497K 1 c497k.htm FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND
        
  

SUMMARY PROSPECTUS

   
    
  

FRANKLIN GROWTH

FUND

 
    
  

Franklin Custodian Funds

 
  

February 1, 2022

 
    
  

 
    
     
      
     

Class A

Class C

Class R

Class R6

Advisor Class

FKGRX

FRGSX

FGSRX

FIFRX

FCGAX

Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund’s prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund’s prospectus, statement of additional information, reports to shareholders and other information about the Fund online at www.franklintempleton.com/prospectus. You can also get this information at no cost by calling (800) DIAL BEN/342-5236 or by sending an e-mail request to prospectus@franklintempleton.com. The Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information, both dated February 1, 2022, as may be supplemented, are all incorporated by reference into this Summary Prospectus.


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND
SUMMARY PROSPECTUS

Investment Goal

Capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

These tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts in Class A if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Franklin Templeton funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and under “Your Account” on page 152 in the Fund's Prospectus and under “Buying and Selling Shares” on page 88 of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information. In addition, more information about sales charge discounts and waivers for purchases of shares through specific financial intermediaries is set forth in Appendix A – "Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers" to the Fund’s prospectus.

Please note that the tables and examples below do not reflect any transaction fees that may be charged by financial intermediaries, or commissions that a shareholder may be required to pay directly to its financial intermediary when buying or selling Class R6 or Advisor Class shares.

Shareholder Fees

(fees paid directly from your investment)

           

 

Class A

 

Class C

 

Class R

 

Class R6

 

Advisor
Class

Maximum Sales Charge (Load)
Imposed on Purchases (as percentage
of offering price)

5.50%

 

None

 

None

 

None

 

None

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge
(Load) (as percentage of the lower
of original purchase price or sale
proceeds)

None

1 

1.00%

 

None

 

None

 

None

           

1.

There is a 1% contingent deferred sales charge that applies to investments of $1 Million or more (see "Investment of $1 Million or More" under "Choosing a Share Class") and purchases by certain retirement plans without an initial sales charge on shares sold within 18 months of purchase.

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

          

 

Class A

 

Class C

 

Class R

 

Class R6

 

Advisor
Class

Management fees

0.43%

 

0.43%

 

0.43%

 

0.43%

 

0.43%

Distribution and service (12b-1) fees

0.25%

 

1.00%

 

0.50%

 

None

 

None

Other expenses1

0.11%

 

0.11%

 

0.11%

 

0.04%

 

0.11%

Total annual Fund operating expenses1

0.79%

 

1.54%

 

1.04%

 

0.47%

 

0.54%

1. The transfer agent has contractually agreed to cap transfer agency fees for Class R6 shares of the Fund so that the transfer agency fees for that class do not exceed 0.03% until January 31, 2023. During the term, this fee waiver and expense reimbursement agreement may not be terminated or amended without approval of the board of trustees except to add series and

   

Click to view the fund’s prospectus or statement of additional information.

2

Summary Prospectus

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND
SUMMARY PROSPECTUS

classes, to reflect the extension of termination dates or to lower the cap on Fund’s fees and expenses (which would result in lower fees for shareholders).

Example

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other  mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. The Example reflects adjustments made to the Fund's operating expenses due to the fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by management for the 1 Year numbers only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

          

 

 

 

1 Year

 

3 Years

 

5 Years

 

10 Years

Class A

 

$626

 

$788

 

$964

 

$1,474

Class C

 

$257

 

$487

 

$839

 

$1,632

Class R

 

$106

 

$331

 

$574

 

$1,271

Class R6

 

$48

 

$151

 

$263

 

$593

Advisor Class

 

$55

 

$173

 

$302

 

$678

If you do not sell your shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class C

 

$157

 

$487

 

$839

 

$1,632

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual Fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 6.04% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests substantially in the equity securities of companies that are leaders in their industries. In selecting securities, the investment manager considers many factors, including historical and potential growth in revenues and earnings, assessment of strength and quality of management, and determination of a company's strategic positioning in its industry.

