended June 30.

Quarterly Statement of Investments

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, files a complete statement of investments with the US Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-Q by visiting the Commission’s website at sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.

 

 

   

Semiannual Report      

   24


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

(a) The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer.

(c) N/A

(d) N/A

(f) Pursuant to Item 12(a)(1), the Registrant is attaching as an exhibit a copy of its code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

(a)(1) The Registrant has an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.

(2) The audit committee financial expert is John B. Wilson and he is “independent” as defined under the relevant Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. N/A

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. N/A

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments. N/A

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. N/A

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. N/A

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. N/A

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Trustees that would require disclosure herein.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Registrant maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Registrant’s filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment


Company Act of 1940 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Registrant’s management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, recognizes that any set of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

Within 90 days prior to the filing date of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR, the Registrant had carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and the Registrant’s principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

(b) Changes in Internal Controls. There have been no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation in connection with the preparation of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR.

 

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)(1) Code of Ethics

(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Matthew T. Hinkle, Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration, and Gaston Gardey, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Matthew T. Hinkle, Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration, and Gaston Gardey, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN FUNDS

 

By  

/s/ MATTHEW T. HINKLE

  Matthew T. Hinkle
  Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration
Date   May 24, 2018

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By  

/s/ MATTHEW T. HINKLE

  Matthew T. Hinkle
  Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration
Date   May 24, 2018

 

By  

/s/ GASTON GARDEY

  Gaston Gardey
  Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
Date   May 24, 2018