Although the Fund normally invests substantially in the equity securities (principally common stocks) of U.S.-based large and medium market capitalization companies, it may invest in companies in new and emerging industries where growth is

   

Click to view the fund’s prospectus or statement of additional information.

franklintempleton.com

Summary Prospectus

3


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND
SUMMARY PROSPECTUS

expected to be above average and may invest up to 25% of its assets in smaller companies.

The Fund's investment manager is a research driven, fundamental investor, generally pursuing a "buy-and-hold" growth strategy. As a "bottom-up" investor focusing primarily on individual securities, the investment manager chooses companies that it believes are positioned for growth in revenues, earnings or assets. Such advantages as a particular marketing niche, proven technology, sound financial records, strong management, and industry leadership are all factors the investment manager believes point to strong growth potential. Although the investment manager searches for investments across a large number of sectors, from time to time, based on economic conditions, the Fund may have significant positions in particular sectors including technology, health care and industrials.

Principal Risks

You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Mutual fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank, and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency of the U.S. government.

Market The market values of securities or other investments owned by the Fund will go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. The market value of a security or other investment may be reduced by market activity or other results of supply and demand unrelated to the issuer. This is a basic risk associated with all investments. When there are more sellers than buyers, prices tend to fall. Likewise, when there are more buyers than sellers, prices tend to rise.

Stock prices tend to go up and down more dramatically than those of debt securities. A slower-growth or recessionary economic environment could have an adverse effect on the prices of the various stocks held by the Fund.

The current global outbreak of the novel strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, has resulted in market closures and dislocations, extreme volatility, liquidity constraints and increased trading costs. Efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 have resulted in global travel restrictions and disruptions of healthcare systems, business operations and supply chains, layoffs, reduced consumer demand, defaults and credit ratings downgrades, and other significant economic impacts. The effects of COVID-19 have impacted global economic activity across many industries and may heighten other pre-existing political, social and economic risks, locally or globally. The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is unpredictable and may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.

Focus To the extent that the Fund focuses on particular countries, regions, industries, sectors or types of investment from time to time, the Fund may be subject to greater risks of adverse developments in such areas of focus than a fund

   

Click to view the fund’s prospectus or statement of additional information.

4

Summary Prospectus

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND
SUMMARY PROSPECTUS

that invests in a wider variety of countries, regions, industries, sectors or investments.

For example, the technology sector historically has been volatile due to the rapid pace of product change and development. Companies in the technology sector may be affected by worldwide technological developments, the success of their products and services (which may be outdated quickly), anticipated products or services that are delayed or cancelled, and investor perception of the company and/or its products or services. The activities of health care companies may be funded or subsidized by federal and state governments and changes in funding may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. Companies in the industrials sector are at risk for environmental damage and product liability claims and may be adversely affected by commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, imposition of export or import controls, increased competition, depletion of resources, technological developments and labor relations. In addition, companies in all of these sectors may be adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions.

Growth Style Investing Growth stock prices reflect projections of future earnings or revenues, and can, therefore, fall dramatically if the company fails to meet those projections. Prices of these companies’ securities may be more volatile than other securities, particularly over the short term. In addition, investment styles can go in and out of favor, which could cause additional volatility in the prices of the Fund’s portfolio holdings.

Small and Mid Capitalization Companies   Securities issued by smaller and midsize capitalization companies may be more volatile in price than those of larger companies and may involve substantial risks. Such risks may include greater sensitivity to economic conditions, less certain growth prospects, lack of depth of management and funds for growth and development, and limited or less developed product lines and markets. In addition, smaller and midsize capitalization companies may be particularly affected by interest rate increases, as they may find it more difficult to borrow money to continue or expand operations, or may have difficulty in repaying any loans.

Management The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment portfolio. The Fund's investment manager applies investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these decisions will produce the desired results.

Performance

The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund's performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows how the Fund's average annual returns

   

Click to view the fund’s prospectus or statement of additional information.

franklintempleton.com

Summary Prospectus

5


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND
SUMMARY PROSPECTUS

for 1 year, 5 years, 10 years or since inception, as applicable, compared with those of a broad measure of market performance. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. You can obtain updated performance information at franklintempleton.com or by calling (800)DIAL BEN/342-5236.

Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

Class A Annual Total Returns

PerformanceBarChartData(2012:13.7,2013:29.39,2014:14.88,2015:1.94,2016:8.41,2017:26.82,2018:-3.39,2019:32.17,2020:30.64,2021:21.8)

   

Best Quarter:

2020, Q2

23.86%

Worst Quarter:

2020, Q1

-16.16%

   

Click to view the fund’s prospectus or statement of additional information.

6

Summary Prospectus

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND
SUMMARY PROSPECTUS

Average Annual Total Returns

(figures reflect sales charges)

For periods ended December 31, 2021

           

 

 

1 Year

 

5 Years

 

10 Years

 

Since Inception

 

Franklin Growth Fund - Class A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return before taxes

 

15.10%

 

19.48%

 

16.35%

 

 

 

Return after taxes on distributions

 

12.69%

 

17.99%

 

15.40%

 

 

 

Return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares

 

10.51%

 

15.60%

 

13.69%

 

 

Franklin Growth Fund - Class C

 

19.88%

 

19.94%

 

16.14%

 

 

Franklin Growth Fund - Class R

 

21.48%

 

20.54%

 

16.72%

 

 

Franklin Growth Fund - Class R6

 

22.19%

 

21.27%

 

 

17.47%

1

Franklin Growth Fund - Advisor Class 

 

22.10%

 

21.14%

 

17.31%

 

 

S&P 500 Index (index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

 

28.71%

 

18.48%

 

16.55%

 

 

           

1.

Since inception May 1, 2013.

  

The figures in the average annual total returns table above reflect the Class A shares maximum front-end sales charge of 5.50%. Prior to September 10, 2018, Class A shares were subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of 5.75%. If the prior maximum front-end sales charge of 5.75% was reflected, performance for Class A shares in the average annual total returns table would be lower.

The after-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A and after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Investment Manager

Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers)

Portfolio Managers

Serena Perin Vinton, CFA 
Senior Vice President of Advisers and portfolio manager of the Fund since 2008.

Robert Rendler, CFA 
Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst of Advisers and portfolio manager of the Fund since 2016.

   

Click to view the fund’s prospectus or statement of additional information.

franklintempleton.com

Summary Prospectus

7


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND
SUMMARY PROSPECTUS

Joyce Lin, CFA
Research Analyst of Advisers and portfolio manager of the Fund since November 2021.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any business day online through our website at franklintempleton.com, by mail (Franklin Templeton Investor Services, P.O. Box 997151, Sacramento, CA 95899-7151), or by telephone at (800) 632-2301. For Class A, C and R, the minimum initial purchase for most accounts is $1,000 (or $25 under an automatic investment plan). Class R6 and Advisor Class are only available to certain qualified investors and the minimum initial investment will vary depending on the type of qualified investor, as described under "Your Account — Choosing a Share Class — Qualified Investors — Class R6" and "— Advisor Class" in the Fund's prospectus. There is no minimum investment for subsequent purchases.

Taxes

The Fund’s distributions are generally taxable to you as ordinary income, capital gains, or some combination of both, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account, in which case your distributions would generally be taxed when withdrawn from the tax-deferred account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and
Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial advisor or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

   

Click to view the fund’s prospectus or statement of additional information.

8

Summary Prospectus

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND
SUMMARY PROSPECTUS

This page intentionally left blank

   

Click to view the fund’s prospectus or statement of additional information.

franklintempleton.com

Summary Prospectus

9


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND
SUMMARY PROSPECTUS

This page intentionally left blank

   

Click to view the fund’s prospectus or statement of additional information.

10

Summary Prospectus

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN GROWTH FUND
SUMMARY PROSPECTUS

This page intentionally left blank

   

Click to view the fund’s prospectus or statement of additional information.

franklintempleton.com

Summary Prospectus

11


  

 
 

Franklin Distributors, LLC

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

franklintempleton.com

Franklin Growth Fund

  
  

Investment Company Act file #811-00537

© 2022 Franklin Templeton. All rights reserved.

10% Total Recycled Fiber 00070359

106 PSUM 02/22